Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a rotor speed photosensor assembly includes a mounting ring fixedly attached to the stationary element of the centrifuge. The mounting ring has a cutout portion thereon which is adapted to receive a photosensor mounting board which carries the photosensor assembly. Adjustable mounting elements connect the photosensor mounting board to the mounting ring and permit the precise adjustment of the sensor with respect to the ring to thereby dispose the sensor in a predetermined optimal speed-sensing relationship with respect to the rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and monitoring the angular velocity of the shaft of a rotating machine. In this apparatus, a plurality of sensors is positioned adjacent the shaft of the rotating machine for generating sequential pulses with periods proportional to the angular velocity of the shaft. The pulses are generated at intervals such that, during the period between adjacent pulses from one sensor, pulses are generated by each of the other sensors. An oscillator is provided for generating reference pulses at a predetermined pulse repetition rate, and a plurality of counting devices are coupled to respective sensors and to the output of the oscillator for counting the pulses generated by the oscillator. An averaging and reciprocal circuit is coupled to the output terminals of the counting devices for obtaining the average of the counting device outputs and then generating the reciprocal of the average value.

Abstract: An optical monitoring device includes a reflector, which is mounted on a surface of a rotating member adjacent the periphery to travel in a circular path, and a light source, which creates an input beam which either is directed at a given angle of incidence at a point on the circular path of the reflector or is directed through a waveguide at the point. The device also includes a second waveguide which is arranged on the path of light reflected by the reflector and conducts the reflected light to an opto-electrical transducer which converts the reflected light pulses into electrical pulses which are applied to a source of sound, such as a piezo ceramic plate with a resonator which creates an alarm when a certain frequency is reached.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for determining the quality of a spinweld bond produced on a single or multiple spindle production spinwelder and to a method and apparatus for alarming and/or ejecting products containing defective welds.The method and apparatus of the present invention utilizes a detector means to determine the condition of a tool or spindle (i.e., if it is still "live" rotating at a point when it should be at rest) and a timing means to actuate an indicator when a live tool is detected. The present invention also involves a means to detect a spinwelder with an actuated indicator and to eject the product thereon. The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus for automatically shutting down a spinwelder producing an excess of defective products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus having a frequency transmitter, a frequency receiver, an oscillator tuned to the same frequency as the frequency transmitter, and a frequency differential measuring unit to measure frequency changes between emitted signals to determine changes in velocity.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved electrostatic latent image developing method in which uneven development arising from simultaneous employment of a magnetic roller rotational driving system and an AC developing bias impressing system is eliminated, without impairing the advantages available from such systems, so as to make it possible to provide developed images of good quality at high density in the application, for example, to an electrophotographic copying apparatus and the like.

Abstract: The instantaneous angular velocity of a rotating shaft or the like is translated from the relative rotation of a mark carrier, having a scale of marks, and a sensing device. A series of signals are produced and processed in a calibrating run and thereafter in a series of operating runs. In the calibrating run, the time distance of the sensed signals between at least one pair of the marks is measured and from it a calibrating value is calculated corresponding to the absolute angular distance between the marks and thereafter stored. During the operation runs, the instantaneous time distance of the sensed signals between the marks is measured and the instantaneous velocity is obtained by comparing it with the stored calibrating value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the travel speed of automatic welding machines uses a rotatable member which is engaged with the workpiece as the workpiece is moved relative to the welding head. The rotatable member advantageously includes one or more apertures on one side of which light is directed and the opposite side of which light pulses are received during rotation of the member and these pulses are used as an indication of the speed of the welding machine. In the preferred apparatus a separate frictional member is frictionally engaged with the workpiece and moved by the movement of the workpiece relative to the welding head and through suitable gearing drives the rotatable member having the aperture.

