Abstract: A programmable display engineering scale instrument includes a scale base such as a drafting machine type scale, an electronic display device including a plurality of rows of column aligned display elements, scale selection switches, and circuitry interpreting the operation of the selection switches to cause the display of corresponding linear scales. The circuitry includes a switch encoder which generates unique binary addresses corresponding to each of the switches. A memory device stores bit patterns which when addressed cause the activation of patterns of display elements to display a corresponding linear scale. The display elements are interconnected in selected groups for simultaneous activation to simplify the circuitry of the programmable scale instrument.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the rotational speed of a rotating member is described that determines speed from signals having a frequency directly proportional to the rotational speed. The speed signals are counted during each of successive sampling intervals. At the end of each sampling interval, the rotational speed is determined based on a calculation interval that is the time interval from the next-to-last speed signal generated in the prior sampling interval to the last speed signal generated and the number of speed signals occurring in the calculation interval. The resulting overlapping calculation intervals minimize the influence of one speed signal on successive determinations of rotational speed.

Abstract: A device for installation in a motor vehicle for recording distances traveled on business or non-business journeys comprises an input from the vehicle indicative of the distance traveled by the vehicle and manually operable keys for inputting into the device the purpose of the journey. The distance traveled and the purpose can be recorded for later printing on a paper supply contained within the device. A clock also records the time and date of the journey. Gas purchases can be recorded. A decimal keyboard can be used to require the introduction of an identification code before the device can be operated.

Abstract: A system for measuring distance traveled by a vehicle periodically updates the accumulated measurements, displays the updated measurements and electronically stores corresponding accumulations of updated distance data in a non-volatile memory device. The system employs a method of reading through the sequentially ordered storage locations of the non-volatile memory to determine the most recently stored correct data value as a value to be both displayed and used as a base value for subsequent measured distance accumulation.

Abstract: A taped parts counter which includes a photosensor system for counting the number of small parts encapsulated and carried by a storage tape. The small parts are contained in the storage tape at pre-determined and equal intervals. The intervals have a space relationship to drive holes in the edge of a storage tape. Movement of the storage tape past a sprocket drives a radiation interrupter wheel on which fins interrupt a radiation source in direct relationship to the parts moving past the sprocket. An electrical signal is generated by a photosensitive device as radiation from the radiation source strikes the photosensitive device. The electrical signals are counted by an electrical counting circuit.

Abstract: This invention provides a highly portable device for counting athletic activities of a repetitive nature, e.g., pool laps swum, track laps run, pushups, situps, etc. The device has a mat-like body flexible enough to be rolled up and carried in a handbag. It is comprised of: (1) a watertight upper section containing a weight for anchoring the device during use, battery and circuit means for powering a lap counting electrical circuit, (2) a middle section for displaying an athletic activities card and (3) a watertight lower section containing a lap count display and a touch pad which operates the lap counting electrical circuit in a manner such that the display count advances by one for each touch of the pad.

Abstract: An electronic hub odometer employs a permanent magnet and a magnetic reed switch for recording the number of revolutions of a vehicle wheel to which the odometer is mounted. A programmable integrated circuit electrically communicates with a clock crystal and the magnetic reed switch to automatically produce data relative to the time, distance and rate of travel of the associated vehicle. The data is stored in a random access memory integrated circuit. An infrared light emitting diode is employed for transmitting the data from the odometer to a remote unit. Information is also transmitted to the odometer from a remote unit via a photo-optical detector.

Abstract: An incremental count display system having a display (14) for displaying odometer information and trip odometer information. The display includes a display overflow indicia (21) that will not be permanently activated unless the odometer itself has been factory preset to an initial starting point of other than zero. Otherwise, the overflow indicia (21) must be reset with each display cycle. The trip odometer provides for an accurate count of trip mileage, even during a trip that includes an odometer memory rollover cycle. In addition, the trip odometer display makes use of a masking technique to avoid automatically writing to non-volatile memory (12). Also, an error indicia can be displayed in response to early failure detection.

