Abstract: An electronic multiplying circuit, primarily intended for use in an electronic watthour meter, comprises a variable-transconductance multiplier of the type comprising two emitter-coupled pairs of transistors, the collectors of one pair being cross-coupled with the collectors of the other pair. In order to permit the effective polarity of one of the input signals to the multiplier to be reversed from time to time for drift correction purposes, this input signal is applied to a semiconductor switching circuit, which applies it alternately to the respective bases of a further emitter-coupled pair of transistors. The collectors of the transistors of this further pair are connected in series with the coupled emitters of respective ones of the emitter-coupled pairs in the variable-transconductance multiplier.

Abstract: A radiosonde comprising a transmitter, a modulating oscillator, a control circuit for the oscillator and sensing elements to be switched into and out of said control circuit, characterized in that a solid state switching circuit is utilized for switching the sensing elements into and out of said control circuit to produce atmospheric information signals and with the sensing elements out of the control circuit there is produced a reference signal which reflects essentially the same impedance from the solid state switching circuit as is reflected in the atmospheric information signals thereby providing for evaluation of the information signals.

Abstract: A gas analyser of the infra-red radiation absorption type, particularly for measuring the amounts of CO.sub.2 and CO in vehicle exhaust gases, comprises a pair of infra-red radiation sources arranged to direct their radiation along a measurement path and a reference path respectively, the radiation entering each path being periodically interrupted by a rotating commutator. Two measurement chambers for receiving the gas to be analysed and respective detection chambers for CO.sub.2 and CO are alternately disposed along the measurement path, while two reference chambers and two more such detection chambers are alternately disposed along the reference path, corresponding detection chambers being connected to respective differential pressure sensors of the variable capacitance type. The analyser includes a calibration cell containing predetermined concentrations of CO.sub.2 and CO. The cell is selectively interposable in the measurement path, and is connected to a flexible-wall chamber.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for determining dielectric constant and/or conductivity of earth formations surrounding a borehole. Electromagnetic energy is generated at a first location in the borehole. The relative attenuation of the electromagnetic energy is detected at a second location in the borehole. The detection is preferably performed using a first or "close" differential receiver arrangement. The relative phase of the electromagnetic energy is detected at a third location in the borehole, the third location being spaced farther from the first location than is the second location; in other words, the second location is between the first and third locations. The relative phase shift of the electromagnetic energy is measured by a second or "far" differential receiver arrangement located at the third location in the borehole.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprises two similar resonantly vibratable cylinders, one disposed coaxially inside the other and each having its own resonant vibration excitation system. A pressure P1 is applied to the inside of the inner cylinder and to the outside of the outer cylinder, while a pressure P2 is applied between the cylinders, whereby the difference in the respective vibration frequencies of the cylinders is dependent on the pressure difference P1-P2. Either P1 or P2 can be a reference pressure, e.g., a vacuum for an absolute pressure version of the transducer. Alternatively, either P1 or P2 can be atmospheric pressure, so that the transducer operates as a gauge pressure transducer.

Abstract: An interface circuit for use in a data transmission system has a first port for connection to a 16 wire data highway of the type proposed by the I.E.C. (International Electrochemical Commission) for the interconnection of instruments, and a second port capable of being connected to an eight-wire or two-wire data link. The interface circuit includes an encoding circuit operative to encode at least some commands applied to the first port, and an enabling circuit for selectively enabling data applied to the data terminals of the first port and the encoded commands to pass to the second port.

Abstract: A track and hold system for use with a test instrument such as a multimeter includes an input circuit, a buffer amplifier, a storage device such as a capacitor, an output amplifier, an output circuit, a detector for detecting a pulse on a signal passing from the input to the output, and a switch responsive to the detector for isolating the storage device from the input circuit but not the output circuit for a predetermined period. The system also includes a timer responsive to the detector to provide an isolation command to the switch for the predetermined period. Further, the system includes a delay circuit, responsive to the detector, for interposing a delay of variable duration prior to activating the timer.

Abstract: A control meter is disclosed having a structural arrangement readily adaptable for usage as either a potentiometric or photoelectric type of instrument. Commonality of parts for the two types is maximized and only a few additions are required to operably complete the structure of either type.

Abstract: A position indicator is disclosed which includes the combination of a linear voltage differential transformer (LVDT) and accuracy assurance circuitry. The LVDT includes a movable core connected to a mechanism whose position is to be indicated. The accuracy assurance circuitry permits the disclosed indicator to operate substantially independent of fluctuations in input voltage or frequency. This substantial independence is achieved in the following manner. First, the voltage across the LVDT is rectified by a first precision rectifier. Simultaneously, the LVDT tap voltage is rectified by a second precision rectifier. Each precision rectifier output is filtered and then applied to an analog divider which "cancels out" the effects of input voltage or frequency fluctuation. The divider output is an analog signal which is a true ratio of tap voltage to voltage across the LVDT. This true ratio signal accurately represents the position of the mechanism connected to the movable core.