Abstract: A rotation detector wherein a rotary disk formed with slits in the circumferential direction thereof at predetermined regular intervals and connected to a driving source is disposed between a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the light sensed by the light receiving element is intermittenlly interrupted by rotation of the rotary disk, whereby rotation of the driving source is detected. One of the rotation detectors is of such an arrangement that a parallel circuit is constituted by a resistor and a series circuit including a feedback resistor and a switching element, and this parallel circuit connects a power source and a light emitting element. Additionally, another of the rotational detectors is of such an arrangement that a comparator, in which a reference level is set, is used to compare outputs from a light emitting element with the reference level.

Abstract: An optical device for monitoring the speed of a rotating member characterized by a reflector mounted on a surface of the rotating member adjacent the periphery to travel in a circular path, a light source creating an input beam and either directing it at along a given angle of incidence at a point on the circular path of the reflector or through a waveguide at the point, a second waveguide arranged on the path of light reflected by the reflector and conducting the reflected light to an opto-acoustical transducer which converts the reflected light pulses into sound.

Abstract: A signal generator which generates one pulse for each predetermined distance of travel of a vehicle. A rotary member is driven by the rotation of a wheel of the vehicle, and the rotary member has arranged thereon reflecting and non-reflecting portions alternately with each other about a rotary shaft of the rotary member. A pair of optical transmission lines are disposed to confront at one end the surface of the rotary member on which the reflecting and non-reflecting portions are arranged. Light is emitted from a light emitting element to the other end of one of the optical transmission line, and light reflected by the rotary member is incident to the other optical transmission line and received by a photo detector provided at the other end of the optical transmission line. In dependence on whether the reflecting or non-reflecting portion of the rotary member lies opposite to the optical transmission lines, the output from the photo detector varies to provide a travel-distance signal.

Abstract: Device for detecting the direction and change of rotational speed of a rotating element. In one embodiment, a pair of phototransistors which are energized by a light source according to an ordered sequence through a disk formed by opaque and transparent sectors coupled to the rotating element. The two phototransistors controls, when energized the switching on of two transistors which enable the discharge of two capacitors, charging with a predetermined time constant in the interval time between discharges. The discharge control action of one of the two phototransistors on a first capacitance is however conditioned by the charge level reached by the other capacitance and therefore both by the order in which phototransistors are energized and by the energization frequency. If the energization frequency is lower than a certain limit or the energization order is not the correct one, the first capacitor reaches a charge level higher than a reference value and supplies an indication signal accordingly.

Abstract: An optical encoder for providing an electrical signal having a frequency corresponding to the revolutions per minute of a motor shaft comprises a mounting member for securement to the motor, a shutter element for securement to the motor shaft and a top cover secured to the mounting member to sandwich the shutter therebetween. A photo cell is provided on the cover and a lamp housing providing a light source on the mounting member for shining light through the shutter to the photo cell. Rotation of the shutter then modulates the light beam to provide the desired signal. The lamp housing itself incorporates a built-in reflector with light bulb and is so designed as to be replaceable with respect to the mounting member so that heretofore provided lenses and the like are no longer necessary and the mounting arrangement is such that alignment accuracy with the photo cell is assured.

Abstract: A light detection, signaling and speed measurement system. The system includes a housing having a first photosensitive surface mounted therein for detection of an incident light source approaching the system from any direction. The system further includes at least one light signal device mounted for visibility, along with circuitry responsive to detection of the incident light source for illuminating the light signal device. A second photosensitive surface is also provided to receive largely ambient light and to be nonresponsive to the light of the incident light source, along with circuitry to allow the illumination of the light signal device only when the second photosensitive surface detects the absence of a predetermined level of ambient light. The system further includes circuitry for detecting and indicating the velocity of the incident light source moving with respect to the system.

Abstract: A belt movement sensor detects the movement of a belt having signal generating means embedded in or emplaced on the surface of a drive belt, and actuates a warning signal and/or controls the drive motor when the signal from the sensor varies by more than a pre-determined amount from a set point.

Abstract: A device for sensing speed and angular position of a web of newprint in a continuous feed press. A stator includes an optical source and an optical sensor. A rotor has an aperture of predetermined size and position which is operative as a shutter to block and unblock the optical path between the optical source and sensor. The device provides a speed and position signals without commutator contacts which are subject to rapid wear and which require frequent maintenance.

