Indicating Means Patents (Class 377/112)
  • Patent number: 8824623
    Abstract: A timer device includes a RES input terminal, an OUT output terminal, a delay circuit that delays a signal input to the RES input terminal, and a pre-settable down counter that counts a given set value, and outputs a measurement completion signal via an output terminal when the counting of the set value is completed. When a predetermined signal is input to an input terminal after an output of the measurement completion signal, the pre-settable down counter completes the output of the measurement completion signal based on a delay signal obtained by the delaying the predetermined signal using the delay circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Takemura, Toru Shirotori
  • Publication number: 20140219413
    Abstract: A method and evaluation device for checking plausibility of an incremental counter, wherein counting pulses are detectable via the incremental counter, and wherein a dynamic system generates the counting pulses with a clock rate corresponding to a state of the dynamic system. Here, a minimum value and a maximum value for a possible or permitted change in the clock rate per time unit is predefined based on operating limits of the dynamic system, wherein a current clock rate is calculated in each case from two counting pulses respectively detected last, and wherein at each newly detected counting pulse the counting pulse is checked to determine if the difference between the clock rate calculated in the course of the newly detected counting pulse and a clock rate calculated immediately beforehand is within the limits defined by the minimum value and maximum value, wherein otherwise implausibility is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Lorenz WALLNER
  • Publication number: 20110058639
    Abstract: A counting apparatus includes a sampling circuit, and a counting and displaying circuit. The sampling circuit includes an interface, a first electric switch, and a second electric switch. The counting and displaying circuit includes a counter and a display tube. Seven input terminals of the display tube are connected to seven output terminals of the counter correspondingly. A clock-up counting terminal of the counter is connected to the second terminal of the second electric switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JIN-LIANG XIONG
  • Patent number: 5506876
    Abstract: A device for reliably counting and simultaneously marking objects includes a tubular sleeve slidably emergent from a housing that contains an electronic counter and electromagnet. A marking tip and ink reservoir are slidably held within the sleeve and are forwardly urged by a spring. Whenever the sleeve is pressed against an object, the electromagnet drives the marking tip forwardly to mark the object and, simultaneously, electrical contacts interactive between the sleeve and housing register one count on the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: John W. Homer
  • Patent number: 5500882
    Abstract: A portable flow timer device for determining the time between two successive fluid flow detection signals input thereto comprising an electric timer mechanism including an input probe connector mechanism for receiving fluid flow detection signals from external fluid detection probes coupleable thereto, a bridge circuit mechanism for receiving a fluid flow detection signal and transmitting a timer activation signal and for receiving a succeeding fluid flow detection signal and transmitting a timer de-activation signal, a resetable count-down logic mechanism for transmitting a plurality of timer signals at a set timing interval based upon receipt of the timer activation signal and for preventing transmission of the timer signals based upon receipt of the timer de-activation signal, a display mechanism for receiving the timer signals and displaying elapsed time from receipt of timer signals up to their cessation, and a battery mechanism for supplying electric energy for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: John W. Eifert
  • Patent number: 5299356
    Abstract: The invention relates to an eating utensil for counting the number of bites the user consumes in accordance with a specific diet plan regulating the fat intake by the user. The eating utensil has an illuminated display which changes depending on the number of bites consumed by the user. A push button is activated each time the user lifts up a fork full of food from the plate. An associated set of cards carries the names of the food items and the particular number of bites allowed to be taken depending on the fat content of that food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Ralph Maxwell, III
  • Patent number: 5136621
    Abstract: Swim/sporting event timer/counter. A waterproof housing has upwardly projecting digital displays and two spaced ultrasonic receivers. A swimmer wears an ultrasonic transmitter tuned to ultrasonic receivers. by measuring the time differential for the ultrasonic signals from the transmitter to reach the receivers in the housing, the position of the swimmer (i.e., in front of, directly over, or behind the housing), is determined. Laps are identified by determining when the transmitted signal changes from being received by the two receivers by an increasing time differential to being received by a decreasing time differential. Each time the swimmer passes over the housing, the numbers on the display are inverted so that the swimmer may look down into the water and see the time regardless of which direction the swimmer is traveling in the lane or other predetermined course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventors: Mitchell, David E., Dean Lurker
  • Patent number: 5136620
    Abstract: An electronic counting device for counting the charge cycles accumulated on a battery. The counting device is mounted on a battery intercell connector and senses the reversal in current through the battery which corresponds to a charge cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: Stephen S. Eaves
  • Patent number: 5130955
    Abstract: A swim/sporting event timer/counter times a athlete moveing along a predetermined path based on signals received from the athlete. A time counter begins when movement of the athlete is detected. Based upon the amount of time it takes for the athlete to pass by the timing system, the time counter is automatically adjusted, if necessary, to account for the time counter having been started at an incorrect time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventors: Dean Luerker, David E. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5125010
