US2767348A - Gaseous tube accumulator - Google Patents

Description

nited States Patent() 2,767,348 GAsoUS TUBE AccUMULToR Robert B. Koehler, Hopewell Junction', and Edward J.

Rabenda, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., assignors to International Business Mae es' Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December 21, 1950, Serial No. 201,963

10 Claims. (Cl. S15-84.6)

This invention relates to an electronic accumulating device of the gaseous glow transfer type wherein means are provided within a single envelope for accommodating positive and negative numbers in true and complement forms, respectively.

A principal object of the invention is to provide a novel accumulating device of the gaseous glow transfer type wherein the presence of a negative balance is immediately determined and wherein positive numbers are stored in true form and negative numbers are stored in complement form.

Another object of the invention is to provide a gaseous accumulator tube of the glow transfer type wherein a first closed glow transfer path is provided to accommodate true members and a second closed glow transfer path is provided to accommodate complement numbers, means being provided to effect selected glow transfer from one path to the other.

Another object of the invention is to provide a gaseous accumulator tube of the glow transfer type wherein readout of the manifestations stored therein is accomplished by applying thereto a number of manisfestations equal to the storage capacity of the accumulator to transfer the glow discharge through one cycle of operation, the direction of the glow transfer being determined by the polarity of the stored manisfestations.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel gaseous accumulating device wherein positive manifestations are stored in true form and negative manifestations are stored in complement form.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose, by way of example, the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a diagrammatic showing of one order of the accumulator device of the invention, and

Fig. 2 is a rolled-out longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the cathode structure of the device shown in Fig. l.

Briefly, each order of the accumulator ofthe invention includes a gaseous discharge tube of the glow transfer type wherein a glow discharge is repeatedly transferred along a predetermined closed glow transfer path in response to certain preselected manisfestations. Glow transfer is effected along one closed glow transfer path when reading in manifestations or reading out positive manifestations and is effected along another closed glow transfer path when reading out negative manifestations. A predetermined signal, obtained in any conventional manner, is conveyed to the tube to indicate wheny the manifestations to be stored are positive and when they are negative. This signal determines which of the glow transfer paths the subsequent glow transfer will follow when read out is effected. Receipt of each subsequent manifestation then causes glow transfer from one terminal of glow discharge to the next preselected adjacent one in accordance with the principles more fully set ice 2 forth in the application of Richard K. Steinberg, Serial No. 192,199,- flled October 26,- 1950, now Patent No. 2,621,313. A

, The tube shown has a capacity of ten positive inanifestations and ten negative manifestations. To accom modate the ten positive manifestations there are provided ten digit position cathodes and ten transfer cathodes alternately interspersed to form a closed glow transfer path; Each of these cathodes is formed as an open-ended cylinder and arranged parallel to the others so thatrthey collectively define a generally cylindrical structure wherein one end of each cathode is substantially equidistant from a common anode. Each cathode is composed of a plurality of materials of diiferent surface characteristics and is so formed or arranged that a region of preferential glow transfer is established between each cathode and one other cathode. When a glow discharge is present between any one ol' the cathodes and the anode, that glow discharge will always include only a preselected area of that cathode. A transfer wire projects within the region of intense ionization created by the glow discharge and effects a transfer of the glow discharge to another preselected cathode in response to the receipt of the next predetermined electrical manifestation by the tube. The transfer wire and proper insulation (not shown herein) of the cathodes from each other insures certain transfer of the glow discharge.

To accommodate the ten negative manifestations there 'is also provided ten complement position cathodes and ten transfer cathodes alternately interspersed along a closed glow transfer path. The cathodes are similar to those used to accommodate the positive manifestation and each is parallel to the other and equidistant from the common anode. The complement position cathodes are arranged inwardly from the concentrically with the digit position cathodes for accommodating the positive manifestations. The transfer cathodes for accommodating the negative manifestations are arranged inwardly from and concentrically with their associated complement position cathodes. Hence, the complement position cathodes and the transfer cathodes for accommodating the negative manifestations each collectively define a generally cylindrical structure of different diameter, while both the digit position and transfer cathodes for accommodating the positive manifestation collectively define the same generally cylindrical structure.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 1 there is shown in diagrammatic form one order of an accumulator. The gaseous tube of the invention is enclosed in an envelope 10. Immediately within the envelope 10 there is shown ten digit position cathodes Cp-l) to Cp-9 inclusive, arranged to form a general cylindrical structure. There is also included in the same general cylindrical structure ten transfer cathodes C-0 to C-9 inclusive. The cathodes are so arranged that a transfer and position cathode are alternately encountered when proceeding around the general cylindrical structure.

