Abstract: An error rate monitor determines, on a safe and effective basis, when a transmission link is experiencing excessive errors and should be taken out of service. Safety is assured by performing a changeover when the amount of data awaiting transmission via the link gets too high; effectiveness is assured by keeping the link in service despite short term error bursts that can be overcome by data retransmission. In one monitor arrangement, errors that occur in the transmission link during a fixed time interval are monitored. If one or more errors occur in an interval, an increment is added to a counter (originally initialized to zero). If no errors occur in the interval, a decrement is subtracted from the counter, to a minimum of zero. The increment and decrement values are determined as a joint function of (a) the round trip delay on the transmission link, (b) the maximum allowable error rate on the link, and (c) the link speed, so that, in general, the increment and decrement values are significantly different.

Abstract: A simulation apparatus and method for a logic circuit including a multi-port RAM effects simulation by provisionally representing input and output ports by use of a plurality of memory primitives and effecting the operation equivalent to the operation of the multi-port RAM. The address, data input and write enable terminals of input side memory primitives are supplied with write addresses, data inputs and write enable signals, respectively, and the chip select terminals thereof are supplied with "0" from a logic primitive. The write enable signals are also supplied to an AND logic primitive. The address terminals of output side memory primitives are supplied with respective read addresses, the data input terminals thereof are supplied with an output of the AND logic primitive, the chip select terminals thereof are supplied with "0" from a logic primitive, and the write enable terminals thereof are supplied with "1" from a logic primitive.

Abstract: For control of a testing system, a test module control program module (TUC) arranged on a line trunk group (LTG) in a process-controlled telecommunications system (K) is connected to a unit under test (TA, TS, TL . . . ) via a testing unit (TU) subdivided into test modules (FTEM, LMEM, LVMM) and implements testing procedures. The line-oriented test module control program module (TUC) initiated by a central control program module (TLFI) controls the routines to be implemented at the testing system for seizing and releasing the testing unit (TU). The test module control program module (TUC) is entered into every device memory table (DPS) belonging to the testing unit (TU) and, when called in, respectively implements a specific test procedure. In the execution phase, the test module control program module (TUC) remains in a defined status. The test routines are implemented and monitored without active participation of the test module control program module (TUC).

Abstract: This invention involves transducing and monitoring the power being delivered by an electric generator to a power bus by using a monitor which includes an embedded microprocessor in the memory of which are stored reference digital numbers that correspond to the generator's nominal power, and to the components of the nominal power including output power. The generator's voltage and current signals are sensed and then shaped for use by the microprocessor wherein they are digitized into a first set of digital numbers. Preferably, the first set of digital numbers is converted into pulse-width modulated (PWM) square-wave signals, which are demodulated into DC current signals that are indicative of the power and the components of power being delivered by the electric generator to its power bus. The microprocessor digitizes the square wave signals into a second set of digital numbers, and calculates from the first and from the second sets of digital numbers real time digital numbers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the vertical distance between a point on a vehicle and a reference line comprises a linear measuring device, a fixture to aid in the taking of linear measurements of the point along two oblique angles, and a computer for calculating the vertical distance from these two measurements.

Abstract: An automated system and method for determining pupillary threshold response is described. The system achieves the determination of pupillary threshold levels through the measurement of supra-threshold responses at varying light intensities, which measured values are processed by a non-linear regression routine to approximate threshold response. The system takes supra-threshold measurements by means of a computerized pupillometer which is linked to an automated perimeter. The measurements are sequentially taken at varied light intensities which are reiteratively selected in response to the comparison between responses that have been previously measured during the test and a pre-stored response curve of expected values. The measured values are then processed by a non-linear regression routine to indirectly generate an estimated threshold level.

Abstract: The operating parameters of a proximity switch can differ depending on the type of switch and also because of manufacturing tolerances. To make it possible for one to react to new developments in ultrasonic transducers and to customer-specific solutions without requiring additional space, data such as operating parameters are able to be input into a microprocessor of a prefabricated proximity switch with little expenditure of time and energy. A proximity switch may contain an enabling input and an overcurrent-detection device including a microprocessor. An overcurrent across the switching output can be identified by a pulse provided to a first input of the microprocessor. A programming device is provided through which such an overcurrent condition is simulated and the corresponding pulse is generated which represents information about an operating parameter in the form of a bit pattern. The microprocessor is loaded with this bit pattern.

