Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting pressure changes within the chamber of a pressure vessel are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pressure transducer which is gauge-referenced to atmospheric pressure and has bi-directional capability of determining pressure changes above and below atmospheric pressure. The transducer is structured to provide frequency output and is therefore connected directly to a microprocessor. The microprocessor includes structure programmed to compensate for variations in existing ambient atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An automatic anomalous event detection method uses a pair of counters to count the occurrence of main triggers simultaneously with the occurrence of advanced triggers indicative of anomalous events as defined by an operator. The anomalous events may be defined as either time or voltage qualified events that occur at a much lower rate than the repetition rate of an input analog signal being measured. When the main trigger counter reaches a maximum count, the count of the advanced trigger counter is compared with a range greater than zero to less than the maximum count modified by an operator specified divider. If the advance trigger count is within the range, then an anomalous event is detected and the next advanced trigger signal causes a portion of the input analog signal to be acquired for storage in a waveform memory and subsequent display of the anomalous event.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for determining the frequency of short oscillation bursts of electrical signals firstly oscillation bursts in desired number are read into a storage means and read out again cyclically adjoined to each other so that an oscillation train of any desired length results of which the mean frequency can be easily determined.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for frequency measurement of an undulating signal with a time varying frequency. A sequence of consecutive time intervals T.sub.1, T.sub.2, T.sub.3, T.sub.4, T.sub.5, etc. is determined, and the sum ##EQU1## of times of completion of cycles of the undulating signal within the time interval T.sub.p is determined for p=1,2,3,4,5, etc. The differences T.sub.1, T.sub.2, T.sub.3, T.sub.4, T.sub.5, etc. are then used to determine an average frequency within the combined time interval pairs {T.sub.1,T.sub.3 }, {T.sub.2, T.sub.4 }, {T.sub.3, T.sub.5 }, etc.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the effects of aliasing in a frequency output sensor system. The system includes a sensor for producing a sensor output signal at a frequency that varies within a modulation range as a function of an input parameter. The system also includes a processor for measuring the frequency of the sensor output signal at a sequence of sample times. The invention provides an analog filter for filtering the sensor output signal. In a first embodiment, the filter has an increasing phase lag versus frequency characteristic within the modulation range. In a second embodiment, the filter comprises a phase lock loop having frequency dividers in the input signal path and in the feedback path.

Abstract: A dual-edge frequency counter and method for minimizing the effects of duty cycle modulation. In its simplest form, a dual-edge counter (50) includes a first counter (52) that accumulates reference clock pulses between successive rising edges of an input signal. An input signal is also applied to an inverter (54), which inverts the square wave signal prior to applying it to a second counter (56) that also accumulates reference clock cycles between successive rising edges of the inverted sensor signal. A summation junction (60) totals the accumulated counts from the first and second counters so that they can be averaged by a divider (62), which divides the total count by two. The technique is also employed in connection with a frequency counter that includes an integer counter (72) for totaling the number of cycles of the sensor signal occurring during a sample time defined by successive gate signals.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a system for measuring the frequency of an audio signal by converting the signal to a rectangular wave, counting the number of oscillator pulses which can be generated during one cycle of said wave and decoding the number of pulses to obtain the frequency of the audio signal.

Abstract: A measurement range is divided into a plurality of sections, a binary coded signal is generated at each division point, small section signals are generated at a predetermined interval between the binary coded signals, the binary coded signals are weighted by angles, and the small section signals are added or subtracted to or from the weighted signal to interpolate between two binary coded signals. Since the increment signals generated between the adjacent absolute signals is used as an interpolation signal between the absolute signals, the measurement accuracy is enhanced without increasing the number of elements for generating the absolute signals. The measured angle can be accurately read by adding or subtracting the increment signals to and from the weighted signal of the absolute signal.

Abstract: When an IC card is attached to a terminal unit, a counter counts pulses of an external clock signal and a switching circuit outputs the external clock signal to an internal circuit in place of an internal clock signal if a NAND gate determines that the count of pulses of the external clock signal by the counter is a predetermined value. When the IC card is ejected from the terminal unit, pulses of the internal clock signal are counted by a counter and when the count attains a predetermined value, the counter is cleared and the switching circuit outputs the internal clock signal to the internal circuit in place of the external clock signal in response to the output of the NAND gate. Thus, it can be correctly determined whether the IC card is operated in the form of a single body or in the form attached to any terminal unit.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of an event or occurrence, including a summing counter which is actuated from a divider circuit. The device includes a divider circuit constituted of a series circuit of counting steps, and wherein a transfer circuit for the counting pulses of the counting steps is arranged intermediate the summing counter and the divider circuit.

