Electronic measuring unit

Claim 2

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication means to receive and register the measurement output signal from said measuring means, said count indication means including counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative of said measurement output signal, and output control means connected to receive an output from said counter means, said output control means operating in response to control signals received thereby to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means or a complement thereof, control signal source means connected to provide control signals to control said output control means, and zero set control means operative to cause said control signal source means to cause said output control means to provide an output representing only the complement of the numerical value registered by said counter means.

Claim 3

The electronic measuring unit of claim 1 wherein said count indication means includes memory means connected to receive the output from said output control means, said memory means being operative to store said output and to selectively provide said stored output to the input of said counter means.

Claim 4

The electronic measuring unit of claim 2 wherein said count indication means includes indicator means connected to receive the output from said output control means, said indicator means being selectively operable to provide an indication representing the value of said output from said output control means, and said zero set control means is connected to control said output control means and being operable to cause said indicator means to retain a previous indication regardless of the presence of an output from said output control Means, said zero set control means being operable to cause said output control means to provide an output representing only the complement of the numerical value registered by said counters to said memory means.

Claim 5

The electronic measuring unit of claim 2 which includes control means operative to cause said memory means to provide the output of said output control means stored thereby during a previous operational cycle of said measuring unit to the input of said counter means for combination with a measurement output signal occurring during a subsequent operational cycle.

Claim 6

The electronic measuring unit of claim 1 wherein a manually operable switch is connected to activate said zero set control means.

Claim 7

The electronic measuring unit of claim 1 wherein said output control means is operative to provide the nines complement of the numerical value registered by said counter means.

Claim 8

The electronic measuring unit of claim 1 wherein said zero set control means includes zero test means connected to said count indication means to sense digits registered thereby as a result of said measurement output signal, said zero test means operating when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of numerical values to initiate operation of said control signal source means.

Claim 9

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured during a measurement cycle, count indication means connected to receive and register a digital value indicative of the measurement output signal from said measuring means and number detector means connected to said count indication means to sense at the end of said measurement cycle a digit registered thereby as a result of said measurement output signal, said number detector means operating when said sensed digit is other than a predetermined value to cause a signal to be fed to said count indication means to alter the value registered by said count indication means to said predetermined value.

Claim 10

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured during a measurement cycle, count indication means connected to receive and register a digital value indicative of the measurement output signal from said measuring means and number detector means connected to said count indication means to sense at the end of said measurement cycle a digit registered thereby as a result of said measurement output signal, said number detector means operating when said sensed digit is other than a predetermined value to cause a signal to be fed to said count indication means to alter the value registered by said count indication means to said predetermined value.

Claim 11

The electronic measuring unit of claim 8 wherein said number detector means operates in response to a sensed digit of a value other than that of said predetermined value to cause said measuring means to provide a measurement output signal to said count indication means to alter said sensed digit to said predetermined value.

Claim 12

The electronic measuring unit of claim 9 wherein the measurement output signal from said measuring means to said count indication means constitutes pulse signals indicative of the function to be measured, said number detector means operating upon the termination of said pulse signals and in response to a sensed digit at the output of said output control means of a value other than said predetermined value to cause said measuring means to reinitiate a pulse output signal to said count indication means until said count indication means registers said predetermined value.

Claim 13

In an electronic measuring unit wherein sensing means provide an input electrical signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured to a measuring means operative during a measuring cycle to provide an output indicative of the amplitude of said input electrical signal, a method for reducing the effects resulting from the natural frequency of vibration of said sensing means which includes initiating a plurality of successive measuring cycles for each single measurement operation to obtain a number of output measurement indications and initiating at least one initial measuring cycle of said measurement operation at any point on a first excursion of the natural frequency curve of said sensing means and to thereafter alternately initiate subsequent measuring cycles for said measuring operation at points on alternating opposed excursions of said natural frequency curve substantially corresponding to the cycle initiation points on said first excursion.

