Abstract:
An electronic calculator having unique utility for computation in chemical stoichiometry is described. Push-bottom input keys for stoichiometry are labeled by chemical unit, each of said keys being juxtaposed to an LED indicator light, and said keys being apportioned by line segments on the keyboard into five functional groups. The stoichiometry keys utilize variable conversion factors input by the user to automatically effect arithmetic conversion of a number, input with its chemical unit, into the equivalent number having a different chemical unit, said units being implicitly displayed by illumination of appropriate LED&#39;s. For students and others, the invention greatly simplifies the task of computation in chemical stoichiometry.

Description:
The current invention comprises the application to chemical stoichiometry of unit-converting calculators using variable, user-input conversion factors and having unit display means, said calculators being first described in patent application Ser. Nos. 465,279; 604,956; and 604,957, now abandoned. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Rapid advances in electronics have resulted in production of electronic calculators having impressive computational capabilities. Arithmetically powerful calculators have proven their general utility, but are not well suited to certain computational needs of some groups of calculator users. In recognition of needs not met by general purpose calculators, many special purpose calculators (for example, a calculator designed to help shoppers select best shopping value, Marmon--U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,278) have been developed. The invention described herein is intended to meet the need of students, technicians, chemists, and others for a computational device that facilitates calculations in chemical stoichiometry. 
     The computational method most appropriate to chemical stoichiometry is called &#34;dimensional analysis&#34;, comprising a sequence of multiplications by unit conversion factors such that, in stoichiometry, a number having a given chemical unit is converted to an equivalent number having a different chemical unit. A similar non-chemical problem, using numerically invariable conversion factors, would be calculating the number of nanometers equal to one mile: ##EQU1## Many calculators do perform similar unit conversions using a singal, invariable conversion factor. Such calculators cannot simplify computation in chemical stoichiometry as they are not designed to facilitate step-wise unit conversions using variable, user-input conversion factors. The electronic device described herein performs common arithmetic operations, and specifically utilizes chemical units input by the user to automatically effect stoichiometric conversions, thereby greatly facilitating computations for students and others. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The over-all objective of the invention is to provide an electronic calculating device which has, in addition to the ability to perform selected arithmetic opertions, the ability to utilize variable, step-wise user input to automatically effect the arithmetic conversion of a number having a given chemical unit into an equivalent number in terms of a different chemical unit, thereby facilitating unit conversions in chemical stoichiometry. 
     An additional object is to provide an electronic calculating device compatible with the dimensional analysis method of computation in chemical stoichiometry, said device implementing appropriate arithmetic operations directed by actuation of pairs of input switches labeled by chemical unit, and said device having means for explicit or implicit display of said chemical units. 
     A further object is to provide an electronic calculating device to facilitate computation in chemical stoichiometry by providing sequence guidance to the user for input variable, step-wise chemical conversion factors. 
     These and additional implied objects are achieved by the current invention, the embodiment described herein comprising: an electronic calculator having numerical display means and a keyboard of push-button input keys, said input keys to direct arithmetic operations for chemical stoichiometry being labeled by chemical unit, and being apportioned to separat4e functional groups by line segments on the keyboard; and, each of said unit-labeled input keys being juxtaposed to a miniature LED indicator light, illumination of a given LED providing implicit display of the chemical unit on the juxtaposed input key. The user will utilize the unit-labeled input keys to enter a sequence of chemical units, with variable corresponding numerical values, in a step-wise manner, said sequence being guided by line segments on the keyboard. If an error is made in the sequence in which the unit-labeled input keys are used, an appropriately labeled LED indicator light will be illuminated. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     To illustrate and explain the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are generally preferred, it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise forms shown. 
