Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing enhanced security to the non-volatile memory of an electronic postage meter during power up and power down of the meter is disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for detecting a regulated voltage level of the meter, means for detecting an unregulated voltage level of the meter, means for detecting a predetermined frequency from a system clock associated with the meter and a reset delay circuit responsive to the detected unregulated voltage, detected regulated voltage and the predetermined clock frequency for allowing access to the non-volatile memories if the unregulated voltage level, the regulated level and the clock frequency have reached their appropriate levels and preventing access to the memories otherwise. Through the use of this circuitry the critical accounting information within the memories is protected during the powering up and powering down of the postage meter.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for modifying a firmware variable in an electronic postage meter, comprising the steps of storing a program for operation of the electronic postage meter, a resident memory containing firmware variables, a communication means in the stored program which allows external data to be entered in the program to change the firmware variable in accordance with the external data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method control the pressure in a system by continuously measuring the pressure and comparing it to a desired set pressure. The apparatus and method record a history of the measured pressure as a function of time and calculate the rates at which the pressure changes. The rates at which the pressure changes are recorded and the rate at which the rates change is also calculated to determine the rate at which the apparatus and method can vary the rate of change of pressure. The apparatus and method calculate the amount of time required to reach the desired set pressure and compare it to the amount of time required for the rate of change of the pressure to become zero and adjust the flow of a gas in the system so that the desired set pressure is achieved at substantially the same time as the rate of pressure change becomes zero.

Abstract: A system (128) wherein information relating to the performance and availability of equipment is utilized for purposes of appraising the future behavior of the equipment. One purpose, for instance, to which such an appraisal can be put is that of reaching decisions concerning the repair/replacement/refurbishment of the equipment. The subject system (128) includes performance means (130), availability means (132), degradation means (134) and updating means (136), all suitably connected in operative relation one with another. The preformance means (130) is operative as a source of data pertaining to the performance of the equipment. The availability means (132), on the other hand, is operative as a source of data pertaining to the availability of the equipment. Continuing, the degradation means (134) is cross-linked to both the performance means (130) and the availability means (132), and is operative as a source of data pertaining to the degradation of the equipment.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the mechanical properties of steel, empirical equations showing the relationship between each of the tensile strength, yield point and elongation of steel and its hardness, grain size and chemical composition are determined in advance based on experimental results. Then, the hardness, grain size and chemical composition of the steel to be evaluated are determined. The tensile strength, yield point and elongation of the steel to be evaluated are determined by inserting the determined hardness, grain size and chemical composition in the empirical equations. In determining the energy absorbed according to a method of this invention, empirical equations showing the relationship between each of the shelf energy, transition temperature and temperature range of the energy transition region of steel and its hardness, grain size and chemical composition are determined in advance. Then, the hardness, grain size and chemical composition of the steel to be evaluated are determined.

Abstract: A signal processing unit which employs a constant, continuous and automatic error correction. The prior manual calibration to eliminate errors is eliminated. An echo signal is employed for ease of design.

Abstract: The temperature of a serviced area or zone is cost efficiently maintained within a prescribed range by establishing a prescribed fan cycle period, during which period the fan is both operative and non-operative at variable intervals. The temperature of the serviced area is monitored and averaged for each given cycle. The fan run time is then determined by a CPU for the succeeding cycle dependent upon the difference between the average measured temperature and a prescribed balance temperature.

Abstract: A system is provided for locating and displaying a most recently written record in an electronic postage meter to sequentially store accounting data associated with the transactions of the electronic postage meter. The meter includes a first non-volatile memory (NVM) and a second non-volatile memory (NVM). The system includes apparatus for locating an accurate piece count within the second NVM, for utilizing the accurate piece count within the second NVM to locate a written transaction in the first NVM, and means for providing an external message generated by a keyboard or the like. Accordingly, the written transaction represents the most recently written record in the postage meter. The system also includes a means for determining whether the record is accurate. Accordingly, check values are provided as part of the record in the first NVM. If the check value and a value corresponding to the written transaction agree, the record within the first NVM will be displayed to a user.

Abstract: A grain damage analyzer illuminates a grain sample with longwave, ultraviolet radiation, causing the exposed starch of the damaged portions to fluoresce and a video camera views the illuminated grain. The video signal from the camera is digitized into an array of pixels. The number of percentage of pixels which have an intensity exceeding a predetermined threshold represents the extent of damage to the sample.

Abstract: A braking effort regulation system is improved by providing a rotary speed signal, which is accurate even under slow rotation conditions.To obtain an accurate analog value of the rotary speed of a rotating object, typically the wheel of an automotive vehicle, from a transducer (1) having at least approximately sinusoidal output voltage, the transducer output voltage (u.sub.S, u.sub.S1) is converted into a digital signal (u.sub.S2), preferably filtered to obtain a filtered signal (u.sub.S3). The inverse function (y.sub.2 =arc sin (A.sub.o sin .omega.t)=c(.epsilon..sub.R 7.omega.t), y.sub.2 =arc sin (A.sub.o sin .omega.t) is then calculated. By differentiation and determination of the differential value of the signal y.sub.2, a signal (y.sub.R, y.sub.3) is then obtained which, after an additional preferably filtering step, will result in the desired speed-representative output signal (n.sub.R).