Claim 14

In an electronic measuring unit wherein sensing means provide an input electrical signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured to a measuring means operative during a measuring cycle to provide an output indicative of the amplitude of said input electrical signal, a method for reducing the effects resulting from the natural frequency of vibration of said sensing means which includes initiating a plurality of successive measuring cycles for each single measurement operation to obtain a number of output measurement indications and initiating at least one initial measuring cycle of said measurement operation at any point on a first excursion of the natural frequency curve of said sensing means and to thereafter alternately initiate subsequent measuring cycles for said measuring operation at points on alternating opposed excursions of said natural frequency curve substantially corresponding to the cycle initiation points on said first excursion.

Claim 15

The method of claim 11 wherein a plurality of successive measuring cycles are initiated at A plurality of points on said first excursion, an equal number of measuring cycles being initiated at substantially corresponding points on alternating opposed excursions occurring subsequent to said first excursion.

Claim 18

In an electronic measuring system for sensing a quantity and providing an electrical measurement signal indicative of the value of said quantity to create a numerical indication thereof in an indicator system, a method for cumulatively comparing values obtained during a plurality of successive measuring operations which includes obtaining a first electrical measurement signal during an initial measuring operation, maintaining a previous indication on said indicator system in the presence of said first measurement signal while storing the complement of said first measurement signal, obtaining a second measurement signal during a second measuring operation, employing said second measurement signal with the complement of said first measurement signal to obtain a difference signal, electrically sensing whether the value indicated by said first measurement signal is greater or less than the value indicated by said second measurement signal, and storing said difference signal for use with a subsequent measuring signal to obtain a signal indicative of the value difference therebetween, a signal indicative of a value which is the complement of the value indicated by said difference signal being stored when said first measurement signal is indicative of a value which exceeds the value indicated by said second measurement signal.

Claim 19

In an electronic measuring system for sensing a quantity and providing an electrical measurement signal indicative of the value of said quantity to create a numerical indication thereof in an indicator system, a method for cumulatively comparing values obtained during a plurality of successive measuring operations which includes obtaining a first electrical measurement signal during an initial measuring operation, maintaining a previous indication on said indicator system in the presence of said first measurement signal while storing the complement of said first measurement signal, obtaining a second measurement signal during a second measuring operation, employing said second measurement signal with the complement of said first measurement signal to obtain a difference signal, electrically sensing whether the value indicated by said first measurement signal is greater or less than the value indicated by said second measurement signal, and storing said difference signal for use with a subsequent measuring signal to obtain a signal indicative of the value difference therebetween, a signal indicative of a value which is the complement of the value indicated by said difference signal being stored when said first measurement signal is indicative of a value which exceeds the value indicated by said second measurement signal.

Claim 20

In an electronic measuring system for sensing a quantity and providing an electrical measurement signal indicative of the value of said quantity to create a numerical indication thereof in an indicator system, a method for cumulatively comparing values obtained during a plurality of successive measuring operations which includes obtaining a first electrical measurement signal during an initial measuring operation, maintaining a previous indication on said indicator system in the presence of said first measurement signal while storing said first measurement signal, obtaining a second measurement signal during a second measuring operation, employing said second measurement signal with said first measurement signal to obtain a difference signal, storing said difference signal for use with a subsequent measurement signal to obtain a subsequent difference signal, and providing said difference signal to said indicator system to obtain a numerical difference indication.

Claim 21

In an electronic measuring system for sensing a quantity and providing an electrical measurement signal indicative of the value of said quantity to create a numerical indication thereof in an indicator system, a method for cumulatively comparing values obtained during a plurality of successive measuring operations which includes obtaining a first electrical measurement signal during an initial measuring operation, maintaining a previous indication on said indicator system in the presence of said first measurement signal while storing said first measurement signal, obtaining a second measurement signal during a second measuring operation, employing said second measurement signal with said first measurement signal to obtain a difference signal, storing said difference signal for use with a subsequent measurement signal to obtain a subsequent difference signal, and providing said difference signal to said indicator system to obtain a numerical difference indication.

