Abstract: A drop height recorder apparatus includes a housing suitable for packaging for shipment from an origin point to a destination point, a triaxial accelerometer provides three signals to corresponding high gain and low gain channels. The three high gain channel signals are full wave rectified to change any negative signals to positive signals for summing into a single high gain "zero G" (free-fall) channel. AN analog to digital converter is connected to the three low gain channels, the single high gain channel, and to auxiliary sensors for digitizing the analog signals. A recorder has a programmable controller connected to the ADC for setting the digital sampling rate. The digitized low gain channel signals are passed through a digital trigger threshold comparator for comparison with a reference signal for generating event detecting trigger signals on the way to a delay memory which also receives the digitized high gain zero G signal and auxiliary signals.

Abstract: A vehicle information apparatus for recording, computation and display of data ascertainable from the driving performance of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a transmitter module for providing data concerning a trip, a central unit with internal program and data memories and a display device. The vehicle information apparatus is coupled with the operating mechanism of a radio cassette set for playback of data information stored on an audio data carrier. The transmitted data are separated in a signal input and output stage of the apparatus, stored and displayed. The audio data carrier is repeatedly loaded with topical information and serves particularly for the distribution of instructions prior to the start of a driver's shift in a taxi or transportation vehicle fleet.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for logging data corresponding to the motion of a vehicle. Programmable variables in the logger are set when it is connected to a remote indicating device. The logger is then installed in the vehicle and connected to power and motion sensor lines. The logger monitors electrical signals from the motion sensor and determines the relative speed of the vehicle. Information is stored in the memory of the logger for each stop of the vehicle. Such information may include the maximum speed since the last stop, the distance, date, and time the maximum speed occurred, and the distance, date, time, and duration of the stop and any short intermediate stops. The logger contains circuitry for merging together information data groups for each stop in the memory, thereby allowing the longest stops to define the boundaries of the data information groups.

Abstract: An improved cassette tape recorder is provided for storing the time message, generated by the real time clock of the central processing unit, into a tape region between a first record and a second record immediately behind the time message so that it can be digitally displayed everytime it is necessary. The time message includes time data of year, month, day, week, hour, minute and second, etc.

Abstract: A data logger for logging data wherein stored incoming data is related to real time. Incoming data initially is stored at a relatively fine time resolution in a data memory. When the capacity of the data memory is exhausted, the stored data is rearranged into a relatively coarse time resolution form and then further incoming data is collected at the relatively coarse resolution. In the event of such a change of resolution, the relationship between the stored data and real time is not distorted.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the operation of a railroad train includes two on-board units which collect and utilize data for ultimate transfer to a portable unit which can be carried onto and off of the railroad train. One of these on-board units operates under microcomputer control to compute speed, acceleration/deceleration, and distance traveled data and to store such computred data for subsequent transfer to the portable unit. The other on-board unit acquires additional data under separate microcomputer control. This data acquisition retrieves either binary or analog data, or both, and stores it in the acquiring on-board unit for later transfer to a separate memory in the other on-board unit for subsequent transfer to the portable unit. Power failure detection circuits are also implemented to insure the microcomputers are initiated in respective determinate states.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting the recording data of a video tape recorder, which is enabled to detect data concerning the time and channel a program played back was recorded at and through, by adding both calendar data such as the date and time and channel data indicating a channel to be recorded in the recording operation of the video tape recorder and by extracting the above-specified data in the playback operation.

Abstract: A device for recording seismoelectric signals comprises at least three channels for reception of seismoelectric signals in different frequency bands, each channel having a magnetic antenna (1,2,3) with series-connected amplifier (4,5,6) and a uniform frequency characteristic former (7,8,9), and also two video recorders (10,11), the first video recorder being connected to an output of the receiving channel having the lowest frequency, while the second video recorder (11) is connected, via an adder (12), to the outputs of all other channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encouraging driver's seat belt usage includes a system for detecting and recording each time a seat belt is used. Depending on the level of seat belt usage the driver earns discounts on car insurance premiums.

Abstract: A power load survey apparatus is disclosed with an electronic power sensor for detecting a power load in the form of a pulse signal, a collector cartridge detachably coupled to the electronic power sensor and having a memory for storing the pulse signal and the time of data collection. The time is obtained from a self-contained time keeping circuit. A memory and magnetic tape converting device is detachably coupled to the collector cartridge and includes a magnetic tape device for transferring and recording data from the memory of the electronic power sensor, and a standard clock 52. The time data obtained from the collector cartridge is time rectified to a standard time from the standard clock 52 each time the collector cartridge is coupled to the memory/magnetic tape converting device thereby insuring that the collector cartridge shows a correct time.