Abstract: An electronic tachometer utilizes a transducer, typically an optical encoder disc, connected to a movable mechanical element. The transducer produces a pair of triangular waves of fixed relative phase, each having slopes proportional to the velocity of the mechanical element. The triangular waves are differentiated and the resultant signals are sampled by gating pulses derived from the triangular waves themselves. The samples are combined to produce an output signal having a magnitude proportional to element speed and a polarity indicative of direction.In a combined system in which the transducer is attached to the shaft of a brushless motor, another output of the same transducer is used for commutation control of the motor stator windings. This arrangement is particularly useful in a velocity servo system, in which the tachometer output is compared with a signal indicating desired motor velocity. The comparator output is used to modify the commutation control so as to produce the desired motor velocity.

Abstract: A system for indicating measured values, particularly the speed of movement of a motor vehicle, includes a pulse generator generating pulses having a frequency corresponding to a measured value, a counting circuit including first and second counters for counting pulses generated during successive time intervals to produce a pulse count signal for each time interval, a comparator comparing the pulse count signals from successive time intervals to produce a pulse difference signal corresponding to the difference therebetween, a memory for storing the pulse difference signal and transmitting the pulse difference signal to a stepper motor, and a pointer driven via gears from the output of the stepper motor to produce an indication of the measured value.

Abstract: An engine rpm sensor utilizes a gas filled lamp for connection to a circu including an engine ignition system and a spark plug. A light pipe is exposed to the lamp and couples an optical signal each time a spark plug is fired to a remote location for utilization in a display or indicating device.

Abstract: A pick-up system includes means for recognizing the displacement of objects to be photographed relative to the optical reproduction plane. The shutter of the pick-up system is actuated according to the relative motion of said objects. In a pick-up system comprising a variable diaphragm and a replaceable film of a special sensitivity, e.g. in an automatic camera, the shutter speed, being a function of the relative motion of the objects, determines the aperture of the diaphragm with respect to the sensitivity of the film.

Abstract: A paddle wheel transducer for mounting to a marine vehicle utilizes a source of radiant energy for establishing a beam of radiant energy directed perpendicular to the direction of movement of the paddle wheel vanes and a radiant energy responsive element for detecting interruptions of the radiant energy beam produced by passage of the paddle wheel vanes therethrough to detect paddle wheel rotation. The radiant energy beam is a beam of infrared light and the radiant energy responsive means is a phototransistor.In providing a marine speedometer utilizing the radiant energy paddle wheel transducer, the phototransistor is connected in an electrical circuit which produces an electrical pulse output signal representative of paddle wheel rotation. The pulse signal is applied to digital circuitry which is operable to count pulses under the control of auxiliary control logic and develop a count representative of marine vehicle speed. The marine vehicle speed is displayed on a digital readout.

Abstract: Affixed to or positioned opposite the glass housing of a watt-hour meter which has a rotating disc with an indicator mark on its periphery is a device for indicating the rate of rotation of the disc. The device has two spherical lenses disposed generally in the plane of the disc along a line which is generally perpendicular to a radius of the disc and preferably symmetrically positioned on opposite sides of the radius. A first fibre optical cable couples visible light from an incandescent source to the first spherical lens to focus light on the periphery of the disc and a second fibre optical cable couples visible light collected by the second spherical lens focused on the periphery of the disc to a photoresistor.

Abstract: This system monitors the operation of ball bearings in rotating machinery by continuously measuring the radial deflections of the outer race of these bearings using a fiber optic proximity probe. A second sensor is used to measure the rate of rotation of the machine's shaft. One of the frequency components in the signal produced by the proximity probe will be equal to the rate at which the balls in the bearing pass by the probe. The ratio of this ball pass frequency to the rotation frequency from the second probe is computed. The ratio of the peak value to the RMS value of the higher frequency noise components from the proximity probe signal is also computed. These two ratios are used to predict oncoming bearing failures and to determine if bearings have been properly installed. The component of the proximity probe output which is at the frequency of rotation of the rotor may be filtered and its phase angle may be measured to determine the angular placement of any unbalanced weight on the rotor.