Claim 22

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication means including counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative of said measurement output signal, and output control means connected to receive an output from said counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means oR a complement thereof, and transition sensing means connected to said counter means to sense a transition of the most significant digit of the numerical value registered thereby from a first to a second value as a result of said measurement output signal, said transition sensing means operating to control said output control means by providing a first control signal to said output control means in response to an occurrence of such transition and a second control signal to said output control means in response to the non-occurrence of such transition.

Claim 23

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication means including counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative of said measurement output signal, and output control means connected to receive an output from said counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means oR a complement thereof, and transition sensing means connected to said counter means to sense a transition of the most significant digit of the numerical value registered thereby from a first to a second value as a result of said measurement output signal, said transition sensing means operating to control said output control means by providing a first control signal to said output control means in response to an occurrence of such transition and a second control signal to said output control means in response to the non-occurrence of such transition.

Claim 24

The electronic measuring unit of claim 16 wherein said output control means operates in response to said first control signal to provide an output representing the numerical value registered by said counter means and in response to said second control signal to provide an output representing the complement of said numerical value.

Claim 25

The electronic measuring unit of claim 16 wherein said count indication means includes memory means connected to receive the output from said output control means, said memory means being operative to store said output and to selectively provide said stored output to the input of said counter means.

Claim 26

The electronic measuring unit of claim 18 which includes control means operative to cause said memory means to provide the output of said output control means stored thereby during a previous operation cycle of said measuring unit to the input of said counter means for combination with a measurement output signal occurring during a subsequent operational cycle.

Claim 27

The electronic measuring unit of claim 19 which includes zero set control means connected to control said output control means, said zero set control means being operative when activated to cause said output control means to provide an output representing only the complement of the numerical value registered by said counters to said memory means.

Claim 28

The electronic measuring unit of claim 20 which includes zero test means connected to the output of said output control means to sense the digits appearing as a result of the measurement output signal registered by said counter means, said zero test means operating when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of numerical values to initiate operation of said zero set means.

Claim 29

The electronic measuring unit of claim 21 which includes automatic zeroing means activated by said zero test means when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of numerical values to zero said counter means.

Claim 30

The electronic measuring unit of claim 22 wherein said zero test means activates said automatic zeroing means when said sensed digits fall within a first predetermined range of numerical values and activates said zero set control means when said sensed digits fall within a second predetermined range of numerical values, said second range of the numerical values differing from said first range.

Claim 31

The electronic measuring unit of claim 19 which includes zero test means connected to said count indication means to sense digits registered thereby as a result of said measurement output signal, and automatic zeroing means activated by said zero test means when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of numerical values to zero said counter means.

Claim 32

The electronic measuring unit of claim 16 wherein said counter means includes first counter means and second counter means connected to receive said measurement output signal, said second counter means being connected to provide an output to said output control means, said count indication means including memory means connected to provide an input to said second counter means and count down means connected between said first counter means and said memory means, said count down means operating to receive an output representing the numerical value registered by said first counter means and to provide the complement of such numerical value to said memory means.

Claim 33

The electronic measuring unit of clAim 25 wherein said transition sensing means is connected to said second counter means to sense a transition of the most significant digit registered thereby from a first to a second value as a result of said measurement output signal.

Claim 34

The electronic measuring unit of claim 26 wherein said output control means operates in response to said first control signal to provide an output representing the numerical value registered by said second counter means and in response to said second control signal to provide an output representing the complement of said numerical value.

Claim 35

The electronic measuring unit of claim 25 which includes number detector means connected to the output of said output control means to sense a digit of the numerical indication provided thereby, said number detector means operating when said sensed digit is other than a predetermined value to cause said measuring means to provide an additional measurement output signal to said second counter means to alter said sensed digit to said predetermined value, and means to prevent said additional measurement output signal from reaching said first counter means.

Claim 36

The electronic measuring unit of claim 25 which includes means connected to zero said second counter means, zero test means connected to the output of said output control means to sense when the digits of the numerical indication provided thereby fall within a predetermined range of numerical values relative to zero, said zero test means operating when said sensed digits fall within said predetermined range to cause said zeroing means for said second counter means to zero said second counter means.

