Abstract: A tachometer signal conditioner circuit functions to accept a wide range of input signals and produces a digital pulse signal which indicates a gear shaft phase reference position. Tachometer input signals of either a true 1/revolution or an N/revolution signal with a single pulse or N pulses of different amplitude than the other pulses during the same shaft revolution can be used. The circuit comprises tachometer signal conditioner circuitry for amplifying and filtering the input from the tachometer, tachometer signal detector circuitry to produce digital pulses synchronous with the tachometer signal cycles and to detect the occurrence of a tachometer signal with a different amplitude during each 1/revolution or N/revolution period, a blanking signal generator which prevents tachometer signal noise from generating spurious 1/rev pulses during operation in the N/rev mode, and an output driver which produces signals to the remaining signal circuitry and to a front panel indicator lamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and warning of an undesirable velocity condition in a rotating shaft includes a magnetic reed switch having on and off domains oriented with respect to an actuation magnet which is displaced on an outward radial path with respect to the shaft by centrifugal force, such that the actuation magnet can pass from within an on domain to within an off domain and vice versa, thereby switching the reed switch on and off according to the speed of rotation of the shaft. The reed switch is connected electrically to a warning light or buzzer or control circuit. An alternative embodiment employs a ferromagnetic shield variously interposed between the actuation magnet and the reed switch in response to centrifugal force.

Abstract: In the field of automated guided vehicles it is particularly important that speed and steering angle feedbacks be accurate and reliable. Any deviations in these feedback signals should be promptly detected and used to alter operation of the vehicle. An apparatus constantly monitors the time varying output signals of a pair of resolvers respectively associated with wheel rotation and steering angle. The loss of either of the resolver signals for more than a preselected duration of time related to the excitation frequency and vehicle speed results in the power delivered to an electric drive motor being discontinued and the vehicle brakes being applied.

Abstract: The indicator is especially useful for an industrial truck with a steerable wheel which can be turned through a steering arc of as much as one hundred eighty degrees. The indicator includes a potentiometer mechanically coupled to be rotated in synchronism with the steering rotation of the steerable wheel, and a multiple voltage threshold detector circuit connected to receive the variable voltage from the potentiometer and operable to provide one out of N discrete output signals in response to potentiometer voltages which have predetermined voltage level relationships to the respective voltage thresholds. At least N discrete indicator lamps are arranged in an array for indicating steerable wheel direction, and the indicator lamps are connected to receive the discrete output signals from the multiple voltage threshold detection circuit for indicating travel direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and warning of an undesirable velocity condition in a rotating shaft includes a magnetic reed switch having on and off domains oriented with respect to an actuation magnet which is displaced on an outward radial path with respect to the shaft by centrifugal force, such that the actuation magnet can pass from within an on domain to within an off domain and vice versa, thereby switching the reed switch on and off according to the speed of rotation of the shaft. The reed switch is connected electrically to a warning light or buzzer or control circuit. An alternative embodiment employs a ferromagnetic shield variously interposed between the actuation magnet and the reed switch in response to centrifugal force.

Abstract: A centrifuge overspeed protection and imbalance detection system is structured to provide a method for detecting rotor imbalance and rotor overspeed. The system has a single transducer to provide real-time data necessary to detect rotor imbalance and control motor speed.Motor speed is controlled by synthesis of a drive frequency signal for driving the inverter motor control. The drive frequency signal may be inhibited to provide slow acceleration or deceleration, or to shut the motor off by providing a zero slip frequency. Motor control is responsive to a Rotor Identification circuit and operator programming, as well as a closed loop response to the real time tach signal.Imbalance detection is provided by counting tach pulses in each of a plurality of intervals, detecting deviations in tach pulse rate and sounding an alarm when the irregularity of tach pulse signals exceeds the limits of a predetermined standard deviation.

