Abstract: A card reader having a limited capacity for use with digitally encoded cards is used in conjunction with a system requiring a greater amount of information than is encoded on a single card. A multiple stage buffer storage memory is placed between the card reader and the utilization system. The memory has specific memory locations corresponding to locator data which is uniquely encoded on each of the different cards of a set of cards employed to supply the necessary information to the utilization system. A data locator is connected between the card reader and the buffer storage means and is responsive to locator data read from the cards by the reader to direct the information data on the cards to the proper location in the buffer storage memory. The cards may be inserted into the reader in any order; and when all of the areas of the buffer storage memory have the necessary data encoded in them, the information is transferred from the buffer storage memory to the utilization system.

Abstract: A power failure detection and restart system for use with a microprocessor (microcomputer) control system includes first and second cascaded voltage comparators, the first of which responds to a drop in the supply voltage supplied to the microprocessor to produce an output pulse causing a software freeze of the microprocessor. The microprocessor operates in response to the software freeze pulse to transfer the contents of certain registers thereof to a battery protected memory for temporary storage therein. A positive feed-back circuit is used on the first voltage comparator to insure its rapid and complete change of state; and this change of state signal is applied through a time delay circuit to the second voltage comparator, which produces an output signal a predetermined time after the software freeze pulse is obtained from the first voltage comparator to reset the microprocessor to an initial circuit condition.

Abstract: A radio communication system includes a polling central station and a number of remote stations. Each remote station is identified by a unique address transmitted from the central station preceding a message intended for such remote station. Each of the remote stations also may be programmed to respond to the address of a "partner" station in addition to responding to its own address. The "partner" station address is employed whenever one of the remote stations is located such that a transmission link problem exists between such station and the central station polling station. When this condition exists, the station which has difficulty communicating directly with the central station is provided with a new address and no longer is responsive to the address of messages transmitted to it from the central station.

Abstract: A system used to provide a verification check of a credit card or credit document includes a large capacity read/write memory having a single binary data bit stored at each address location. The credit card has unique identifying information encoded on it for addressing a specific location in the memory. A readout is provided in response to the insertion of the credit card to indicate whether the card is a valid one or not. To program the memory initially, a provision is made for individually addressing each of the different memory locations and to establish a "valid" or "non-valid" binary data bit storage at each location corresponding to a different credit card. In addition, manually operable addressing switches are provided to change the specific bit stored at any given address subsequent to the initial storage of data in the memory.

Abstract: An automatic fuel-dispensing system for dispensing fuel at unattended fueling sites includes a number of fuel pumps capable of dispensing different types of fuel. A common control console is used to control the operation of the fuel pumps and to record the data relative to the customer identification, site location and quantity of fuel used. The control console includes a card reader, and a customer inserts a card which uniquely identifies him into the reader, enters an odometer reading, and selects a pushbutton for the fuel pump from which he desires to obtain fuel. If a validity check of the card against preset validity check data fails, a red invalid panel indicator illuminates on the control console; and no product can be withdrawn from the selected dispenser. If the inserted card passes the validity checks, the odometer reading and customer identification data is stored in a RAM memory uniquely associated with the selected dispenser.

Abstract: An MOS RAM read/write memory system has thirty-two 1 .times. 512 bit RAM memory chips arranged in a matrix. The system pretests all data bit locations for each address prior to the entry of any data into that address, and automatically skips an address having a faulty data bit location in it. In addition, the system functions, upon reading out of data information from the memory chips, to uniquely identify any faulty MOS RAM memory chip; so that it may be removed and replaced if desired.

Abstract: A digital card reader is connected to supply input data to a random access memory corresponding to pre-coded information on cards inserted into the reader. The insertion of a card into the reader causes a binary counter to advance one binary count to address the next location in the memory for storing the data on the card. The outputs of the binary counter, which have encoded thereon the binary addresses, are further coupled to a digital-to-analog converter having an output lead on which an analog representation of the selected address appears. This output lead of the digital-to-analog converter is used to operate an analog meter, such as an ammeter, having a scale calibrated to indicate the degree of fullness of the memory as determined by the binary encoded address information.

Abstract: A mobile offshore platform in which a support structure receives interchangeable barges thereon for carrying out the different functions required in producing an offshore hydrocarbon reservoir. The mobile offshore platform includes a plurality of support legs extending into the water down to the ocean floor. Jacking mechanisms engage each support leg to raise and lower a negatively buoyant, open network platform structure relative to the surface of the water. A barge having a process plant installed on board is docked in position on the platform structure. A heave absorber disposed above the surface level of the platform structure engages the bottom of the barge to dampen vertical motion thereof. The platform structure and the barge are raised above the water to the required height, whereupon the platform structure is secured to the legs and the jacks may be removed for use on another platform.

Abstract: A transducer for measuring gravital fluid flow includes a composite weir member having a downstream Palmer-Bowlus flume section and an upstream uniform channel section. A flexible sealed envelope partially filled with dielectric fluid is disposed in the bottom of the uniform channel, and is in open flow communication with a sealed vertical column secured to the channel wall. A pair of capacitive probe electrodes are disposed within the column and the envelope. Fluid pressure of the liquid flowing in the weir forces the dielectric fluid up into the column, thereby altering the capacitive coupling of the electrodes in a manner which is a direct function of the amount of fluid flow in the weir.