Claim 37

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication means to receive and register the measurement output signal from said measuring means, said count indication means including counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative of said measurement output signal, and output control means connected to receive an output from said counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means or a complement thereof, and number detector means connected to said count indication means to sense a digit registered thereby as a result of said measurement output signal, said number detector means operating when said sensed digit is other than a predetermined value to alter the value of said digit registered by said count indication means to said predetermined value.

Claim 38

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication means to receive and register the measurement output signal from said measuring means, said count indication means including counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative of said measurement output signal, and output control means connected to receive an output from said counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means or a complement thereof, and number detector means connected to said count indication means to sense a digit registered thereby as a result of said measurement output signal, said number detector means operating when said sensed digit is other than a predetermined value to alter the value of said digit registered by said count indication means to said predetermined value.

Claim 39

The electronic measuring unit of claim 30 wherein said number detector means operates in response to a sensed digit of a value other than that of said predetermined value to cause said measuring means to provide a measurement output signal to said count indication means to alter said sensed digit to said predetermined value.

Claim 40

The electronic measuring unit of claim 31 wherein the measurement output signals from said measuring means to said count indication means constitute digital pulse signals, said measuring means operating to provide digital pulse output signals which are a function of the quantity to be measured to said counter means and said number detector means operating upon the termination of said digital pulse signals in response to a sensed digit at the output of said output control means of a value other than said predetermined value to cause said measuring means to reinitiate a digital output signal to said counter means until said counter means causes the predetermined value for said sensed digit to occur at the output of said output control means.

Claim 41

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication means to receive and register the measurement output signal from said measUring means, said count indication means including counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative of said measurement output signal, and output control means connected to receive an output from said counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means or a complement thereof, zero set control means connected to control said output control means, said zero set control means being operative to cause said output control means to provide an output representing only the complement of the numerical value registered by said counter means and zero test means connected to said count indication means to sense digits registered thereby as a result of said measurement output signal, said zero test means operating when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of numerical values to initiate operation of said zero set means.

Claim 42

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication means to receive and register the measurement output signal from said measUring means, said count indication means including counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative of said measurement output signal, and output control means connected to receive an output from said counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means or a complement thereof, zero set control means connected to control said output control means, said zero set control means being operative to cause said output control means to provide an output representing only the complement of the numerical value registered by said counter means and zero test means connected to said count indication means to sense digits registered thereby as a result of said measurement output signal, said zero test means operating when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of numerical values to initiate operation of said zero set means.

Claim 43

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means operative during a measuring cycle to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication means connected to receive and register the measurement output signal from said measuring means and programming means operable to program said measuring unit during an automatic cycle of operation, said programming means including pulse source means to provide clock control pulses and program control means connected to receive said clock control pulses and operative upon the occurrence of a first number of clock control pulses to successively activate said measuring means in response to clock control pulses occurring between said first number of clock control pulses and a second number of clock control pulses to provide a plurality of measuring cycles, said program control means operating upon the occurrence of said first number of clock control pulses to cause said pulse source means to change the frequency of the clock control pulses to provide an elapsed time between clock control pulses greater than the time required for one said measuring cycle.

Claim 44

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means operative during a measuring cycle to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication means connected to receive and register the measurement output signal from said measuring means and programming means operable to program said measuring unit during an automatic cycle of operation, said programming means including pulse source means to provide clock control pulses and program control means connected to receive said clock control pulses and operative upon the occurrence of a first number of clock control pulses to successively activate said measuring means in response to clock control pulses occurring between said first number of clock control pulses and a second number of clock control pulses to provide a plurality of measuring cycles, said program control means operating upon the occurrence of said first number of clock control pulses to cause said pulse source means to change the frequency of the clock control pulses to provide an elapsed time between clock control pulses greater than the time required for one said measuring cycle.

Claim 45

The electronic measuring unit of claim 34 wherein said count indication means includes counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative thereof, output control means connected to receive an output from said counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means or a complement thereof, and memory means connected between said output control means and the input to said counter means to receive and store the output from said output control means, said program control means operating during the automatic cycle of operation in response to a clock control pulse occurring before the occurrence of said first number of clock pulses to cause said memory means to provide said stored output to the input of said counter means.

