Abstract: A parameter measuring apparatus includes a constant signal circuit incorporating a sensor having a known response to a given parameter for outputting a signal representing the parameter. The constant signal circuit further includes circuitry defining upper and lower limits of the parameter range. The parameter signal is provided to a sampling device such as current-to-frequency converter for providing an analog-to-pulse converted signal to a microprocessor. The apparatus further includes a switching arrangement coupled to and controlled by the microprocessor for switching into circuit the sensor or the circuitry defining the upper or lower parameter limits. The switching arrangement also eliminates internal switch resistance in the circuit for improved measurement accuracy.

Abstract: A device for measuring the speed of a moving object has first and second impact detectors separated by a preselected known distance and disposed in the path of movement of the object. As the object strikes the first and second detectors, the detectors each produce a signal. The signals are separated by a time interval indicative of the distance between the detectors. The elapsed time between the signals is measured by a counter device, and the speed of the object is calculated by a programmable device.

Abstract: A roll mark inspection apparatus for a system for rolling and moving a strip uses reduction rolls. An image sensor scans widthwise the strip which is rolled and moved by the reduction rolls and outputs an image signal representing a surface state of the strip per unit width. A clock generator generates a clock signal synchronized with the running of the strip moved by the reduction rolls. An autocorrelation calculator sequentially receives the image signal in synchronism with the clock signal, and performs a predetermined autocorrelation calculation processing on the contents of the received signal and outputs an autocorrelation value. A comparator compares a predetermined comparison value for discriminating information corresponding to a roll mark on the surface of the strip with the autocorrelation value, and outputs a roll mark signal discriminated from the autocorrelation value by the predetermined comparison value.

Abstract: A sensor detects a vibration generated due to water leakage. An integration circuit integrates time intervals for which a signal obtained by absolute-value amplifying an output signal from the sensor exceeds a predetermined level within a predetermined period of time. The integration circuit performs the integration a plurality of times. A detection circuit selects a minimum value of a plurality of integration values obtained by the plurality of measurements as an integration value obtained when the influence of unrelated noise is at a minimum and compares the minimum value with a preset reference value. When the minimum value exceeds the reference value, the detection circuit determines the presence of water leakage, and when the minimum value is smaller than the reference value, determines the absence of water leakage.

Abstract: The specific gravity, l, of a fluid of interest is determined based on thermal conductivity, k, and specific heat, c.sub.p, of the fluid of interest. An embodiment uses proximately positioned resistive heater and thermal sensor elements coupled by the fluid of interest. Pulses of electrical energy are applied to the heater of a level and duration such that both a transient change and a substantially steady-state temperature occur in the sensor. The k of the fluid of interest is determined based upon sensor output at steady-state elevated temperature, c.sub.p of the fluid of interest is determined based upon the rate of change of sensor output during a time interval of transient temperature change in the sensor, and l is determined from k and c.sub.p.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electronically mapping an updatable microfiche includes a microprocessor-based analyzer programmed to control and evaluate optical scanning of the imaging frame areas arranged in generally parallel rows and columns. Optical photosensors are used to detect the presence of a frame mark within an expected region of an imaged area. An electronic data mask retrievably stored in a mask table memory array is used to screen the output data from the sensors. The mask table is derived from relative sensor position data collected during a scanning operation on a calibrated microfiche. A look-up table memory array is used to store the results of an evaluation scan by storing which frames are imaged and which are available for imaging.

Abstract: In a CSMA/CD communication protocol, data to be sent from one device on a communication network to another is put into frames, or predetermined sized pieces of information. One of the fields in a frame, the pad field, is used to make the total size of the frame large enough to ensure that a collision anywhere in the network with another frame is detected by the senders. The pad field is further used to identify when a data record will be continued in the next frame and also to identify when multiple data records are being sent in the same frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a plurality of processes which are identical with respect to at least one process parameter, employing a plurality of sensors each disposed for monitoring the one process parameter of a respective process, the sensors all having identical responses to the one process parameter. Monitoring is performed by: deriving (2-10) from the sensor responses a succession of response samples each derived from a respective sensor. Then each sample is monitored in succession and a predetermined characteristic of the sensor response represented by each sample is evaluated, the monitoring step being carried out in a processing path having an input to which all samples are supplied in series and providing an output indication of the evaluating result for each sample. Finally, the indication of the evaluating result of each sample is interpreted in order to provide an indication of the status of each process.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the fluid flow rate through a fluid transmission conduit is disclosed. A first set of resistors and a second set of resistors are connected in full bridge fashion and placed in contact with a separate measurement conduit in fluid communication with the fluid transmission conduit. A signal from the measurement conduit proportional to the fluid flow rate therein is sent to a computer. The computer is operative to actuate a control valve in response to the signal. The control valve is disposed upstream from the measurement conduit inlet in the fluid transmission conduit. The computer is also enabled to perform an autocalibration routine of the flow control apparatus that a yields a control accuracy of better than 1 percent.

Abstract: A signal processing method for identifying the type of a stored, digitized acquired signal according to a selected operating mode applies a hierarchy of tests to the stored data. The tests applied are determined by the selected operating mode--SPUR, PULSE or CW. Tests for threshold and width are applied in all operating modes, tests for left and right maximum values are applied in the PULSE mode, and a bandwidth test is additionally applied in the CW mode. Thus other signals than CW can be identified.