Abstract: An improved electro-mechanical inertial rotation sensor comprising a rotor which spins at substantially constant speed with respect to an inertial frame of reference. A pickoff generates a signal relating the rotational position of the rotor relative to the apparatus, as a function of time. A phase comparator compares this pickoff signal to a reference signal relating the rotational position of the rotor relative to a fixed orientation in an inertial frame of reference, as a function of time. Changes in phase between the two signals indicate changes in orientation of the apparatus with respect to the inertial frame of reference. In one embodiment, the rotor is driven through an Eddy current coupling and simultaneously braked by an Eddy current brake, in a matched torque drive. To generate an accurate reference signal, the rotations of the rotor with respect to the inertial frame of reference are accurately determined using parallel measurements from a similar rotor, used as a test rotor.

Abstract: In a vacuum unit which can electrically process information, a vacuum pressure value is detected by a detecting device and a desired pressure value is set by a setting device. The so-set desired pressure value is digitally displayed on a displaying device and stored in a storing device. The set desired pressure value is compared with the detected vacuum pressure value by a determining device. When the result of comparison is brought to a given value, it is determined that an unusual or improper state has been developed. When the set desired pressure value and the detected vacuum pressure value coincide with each other in a predetermined range, a predetermined signal is produced from an output device. The displaying device is provided with an adjusting device capable of adjusting the state of visual recognition of each pressure value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quantitatively ranking the performance of each attribute contributing to a manufacturing process. Various signals representing the measure (i.e., quality or yield) of a manufacturing run and representing the attributes that contributed to each manufacturing run are recorded. An iterative process is commenced whereby numeric weights are assigned to each attribute. In a first iterative step, the weight of each attribute is determined to be the weighted average of the measure of each manufacturing run to which that attribute contributed. In subsequent iteration steps, a refined weight for each attribute is determined by computing the ratio between the normalized measure and the product of all other weights associated with that manufacturing run. The iterations are continued until the weights determined for each attribute converge or become self consistent.

Abstract: A method compensates for power supply voltage variation in a sensor output. The sensor output voltage is calibrated by obtaining the sensor outputs for full-scale and minimum offset sensor input signals at two power supply settings. Linear plots are formed from the full-scale and offset sensor output voltages. The sensor input for each sensor output reading is computed by obtaining the power supply voltage at the time of the sensor output voltage reading. The full-scale and offset output voltages for that power supply voltage are computed from the slopes of the linear plots. Finally, the ratio of the difference between the output voltage and offset output voltage divided by the difference between the full-scale and offset output voltages is computed to provide the compensation factor. The product of the computed ratio and the value of the full-scale sensor input is the compensated sensor input value.

Abstract: A sensor-drive and signal-processing method, wherein the primary side of the sensor is supplied with a preferably oscillating input signal, and the output signal from the secondary side of the sensor is demodulated, if need be, filtered and amplified, is developed for realizing smaller structural designs for sensors and associated electronics such that both the sensor drive on the primary side and the signal conditioning and processing on the secondary side occur in digital form.

Abstract: An associative current interrupter system provides improved circuit protection and electrical safety. A test control unit (200) applies a regulated series of input voltage levels to the appliance (300) which is to be subsequently protected under a series of minimum and maximum load sequences. The resulting data series is logged and compressed into a format suitable for downloading into a programmable interrupter (100). A remote interface (217) is provided to allow device-specific data series to be input from alternative sources. When the appliance is connected in series with the interrupter (100), load current, line voltage, and time constraints are sampled and compared to the data series, thus providing a continuous solution to the determination of normal vs. abnormal currents. An output relay (103) provides a switching element and an internally accessible calibration port (111) allows monitoring combined non-linearities for correction during manufacture.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method detects and specifies valve and ring leaks in reciprocating compressors of the type used in natural gas transmission networks. The system employs a method comprising the following steps. The cylinder pressure is measured as a function of cylinder volume to obtain a measured PV card. A predictive model then calculates a predicted PV card for the subject compressor cylinder without including effects of simulated leaks. The predicted PV card is them compared to the measured PV card. The nature and character of the differences between the measured and predicted PV cards indicates whether a leak in the subject compressor cylinder is a suction valve leak, a discharge valve leak, or a piston ring leak. The predictive model is then iterated with simulations of the indicated leak included until the resulting predicted PV card matches the actual measured PV card for the compressor cylinder.

