Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring the clock pulse width as it is received at a subject latch point in a system. In the system, test data distribution means is provided for distributing a test data signal from a test data source point to the data input of the subject latch point. The subject latch point is constructed to hold on its output the signal which was on the data input at selectably either the leading or trailing edge of the clock pulse. By adjusting the presettable delay in a test data signal generator, and observing the steady state output of the subject latch point conveniently after the last clock pulse in a burst reaches the subject latch point, it is possible to determine a delay setting at which the test data signal transition and the selected edge of the last clock pulse in the burst reach the subject latch point at substantially the same time. Using this method, two measurements are taken.

Abstract: A method for automatically replenishing oil in a coolant system of an electric generator produces a first signal representative of the speed of the generator and a second signal representative of the pressure of oil in the coolant system of the generator. These signals are combined with a reference signal to produce a control signal representative of a low oil condition in the coolant system. When such low oil condition exists, additional oil is delivered to the coolant system in response to the control signal. In the preferred embodiment, this additional oil is supplied from a source of high pressure oil.

Abstract: An improved weight monitoring device that accurately monitors the weight of containers or other such heavy objects. The device allows for full legal loads in containers without overfilling the intended weight. A hydraulic load cell with an analog pressure transducer is coupled with an analog to digital converter to convert the analog signals into electronic digital signals which are then read by computer to determine results. The weight is conditioned by utilizing pressure and temperature amplifications, which allow the container to be zeroed and scaled to monitor the weight. This device utilizes a microprocessor to operate the electronic functions and to calculate the data. The data is stored in a read only memory chip to prevent tampering. The results can be read on sight or via downloading of information with a computer modem. The signals converted are linearly interpolated to produce highly accurate results. This device allows for timely weight reports and accurate management decisions.

Abstract: A method for testing a network setup with a plurality of computers, in particular controllers or microprocessors, the data of which is to be transmitted and, if appropriate, received over a data path and which is to be processed by a control, priority criteria being established for the competing transfer of the data on the data path. A method of testing the network setup is proposed in which data signals of the controllers or microprocessors are generated with a realistic frequency and are subjected to the priority criteria and in which it is determined after what time data of certain priority levels can be transferred over the data path.

Abstract: A system for determining the flow performance of a valve by first measuring certain flow parameters of the valve with the stem fixed in a plurality of different positions between full open and full closed and then calculating a value of flow coefficient for each. The flow parameters of the valve are then measured with the stem dynamically moving under a plurality of different flow conditions. Mathematical relationships are derived in accordance with certain procedures for calculating the flow rate of the valve under each of the different flow conditions.

Abstract: An environmental detection system particularly useful for fire detection and suppression is provided which ensures high reliability in operation and high reliability in preventing false operation. The preferred system includes a microprocessor-based, software-governed, control panel connected to one or more detector loops. Each loop includes a plurality of parallel-coupled, addressable detectors which send analog signals to the control panel representative of an environmental parameter such as smoke obscuration along with reference and identification signals. The preferred system provides automatic calibration and test of the detectors, automatic testing under load of the backup batteries, flexibility in defining the protective scheme, and storage of history information concerning system alarms and troubles. The preferred system also verifies alarm conditions before actuating an alarm or discharging a fire suppressant.

Abstract: A microprocessor or computer controlled interactive apparatus to compute coefficients of static and kinetic friction for a test surface using acceleration data of a weighted test block sliding over a test surface. The transient action of the block is damped linear harmonic and is generated by a microprocessor-controlled stepper motor and micrometer connected to the block with two springs. The apparatus provides an accessible graphical display of the recorded acceleration data which comprises a series of relative time values and associated block acceleration values. A movable cursor permits the user to interactively select the point on the surface for which the coefficient of kinetic friction is to be computed. The computed coefficient is then displayed on the graphics display device with the acceleration plot.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and methods for generating multiparameter optical data that characterize a population of cells. The invention includes the steps of scanning the cell population with a beam to produce sets of digital data samples, each sample set of digital data representing multiparameter optical interactions from a specific location within the cell population; storing the digital data, e.g., in a computer memory; locating a cell within the population, e.g., by comparing the digital data to a preselected threshold value; defining a neighborhood around the digital data representing the located cell; estimating a background level for the neighborhood based upon digital data corresponding to locations outside the neighborhood; and correcting each of the samples corresponding to the neighborhood with the estimated neighborhood background level to generate the optical data.

Abstract: An environmental detection system particularly useful for fire detection and suppression is provided which ensures high reliability in operation and high reliability in preventing false operation. The preferred system includes a microprocessor-based, software-governed, control panel connected to one or more detector loops. Each loop includes a plurality of parallel-coupled, addressable detectors which send analog signals to the control panel representative of an environmental parameter such as smoke obscuration along with reference and identification signals. The preferred system provides automatic calibration and test of the detectors, automatic testing under load of the backup batteries, flexibility in defining the protective scheme, and storage of history information concerning system alarms and troubles. The preferred system also verifies alarm conditions before actuating an alarm or discharging a fire suppressant.

Abstract: An environmental detection system particularly useful for fire detection and suppression is provided which ensures high reliability in operation and high reliability in preventing false operation. The preferred system includes a microprocessor-based, software-governed, control panel connected to one or more detector loops. Each loop includes a plurality of parallel-coupled, addressable detectors which send analog signals to the control panel representative of an environmental parameter such as smoke obscuration along with reference and identification signals. The preferred system provides automatic calibration and test of the detectors, automatic testing under load of the backup batteries, flexibility in defining the protective scheme, and storage of history information concerning system alarms, and troubles. The preferred system also verifies alarm conditions before actuating an alarm or discharging a fire suppressant.