     FIG. 1 is an external top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the invention, comprising an electronic calculator of conventional design with the exception of the upper portion of the keyboard, push-button input keys in said upper portion of the keyboard being labeled by chemical unit, and said unit-labeled input keys being apportioned to four triads and one tetrad by line segments on said keyboard, and each of said unit-labeled input keys being juxtaposed to a miniature LED indicator light. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic functional plan for input keys in the lower and upper sections of the keyboard shown in FIG. 1. 
     FIGS. 3A through 3D constitute a logic diagram implementing the functions of the unit-labeled input keys in the four triads. 
     FIG. 4 is a logic diagram implementing the functions of the unit-labeled input keys in the tetrad. 
     FIG. 5 is a logic diagram inplementing illumination of an LED sequence error indicator light. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes means for numerical display 1 and, in the lower section of the keyboard, conventional push-button input keys 2 labeled by numerical value, arithmetic operation, or calculator function, said keys being used in the usual manner to enter numerical values, or to implement the indicated arithmetic operation or calculator function. The remaining components shown in the figure area unique to the current invention. 
     The upper section of the keyboard contains push-button input keys 3 labeled by chemical unit, each of the said unit-labeled input keys being juxtaposed to a miniature LED indicator light 4. Said unit-labeled input keys are apportioned to five functional groups by line segments on the keyboard, said groups being later referred to as follows: the &#34;highest triad&#34; comprises the input keys labeled &#34;MOLE A&#34;, &#34;GRAM A/MOLE A&#34;, and GRAM A&#34;; the &#34;upper left triad&#34; comprises the input keys labeled &#34;MOLE A&#34;, &#34;LITER&#34;, and &#34;MOLE A/LITER&#34;; the &#34;lower left triad&#34; comprises the input keys labeled &#34;LITER&#34;, &#34;MOLE# B/LITER&#34;; and &#34;MOLE B&#34;; the &#34;lowest triad&#34; comprises the input keys labeled &#34;MOLE B&#34;, &#34;GRAM B/MOLEB&#34;, and &#34;GRAM B&#34;; and the &#34;tetrad&#34; comprises the input keys labeled &#34;MOLE A&#34;, &#34;MOLE A&#34;, &#34;MOLE B&#34;, and &#34;MOLE B&#34;. The user will utilize any pair of input keys in one of the triads, or three consecutive input keys in the tetrad, followed by the &#34;EQUALS&#34; key in the lower section of the keyboard, to perform a one-step stoichiometric conversion. By continuing from one of the functional groups to another, said continuation being possible only at the input keys labeled &#34;MOLE A&#34;, &#34;MOLE B&#34;, or &#34;LITER&#34;, a sequence of conversion steps can be performed, it being required that each subsequently depressed unit-labeled input key be directly joined by one of the line segments on the keyboard to the previously actuated unit-labeled input key, said previously actuated input key generally being juxtaposed to the sole illuminated LED. The following examples illustrate the interaction between the user and the calculator in solving problems in chemical stoichiometry. The calculator solutions to the examples are given in tabular form, in said tables the LED&#39;s adjacent to unit-labeled input keys as given below, being referred to by number as follows: 
     1 by &#34;GRAM A&#34;; 2 by &#34;GRAM A/MOLE A&#34;; 3 by &#34;MOLE A&#34;; 4 by &#34;MO(LE A/LITER&#34;; 
     5 by &#34;LITER&#34;; 6 by &#34;MOLE B/LITER&#34;; 7 by &#34;MOLE B&#34;; 8 by &#34;GRAM B/MOLEB&#34;; 
     9 by &#34;GRAM B&#34;; 10 by &#34;MOLE A&#34;; 11 by &#34;MOLE B&#34; 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     How many grams of sodium (symbol Na; atomic weight=23.0) are there in 0.435 moles of sodium sulfate (formula Na 2  SO 4 )? Generally working from the given information for &#34;substance A&#34; to the answer for &#34;substance B&#34;, let Na 2  SO 4  =&#34;substance A&#34; and Na=&#34;substance B&#34; 
     
