Abstract: A signal synchronization system is disclosed which samples an incoming stream containing binary information at a sampling rate which is an integral multiple of the bit information rate. This system correlates the sequences of the sampled bit pattern with a predetermined sequence to produce a measure of the dissimilarity between the sampled and the predetermined sequences. Synchronization of a local sampling clock with the incoming binary information is achieved by making phase adjustments to the local sampling clock which are functions of both the magnitude of dissimilarity and the time of measurement.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved cadmium negative electrode which is less prone to fading, can easily be manufactured by a pasting technique, and which does not require any external cycling to develop a precharge. This is accomplished by the use of irregular knarled cylindroidal cadmium particles of an average size ranging from 8 to 25 microns as measured by a Fisher Subsieve Sizer. The irregular knarled cylindroidal shape of the particles provides a substantial improvement pyrophoric characteristics while stilll providing electrochemical activity within a nickel-cadmium cell.

Abstract: A dual deadman timer circuit functions to reset a dual mode microprocessor in the event of loss of program control. The microprocessor has high and low power requirements corresponding to its two operating modes, and the deadman timer circuit also adjusts the output power level of an associated two-level power supply to ensure that sufficient power is available for the full operation of the microprocessor during reset. The deadman timer functions during both microprocessor modes and includes two level-sensitive input sections to ensure that the microprocessor is reset under an error condition.

Abstract: A radio pager decoder including a register which is incremented when a page is received and a visual indicator which displays a count of the number of received pages. Pages may also be selectively retrieved from memory.

Abstract: A frequency synthesized transceiver capable of tuning to a plurality of communication channels is disclosed. The transceiver includes a receiver section and a transmitter section which are coupled to the synthesizer which generates the appropriate injection signals to achieve tuning. The frequency synthesizer includes a multiposition switch which accesses various addressable memory locations in a programmable read-only memory where the appropriate divisors are stored to cause tuning of the synthesizer to the appropriate communication channel. A zone selector switch enables grouping and easy retrievability of channels. The divisors are supplied to a single synchronous binary swallow counter which works in conjunction with a dual modulus prescaler to monitor the frequency output of the voltage controlled oscillator. A programmable divider coupled to a reference oscillator source is compared with the output of the synchronous counter in a digital and analog phase detector.

Abstract: A frequency synthesized transceiver capable of tuning to a plurality of communication channels is disclosed. The transceiver includes a receiver section and a transmitter section which are coupled to the synthesizer which generates the appropriate injection signals to achieve tuning. The frequency synthesizer includes a multiposition switch which accesses various addressable memory locations in a programmable read-only memory where the appropriate divisors are stored to cause tuning of the synthesizer to the appropriate communication channel. A zone selector switch enables grouping and easy retrievability of channels. The synthesizer includes a priority channel monitoring system utilizing a channel element for rapid sampling. The divisors are supplied to a single synchronous binary swallow counter which works in conjunction with a dual modulus prescaler to monitor the frequency output of the voltage controlled oscillator.

Abstract: An in situ self-diagnostic automotive alternator battery charging system is disclosed. Included are: a battery; voltage regulator sensing battery voltage and generating an excitation signal; and an alternator driven by a vehicle engine provide a rectified electrical signal to charge the battery in response to the excitation signal. Electronic circuit status detectors, variously coupled to the battery, voltage regulator and alternator, maintain a first logic state when a corresponding signal characteristic is within a predetermined range and a second logic state when the corresponding characteristic is outside the predetermined range. Combinatorial logic means respond to a logic state sequence from the detectors to identify predetermined sequences of the logic states resulting in the identification of faults in the charging system.

Abstract: One specially designed fixture allows two components such as a microprocessor and its associated ROM to be simultaneously mounted on opposite surfaces of the substrate, with all or nearly all internal connections made through the area of the substrate between the components. A second fixture allows for wave soldering lead frames to the assembly while protecting the reflow soldered components. The method thus provides the most direct connections between the two components with all internal connections and external connections made by two automatic operations. A third component can be positioned astraddle the mounted assembly for minimum lead lengths.

Abstract: A universal crystal holder is provided which is capable of supporting piezoelectric crystals having virtually any size and shape. The crystal holder includes two support structures, each having a downwardly sloping surface for accepting a side of the crystal to be supported. Since crystals placed in the universal crystal holder of the invention are self-aligned, the placement of a crystal in the holder is easily automated.