Claim 46

The electronic measuring unit of claim 35 which includes transition sensing means activated by said program control means in response to a clock control pulse occurring after the occurrence of said second number of clock control pulses, said transition sensing means being connected to said counter means to sense a transition of the most significant digit registered thereby from a first to a second value as a result of said measurement output signal and operative to provide a first control signal to said output control means in response to an occurrence of such transition and a second control signal to said output control means in response to the non-occurrence of such transition, said output control means operating in response to said first control signal to provide an output representing the numerical value registered by said counter means and in response to said second control signal to provide an output representing the complement of said numerical value.

Claim 47

The electronic measuring unit of claim 36 which includes zero set control means connected to control said output control means, said zero set control means being operative to cause said program control means to bypass said transition sensing means and cause said output control means to provide an output representing only the complement of the numerical value registered by said counters.

Claim 48

The electronic measuring unit of claim 37 wherein said count indication means includes indicator means connected to receive the output from said output control means, said indicator means being selectively activated by said program control means upon the occurrence of a clock control pulse subsequent to the occurrence of said second number of clock control pulses to provide an indication representing the value of the output from said output control means.

Claim 49

The electronic measuring unit of claim 38 wherein said zero set control means is operative to cause said program control means to bypass said indicator means whereby said indicator means will not operate to provide an indication representing the value of the output from said output control means.

Claim 50

The electronic measuring unit of claim 39 which includes zero test means connected to said count indication means and operative by said program control means before the operation thereby of said indicator means but subsequent to the occurrence of said second number of clock control pulses to sense digits registered by said count indication means as a result of said measurement output signal, said zero test means operating when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of numerical values to initiate operation of said zero set means.

Claim 51

In an electronic measuring unit including sensing means having a natural frequency of vibration operative to provide an electrical input signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured and which varies cyclically in accordance with the opposed excursions of the natural frequency of vibration of said sensing means, measuring means for receiving said input signal and providing an output during a measuring cycle which is indicative of the amplitude of said input signal, measuring control means for sequentially actuating said measuring means to execute a plurality of sequential measuring cycles during a single measuring operation, said control means being operative to activate said measuring means to initiate at least one initial measuring cycle of a measuring operation at any point on a first excursion of the natural frequency curve of said sensing means and to thereafter alternately initiate subsequent measuring cycles for said measuring operation at points on alternating opposed excursions of said natural frequency curve substantially corresponding to the cycle initiation points on said first excursion and input signal receiving means connected between said sensing means and measuring means to remove AC variations caused by an AC component in said input signal, said input means including means to provide an AC signal corresponding to the AC component in said input signal but inverse thereto for combination with said input signal.

Claim 52

In an electronic measuring unit including sensing means having a natural frequency of vibration operative to provide an electrical input signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured and which varies cyclically in accordance with the opposed excursions of the natural frequency of vibration of said sensing means, measuring means for receiving said input signal and providing an output during a measuring cycle which is indicative of the amplitude of said input signal, measuring control means for sequentially actuating said measuring means to execute a plurality of sequential measuring cycles during a single measuring operation, said control means being operative to activate said measuring means to initiate at least one initial measuring cycle of a measuring operation at any point on a first excursion of the natural frequency curve of said sensing means and to thereafter alternately initiate subsequent measuring cycles for said measuring operation at points on alternating opposed excursions of said natural frequency curve substantially corresponding to the cycle initiation points on said first excursion and input signal receiving means connected between said sensing means and measuring means to remove AC variations caused by an AC component in said input signal, said input means including means to provide an AC signal corresponding to the AC component in said input signal but inverse thereto for combination with said input signal.

