Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring apparent earth resistivity, by determining potential drop produced by electric current injected into the ground. Periodic, or very low frequency polarity reversal of direct current is used to eliminate induced voltage errors that might otherwise occur with higher frequency polarity reversal or alternating current. Synchronizing pulses are used to gather and separately store information from each half cycle. A calibrated readout is obtained in which values of the voltages in the two half-cycles are algebraically subtracted and divided by two to measure the potential drop, with automatic compensation for effects of earth currents.

Abstract: A zeroing circuit for use in conjunction with devices that produce output signals in response to input data signals feeds a compensating signal into such a device to produce a zero output signal when there is a zero input signal. The device being compensated is intermittently tested for the zero condition, and an aspect of the compensating signal is altered to produce the zero condition.

Abstract: The radio frequency resistance between a pair of conductive elements, for example, adjacent pipe sections of a pipeline, which are coupled together through an insulator, may be determined by contacting each pipe section with one of a pair of probes or electrodes connected across the output of a radio frequency oscillator which is coupled to the input of a rectifier and filter circuit. The probes are connected across the oscillator output through a resistor which insures that the direct current output of the rectifier is directly proportional to the RF resistance between the pipe sections. The output of the rectifier is coupled to a meter through an operational amplifier. The meter, which provides a direct readout of the resistance being measured, may be provided with a current limiting circuit which protects the meter from excessive DC current. Calibrating means may be provided to enable adjustment of the gain of the operational amplifier for resistance readings within several ranges.

Abstract: A detector having particular utility in a gas chromotograph uses a sensor to produce signals indicative of parameters of components of a gas. A signal whose level is related to a gas parameter is generated and sent to an amplifier. The output of the amplifier is stored and a signal related to the amplifier output signal is sent by means of a feedback loop to the input of the amplifier to compensate for losses in the amplification and storage processes.

Abstract: A zeroing circuit for use in conjunction with devices that produce output signals in response to input data signals feeds a compensating signal into such a device to produce a zero output signal when there is a zero input signal. The device being compensated is intermittently tested for the zero condition, and an aspect of the compensating signal is altered to produce the zero condition.