Abstract: A device for measuring the speed of a moving object has first and second impact detectors separated by a preselected known distance and disposed in the path of movement of the object. As the object strikes the first and second detectors, the detectors each produce a signal. The signals are separated by a time interval indicative of the distance between the detectors. The elapsed time between the signals is measured by a counter device, and the speed of the object is calculated by a programmable device.

Abstract: A circuit for generating clock signals includes a reference clock signal generator and a 1/N frequency divider for generating 1/N frequency divided clock signals. An up-counter counts the 1/N frequency divided clock signals until the occurrence of a first event. A programmable counter receives both an inverted count result as an initial value from the up-counter and the reference clock signals and counts the reference clock signals up to a predetermined count. When the programmable counter reaches the predetermined count it outputs a carry signal and is reset back to the initial value. As the programmable counter again counts from the initial value to the predetermined count, it again outputs a carry signal. These plurality of carry signals can be counted to provide a count corresponding to the amount of time between the occurrence of plurality of events.

Abstract: A system provides for controlling various vehicle functions by use of a free-running counter that drives the address lines of a random access memory which are shared with a control microprocessor. The counter represents a clock which directly maps addresses in the RAM to discrete moments in time. Each bit at each RAM memory location describes an on or off control command of a particular function. The microprocessor sets selected bits corresponding to the control function in two address locations corresponding to the on and off points in time so as to enable the generation of a pulse of exact direction for control.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the frequency of a pulse train signal and method therefor applicable to a speedometer of a vehicle are disclosed in which a count value C of at least one counter which counts number of pulses in the pulse train signal for predetermined counting intervals of time .DELTA.T (=T/n, wherein T denotes a frequency measuring time interval and n denotes a calculation constant) is updated to a value related to the count value for each predetermined counting interval of time .DELTA.T and stored and outputted for each predetermined counting interval of time .DELTA.T so that the same or better performance as that using a stagger ring method can be achieved. The value is expressed by (C-C/.alpha.) in a first preferred embodiment (wherein .alpha. denotes the calculation constant preferably equal to n), by (C-C.times.m/.alpha.+D) in a second preferred embodiment (wherein m denotes the number of counters and D denotes the latest count values of the m counters during .DELTA.

Abstract: A Time Demand Counter permits a sensor to be mechanically coupled, by quick connect/disconnect means, to the power feed line of a monitored device with little disruption of the power feed circuitry. The sensor is nonloading in that essentially no energy is drawn from the monitored device's feed line to power the Time Demand Counter. Unlike current transformers previously used, the sensor does not have to be varied to complement the current drawn by the monitored device. A long useful battery life is assured for internally powered embodiments of the invention. Also, since the invention accumulates the record of ON/OFF cycles, as well as the total accumulated demand time, the average time the monitored device is used each time demand is placed on it can be readily determined.

Abstract: A high resolution event occurrence time counter includes a free running counter which is responsive to a clock signal and which provides count data that varies in response to the clock signal. A first register stores the count data of the free running counter. The first register provides first register data representative of the count data stored in the register. A second register stores the first register data and provides first time of arrival data representative of the first register data stored in the second register. A third register stores the count data of the free running counter. The third register provides second time of arrival data representative of the count data which is stored in the third register. A clock edge encoder determines whether an event occurred during the first half cycle of the clock signal or during the second half cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to time measurement apparatus and method for measuring, with picosecond precision, intervals between single edged events, where each measured interval comprises the summation of a rough clock count and fine or calibrated vernier counts of measured fractional clock periods before and after each START and STOP event selected from a calibrated vernier memory. The calibrated vernier memory takes the form of a table of linear voltage versus time developed using pseudo-random generated measurement events of random duration and random separation.

