Abstract: Circuitry usable in a tamper protected recording system for characterizing audio signals at the time of recording including a filter for selecting a portion of the audio signal, a zero crossing detector to detect zero crossings, a threshold detector to determine when the threshold of the detector is satisfied, a first microprocessor for counting the zero crossing detections for successive time intervals and determining for each of the time intervals whether the threshold was satisfied and a second microprocessor for converting the counts and threshold information into data signals that can be recorded with the audio signal.

Abstract: An improved decoder for a recorder-decoder system wherein a threshold level detector is included in the decoder. The recorder provides for the recording of an audio signal plus a data signal. The data signal includes zero crossing information for sequential increments of time plus an indication of whether the threshold level was met for an increment of the recorded audio. Upon playback the decoder also provides a data signal based on the recorded audio. The threshold level detector of the decoder is higher than that of the recorder. If the recorded data signal indicates the threshold was not met and the same threshold indication is not provided by the threshold level detector of the decorder for the corresponding increment of the recorded audio signal, tampering of such audio increment of the recorded audio is considered to have occurred.

Abstract: A sound pressure level meter adapted for use in monitoring noise levels, particularly for use by law enforcement agencies wherein the device includes means for providing a logarithmic indication of the root mean square value of ambient sound pressure levels and wherein means are provided for holding and displaying a maximum sound pressure level detected over a given period of time and for providing an alarm when a detected level exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: a retroluminometer for measuring retroreflectivity of signs or markings at their actual point of use comprises (1) a source of alternating light; (2) optical means for both directing the alternating light onto a sign or marking that is to be tested and for transmitting light retroreflected by the sign or marking onto a panel within the retroluminometer; (3) a matrix of light-transmitting means arranged on the face of the panel; (4) photosensing means optically connected to the light-transmitting means and adjustable to sense and measure the light from different ones of the light-transmitting means, thereby measuring retroreflection at different angles of deviation from the axis of the light beam incident on the sign or marking; and (5) electric circuitry for presenting the photosensed light as a visually-readable measurement.