Abstract: A vehicular diagnostic system is described which generally comprises a portable communications control station and a remote data processing station. The control station includes a portable communications controller which is adapted to be connected to a vehicle data terminal capable of supplying parameter data monitored by a vehicle computer and connected to a source of electrical power in the vehicle. The controller also includes the circuitry required to enable the flow of the parameter data through the vehicle data terminal, to compose the data into a predetermined data stream, to record this data stream on magnetic tape, and transmit live or recorded data through a telephone line to the remote data processing station.

Abstract: A magnetic tape recording and playback system having a tape cassette and battery pack joined by a frangible connection in an integral assembly, wherein for recording the assembly provides battery power to the recorder and the recorder provides recording signals to the cassette, and for playback, the battery is broken away from the cassette and discarded and the cassette is inserted into the playback unit, which can accept only the cassette without the battery. This prevents re-use of the cassette in the recorder and assures the use of a fresh battery for each recording session.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the motion of a railroad train includes an on-board unit which computes the speed, acceleration/deceleration, and distance traveled events of the train and stores such computed data for retention by a non-volatile memory after a power interruption or outage occurs. The apparatus also includes a portable unit to which the on-board unit, or the data retaining memory thereof, can be connected for conducting data transfers from the on-board unit memory to the portable unit. Once stored in the portable unit, the information can be formated and displayed as a history of the train operation for management and maintenance personnel, for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing and recording diverse operational and performance characteristics of automotive vehicles and the like has a plurality of transducers directly associated with different mechanical functions of the vehicle for sensing their operating characteristics in relation to time as well as generating analog signals representative of certain functions and combining them with digital signals representing other functions. A signal converter encodes signals from the transducers and converts the signals in predetermined order into digital data signals. Each succession of signals generated are temporarily stored. A recorder then records information stored serially and enables ready access to and identification of each event or condition.

Abstract: An electronic power control circuit used in recording seismic data at unmanned remote locations is disclosed wherein the power requirements are minimized by segregating power distribution between continuous and non-continuous requirements.

Abstract: The deviation of an FM signal modulated by a video signal is detected by measuring the average period of the FM signal at a measurement rate proportional to the average frequency of the FM signal. The value of each average period measurement is compared with a predetermined number to produce an indicator signal each time the measured value is less than or equal to the predetermined number. The effect of overshoot of the video signal due to preemphasis is minimized by detecting the successive occurrence of at least two indicator signals to provide a further indicator signal which may be used for visually monitoring video peak levels and/or for protecting a utilization device to which the FM signal is supplied.

Abstract: A system for accurately locating upon a surface any number of finite points, recording those locations together with such additional information as is desired to be applied to the surface, and then transferring such recorded information to that surface in defined relation to the recorded point locations. The point locator incorporates a pair of potentiometers positioned to provide output signals representative of both X and Y coordinates, the locating signals being generated responsive to movement of a cursor head connected to the potentiometers through an extensible potentiometer rotating means to thereby actuate one or both potentiometers in amounts representative of a series of given X-Y cursor positions.

Abstract: A device for high-speed transcription of physiological data recorded at substantially lower speeds includes a device for converting the recorded data into electrical signals, a device for converting the electrical signals into light signals and displaying them with high clarity and resolution, and a device for transcribing the light signals onto light-sensitive media at high speed.

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 method and apparatus for storing data signals, which data signals comprise radio frequency ultrasonic signals from an ultrasonic transducer and positional signals from a source associated with the transducer, wherein the signals are converted into a format in which they are compatible with a video recorder and stored on video recording magnetic tape for reproduction as required. Because the data signals are recorded live rather than in the form of a cathode ray oscilloscope display, they can be rectified as necessary. Positional coordinates of the transducer may be stored, and scans at varying thresholds can be reproduced. Position and ultrasonic data signals are interleaved on the video recording magnetic tape. Apparatus for performing the method includes a video recording device having a rotatable head and interface units for converting the radio frequency signals into television format and for decoding the signals for reproduction.

Abstract: An analog reproducer unit for a seismic exploration vessel includes a discriminator for checking the repetition rate of recorded strobe pulses to discriminate valid strobe pulses from noise. The valid strobe pulses are used to store digital samples in a digital memory. These digital samples are retrieved from a magnetic record produced in an on-bottom seismometer unit.