Claim 53

A counter and display system for receiving and registering a number comprising counter means for receiving and registering said number and providing an output indicative thereof, said counter means including a plurality of counter section means, each operative to provide an output indicative of one digit of said registered number, read up and down output control means connected to receive the output from said counter means, said read up and down output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means or a complement thereof and transition sensing means connected to said counter means to sense a transition of the most significant digit registered thereby from a first to a second value, said transition sensing means operating to provide a first control Signal to said read up and down output control means in response to an occurrence of such transition and a second control signal to said read up and down output control means in response to a non-occurrence of such transition, said read up and down output control means operating in response to said first control signal to provide an output representing the numerical value registered by said counter means and in response to a second control signal to provide an output representing a complement of said numerical value.

Claim 54

A counter and display system for receiving and registering a number comprising counter means for receiving and registering said number and providing an output indicative thereof, said counter means including a plurality of counter section means, each operative to provide an output indicative of one digit of said registered number, read up and down output control means connected to receive the output from said counter means, said read up and down output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means or a complement thereof and transition sensing means connected to said counter means to sense a transition of the most significant digit registered thereby from a first to a second value, said transition sensing means operating to provide a first control Signal to said read up and down output control means in response to an occurrence of such transition and a second control signal to said read up and down output control means in response to a non-occurrence of such transition, said read up and down output control means operating in response to said first control signal to provide an output representing the numerical value registered by said counter means and in response to a second control signal to provide an output representing a complement of said numerical value.

Claim 55

The counter and display system of claim 42 wherein memory means are connected between the output of said read up and down output control means and said counter means, said memory means being operative to store the output of said read up and down output control means and to selectively provide said stored output to said counter means, said counter means operating to mathematically combine the stored output from said memory means with a number subsequently received thereby and to register the result of such combination.

Claim 56

The counter and display system of claim 42 wherein said read up and down output control means is operative in response to said second control signal to provide an output representing the nines complement of the numerical value registered by said counter means.

Claim 57

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means operative during a measuring cycle to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication means connected to receive and register the measurement output signal from said measuring means, said count indication means including first and second counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative thereof, output control means connected to receive an output from said second counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said second counter means or a complement thereof, memory means connected to provide an input to said second counter means, and count down means connected between said first counter means and said memory means, said count down means operating to receive an output representing the numerical value registered by said first counter means and to provide the complement of such numerical value to said memory means, programming means operable to program said measuring unit during an automatic cycle of operation, said programming means including pulse source means to provide clock control pulses and program control means connected to receive said clock control pulses, said program control means operating in response to said clock control pulses to control the operation of said measuring and count indication means, and transition sensing means activated by said program control means and connected to said second counter means to sense a transition of the most significant digit registered thereby from a first to a second value as a result of said measurement output signal, said transition sensing means operating to provide a first control signal to said output control means in response to an occurrence of such transition and a second control signal to said output control means in response to the non-occurrence of such transition, said output control means operating in response to said first control signal to provide an output representing the numerical value registered by said second counter means and in response to said second control signal to provide an output representing the complement of said numerical value, and said program control means operating upon the occurrence of a first number of clock pulses to activate said measuring means and after the occurrence of a second number of clock pulses subsequent to the activation of said measuring means to activate said transition sensing means.

Claim 58

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means operative during a measuring cycle to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication means connected to receive and register the measurement output signal from said measuring means, said count indication means including first and second counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative thereof, output control means connected to receive an output from said second counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said second counter means or a complement thereof, memory means connected to provide an input to said second counter means, and count down means connected between said first counter means and said memory means, said count down means operating to receive an output representing the numerical value registered by said first counter means and to provide the complement of such numerical value to said memory means, programming means operable to program said measuring unit during an automatic cycle of operation, said programming means including pulse source means to provide clock control pulses and program control means connected to receive said clock control pulses, said program control means operating in response to said clock control pulses to control the operation of said measuring and count indication means, and transition sensing means activated by said program control means and connected to said second counter means to sense a transition of the most significant digit registered thereby from a first to a second value as a result of said measurement output signal, said transition sensing means operating to provide a first control signal to said output control means in response to an occurrence of such transition and a second control signal to said output control means in response to the non-occurrence of such transition, said output control means operating in response to said first control signal to provide an output representing the numerical value registered by said second counter means and in response to said second control signal to provide an output representing the complement of said numerical value, and said program control means operating upon the occurrence of a first number of clock pulses to activate said measuring means and after the occurrence of a second number of clock pulses subsequent to the activation of said measuring means to activate said transition sensing means.

