Abstract: Apparatus for controlling access to at least first and second compartments defined inside an enclosure of a dispenser for goods and/or services, in such a manner as to prevent access to the second compartment while allowing access to the first compartment. An identifying object of the access-seeking person is recognized, the object being inserted from outside the dispenser. The resulting signal is communicated in an encrypted manner with a central unit which, in turn, communicates in an encrypted manner with an actuator, so as to control the actuator. The actuator is disposed inside the second compartment and is adapted to allow opening/closing of a lock associated with the second compartment. The central unit generates an encrypted message with the aid of an own key specific to the central unit.

Abstract: A Coriolis-type fluid flow rate measuring system splits a fluid flow that is to be measured into two equal half flows and passes the same respectively through two physically similar conduits which are oscillated about respective parallel oscillation axes. Analog sinusoidal signals corresponding to relative velocity of motion between the two conduits are obtained at two locations, the analog signals a digitized, and a conventional microprocessor is used to apply a least-squares sine fit to the digitized data to determine to a very high degree of accuracy a phase shift between the signals. An empirical proportionality factor is determined for the system to relate phase shift to fluid flow rate and is used to determine the fluid flow rate. The least-squares sine fit provides an accurate, economically computed fluid flow rate, and the apparatus is highly insensitive to temperature induced effects, harmonic distortions, and the combined effects of noise and harmonic distortion.

Abstract: A device for verifying the conformity of objects, in the nature of coins inserted as payment in a dispenser of products or services through an opening, and for directing the objects toward means for processing the same. The device is of the type comprising a positioning member with a receptacle adapted to receive the object, wherein the member is movable between a first position in which the receptacle communicates with the opening, access to the processing means then being blocked, and a second position in which the receptacle communicates with the processing means, the opening then being blocked.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for indication and prevention of tampering with an electricity meter having control circuitry for automatic remote reading. The control circuitry, provided externally of the meter in a base or base extension, to which the meter is connected, is also used for tamper detection. Embodiments of the invention include use of optical sensing, voltage detection and proximity detection. Ambient light sensing may be performed to detect separation of the meter from the external receptacle. Reflected light to a reflective surface of the meter is sensed to determine if the meter is properly engaged. Presence of a meter connection plug element may be sensed either optically or by position responsive switch. Voltage of the utility supply and meter user output may be monitored to determine tampering.

Abstract: A secondary communications device, such as a modem, a facsimile machine, an automatic meter reader or an answering machine, shares a telephone line with a subscriber's telephone and must grant the telephone primary access to the line. The present invention prevents the secondary device from seizing the line when the telephone is already off-hook and will terminate a line seizure by the secondary device if the subscriber picks up the telephone handset during use of the line by the secondary device. An average interval for charging a capacitor to a threshold voltage in response to an on-hook voltage appearing across the telephone line is determined. When the secondary communications device is ready to use the line, circuitry measures an interval for charging the capacitor in response to the current voltage appearing across the telephone line. The secondary communication device seizes the line only if the measured interval does not exceed the average interval by more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A remote meter reading receptacle for pit lid mounting includes an annular, cup-shaped housing containing a ferrite coil and electronic circuit board. This housing is mounted within an outer shroud which has an annual flange formed about its periphery. The shroud includes a pair of openings, the first for receiving a threaded fastener, such a bolt, and the other for receiving an electrical cable connected to the circuit board of the housing. The shroud is dimensioned to fit securely within an opening formed in the lid of a pit-type meter box, such as used for outdoor setting of water meters. A complementary cup-shaped washer includes a pair of openings for cooperating with the threaded fastener and for receiving the electrical cable. The washer is disposed on the underside of the pit lid and receives the threaded fastener to fasten the housing and shroud assembly securely to the upper surface of the pit lid. The washer is reversible to accommodate a wide range of pit-lid thicknesses.

Abstract: A current transformer comprising a primary conductor means 20, secondary conductor means in the form of a first and second coil 21, 22 connected to ensure common-mode rejection of emf induced by external disturbing magnetic fields, and magnetic coupling means defined by first and second magnetic plates 23, 24 and first and second ferrite elements 25, 26 arranged within the first and second coils 21, 22, the elements 25, 26 contacting and physically separating the first and second plates 23, 24, thereby defining a closed magnetic circuit with the plates.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator and a flowmeter comprising means (10, 14, 16) for forming a two-dimensional fluid jet and an obstacle (22) having a main cavity (26) swept by the oscillating jet, and secondary cavities (34, 36) on either side of the main cavity (26) enabling the radial extension of main vortices accompanying the oscillation of the jet to be made dependent on flow conditions. Applicable to the measurement of the velocity or flow rate of flowing fluid.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator flowmeter in which a two-dimensional fluid jet oscillating transfersely relative to a plane of symmetry, P, sweeps over the bottom of a cavity, and in which the flow rate is determined by electronic means from a signal, S, corresponding to a differential pressure resulting from the difference between a pressure tapped off at a point, P.sub.3, located on the axis of intersection between the plane of symmetry, S, and the bottom of the cavity and a pressure resulting from tapping off the pressure at two points, P.sub.1 and P.sub.2, which are located symmetrically on respective sides of the plane of symmetry, S.

