Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for performing X-ray fluorescence analysis where the physical relationship between the source/detector and the object being examined is not controlled. This technique and apparatus is particularly advantageous in performing an in situ analysis of the concentration of one or more elements present in a matrix of a material such as rock. In accordance with this aspect of our invention, such a mineral assay is performed by drilling a borehole into the matrix, inserting into the borehole a probe containing a suitable XRF source/detector, irradiating the matrix, detecting the spectrum of radiation that is produced and analyzing this spectrum.

Abstract: A solid-state demand register is described for determining the maximum electrical-power demand made on an electric utility by a load. The register, which employs a microprocessor, provides noncumulative, cumulative, and continuous-cumulative electrical-power demand measurement capabilities. The microprocessor, operating under a control program stored in a read-only memory, employs computing constants and generates computed results. A nonvolatile read/write memory, which stores the computing constants and computing results, is of the type that retains stored data even when deenergized. These constants and results can be visually displayed by an optoelectronic display. Error detection and correction of data are performed by the programmed microprocessor by means of an eight-bit Hamming code.

Abstract: A weight and balance system which automatically compensates for loading errors while the aircraft is stationary. A weight signal is generated from the outputs of a pair of inclinometers mounted on adjacent opposite ends of a landing gear member which bends in response to aircraft weight. The weight signal generated just after no movement of the aircraft is detected is held in a latch. The held weight signal and a subsequently generated weight signal are combined to provide a signal representative of the difference therebetween. The difference signal is scaled by an error correction coefficient to provide a loading error compensation signal which is combined with the subsequently generated weight signal to provide a corrected weight signal. The system further includes means for performing reasonableness tests in response to the restoration of power to the system after power has been down.

Abstract: A programmable multi-channel signal analyzer capable of automatically evaluating and displaying various parameters of complex analog waveforms is disclosed. A non-real time sampling technique which makes use of the repetitive nature of the input analog signal is utilized to achieve the desired high frequency digitizing of the analog signal. Subsequent data reduction, parameter evaluation and display of test results are achieved under the control of a microprocessor-controlled subsystem. Communication with an external host system is effected by means of the IEEE-488 general purpose interface bus.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process in which a pump around stream is utilized to control heat removal from an upper portion of the fractional distillation column and in which the pump around stream is utilized to preheat the feed stream flowing to the fractional distillation column, control signals derived from an analysis of the overhead product stream from the fractional distillation column are utilized to substantially maximize the flow rate of the pump around stream. This results in a maximum preheating of the feed stream flowing to the fractional distillation column which improves the energy efficiency of the fractional distillation process. Also, a desired overhead product specification is maintained.

Abstract: A static low tire pressure detection system for detecting the presence of a low tire mounted on a structural member of an aircraft, such as a bogie beam or nose axle, includes a pair of inclinometers mounted on the structural member and adapted to sense the bend therein. The signals from the inclinometers are stored in a memory once the aircraft is at rest on the ground to provide reference signals indicating the angle of the structural member with respect to an inertial reference and the weight carried thereby. The reference signals are compared against later-developed signals representing instantaneous angle and weight on the structural member to develop difference signals. The difference signals are used to generate an indication of tire pressurization, which is then checked to determine whether the tire pressurization is within acceptable limits.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and monitoring the angular velocity of the shaft of a rotating machine. In this apparatus, a plurality of sensors is positioned adjacent the shaft of the rotating machine for generating sequential pulses with periods proportional to the angular velocity of the shaft. The pulses are generated at intervals such that, during the period between adjacent pulses from one sensor, pulses are generated by each of the other sensors. An oscillator is provided for generating reference pulses at a predetermined pulse repetition rate, and a plurality of counting devices are coupled to respective sensors and to the output of the oscillator for counting the pulses generated by the oscillator. An averaging and reciprocal circuit is coupled to the output terminals of the counting devices for obtaining the average of the counting device outputs and then generating the reciprocal of the average value.

Abstract: A parameter characterizing the course of combustion is ascertained by means of a sensor, preferably an optical sensor. In order to distinguish irregular combustion processes from regular ones, the filtered signal is examined as to its symmetry relative to an imaginary axis of symmetry in the signal maximum. If it is thereby determined that the signal is not symmetrical with respect to this axis, then a recognition signal for irregular combustion is emitted. In order to perform this method, a symmetry pulse is generated, which marks the temporal appearance of the signal maximum. In accordance with this pulse, a characteristic variable is generated which characterizes the course of the signal before the signal maximum and another characteristic variable is generated which characterizes the course of the signal after the signal maximum, and these characteristic variables are then compared with one another.

Abstract: Exposure control apparatus adapted for use with a computer having an inexpensive, uncalibrated clock includes a pair of covariant, internal reference signal sources, an integrator and a comparator that produces a time interval signal when an electrical parameter of the integrator reaches a threshold level established by the comparator. With the covariant reference signal sources connected to the integrator, the computer calculates an initial clock correction factor that is stored in the computer's memory. A standard light source of known intensity, which is used only once, is then coupled to the integrator through a photoresponsive device and the initial clock correction factor is used by the computer to provide compensation for the computer clock during an exposure operation. In the field, the computer, prior to each exposure operation, connects the covariant reference signal sources to the integrator and calculates an updated clock correction factor.