Claim 59

The electronic measuring unit of claim 45 wherein said program control means operates upon the occurrence of said first nuMber of clock control pulses to successively activate said measuring means in response to each clock control pulse occurring between said first number of clock control pulses and said second number of clock control pulses, said program control means operating upon the occurrence of said first number of clock control pulses to cause said pulse source means to change the frequency of the clock control pulses to provide an elapsed time between clock control pulses greater than the time required for one of said measuring cycles.

Claim 60

The electronic measuring unit of claim 46 which includes number detector means connected to the output of said output control means and operative upon activation by said program control means after the occurrence of said second number of clock-control pulses to sense a digit of the numerical indication provided by said output control means, said number detector means operating when said sensed digit is other than a predetermined value to cause said measuring means to provide an additional measurement output signal to said second counter means to alter said sensed digit to the predetermined value, said program control means including gating means to prevent said additional measurement output signal from reaching said first counter means.

Claim 61

The electronic measuring unit of claim 47 which includes zeroing means connected to zero said second counter means, zero test means connected to the output of said output control means and operative upon activation by said program control means after the occurrence of said second number of clock control pulses to sense when the digits of the numerical indication provided by said output control means fall within a predetermined range of numerical values relative to 0, said zeroing means being connected to said zero test means and transition sensing means for operation when said digits sensed by said zero test means fall within said predetermined range and said transition sensing means senses a transition of the most significant digit to provide a zeroing signal to said second counter means, said transition sensing means operating to render said zeroing means inoperative when said transition sensing means fails to sense a transition of the most significant digit to permit alteration of said second counter means by said number detector means.

Claim 62

The electronic measuring unit of claim 46 which includes zeroing means connected to zero said second counter means, zero test means connected to the output of said output control means and operative upon activation by said program control means after the occurrence of said second number of clock control pulses to sense when the digits of the numerical indication provided by said output control means fall within a predetermined range of numerical values relative to 0, said zeroing means being connected to said zero test means and transition sensing means for operation when said digits sensed by said zero test means fall within said predetermined range and said transition sensing means senses a transition of the most significant digit to provide a zeroing signal to said second counter means.

Claim 63

The electronic measuring unit of claim 46 which includes zero set control means operative to permit a count to be registered by said first counter means and entered in said memory means, said count indication means including indicator means connected to receive the output from said output control means, said indicator means being selectively activated by said program control means upon the occurrence of a clock control pulse subsequent to the occurrence of said second number of clock control pulses to provide an indication of the value of the output from said output control means, said zero set control means operating to prevent said indicator activation by said program control means.

Claim 64

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication Means to receive and register the measurement output signal from said measuring means, said count indication means including counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative of said measurement output signal, and output control means connected to receive an output from said counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means or a complement thereof, zero test means connected to said count indication means to sense digits registered thereby as a result of said measurement output signal, and automatic zeroing means activated by said zero test means when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of numerical values to zero said counter means.

Claim 65

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured, count indication Means to receive and register the measurement output signal from said measuring means, said count indication means including counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a numerical value indicative of said measurement output signal, and output control means connected to receive an output from said counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means or a complement thereof, zero test means connected to said count indication means to sense digits registered thereby as a result of said measurement output signal, and automatic zeroing means activated by said zero test means when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of numerical values to zero said counter means.

Claim 66

The electronic measuring unit of claim 51 which includes zero set control means connected to control said output control means, said zero set control means being operative to cause said output control means to provide an output representing only the complement of the numerical value registered by said counters, said zero test means operating when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of numerical values to initiate operation of said zero set means.

Claim 67

The electronic measuring unit of claim 52 wherein said zero test means activates said automatic zeroing means when said sensed digits fall within a first predetermined range of numerical values and activates said zero set control means when said sensed digits fall within a second predetermined range of numerical values, said second range of numerical values differing from said first range.