Abstract: A tool holder for monitoring the service time of a tool holded on the tool holder is disclosed. A sensor and electric circuit are provided for determining whether or not the machining operation with the tool is executed. Counters are provided for counting time cumulatively during the time when the machining operation is executed, and store the cumulative time as the service time of the tool. The service time is output to a numerical control apparatus via an output device.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting manufacturing deficiencies in semi-conductor devices and selecting marketable chips comprises a speed circuit to determine the speed at which a particular chip operates. The speed circuit is a small, self-contained circuit that may be placed on any type of semi-conductor chip. It includes an oscillator, a counter, and a control logic circuit. The speed circuit is coupled to an external clock and a control processor. The external clock provides a benchmark against which the operation of the chip can be compared. The control processor uses the output of the speed circuit to compute the speed at which the semi-conductor device operates.

Abstract: A timer which can be used to provide interrupt signals at predetermined but variable periods for multi-tasking microcomputers or serial data acquisition in pagers comprises a plurality of modulo counters. Each modulo counter has selectable clock inputs and has an output coupled via switches to a NOR gate and to the other modulo counters. Programmable configuring means control the switching means to configure the counters so as to produce desired outputs at the logic gate. The configuring means can also reset the modulus of the modulo counters to any desired value. Thus, the timer produces variable interrupt signals with little or no overhead processor time.

Abstract: Sampling pulses for determining a series of measurement periods are each synchronized, by a synchronizing circuit, with one of a plurality of input signal pulses to be measured. A first counter responds to the synchronized sampling pulse to start the counting of the input signal pulses. When the first counter has counted a predetermined number M of input signal pulses, a second counter starts counting the input signal pulses at the initial value M and stops the counting in response to the next synchronized sampling pulse. The count value of the second counter is applied to a display during the next counting of the input signal pulses by the first counter up to the predetermined number.

Abstract: A digitally controlled timing circuit for providing an output pulse signal precisely delayed with respect to an input signal irrespective of the time of occurrence of a system clock, but which uses the precision of the system clock to self-correct any inaccuracy in the delay includes a plurality of delay elements, the delay period of a respective one of which is adjustable, coupled between an input terminal, to which an input terminal is applied, and an output terminal, from which a delayed output signal is to be derived. Coupled to the input terminal and the plurality of delay elements is a toggled flip-flop which, with the delay elements, during a calibrate mode, forms an adjustable oscillator and generates a sequence of signals the lapse of time between successive ones of which is established by delays imparted by selected ones of the delay elements. The delays imparted by selected ones of the delay elements.

Abstract: A signal persistence time interval recognition system reproduces a condition of an input signal as a condition of an output signal only when the input signal condition persists for at least a predetermined time interval. The system periodically scans the input signal condition and has a first memory (ROM) for storing a start value indicative of the time interval. A second memory (RAM) stores a value indicative of the time counted since the detection of a difference between the input and output signal conditions. A third memory stores the output signal condition and a processor brings the start value from the first memory into the second memory when no difference is detected. The processor modifies the value in the second memory each time such a difference is detected and until a value is reached indicating that the time interval has been counted, the output signal condition in the third memory being then changed.

Abstract: An electronic drag race starting signal unit includes a housing contained circuit provided with or energizing a series of race starting lamps. The race start indicator or Christmas Tree, which may be a series of LED's, are preferably three aligned amber or yellow lamps terminating in aligned relationship with a red lamp and a green lamp interposed betwen the red lamp and the adjacent yellow lamp. A manually held pushbutton switch, when closed, simulates a vehicle transmission brake and energizes the circuit to sequentially or simultaneously energize the yellow lamps followed by the green lamp which is the start signal. A counter in the circuit visually records the time lapse between the start signal and the release (opening) of the push-button switch by the operator which, if it is received before a predetermined time, energizes the red lamp as a disqualification.