Abstract: An electronic postage meter includes a microcomputer with an external timer for providing a periodic interrupt. At each interrupt, a monitor routine examines the sensors and switches for changes in status and a monitor word is formed in correspondence with the detected status. A queue of meter tasks is scheduled in accordance with the meter status, any changes in status, or after a selected time has passed.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter having an improved memory selection circuit is disclosed. A custom memory map decoder circuit with resolution down to a single byte location is used to provide selection enabling signals to insure the selection of an appropriate device only when the addresses appropriate to that device are communicated. In accordance with the invention, at least two nonvolatile memories are provided. Writing to either of these nonvolatile memories is inhibited unless one and only one memory is selected. The circuit also prevents the selection of either of the nonvolatile memories in the event that the write strobe signal to the memories is held active.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter with a circuit to provide for a delay period before operation of a postage meter is disclosed. The circuit provides a fixed delay which is triggered when three input signals provided to the circuit become active. The input signals will be active in this embodiment to indicate satisfactory regulated voltage level, a satisfactory unregulated voltage level, and a satisfactory external clock frequency respectively. The output of the delay circuit upon acceptance of these active signals provides a reset delay signal to a system processor and also controls the signals that are provided to the non-volatile memories and the system printer. The circuit uses advantageously logic devices to provide the delay of the output signal rather than the traditional utilization of R-C network. The delay circuit is particularly useful in a system such as postage meter that utilizes a microprocessor and a non-volatile memory, to protect the contents of the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A mother matrix pattern as a fixed matrix pattern is specified with gradation data, and information in an area of the specified mother matrix pattern in accordance with the instructed magnification is extracted as information of a child matrix pattern so as to obtain image information with the child matrix pattern being allocated to the gradation data. Plural types of mother matrix patterns are prepared and one of them is specified in accordance with the instructed magnification. For example, at small instructed magnifications, the mother matrix pattern having recording (display) dots dispersed as widely as possible over the entire pattern is specified and used for conversion of the gradation data, while at larger instructed magnifications, the type of the mother matrix pattern is specified to match characteristics of the image.

Abstract: To identify the composition of a metal alloy, sparks generated from the alloy are optically observed and spectrographically analyzed. The spectrographic data, in the form of a full-spectrum plot of intensity versus wavelength, provide the "signature" of the metal alloy. This signature can be compared with similar plots for alloys of known composition to establish the unknown composition by a positive match with a known alloy. An alternative method is to form intensity ratios for pairs of predetermined wavelengths within the observed spectrum and to then compare the values of such ratios with similar values for known alloy compositions, thereby to positively identify the unknown alloy composition.

Abstract: Structure for and method of automatically testing an electrical transmission powerline carrier channel on a programmable basis electronically from any end of a multi-ended powerline, including an electronic control unit located at each end of the powerline for transmitting a signal over the channel for a predetermined time, and receiving signals back from the control units of the other ends of the powerline for predetermined times and determining the condition of the powerline carrier channel based on the length of time transmission is received at the end of the powerline where the transmission was initiated. Supervisory testing, resetting and test-inhibiting from a remote location as well as manual initiation of tests at a test unit remote location are also provided. A remote master test structure and method tests the electronic circuit through which a test was initiated.

Abstract: A computer system displays, in two dimensions, a representation of a three-dimensional volume. The three-dimensional volume representation is a tessellation of cells, represented as three-dimensional units. The three-dimensional volume is represented by a plurality of digital numbers. A designator designates which of the digital numbers are to be represented in the two-dimensional display. Each digital number is represented by one cell. Also, each digital number represents a color. Each corresponding cell is colored in accordance with the digital number. A designator designates which of the digital numbers is to be represented by a cell in the three-dimensional representation. A cursor, controlled by a mouse, may be used to indicate which of the three-dimensional volume representation is to be excavated by indicating at the appropriate cells and then electronically ordering the excavation.

Abstract: A temperature measuring apparatus utilizing the temperature dependence of the characteristics of fluorescence and afterglow emitted from a fluorescent substance by exciting the substance. The fluorescence and afterglow emitted by the excited fluorescent substance are detected and converted to electric signals. The fluorescence signal and afterglow signal are integrated for a predetermined period of time to obtain an integral amount of light. The temperature is determined by comparing the integral amount of light with the temperature characteristics of an integral amount of light preset for the fluorescent substance.

Abstract: A power network control system has a plurality of digital modules interconnected. A master logic unit in the network communicates with a specialized protocol to slave logic units in each module. The slave logic unit can instruct a power control circuit to turn-off or turn-on various power supply modules in addition to adjusting a power module in steps of plus or minus fixed percentage amounts.

Abstract: A microprocessor based system monitors and controls a transport refrigeration system having a two speed compressor coupled to a condenser and an evaporator and further having two speed condenser and evaporator fans, a refrigerant modulating valve, and heater means to cool or heat a served space. A keypad is provided for operator entry of the temperature setpoint and for display selections. Return air and discharge air temperature sensors provide signals to the microprocessor for temperature control. The microprocessor is programmed to sequence or control the compressor, the fans, the modulating valve and the heater means for temperature control in accordance with one of four stored algorithms. One of the temperature sensors is used for control, and if it is detected to have failed automatic switchover is made to use of the other temperature sensor for temperature control.