Abstract: A monitoring means for apparatus having a number of functional stations, said means comprising a plurality of sensors or groups of sensors located to monitor the operation of at least some of said functional stations, each sensor having a critical condition indicator adjacent the respective station, a central monitor having a power supply connected via a common connection to each of the sensors and a common signal line connected to the output of each of said sensors wherein each sensor provides an output on activation of the critical condition indicator, said central monitor having an alarm means activated through said signal line wherein each sensor and/or group of sensors provides an output signal to said signal line characteristic of said sensor or group of sensors to cause the alarm means to be activated in a manner characteristic of said sensor or group of sensors.

Abstract: A rotation sensor inlcudes circuitry for sensing both small units of rotation of a rotating body relative to a stationary body and a predetermined angular orientation of the former to the latter, and is designed to prevent electromagnetic interference between the rotation sensor circuitry (FG) and angular position sensor circuitry (PG). The FG circuit defines a full annular ring about the axis of the rotating body whereas the PG circuit covers a relatively narrow annular sector. The FG and PG circuits lie at different radial positions and do not overlap radially. Corresponding PG and FG magnetic rings fixed to the stationary body opposite the PG and FG circuits consist of annular sectors magnetized to alternating polarities. The symmetrical spacing of the FG magnetic sectors matches the angular spacing of FG circuit elements oriented perpendicular to the magnetic flux generated by adjoining magnetic sectors. The PG magnetic sectors match both the spacing and the total angular extent of the PG circuit.

Abstract: A small self-contained unit is provided to indicate rotation of a machine element such as a brush in a domestic vacuum cleaner. The rotation indicating device may be mounted inside the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner so that through an aperture in the vacuum cleaner nozzle, an indicator lamp may be observed, and it will be illuminated upon rotation of the vacuum cleaner brush. The rotation indicating device includes a housing which carries the lamp in a fixed longitudinal position on the housing, which accommodates a wire coil within the housing and the coil cooperates with a rotating magnet on the rotating brush. All of the parts are fixed in longitudinal position so that when the indicating device is mounted in the vacuum cleaner, the wire coil is in position to cooperate with the magnet and the lamp is in position adjacent the vacuum cleaner nozzle aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an indicator controlled by the ignition system of an i.c. engine, so that the indicator, e.g. an LED, makes an indication when the engine is adjusted to an appropriate idle r.p.m. or race r.p.m. As the carburetor is calibrated against such selected and adjusted r.p.m. the said adjustment will bring about a minimum of exhaust gases.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for the acquisition of speed of rotation and/or angle of rotation signals on a shaft, on which there is a pulse transmitter on the circumference of the joint and a sensor which measures the pulses produced by the pulse transmitter located on a pivot part, which defines a pivot axis, around which the shaft portions of a cardan shaft can be pivoted in relation to one another.

Abstract: A wheel speed sensor comprises a non-magnetic spindle, a rotor of magnetic material carried by the spindle, a stator surrounding the rotor, a permanent magnet, a stationary hub of magnetic material in which the spindle is rotatably mounted, and a wire coil disposed for induction by current by changing magnetic fields caused by rotation of the rotor. The rotor and the hub are superimposed over the total length of the rotor, irrespective of the relative axial positions of the rotor and the hub due to the end float of the spindle. This ensures that the effective length of an air gap between the overlapping faces of the rotor and the hub remains substantially constant irrespective of any such end float. Thus the resistance of a magnetic flux path across the air gap will remain substantially constant.

Abstract: A motion sensor unit which includes a sensor assembly for monitoring whether or not the inclination of a mobile member is in excess of a predetermined reference angle and outputting a pulse signal in case the inclination is greater than the reference angle; a detector for monitoring whether or not the duration of the pulse signal is in excess of a predetermined reference time and, in the case of any excess, outputtting a signal representing that the inclination of the mobile member is greater than the reference angle and is continuous for more than the reference time; a sensor assembly for outputting a pulse signal inverted in accordance with the value of a shock given to the mobile member; and a detector for monitoring whether or not the cycle of the pulse signal is shorter than a predetermined reference time and outputting a shock detection signal when the cycle is shorter than the reference time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating the rotational speed of a fan is disclosed. An electrical circuit is provided for selectively providing electrical power to a plurality of indicator lights mounted on the fan. The indicator lights are turned on and off in a coded sequence that indicates the speed at which the fan is rotating.

