Abstract: In a steam turbine control system three overspeed protection circuits (OPC) are provided, each one being identical to the others and each having a programmable digital computer in two-way data communication with a master controller, as well as with the other OPCs. Speed transducers adjacent the turbine shaft provide speed indicative signals to the respective OPCs which calculate extremely precise RPM values utilizing an adaptive filter in the derivation process.

Abstract: An improvement in combination with a postage meter including a rotary postage printing drum having apparatus for changing respective postage values to be printed, and including apparatus for actuating the changing apparatus, there is provided an improvement for indexing the changing apparatus into engagement with the actuating apparatus. The improvement comprises: a d.c. motor coupled to the drum for rotation of the drum; a device for sensing angular displacement of the drum; and a computer coupled to the sensing device and to the d.c. motor; wherein the computer provides respective amounts representative of desired angular displacements of the drum during successive sampling time periods, responds to the sensing device for providing respective amounts representative of actual angular displacements of the drum during successive sampling time periods, compensates for the difference between desired and actual angular displacements and generates a d.c.

Abstract: An angle measuring device operating without a graduated board and of a type including a disc rotating a constant speed having a reference point fixed on the housing of a disc, an angle measuring arm concentric with the disc and rotatable, and a measuring point provided on the arm. In accordance with the invention, the ratio of an angle measuring time required for the disc to turn from the reference point to the measuring point to a one-revolution time of the disc is multiplied by 360.degree. to obtain an angle which is determined by the reference point, the center of the disc and the measuring point. This is effected with an angle measuring time integrating device for integrating data points corresponding to one-revolution time for each revolution of the disc, and an arithmetic unit for calculating a measured angle according to the ratio of the integrated value of the angle measuring times to the integrated value of the one-revolution times after the disc has made a predetermined number of revolutions.

Abstract: Synchronous or coherent error appearing as one or more FM sidebands in the high frequency pulse signal of an incremental position encoding digital tachometer or the like and in an error signal having a magnitude representing the difference in velocity between that indicated by the high frequency signal and a desired velocity is suppressed in the error signal by a coherent error correction signal of varying magnitude which is combined with the error signal, is generated as a function of mechanical angular position and is identical from cycle to each cycle of the tachometer for the same mechanical angular position.

Abstract: Digital dilution apparatus is disclosed which performs multiple processing functions such as pipetting, diluting, titrations and the like under microprocessor control. The apparatus is responsive to operator-entered processing requests and performs complex and accurate processing functions. The disclosed apparatus is quite simple and easy to operate and does not require a highly skilled operator.

Abstract: A programmable semiconductor integrated circuit device is disclosed, which includes different kinds of MSI scale function blocks formed on a substrate. First wiring lines extending in a row direction are connected to input terminals of the function blocks, respectively. Second wiring lines are connected to output terminals of the function blocks, respectively. The second wirings are T-shaped and have respective line components extending in a column direction, with the first wiring lines. Floating gate type field effect transistors are provided, in a matrix manner, at mutually electrically insulated crossing points among the first and second lines.

Abstract: An improvement in combination with a postage meter including a rotary drum having a periphery adapted for feeding a sheet in a path of travel. The improvement comprises: a first device for sensing a time interval during which a sheet is linearly displaced a predetermined distance in the path of travel; a d.c. motor coupled to the drum for rotation of the drum; a second device for sensing angular displacement of the drum; and a computer coupled to the first and second sensing devices and to the d.c. motor; wherein the computer responds to the first sensing device for providing respective amounts representative of desired angular displacements of the drum during successive sampling time periods, responds to the second sensing device for providing respective amounts representative of actual angular displacements of the drum during successive sampling time periods, compensates for the difference between desired and actual angular displacements and generates a d.c.

Abstract: A video display device may be simulated using a computer and a conventional video image processor. A test image which is an enlarged version of a typical image to appear on the simulated display device is generated. This enlarged test image is then digitally processed to replicate the effects of the various parameters of the display device which affect the image. The processed signal representing the image is then displayed on a test monitor, which is viewed from a distance which is proportional to the degree of enlargement of the test image.

Abstract: Circuitry for controlling the amplitude of a self-resonant scanner including a first means for measuring the time to complete a number of full cycle scanner movements, a second means for measuring the time to complete a number of movements between a first fixed point and a second fixed point in the scan path and logic means using such time measurements to determine whether the scanner amplitude is greater or less than a desired amplitude and providing digital information to produce an analog signal for controlling the scanner amplitude to reduce any difference from the desired amplitude.