Abstract: A system to process employee and job data, in a shop having a number of mechanic employees and a number of machines, including at least a first employee-input station, a second timekeeping station, and a third management station. A printer and a computer at the second station includes a program in the computer calculating from employee clocking of time and jobs the employee hours, the time spent on each job, accumulated job hours, and percentages of completions of jobs. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) displays and keyboards are at each station. The keyboards at the first and third stations being special purpose keyboards primarily concerning employee clock-in and clock-out on each job and several cost-class keys that can be associated with various jobs. The program computes different costs on jobs depending on the use of cost-class keys. The first station has a listing of jobs and employees by character.

Abstract: A spark timing control for an electronic internal combustion engine ignition system that provides a constant spark advance regardless of engine speed. A series of crankshaft pulses are developed which occur at each 60 degrees of rotation of the crankshaft. The system has a source of constant frequency clock pulses which are counted up by an up-counter during 60 degree periods. The count attained by the up-counter during a 60 degree period is loaded into a down-counter. The up-counter is now counted up at a constant rate from zero and the down-counter is counted down at a constant rate from the count magnitude that was loaded into the down-counter. When the count magnitudes of the two counters are equal, a digital comparator that is connected to the counters develops an output signal that can be used to cause the firing of a spark plug.

Abstract: In a speed detecting apparatus for detecting the rotational speed of a rotating body mechanically coupled thereto, an encoder generates one cycle of a sine-wave signal each time its angular position of rotation changes by a predetermined unit amount. A zero-crossing pulse is generated at each zero-crossing point of the sine-wave signal generated from the encoder, and the phase angle of the sine-wave signal is detected on the basis of the zero-crossing point of the sine-wave signal generated from the encoder. In a high speed range, the rotational speed is detected on the basis of the ratio between the number of zero-crossing pulses and the time interval between a first one and a last one of the plural zero-crossing pulses. On the other hand, in a low speed range, the rotational speed is detected on the basis of the combination of the number of the zero-crossing pulses appearing within a predetermined period of time and the phase angle of the sine-wave signal.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having a sensor which generates a pulse signal, a time period is measured during which the engine rotational speed is larger than a reference speed, and the time period is reset at every rise or fall of the pulse signal. As a result, when the measured time period is larger than a predetermined time period, an abnormal state signal is generated, thereby detecting an abnormal state of the sensor.

Abstract: In a pocket size portable sound recorder, a special pushbutton swith is provided, and pulses are generated according to the number of operations of the pushbutton switch and are applied to a counter as upcount inputs. Also provided is a timer in which a pulse is generated whenever a specified time elapses after depression of the push button switch, and the pulse output is applied to the counter as a downcount input. Since the counter output is applied to the operation control circuit of the recorder, after the pushbutton switch is depressed, the recorder action will be carried out for a predetermined time period until the count value of the counter becomes zero. Also when the counter counts down to a predetermined value a flickering light is generated to indicate that the predetermined time is about to expire. If the special pushbutton is continuously depressed the counter is automatically reset to zero.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring a rod mill and flexible wire drawn and annealed from a stiff coil of rod in the rod mill are disclosed. The fault signals provided by an eddy-current tester are counted on a per unit time basis in order to permit the detection of rod mill problems before serious deterioration of the mill occurs. This is accomplished by direct observation of an increasing rate of fault signal occurrence. A totalized fault signal count is also provided to aid in detecting low quality wire. This is accomplished by direct observation of uniformly high levels of fault signals. A control function is disclosed whereby the rod mill is shutdown in the presence of a high rate of increase in fault signal occurrences. A "change coil" message may be sent upon detecting uniformly high levels of faults. Fault signals are stored and identified for purposes of traceability.

Abstract: A time interval measuring system includes circuitry for generating a signal indicating the beginning and end of a time interval, a clock to generate a periodically increasing clock signal, and a counter to count the clock signal between the beginning and end of the interval. The periodically increasing clock signal comprises a series of pulses each of which has a pulse period which is longer than the pulse period of the preceding pulse by a predetermined ratio greater than one.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the rotation speed of a rotatory member such as a rotary shaft of an electric motor comprises a first counter for counting the pulses of a pulse signal of a frequency proportional to the rotation speed of the rotatory member, a presettable down-counter for counting down a predetermined value sequentially in response to clock pulses, and a CPU for reading out the count value of the first counter upon completion of prescribed count-down of the presettable down-counter and computing the rotation speed of the rotatory member on the basis of the count value thus read out. And upon termination of such computation, the CPU changes the count value of the presettable down-counter back to the predetermined value.