Abstract: In a system for quality control evaluation of energized electrical power sources, a waveform analysis apparatus and method is employed permitting greatly increased capability for the detection, measurement and evaluation of the signal characteristics, especially the noise signal, of the tested units. A high-speed magnetic tape recorder stores the output signal of the unit under test. A high-speed AC-to-DC converter receives the output noise signal and inputs it to a fast-responding, track-and-hold peak detector. The peak level output signal of the peak detector may be displayed for any desired time interval and the peak detector reset resulting in discrete time interval printouts of peak noise output. Noise levels of interest may be rapidly located and a complete display of the power source output signals during that time interval of interest obtained from the magnetic tape recorder allowing detailed waveform analysis.

Abstract: In a storage system including a semi-permanent database there is provided apparatus for updating said database comprising: instrumentalities for reading magnetically recorded data and storing said data in said database; a rotatable drum having an exterior circumferentially-extending surface, said drum including a plurality of protrusions extending beyond said exterior surface; a flexible magnetic card including database updating data magnetically recorded on a major surface thereof, said card having opposed side edges extending lengthwise thereof and having a leading edge and a trailing end edge respectively extending transverse to the length thereof, the length of said card being such that one of said end edges is disposable in overlapping relationship with respect to the other of said end edges when said card is wrapped around said drum, said card having a plurality of apertures formed therein, said apertures located to permit registration of a sufficient number of said apertures with said drum protrusions

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for long-term ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure by an auscultation method, employing a pressurizable cuff and requiring no intervention by the patient. Heartbeats are sensed by ECG electrodes, and a microphone is used to sense the Korotkow sounds as the pressure in the cuff is varied. The presence or absence of a Korotkow sound within a preset interval following each heartbeat is used in determining when the cuff pressure equals the systolic and diastolic pressures. Those pressures are determined in each cycle of operation and are recorded on a continuously-running portable tape recorder, along with the ECG signals. In each cycle of operation, the initial pressure to which the cuff is inflated is based on the systolic pressure measured in the immediately preceding cycle. The pressure in the inflated cuff is thereafter stepped downward in small discrete decrements triggered by successive heartbeats during the measurement phase of each cycle.

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 method and apparatus for recording and translating data using sequential spacing of data points on a recording medium. Electrical pulses are generated in response to the quantitative level of a series of events to be monitored. These pulses are then applied sequentially from a base reference point to the recording medium. The pulses are applied so that the distance between pulses is indicative of the quantitative level of each monitored event. This method is particularly useful in field instrumentation for monitoring equipment performance, process variables, weather conditions and any other variable events or conditions. Any number of events may be periodically sequentially applied to the medium over a long period of time. The recording medium can then be played back at high speed to translate the information obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus under control of an operator for selectively displaying signals stored on a magnetic tape. The tape is normally first played back at a high speed, with the reproduced signal displayed at high speed to permit the operator to determine which parts of the tape to view at real-time speed. In the real-time viewing mode, a segment of the tape is played again at high speed to provide a better quality signal; the signal from the segment is converted to digital form and stored in a memory for use in creating a real-time display. The operator then can view the display of the stored signal in a variety of ways: stationary, advancing at real-time speed, or in reverse at real-time speed. The length of the segment stored is relatively short to minimize the size of the memory. After a segment is played back, the tape is brought to a stop and then moved in the opposite direction to position it for playing back the next segment.

Abstract: A data recording system includes a master tape recorder interconnected to a plurality of slave recorders. Each recorder is adapted to record meter data provided thereto from a meter associated with each recorder. The master recorder includes a timing circuit for effecting the recording of interval marks at periodic intervals on tape of all of the recorders as a time reference for the meter data of each recorder. The timing circuit also includes means for detecting a power outage to the recorders to generate a power outage pulse which effects the writing of a power outage indication by all of the recorders.

Abstract: The specification discloses a control module having circuitry for generating control and timing signals and for receiving digital data. A plurality of sensor modules are connected to the control module and each contains devices for sensing various physical characteristics, such as water level, rainfall or the like. In response to control signals generated by the control module, each of the sensor modules is operable to input digital data representative of the sensed physical characteristics to the control module. A recorder is connected to the control module and includes a removable recording cassette for recording the digital data transmitted from the sensor modules. The recorder also records the identification of the sensor module transmitting data, along with the calendar day and the time of day that the data was transmitted.

Abstract: In a method for magnetically recording a vehicle condition, a voltage proportional to a vehicle speed is sampled at a predetermined interval and converted into a code signal which is temporarily memorized by a memory. When the memorized data reach a predetermined amount, the data are transferred to be recorded by a magnetic tape for a period which is short enough not to prevent the memory from memorizing. When all the data have been recorded, a completion signal is generated to stop the tape, whereby the inter record gap is limited to minimum length.