         ______________________________________        LED        LED&#39;s      NumericalUser Input:  Illuminated:                   Extinguished:                              Display:______________________________________MOLE A       3          none       00.435        none       none       0.435 ##STR1##     10         none       01            none       none       1 ##STR2##     11         none       02            none       none       2EQUALS       7          3, 10, 11  0.87GRAM B/MOLE B        8          none       023.0         none       none       23.0EQUALS       9          7, 8       20.01______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 2 
     Given the reaction: N 2  +3H 2  =2NH 3  how many grams of N 2  (symbol N; atomic weight=14.0) must react to form 0.325 moles of NH 3  ? 
     Let NH 3  =&#34;substance A&#34; and N 2  =&#34;substance B&#34; 
     
         ______________________________________        LED        LED&#39;s      NumericalUser Input:  Illuminated:                   Extinguished:                              Display:______________________________________MOLE A       3          none       00.325        none       none       0.325 ##STR3##     10         none       02            none       none       2 ##STR4##     11         none       01            none       none       1EQUALS       7          3, 10, 11  0.1625GRAM B/MOLE B        8          none       028.0         none       none       28.0EQUALS       9          7, 8       4.55______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 3 
     Given the following chemical reaction 
     2Hhd 3PO 4  (aq)+3Ba(OH) 2  (aq)=Ba 3  (PO 4 ) 2  (s)+6H 2  O(l) 
     what volume of 0.280M H 3  PO 4  would be needed to react with 0.375 liters of 0.180M Ba(OH) 2  (aq)? 
     Let Ba(OH) 2  =&#34;substance A&#34; and H 3  PO 4  =&#34;substance B&#34; 
     
         ______________________________________        LED        LED&#39;s      NumericalUser Input:  Illuminated:                   Extinguished:                              Display:______________________________________LITER        5          none       00.375        none       none       0.375MOLE A/LITER 4          none       00.180        none       none       0.180EQUALS       3          5, 4       0.0675 ##STR5##     10         none       03            none       none       3 ##STR6##     11         none       02            none       none       2EQUALS       7          3, 10, 11  0.045MOLE B/LITER 6          none       00.280        none       none       0.280EQUALS       5          7, 6       0.1607142______________________________________ 
    
     The solution reported by the user would be 0.161 liters. 
     As illustrated by user input in the examples, the user must follow the line segments on the keyboard in performing a sequence of one-step conversions. The upper section of the keyboard in FIG. 1 includes a miniature LED indicator light 5, illumination of which signals that an error has been made in the sequence of usage of the unit-labeled input keys. 
     FIG. 2 schematically shows the functional plan for the input keys in the lower and the upper sections of the keyboard shown in FIG. 1. Input keys in the lower section of the keyboard function in the conventional manner to enter numerical values into the calculator, or to implement the indicated arithmetic operations on or with said numerical values, said enterred numerical values, or the results of said arithmetic operations, being given in the numerical display. The input keys in the upper section of the keyboard, unique to the current invention, are bifunctional, the first of said functions being to direct the appropriate arithmetic operation (said operations comprising inversion, multiplication, or division) to effect a given stoichiometric conversion; and the second of said functions being to effect illumination of appropriate LED indicator lights, thereby providing implicit unit display for values appearing in the numerical display said first and said second functions being implemented by appropriate digital electronic switching means. 
     FIGS. 3A through 3D constitute a logic diagram by which the dual functions of the unit-labeled input keys in the triads could be impelemented, said logic diagram including the following components: appropriate unit-labeled input keys and the &#34;EQUALS&#34; input key; miniature LED indicator lights, one of said lights being juxtaposed to each of said unit-labeled input keys; conventional &#34;AND&#34; and &#34;OR&#34; gates, and &#34;RS flip-flops&#34;; and signal delay components, said components numbered 18, 22; 34; 49; and 64 providing a delay of one unit of time between input and output, and said components numbered 12, 13, 14, 21; 28, 29, 30, 37; 43, 44, 45, 46; and 58, 59, 60, and 61 providing a delay of two units of time between input and output. 
     In any triad, there are six possible one-step unit conversions utilizing any sequence of two unit-labeled input keys. Said sequence of two unit-labeled input keys must direct an arithmetic operation which combines the units of the two said keys in a way that gives the unit of the third, unused input key of the triad. The two-key sequences in the triads, and the arithmetic operation that should be directed by each sequence, are given in the table below, in which the unit-labeled input keys in the triads are referred to by number as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________1 = GRAM A      2 = GRAM A/MOLE A3 = MOLE A      4 = MOLE A/LITER5 = LITER       6 = MOLE B/LITER7 = MOLE B      8 = GRAM B/MOLE B9 = GRAM B______________________________________FirstKey  Second Key No.No.  1       2      3     4   5    6   7     8   9______________________________________1            ÷  ÷2    1/x.X          X3    1/x.X   X            ÷                         ÷4                   1/x.X     X5                   1/x.X X        X   1/x.X6                             X        1/x.X7                             ÷                              ÷     X   1/x.X8                                      X         1/x.X9                                      ÷ ÷______________________________________ 
    