Abstract: Device for monitoring rotating parts of machines and installations for the production, treatment and processing of monofilaments, yarns, wires, tapes, webs and the like on the accumulations and wraps being formed. According to the invention, the surface of the rotating part, e.g. of a friction roller of a high-speed winder for filament yarns, is provided with marks, and opposite this marked surface a sensor consisting of a transmitter and a receiver, for instance a sensor operating in the range of infrared radiation, is disposed, which by the passage of the marks generates a signal, the alteration of which causes, through switching elements, the stopping of the rotating part of the machine or of the installation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring the rotor speed of the harvesting rotors of a cotton harvester. The inventive rotor speed monitor determines the rotational speed of each individual rotor. The individual speeds of the rotors are combined and an average rotor speed computed. The individual rotor speed is then compared with the average speed for the combined rotors. An alarm is provided to alert the operator whenever the rotational speed of a given rotor differs by a predetermined amount from the average rotational speed for the combined rotors. The invention rotor speed monitor can provide an early indication of rotor malfunction and also detours false signals generated by the harvester rotors deceleration after completion of the harvesting operation on a cotton row.

Abstract: A still video camera in which the image of an object formed on a photoelectric conversion surface by a picture-taking lens is scanned to generate video signals, which are recorded on a magnetic disc rotating at a predetermined speed. An indication lamp is provided in a finder and is turned on by the first stroke of a trigger member which starts rotation of the magnetic disc which is turned off by a control apparatus when rotation of the disc has reached a predetermined speed indicating the appropriate time for the second stroke of the trigger member which starts recording.

Abstract: A solid state rotary entry control system for controlling appliances such as microwave ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, television sets and other appliances, the control system incorporating a first rotary entry means utilizing the angular displacement of a rotary switch to increment and decrement data, such as desired time, temperature or other data into a microprocessor based appliance control, the control system also incorporating a second rotary entry means for selecting, for example, a desired power level, such as a desired microwave oven magnetron power level, and also providing a power level bar graph display indicative of the power level selected by the user thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the actual speed and maximum safe speed of a centrifuge rotor. A single circular array of equally spaced coding elements of two clearly distinguishable types is attached to the rotor. A single detector responsive to the coding elements produces an output signal that varies in accordance with both the number and type of the coding elements. A first circuit network is responsive to the number of coding elements encountered per unit time, without regard to type, to produce an actual speed or tachometer signal. A second circuit network is responsive to the number of coding elements of each type encountered during each revolution of the rotor, without regard to the speed thereof, to produce a rotor identification signal that is indicative of the maximum safe speed of the rotor.

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: A combination lock of the dial operated tumbler wheel type comprising lock mechanism components including a fence lever and rotatable members to be rotatably positioned responsive to rotation of a dial, the rotatable members including peripherally gated tumbler wheels and a drive cam driven from the dial, and electro-optical light sensing and electrical signalling means for producing sensible indications at a remote monitoring station signifying movement of components of the combination lock mechanism. This means comprises a marking having optically distinctive reflectivity properties on a component of the lock mechanism such as the driving cam and/or a tumbler wheel and/or the fence lever and optical sensor means positioned to receive light from the optically distinctive marking electrical signal signifying movement of the optically distinctive marking.

Abstract: A rotating member having a plurality of electrodes at a predetermined pitch is secured to a rotating body of a rotary machine, opposite to the rotating member a stationary member having a plurality of electrodes at the same pitch as that of the rotating member is arranged, and a variation in electrostatic capacity between the electrodes of the rotating member and the electrodes of the stationary member is detected so as to produce an output corresponding to a rotational speed of the rotating body of the rotary machine in accordance with the variation in electrostatic capacity.