Abstract: Atmospheric air is introduced into reference and sample chambers, whereupon alternating circulation of the gases in the two chambers through a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, a pressure sensor and a pressure regulator occurs before the gases are returned to their respective chambers. The calculation of rate of production or consumption of carbon dioxide and oxygen by a tissue or other sample in the sample chamber is controlled by a microprocessor which receives signals from the carbon dioxide, oxygen and pressure sensors and controls the circulation of the gases. Sensor drift is compensated for in the calculation through the use of multiple reference chamber readings and through volume determinations for the reference and sample chambers and the sensors.

Abstract: The lifetime NF (number of cycles to failure) of a metallic structure such as a soldered joint or the like is determined by three simple, rapid tests. The first is to determine creep displacement rate vs. load (stress). Next, from the same data, the slope of the matrix creep displacement vs. load (stress) curve is determined. A third test is to obtain load (stress) relaxation over a short period of time from a load (stress) in the matrix creep displacement region. The matrix creep displacement per cycle (CPS) is then derived by plotting matrix creep displacement rate vs. time and integrating the area under this curve.

Abstract: To provide for continuous synchronized operation of a plurality of computer apparatus units (A, B, C) of a computer system, the respective units generate starting signals at predetermined stages in the programs. The starting signals are transmitted from any apparatus unit to any other apparatus unit, and in each apparatus unit, the time of reception of the starting signals is determined and the last-to-arrive starting signal is determined. Time marker signals are generated, and the time marker signals are transmitted from any apparatus to each other apparatus unit, to be compared in each other apparatus unit with locally generated time marker signals to thereby generate synchronizing signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing Brinell hardness test measurements produce hardness numbers and average Brinell indentation diameter readings automatically and minimize operator intervention and hence, operator error. The apparatus uses a light source, a video camera, a video image digitizer and a computer having a display device. In the method of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is applied to the indentation at an acute angle to the surface of the test specimen in which the indentation has been made. The electromagnetic radiation reflected from the indentation and the surrounding area is sensed. Differences in intensity, such as between light and dark, are digitized and the resulting digital field is numerically analyzed to produce a diameter, preferably major and minor diameters, of the Brinell hardness impression. The diameter or major and minor diameters are used to compute a Brinell hardness number which is displayed by the computer.

Abstract: Wire-to-water efficiency (W) of a multi-pump system is monitored and accurately determined according to the formula: ##EQU1## wherein Q is flow through the system, HS is total dynamic head across the inlet and outlet headers of the system, E is energy input to the system to drive the pump, and K is a predetermined conversion factor. The resulting efficiency determination is provided to an operator so that the pump system may be monitored.

Abstract: Net section parameters of connector plates at selected truss joints are determined by representing each wood member as a corresponding two-dimensional polygon and the connector plate as a rectangle of predetermined dimensions corresponding to the actual dimensions of the plate. When the plate is positioned at a particular truss joint, the area of intersection between the plate rectangle and the polygon defines an intersection polygon. The intersection polygon is rotated and the Cartesian coordinate system of the intersection polygon is redefined so that a first axis thereof is aligned with a central major axis extending along a geometric center of a major surface of the particular wood member.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for the non-destructive evaluation of a concrete mass uses the maturity method for evaluating the strength and durability of the concrete mass. The apparatus employs sensors which are implanted in the concrete along with a microprocessor and non-volatile RAM or EEPROM. A microcomputer is used periodically to up load the RAM and to make an evaluation of the concrete mass.

Abstract: A system applicable to the detection of particle radiation for the suppression of noise and its variations for the detection of a pure signal in a measured noisy discrete signal detects events appearing in a predetermined energy window. It carries out a count N.sub.2 for a time .DELTA.T.sub.s and a count N.sub.3 for a time .DELTA.T.sub.b, in which .DELTA.T.sub.b =q..DELTA.T.sub.s and q is a positive number, during which no event corresponding to the expected pure signal is present. It then evaluates the information supplied by counts N.sub.2, N.sub.3 for the chosen value of the coefficient q, or the associated false detection probability, by comparison with at least one information threshold I.sub.m, each threshold being associated with a predetermined false detection level. Comparison takes place indirectly as a function of the probability and uses tabulated values.

Abstract: A method monitors the length of sheets, such as banknotes, passing a predetermined position. The length of a sheet is monitored at two laterally spaced locations, and the difference between the monitored lengths is compared. If the difference is small, this indicates that both monitored lengths are an accurate indication of the length of the sheet. An average of the two monitored lengths is determined and compared with at least one predetermined reference value to determine the acceptability of the sheet. If the average falls within a predetermined range, the sheet is acceptable.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention is a method for constructing a polypeptide chain having a substantially predetermined conformation. Preferably a known stable well-mapped polypeptide structure is used as a starting point, and additional peptide units are incrementally added on while maintaining favorable enthalpic and entropic contributions to stability. Preferably a library of oligopeptide blocks is used to provide candidates for the additional peptide units. Preferably the library includes numerous precomputed parameters for each of the blocks, e.g. parameters for estimating energetic effects of varying the conformation parameters.