     As shown by this table, the arithmetic operations to effect the necessary unit conversions are multiplication, division, or inversion followed by multiplication. 
     These arithmetic operations are implemented by output signals from appropriate &#34;AND&#34; gates in the logic diagram, said output signals being equivalent to those signals produced by manual depression of the so-called input key in the lower section of the keyboard: the &#34;AND&#34; gates 17, 33, 50, and 65 produce output signals equivalent to manual depression of the multiplication input key; the &#34;AND&#34; gates 15, 31, 52, and 67 produce output signals equivalent to manual depression of the division input key; and &#34;AND&#34; gates 20, 36, 47, 62 produce output signals equivalent to manual depression of the inversion and multiplication signals to follow the inversion signals by two units of time. Output from the said arithmetic &#34;AND&#34; gates is effected only when the gate receives steady input by virtue of actuation of a given first unit-labeled input key, followed by pulse input by virtue of actuation of a given second unit-labeled input key. The two-key sequences of unit-labeled input keys in the triads, and the arithmetic &#34;AND&#34; gate actuated by each sequence, are given in the table below, in which the unit-labeled keys themselves are referred to by number again as follows: 
     
         ______________________________________1 = GRAM A      2 = GRAM A/MOLE A3 = MOLE A      4 = MOLE A/LITER5 = LITER       6 = MOLE B/LITER7 = MOLE B      8 = GRAM B/MOLE B9 = GRAM B______________________________________FirstKey  Second Key No.No.  1       2     3     4   5     6   7     8   9______________________________________1            15    152    20            173    20      17          31  314                  36        335                  36    33        50  476                            50        477                            52    52        65  628                                      65        629                                      67    67______________________________________ 
    
