Abstract: A method of synchronizing a digital radio pager receiver with incoming digital data signals. At switch-on the receiver first attains a "course" bit synch during the first quarter-word period and then a "fine" bit synch during the next half-word period. The receiver then examines incoming data bits to determine simultaneously (a) whether valid data is being received and (b) whether the incoming data contains a preamble sequence. If either determination is successful the incoming data is then examined to determine whether it contains a synchronizing word or an address word. The synchronization and address word determination is also carried out while bit synch is obtained and the valid data/preamble determination is effected.

Abstract: A processor is used to control a price display unit for a fluid-dispensing system. The amount of fluid dispensed by the system in measured and information responsive thereto is fed to the processor. The processor calculates the cost of the dispensed fluid and those costs are then displayed. The processor automatically cross-checks the validity of the displayed cost with the amount of fluid dispensed. A plurality of self-checking features insure proper system operation and also preserve signals stored in a memory if there is a power failure.