Title: Priority network for devices coupled by a common bus

Abstract: A priority network utilizing a common bus coupled to a plurality of priority seeking peripheral devices wherein a processor or any number of processors is connected to the common bus. Each successive peripheral device is connected to the common bus in increasing priority order, such that each device will have a unique priority defined. Each peripheral device is provided with an associated peripheral control unit. Each of the peripheral control units is connected in serial fashion on an enabling line with the output of the higher priority control unit providing an enabling input to the next lowest priority peripheral control unit, such that the highest priority device requesting bus access prevents all lower priority devices from gaining access to the common bus until the higher priority device has completed its data transfer.

Do you think this is a good invention? Vote now:

Votes so far: For:(0) Against:(0)
Other info:

Inventors: Nutter, Jr., Roy S. (Morgantown, WV, US)
Washburn, Jerry R. (Alhambra, CA, US)
Verwys, John H. (Wichita, KS, US)

Application Number: 704256
Filing Date: 1976-07-12
Publication_date: 1977-11-22
Assignee: NCR Corporation (Dayton, OH)
Primary Class(es): 710/43
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3508206	Apr, 1970	Norberg	340/172.
3629854	Dec, 1971	Hauck et al.	340/172.
3680054	Jul, 1972	Bunker et al.	364/200.
3766530	Oct, 1973	Ito	340/172.
3831151	Aug, 1974	Jone, Jr. et al.	340/172.
3832692	Aug, 1974	Henzel et al.	340/172.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Springborn, Harvey E.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Cavender; J. T., Sessler, Jr.; Albert L.