Abstract: A miniature tape recorder intended for ambulatory recording of cardiac signals over a twenty-four-hour interval includes a clock with a visual display and an event marking circuit. Cardiac signals are recorded simultaneously on two tracks on the magnetic tape used by the recorder. The event marking circuit, activated by the patient, interrupts briefly the recording of cardiac signals on one of the tracks to record in its place an event marker signal easily recognizable on playback. The event marking circuit includes a clock circuit, a counter, and logic circuits to generate a burst of exactly eight square pulses of predetermined width, the duration of the burst being one second.

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.

Abstract: A magnetic tape using as recording medium selected magnetic or non-magnetic material is used for on-line physical and chemical analysis by exposure to selected external agents, physical or chemical, causing permanent alterations in the material, and changes in the magnetic properties of the materials are sensed to read out the recorded information in correlation with the analyzed phenomenon or process for storage, monitoring or control purposes.

Abstract: A seismic recording system employs amplifiers, a multiplexer, and an analog-to-digital converter for converting analog seismic reflection signals obtained during seismic exploration operations to a serial output of multiplexed digital samples. An input controller restores to the digital samples the original amplitude of the seismic signals as they were received by the field recorder and scales the digital samples for later compositing into a seismic record in a central processing unit. An output controller then applies to each digital sample in the composite record a desired gain prior to recording on a magnetic tape unit.

Abstract: A device for synthetizing a message in response to an interrogation signal, the message consisting of a number of separate digits, terms, etc. indicating the value and possibly other features of a quantity. The device has a recorder with a number of endless tracks with individual recordings of digits, terms, etc., which can be used to constitute the desired message, and read-out devices, with a program device and logic circuits for controlling the delivery of the message and to repeat that same message a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A translator system which includes circuitry for differentiating between normal interval timing pulses and power loss pulses on meter telemetry recordings. The pulses are recorded with a different waveform and are applied to wave-shaping circuitry which produces pulses corresponding to the time interval pulses which are longer than the pulses produced which correspond to the power loss pulses. A pulse duration recognizing circuit distinguishes between the pulses of different duration and provides a pulse output at one of two terminals depending on which pulse type is recognized. Pulses corresponding to the time interval pulses are transferred to the analyzing circuits of the translator. A masking circuit prevents recognition of a power loss pulse except during a predetermined time interval which corresponds to the only time such a pulse may correctly exist on the recording. Circuitry is included which informs the analyzing circuits of the translator when a power loss pulse is properly recognized.

Abstract: A corona discharge detection system is disclosed. The detection system is composed of two basic sub-systems, a detection record system and a detection playback. The detection record system detects a corona discharge, visually displays the discharge on a cathode ray tube and records the corona discharge video data along with voice and geographic data. The playback system processes the recorded information to provide a playback of the recorded data. The playback system includes an audio system that reproduces the stored audio information and a strip chart recorder that reproduces the corona video data and the geographic data to provide a visual record of this data.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording digital signals corresponding to components of telluric and magnetic fields. The apparatus comprises an analog input stage, a low pass filter stage, an analog output stage, an analog multiplexer and an analog-to-digital converter and recording system for recording the digital signals. A gain computing module is provided as well as a recording selector to achieve variable amplification gains in the analog input and output stages as well as variable frequency bands in the low pass filtering stage to accommodate different frequency input signals for low frequency recording, intermediate frequency recording and high frequency recording.

Abstract: A recording instrument for use in ocean depths and like remote locations and adapted to provide meaningful readings of temperatures and pressure, for example, at such locations over a long period of time without attendance. Analog signals from transducers, which indicate the level of the thing-to-be-measured, are processed to give an averaged digital signal that is then stored on a magnetic tape. The system is battery powered. The instrument detailed is for use at ocean depths where the instrument housing and attachment to a mooring line are of particular importance.

Abstract: A vital phenomenon recording and/or reproducing device such as an electrocardiograph, an electromyograph, an electroencephalograph, etc. comprises a main unit including at least a magnetic tape driving mechanism and a magnetic head, a recording attachment capable of being detachably connected to said main unit mechanically and electrically, and a reproducing attachment capable of being detachably connected to said main unit, to said recording attachment being connected a detector such as electrodes to be adhered to a body of a patient and to said reproducing attachment being connected a recorder, for example, an XY recorder.

Abstract: A survey recorder for measuring electrical loads and providing a magnetic tape record of data with time reference signals in format capable of providing computer compatible information. The data recording circuit utilizes a light emitting diode with a phototransistor to determine each quantum measurement by the meter, and a trigger circuit driven by the phototransistor feeds a solid state divider circuit which is programmable to provide various I/O pulse ratio outputs to the data recording head. A power outage circuit detects outages which are greater than a predetermined duration and provides distinctive pulses to a time recording circuit to effect a recognizable format on the magnetic tape which identifies the power outage.