Abstract: A digital wristwatch having a case and strap also serves as a computer to display speed, distance, and pedaling cadence when temporarily attached to a holder on the bicycle handlebar. Wheel and sprocket sensors are connected to electrical terminals in the holder. The wristwatch is provided with external electrical terminals connected to a microcomputer in the watchcase which uses signals from the sensors when the watchcase is termporarily retained in the holder. The watch mode is converted to bicycle mode by actuating push buttons on the watchcase, which are accessible through windows on the holder.

Abstract: A firmware/hardware electronic digital speedometer connected to a vehicle multi-measurand data communications system maintains virtually no flicker in the display of digital numbers in a digital display unit such as a vacuum fluorescent display during movement of a vehicle when no change in speed is apparent. A speed sensor supplies speed information to a first computing unit which establishes an accumulated count of speed during a first interval. Then the first computing unit supplies over a communications link the speed count to a second computing unit at a rate that approximates the update rate of the display unit. The second computing unit processes the speed data in a particular manner to effect the virtually flicker-free updating of the display and improved accuracy.

Abstract: A liquid scintillation counter system utilizes multiplexing to achieve monitoring of a plurality of scintillation samples using relatively few sensors, such as photomultiplier tubes, each such photomultiplier tube, in a specific embodiment, receiving light generated by scintillation events in a plurality of the scintillation samples. Each scintillation sample, which may be contained in a vial, is coupled by means of light guides to at least two of the photomultipler tube. Some background noise is eliminated by use of discriminators which establish a predetermined threshold level for the magnitude of the outputs of the photomultiplier tube, above which the pulses are countable. Coincident circuitry is used to determine the presence of a scintillation event, and thereby issue a coincidence pulse which is counted. In accordance with the invention, n photomultiplier tubes can be used to monitor (n/2)(n-1) samples.

Abstract: A time-measurment circuit (10) employs time-expansion circuits (13 and 14) to expand the initial and final portions of the duration of an event so as to measure more precisely those segments of time that typically are not integral numbers of clock periods in length. Each time-expansion circuit (13 and 14) employs a single capacitor (34), which it charges at a rapid rate during the initial or final time segment to be measured and then discharges at a much lower rate. The clock periods that occur during the time required for charging and discharging are counted, so the initial and final segments are measured with greatly enhanced resolution. An emitter-coupled-logic integrated circuit (54) performs the charging of the capacitor (34) by drawing current through its V.sub.CC1 l terminal ( 62).

Abstract: A wheel-speed detecting arrangement for detecting the wheel-speed of a vehicle having a fixed wheel-and-axle configuration includes a wheel generator connected to the wheel/axle configuration such that a first distance signal is produced indicating rotational displacement of the wheel. This first distance signal is then synchronized by use of a basic clock and passed onto a first counter which produces a first data signal indicative of the number of distance pulses. A second counter, enabled as a function of the output of the first counter, measures the number of clock pulses occurring within a measuring time period and generates a second data signal representing that time count. The first distance signal also operates a latch circuit such that, upon initial occurrence of any distance pulse, a reading of the second counter is taken and passed through to a calculating circuit.