Claim 68

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured during a measurement cycle, count indication means connected to receive and register a digital value indicative of the measurement output signal, zero test means connected to said count indication means to sense the digits registered by said count indication means at the end of said measurement cycle, and automatic zeroing means activated by said zero test means when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of values to provide a signal to zero said count indication means.

Claim 69

An electronic measuring unit comprising measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal which is a function of a quantity to be measured during a measurement cycle, count indication means connected to receive and register a digital value indicative of the measurement output signal, zero test means connected to said count indication means to sense the digits registered by said count indication means at the end of said measurement cycle, and automatic zeroing means activated by said zero test means when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of values to provide a signal to zero said count indication means.

Claim 70

The electronic measuring unit of claim 54 which includes number detector means connected to said count indication means to sense subsequent to said measurement cycle a digit registered thereby as a result of said measurement output signal, said number detector means operating when said sensed digit is other than a predetermined value to cause said measuring means to provide a measurement output signal to said count indication means until said sensed digit is altered to said predetermined value.

Claim 71

The electronic measuring unit of claim 54 wherein said count indication means includes counter means operative in response to said measurement output signal to register a digital value indicative of said measurement output signal during said measurement cycle and output control means connected to receive an output from said counter means, said output control means operating to selectively provide an output representing either the numerical value registered by said counter means or a complement thereof, and zero set control means connected to control said output control means, said zero set control means being operative to cause said output control means to provide an output representing only the complement of the numerical value registered by said counters, said zero test means operating when said sensed digits fall within a predetermined range of numerical values to initiate operation of said zero set control means.

Claim 72

The electronic measuring unit of claim 56 wherein said zero test means activates said automatic zeroing means when said sensed digits fall within a first predetermined range of numerical values and activates said zero set control means when said sensed digits fall within a second predetermined range of numerical values, said second range of numerical values differing from said first range.

Claim 75

The method of claim 58 which includes retaining said first signal value as a reference for subsequent measuring outputs when said algebraic difference is not within said predetermined band of signal values.

Claim 76

The method of claim 59 which includes employing said second signal value to provide a measurement indication.

Claim 77

The method of claim 58 which includes periodically obtaining said second signal value and comparing the algebraic difference between each said second signal value with the last stored reference value.

Claim 78

The method of claim 58 which includes varying said predetermined band of signal values to vary the band within which said second signal value is stored as a reference for subsequent measuring means outputs.

Claim 79

The method of claim 58 which includes obtaining a first digital signal indicative of said first signal value, obtaining a second digital signal indicative of said second signal value, and comparing the algebraic difference between said first and second digital signals to a predetermined band of digital signals.

Claim 80

In an electronic measuring system having measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal value which is a function of a quantity to be measured, a reference system comprising storage means connected to receive and store a measurement output signal value from said measuring means, reference set means operative to cause said storage means to receive and store a first measurement output signal value from said measuring means as a first reference value, means to receive said first reference value from said storage means and a subsequent second measurement output signal value from said measuring means and operative to provide a difference signal indicative of the algebraic difference between said second measurement output signal value and said first reference value, value determining means connected to receive said difference signal and operative to determine whether said difference signal falls within a predetermined band of signal values, said value determining means operating when said difference signal falls within the predetermined band of signal values to initiate the storage of said second measurement output signal value in said storage means as a reference value for a subsequent measurement output signal.

Claim 81

In an electronic measuring system having measuring means adapted to provide a measurement output signal value which is a function of a quantity to be measured, a reference system comprising storage means connected to receive and store a measurement output signal value from said measuring means, reference set means operative to cause said storage means to receive and store a first measurement output signal value from said measuring means as a first reference value, means to receive said first reference value from said storage means and a subsequent second measurement output signal value from said measuring means and operative to provide a difference signal indicative of the algebraic difference between said second measurement output signal value and said first reference value, value determining means connected to receive said difference signal and operative to determine whether said difference signal falls within a predetermined band of signal values, said value determining means operating when said difference signal falls within the predetermined band of signal values to initiate the storage of said second measurement output signal value in said storage means as a reference value for a subsequent measurement output signal.