Abstract: A method for quickly and accurately positioning the rotary magnetic heads of a recorder/reader unit. The support for the magnetic heads includes a turntable and a countertable that are circular and that have a common axis of rotation, each including a peripheral support zone and a central support zone. The magnetic heads are situated around the periphery of the turntable. A screw enables the peripheral support zones to be brought into contact with each other and then the central support surfaces to be brought into contact with each other. The invention is applicable to recording and/or reading information on a magnetic tape.

Abstract: A density sensor comprises a cavity arranged to receive the gas whose density is to be sensed. The cavity is divided into two chambers by a flexibly mounted diaphragm. A piezoelectric excitation device at one end of the cavity is used to excite the gas in the cavity into resonant vibration in a mode having an anti-node at the diaphragm, which causes the diaphragm to vibrate with the gas. Another piezoelectric device senses the vibration, whose frequency is a function of the known mass of the diaphragm and the density and speed of sound in the gas. This last parameter can be sensed by exciting the gas in the cavity into resonant vibration in a second mode having a node at the diaphragm, so that the diaphragm does not take part in the vibration. Alternatively, it can be sensed by providing a second cavity, also arranged to receive the gas but not having a diaphragm, and resonantly vibrating the gas in the second cavity.

Abstract: This method which enables two periodic signals having the same waveform and the same theoretical period to be synchronized is of the type in which the second signal is synthesized iteratively at a phase that is adjusted as a function of a measure of the correlation between the first and second signals. Synchronization is obtained by progressively shifting the phase of the second signal until a correlation maximum is detected, after which said signal is locked onto the correlation peak by phase skips on either side thereof.

Abstract: A device which removes condensation formed on the inside surface of the window of a flowmeter. The device comprises a circular skid guided for translational movement by a slideway and provided with a gutter laid against the inside surface of the window so as to remove the condensation by capillary action. The skid is moved by rotating a link driven by a manual control knob. Used for reading water meters of the dry or extra dry type.

Abstract: To avoid disturbing measurement dephasings due to reflections from walls, the fluid velocity-measurement device comprises a pair of input-output transducers (18 and 20) located inside measurement chamber (16) which has the form of a revolution ellipsoid, each of transducers (18 and 20) being mounted at one of the focal points (F1 and F2) of the ellipsoid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for transmitting messages between a control terminal and controlled terminals for use especially in home automation installations. The controlled terminals are installed on a transmission network connected to the control terminal. The messages all have the same structure and include an originator field and a destination field. To install a new terminal a data item specific thereto is entered in the terminal. The new terminal installed transmits an installation request message including the specific data item to the terminal. In response the control terminal transmits an installation message which includes all the data needed for the installed terminal to converse with the control terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making electronic modules for electronic memory cards and to electronic modules thus obtained. Starting with a metal strip, in which patterns have been cut out and to which semiconductor chips have been attached, this assembly is placed in the cavity of a transfer mold. The cavity has two portions located on the two sides of the strip in order to ensure a good mechanical bond between the conductive parts of the pattern before it is cut from the remainder of the strip.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator and a flow meter including such a fluidic oscillator comprising a fluid inlet suitable for forming a two-dimensional jet: an obstacle possessing a front portion in the form of a chamber facing the inlet on the path of the jet, said chamber including two walls that are symmetrical about a longitudinal plane of symmetry passing through said inlet, the walls meeting said plane; and means for increasing the pressure on each of the lateral flanks of the obstacle in the vicinity of the front portion in alternation and in a relationship with the oscillation of the jet between the walls of the chamber.

Abstract: A magnetic head for a digital signal comprises a double winding system in which each winding has one-half wound around a first branch of a U-shaped core and has its other half wound around a second branch so that when an appropriate electrical current is carried by the winding, a magnetic field is created such that the components thereof that are not channelled by the core cancel out giving rise to a zero resultant, while those channelled by the core add together.

Abstract: A transponder includes a receiver for receiving a radio interrogation signal. The transponder also includes a phase locked loop decoder for deriving a reference signal from the received interrogation signal, and a radio transmitter for transmitting a transponder reply signal. The phase locked loop has an output which feeds the AC reference signal to the transmitter. The transmitter includes a frequency doubler which generates a transmitter radio frequency at double the frequency of the reference signal. The transmitter radio frequency is therefore controlled by the radio frequency of the interrogation signal. The phase locked loop includes a divide-by-N counter, where N is a predetermined integer parameter. The parameter N determines the derivation of the reference signal frequency from the interrogation signal frequency.