The arrangement of the cathode is more fully understood by referring to Fig. 2 which is a rolled-out crosssection of the portion of the cylindrical structure including the cathodes C-0, C-l, Cp-ll, and Cp-l. It is noted that each of the cathodes is an open-ended cylinder having one end equi-distant from a common anode A (not shown in Fig. l). The cathodes are coated in accordance with the principles set forth in the application referred to above so that the existence of a glow discharge between the inner surface of any cathode and the anode produces a lower voltage drop than a glow discharge between the outer surface of that cathode and the anode. Accordingly, a glow discharge will exist between the anode and the inner surface of any cathode and preference to any other plceon 'the'cath'ode rancl'ifa voltage drop should exist between' the anode and a difference place on the cathode, -itV will automatically migrate along the cathode until it is Yconfined to theinner surface thereof. A transfer ,wire gt j projects from each position and transfer-'cathode to `an adjacent: cathode yperforming the other function, 1. e.,

to the adjacent position or transfer cathode as the case Y may bef 'I he free endv of each -Wire is positioned between theopen endof a cathode nearest the anode andthe Y Yanode'so that when a glow discharge exists between that Vcathode and the Vanode the transfer wire extends in to Aa region of intense ionization created by theY glow Ychs- 1 charge and effects a transfer of the glow dischargeto the cathode to which its othervend is axed iniresponseftothe V'receiptof a-predeterrnined electrical lmanifestation Yby f the tube. The transfer wire andthe insulatingstrips I (not shown in Fig. l) arrange V`between successive cathodes insure' certain transfer ofthe glow Ydischarge Yaroundrthe closed 'glow transfer path. Detailed structure fand description A`of the operation Yis found in the applica- `tion. referred 'to above. -forthrthereinfis utilized bythepresent inventionto ionically isoiatefeach cathode from'every other.

The catho'cles1Cp'-lto Cp-.9 inclusive, and'C-U to C-'9 linclusive, kare Vusedrtostore manifestations whether such manifestations be in 'complement or true form.

Referring again to Fig. l thereY are shown two additional groups of cathodes. The cathodes in the group nearest fth'ose described above are designated Ccp-0 to 'Cep-9 inclusive, and function as complement iposition cathodes.V

The cathodes in-the group Vnearest the center of the en# velope 10 are designated Cc-0 to Cc-.9 inclusive, and yfunction as glow'tra'nsfer cathodes. Itis seenL that the complement position VVand glow transfer cathodes each form` dierent vgenerally cylindrical rstructures but @it is understood that such is not a requirement ofthe invention. These ttwo groups of cathodes Cepto'Ccp9 inclusive,

landjCc.-0 to Cc-l9'inclusive, are used herein :for the sole :purpose of converting a number in complement form to a' true number.

The -ionic isolating 'scheme set` menttransfer cathode Cc-9has its other end extending into the region of intense ionization associated with `the complement position cathode Ccp-8.-. However, it is obvious that the transfer Wireafxed to Vthe complement transfer cathode Cc-0 has its other end extending into the region of intense ionization associated with the complement position cathodeV Cop-9 so that a continuous glow transfer path is provided. Y

yAs explained in .theappliation referred lto above, the

free endlof a transfer wire captures the 4glow discharge Y' from the cathode nearest it and the lglow is transferred Y along the wire to exist AbetweenV the Vcathode to which that transfer wire is aixed and the anode. lt is seen, there?,`

fore, that the direction of a glow transfer between the storing cathodes,Cp-j0;to Cp-9 inclusive, yand C- to C-9 inclusive, is counterclockwise. On the Vother hand, theY 'arrangement ofthe ltransfer wires on theV` complement cathodes is -such that -theY direction of theyglow transfer V.is clockwise. Hence, Lto read -out a positive number it isY necessary that a Aglowdischarge be transferred lin" a.V K countercrlockwise direction within the tube, and tov read out -a 4negative number it is necessary that a glow discharge be transferred in a'clockwise direction within the.