Abstract: A compact meter with a unitary bridge including magnet support legs to which a magnet is clamped by a magnetically permeable plate and a U-shaped magnet support. Locating surfaces on the bridge cooperate with locating surfaces on the magnet, on the plate, and on the magnet support to locate these elements with respect to the bridge and the rotor. The magnetically permeable plate extends through the coil, and the region below the magnet is substantially unobstructed so that magnets of different thicknesses can be substituted, while using the same bridge, rotor and coil assembly, and plate. In a preferred embodiment the magnetically permeable plate has offset ends which permit inverting the plate to accommodate magnets of two different thicknesses while alowing the use of the same magnet support. The rotor is of composite, solder-free and cement free construction, and includes a unique clamp together arrangement for securing the several parts of the rotor together in proper positional relationship.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling an odometer and speedometer system of a vehicle, adjustable for vehicle parameter variations, such as tire size and axle ratio, including a transducer for generating a plurality of initial pulses in response to vehicle movement which pulses control both the vehicle odometer and speedometer. The initial pulses are multiplied by a multiplying factor to produce a train of pulses for each initial pulse. The multiplying factor is in binary form and is selected either according to the position of an array of switches or according to a number retained in a programmable downcounter. The train of pulses is divided by a fixed number to create a driving signal for the odometer and is converted by a frequency converter to drive the speedometer.

Abstract: An on-screen television display including means internally of the receiver for generating characters to indicate the channel number, time of day or other data. The system includes circuit means responsive to the horizontal and vertical sync signals of a television receiver for positioning and timing of the display. BCD data is coupled to a character generator, and the output of the character generator is then multiplexed with positioning and timing signals. The multiplexed output is coupled to a video interface which supplies the video signal to the cathode ray tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing, cleaning, and rejuvenating three gun, color television, cathode ray picture tubes is disclosed. The apparatus shown permits the cleaning and rejuvenating procedures to be performed separately and on selected, individual ones of the cathode ray tube guns so that these procedures need be carried out only on those guns actually requiring them. The apparatus includes a great deal of flexibility and, in particular, its full capabilities may be used even with cathode ray tubes having the control grids of the separate guns connected together in parallel.

Abstract: The disclosed linearization system and process converts a high resolution non-linear analog input signal, representative of the thickness of an object, into a high resolution linear analog output signal suitable for use in driving a variety of output devices. The system requires only a small amount of memory for storing pre-calculated non-linear correction coefficients. Prior art linearization systems typically require large memory configurations and/or powerful computers to develop the output signal from the non-linear input. The known systems do not take advantage of the high resolution inherent in the input signal. The disclosed system "channels" the input signal to separate circuit paths so that it may be used directly to; (1) locate an appropriate correction coefficient; (2) develop a correction term after an appropriate correction coefficient is located; and (3) develop a linearized signal having the same high resolution inherent in the input signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fully digital spectrum analyzer which includes a digital frequency translator that makes it possible to effectively analyze frequency bands that do not start at zero frequency. With the translator, the available spectral lines can be within the band of interest and not wasted in the range from zero frequency to the start of the band, and as a result the band is examined at optimal resolution. The translation takes place after the signal to be analyzed has been digitized, and the translator time-shares much of the conventional circuitry of the spectrum analyzer, to thereby minimize the cost of translation. Additionally, the spectrum analyzer includes an analog network that reduces the frequency of very fast signals so they can be analyzed by a spectrum analyzer having a relatively low upper frequency limit.

Abstract: A time delay switch is disclosed for permitting a load to be powered over a preselected period of time. The switch automatically cuts off power to the load when the period expires. The disclosed switch draws no power in its "Power Cut-Off" state thereby conserving the life of the power source. In addition to being power conservative the disclosed switch features rapid power turn on, emergency power cut off and is capable of being operative in its "Power On" state over relatively long periods of time.

Abstract: The analogue storage circuit comprises a nonlinear amplifier for amplifying an input voltage. The amplifier includes means for generating a sequence of predetermined voltages, each predetermined voltage being higher than the preceding one in the sequence. A plurality of voltage level responsive circuits are each connected to receive the input signal and a respective one of said predetermined voltages and are each arranged to change from a first state to a second state as the input voltage passes through a level of equality with the respective predetermined voltage in a given direction. An output circuit is provided, as well as a plurality of voltage follower circuits each having a first input connected to receive a respective one of the predetermined voltages and an output connected to the input of the output circuit.

Abstract: A fully digital spectrum analyzer accepting as an input either an analog signal or a series of digital numbers and using time compression and DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform) techniques to provide the spectral component values of the input signal. Novel techniques and means are used in obtaining the power values for selected spectral lines and in averaging these power values. Statistically controlled noise is added to the input of the spectrum analyzer to enhance its resolution beyond the resolution which would be otherwise available. Advanced and efficient techniques are used for generating and applying trigonometric functions in the course of finding the real and imaginary part of Fourier transforms, and for providing running averages of the power spectra.

Abstract: An electric meter particularly characterized by a small number of moving parts and simplified assembly. A coil assembly initially including integral support elements which permit connection of pivot bearings or taut bands is adapted to be accurately positioned for rotation on the supporting base by inserting the assembly into the base. Cooperating locating surfaces on the base and coil assembly provide for accurate positioning of the support elements so the axis of rotation of the coil is in a predetermined position relative to a magnetic circuit of the meter. After insertion of the coil assembly, the bridging elements are severed. A coil support form of unique construction includes motion limiting elements which cooperate with surfaces of the magnetic circuit to limit the permissible extent of movement of the coil, in the event of shock or impact, to positions well within the elastic limit of the supports which mount the coil for rotation.