Abstract: A device monitoring and recording apparatus comprises sensing means, computing means, memory storage means and power supply means. The sensing means are operative for sensing device operating parameters and generating data signals corresponding thereto. The computing means process the sensed data signals and the memory storage means stores the data signals from the computing means. The power supply means provides power to the device as well as the computing means and memory storage means and comprises means for sensing a power fault condition and for generating a fault status signal in response thereto, means for feeding the fault status signal to the computing means and means for shutting down the computing means as well as the device upon receipt of a shut-down command from the computing means. The computing means initiates a data protect routine prior to generating the shut-down command.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining a real time clock normally incremented by a CPU when power is provided thereto and maintained by a separate counting means when power is removed from the CPU, the separate counting means powered independently of the CPU power source. Apparatus is also disclosed for synchronizing the separate counting means such that the real time clock maintained by the CPU may be updated for the time interval in which the CPU was inoperative without loss of real time clock accuracy.

Abstract: A device monitoring and recording system is described which is particularly applicable to on-board vehicle monitoring and recording of operating engine parameters. The system comprises a plurality of sensors for sensing operating parameters of the engine and for generating data signals in response thereto, a data processing unit for receiving the data signals and a portable data link for extracting the processed data. Means are also provided for analyzing the processed data in remote computing means to provide printouts for record keeping, maintenance and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A selectively aligned optical switching device including two adjacent translucent discs having mask segments formed on the surfaces thereof, with the first disc including a sleeve extending from the central opening thereof which is received within the central opening of the second disc. A clamping nut threadably engages the sleeve to selectively align the masking segments of the discs relative to each other. This combination of discs is clamped in concentric alignment against a timing hub which in turn is indexed by a pin relative to a rotary shaft. The mask section of the discs is then received in an optical coupling device which provides operating signals in selected coordination with the rotation of the shaft.