Abstract: A DC/DC converter operates at peak efficiency in either of two output current level states in response to the power demands of an associated electronic device, thereby reducing wasted current to a minimum. The converter is designed to operate from a one-cell battery, and is particularly suited to an integrated circuit implementation.

Abstract: A detector monitoring the function of the stator and rectifying diodes in a multiphase alternator battery charging system is disclosed. A circuit combines individual phase signals from the alternator to form an artificial neutral at which a normally symmetric wave signal is present. A first comparison means detects deviations in the normally symmetric wave signal greater in value than a first threshold voltage level. A second comparison means detects deviations in the normally symmetric wave signal lesser than a second threshold voltage level. Means coupled to the first and second comparators produce an output signal whenever the normally symmetric wave signal deviates above the first threshold voltage level or below the second threshold voltage level. The detection of assymmetry in the normally symmetric wave signal indicates a fault in the stator or rectifying diodes of the alternator.

Abstract: An improved system for indicating a tuned broadcast band frequency in which a rotatable turret projects a beam of illumination along a predetermined path towards a dial scale with marking indicia indicating a selected band frequency. A carriage operative to move in a linear path tunes a predetermined band frequency as selected by an operator. The carriage engages a pivotable line on said turret so as to rotate the turret on its axis to project the light beam on the dial scale at a band frequency corresponding to the position of the carriage.

Abstract: A detector monitoring the voltage ripple in the rectified electrical output signal of an alternator in a multiphase alternator battery charging system is disclosed. A circuit monitors the undulating alternator output signal and produces a signal level in response. To correct the detector operation for various magnetic phenomena present in the alternator, a first circuit measures the rotational speed of the rotor and produces a proportional signal. A second circuit determines the excitation current supplied to the field coil. The measurement and determination are separately weighted and combined to form a corrected comparison threshold value. A variable threshold circuit combines the signal proportional to the rotational speed of the rotor and the determined field coil excitation current to produce a combined signal level.

Abstract: A detector monitoring the operational status of the field coil circuit in a multiphase alternator and voltage regulator battery charging system is disclosed. Circuit means monitor a first signal at a first terminal of the field coil circuit. Means generate sampling intervals on a repetitive basis. Circuit means interrupt the excitation signal supplied to the field coil by the voltage regulator during the sampling intervals. A second signal is measured during sampling intervals at a second terminal of the field coil circuit. Comparator means compare the first and second signals and produce an output signal when the comparison varies from a predetermined value.

Abstract: A chassis assembly captivation arrangement for an electronic apparatus is disclosed. Circuit boards are attached to a chassis bracket formed from a strip and having three linear segments preferably comprising a U-shape. The chassis bracket includes vertical support tabs and outwardlyextending flanges. The flanges slideably interconnect with entrapment members in a lower housing portion and the support tabs contact both lower and upper housing portions when they are joined to enclose the chassis assembly. With this arrangement the chassis and circuit boards are captivated transversely and vertically within the joined housing portions.

Abstract: A dual rate bi-directional switching system is utilized to control a radio receiver function. An actuator rotates and translates in order to sequentially actuate selected electrical switches which are coupled to a logic circuit by means of two conductors. The logic circuit establishes logic signals to control both the direction and rate of change of the function in response to the position of the actuator.

Abstract: Electronic signal processing circuitry particularly useful in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A pulse generator includes a crank-shaft position sensor supplying periodic position pulses to a bi-stable flip-flop circuit controlling a dual slope integration circuit. The integration circuit establishes a dual ramp time varying voltage signal at one input to a comparator for comparison with a reference voltage source which is established at the second input. At equality, an output pulse is initiated at the output of the comparator and this pulse is also used to change the logic state of the flip-flop. A hysteresis circuit responds to the initiation of the output pulse by modifying by a predetermined amount, the reference voltage level at the comparator. The duration of the output pulse is thereby made selectable and independent of variations in the period of the sensor pulses.

Abstract: A pulse transformer produces sufficient energy at its secondary winding to initiate arcing of a spark gap in response to the interruption of current flow to its primary winding. Upon initial arcing of the spark gap, a charged capacitor is coupled across the gap thereby extending arcing duration beyond that produced by the coil. The total spark energy is determined by the value of the capacitor and the voltage to which it is charged.The invention is adaptable to provide spark energy to each cyclinder of a multicylinder engine without the need for a distributor.