Abstract: A utility data gathering system is disclosed as comprising a register including a series of index members coupled to a meter mechanism. Each index member includes a plurality of contacts and a switch arm moveable with its index member. The meter mechanism is responsive to utility consumption for moving the index members to positions indicative of the utility consumed, whereby each switch arm completes in normal operation a circuit with just one of its plurality of contacts dependent upon the position of its index member. A digital computer is programmed for performing first and second scans of each contact of each index member to obtain corresponding first and second sets of data indicative of a completed circuit through the switch arm and contacts of each index member. The completed circuit data obtained from each of the first and second scans are compared and if the circuit data of the first and second scans are different, an alarm manifestation is generated.

Abstract: Apparatus for calibrating a fluid flow meter includes a meter prover for detecting a known volume of fluid through the meter including a chamber of known volume, a piston to be moved rectilinearly within the chamber and a motor driving the piston, the chamber being coupled to the fluid flow meter under test to permit the flow of fluid between the fluid flow meter and the chamber. A rotary encoder coupled to the fluid flow meter provides a first indication in the form of a first series of pulses indicative of the fluid flow as measured by the meter. A high precision linear encoder coupled to the meter prover responsive to the movement of the piston provides a second indication in the form of a second series of pulses indicative of the fluid drawn by the meter prover through the fluid flow meter.

Abstract: Apparatus for calibrating a meter prover is disclosed including a chamber taking the form of a substantially perfect right circular cylinder, a piston adapted for rectilinear movement within said cylinder between a first position and a second position, means for moving the piston from its first position to its second position, and an encoder coupled to the piston for providing an output signal indicative of the movement of the piston and thus the volume of fluid displaced by that movement of the piston. The calibrating apparatus comprises an antenna electromagnetic energy to the antenna whereby electromagnetic waves are emanated into the chamber. A detector is coupled to the antenna to detect electromagnetic energy leaving the chamber and is in turn coupled to a resonant detector in the form of a cathode ray tube, whereby a minimum of the level of the electromagnetic energy may be determined.

Abstract: Apparatus for calibrating a flow meter under test is disclosed as including a chamber having an opening to be coupled by a conduit to the fluid meter under test, a piston to be driven by a motor in a first direction and in a second direction. A first valve is disposed within the conduit and inserted between the chamber opening and the fluid meter under test, while a second valve is associated by the conduit to the opening to permit exhaust of the fluid from the chamber. A control circuit including a microprocessor operates in a first mode to energize the motor to drive the piston in the first direction to draw fluid from the meter into the chamber while actuating the first valve to be opened and maintaining the second valve in its closed position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a computer system including a storage means such as a random access memory (RAM) for receiving data to be displayed upon a display means, e.g. a color cathode ray tube, a microprocessor for control of the computer system operations, and viewer input devices such as a control stick or keyboard, whereby the viewer may respond selectively to the data displayed upon the display means. A limited capacity storage unit, illustratively in the form of a tape cassette, stores data in the form of a program for permitting the viewer to store useful material in the form of a repository, such as a Christmas list; the program to be displayed by the display means can assume any of a limitless number of programs and may be adapted to an exceptionally wide range of uses for the home, office or school. The computer system permits the viewer to respond as through the input devices, to the material being displayed, whereby subsequent material may be effected.

Abstract: An improved watt-hour meter which permits time modulation of the power utilized wherein varying rates can be imposed upon the power user. The improved meter includes a substantially standard type watt-hour meter to which is added circuitry which alters the effective time during which the potential coil of the watt-hour meter is connected in circuit. Inasmuch as the power reading or indication by the meter is a function of the time during which the potential coil is connected in circuit, the effective power reading and, thus the rate structure can be selectively altered in this manner.