tube. l

inthe tube are voltage supply lines. The position cathodes Cp-1 to Cp-S inclusive, are commonly connectedto a terminal 15. The position cathode Cp-O is connected to a terminal V'16, landithe Yremaining position cathode Cp-9 .is connected tozterminal .17. VThe transfer cathodes VC-0 to lC-j9 inclusive, are commonly connected to'an input terminal l18 ;as are the .complement transfer. cathodesY p The complement position cathodes Ccp-l to Cep-9 inclusive, are commonlyV conv 'nected to :a1terrninal 19, and .the'remaining complement -position cathode Cep-'.0 is connected to aterminalZt).`

The position cathode .Cp-9.of each order of the ac- YYYcurnurlator is individually .connected to'a terminal A17.

lt is readily seen vfrom Fig. lV that numerous ltran's- Y fer wires :gt are requiredto accomplish the purpose ofV thleinvention. Each digitfposition,cathode-C124) to C17-9 Yrespectively, includes a transfer Wire affixed theretdand extendinginto the region of intense ionization associated .with the Ycorresponding complement positionjcathode Cep-91o Cope() respectively. Also, eachcompleme'nt position cathode Cep-9 to VCop-( respectively, includesa transfer wire aflixed thereto andextendingjinto the-region 'Y ofy intense ionizationassociated Awith-thecorresponding Vdigit position cathode Cp-t) to' Cp-9-respectively. FHence, uponreceipt offproper voltagechangeslny` thetube ia glow discharge may be transferred-from any digitrposition cathode to the corresponding complement position cathode and vice versa. VIt is seen that-the number designation of Vthe cathodes betweenwhich the glow transfer will take .place are nines complements of yeach other.

The glow transfer Vwires' between the complementposi- Y tion-and complement transfer cathodes .arerprovided to ,Y

effect glowtransfer therebetween in accordance'with the `.In operation, when theftotal stored in theaccurnulator is .negativen glowidischarge'will exist Abetween the `9 posi-V `tlon cathode Cp-9 of -the highest order and the anode.

VThe signal thus provided is used to energize a conventional readout minus 'relay, thecontacts of .which are'shown dia- `grammatically .ati 2'1. .The armature22 of the relay is `connected toa terminal 23 supplied withV a suitable posi-Y tive voltage such as, for example, +150 volts. f The arma-V ture24 ofthe .relay is connected to a terminal 125i to fwhich-theoutput of the order is tsupplied. The terminals relay contact 29Uandithe terminal `2t) is connecteddirectsame general scheme utilized by `the position .cathodes I .Cp-O vto C12-9 inclusive, and the transfencathodesC-tl "to C-9'inclusive. .-A transfer wire gt Visfatlixed atone Y end ofeach complement'position cathode`and. .has Yits vother endY extending into the region of intense ionization Y' 'y of-thecomplement transfer cathode 'designated'.by "the Vsame numeral.

Y For example, the transferwire aixed to theV complement position'cathode Cep-9 hasxits other end extending into the region of intenseionizationassociated with the complement transfer cathode Cc-V9. Also,

a transfer Wire gt'is' affixed at one end of Yearcrzh complement transfer cathode andhas Vitsrother end extending f into the regionl of intense ionization .ofthecomplement position cathode designated by the-.next lower. numeral.

For example, the transfer wiregt affixed. tofthercomple- `15,-16 and 17 areconnected through suitable lresistors to theisingle relaycontact 27U. The terminals 19 and 20 .fareconnecte'd through suitable-vresistorsitothe single Yrelay contact 28L. The terminal 16 is connected directly to the ly tothe relay contact 3.0L. Y

cathodes of the tube;

VfItiSlssumed that the tube is in the zero ,or starting posi- -tion with aglow discharge existing between the position cathodeV Cp0 and the,anode,(-not shown). Such maybe accomplished-in anyfconventionalmanner such asset.. forth in the application referred to4 above.

.To elect fstorageuanL electrical manifestation; is -applied Theheavy ,linesfconnecting the various cathodes Vwith-Y 'Theelectrical manifestations to'begstored` are applied to the'input terminal -1'8 connected to all of the transferY fet-red from the cathode Cpalong the transfer wire gt to the cathode C-1 to which that transfer wire is axed. The glow discharge continues between the cathode C-1 and the anode until the voltage change represented by the positive going trailing edge of the input pulse is applied to the 'terminal 18.