Abstract: A digital timing generator using a state machine detects the presence of a predetermined pulse pattern at the input to generate a valid pulse output, and from the periodic repetition of the valid pulse output indicates the presence or absence of an input signal having the predetermined pulse pattern. The edges of the pulses at the input are detected and the pulse widths are determined by a time duration counter as being within the limits corresponding to the predetermined pulse pattern. A valid pulse counter is incremented for each pulse having the proper pulse width, and when the count of the counter reaches a predetermined value a valid pulse output is indicated. The valid pulse output may be delayed before being input to a signal presence detector. Each valid pulse output restarts a time interval counter and increments a valid input counter so long as the time interval timer does not reach a maximum time interval.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for identifying and measuring random contact interruption events in a circuit interconnection device. A comparator circuit, adapted to be operated at high frequencies, identifies when an interrupt event has occurred. The comparator circuit, as a result of the interruption event, causes a high frequency counter circuit to count clock pulses. The count in the counter circuit is continuously applied to an RAM memory circuit, write-enabled at an addressed memory location. After the interruption event is terminated, the RAM memory circuit is no longer write enabled at the addressed location and the addressed location is changed (incremented) in preparation for the next event. The counter circuit is also reset to zero in preparation for the next interruption event. The number of counts from a clock unit having a known frequency provides the duration of the interruption event. With the use of a clock unit operated at 100 MHz, interrupt events from 10 nanoseconds to 9.

Abstract: An improved duty cycle timer provides a duty cycle control signal having alternate "on" and "off" intervals of different logic states. The timer utilizes integrated circuitry having first and second independent clock sources respectively driving first and second multistage, binary counters. One counter measures the "off" interval and the other counter measures the "on" interval. Each counter provides a signal representative of the completion of the interval which it measures, and that signal is connected to a resetting input of the opposite counter for initiating the measuring interval of that opposite counter. Typically, one interval is longer than the other. The duty cycle control signal is provided by the output of one of the counters. In an illustrated embodiment, the duty cycle timer controls operation of a defrost mechanism for a refrigeration circuit and the "off" interval is longer than the "on" interval.

Abstract: A photoelectronic switch circuit of a pulse-modulated light system adapted to emit pulse light and conduct detecting operation by detecting only the photo-reception signal synchronized with the pulse light, and it comprises a counter control circuit for resetting or presetting the output signal from a counter if the number of pulse light successively received is less than a predetermined number to eliminate the effect, if any, of external disturbance light and facilitates to attain the integrated circuit by reducing the number of parts for the circuit constituting portion.

Abstract: The substantial structure of this invention consists of an intensive mechanical swing device and a group of electronic circuits situated in a small-size box body. The swing device features a highly balanceable and sophisticated pendulum designed to absorb the natural swing energy of a human body during running. While the pendulum is swinging, a microswitch will turn on or off to transmit every signal to an IC where precise number of running steps is calculated. In the surface of the box body, a hanging ear is equipped so that the device can be hung on the waist. On the face of the box body is a display and four control keys are equipped to control and lay out all the designed functions of this invention.

Abstract: An ultraviolet type flame detection system utilizes an UV detector for producing pulses from flame produced UV photons. A logic and clock circuit defines a sequence of windows. A counter is advanced by the clock and reset if no detector pulse occurs in a window. If detector pulses occur in each of a preselected sequence of windows, the logic circuit enables an alarm. When detector pulses cease, the logic circuit resets the system.

Abstract: A programmable delay generator is based upon an asynchronous or ripple counter the stages of which change state at definably different times. A full terminal count is decoded including the condition of a lowest order stage which changes state at a unique time which is different from the time at which any other stage changes, for thereby defining an unambiguous delay period. A partial terminal count programmably determines the length of circuit output and the reloading of the ripple counter with a programmable, time delay determining, initial value.

Abstract: An up/down tracking counter stores a digital count signal equal to the time interval to be converted and provides this signal as the parallel digital output of the converter. Prior to the interval to be converted the count from the up/down counter is loaded into a down counter. At the leading edge of the interval to be converted the down counter is counted down, from the count loaded therein, by a clock signal until the occurrence of the trailing edge of the interval. A decision PROM responsive to the output of the down counter provides a message signal in accordance with the residual error count remaining in the down counter. The message signal commands a bit pattern generator that applies pulse burst controllably to the count up input or count down input of the up/down counter in accordance with the error count in the down counter so as to tend to reduce the error count in the down counter to zero.