Abstract: A bias boost circuit for a television receiver is disclosed, comprising a timing circuit for providing an exponentially decreasing bias to a video amplifier of the television receiver for a period of time corresponding to the initial warmup of the TV receiver, i.e. until the various amplifier and display portions are ready to display a high brightness image. The timing circuit comprises an RC circuit coupled to a power source of the TV receiver, whereby upon turn-on of the TV receiver the source's voltage is applied to the timing circuit, i.e. to its capacitor, to provide a decreasing voltage bias to the base of a transistor, whereby the transistor is gradually turned off thus decreasing exponentially a bias boost signal that is applied to the video amplifier and in particular, to its first stage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gas flow measuring and calculating system including a transducer for measuring line or flow pressure of the gas flowing through a conduit, a transducer for measuring the line or flow temperature of the aforementioned gas, a turbometer for measuring the gas flow through the conduit, and calculation means in the form of a microprocessor for repetitively calculating with high accuracy the base gas flow in terms of standard cubic feet, wherein the supercompressibility factor is computed based upon values of measured gas temperature and pressure for specific entered values of specific gravity and of the gas compaction, and there are a plurality of computing steps for each calculation of the base gas flow.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for storing signals indicative of a customer's consumption of a utility as measured by a meter, such as adapted to measure the flow of water, gas or electricity, for example, and for storing a corresponding data word to permit subsequent readout from the system of utility consumed and of a data word identifying the customer consuming the service, whereby the utility company providing the service may appropriately and accurately prepare a bill for the customer.

Abstract: A television receiver is disclosed including a varactor-type tuner selectively coupled to a synthesizer. Illustratively, the synthesizer includes a keyboard for selecting the desired channel within the UHF or VHF band, a channel memory for receiving and storing the selected channel and a programmable divider which divides selectively the output of the tuner's local oscillator in accordance with the selected channel to generate and apply its output to a phase comparator. The output of a reference oscillator also is applied to the phase comparator, whereby the output of the programmable divider is mixed therewith to obtain a tuning voltage to be applied to the tuner, which is associated with an automatic fine-tuning circuit (AFT); the AFT is adapted to be detuned selectively to increase the amplitude of the picture carrier signal and therefore, enhance the quality of the displayed images for weak signals, such as received from distant stations.

Abstract: Remote control apparatus is disclosed for a television receiver, including controls for turning on and off the television receiver, selecting a channel and for adjusting the volume of the audio portion of the transmitted program. In particular, the television receiver has a housing including a front faceplate having an opening therein, wherein a remote adaptor is inserted to make electrical connection with the TV receiver, and in particular its tuner, whereby a remote transmitter may transmit, as by ultrasonic waves, signals indicative of the desired control function to be effected upon the television receiver. The operations for adapting the television receiver for remote control are carried out without tools and may be readily effected by the viewer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a simplified bias and gain adjust system for a color cathode ray tube wherein, by a minimum of adjustments, the bias for an in-line color cathode ray tube may be adjusted to achieve color balance between the CRT's three electron guns and to achieve a maximum voltage difference between the CRT's G.sub.2 electrode and the cathode element of the dominant electron gun of the color CRT. In particular, the system includes a chrominance matrix amplifier including an amplifying element in the form of a transistor for each of the color-difference signals provided by the chrominance demodulator(s) of the color television system; the color-difference signal is applied, illustratively, to the base of each such transistor, and a luminance signal Y is applied to the emitter of each such transistor element.

Abstract: There is disclosed an AFT summing circuit for a varactor-type tuning system and in particular for such a tuning system including a UHF tuner and a VHF tuner. A tuning voltage derived from a suitable source indicative of the desired channel or station to be tuned is applied to one input of the AFT summing circuit, while an error signal as derived from an AFT circuit is applied to the other input, to be summed together in a manner whereby the effect of the AFT signal may be adjusted without affecting the tuning voltage. The AFT circuit output is applied at a first level when the VHF tuner is operative, and at a second attenuated level when the UHF tuner is operative. In particular, the AFT summing circuit includes first and second impedance elements for applying the AFT circuit output to first and second input terminals of an operational amplifier, and a third impedance element for applying the tuning voltage to the second input terminal.