Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting transient episodes includes parallel connected transient episode detectors (peripheral devices) to measure short-lived disturbances concurrently, each uniquely associated in series with one of a multiplicity of analog sensors. A shared memory connects an object sensor with its uniquely associated transient episode detector. The transient episode detector outputs signals through a second shared memory to a host disturbance processor. The transient episode detector adaptively tracks and masks background noise through use of a noise statistics stack. The stack is operated in two different modes: initialization and update. In the initialization mode, the stack operates in a recursive sort from the bottom up to replace initial dummy data with ordered noise level peak value measurements. In the update mode, only new significant non-redundant noise level peak values which fall outside of a defined central normal range of the stack are used to update the stack.

Abstract: A device for measuring ultrasound transit times in workpieces disposed over an HF pulse generator which generates high-frequency wave trains with few oscillations periods and which is connected with an ultrasound transmitter/ultrasound receiver, whose output signal acts upon a comparator. The comparator generates pulses on zero crossings of the ultrasound echo. Between a gate circuit and a counter there is provided an AND-gate, whose second input is acted upon with the output signal of the comparator. The time gate of the gate circuit can be positioned, computer controlled, a quarter-wavelength of the ultrasound before the maximum of the envelope curve signal of the amplified ultrasound echo, so that it always equal-lying steepest zero crossing triggers the start or stop impulse of the counter.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter is disclosed which comprises a plurality of print devices each individually settable to a desired position so that the print devices may print a desired postage value; a plurality of d.c. motors, one for each of the plurality of the print devices, a different one of the d.c. motors being coupled to a different one of the print devices for setting the respective print device to a respective desired position; actual position sensing means for providing signals related to the actual positions of the print devices; and a microcomputer coupled to the d.c. motors and to the actual position sensing means. The microcomputer in response to signals from the actual position sensing means, a desired postage value and programming of the microcomputer sequentially controls the d.c. motors to set the print devices to respective desired positions for printing the desired postage value.

Abstract: A process for determining the effective air temperature in at least one pneumatic tire of a vehicle sensor. In addition to the temperature in proximity of the interior side of the rim of the respective vehicle wheel, the temperature in the immediate environment of a vehicle brake disk or brake drum as well as the temperature in the immediate environment of the vehicle is sensed. From these measured temperature values, the effective air temperature in the respective pneumatic vehicle tire is then calculated. A mechanism for carrying out the process is disclosed. A formula for combining the sensor temperatures is disclosed. Lastly specific locations for the sensors are disclosed.