Abstract: A circuit for providing an indication of watt-hours from a voltage input that is an analog of watts comprises a source of a high-frequency square wave and a precision triangular wave at a frequency that is derived from the high-frequency square wave by frequency division. A time interval is derived by selecting a period between a time when the triangular wave crosses zero volts and the time at which the amplitude of the triangular wave equals the analog input voltage. A count of the number of cycles of the high-frequency signal during that interval provides a measure of the value of the input voltage, and a continuing count of that number of cycles provides a time-integrated value of the count. When the input signal is analogous to watts, the integrated output provides a measure of watt-hours.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for generating an output pulse following a trigger pulse at a time delay interval preset with a resolution which is high relative to a low resolution available from supplied clock pulses. A first lumped constant delay (20) provides a first output signal (24) at predetermined interpolation intervals corresponding to the desired high resolution time interval. Latching circuits (26, 28) latch the high resolution data (24) to form a first synchronizing data set (60). A selected time interval has been preset to internal counters (142, 146, 154) and corrected for circuit propagation delay times having the same order of magnitude as the desired high resolution. Internal system clock pulses (32, 34) count down the counters to generate an internal pulse delayed by an interval which is functionally related to the preset time interval. A second LCD (184) corrects the internal signal with the high resolution time delay.

Abstract: A timer apparatus which can simultaneously process a plurality of timer service requests of a plurality of control units by a single timer. This timer apparatus includes a timer for counting a clock pulse, a circuit for setting different times having a constant period from different termials and an output circuit for outputting a signal to the terminal at which the time was set from the corresponding terminal when the time coincides with a time signal output from the timer.

Abstract: A method and system for forecasting bank traffic and teller utilization and for scheduling work assignments for bank personnel based on the forecasts includes data gathering apparatus and steps and data processing apparatus and steps.

Abstract: A numerical control method for numerically controlling a machine tool such as a multi-spindle lathe having two or more tools (TL.sub.1, TL.sub.2, TL.sub.3). The numerical control method has steps of creating numerical control data specifying a relation between time and a position along each axis of movement (X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3, Z), numerically controlling the position along each of the axes of movement (X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3, Z) on the basis of the numerical control data, monitoring whether elapsed time has reached a time specified by numerical control data for each and every axis of movement (X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3, Z), and when elapsed time has become equal to a time specified by numerical control data for a predetermined axis of movement, controlling the position along the axis of movement in accordance with succeeding numerical control data for the axis of movement.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring use of a motor vehicle, wherein the vehicle provides a vehicle speed input signal, which is directed to the apparatus. The apparatus generates a real time signal. A processor receives the vehicle speed input signal and the time signal and generates therefrom an information signal corresponding to certain data. This data includes a starting time and a duration for each period of operation of the vehicle, and a distance covered during such period, and can include an indication of the purpose of the vehicle usage. The information signal is stored in memory as it is generated. An output device, which may be a printer, receives the stored data for output of the data.

Abstract: In apparatus for measuring the propagation time of ultrasonic waves by counting the number of clock pulses occurring within the period of time from the transmission of an ultrasonic pulse to the receiving of the pulse, a receiving circuit receives a transmitted pulse and a received pulse and provides an output which continues from transmission until reception of the pulse. A time-difference detection circuit detects pulses occurring during a time interval t.sub.1 starting at the leading edge of the transmission pulse and ending at the leading edge of the first clock pulse thereafter and a time interval t.sub.2 starting at the leading edge of the received pulse and ending at the leading edge of the first clock pulse thereafter. The duration of the time interval t between transmission and reception is determined in accordance with the equationt=[A+1/m(B-C)].times.