     Comparison of this table with the analogous previous table, said table showing the arithmetic operation that should be directed by each two-key sequence of unit-labeled input keys in the triads, confirms that the arithmetic operation implemented by each two-key sequence is the appropriate operation to effect the stoichiometric conversion. 
     The logic diagram in FIGS. 3A through 3D also shows how the triad input keys effect illumination of appropriate LED indicator lights, thereby providing implicit display of chemical units. In every case, manual depression of any of the unit-labeled input keys effects the &#34;hi&#34; output state of an RS flip-flop, thereby effecting illumination of the LED indicator light juxtaposed to the said unit-labeled input key, and also effecting steady signals to two &#34;AND&#34; gates in addition to the arithmetic &#34;AND&#34; gates. Manual depression of a second unit-labeled input key, said second input key being in one of the triads with the said first unit-labeled input key, effects illumination of the LED indicator light juxtaposed to said second unit-labeled input key, the previously illuminated LED, being juxtaposed to said first unit-labeled input key, remaining also illuminated. Further, said depression of a second unit-labeled input key effects a second steady input signal to one of the two &#34;AND&#34; gates receiving steady input by virtue of depression of the first unit-labeled input key. The output signal from the said &#34;AND&#34; gate receiving dual steady input is produced upon depression of the &#34;EQUALS&#34; input key, said output signal from said &#34;AND&#34; gate being delayed two units of time by delay component 12, 13, 14; 28, 29, 30; 43, 44, 45; 58, 59, 60. Additional pulses produced by depression of the &#34;EQUALS&#34; key are delayed one unit of time by delay component 22, subsequently resetting the RS flip-flops previously actuated by depression of unit-labeled input keys, thereby extinguishing the then illuminated LED indicator lights juxtaposed to said unit-labeled input keys. The output signal from the actuated &#34;AND&#34; gate, said signal having been delayed two units of time, then produces further signals and effects equivalent to those produced by manual depression of the third, unused unit-labeled input key of the triad, thereby effecting illumination of the LED indicator light juxtaposed to said third unit-labeled input key. If additional conversion steps will follow, said third unit-labeled input key must be either the key labeled &#34;MOLE A&#34;, &#34;MOLE B&#34;, or &#34;LITER&#34;, comprising a pre-actuated first unit-labeled input key for the next step. 
     FIG. 4 is a logic diagram showing how the dual functions of the unit-labeled input keys in the tetrad could be implemented. The logic diagram includes the following components: appropriate unit-labeled input keys and the &#34;EQUALS&#34; input key; miniature LED indicator lights, said lights being juxtaposed to said unit-labeled input keys; conventional &#34;AND&#34; gates and RS flip-flops; and delay components, said component 22 providing a delay of one unit of time, and said components 75 and 76 providing delay of two units of time, between input and output signals. 
     Unlike in the triads, in which any of three keys may be the first used, in the tetrad the first input key actuated must be either the key labeled &#34;MOLE A&#34; or the key labeled &#34;MOLE B&#34;. The next two unit-labeled input keys must be used in order, followed by use of the &#34;EQUALS&#34; key. Actuation of the input key &#34;MOLE A&#34; following actuation of the key &#34;MOLE A&#34; produces the output signals from &#34;AND&#34; gate 70, said output signals from said &#34;AND&#34; gate being equivalent to those signals produced by manual depression of the division input key. Similarly, when actuation of the key &#34;MOLE B&#34; follows actuation of the key &#34;MOLE B&#34;, output signals are produced at &#34;AND&#34; gate 72, said output signals being equivalent to depression of the division input key. Actuation of the next unit-labeled input key, &#34;MOLE B&#34; in the former case and &#34;MOLE A&#34; in the latter case, effects output signals from &#34;AND&#34; gate 71, said output signals being equivalent to those produced by manual depression of the multiplication input key. Starting at either &#34;MOLE A&#34; or &#34;MOLE B&#34;, the starting unit is divided out and then multiplied by the final unit, as shown below: 
     