Abstract: A computer program for the fully automatic layout of hybrid microcircuits. he program, under certain options, guarantees one-hundred percent routing connectivity for components ranging from discretes to VLSI. Special features such as bottom-up or top-down routing, sequential level routing and user-defined grid spacing provide extensive design flexibility.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for determining the cumulative load stress on hoisting equipment. Generally, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a system of electronic components operable to measure and indicate the cumulative load stress handled by a particular hoisting installation. The apparatus includes a time signal generator, generating a series of constant time interval electrical signals, first electrical conductor means, selectively operable to conduct an electrical signal indicating operation of the hoisting equipment and a second electrical conductor means selectively operable to conduct an electrical signal corresponding to the value of the load being handled by the hoisting equipment. First and second circuit means are electrically associated with the time signal generator and first and second electrical conductor means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for testing a body which comprises periodic structures. The device includes an image forming device for determining measurement signals representing the periodic structures, and a further electronic device. This electronic device forms the frequency spectrum from neighboring measurement values in the direction of the periodic body structures, suppresses the fundamental and higher harmonics (G,B.sub.1,B.sub.3) of the periodic structures in the relevant spectrum, and retransforms the spectrums thus modified for application to an image evaluation device.

Abstract: A system for quasi real-time computer aided characterization of symmetrical -way microwave power combining structures which utilizes a network analyzer to measure scattering parameters of said combining structure at various RF frequencies and at desired transmission routes through said combining structure. The routes are selected by a coaxial switching network which is controlled by said network analyzer which also computes and outputs the maximum combining efficiency, .eta., and the input impedance of the ith port under conditions of maximum combining efficiency, Zic.

Abstract: A multiplexed circuit for selecting one of a plurality of vertically spaced resistance temperature devices (RTDs) in a fluid storage tank. An electronic multiplexer is used to select a particular one of a plurality of vertically spaced RTDs to be connected to circuitry for reading the output value of same. The device is used in connection with an intelligent field interface device (FID) at the tank. The FID contains a table storing values for expected ranges of output values from the RTDs. When a value actually read is out of range, the FID causes the multiplexer to select another RTD for reading. The arrangement also allows reading of temperatures at various levels within the tank, irrespective of the actual fluid level.

Abstract: A method of detecting collisions and controlling safety devices utilizing a capacitive deceleration sensor and a circuit which forms the sensor output signal as well as an analog/numerical converter, a calculator and an actuator controlled by a numerical calculator. The numerical calculator processes the numerical signal which represents the deceleration output from the converter and calculates a weighted acceleration, a mean value for the weighted acceleration, and an algorithm equal to the sum of the mean value and a variable correcting term. This process triggers the actuator when the algorithm exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing warp in the manufacture of corrugated board formed from three webs; namely, a single face liner, a medium, and a double face liner. The method includes moisture measurements of the single-face liner and double-face liner over a plurality of zones transverse to the direction of liner motion. For each zone of each liner an iteratively determined asymptotic zonal time average moisture value is calculated. If the zonal time average difference is greater than a predefined amount, corrective action is taken by increasing or decreasing the amount of water sprayed onto the single-face liner for that particular zone. Furthermore, an average moisture content reading for the single-face and double-face liners is taken and if outside a predetermined range, corrective action is taken by adjusting the preheater wrap arm angle for some or all of the webs. Adjustments of the corrective action in view of web speeds are automatically made.

Abstract: A low level, microprocessor based direct digital system controller includes power supply means for providing a source of regulated electrical power to the controller. A field programmable processor means transfers selected data base information to and receives status signals from a field interface means, digitally executes control and energy management algorithms respecting those signals in accordance with computer program routines selected from a library of mnemonically identified routines residing in the read only memory (ROM) portion of the processor means. The processor means responsively directs programmed data and digital command signals to the field interface means which periodically updates the data base of the processor means, analyzes and conditions signals received therein from the processor means and from remote data points and selectively controls the data points.

Abstract: Characteristics of undulating data having variations with oppositely directed peaks are displayed on a display having x and y axes. The consecutive, oppositely directed peak values of each variation are determined. Each variation is assigned to a coordinate position on the display so that the coordinate position in the x and y directions is respectively determined by the initial and final peak values of each variation. The variations having like initial and final peak values are accumulated so an indication of the accumulated variations is displayed on the coordinate positions of the display.

Abstract: A waveform acquisition apparatus and method permits a plurality of samples of an input signal to be taken for each trigger recognition event, and stored at predetermined memory addresses to provide a complete equivalent-time waveform in which all accumulated samples are in correct time relation to each other. The mathematical determination of each address is obtained by measuring the time difference between a trigger recognition event on each cycle of a repetitive signal and a next occurring sample clock following each trigger recognition event, and then using a microprocessor to compute the relative addresses.

Abstract: Outputs of two independent controllers are available to control a valve actuator in a turbine control system. One of these valve drive signals is applied to the valve actuator while the other is applied to a termination. When a fault is detected in the active controller, the secondary controller is reinitialized to eliminate any drift which may have occurred therein to provide a valve drive signal closely equal to a valve drive signal previously provided by the active controller. Switchover is performed placing the previously inactive controller in the active condition and applying the signal from the previously active controller to the termination.