Abstract: A device for measuring the distance travelled by and the speed of a rail vehicle fitted with wheel-coupled distance-pulse generators is disclosed in which both distance and speed are calculated from the time distance between successive distance pulses, and in which the change in wheel diameter due to wheel wear is already taken into account in the measurement of the time distance between the distance pulses (distance-pulse intervals). To measure the distance-pulse intervals, clock pulses of reduced repetition rate are counted which are obtained by dividing basic clock pulses of high repetition rate in an adjustment divider (T1). The wheel diameter is taken into account by changing the division ratio of the adjustable divider by means of a coding switch (S1).

Abstract: A window defrosting grid testing apparatus which is automated to test the resistance grid for quality control relative to set automotive standards including the continuity of each line of the grid. In one preferred embodiment, the testing device includes means for automatically clamping the window in position on a support table and engaging a set of three conducting probes in conducting contact with the grid at predetermined locations associated with opposing ends of the grid lines and an intermediate position between the opposing ends. The probe in the intermediate position is mounted for lateral and transverse travel across the grid lines and is operatively connected to a voltage sensitive relay which operates to provide a signal only when the energized grid line engaged by the intermediate probe is non-defective relative to continuity.

Abstract: A material testing machine includes two detecting means of indenter pressing force detecting means provided with a displacement detector or a strain gage type detector and amount of penetration detecting means provided with a displacement detector. When it is detected by a pulse that the output of the detector of the indenter pressing force detecting means has reached a predetermined value, the output of the detector of the amount of penetration detecting means is latched by the pulse and latched output is used as the output of the amount of pentration detecting means. In a further embodiment, the two detectors are provided with a pulse generator and counting means for counting pulses generated therefrom.

Abstract: A level sensor system for liquids and liquid slurries utilizes a capacitive probe which extends longitudinally into a liquid or liquid slurry containing vessel, and which may contain inner and outer sensors spaced from each other in an assembly with a flow control screen at its lower end to permit egress of liquid and exclusion of the solid slurry material, thereby enabling both liquid and slurry level to be determined. The capacitance presented by each sensor is converted into a digital output in repetitive cycles having a reference phase, where a reference voltage is generated by charging a reference capacitor while a counter is registering counts and until a pre-determined count is reached, and in a computing phase while counts are accumulated until the capacitance presented by the probe charges to a voltage equal to the reference voltage.

Abstract: At the start of measurement by a length measuring device, a calibration coil in which the temperature characteristics are known, is connected to an oscillator. The oscillation frequency of the oscillator at this time is counted by a counter and is given to microcomputer. Microcomputer obtains temperature information corresponding to counted numbers with reference to a table of counted numbers versus temperature information which has already stored temperature information corresponding to a plurality of counted numbers and stores the obtained temperature information in a data storage area. In measurement mode, measured values subjected to temperature compensation are obtained according to the temperature information stored in the data storage area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the determination of automobile and truck tire revolutions wherein said apparatus adhered to the tire detects each revolution by the flexing of that section of the tire.

Abstract: The position of the moving mirror (20) in a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer is monitored with a circuit which has an incremental counter formed of a plurality of cascaded up/down counters (82, 84, and 86) that count the pulses received by a laser detector (42) to yield a relative position count. A microprocessor (100) maintains an absolute position count by reading the counters (82, 84, and 86) and updating its absolute position count at regular intervals. A portion of the circuit is dedicated to discriminating the direction of the moving mirror (20) by gating circuitry connected to the digitized output of the laser detectors (42, 44).