Abstract: In an electronic odometer for a wheeled vehicle, a non-volatile memory circuit includes a main memory having 256 cells in sequence for non-volatilely storing first data indicative of a unit mileage of the vehicle upon each application of the first data to the memory circuit. The memory circuit also includes an auxiliary memory having 32 cells in sequence for non-volatilely storing second data indicative of 256 times of the unit mileage upon each application of the second data to the memory circuit. A microcomputer repetitively determines the unit mileage in relation to the actual vehicle speed to search each cell of the main memory as to storage of the first data in each cell of the main memory. The microcomputer applied the first data to the memory circuit upon each search of no storage of the first data in at least one cell of the main memory and also applies the second data to the memory circuit upon each search of storage of the first data in each cell of the main memory.

Abstract: A serial pulse frequency converter is disclosed of the type which counts high frequency clock pulses between input pulses, multiplies each successive count by first and second proportionally constants and downcounts the products by high frequency clock pulses to produce output pulses at a new, proportional frequency. A first serial register is used to both count the high frequency pulses between input pulses and hold the count during the multiplication process. It is loaded at the end of multiplication with the a number representing the "lost counts" as it is switched to its counting mode. A second serial register accumulates the sum of partial products of the count and the proportionality constants. The gain circuit serially provides a first proportionality constant and then a second, but may selectively substitute a binary number representing a constant unity for the second.

Abstract: Counter circuit apparatus which sequentially re-allocates lower-order counting operation in order to extend counter life. The counter is comprised of a plurality of lower order counters and at least one higher order counter. A count selection circuit is coupled to the plurality of counters which controls the counting thereof in response to applied event input signals. A map control circuit is coupled between the higher order counter and the count selection circuit which controls the count selection circuit in response to signals derived from the higher order counter. The map control circuit sequentially enables a predetermined one of the lower order counters to count individual ones of the applied event input signals. A count unscrambling circuit is coupled to the plurality of lower order counters and the map control circuit which produces an ordered count output signal that is indicative of the number of event input signals counted by the counter.

Abstract: An electronic pedometer for use on a footwear is disclosed. The pedometer comprises a step sensor carried by the footwear for sensing each step that the user takes to provide an output indicative thereof. Connected to the sensor is a mount base which is secured to the footwear and has thereon a first terminal electrically connected to the step sensor. A counter, which is detachably mounted on the mount base, has therein various electronic components forming a computing circuit and includes a display section. The counter is provided with a second terminal which comes into electrical connection with the first terminal on the mount base when mounted thereon so that the computing circuit receives the outputs from the sensor to compute based thereupon the number of steps taken and the distance travelled by the user. The resulting measurements of the computing circuit are visually indicated on the display section of the counter.

Abstract: A microprocessor transfers into a first so-called "fixed" zone of the memory the intermediate total distance travelled since the vehicle was put on the road and, in a second so called "journey" zone of the memory the successive partial distances travelled between each power supply cut off, the successive partial distances being transferred into the cells of the journey zone of the memory each time the power is switched off.

Abstract: An indicating device in a measuring machine in which the flickering of an indicated value due to vibrations of the machine and the like is avoided. The indicating device includes a flickering sensing circuit for receiving up signals or down signals outputted from an encoder as input signals thereto and sensing the change in the signals from the up signals to the down signals and vice versa. When the change in the signals is sensed by this flickering sensing circuit, a hold signal having a predetermined period of time is outputted from a hold circuit, whereby renewing storage of counted values from the counter by a latch circuit is interrupted for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital indication type measuring apparatus comprising a main body of the measuring instrument such as slide calipers, incorporating therein a data processing circuit for digitally indicating measured data and a printer detachably connected to the main body of the measuring instrument. The connection between the main body of the measuring instrument and the printer is effected by a jack provided on the main body of the measuring instrument and a connector provided at the forward end of a cord extending from the printer. A switch for outputting the measured data to the printer is provided on the connector, whereby it becomes possible to use the main body of the measuring instrument such as the slide calipers as a single component or to print the measured data as necessary, so that the functional effect of the measuring instrument can be expanded.