         MOLE A÷MOLE A×MOLE B=MOLE B 
    
     
         MOLE B÷MOLE B×MOLE A=MOLE A 
    
     As was true in the triads, manual depression of any of the unit-labeled input keys in the tetrad effects illumination of the LED indicator light juxaposed to said depressed input key. Actuation of the three input keys &#34;MOLE A&#34;, &#34;MOLE B&#34; effects three steady input signals to &#34;AND&#34; gate 73; subsequent depression of the &#34;EQUALS&#34; input key effects a pulse input signal to said &#34;AND&#34; gate 73, thereby producing the output signal from said &#34;AND&#34; gate 73, said output signal being delayed two units of time by delay component 75. Additional pulses produced by depression of the &#34;EQUALS&#34; key are delayed one unit of time by delay component 22, subsequently resetting the RS flip-flops previously actuated by depression of unit-labeled input keys, thereby extinguishing the then illuminated LED indicator lights juxtaposed to said unit-labeled input keys. The output signal from &#34;AND&#34; gate 73, said signal having been delayed two units of time, then produces further signals and effects equivalent to those produced by manual depression of the &#34;MOLE B&#34; input key. An analogous sequence of events occurs when the tetrad input keys are utilized in the reverse direction, an output signal from &#34;AND&#34; gate 74 being produced upon depression of the &#34;EQUALS&#34; input key, said output signal being delayed two units of time by delay component 76, and then finally producing further signals and effects equivalent to manual depression of the &#34;MOLE A&#34; input key. 
     FIG. 5 is a logic diagram showing how illumination of the sequence error LED indicator light could be implemented, said logic diagram including the following components: the unit-labeled input keys 3, the &#34;EQUALS&#34; input key, and the &#34;ON/CLEAR&#34; key; the sequence error LED indicator light 5; conventional &#34;AND&#34;, &#34;OR&#34;, and &#34;NOR&#34; gates; RS flip-flops; and delay components, said delay component 78 providing a delay of one unit of time between input and output, and said delay component 77 providing a delay of three units of time between input and output. 
     In the dimensional analysis approach to chemical stoichiometry, conversion factors must be utilized in a prescribed order for each problem. This requirement also applies to use of the unit-labeled input keys, sequence guidance being provided to the user by the line segments on the keyboard. Whenever a second unit-labeled input key is depressed, said second input key being joined by one of the line segments on the keyboard to an actuated first unit-labeled input key, in two units of time or less, signals will be produced which are equivalent to those produced by manual depression of either the multiplication input key or the division input key. If neither multiplication nor division signals are produced by depression of a second unit-labeled input key, then the said second unit-labeled input key can be concluded to be out of sequence, and &#34;sequence error&#34; should be signaled to the user. 
     In FIG. 5, actuation of any of the unit-labeled input keys 3 effects a pulse input to &#34;OR&#34; gate 79. The output pulse from said &#34;OR&#34; gate 79, after being delayed three units of time by delay component 77, provides an input pulse to &#34;AND&#34; gate 81, and, following a second delay of one more unit of time by delay component 78, actuates an RS flip-flop, thereby providing a delayed steady input signal to said &#34;AND&#34; gate 81. If a second unit-labeled input key 3 is actuated, a second input pulse is effected to &#34;OR&#34; gate 79, the output pulse from said &#34;OR&#34; gate again being delayed three units of time. If said second unit-labeled input key is in correct sequence with the first unit-labeled input key, either multiplication or division signals will be input to &#34;NOR&#34; gate 80, thereby terminating the signal from said &#34;NOR&#34; gate 80 to &#34;AND&#34; gate 81, said termination of input preventing the production of the output signal from said &#34;AND&#34; gate 81 upon arrival of the second signal from &#34;OR&#34; gate 79, said second signal having been delayed three units of time. With no output from &#34;AND&#34; gate 81, there is no illumination of the sequence error indicator light 5. If the said second unit-labeled input key is not in correct sequence with the first unit-labeled input key, multiplication or division signals will not be input to &#34;NOR&#34; gate 80. The output signal from &#34;AND&#34; gate 81 will be produced upon arrival of the second signal from &#34;OR&#34; gate 79, said output signal from said &#34;AND&#34; 81 actuating an RS flip-flop, thereby illuminating the sequence error LED indicator light 5, said actuated RS flip-flop being reset only by depression of the &#34;ON/CLEAR&#34; key, following which the user must re-start the solution, being careful to follow the line segments in using the unit-labeled input keys. 
     The objectives of the invention are met by the embodiment described herein. The chemical units most often needed for computation in chemical stoichiometry are provided by the unit-labeled input keys of said embodiment, said input keys greatly facilitating computation by automatically implementing appropriate arithmetic operations to effect step-wise stoichiometric conversions, and said embodiment providing unique guidance to the user in the sequence of said conversion steps. The direct use of chemical units in computation, and the display of said chemical units, make the device described herein uniquely compatible with &#34;dimensional analysis&#34; and uniquely useful for computation in chemical stoichiometry. 
     The disclosure of the current invention described herein, comprising the electronic calculator shown in the figures, represents an effective embodiment of the invention; however, variations, such as inclusion of input keys for additional operations or alternative forms for the logic diagrams, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the current invention as defined by the appended claims.