Abstract: The invention relates to a process for monitoring the functioning of a liquid-liquid extraction column in which non-mixing liquids L1 and L2 circulate in counter-current.To this end, an ultrasonic signal is emitted at point Pn of the decanter and this ultrasonic signal is detected at Point P'n located at distance H from point Pn and the time t.sub.n taken by this signal to cover distance H is determined; the speed v.sub.2 of propagation of an ultrasonic signal in the liquid medium near point Pn, preferably constituted by pure liquid L2, is also determined, as well as the speed v.sub.1 of propagation of the same ultrasonic signal in the liquid medium near the point P'n, i.e.

Abstract: Disclosed is a maintenance monitor which at a preselected interval will automatically alert one that the equipment of concern is due for maintenance. The maintenance monitor includes a control unit sensing device such as a switch inductive pickup etc., a programmable module counter activated by a signal from the sensing device and a display for readout of the counter and to advise of the maintenance period or to perform a function.

Abstract: An attitude control system for driving and controlling an attitude controlling mechanism associated with a driver's seat. A semiconductor read-only memory stores attitude establishing standard data corresponding to values of a physical stature and an input/output controlling program data associated with a microcomputer. When a value of the stature is inputted into the microcomputer from a keyboard, the microcomputer reads attitude establishing standard data which corresponds to the stature value inputted from the semiconductor read-only memory, and controls the energization of the attitude controlling mechanism until an attitude indicated by such data is reached. An adjustment of the attitude is possible by a key operation. Data representing the prevailing attitude of the attitude controlling mechanism can be stored in a non-volatile semiconductor memory in association with a driver identification code.

Abstract: This teaches a method of testing normally untestable, programmable integrated circuits before they are irreversibly programmed by providing the circuit with first and second impedances which combine to form an initial resultant impedance. The second of these impedances has a significantly higher level of impedance then does the first. The first of these impedances is required for testing purposes only and must be subsequently effectively removed from the circuit once testing of the circuit is completed. Once the circuit has been tested the second or higher impedance is made to interact with the circuit and functionally eliminate the first impedance from the circuit. The resultant impedance of the circuit after the first impedance has been functionally removed from the circuit can be either higher or lower than the pre-programmed initial resultant impedance of the circuit.

Abstract: A current transformer is coupled about the power feed line of the motor operating a ball mill grinder or the like to sense the motor current. This current is converted to a motor load or horsepower signal which is processed together with mill flow rate information of both raw materials and additives such as chemicals for improving grinding efficiency. Thus, signals representative of mill operating efficiency are derived, and displayed in visual form having a relationship to internal mill conditions and optimum mill operating efficiency. Also the sampled signals are sampled and stored in digital form in a computer memory and in a tape recorder for processing and recall. The samples are identified by a recorded time signal.

Abstract: An automated process control prover system for (1) performing tasks, including tests, at the circuit loop termination on a termination base located between interconnected control room instrumentation and field equipment, (2) for performing tasks, including tests, to the circuit loop terminations at the control room instrumentation and field equipment locations and (3) for calibration of the field equipment. The prover system includes an improved termination base for allowing selective access to a predetermined number of the circuit loop terminations, a multiplexer for providing the selective access to one of the circuit loop terminations, and a computer for performing the tasks at the termination base.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling the generators of a multiple steam generator or multiple hot water generator installation. The control apparatus includes burner command apparatus which limits each of the generators to one of at least two different maximum firing rate levels. The command apparatus is controlled by a data storage device, such as a microcomputer, which periodically adjusts the maximum firing rate level of the generators in accordance with the predicted loads of the installation. The firing rate of the generators is controlled by modulating apparatus which varies the firing rate within the maximum firing rate levels in accordance with the actual measured installation load. By controlling the actual firing rate in response to both the predicted and the actual installation loads, efficiency of operation may be optimized.

Abstract: An electronic measuring device utilizes multiple different transducers for supplying signals exhibiting predetermined and typically nonlinear relationships to the multiple input variables sensed by the transducers. The measuring device includes a microcomputer containing stored linearizing information therein relating to the predetermined nonlinear relationship of the signals supplied by the transducers and the variables sensed by the transducers. The microcomputer linearizes each of the signals supplied by the transducers and thereby obtains highly accurate signals indicative of the variables sensed. Depending upon the ultimate determination to be obtained by the device, the linearized signals representative of the input variables may be employed in a polynomial equation calculation conducted by the computer to obtain the output determination.

Abstract: Diagnostic apparatus for monitoring a system subject to malfunctions. Estimates are obtained relating normal system operation to operating variables. Estimates are additionally obtained relating specific malfunctions to specific variables. The variables are combined in accordance with predetermined functions to get an indication of a particular malfunction. This indication is modified by a factor related to the normal operation of the system to yield a probability of the occurrence of the malfunction, and which probability is limited to a value less than 100%.