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 tachometer comprises a magnet having north and south magnetic poles and a magnetically operated switch for sensing movement of the magnet and for producing an output signal in response thereto. The magnet is supported on one end of a shaft which is supported for rotation in a bearing. The other end of the shaft is threaded into the rotating member, the output of which is to be measured. The bearing is mounted on a plate so that the plate and shaft are independently movable. The switch is mounted on the plate in proximity to the magnet to detect movement of the magnet. The frequency of the output signals produced by the switch indicates the rate of rotation of the rotating member.

Abstract: A speedometer/odometer system for use on a bicycle which system uses a magnet/coil arrangement and a signal processing means for providing a count of the spokes of a wheel as they pass the magnet/coil arrangement the count being determined over a selected time period to provide a digital signal speed indication or being cumulatively counted to provide a digital signal indication of distance travelled. The system can be easily calibrated by using means for producing a calibration constant which can be used to multiply the digital signals and the resultant signal supplied to a suitable digital display means for visually displaying the speed or distance for the rider.

Abstract: A drum rotation indicator for a power driven cable drum operated by a control lever, which includes an arbor rotatably mounted within the control lever and having an exposed end with a thimble-like recess. An electric motor rotates the arbor, and the motor is driven by a signal generator driven by the cable drum. A control circuit triggers operation of the motor in one direction or the other upon rotation of the generator in one direction or the other, and a tachometer driven by the motor limits the effect of the generator so that motor speed is held proportional to generator speed.

Abstract: Speedometer for cycles and mopeds, of the type by which the measurement is effected by means of a reed relay secured to a stationary part of the vehicle and a number of permanent magnets fastened to one of its wheels, said magnets being arranged to move past the reed relay during the rotation of the wheel. The permanent magnets (4) are molded into a holder (3), said holder being secured to the spokes (2) of the wheel by means of an associated part (14), said associated part (14) being inside the wheel and fastened to the holder (3) in such a way that the two parts (3) and (14) can be secured to the spokes (2) of the wheel. The permanent magnets (4) are positioned in the holder (3) at the same radii from the hub of the wheel, and at the same mutual distance between individual magnets (4). The holder (3) and the associated part (14) can be produced of synthetic material, and said associated part (14) can consist of two half parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the angular position of a point in rotational motion which includes a disk coupled to rotate with the rotating part. The disk includes a plurality of alternating teeth and spaces located about its periphery. At least one of the teeth has been removed to form an absolute or reference mark. A transducer is located adjacent to the disk to produce an electrical signal representative of the passage of teeth and spaces past the transducer. The electrical signal is processed to produce one or more output signals representative of the instantaneous angular position of the rotating part. Accurate results are produced even when large variations in instantaneous speed of the rotating part occur.

Abstract: A rotor of a motor has a bearing mounted thereon, the bearing having a tab which is urged in one direction by the fluid friction of the lubricant in the bearing, the tab being urged against a spring, the tab actuating a micro-switch. The force exerted by the tab on the spring is a function of the rotor speed. Upon reduction of rotor speed the spring urges the tab rearwardly so that the micro-switch open circuits in turn disconnecting power from the motor which comes to a standstill.

Abstract: There is disclosed a monitoring system for monitoring a plurality of functions or stations in a machine and capable of providing an alarm signal in the event of a failure or significant deviation in any one of the functions, which monitoring system also incorporates electronic circuitry for automatically temporarily disabling the alarm device in the event of a near simultaneous discontinuance or deviation in all of the functions being monitored.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting information indicative of the rotation of an engine is disclosed in which a multiplicity of magnetic poles are formed on a track along the circumferential periphery of a rotating member driven by an engine, thus detecting a rotational reference position and a rotational angle from the rotational reference position of the engine. A rotational reference sensor and an angle sensor for generating a signal representing a change in magnetic fluxes by detection of the magnetic fluxes from the track are arranged in opposition to the track in spaced relation from each other along the axis of the rotating member. Some of the magnetic poles on the track which are opposed to the rotational reference sensor are omitted, so that a signal representing the rotational reference position is generated in the case where the angle sensor detects magnetic fluxes but the rotational reference sensor fails to detect the same.