Abstract: An electronic sensor for detecting motion and the rate of motion, particularly rotative movement, utilizes digital control apparatus wherein pulses are transmitted to a digital counter at a rate proportional to the rate of rotation of the member being sensed, and the pulses are compared with a time reference signal to produce a control sequence for comparing the pulses to predetermined set point values wherein an alarm or control signal is produced if the rate of rotation of the member sensed deviates between predetermined set points. The pulses being sensed are produced by an infrared light passing through a light shutter mounted upon the rotating member being sensed wherein the rate of pulsation of the light passing through the shutter is directly related to the rate of shutter rotation, and the pulses are sensed by electronic means producing a control signal.

Abstract: In order to provide a system for measuring relative velocity of a surface with the accuracy of a laser velocimeter but avoiding the problems associated with operating down to zero speed and with signal dropout during a run, a tachometer is coupled to measure the relative velocity and the output of the tachometer corrected using the output of the laser velocimeter thereby giving laser velocimeter accuracy over the major portion of the velocity range but still permitting operation down to zero speed and operation when signal dropout occurs.

Abstract: A power driven transmission assembly for an internal combustion engine, which assembly includes an endless V-belt that extends between a driving and a driven pulley. The driven pulley is subject to varying loads. The driving and driven pulleys each include first half portions which are transversely movable relative to the second half portions. By concurrently moving the second half portions relative to the first half portions, the effective pitch diameters of the driving and driven pulleys relative to the belt is varied for the transmission assembly to automatically deliver rotational power that in magnitude is related to a desired degree to the torque curve or torque capability of the prime mover with which the invention is associated. The effective pitch diameter ratio of the pulley system is changed by varying the pitch diameter of the driving pulley by power means.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the speed of rotation of a wheel or the angular orientation thereof relative to a fixed point. A first portion of a transmitter unit is positioned along the periphery of the wheel and a second portion of the transmitter unit is positioned at a stationary location outside of the wheel. The two portions of the transmitter unit together from one or more lined screens which, when one is viewed through the other, create a moire interference pattern. Optical means are provided to read the interference pattern created as the wheel is moved to thereby determine the speed or angular orientation thereof.

Abstract: The relative transverse velocity between a local station and a zone of reference or observation is measured by providing first and second directional radiation receiving devices at the local station, such devices being aimed along parallel paths extending to the zone of reference. Such paths are spaced apart by a predetermined transverse distance. The first and second radiation receiving means include respective first and second converting means for converting the received radiation into first and second electrical signals. Any transversely moving radiation feature produces corresponding signal features in such first and second signals, such signal features being staggered with respect to time. The lapse of time between such staggered signal features is determined by time lapse measuring means. The velocity of such transverse movement is inversely proportional to such time lapse.

Abstract: A digital speedometer is provided for use in an automotive vehicle and includes a transducer for connection to a conventional speedometer cable driver. The transducer is equipped with an optical encoder that produces electrical pulses in response to rotational motion of the speedometer cable driver. The electrical pulses are transmitted to a counting circuit which is reset by a variable reference oscillator. The frequency of the oscillator is much lower than the frequency of pulses from the transducer. Accordingly, a number of pulses from the transducer indicative of the speed of the vehicle are tabulated by the counting device during intervals between reset pulses from the reference oscillator. The period between reset pulses is determined by an adjustment to the oscillator to vary the output frequency thereof. The number of counts tabulated during each period is passed to a visual display.

Abstract: Light is modulated by an optical code member having first and second parallel tracks, each with alternate segments of different optical characteristics, such as optical reflectivity. The different segments are staggered between the parallel tracks. The modulated light is transmitted along first and second fiber optic elements from the first and second tracks to respective first and second photoelectric sensors having a common substrate to produce push-pull electrical outputs from said sensors. The light may be supplied to the first and second tracks by respective third and fourth fiber optic elements, which may extend from a common light source. The third and fourth fiber optic elements may have light supplying ends which are closely adjacent the light receiving ends of the first and second fiber optic elements.

