Optical Gray to binary code converter

Apparatus for converting information bits in a first binary code to information bits in a second binary code which comprises:

• a plurality of input means for supplying a corresponding plurality of signals representative of information bits in the first binary code ordered in a predetermined sequence from a most significant bit to a least significant bit;
• a first plurality of radiant energy emitting means associated with and connected on a one-to-one basis in predetermined circuit relationship with the individual ones of said plurality of input means in said sequence;
• and
• a first plurality of radiant energy responsive means associated on a one-to-one basis with at least said most significant through the next to least significant ones of said first plurality of radiant energy emitting means and being connected on a one-to-one basis in predetermined circuit relationship with the next less significant one in said sequence of said first plurality of radiant energy emitting means, the individual ones of said first plurality of radiant energy responsive means being responsive to radiant energy emitted from said associated radiant energy emitting means for controllably supplying a potential to said next less significant radiant energy emitting means, wherein a potential developed by said most significant imput means determines the conductive state of the most significant one of said first plurality of radiant energy emitting means and wherein the conductive state of the individual remaining ones of said first plurality of radiant energy emitting means in said sequence is determined cooperatively by the potential supplied by said radiant energy responsive means connected in circuit relationship therewith and the potential developed by said associated input means, said conductive states of said first plurality of radiant energy emitting means being indicative of information bits in the second binary code.