Abstract: A meter for remote inspection having a wheel assembly which enables a counting number indicating the amount of consumption of a measuring object, such as electric energy, or city water or the like to be remotely inspected in a remote inspection center equipped with computer systems. The wheel assembly comprises a plurality of wheels representing respective decimal columns, a series of pinion wheels for transmitting a driving torque, detecting means for detecting the binary-coded signal of a counting number including four photo-sensor portions, and fixed disk means for mounting the detecting means. A predetermined one of side surfaces of some wheels is composed of ten zones which are uniformly divided and selectively colored by two kinds of colors to provide the binary-coded signal of each order of decimals of the counting number.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the frequency of an input signal by measuring the number of cycles of the input signal that occur in a sample interval between successive sampling times t.sub.n. An integer counter determines an estimated integer number of input signal cycles, and fraction counters determine fractional counts by counting cycles of a clock signal during time intervals between a first measurement time before the sampling time and a second measurement time after the sampling time. A correction circuit refines the fractional counts by determining the phase relationships between the clock and input signals at each measurement time. The correction circuit includes a constant current source, a capacitor, a first switch connected between the constant current source and a reference potential, a second switch connected between the constant current source and the capacitor, and a control circuit for the switches.

Abstract: A shift register latch (SRL) arrangement for testing a combinational logic circuit, producing true and complement outputs in nature, has two clocked DC latches and additional circuitry for providing an input to the second latch. Clock signal trains and an extra TEST signal are used to control the SRL arrangement in different modes. In a first mode, one of the outputs from the combinational logic circuit is latched into the first latch and provided to a succeeding combinational logic circuit. In a second mode, a plurality of the SRL arrangements are interconnected together to form a shift register chain so that each latch acts as one position of the shift register chain. Further, in a third mode, the true and complement outputs of the combinational logic circuit are exclusive ORed and its result is latched into the second latch. During the third mode, output of the first latch is prevented from being latched into the second latch.

Abstract: Procedure to measure the level (14) of a liquid (13) by means of elastic waves, such liquid (13) being contained within an axially moving tube (11) and cooperating with a filler tube (12), the filler tube (12) being used as an element in the transmission of elastic waves to the liquid (13), such elastic waves being picked up (16) outside the axially moving tube (11).Device (10) to carry out the above procedure, which device (10) cooperates with a filler tube (12) and comprises:at least one transducer (15) to transmit energization of the vibration of the filler tube (12), andat least one receiver transducer (16) located outside the axially moving tube (11).

Abstract: When a trigger clock is input, its leading and trailing edges are detected, and first and second oscillators are started to oscillate by the leading and trailing edge detected outputs, respectively. The first and second oscillators oscillate at the same oscillation frequency, which is determined by data set in period setting means. A flip-flop is set by the output of the first oscillator and reset by the output of the second oscillator and the flip-flop output is provided as multi-clock pulses. The number of multi-clock pulses from the flip-flop is counted by a clock counter, and when it is detected by a stop detector that the clock counter has counted to a preset value, the first and second oscillators are stopped, by the detected output, from oscillation.

Abstract: A device for detecting the amount of liquid in a vessel, such as a fuel tank of an automobile, using a torsion support member such as a torsion bar arranged between the vessel and the body of the automobile. The torsion displacement of the member corresponding to the amount of the liquid is detected in a detection circuit and processed in an electronic unit which includes a portion for generating a pulse width signal corresponding to the amount of the liquid on the basis of signals from the detection circuit, a portion for generating a signal having a pulse number proportional to the pulse width on the basis of the generated pulse width signal, and a portion for averaging at predetermined intervals the value corresponding to the pulse number of the signal from the pulse width detection portion using timing pulses generated at predetermined intervals and for displaying the average amount of the liquid digitally on a display portion.

Abstract: Proximity type sensors detect the passage of the flutes of a single face web at the inlet and outlet of a bridge. Separate counts are maintained of the number of flutes detected at the bridge inlet and outlet based on the outputs of the sensors. Data representative of the number of flutes per unit length of one or more single face webs is stored in memory. The appropriate data is selectively retrieved from memory and multiplied by the difference between the flute counts at the bridge inlet and outlet to obtain a signal representative of actual length of web on the bridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for counting the number of cycles of a sensor signal and of a reference signal that occur during respective time intervals associated with a sampling interval defined by a sample signal. Sensor and reference gate signals are produced and respectively define sensor and reference intervals. The sensor interval begins and ends synchronously with respect to the sensor signal, and the reference interval begins and ends synchronously with respect to the reference signal. The sensor, reference and sampling intervals are approximately coextensive with one another. Cycles of the sensor and reference signals are counted during the sensor and reference intervals, respectively. The process may be repeated for a plurality of successive sampling intervals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement apparatus for measuring physical quantity, such as temperature, pressure etc., and providing corresponding measuremnt data suitable for transmission to a remote central location. The physical quantity being measured is first converted to a frequency signal, either directly by an appropriate transducer or by a combination of an appropriate transducer and appropriate converter. Counters are then used to convert the frequency signal to a corresponding digital quantity. An appropriately programmed digital processor is then used to perform processing operations on the digital quantity to derive the measurement data. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an optical transceiver for converting the measurement data into corresponding optical signals for transmission via an optical fiber to a central processor.

