Abstract: A digital phase correlator compares the relative phase of two or more high-frequency clocks and corrects for any detected phase difference. The phase detector includes a pair of flip-flops whose output is an indication of which of the two clock pulses is leading the other. The output of the flip-flop controls, through a circuit including a rotating shift register and a multitap delay line, the delay introduced to one of the clocks in a manner such that the phase difference between the clocks is reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: Automated fluid dispensing apparatus operative under stored program control includes an attended console for controlling an array of dispensing pumps or the like, e.g., a pump island in a self service filling station. An array of data input fields, display and status signalling fields and control keys are disposed on the console. Input signalling from the console may illustratively comprise data from price-per-gallon and transaction limit registers, pump enabling keys, and display controls. Console presentations are for such as pump identity and status, and dispensed fuel value or volume. A microprocessor is connected to the console equipment, and to individual pump controllers, sensors and the like. Fluid flow at each pump is thus readily monitored and controlled by an attendant at the console via the microprocessor.

Abstract: A tape tensioning device for tape recorder drive systems having first and second reels. A mechanical differential is disposed between the reels to permit counter rotation of the reels. A variable torque electrical motor is coupled to the differential for rotating same. An electrical sensor determines the tension in the tape and outputs a signal to servo-control circuitry. The servo-control circuitry varies the current to the differential drive motor, thus varying the torque applied to the differential drive means to maintain constant tension on the tape. The appropriate tape tension my be preset and adjusted to the appropriate value.

Abstract: In the decoding of a data stream encoded in a Miller type code the number of intermediate duration transition intervals are counted between successive transition intervals of long duration. Whenever an odd number of intermediate duration transition intervals are detected between successive transition intervals of long duration, an error signal is produced. The error signal is developed by two gates utilizing signals otherwise present in the decoding apparatus.

Abstract: A capstan driven web system having a take-up reel and a supply reel, the tape being drawn from the supply reel by a tape driven capstan arrangement. The drawn tape is collected on the take-up reel which is mechanically coupled to the supply reel by a mechanism having variable transfer ratio. In one embodiment, the variable ratio transport system is formed of a belt drive system having variable diameter pulleys coupled to each of the tape reels. The transfer ratio of the variable diameter pulley system is controlled by a servo mechanism which selects an appropriate transfer ratio in response to the position of a servo arm which senses the tension of the tape.

Abstract: Binary information developed on a rotating member is applied in the form of light signals to one end of an optical fiber which is disposed about the rotating member and positioned adjacent a stationary light detector. The surface of the optical fiber is roughened so that a portion of the light that axially propagates along the optical fiber is transmitted through the roughened wall of the fiber and is received at the light detector. The latter converts the thus received light signals into corresponding binary signals. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, plural independent data coupling channels may be employed.

Abstract: A mechanism by which more than one torsion spring can be serially coupled to a member to impart a torque thereto equivalent to that from a single spring having the same number of turns as the total turns of the coupled springs. The springs to be coupled are connected at one end to respective storage shafts which are mounted to a free floating coupling arm. The coupling arm rotates about a shaft coaxial with the member to which the other ends of the springs are attached. In a capstan driven web system having a take-up reel and a supply reel, two sets of serially coupled negator springs are utilized to maintain proper web tension during driving of the web system.

Abstract: A real-time error detection system for bi-phase or similarly encoded digital data is disclosed. Bi-phase or similarly encoded data, which utilizes two transitions in a bit cell for either a binary "1" or a binary "0" value, and one transition in a bit cell for the other binary value inherently generates an even number of transitions of the binary value represented by the two transitions between the occurrence of the other binary value represented by one transition. Monitoring for the number of transitions of the binary value represented by two transitions provides an indication of the occurrence of an odd number of transitions. This represents an error condition. The system utilizes a logic circuit responsive to the binary "1" and binary "0" data clock retrieved from the self-clocking bi-phase encoded data. When an error condition is detected, an error indicating signal is generated.