Abstract: An ultra-sonic distance sensor system includes means for measuring the elapsed time between transmission of ultra-sonic waves and receipt of the return wave reflected by an object which reflects ultra-sonic waves and the distance to which is to be measured. A correction value is derived on the basis of the rate of change of the signal level of a receiver signal output by an ultra-sonic receiver. On the basis of the derived correction value, the resultant distance value or the measured elapsed time value is corrected to ensure accurate measurement of the distance to the object can be ensured. This allows more precise height control for a vehicle when the distance detector is applied to a height control system of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the velocity of a portion of a load in accordance with a trapazoidal-shaped velocity versus time profile. The apparatus includes a d.c.

Abstract: A signal synthesizer system allowing a wide variety of signal sources for test and evaluation is provided. In one embodiment, the signal synthesizer system is a precision two channel synthesizer having a variety of capabilities which are made possible by having two independently controlled sources with a common controller residing in one instrument.

Abstract: A digital system simulation apparatus and method enable better efficiency and precision of system simulation by operating in either a four signal-level mode or a nine signal-level mode, depending upon the particular circuitry being employed. All signal outputs are generated in the nine signal-level mode, however, when the output is directed to a gate level circuit element, the apparatus and method automatically mask the strength data in the output signal thereby providing the four signal-level mode of operation.

Abstract: A phase detector for detecting in real time the difference in phase between frequency pulse signals and data pulse signals, including a control signal generator for generating control signals corresponding to the occurrence of the frequency pulse signals and the occurrence or non-occurrence of the data pulse signals, and a circuit, operative during the occurrence or non-occurrence of the data pulse signals, for producing a phase error signal indicating differences between the real time occurrence of the frequency pulse signals and the data pulse signals. Another circuit of the phase detector, if needed, responds to the control signals to correct the integral of the phase error signal.

Abstract: An automatic system for processing poultry carcasses such as turkeys and the like which vary in size and shape as they are being conveyed on a conveyor is disclosed. The weight of the carcass is determined by a weighting system and the relative position of a preselected portion of the anatomy of the carcass such as the anterior or posterior edges of the breast is ascertained by a photosensor as the carcasses are being conveyed. A data processing computer receives the weight and position data for each carcass and causes a tool such as a needle to inject a basting additive to move to a position where the tool can perform the desired task, i.e., insertion of the needle at the preselected position on the carcass. A measured amount of the basting additive is automatically injected depending upon the measured weight of each of the carcasses. The carcasses are removed from the conveyor at discharge points depending on the weight and rated quality of the carcass.

Abstract: In the quantitative analysis of a sample by computing constituents from optical absorptivity data at different wavelengths, optical absorptivity data values for selected nominal wavelengths are obtained by curvilinear interpolation from measured optical absorptivity data values obtained by use of narrow band width filters. The computed optical data values are utilized to compute percentage constituents by means of algorithms which may include one or more first or second derivatives.

Abstract: A process for batch interferential granulometry applicable particularly to poly-dispersed biological particles. The process is characterized in that the positioning of the angular measurement regions is selected according to the criteria of representativity of the signals obtained with respect to the given granulometry sought, particularly for their alternative components, and in that the processing of the signals comprises successively a harmonic Fourier analysis of their alternative components, and the use of the results of this analysis in a computation leading to the parameters sought, namely, the numbers, mean dimensions, and granulometric distribution of the analyzed particles.

Abstract: In order to determine the height of textile fiber bales disposed in successive groups in the operative range of a bale opener which is arranged to move horizontally adjacent the bale groups, each bale group containing at least one bale of fibers of a selected type and the opener being provided with a detacher disposed above the bales, movable vertically toward the bales for opening the bales, and carrying a measuring device for measuring the height of each bale group, a plurality of measurements of the height of each bale group is effected at a succession of horizontally spaced measuring locations by advancing the bale opener horizontally after each measurement, and an average of the measurements made on each bale group is formed.

Abstract: A transmission line is used to implement a divider or multiplier. Transmission lines are used to implement coefficient multipliers in Fourier transformers and Convolvers.

Abstract: A control method and system for minimizing the on-peak power demand of a residential electric utility user having a plurality of loads is implemented by determining the average energy demand over predetermined sliding time windows and comparing them with a control point. Non-priority loads are shed in an attempt to decrease the demand below the control point. If the energy demand is still above the control point after all non-priority loads are shed, the control point is dynamically adjusted upward and no priority loads are shed. Loads are shed by transmitting bits of information to the loads when the average energy demand over the predetermined time windows increases beyond the control point. Upon receiving bits of information indicating a load should be shed, the receiver deenergizes its load. The bits of information are synchronized to the zero crossing of the AC line. The bits are transmitted simultaneously and periodically.