Abstract: A sensor assembly and a method for sensing physical conditions and reporting on the same are disclosed. The sensor assembly comprises an electronic sensor, a dedicated signal conditioner and a dedicated ADC, all integrated directly with the electronic sensor into a single pre-assembled and pre-calibrated package. The sensor assembly also comprises transponder apparatus for enabling the sensor assembly to adapt its output signal so as to properly match the specific input requirements of a particular digital controller. More particularly, the sensor assembly's transponder apparatus is constructed so as to measure the time duration of a programming pulse sent to the sensor assembly (the “Controller Programming Pulse”, or “CPP”), and then to use the time duration of the CPP to generate a time-proportioned reporting pulse (“the Sensor Reporting Pulse”, or “SRP”) so as to report sensor data to the digital controller.

Abstract: Expensive electronics heretofore required to minimize errors introduced by component changes, such as voltage offsets, temperature or linearization errors or the like, are avoided by connecting analog sensor and analog-to-digital conversion components all in a novel feedback network with only moderately precise amplifiers, wherein there is automatic compensation through the feedback for such errors in these components, and with only the errors in the amplifiers driving the system producing any impact upon the system operation; and with those errors eliminated by novel chopper stabilization of the whole system, as distinguished from the individual amplifiers.

Abstract: An inventory control system for a plurality of storage areas is provided wherein each storage area comprises at least one platform adapted to support a plurality of identical articles, and platform-supporting means including transducer means for providing a first electrical signal which varies in accordance with changes in the load carried by the platform-supporting means. The system also includes signal processing means for processing the first signals and producing in response to each first signal a second signal which is representative of the number of articles supported by the corresponding platform, scanning means for causing each of said first signals to be selectively coupled to said signal processing means, and means for providing an inventory record in response to said second signals.