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lap counting system having a radio communication range between a radio transmitter and a radio receiver. The lap counting system increments a lap count each time the distance between the receiver and the transmitter becomes smaller than the communication range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventors: Lewis C. Lee, T. Lester Wallace
  • Patent number: 5065084
    Abstract: An electronic equipment using a battery as an energizing power source includes a display unit, a signal generator for generating operation clocks while the electronic equipment is being actuated, a counter for measuring the number of the clocks, a calculator for calculating an operating time of the battery based upon the result of the counting operation by the counter, an estimating unit for estimating a consumption state of the battery based upon the result of the calculation by the calculator, and an informing unit for making the display unit display beforehand the expiration of the lifetime of the battery based upon the result of the estimation by the estimating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshinori Oogita
  • Patent number: 5038367
    Abstract: A polling device (10) includes a housing (12), pushbuttons (14, 16) mounted on the housing for receiving customer responses to an inquiry, circuitry for counting and storing the number of times each pushbutton (14, 16) is depressed, and a time delay circuit for disabling the counting circuitry for a predetermined period of time after one of the pushbuttons has been depressed for discouraging repetitive voting. A display unit (46) for reading and displaying the number of times each pushbutton (14, 16) has been depressed is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventors: William Casey, Darwin Eakins
  • Patent number: 5029188
    Abstract: An actuation counter is disclosed for counting the number of operation cycles of a valve or other electrically actuated device. The counter provides a real-time output display of the count for analysis by an operator. A battery operated counting circuit is configured in a housing and is responsive to the detection of load or actuation current on a conductor to increment a stored count. The actuation current which corresponds to the operation cycles of the monitored device is detected by a current probe. A preferred embodiment the counting circuit includes a delay circuit which operates to prevent an increment in the count due to spurious signals such as those induced by contact bounce. Access ports associated with the counting circuit are provided so that an operator can determined the presence or absence of magnetic fields by the use of a voltmeter. The counting circuit also preferably includes a threshold setting circuit and reset switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Joyner Engineers and Trainers
    Inventor: Anthony F. Lexa
  • Patent number: 4993050
    Abstract: A counter/marker apparatus which comprises a head assembly including a counter mechanism, a first elongated sleeve fixed to the head assembly, and a second elongated sleeve dimensioned and configured for sliding axial concentric movement within the first sleeve. The second elongated sleeve has an elongated slot therein extending in a generally axial direction. The apparatus also includes a momentary switch and apparatus for mounting the momentary switch to cause actuation of the momentary switch upon relative axial movement of the first and second elongated sleeves. Apparatus is provided for coupling the momentary swtich to the counter and for coupling the second sleeve to an associated pen. A set screw extending through the first sleeve to the elongated slot in the second sleeve to limit travel of the second sleeve relative to the first sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventors: Harry L. Carpenteri, Donald E. Hayes
  • Patent number: 4980900
    Abstract: Electronic control circuitry for transmitting electrical communication between electrically controlled equipment employing timing or display means at a first location, and at a second and remote location for the continuous exchange of electrical power and control signals betwen equipment at each of the locations and where two single wire connectors provide the sole electrical communication between the said locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Truett T. Welton
  • Patent number: 4932044
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for counting particles/cells within a counting box of precisely known volume that is completely inside a transparent section or sample. The box has a chosen height with defined upper and lower limits and appropriately selected width and depth dimensions. It resides completely within the sample and has no surface in common with an exterior surface of the sample. The system includes a compound light microscope that has a depth of focus which is small in relation to the thickness dimension of the counting box. The microscope includes adjustment means for moving the focal plane through a range which is greater than the height of the counting box. Display means are provided which show the portion of the sample that is within the depth of focus and user-operated means is provided to enable the user to mark the cells so displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Robert W. Williams, Pasko Rakic
  • Patent number: 4879732
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained, programmable odometer for attachment to a golf buggy of the type which is wheeled around a golf course by a user, has independent up and down counters which derive data about the distance covered by the buggy from the movement of the buggy. The up counter counts and displays the distance travelled from where a golf ball is hit to where it lands. The up counter may be reset to zero at any time, for example when the ball is reached, without affecting the down counter. The reset operation may be effected a number of times as it may take several drives to reach the green from the tee. The down counter is programmable. It counts and displays the distance to the hole, the tee to hole distance being programmable into the down counter at the start of each hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventor: Zbigniew Dorosz
