Abstract: An automatic supervisory control system is arranged to provide monitoring and supervisory functions in a noisy electrical environment over communication channels which are also noisy and generally highly congested. The system includes a central control station linked to a plurality of status stations by a single dedicated or shared radio channel, a plurality of telephone wire lines, or a combination of both. A coded signal is used to communicate status signals and command signals between the central control station and the status stations. The central control station includes the status display elements, the memory elements, an audible alarm indicator, printed status and command reports, a keyboard for data entry and a computer for controlling system operation.

Abstract: An exposure control device is disclosed which has an extremely high accuracy as compared with the prior art, the error range being within a one-eighth step. For such a highly accurate control of exposure time, a value of exposure time to be determined is converted to a binary code of n bits, of which the lowest one bit is weighed one-eighth step. Based on the decimal number corresponding to the upper m bits of the binary code, the frequency of the control signal is adjusted and is used in reading out the lower (n-m) bits of the same binary code, whereby the period of actuation of the shutter is determined.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machining center has a tool magazine, automatic tool changer, workpiece shuttle, and a workpiece magazine which holds enough workpieces for operation by the machining center for an entire shift of approximately eight hours. The numerical controls are programmed to perform predetermined machining operations on each workpiece, in turn, and to replace each finished workpiece with a fresh workpiece at the end of each machining program. A proximity switch is mounted on the machining center for checking tools to detect broken or incorrect tools. The tools are positioned adjacent to the proximity switch and are rotated while the output of the proximity switch is counted for one complete rotation of the tool to determine the number of radially extending teeth on the tool. If the tool has too few or too many teeth, thus indicating a broken or incorrect tool, it is replaced by another tool of the same type.

Abstract: An electrical counter including a pair of counter segments connected in cascade. Each of the counter segments has a capacity of two bits and counts in Gray code of 00, 01, 11, 10 and 00 on succeeding pulses to be counted which are applied onto the segment. The second segment includes an AND circuit which is satisfied when the count of the preceding segment is 10 so as to GATE the pulse supplied at that time on to the second segment so that the second segment has its value changed at the same time as the first segment has its value changed from 10 to 00.

Abstract: Electromechanical pulse counter with a housing, wherein a current carrying spool and coil means is secured, whereby the spool and coil means surround an iron core, an air gap defined between the iron core and an armature anchor, preferably in the form of a plate-like armature anchor, responsive to the magnetic field of the spool and coil means. The armature anchor is movably mounted in the housing, and actuates an escapement anchor, having a control fork which, stepwise, by the intervention of a gear drive, rotates at least one indicator wheel having indicator numbers on its circumference. The iron core is positively held at the housing part which comprises a support for the armature anchor, and the iron core is journalled so as to be movable with respect to the spool and coil means.

Abstract: Apparatus in a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) display allows the sharing of the system bus between the microprocessor (CPU) and Direct Memory Access (DMA) devices without degrading the CPU performance by splitting the system bus cycle into an address phase and a data phase.

Abstract: A timer for monitoring the use of hot water in the home to conserve energy is shown. The entire timer apparatus is enclosed inside the hot water control knob so that when the control knob is rotated to turn ON the hot water, the timer is activated. After predetermined time intervals, various visual and audio alarms are given, the alarms thus encouraging the conservation of energy by using less hot water. Also, the timer monitors the number of times the hot water has been used during a given period of time, such as a month or year. The timer, in addition to its primary energy saving function, is ideally suited for use as the hot water control knob of a bathroom shower.

Abstract: A photograph multiplying factor automatic-counting scale including a scale head linearly movable, a pulse generator generating pulse signal per unit length in proportion to movement of said scale head, a BCD counter through which said pulse signal from said pulse generator is converted into BCD code and counted, an interface circuit into which output value from said BCD counter is fed through a BCD decimal converter, and an arithmetic circuit into which output value from said interface circuit is fed through output of a program starting button, so that a length measuring apparatus including said scale head may obtain original dimensions as divisor, whereby said arithmetic circuit divides finished dimensions by said original dimensions and the quotient obtained by said arithmetic circuit is displayed or printed out.

Abstract: A management system for a copying machine includes a detection circuit for determining whether the information representing a department of the user recorded on a magnetic card is properly read and for providing an operation signal to the copying machine to make it operable. A memory unit having a plurality of storage locations counts a pulse signal generated by the copying machine everytime a copy is produced and stores the date indicative of the total number of produced copies at a storage location assigned in accordance with the read-out information of a department. The total number of copies produced by each of different departments of users is displayed together with the indication of the department by a visual display unit.

Abstract: A data buffer system is provided for controlling the transfer of data between a processor and an input/output (I/O) device and includes a data storage device having a maximum data storage capacity value. The data storage device is disposed between the processor and the I/O device for receiving data input from the processor and for outputting data to the I/O device to thereby transfer data from the processor to the I/O device. The data storage device temporarily stores a predetermined amount of data while simultaneously transferring data between the processor and the I/O device. Circuitry is provided for selectively establishing a threshold storage capacity value of the data storage device wherein the threshold storage capacity value is less than the maximum storage capacity value of the data storage device.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting Ordering Trials including a set of counters each incorporating an electrical circuit element which covertly identifies that counter and a box having locations for receipt of the counters. The counters and locations are fitted with plugs and sockets which are interengageable and permit the circuit element to be connected to electrical read-out circuitry which includes circuitry for identifying which counter is in which location. An arithmetic unit operating according to a predetermined algorithm is connected to the output of the interrogation circuitry to provide a measure of the result of a trial.

