Abstract: System and apparatus for treating data derived in serial pulse fashion from a source such as a meter. Data words are recorded upon a magnetic bubble memory which is portable and which includes real time and identification data in addition to pulse source data. The portable storage device incorporating the magnetic bubble memory is inserted into reader apparatus for transmission by telecommunication to a translator station which may be located remotely from the reader station. Cyclical redundancy check verification of the transmission is made between the stations to assure proper transmission. Further, the translation station carries out data verification checks. Erase apparatus is provided in the vicinity of the reader apparatus to carry out a memory check for the magnetic bubble memory and an erasure thereof through the insertion of zeroes therewithin.

Abstract: A billing recorder for providing a record of customer usage of electricity has a controller which may include a microprocessor for receiving and processing pulses from an electric meter. Data from one or more input channels is temporarily stored in random access memory by the controller in data words representative of energy consumed in predetermined time ("demand") intervals. The accumulated measurement ("event") data and time reference data are transferred to a non-volatile, solid state memory at the end of relatively long collection periods which comprise a number of demand intervals. The solid state preferably is energized by the controller only during data transfers. The entire memory module is removable for processing at a central location, and it is replaced with a new one when it is removed.

Abstract: A totalizer receives output pulses from two different meters and records them on a single data channel of a magnetic recorder. First and second memories are used alternately in successive demand intervals to store the outputs from both meters irrespective of which meter measured an event. For recording, contents of the respective memories are shifted out in alternate demand intervals. Demand interval timing signals are delayed and recorded in synchronism with the data so that the accuracy of recording is .+-. one event pulse per demand interval. Each memory acts as a summing register for both meters. Thus, the proportion of available storage allocated to each meter is varied according to the respective activity levels of the meters up to the maximum capacity of the recorder.

Abstract: A power outage indicating circuit for recording apparatus of the type which records data pulses along with a time reference on magnetic tape includes a silicon controlled rectifier which is normally maintained conducting to maintain a timing capacitor charged as long as power is supplied to the power outage circuit. Upon loss of power, the SCR device is rendered nonconducting permitting the timing capacitor to discharge. After power has been restored, the SCR device is triggered into conduction in response to the closing of a cam operated outage switch and supplies charging current to the timing capacitor. While the capacitor is charging, the charging current enables a time track head driver circuit to effect reversal of the direction of current flow through the winding of a time track recording head, causing an outage pulse to be recorded on the magnetic tape. A delay circuit prevents the power outage circuit from responding to line transients.

Abstract: A totalizer receives the output signals from two different sources, each generating signals representative of a measured event, such as the consumption (or transmission) of electrical power. The totalizer generates a train of recording pulses at a predetermined "offset" repetition rate. The totalizer increases the repetition rate of the recording pulses above the offset rate in response to an increase in the repetition rate of signals received from one of the sources; and it decreases the repetition rate of the recording pulses below the offset rate in response to an increase in the repetition rate of signals received from the other source. Thus the totalizer provides a bidirectional capacity in that it records events from two sources on a single data channel.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus including a data recording circuit for recording event data provided by a data source on a first track of a magnetic tape and a time recording circuit which effects the recording of time reference data for the event data on a second track of the tape, the time recording circuit including a digital clock which provides encoded data representing month, day, hours and minutes for recording on the tape and an identification data source which provides encoded data representing an identification number for the data source for recording on the tape, the time and identification data being recorded on the tape in a bi-phase format.