  • Patent number: 4864592
    Abstract: An electronic golf score counter for counting each fairway and putting stroke and totaling hole scores, total scores for the front nine holes, totals for the second or back nine, and the 18-hole totals. The counter has LCD displays and a plurality of switch keys for entering and displaying the hole number, its par value, the tee and fairway and putting strokes for each hole, and their totals. A reverse feature permits a count-down to a selected hole for a review of correction of a score. One embodiment provides a count for four players and includes an over/under par display for each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Yong K. Lee
  • Patent number: 4846467
    Abstract: An electronic drag race starting signal unit includes a housing contained circuit provided with or energizing a series of race starting lamps. The race start indicator or Christmas Tree, which may be a series of LED's, are preferably three aligned amber or yellow lamps terminating in aligned relationship with a red lamp and a green lamp interposed betwen the red lamp and the adjacent yellow lamp. A manually held pushbutton switch, when closed, simulates a vehicle transmission brake and energizes the circuit to sequentially or simultaneously energize the yellow lamps followed by the green lamp which is the start signal. A counter in the circuit visually records the time lapse between the start signal and the release (opening) of the push-button switch by the operator which, if it is received before a predetermined time, energizes the red lamp as a disqualification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: John W. Rosson
  • Patent number: 4833697
    Abstract: A ballpoint pen of conventional size and shape has a movable ball point that is pressed upwardly in the direction of the housing of the pen when a mark is made. Means is provided for normally biasing the ballpoint outwardly of the housing. However, when the ballpoint is pressed against a writing surface, the refill cartridge having the ball at the lower end thereof is moved upwardly to close a normally open switch which connects a solar cell array in circuit with an electronic counter that counts each time the switch is closed. Controlled by the counter is a liquid crystal display that visually indicates the total number of counts. A gravity switch is contained in the housing and is actuated to reset or clear the counter in preparation for counting a succeeding group of marks when the pen is inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Fred P. Perna
    Inventors: Fred P. Perna, Stuart R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4764943
    Abstract: A knitting counter for counting stitches or rows of stitches comprising: a counter casing having a flat bottom surface to be placed in substantially horizontal flat support surface and formed with a reception opening as well as with a window opening; an operating member having a touch portion projecting out through the reception opening as movably guided thereby and a pusher portion extending within the casing; a digital display device disposed at the window opening; and an electrical control circuit arranged within the casing and connected to the display device for controlling thereof; wherein the control circuit incorporates a self-openable count input switch which, when closed each time, functions to change a numerical indication of the display device one by one, the pusher portion is in permanent engagement with the count input switch, and the counter casing has such a shape as to be prevented from toppling down upon a normal push on the touch portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Clover Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidekazu Okada
  • Patent number: 4744098
    Abstract: A roulette calculator for recording and visually displaying the occurrence and number of winning numerals during the progress of play of a roulette game is disclosed. The calculator includes a keyboard having a key and visual display for each number of a roulette wheel. A power source and electronic circuit means are employed between the keys and visual display means to advance the count in the visual display means upon key stroke of a given key to thus visually display winning numerals and the number of times that numeral was a winning numeral. The layout of the keyboard and color of the keys correspond to the roulette table colors and layout. Additional keys and associated visual displays may be provided to record conditions such as the number of winnings of red vs. black or odd vs. even. The keys and visual displays are positioned within recesses to prevent miskeying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Inventor: Walter A. Grabowski
  • Patent number: 4726044
    Abstract: A ballpoint pen of conventional size and shape has a movable ball point that is pressed upwardly in the direction of the housing of the pen when a mark is made. Means is provided for normally biasing the ballpoint outwardly of the housing. However, when the ballpoint is pressed against a writing surface, the refill cartridge having the ball at the lower end thereof is moved upwardly to close a normally open switch which connects a solar cell array in circuit with an electronic counter that counts each time the switch is closed. Controlled by the counter is a liquid crystal display that visually indicates the total number of counts. A second switch is actuated by gravity to reset or clear the counter in preparation for counting a succeeding group of marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Fred P. Perna
    Inventors: Fred P. Perna, Stuart R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4694474
    Abstract: A device for counting objects in a stacked relationship which includes a bifurcated optical cable, a light source for directing light through the bundle at the stack and a sensor for generating a signal proportional to the light reflected by the stack. The signal is digitized and fed to a digital counter. Various displays connected to the counter indicate the count results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Mechanical Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard A. Dorman, Robert E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4692933