Abstract: A digital speedometer for indicating angular or linear velocity has an index counter to control update of the displayed velocity. The purpose of the index counter is to prevent undesirable fluctuation of the displayed velocity where minor variations in velocity being measured have occurred. The digital speedometer uses a pulsating input signal having a frequency proportional to the velocity to be indicated. An oscillator circuit provides a clock frequency that is utilized in generating a counting period electrical signal. During the counting period, the input pulses proportional to velocity are gated into a counter. After each counting period, a comparison is made between the count currently being displayed and the count stored in the counter. If a difference occurs, the index counter is incremented. Only after the index counter has been incremented a plurality of consecutive times is the display permitted to be updated.

Abstract: An electronic odometer and speedometer for bicycles computes distance and speed based upon input signals generated by interruption of a light beam by each spoke and the valve stem of a wheel of the bicycle. The interruption time of the light beam caused by the valve stem is substantially greater than that caused by the spokes; accordingly, it is readily detectable and the signal produced may be treated as a reference signal upon which the computations are based and the signals generated by the spokes provide a continuous real time update. Alternatively, the number of interruptions of the light beam per time, may be employed to compute the speed and the aggregate period of the number of interruptions may be employed to compute the distance. The light signal generating and detaching elements have non-movable parts and are mounted upon the frame of the bicycle without interfering with the normal removal and mounting of the wheel.

Abstract: A digital speedometer for indicating angular or linear velocity has an index counter to control update of the displayed velocity. The purpose of the index counter is to prevent undesirable fluctuation of the displayed velocity where minor variations in velocity being measured have occurred. The digital speedometer uses a pulsating input signal having a frequency proportional to the velocity to be indicated. An oscillator circuit provides a clock frequency that is utilized in generating a counting period electrical signal. During the counting period, the input pulses proportional to velocity are gated into a counter. After each counting period, a comparison is made between the count currently being displayed and the count stored in the counter. If a difference occurs, the index counter is incremented. Only after the index counter has been incremented a plurality of consecutive times is the display permitted to be updated.

Abstract: A rotational speed transducer comprises a member which is mounted to rotate at a speed related to a rotational speed input. A lamp and a photocell are mounted in relation to the rotatable member such that light from the lamp is only reflected by the rotatable member toward the photocell each time a reflector portion or portions of the rotatable member comes into a particular position or positions with respect to the lamp so as to provide an electrical output, from the photocell, which is a measure of the rotational speed input. The reflector portions may be portions of a disc which constitutes the rotatable member.

Abstract: A power driven transmission assembly for an internal combustion engine, which assembly includes an endless V-belt that extends between a driving and a driven pulley. The driven pulley is subject to varying loads. The driving and driven pulleys each include first half portions which are transversely movable relative to the first half portions. By concurrently moving the second half portions relative to the first half portions, the effective pitch diameters of the driving and driven pulleys relative to the belt is varied for the transmission assembly to automatically deliver rotational power that in magnitude is related to a desired degree to the torque curve or torque capability of the prime mover with which the invention is associated. The effective pitch diameter ratio of the pulley system is changed by varying the pitch diameter of the driving pulley by power means.

Abstract: A regulator for a two phase shaft encoder used in sensing irregular body movements which determines when the light transmission of a photocoupler is maximum and corrects the photocoupler output to agree with a reference value.

Abstract: Diesel engine speed is sensed by a thermistor which is disposed within an air inlet of the engine manifold so that the resistance of the thermistor varies in accordance with the temperature of the air within the inlet and thus in accordance with the speed of the engine. The thermistor is connected in a transistor circuit which derives, in response to the change in resistance of the thermistor, an electric signal having a frequency which varies in accordance with engine speed.