At this time, the voltage difference between the anode and each of the cathodes Cp-0 to Cp9 becomes greater than that between the anode and the cathode C-1 where the glow discharge exists. As a result that glow discharge is transferred and exists between the cathode Cpand the anode until another pulse is applied to the terminal 18.

Each subsequent input pulse causes the glow discharge to be transferred to the next position cathode having the next higher numerical designation. This counterclockwise transfer of the glow discharge continues with each pulse so that each tenth input pulse transfers the glow discharge to the position cathode C11-0 to thereby complete one cycle of operation. This produces an output pulse which is transferred to the output terminal 25.

The application of input pulses to the input terminal 18 results in their storage as stated above and such storage takes place irrespective of whether or not the input pulses represent positive or negative quantities. However, in accordance with conventional accounting machine practice, if the quantity stored is negative the number of input pulses applied to the input terminal 18 is the nines complement of the actual value of the quantity. For example, a -7 would be stored in the accumulator as a 2 so that after its storage was effected a glow discharge would exist between the position cathode Cp-2 and the anode. Further, in accordance with conventional practice the existence of a glow discharge between the position cathode Cp-9 of the highest order of the accumulator and its anode denotes the existence of a negative balance in the accumulator. When such occurs a negative voltage will appear at the terminal 17 connected to the cathode C11-9. 'Ihis pulse may be utilized to energize a readout minus relay such :as is diagrammatically represented by 21 or a suitable -electronic switch may be used in place of the relay if operation faster than the relay can perform is desired.

The relay is so arranged that the armatures 22 and 24 make contact with the contacts 28L and 30L before they are disengaged from the contacts 27U and 29U respectively. As soon as the contacts ZSL and SOL are connected in the circuit the complement position cathodes are connected through the contact 28L to the terminal 23 supplied with a positive voltage of +150 volts, and the cathode Cp-i) is connected through the contact 30L to the output terminal 25. When the contacts 27U and 29U are disengaged from their respective armatures the cathodes Cp-l to Cp-9 are disconnected from the +150 volts supply terminal 23 and the cathode Cp-t) is disconnected from the output terminal 25. Hence, only readout of the negative quantity stored in the tube will be accomplished in response to pulses applied to the input terminal 18.

When the relay is energized to read out minus the glow discharge existing between any storage position cathode and the anode will be transferred from that cathode to the complement position cathode representing the nines complement of the storage position cathode to which the glow discharge existed just prior to energization of the relay. For example, if a glow discharge exists between the storage position cathode Cp-S and the anode just prior to the energization of the relay to readout minus it is Vtransferred to the cathode Cep-1 upon energization of the relay. When the armature 22 engages the contact 28L the +150 volts is applied to the cathode Cep-1, and when the armature disengages the contact 27U the voltage is removed from the cathode Cp-S and the glow discharge moves along the transfer wire extending into the area of intense ionization associated with the cathode Cp-S and 6 Y stable discharge between the cathode Copvarid the anode.

To fully understand the conversion of the complement entry to the true Value of the entry it should be remembered that the read in and read out operations are controlled by a conventional IBM punched card wherein the card is fed lengthwise with Ithe bottom Yedge of the card being read lirst. Actual read in or storage in the accumulator is accomplished by nine successive pulses each of which occurs a preselected time after the corresponding card pulse. A total of ten readout pulses are used during every readout cycle. The extra or tenth pulse is termed the hot ten and occurs at the beginning of the cycle just prior to the reading of the 9 card position. The production of these required operating pulses is well known to the art and does not constitute part of this invention. lt is also clear that the application of the invention is not confined to such a system of operation but may be adapted to any system where the storage and readout of true and complement numbers is to be accomplished.