    Abstract: An electronic integrator for integrating a linear voltage signal utilizes a voltage-to-frequency converter for converting the voltage to input frequency. A binary counter counts pulses of the input frequency. The binary counter generates a first operating frequency which is applied to a scaling circuit and another calibration frequency which has a much higher rate than the operating frequency. Both, however are proportional to the input frequency. The scaling circuit scales the operating frequency to a selected extent to form a counting signal. Using the double pole switch, either the calibration frequency or the counting frequency are applied to a pulse counter which is either used to integrate the input voltage signal by counting up pulses of the scaled counting signal, or the integrator can be calibrated using the calibration frequency which quickly increments the pulse counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: David J. Wroblewski, John W. Robertson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4688236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for using a binary register with n bistable cells making it possible to determine the ratio of two frequencies and an apparatus for performing the process. This use process consists of supplying to a counting input of the binary register with n bistable cells a first pulse signal S.sub.1 of frequency F.sub.1 and to a shift input of said register a second pulse signal S.sub.2 of frequency F.sub.2 with F.sub.1 >>F.sub.2, the register content being incremented at each pulse of the first signal S.sub.1 and divided by two at each pulse of the second signal S.sub.2, whereby the register content can also be loaded into a buffer register at each pulse of the second signal S.sub.2. The invention more particularly applies frequency discrimination, the determination of an unknown frequency on the basis of a known frequency and to the control of analog display means of the logarithm to base two of the ratio of two frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Marc DuPoy
  • Patent number: 4608704
    Abstract: Sensors in the infeed and output stackers, under control of the microprocessor, monitor the sheets. The apparatus is started automatically by placing sheets in the infeed. A count of the sheets is developed and displayed as the sheets are fed. When the infeed is empty and the output contains sheets, the count is retained. If sheets are removed from the outfeed, the count is retained and is reset only after more sheets are placed in the input. The same rules obtain for batching. The sensors cooperate with singles, holes and doubles detectors and have their gain adjusted depending upon sheet density. Automatic threshold adjustment circuits compensate for dust build-up and component aging. Upon sheet detection, the sensing circuit threshold level is instantaneously shifted to prevent an abrupt change in intensity from the sheet covering the sensor to provide an erroneous indication of the presence of a subsequent sheet or sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Brandt, Incorporated
    Inventors: William Sherman, III, Francis C. Larkin, Stephen J. Horvath
  • Patent number: 4499587
    Abstract: A recording-reproducing device of information such as pictures, voices and so on, in which the used amount of the recording medium is counted. A plural number of the memory devices for memorizing the counted value of the used amount when the recording medium which has not been used is exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Harigaya
  • Patent number: 4488148
    Abstract: This invention relates to a modular electronic unit which provides a combined switching and display function for controlling equipment of all kinds. The unit may be used alone to control equipment as desired, or several such units may be combined to control several pieces of equipment with a single master unit, including a microcontroller which controls the master unit, plus several slave units. The unit of the invention uses a microcontroller in combination with a non-volatile random access memory to provide fully programmable switching codes and display messages. The unit of the invention may be included in new equipment or as a retrofit for existing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Joachim Kuciera
  • Patent number: 4481649
    Abstract: A test counter for testing demand recorders installed at remote field locations. A predetermined interval of time is established and pulses generated by an attached demand recorder are automatically counted for that interval of time. The counter includes multiple counting channels and an additional channel providing a visual indication of the presence of pulses at an input of that additional channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Inventor: Samuel R. Killen
  • Patent number: 4417135
    Abstract: In a tape recorder including a circuit for generating pulses according to the running of a tape, an electronic counter circuit is provided which includes a counter for counting pulses and a display section for displaying its count value. The electronic counter circuit further includes a control circuit for disconnecting a display section from a power supply source a predetermined time period after the running of the tape is stopped and a memory for storing the count value at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyasu Motoyama, Kenzi Furuta, Katsumi Kanayama
  • Patent number: 4385228
    Abstract: In a tape recorder including a circuit for generating a pulse signal corresponding to an amount of tape travel, an electronic counter circuit is provided which includes a counter for counting pulses and a display section for displaying a count value. The electronic counter circuit further includes a memory for receiving voltage at all times from a power supply and storing a count value and a control section adapted to maintain the energization of the display section for a predetermined time period after the operation of the tape recorder is stopped and to stop the energization of the display section thereafter, while inhibiting the resetting of the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Kanayama, Kenzi Furuta, Kazuyasu Motoyama