Abstract: A digital sample and hold circuit for memorizing the initial voltage across an electrical resistance probe which is partly immersed in the liquid in a tank.

Abstract: A testable time delay apparatus includes means for testing component operation during any stage of system function and means for continuously monitoring and testing component functions. The device is particularly useful in critical process control applications such as in a nuclear reactor control system.

Abstract: Sampling data output in the form of digital signals corresponding to changes in a quantity to be measured within a predetermined period or an average value of the sampling data is compared with display data corresponding to the current display. When the accumulation signal obtained by accumulation of the difference between the sampling data and display data exceeds a predetermined value, or an average value having a predetermined difference from the current display data has been counted a predetermined times, the display data is updated.

Abstract: A system and probe for indicating the level of material in a vessel as a function of material capacitance comprising a resonant circuit including a capacitance probe adapted to be disposed in a vessel so as to be responsive to variations in capacitance as a function of material level. An rf oscillator has an output coupled to the resonant circuit and to a phase detector for detecting variations in phase angle as a function of probe capacitance. Level detection circuitry is responsive to an output of the phase detector and to a reference signal indicative of a predetermined level of material for indicating material level as a function of a difference between capacitance at the probe and the reference signal. In the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed, an automatic calibration circuit adjusts the resonance characteristics of the parallel resonant circuit of the reference signal indicative of a predetermined reference material level.

Abstract: A system and probe for indicating the level of material in a vessel as a function of material capacitance comprising a resonant circuit including a capacitance probe adapted to be disposed in a vessel so as to be responsive to variations in capacitance as a function of material level. An rf oscillator has an output coupled to the resonant circuit and to a phase detector for detecting variations in phase angle as a function of probe capacitance. Level detection circuitry is responsive to an output of the phase detector and to a reference signal indicative of a predetermined level of material for indicating material level as a function of a difference between capacitance at the probe and the reference signal. In the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed, an automatic calibration circuit adjusts the resonance characteristics of the parallel resonant circuit of the reference signal indicative of a predetermined reference material level.

Abstract: An improved system for generating a signal representative of the level of a material having a dielectric constant within a vessel is disclosed. The system features use of a first probe for generating a signal indicative of the dielectric constant of the material which is divided into a signal varying with the level of the material whereby a compensated level signal irrespective of the actual dielectric constant is measured. In a preferred embodiment, a single integrator is used to perform the division operation whereby inaccuracies due to component variation including long-term drift are eliminated. The instrument is disclosed as functioning in a two-wire instrument system having low power requirements, permitting use of conventional signal limits.

Abstract: A speed measurement system including a magnetic pickup positioned in proximate relation to a driven element of a gas turbine engine having a plurality of discontinuities therein. The pickup providing a pulse per every discontinuity and thus a multiplicity of pulses for every revolution of the driven element. Conditioning circuitry connected to the pickup for generating a strobe pulse signal for every discontinuity. Interval measuring circuitry receiving interval signals asynchronous to the strobe pulses of a predetermined period which are to form a measurement period which is exactly related to a count of the strobe pulses over a measurement period. Additionally included is circuitry used to lengthen the measurement period up to a maximum of N intervals for increasing the low frequency response of the system.

Abstract: A test counter for testing demand recorders installed at remote field locations. A predetermined interval of time is established and pulses generated by an attached demand recorder are automatically counted for that interval of time. The counter includes multiple counting channels and an additional channel providing a visual indication of the presence of pulses at an input of that additional channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a digital radiation dosemeter comprising a detector (12) converting the ionizing radiation to electrical impulses and an electronic survey device (14) for the storage of said impulses in a dose radiation counter (18). An optoelectronic transmitter (34, 38, 40) sends the informations to an external data processing system. A binary counter (42) operates said transmitter and cooperates with a reading control circuit (43)including a photosensitive receiver (44)connected in series with a magnetic reed switch (46).