Abstract: An automatic test system controlled by a general purpose digital central processor is disclosed. The central processor accepts test programs in a high level compiler language such as Atlas. The Atlas program is compacted into a simplified language which is utilized to communicate with test devices via a standard IEEE 488 data bus. Each of the test devices includes a programmable interface digital processor which performs any translation that may be necessary in order to permit specific test instruments coupled to the central processor via the interface processor to perform the tests specified by the high level test programs. A switching matrix also communicates with the digital processor to connect the appropriate test device to the unit under test.

Abstract: A solid-state event-logging system records the occurrence of specified events in a removable, solid-state, memory cartridge. Counters continuously count pulses produced by a plurality of electrical energy measuring devices. Sample values of the continuous counts are produced and input to a microprocessor wherein each sample value has the previous sample value subtracted therefrom. The difference is added to an interval sum stored in a random access memory. The interval sums, together with real time information produced by a clock, are input to the memory cartridge according to a predetermined format. The clock is maintained in synchronization with the frequency of the line voltage by the microprocessor.

Abstract: System and apparatus for monitoring vibrational and other detected aspects of a machine. Transducer outputs are scanned through the use of a microprocessor, the memory components of which retain pre-determined set point information. The channel representing a given transducer output is displayed visually on the apparatus for 5 second intervals in combination with a linear form of disply showing monitored transducer values as well as set point values. In the event of detected threshhold level warnings or the like, additional visual indicators representing both system and channel status conditions are energized. The system includes a small, hand-held programmer by which any of a broad variety of functions may be readily entered into the memory of the processor through the simple manipulation of a single potentiometer. During the programming procedure, the values being inserted are displayed on the noted bar chart. Preferably, the chart is present as a linear array of 50 LEDs.

Abstract: This invention is a multiple channel high data rate pressure sensing device for use in wind tunnels, spacecraft, airborne, process control, automotive, etc., pressure measurements. This device offers data rates in excess of 100,000 measurements per second with inaccuracies from temperature shifts less than 0.25% (nominal) of full scale over a temperature span of 55.degree. C. This device consists of thirty-two solid state sensors 11, signal multiplexing electronics to electronically address each sensor, and ditital electronic circuitry to automatically correct the inherent thermal shift errors of the pressure sensors and their associated electronics.

Abstract: A malfunction procedure indicating system which monitors continuously the condition of a plurality of inspection items associated with the operation of a vehicle, whereby when the existence of a malfunction in at least one of the plurality of inspection items is detected, a first procedure corresponding to the malfunction is indicated by both verbal representation and visual display during the operation of the vehicle and a second procedure following the first procedure is also indicated by both verbal representation and visual display.

Abstract: A process and apparatus (compiler program) carried out on a digital computer for converting a source program into an object program. The source program is entered into a first storage area of a computer. The symbolic source program is preferably first codified into computer executable code by the compiler program. The compiler program then examines each formula to determine whether it has been defined. If the first formula has been defined, it is removed from the first storage area; placed in a second storage area; and marked as being defined. if the first formula examined has not been defined, it is retained in the first storage area. The compiler program repeats this process for each formula in the first storage area. After the formulas in the first storage area have been examined, the compiler program determines whether any formulas have been added to the second storage area. If not, the process is stopped, indicating some error in programming.

Abstract: A high speed relay for detecting multiphase faults using operating and polarizing signals from static transmission line protective relays provides an instantaneous estimate of the relative phase angle between relay signals without any loss of relay security.

Abstract: A controller is described which interfaces with a scale and a label printer for computing prices of weighed commodities, for displaying a human readable description of the commodity being weighed and other characteristics of the commodity, and for activating the label printer to print the displayed information on a label. The controller includes a keyboard for selecting and changing the information to be displayed and printed, and a cathode ray tube for displaying the information.

Abstract: In an electronic cash register mutual transmission system, a plurality of electronic cash registers each having a memory for storing total data are electrically connected to each other. A search is made to confirm whether the classified sales data storage area is present in the memory of an electronic cash register which corresponds to the classified data inputted from another of the electronic cash registers. If it is present, the summing is performed in the memory of the former electronic cash register. If it is absent, the classification data is transmitted to another electronic cash register. The former electronic cash register outputs a request signal for data transfer to other electronic cash registers. In response to this request signal, the other electronic cash registers transfer the total data for printing by the former electronic cash register.

Abstract: Measurement of load current when a digitally controlled power supply is in a constant voltage mode and of voltage when it is in a constant current mode is achieved by dropping the current represented by the digital current selection signal in one case and the voltage represented by the digital voltage selection signal in the other case until the power supply would change its mode of operation as indicated by comparators. Actual change of mode is prevented by delaying or interrupting the application of the digital selection signals to their respective regulation circuits.

Abstract: A method of preparing and executing a sequence program for effecting the sequence control of a sequence controller for a machine tool by executing a subroutine program. A sequence diagram is prepared, which diagram expresses a function command for a subroutine as data divided into control conditions and parameters. From the sequence diagram a sequence program is prepared, which program includes a command for reading data indicative of a control condition, and parameter data of which a subroutine is informed. The sequence program so prepared is then executed.