Abstract: A system for use in detecting jams in a series of members of defined length which are moving along a predetermined path includes a pulse generator for providing sequential pulses, each representative of a unit of length. A counter having a preset number therein representative of the defined length of a member plus an additional fixed length substantially less than that of a member receives an input from the pulse generator and from a sensor positioned adjacent the path of movement. During the period that a member is sensed, the preset count in the counter is reduced by the pulse generating means and if that count is reduced to zero, a jam condition is indicated and means are provided to stop movement of the members.

Abstract: A pulse generator for generating pulse groups with desired widths and relations (spacings) within and between the groups up to extremely high speeds and with a time accuracy of the order of nanoseconds e.g. in radar applications. It is purely digital and operates on a control frequency which may be derived from an internal crystal oscillator or may be externally supplied. The generator is divided into two main units, a first unit for determining the spacing of the pulse groups, and a second unit controlled by the first unit for determining the pulse widths and controlling pulse generator means. Different time space numbers and pulse widths numbers may be programmed into PROM memories of said units and may be selected by the same set of operating mode signals. The time spacing may also be optimized by means of an external computer controlling a further PROM holding information which may be combined with the time distance PROM information.

Abstract: A Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) incrementing circuit and memory. The incrementing circuit has a small amount of delay associated with it so that it may be utilized as a stage of a shift register memory. The incrementing circuit includes an adder circuit, a sampling circuit and a detector circuit. The sampling circuit samples the most significant bit of a BCD digit when the least significant bit of the same digit is being outputted from the memory. The adder circuit adds one to the least significant bit in response to a control signal or one to the other bits in response to a carry condition in the adder and to a decimal carry signal. The detector circuit is coupled to the output of the memory, to the sampling circuit and to the control signal for generating the decimal carry signal and disabling the adder circuit when the control signal is present and the BCD digit being outputted is a decimal nine.

Abstract: A method of countng a succession of sheets passing along a flow line (the sheets being normally spaced but including some overlapping sheets), comprises determining the position of a double thickness in relation to the total length of the sheet in the flow direction. A count of two is added to the count of sheets if the double thickness is found to be symmetrically placed in relation to the total length of the sensed "sheet" and has a length consistent with the amount by which two single sheets would have to overlap to have a total length equal to the sensed "sheet" length. If these requirements are not met, depending on the results of the measurements either a count of one is added or an error signal is generated.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating pulses having selectable pulse width and selecta pulse repetition interval which may be used as a pulse repetition interval generator in a radar signal simulator. Each pulse is initiated by a clocked counter when it reaches a predetermined count from a preselected initial count. The initial count is determined by data stored in a read-only-memory which is selectably loaded into the counter to provide a variable initial count. Another clocked counter which is enabled by the leading edge of the pulse then terminates the pulse when it reaches a predetermined count from a preselected initial count.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a preset monetary amount of product, such as fuel, sold by volume and for use with a dispenser which calculates and displays a continuously increasing cost of the delivery has a number of selector buttons which relate to units of cost and which when selected set an appropriate number into a counter. The counter is coupled to the display, and the count is decremented by one for each unit cost of product actually delivered. During delivery of the first unit a store calculates the difference between a unit cost and the cost of a small predetermined volume, which volume is required to be delivered slowly to end the delivery and avoid under- or over-delivery due to mechanical or fluid inertia of the dispenser. When the counter indicates the final unit preselected is being delivered, a comparator compares continuously the cost displayed for that unit and the stored difference and when they are equal the delivery rate is slowed for the final predetermined volume.

Abstract: In a postage meter which can be set to imprint a selected value of postage on individual mail pieces, two counters are typically provided for accounting purposes. One counter is an accumulating counter into which the postage value imprinted during each operation is added. The second counter is settable by the Postal Service to the amount of postage purchased by the meter user. As postage is imprinted by the meter, the value of the postage is subtracted from the second counter. Thus, this counter continuously indicates the amount of postage that remains available for imprinting. The meter of the present invention additionally provides an operator resettable counter to indicate the total value of postage imprinted on any group of consecutive mail pieces. The function and operation of the original counters are completely separate and unaffected by the present invention.

Abstract: A postage meter has a printing mechanism positioned on a drum, and a driving gear for rotating the drum to imprint postage on a mailpiece. The driving gear is adapted to be externally driven. The meter also has a shutter bar engageable with the driving gear, and an interposer coupled to the shutter bar for inhibiting movement of the shutter bar. An electronic accounting system is also provided within the meter. A latch, which may be the interposer, is operative in response to the operating voltage for inhibiting more than a determined number of printing cycles. A counting device is incorporated to count printing cycles that were not registered, to thereby enable the electronic accounting system to bring the printing data up to date in the event, for example, of restoration of power following a power failure.

Abstract: A pulse generating device for speeding-up the rate of a pulse train from N to N+n wherein each of the pulses in the N+n pulse train is synchronized with the immediately preceding pulse in the original N pulse train. A count-up counter is reset upon each original pulse and counts up from zero, at frequency F/N+n, up to the following original pulse. A count-down counter is loaded with the contents of the count-up counter when the following original pulse occurs or when the output pulses occur with the exception of the last pulse in the interval when the time interval between said original pulses includes several generated output pulses, and is decremented at frequency F/M up to zero. A variable presettable counter provides the count-down counter with frequency F/M when each original pulse appears or when the output pulses appear with the exception of the last pulse in the interval when the time interval between the original pulses includes several output pulses.