The negative front of the first readout pulse (hot ten) increases the voltage difference between the anode and each of the complement cathodes Cc-0 to Cc-9 inclusive. Since the transfer wire al'ixed to the cathode Cc-2 has its free end extending into the region of intense ionization associated with the cathode Cop-1 the glow discharge is transferred along that wire and exist in stable discharge between the anode and cathode Cc-2 so long as the readout pulse is at its maximum negative value. When the trailing edge of the pulse if nally applied to the terminal 1S the voltage difference between the anode and each of the cathodes Cc-0 to Cc-9 inclusive, is decreased to the extent that it is less than the voltage difference between the anode and each of the cathodes Cep-0 to Cep-9 inclusive. As a result, the transfer wire affixed to the cathode Cop-2 and having its free end extending into the region of intense ionization associa-ted with the cathode Cc-Z transfers the glow discharge to the cathode Cep-2 where it exists in a state of stable discharge until the next readout pulse is applied -to the terminal 18. Each successive readout pulse advances the glow discharge to the next higher numbered complement position cathode. Finally, the ninth readout pulse advances the glow discharge from the cathode Cop-9 to Ccp0. An output pulse is then transferred from the cathode Cep-0 to its terminal 26 and therefrom over the lead connected thereto, the contact 30L and armature 24 to the output terminal 25. This output pulse produced in respone to the ninth readout pulse, including the hot ten pulse, indicates that the tens complement of the -true negative value is 8. This output pulse occurs at 2 time of the card cycle thereby indicating that the true Value of the negative quantity store is 2.

The tenth or last readout pulse then transfers the glow discharge from the cathode Cep-0 to the cathode Cep-1 where it remains until the readout minus relay is restored to its initial condition.

When the relay is so restored the glow discharge is transferred along the transfer wire aiixed to the cathode Cp-S and extending into the region of intense ionization associated with the cathode Cep-1 until it reaches a condition of stable glow discharge between the cathode Cp-S and the anode. The readout cycle is now completed and the accumulator is reset with the original stored quantity in it.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel vfeatures of the invention as applied `to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated valhxed to the cathode Cep-1 until it assumes astate of 75 by the scope of the following claims.

. l. An accumulating gaseous discharge device of the glow transfer type including an anodegfa first group of rep- Y Y Y' what is garments;

resenting and glow transfer cathodes alternately arranged t along a glow transfer path to etect glow transfer in fone Y' chosen A.direction along said path; an input .terminal to ,which electricalimpulses Vare'applie'd to be .stored and .to

effect readout; circuit means coupled to said input termi-Y nalfforapplying said'electrical impulses `lto' said device so that eachimpulse transfers a glow discharge to the neirt t higher digit representing cathode; a second group ofdigit representing and g'low'transfer cathodes alternately ar- Y rafng'edin ,a closed Vglow transfer path to effect glow'trans- Vferin onefchosen 4direction along said path, said Y'direction Vbeingopposite.tothatof .the glow transfer effected by said Y first group of cathodes; yglow transfer means between` each cathode Vof each group and between'each digit representingcathode'of onegroup and a cathode ofthe ffother group, .the latter cathode representing the digit Vwhich Ais`the ninos complement of lthe .digit represented lected voltage change; a second section for effecting .v

'Y out of digital values stored in said virstgsection, safd vsecbythe former cathode; and means for rendering said'device operable.

' 2. The accumulating device set forth in claim l invVcluding a voltage source; voltage switching means Vcon- Vnectable to said voltage source and Lto said digit representing cathodes, one group at the time, a connection to said firstgroup of cathodes providing for storage ofsaid .elec-,

Atrical impulses Vanda connection to said second group of Vcathodes providing for readout-of digitrepresenting impulses stored in complement formtsaid circuit means including a common connection between all saidY transfer eathodesv and said input terminal for applyingsai'd im- Y Y pulses simultaneously to all Vsaid transfer cathodes.

3. In a gaseous discharge device of the glow transfer type; aiirst group of electrodes arranged along a first pret selected path vto sequentiallyA transfera glow discharge therealong in yone direction in response to each data representing'lelectrical impulse stored; an input terminal .adapted to receive said impulses; circuit means connecting said input lterminal and said first group of electrodes; a

' second group of electrodes arranged along a second pre- `selectedpath to Vsetpientially transfer a glow discharge 'Y therearlong inY a direction opposite to Vthe direction of the Oud section including a plurality of cathodes arranged in e sewn@ 2195@ slow transfer Path, tmi insulating means separating each'cathode frQm ,adjacent cathodes to iSQ- lat@ 'th inzaon resulting ffQm a slot/'discharge t9 any cathode from fthe other cathodes, a vglow transfer wire for eachv cathode and having one endattahed Ytlfiereto and .its other end extending into a region of in- Y Ytense ionization associated with 'an adjacent'cathode to transfer a glow discharge from the latter cathode to theVV former in response to a preselected voltage change, said wires being arrangedso that the glow transfer along said second path is always opposite to that along `said first path.