Abstract: To distinguish between the two fields in a television signal, television synchronizing pulses are applied to a pulse interval detector. The output signal of the pulse interval detector assumes a first signal state when pulse intervals are measured which are located between first and second limit values, and a second signal state when the pulse intervals are outside these limit values. The pulse interval detector is connected to a time measuring element which counts the pulse intervals of the synchronizing pulse when the first signal state is present. The time measuring element produces a field identification signal in dependence on the fact whether, for example, the first signal state is present for a longer period of time for one field than for the other field.

Abstract: An equivalent time pseudorandom sampling system samples a repetitive waveform within each of several narrow acquisition windows bounding repetitive sections of the waveform in order to obtain equivalent time sample data characterizing the shape of the waveform included within the acquisition windows. The period between successive triggering events is measured and sampling is delayed following an initiating triggering event by delay time adjusted according to the measured period so as to maximize the probability that sampling will occur within an acquisition window. The time difference between samples and subsequent triggering event is measured with high accuracy and resolution utilizing a time interval measurement system based on a dual vernier interpolation.

Abstract: In a method and a circuit for controlling an amount of pelletized material that is dispensed from a pellet dispenser, the dispenser is driven at the same speed during each one of a plurality of pellet dispensing cycles. The frequency of dispenser operation is varied by varying the time interval between pellet dispensing cycles. The circuit includes two timers, an OFF timer which is connected to a counter that counts the number of "off" timing signals in each "off" period and an ON timer that receives a triggering signal from the counter when the "off" period is completed. A switch is connected to the counter to select this number of "off" timing signals. The "off" time period can also be altered by altering the time base of the OFF timer. This is accomplished with a resistance circuit that is connected to a timing circuit for the OFF timer, through either a user-controlled timer or a temperature-responsive switch.

Abstract: This invention is a device which permits the percentage of real time consumed by software tasks of a telecommunications switching system or other process controller to be measured and displayed on a percentage meter. The relative percentages of different real time tasks are displayed by the relative intensities of particular lamps mounted on a control panel of a meter. Non-standard, user defined, software tasks may be selected for display on the meter. Software tasks which over-shoot a predetermined amount of time provide an indication of this by lighting one of a number of different lamps. Each of these lamps measures a predetermined amount of over-shoot time.

Abstract: A frequency detector in a frequency control for a generating system includes a system processor and a counter for deriving a digital count proportional to the output frequency of the generating system. The system processor executes a series of control cycles during which the processor controls the speed at which the generating system is driven in accordance with the output frequency. The system processor detects the digital count at a predetermined point in each control cycle and resets the counter to initiate generation of a new digital count. The data from the detector does not require an interrupt handling procedure and hence complexity is minimized.

Abstract: A periodic signal, at the frequency of the AC mains supply voltage, contains signal pulses, each having a duration that is substantially shorter than half the period of the AC mains supply voltage. The periodic signal is coupled to a high frequency transformer to form a periodic output signal that is applied to a time-of-day measurement circuit that provides time-of-day display information for a television receiver. The transformer provides conductive isolation between the time-of-day measurement circuit and the AC mains supply voltage source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring the time rate of successive events the rate of occurrence of which can vary over a wide range by: detecting the successive events during a succession of consecutive time intervals of equal duration; producing successive counts each representing the number of events occurring during each interval in which at least one event occurs; producing successive counts each representing the number of intervals between the end of a respective interval in which at least one event occurred and the end of the immediately preceding interval in which at least one event occurred; and storing representations of the successive counts produced.

Abstract: A sector-scan period computer comprising a pulse-width discriminator and a ulse-interval filter to allow only pulses falling into a predetermined width range and with a given time interval between them to pass. These pulses are fed to an integrator which provides an integrated signal for each group (burst) of pulses, the bursts being periodic. The integrated signals are divided by two and a pulse is produced for each signal that remains. Extraneous non-periodic signals are filtered out by a period filter and the time between successive pulses is counted by a BCD counter. The counter output is stored in a memory and displayed by a decimal number display.