Abstract: In a signal measurement or processing system, specifically in a system which contemplates measurement or processing of video information and which is particularly adapted for use with microprocessors or microcomputers characterized by modest memory capacity and computational capability, a digital hysteresis circuit that enhances the quantization of an analog video signal. The hysteresis circuit is part of a transition detector that quantizes the brightness component of a composite video signal level into mutually exclusive and exhaustive BLACK and WHITE levels determined with regard to a THRESHOLD level. The THRESHOLD is established by applying a REFERENCE voltage, derived from the peak amplitude of the video signal, to a reference input of a D/A. The THRESHOLD is then established as a predetermined percentage of the REFERENCE voltage, as determined by a multibit digital CONTROL signal applied to the CONTROL input of the D/A.

Abstract: An electronic digital tape rule consisting of a housing, a tape reel having an extendable and flexible measuring tape, a battery case, an actuator, a detector, a counter, a display and a brake. The actuator comprises a friction roll rotatably mounted on a shaft fixed at an inner wall of the housing, a disc disposed on the upper end of the roll and rotatable by the friction of the roll, a plate fixed on the upper end of the roll and having a hole with a pair of contact plates attached on the two side walls of the hole, a spring mounted between the disc and the plate for constantly pressing the disc against the roll and an actuating rod disposed upright on the upper side of the disc and having its upper end engaging with the hole. The actuating device in cooperation with the friction rolls can accomplish the switching action corresponding to the directions of rotation of the friction rolls.

Abstract: The perimeter of an object is detected using a CCD. When a pixel is dark a right detection turn is taken and when a pixel is light a left detection turn is taken. When a transition from light to dark or from dark to light occurs the address of the light pixel is recorded to identify the light pixel as a perimeter pixel.

Abstract: The invention relates to taximeter installations including mobile taximeter apparatus (2) coacting via radio (3, 4) with a central computer (1). Each taximeter (2) includes registers (15, 26) for collecting pulses relating to travelled distance and consumed time, the central computer (1) initiating periodic read-out (20, 21, 29, 30) of the register content, inter alia for fare price calculation. The central computer also sets a criterion frequency value, so that the pulses related to travelled distance are prevented by means of a circuit (9) from being stored in the register (15) when the frequency of said pulses falls below the criterion frequency, time pulses being stored in a register (26) when the criterion frequency is not attained by the travelled distance pulses.

Abstract: A method of detecting the rotational speed of a rotary member, which comprises the steps of detecting, in sequence, a time period indicative of the interval between successive preceding and following angular positions of the rotary member, memorizing in turn from each of the angular positions of the rotary member a series of the time periods detected during one rotation of the rotary member, substituting the foremost time period memorized during one rotation of the rotary member for the foremost time period memorized during the preceding one rotation of the rotary member, and calculating the sum of the substituted time period and the remaining time periods memorized during the preceding one rotation of the rotary member upon detection of each of the angular positions to detect the actual rotational speed of the rotary member.

Abstract: An electronic vernier is presented which detects and quantifies misalignment between layers of material deposited upon a semiconducting wafer. Verniers may be constructed which evaluate alignment between two conducting layers, between two conducting layers and an insulating layer and between a semiconducting layer and a capacitive layer. Circuitry is described which shows how output from a vernier may be detected and quantified in order to evaluate the amount of misalignment.

Abstract: The totalized count obtained from a seriate train of signal pulses is stored in a programmable memory means as a permanent state change in a separate memory cell for each count increment. Memory economy is had since each count increment preferably is stored in its respective memory cell as a singular bit change. Display of the totalized count is provided, usually as visual digital characters, through decoding and displaying of the memory address byte signal. When power has been interrupted, or the memory address has otherwise been upset, the totalizing counter is reset. It then quickly runs-up, under control of a CLOCK signal, through all the changed state memory cells until the lowest order yet unchanged cell is addressed, whereupon a state detector produces a signal that inhibits the clock and enables the display of the instant memory address thus obtained.

Abstract: This specification discloses an apparatus for detecting and counting the pulse from a monitor signal source which repetitively forms a pulse in association with a member to be controlled and thereby detecting the amount of movement of the member to be controlled. In the apparatus, depending on whether the pulse put out from the monitor signal source for the first time starts from a rising signal or from a falling signal, the count mode of the pulse is made into a falling pulse count mode or a rising pulse count mode, thereby ensuring accurate detection of the amount of movement to be accomplished.