Abstract: A programmable event reminder apparatus is housed in a "pocket-sized" casing and includes a microcomputer for processing selected parameters representing a plurality of events and the times at which the events are scheduled to occur. The microcomputer keeps track of the actual time and generates an alarm signal at the time that each of the programmed events is scheduled to occur. The apparatus includes a visual display, whereby the particular event and the scheduled time of the event are displayed when the alarm signal is generated. A current alarm signal will continue until it is disabled by the user. The alarm signals corresponding to subsequently scheduled events will be at least temporarily disabled until the current alarm signal is disabled by the user, such that the user will not be reminded of subsequent events until the current alarm signal is acknowledged by the user.

Abstract: A coordinates input apparatus for detecting coordinates of an instructed position from a vibration progagation time on a vibration propagation plate is provided. This apparatus comprises; a vibration pen to generate a vibration; a vibration propagation plate with which the vibration pen is come into contact and which transmits the vibration; a sensor which is arranged in contact relation with the vibration propagation plate and detects the vibration; a vibration-proof material attached to the periphery of the vibration propagation plate so as to have a width of 1/2 of a wavelength of the elastic wave of the vibration; and an operation controller to calculate the contact position of the vibration pen on the vibration propagation plate from the detection time when the vibration was detected by the sensor. The sensor detects the surface wave of the vibration-proof material.

Abstract: An automatic liquid sampling and flow measuring apparatus provided as a unitary structure within a case, and capable of collecting liquid samples at selected intervals, measuring flow rate through a channel at selected intervals, and collecting and storing sampling and flow rate data for later retrieval. The apparatus is provided with its own self-contained microprocessor for automatically controlling sampling operations, calculating flow rate on the basis of signals from a sensor, and storing data relating to sample collection and flow rate measurement. The stored data can be called up on a display of the apparatus, or can be transferred via a portable transfer unit to an external output device, such as a printer capable of producing a hard copy of the data.

Abstract: A scientifically explained color normalization process for producing image and information arrays which correspond to human color perception and description and are substantially invariant under varying conditions of illumination intensity and measurements geometry. New radiation measurements obtained by a three waveband sensor (10) are normalized by a computer or equivalent device using an individual waveband normalization algorithm (12) which divides each measurement by the mean of about ten thousand surrounding measurements, thus extracting the maximum resolution relational reflectance factor. The combined three waveband normalized array is presented as a color-coded alphanumeric array in terms of MUNSELL hue, value and chroma, using a cylindrical coordinate transformation algorithm (14) and a MUNSELL conversion algorithm (16). The normalized array is also presented using a balanced image display device (18), based on either additive or subtractive primaries.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for accurately measuring the position of a moored container ship relative to a fixed pier after loading or unloading each container on the ship and including a processor mechanism employed to combine the measured relative position with previously acquired data indicating the ship position prior to the loading or unloading of the previous container, and utilizing the combined data to facilitate automatic control of placing or removing a subsequent container on the ship by a crane structure. The system is applicable for measuring six degrees of freedom of movement of any large object.

Abstract: For a system such as a combinational weighing system that requires a large number of parameters to be set for its operation, groups of parameters which frequently assume same sets of values are identified and each of such sets is assigned a reservation number. Memory space for storing values assumed by the parameters can be reduced if these values are grouped by such frequently occurring combinations and the user specifies a single reservation number instead of specifying values of the individual parameters. Selection of operating condition is effected by an input device with a touch screen. For some parameters, currently set values are displayed as a bar graph and a user can set or reset a value directly on the screen by moving a cursor on the bar graph.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which incorporates an optimization gradient algorithm for post production tuning of a microstrip microwave amplifier. The tuning technique replaces conventional time consuming manual post production tuning techniques and comprises a computerized technique which is operable to test the amplifier for its response characteristics, perturb circuit matching elements and measure the response as a result of the perturbations, and thereafter effect the required change in the circuit's tuning elements to bring the circuit response in conformance with a desired value. Perturbation is accomplished by robotic placement of dielectric chips on the matching elements while tuning is accomplished by either computer controlled laser trimming of the lengths of the tuning elements or robotic application of metallization to the tuning elements for increasing their respective lengths.

Abstract: A system wherein raw material excavated from a plurality of pit faces on a mine are conveyed to and collected at a specific collecting location at the foot of a mountain by a plurality of vehicles and the degree of quality of collected raw material is then properly controlled at the specific collecting location is generally called a mining site control process. To practically execute such a mining control process, the degree of quality of conveyed raw material previously analyzed per each pit face and a quantity of conveyance thereof are confirmed at every time when the raw material is conveyed to the collecting location.

Abstract: Unmanned compliance monitoring device, data communication network and transaction processing apparatus for monitoring earth tremors, collecting and reporting seismic data profiles and calculating an earthquake epicenter incorporating a solar energy module, portable telephone and satellite.

Abstract: An analog computer method provides modulation transfer functions (MTF) expressions or graphs for arbitrary shaped detectors in an arbitrary scan direction. Fraunhofer diffraction calculations or measurements given for specific shaped apertures are used for calculating detector MTFs of similarly shaped detectors. In an analog measuring device, an aperture in an opaque screen may be made the shape of a detector whose MTF is to be calculated. The aperture is flooded with laser light which produces a Fraunhofer irradiance pattern at an observing screen which is parallel with the opaque screen, for measuring the irradiance in the Fraunhofer plane at the observing screen. A sensor, which has a detector small compared with the diffraction pattern, is moved along the chosen thermal imager scan direction, in the Fraunhofer plane.