7, The gaseous Vdischargev tube set forth in claimY 6 ,Y

wherein said wcathodes arranged `in said first path 'coniprise digit position cathodes with a storage transfer cathode intermediate each twg, successive digit position cathodes; said cathodes arranged in said second path comprise a number offcomplement position cathodes equal `to the number of said digit positioncathodes and 'having a complement glow Vtransfer cathode interrne- Y Vdiate'each two successive complement position cathodes;

a glow transfer wire is connected at one end to`each digit position cathoderand'has itsY other end extending into a region of intense ionization associated Vwith oneV complement position cathode and'a glow transfer wire Yis connected at one end to each complement position kcathode and Yhasfit's other'end extending into a region *rofiintense ionization lassociated with one digit position cathode, thereby providing for transfer ofa glow discharge from any digit position cathode to one comple- 'Y ment position Ycathode and vice versa.

glow `transfer alongV the said tirs-t preselected pathg'glowV A transfer means between said'frst group of electrodes and said second group of electrodes; an anode common to each said v.group of electrodes; and means for rendering said Y,device operable. Y

4. lhedevice set forth in'claim 3V wherein each of said I Ygroup of electrodes comprises a predetermined number of r ,cathodes, successive ones of which areV alternately glow :transferand glow ,position cathodes, each cathode having.

a reentrant portion toV accommodate arglow discharge between that cathodeand the anode; each Vposition cath- Y `odeof said Viirstgroup lis connected to one position catht entrant portion of the cathode from which the glow is transferredand the anode. t Y Y Y6V. In ai gaseous discharge tube of the Vglow transfer type wherein aV glow discharge is transferred'from one Y V)position of stable glowY discharge to theV next such porsition in response to each digit stored including an an- 0;de;a iirstfsectionfor effecting storage, said section in-V cluding faplurlity of cathodes arrangediin a first closed glowtransfer'lpath, ionic .insulating means separating t 8. A gaseous discharge tube set v forthin claim 7 wherein ysaid cathodes comprise ten digit position cath- Vodes7 ten storage glow transfer cathodes, ten complement position cathodes, and ten complement glow transfer cathodes;'and-connections are providedl to apply Yin- Vput-"pulses to be stored simultaneously to all storage'glow transfer-and complement glow transfer eathodes.

9. The gaseous discharge tube set forth in claim 9 Where eight of said digit position cathodes are commonly connectable to a source of supply voltage and Vthe -re-v maining two digit position cathodes are separately confY nected to the source of supplyV voltage, an output Vterminal connected Vto one ofV said remaining two cathodes to provide anV output pulse to Vindicate the digital value stored the tube, and a terminal connected to the other of said remaining twoV digit'position cathodes to pro- ?.jide a earry manifestation to indicate thatV a cycle of Vtube operation is completed; nine of said complementV Y position cathodes are commonly'l eonnectable to the source Veach-cathodefrom adjacent cathodes to isolatefthe ioni- Y zation resulting from `a zglowdischarge Vto :any CathQd i of supply Voltage and the remaining cathode is separately connectable to the source of supply voltage and provided Y with an output terminal lto indicate the digitallvalue stored in complement form; and voltage switching means connected to switch said supply voltage frornsaidV digit po'V sition cathodes'to said complement position Ycathodes,V to transfer@ 'glow discharge from .the former .to the'lat-` Y Vter and from'said complement position cathodes to said igit 4position cathodes to transferYV Ya glow discharge from Ythe latter to theV former. Y

l-t llin a Vgaseous discharge storage tube, a `first group Y of Velectrodes for. 'eiecting' storage, circuit means connected to energize said electrodes so .that each pulse applied thereto; stores one manifestation in the tube, a sec:

and group-ef elettr-wes. f9.1' eiecting readout 0f a valute.' intestin' calmement farm inY Said rsf s110119 Qf .elec- 'Y a. switliinameans webmiles with said. sir- 9 10 cuit means for applying electrical changes to said sec- 2,575,370 Townsend ond group of electrodes for effecting read out. 2,618,767 Von Gugelberg 2,702,357 Townsend References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,443,407 Wales lune 15, 1948 Nov. 20, 1951 Nov. 18, 1952 Feb. 15, 1955

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