Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing interleaved synchronous and asynchronous data in a single data storage file is disclosed. Synchronous data and asynchronous data are stored in an interleaved order. Synchronous data is stored at regular periodic intervals and is stored within the data storage file in a data record having a constant sized data field. At least one data pattern is precluded from use as synchronous data. Data associated with asynchronous events are stored in the data storage file in a data record starting with this precluded data pattern, and followed by a field indicating the asynchronous event type. The time interval from an event associated with the previously recorded data can be determined and optionally stored in a variable length time-interval data field. The size of the variable length time-interval data field is stored in a time-length data field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing interleaved synchronous and asynchronous data in a single data storage file is disclosed. Synchronous data and asynchronous data are stored in an interleaved order. Synchronous data is stored at regular periodic intervals and is stored within the data storage file in a data record having a constant sized data field. At least one data pattern is precluded from. use as synchronous data. Data associated with asynchronous events are stored in the data storage file in a data record starting with this precluded data pattern, and followed by a field indicating the asynchronous event type. The time interval from an event associated with the previously recorded data can be determined and optionally stored in a variable length time-interval data field. The size of the variable length time-interval data field is stored in a time-length data field.

Abstract: An interface system for interfacing a computer to a battery-powered sensor system is disclosed. The interface system includes first and second modules coupled between the computer and the battery-powered system. The interface system operates independent of the sensor system with respect to transmitting and receiving data to/from the computer and receiving sensor data, respectively, but cooperate when transferring data therebetween. One module of the interface system, which includes a microcomputer and memory, adapts data format in accordance with the timing and data format requirements of the computer and the battery-powered sensor system. The other module of the interface system enables the exchange of data between the battery-powered sensor system and the computer despite differing operating voltage ranges.

Abstract: A phase shift oscillator circuit having a delay line in a feedback loop is employed to determine soil moisture content and water level. The delay line is connected to the oscillator such that the dielectric value of the medium inside the delay line influences the frequency of the oscillator circuit. The delay line is placed in the medium to be studied. Soil moisture content and water level are calculated as a function of the frequency of the oscillator output, and changes in soil moisture content or water level are calculated as a function of changes in oscillator frequency over time. An elongated delay line is employed to measure water level.

Abstract: A UART protocol which takes advantage of an SDO line space state to optimize communication between computers. A delay is provided by sending a byte of actual data followed by a dummy byte. The dummy byte is produced by placing the SDO line in the mark state, thus freeing up CPU time.

Abstract: A contact closure data logger which monitors state changes in a main switch, and records the time at which the state changes occur. To conserve power and accommodate less capable microprocessors, monitoring is done on a discreet basis. Various types of switches can be used, such as reed switches, FETs and mechanical switches, making the logger particularly useful for energy usage monitoring studies and retrofit of tipping bucket rain gauges. Dependent switches and measurement devices can be arranged in a hierarchical fashion to be monitored and otherwise acted upon when state changes occur in the main switch.

Abstract: An electronic measurement, data storage and readout system utilizing a programmable processor and controller to manipulate data measurements from a transducer is disclosed. Means are provided for electronically safeguarding the stored data.In the preferred embodiment means are also provided for reading out the data directly to a dedicated printer for producing graphical representations of the data and for converting the data to frequency-shift keyed signals which can be transmitted over telephone lines to the dedicated printer. A redeployment station is provided to reinitialize the programmable processor and controller.

Abstract: An electronic measurement, data storage and readout system utilizing a programmable processor and controller to manipulate data measurements from a transducer is disclosed. Means are provided for electronically safeguarding the stored data. In the preferred embodiment means are also provided for reading out the data directly to a dedicated printer for producing graphical representations of the data and for converting the data to frequency-shift keyed signals which can be transmitted over telephone lines to the dedicated printer. A redeployment station is provided to reinitialize the programmable processor and controller.

Abstract: An intense light source, preferably of high monochromaticity, having its beam modulated at a frequency f.sub.o through a wavelength range including an absorption line of a species to be detected, energizes a chamber containing a sample of the species. The modulation frequency may also be a multiple or sub-multiple of the natural resonant accoustic frequency of the sample chamber. A microphone in the sample chamber provides an output signal proportional to the concentration of the species. The radiation beam is further incident upon a calibration chamber containing a predetermined concentration of the species. A microphone in the calibration chamber provides a calibration signal for comparison with the sample signal to determine the concentration of the species in the sample cell. Means are provided for adjusting the center of the wavelength modulation range so that it bears a known relation to the center of the species absorption line.