Abstract: A hand-held tape measure is provided which includes a conveniently sized housing with an elongated measuring tape suitably coiled on a rotatable shaft mounted within said housing. A sprocket arranged to engage the surface of the tape without slippage is mounted within the housing and drivingly connected to an encoding disk whereby the rotation of the disk is directly proportional to the linear movement of the free end of the tape. The disk is divided into an equal number of alternating transparent and opaque segments and two energy sensitive coupler switches are mounted in conjunction with the disk to provide electrical outputs indicative of the adjacent disk segment to indicate the rotation of the disk. The switches are offset circumferentially to provide a phase differential which indicates whether the tape is extending or retracting with respect to the housing. The output from the switches is fed to an electronic circuit which counts and divides the output pulses with the result digitally displayed.

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

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring the length of filamentary material, such as a yarn or thread, wound-up at individual ones of a number n of winding or spinning locations in a textile machine cooperates with an electronic scanning or interrogation device. The latter monitors the thread run at the aforementioned locations by means of a number n of scanning heads. The apparatus is constituted by a series circuit comprising a shift register including a number n of parallel outputs, a number n of storage members, a number n of AND-gates, a number n of electronic counters, a comparator, a number n of electronic switches and a number n of relays, as well as a sensor detecting the number of revolutions of a drive element, and a reference or set value transmitter. When reaching a fixed number of revolutions inputted into the reference value transmitter, and thus, a distinct length of yarn or the like, the related winding or spinning unit is stopped by the relay associated therewith.

Abstract: A device for installation in a motor vehicle for recording distances traveled on business or non-business journeys comprises an input from the vehicle indicative of the distance traveled by the vehicle and manually operable keys for inputting into the device the purpose of the journey. The distance traveled and the purpose can be recorded for later printing on a paper supply contained within the device. A clock also records the time and data of the journey. Gas purchases can be recorded. A decimal keyboard can be used to require the introduction of an identification code before the device can be operated.

Abstract: A digital tachometer in which first pulses are produced at a rate proportional to the speed of a device. Second pulses are produced at a constant rate which exceeds the maximum rate of the first pulses, and a binary counter provides a binary count of the second pulses produced between two consecutive first pulses. A look-up table memory provides several blocks of addressable storage locations containing digital representations of speed. The MSB of the binary count selects a specific block of the memory, and the address of the selected block is derived from the binary count.

Abstract: A video processing system especially for use with microprocessors or microcomputers characterized by limited memory storage capacity and processing capability. The video processing system includes a TRANSITION DETECTOR for detecting BLACK-TO-WHITE and WHITE-TO-BLACK transitions in a video signal, from whatever source. The output of the TRANSITION DETECTOR may be coupled to a FEATURE COUNTER so that the FEATURE COUNTER provides at a computer buss an output indicative of the number of such transitions occurring during a particular horizontal scanning period. The output of the TRANSITION DETECTOR also drives a SHIFT REGISTER that selectively disables a plurality of FEATURE TIMERS, each of which has an input coupled to a CLOCK so that the FEATURE TIMERS provide an output indicative of the time duration between the beginning of a horizontal line and successive transitions in the video signal.

Abstract: A video processing system especially for use with microprocessors or microcomputers characterized by limited memory storage capacity and processing capability. The video processing system includes a TRANSITION DETECTOR for detecting BLACK-TO-WHITE and WHITE-TO-BLACK transitions in a video signal, from whatever source. The output of the TRANSITION DETECTOR is coupled to a FEATURE COUNTER so that the FEATURE COUNTER provides at a computer buss an output indicative of the number of such transitions occurring during a particular horizontal scanning period. An output of the FEATURE COUNTER drives a DECODER that selectively enables a plurality of FEATURE TIMERS, each of which has an input coupled to a CLOCK so that the FEATURE TIMERS provide an output indicative of the time duration between successive transitions in the video signal. The video processing system thereby makes available to the microcomputer the number and respective durations of transitions during a horizontal scanning period.

