Asynchronous parallel status comparator

Patent · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:868598

Arnold, Jeffrey W ^[1]; Hart, Mark M ^[2]

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1. 828 Hickory Ridge Rd., Aiken, SC 29801
2. 223 Limerick Dr., Aiken, SC 29803

Apparatus for matching asynchronously received signals and determining whether two or more out of a total number of possible signals match. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, an array of sensors positioned in discrete locations and in communication with one or more processors. The processors will receive signals if the sensors detect a change in the variable sensed from a nominal to a special condition and will transmit location information in the form of a digital data set to two or more receivers. The receivers collect, read, latch and acknowledge the data sets and forward them to decoders that produce an output signal for each data set received. The receivers also periodically reset the system following each scan of the sensor array. A comparator then determines if any two or more, as specified by the user, of the output signals corresponds to the same location. A sufficient number of matches produces a system output signal that activates a system to restore the array to its nominal condition.

• Research Organization: WESTINGHOUSE SAVANNAH RIVER CO
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: Arnold, Jeffrey W. (828 Hickory Ridge Rd., Aiken, SC 29801);Hart, Mark M. (223 Limerick Dr., Aiken, SC 29803)
• Patent Number(s): US 5172091
• OSTI ID: 868598
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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