Abstract: The device comprises an evaluation unit and at least one transducer for feeding the electric signal to this unit on the occurrence of a characteristic event and the evaluation unit comprises a recognition unit sensing the occurence of the characteristic event. To permit determination of the trigger point characterizing the occurrence of the characteristic event also in the case of heavily noise-contaminated measuring signals the evaluation unit is provided with one or several comparators in addition to the recognition unit, whose thresholds are spaced out over a certain range of levels, and--depending on whether the transducer signal has reached the threshold of the recognition unit--by using the information contained in the evaluation unit, which is influenced by the sequence of the comparator responses according to the signal shape delivered by the transducer, for determination of the trigger point characterizing the occurence of the characteristic event, in a manner predetermined in the evaluation unit.

Abstract: An off the car wheel unbalance measuring system has a rotationally driven wheel mounting shaft supported in a framework pedestal together with a pair of force transducers mounted in the pedestal and in mechanical communication with and spaced along the shaft. The angular position of the shaft is monitored with respect to an angular reference position at a predetermined number of angular increments during each full revolution of the shaft by a shaft encoder. The encoder provides a reference pulse once each shaft revolution and a plurality of angular shaft position increment pulses each shaft revolution. The angular increment pulses are in the form of a dual signal the components of which have a predetermined phase relationship. The shaft reference pulse and the angular increment pulse are required to provide a reference indication as well as a predetermined number of angular increment indications in each shaft revolution.

Abstract: A digital speed measurement circuit for an engine includes a magnetic pick-up positioned adjacent an engine-driven gear having a substantial number of teeth so that the pick-up produces a number of speed pulses per revolution of the gear. These pulses are shaped into square waves by a signal conditioning circuit and connected through a synchronizing circuit which responds to the trailing edge of each square wave to produce a triggering pulse, with each triggering pulse supplied to a tooth counter. A high speed clock is connected to a second counter which is reset with each triggering pulse. Sampling pulses are produced in an associated control system which is not coordinated with the speed pulse but which are longer in duration than any of the speed pulses and which control the flow of tooth counts to the tooth counter.

Abstract: A frequency determining apparatus for receiving an input signal of unknown frequency and providing an output signal representing the frequency where the output signal is updated at substantially regular intervals regardless of the frequency of the input signal. A frequency divider or prescaler divides the input signal by a factor n to give an adjusted signal. A gated counter counts stable clock pulses for a time period related to the period of the adjusted signal to give a count inversely related to the frequency of the adjusted signal. A calculator corrects the count for the factor n and derives an output signal representing the frequency of the input signal. The calculator also determines if the count has increased above an upper limit or decreased below a lower limit, and if so it changes the factor n accordingly to maintain the count and correspondingly the adjusted signal within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Electronic circuitry monitors the electrical energy consumption of a system and displays the current cost of the energy usage. The projected monthly billing cost is calculated at the current rate of consumption, and an alarm signal and control output are generated if the projected cost is higher than a budget amount. Energy consumption is sensed optically at the electric meter and a proportional number of high frequency pulses are added to the household electrical network. These pulses are remotely sensed at any point within the household electrical network and are fed to a microprocessor for counting and conversion to cost parameters. Clock pulses are also directed to the microprocessor for calculating the billing period and for displaying time parameters. A keyboard enables initializing and modifying the cost and time parameters in the microprocessor.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for recording certain operating conditions of a motor vehicle, those conditions occurring upon the braking of the vehicle, and the apparatus is particularly applicable to vehicles equipped with antilock braking systems. A shift register is controlled by an oscillator in continuously shifting operation. When a predetermined driving condition occurs, the state of the first register location is changed. In the event the device is used for recording a braking condition, there is provided a time delay switch which locks the shift register at the point it has reached when a predetermined delay time is exceeded. The aforementioned shift register can be constructed in the form of an electromechanical shift register which responds to a signal generated through the operation of a stop lamp switch.

Abstract: To render a setting circuit more suited to the use of a microprocessor, the frequency of pulses applied by a setting shaft are periodically measured and the value found is multiplied by a weighting factor which depends on the speed of rotation of the setting shaft. The weighted, measured values are integrated and the integrated value can be used to tune a receiver or to set the time display of a clock.