Abstract: A motor speed sensor for sensing the RPM speed of a motor is designed to be placed in line with a conventional mechanical tachometer take-off. The motor speed sensor includes rotatable shafts interconnecting the mechanical tachometer take-off so that the mechanical delivery to the tachometer is preserved and further includes a notched interrupter which rotates in cooperation with the interconnecting shafts. The notches of the interrupter are disposed to rotate between a photo-electric detector and a light source thereby interrupting the beam of light in order to provide a stream of output pulses whose frequency is directly proportional to the speed of the motor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the velocity of an object relative to a reference by means of signals that are transmitted and received by transmitters and receivers fixed to the object at a certain geometric distance from each other in the direction of measurement, signals being transmitted by the object and being reflected by the reference. The receivers set up signals which correspond to the auto-correlation and cross-correlation of the received signals, the correlation signals being functions of the transmitter-receiver system geometry and being substantially independent of the reflection properties of the reference. The auto-correlation and cross-correlation signals are operated on to determine a time shift therebetween which is a function of the displacement of the object over a given period of time, the velocity of the object relative to the reference location being determined from said time shift.

Abstract: A speed transducer for measuring the speed of a moving surface comprises a light chopper for alternately completing and breaking the respective light paths between a light source and first and second photodetectors such that the second light path is completed before the first light path is broken. A pulse generator produces a pulse having a duration which is determined by the time interval between completion of the first and second light paths. A converter converts the pulse to a direct current signal proportional to the speed of the moving surface by generating a comparison pulse, the width of which is controllable by a direct current control signal, and comparing the widths of the generator and comparison pulses to produce an error signal which is indicative of the difference in widths. A control signal is generated in response to the error signal which constitutes the desired output when the compared pulse widths are equal.

Abstract: A digital tachometer having an optical sensor which provides a signal at a frequency related to the rotational or reciprocating speed of a moving object, a phase locked loop and a frequency divider circuit connected for operation as a frequency multiplier to be responsive to the sensor signal to provide a serial pulse train the period of which is an integral multiple of the sensor signal, a pulse accumulator for registering the pulses and a time rate generator which enables the pulse accumulator to register pulses for a preset duration so that the number of pulses registered is a direct representation of the revolutions per minute of the moving object.

Abstract: A transmitter for determining the speed of rotation and the angular position of a rotating member, such as a shaft, in which a coding disc is driven synchronously with the shaft and has a series of circularly distributed light and dark areas which cooperate with two sections of alternating light and dark areas formed by a coding segment which is fixed relative to the disc. The pitch of the light and dark areas of the coding segment is equal to the pitch of the light and dark areas of the coding disc, respectively, and the light and dark areas of one section of the coding segment are staggered relative to the light and dark areas of the other section thereof. A light is passed towards the coding disc and the coding segment and at least one photosensitive receiver is in the path of the light passing through the light areas for generating an output signal.

Abstract: A system for accurately digitizing a signal from a high density optical tachometer using a psuedo zero-crossing detector for subsequent use in a speed measuring device. An added enhancement of the system is the ability to double the frequency response of the input signal to thereby provide a more sensitive indication of incremental speed changes.

Abstract: A device for sensing and indicating the direction of motion of a moving member. A discontinuity is formed on a moving member. Two sensors capable of detecting the discontinuity are spaced apart a distance less than the width of the discontinuity. Logic circuitry determines which sensor detection occurs before both sensors produce coincident detections. The sensor detection occurring before coincidence unambiguously indicates the direction of motion. A gating circuit produces an output signal for one direction of motion and a second signal for the opposite direction of motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for signalling the rotational displacement or speed of a shaft provided with a rotary seal through which a gas or liquid is induced into a bore within the shaft. More particularly, the invention relates to a novel device in which the operative elements of a rotary seal and a rotational transducer are combined as a compact unitary assembly that is simple, reliable and easily serviced.

Abstract: This highly portable, self-contained timing system includes photoelectronic start-stop gates which employ a pulsed invisible light beam as a means for communicating a condition of elapsed time and for aligning each gate.