Abstract: Electronic signal processing circuitry for use in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed herein. A signal generator which receives crankshaft position pulses from a sensor and produces periodic outut pulses which have durations equal to a constant percentage of the period of the input sensor pulses is disclosed. The generator includes a crankshaft position sensor feeding a bistable flip-flop which controls a dual slope integrator circuit having its output coupled to a comparator with the comparator output coupled back to the reset terminal of the flip-flop. The generator produces pulses at the output of the flip-flop which have durations equal to a constant percentage of the period of the crankshaft position sensor pulses.

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: A detector for a movalbe member such as a rotatable shaft includes a sensor and an alarm having a normal and a signaling condition. The sensor includes one or more magnetic pole pieces attached to the shaft whose rotational speed is to be detected, to rotate in unison therewith, and a pick-up including a coil mounted adjacent the shaft for producing an electrical signal in response to the rotating magnetic pole pieces. An electrical circuit is provided, connected between the coil and the alarm for switching the alarm between its normal and signaling conditions in response to a predetermined value of the electrical signal. The position of the coil with respect to the shaft and magnetic pieces is adjustable for selectively producing the predetermined switching value of the electrical signal in response to different rotational speeds of the shaft.

Abstract: A multi-axle traction vehicle is equipped with apparatus for sensing the speeds of its respective drive axles, and control apparatus is provided for producing a predetermined warning signal if the sensed speed of one and only one of the axles is less than a predetermined low threshold level. In addition, apparatus is provided for inhibiting the control apparatus unless all but one of the sensed axle speeds are greater than a predetermined higher threshold level thereby minimizing the opportunity of producing a false warning signal.

Abstract: A digital speed detecting circuit of the type in which pulses of a clock frequency are counted during a time interval of a cycle of the sinusoidal signal obtained from a sensor of the rotating member whose speed is being measured. The pulse count throughout the speed range of the rotating member is adjusted to be within a range best suited for accurate evaluation, since the pulse count exceeds this range at high and low speeds. This is accomplished in a first embodiment by shifting to a different counting frequency in different speed ranges and correcting the speed signal obtained by a factor corresponding to the degree of frequency change. In a second embodiment, the counting frequency is monitored and adjusted each cycle of the sinusoidal signal by comparing in a shift register the stage of advancement of a binary counter that produces the pulse count with a reference stage establishing the upper limit of the evaluation range.

Abstract: An endless-conveyor monitoring switch assembly includes an elongated frame having a shaft journaled for rotation therein and extending longitudinally therealong. A drive wheel is attached to and rotatable with the shaft at a first end of the elongated frame and a detecting switch is attached to the shaft at the opposite end of the elongated frame. A seesaw, U-shaped, mounting member is attached to the elongated frame at a point intermediate the drive wheel and the detecting switch for mounting the elongated frame on an endless-conveyor cable support. The mounting member allows the weight of the elongated frame and its attachments to pivot the frame in a seesaw manner to bring the drive wheel into contact with the endless conveyor. The detecting switch includes a conductive disc mounted on the shaft adjacent to a pendulum having permanent magnets and mercury switches mounted thereon.

Abstract: A rotation indication system having an improved sensing device for determining the velocity of a rotating body is disclosed. The improved sensing device is tubular in configuration and includes a source of magnetic flux and two pole pieces that define a split magnetic field. The sensing device is mounted in close proximity to a rotor which is connected to the rotating body. The rotor has apertures which interrupt the split magnetic field producing an output signal with a frequency proportional to the velocity of the rotating body. The sensing device is oriented relative to the rotor apertures so that each pole piece is alternatively in register with an aperture to produce the desired output signal. Since the sensing device is tubular in shape, it can be rotated about its axis to obtain the desired orientation with the rotor apertures, thus permitting the use of the sensing device with a wide range of rotor diameters having various aperture spacings.