Abstract: To provide a pair of shoes responsive to the relative forces applied to a wearer's feet, at least one force sensor is provided in each of a left and right shoe. The sensor detects pressures which are then converted from a form provided by the sensor into a digital form which may be processed on by a microprocessor. The processor then executes any one of a number of force analysis programs and outputs, in a preferred form, a force model comprising attack, decay, sustain and release information. Each shoe then transmits coded information representing the sensed force profile to a central receiving device which may be located in a watch-like receiver worn on the wearer's wrist. The receiving device has the ability to pick up and discern signals transmitted by each left and right shoe and also from a number of auxiliary transmitters. Control of the display is made through the use of selector switches which also appear on the user interface.

Abstract: A device for identifying the kind of each particle detected by a particle detecting device such as imaging flow cytometer from detection signals obtained by passing therethrough a specimen, such as blood, in which various kinds of particles (blood corpuscles) exist intermixedly. Distribution characteristics (mean value, distribution width, etc.

Abstract: In a scan path so configured that a series of tests using a scan path are performed by a scan shift of shifting the data of a scan path flipflop and a normal circuit test of testing a circuit for a normal operation by using the shifted data, and that at the time of the scan path testing, the scan path flipflop fetches data at a first timing and outputs the fetched data at a second timing, there is provided a scan path test control circuit which includes a control circuit so constructed to generate a logical value which never either sets or resets the scan path flipflop at the time of the scan shifting, and a logical value of validating a normal logic which sets or resets the scan path flipflop after the scan shifting. The test control circuit also generates, at the time of the normal test, a logic value which neither sets nor resets the scan path flipflop in synchronism with a timing signal between the first timing after the data is fetched and the second timing.

Abstract: Firmware is downloaded to a metering unit located in a distributed power network carrying a power-related waveform, where the metering unit senses power-related parameters associated with the power-related waveform and generates and transmits data representative thereof. The metering unit is provided with a sector-erasable flash EEPROM having a first section for storing main functionality firmware and a second section for storing boot code. The boot code includes a reset portion for resetting the metering unit and a firmware update section for downloading external firmware to the first section. The firmware update section includes a writing routine for writing the external firmware to the first section. The metering unit is also provided with a volatile RAM. The external firmware is downloaded to the first section of the EEPROM by executing the firmware update section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of analyzing a burner flame comprises accumulating raw data such as radiate energy from the burner flame. A power spectrum and mutual information curve are generated from the raw data. A multi-dimensional attractor is also generated using the raw data which is analyzed in comparison to random data to determine whether the raw data is chaotic in nature. If the raw data is chaotic in nature, a Lyapunov exponent, Kolmogorov entropy or cross section of a chaotic attractor can be utilized as a measure of the quality of the flame and further used to control one or more parameters of the burner to adjust the flame.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus tests and diagnoses an electronic controller of a machine. The electronic apparatus includes an AC voltage detection means for sequentially detecting at least one high level AC voltage signal generated by at least one electronic controller output. A converter converts the at least one high level AC voltage signal to at least one low level DC voltage signal which simulates a low level contact closure input. A means is provided which sequentially inputs the at least one low level DC voltage signal to a low level DC voltage input of the electronic controller for detection by the electronic controller. A generator generates at least one analog voltage signal which simulates at least one known, fixed value operating parameter of the machine. A means is provided which inputs the at least one analog voltage signal to a predetermined electronic controller input for detection by the electronic controller.