Abstract: In an instrument for converting the rotary motion of the feed shaft of a machine to a pulse train having a direction component and for counting and displaying the pulse train as counted by a reversible counter, a digital measuring device arranged such that its reversible counter does not count pulses generated by the idling rotation of the feed shaft due to play in the feed system of the machine, thereby digitally counting and displaying the correct transfer distance or feed ratio of the transfer unit of the machine.

Abstract: A circuit for storing a multi-digit decimal numerical value of the distance traversed by a vehicle having a signal transmitter which gives off electric counting pulses, and particularly an electronic tachometer. The improvement consists of the numerical value being able to be stored by means for coding the numerical value in a one-step code for a non-volatile storage formed of floating-gate storage cells.

Abstract: A scaling device employs a first, outer cylinder, a longitudinal scale having detectable indicia thereon, and a second cylinder of lesser diameter than the first cylinder but of greater diameter than the radial extent of the scale. The cylinders and the longitudinal scale are disposed coaxially, with the scale affixed at one end thereof to an end cover plate in one end of the first cylinder. The second cylinder is journalled in a bearing in an end cover plate in the other end of the first cylinder for axial movement relative to the first cylinder over the longitudinal scale. A scale detector element is disposed at one end of the second cylinder to detect indicia on the scale and to generate scale signals in response to longitudinal relative displacement of the first and second cylinders. A third cylinder affixed to and disposed within the second cylinder defines an annulus between the second and third cylinders through which leads from the detector element can extend.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing a missing or broken wafer in an automated wafer transfer system. The apparatus includes means for moving a wafer transfer mechanism from a first position along a prescribed path. A counter coupled to an oscillator is enabled when the wafer transfer mechanism and a wafer are moved away from the first position. A photosensor senses the presence of the wafer at a second position along the prescribed path and inhibits the counter. The count stored in the counter is compared with a predetermined count corresponding to the time required for movement of an unbroken wafer to the second position. If the counts do not agree, a missing or broken wafer is indicated and corrective action is taken.

Abstract: A control system for an acreage counter, controllable by an electrical logic condition, includes: a flip-flop having enable logic condition output upon being set, and an inhibit logic output upon being reset; an enable counter and an inhibit counter connected respectively to the set and reset inputs of the flip-flop; an enable clock and an inhibit clock connected respectively to the enable and inhibit counters; and sensors or switches connected to the respective counters and cooperating respectively with an operating lever or operating switches of an agricultural implement to actuate the associated counters upon change in the status of the operating controls. The clocks and counters function to delay setting or resetting of the flip-flop for a selected time so that minor adjustments may be made to the working position of the implement without falsely initiating or interrupting the acreage counter.

Abstract: A contact point type measuring device being equipped with contact point type encoder having scale contact points and brushes to supply pulse type measured signals, a counter circuit and a display section of measured value, such device comprising the scale contact points consisted of larger scale contact points arranged in a required distance and of smaller scale contact points dividing the larger scale contact point distance at a certain required pitch, the counter circuit including a larger scale counter counting larger scale measured signals obtained from the larger scale contact points and a smaller scale counter counting small scale measured signals obtained from the smaller scale contact points and resetting such counted value by the larger scale measured signals, and the display section of measured value including an upper figure displayer displaying counted value of the larger scale counter and a lower figure displayer displaying counted value of the lower scale counter, and parts of such device being

Abstract: A magnetic scaling device has a housing formed at least partly of non-magnetic material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. A magnetic scale is disposed on the housing, and a reading head is disposed within the housing and provides an output signal corresponding to relative linear displacement of the reading head and the magnetic scale. In addition, a reference magnetizing body can be disposed on the housing, and a reference magnetic detector can be disposed within the housing to provide a reference signal in response to linear displacement of the detector to a predetermined position corresponding to the position of the reference magnetizing body. At least one of the magnetic scale and the reference magnetizing body is disposed on the exterior of the housing on a non-magnetic portion thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and useful taximeter which allows simple changes in tariff display conditions in various operating modes without any change or modification in circuit construction. The taximeter using a memory device removable from the taximeter body and containing lamp enabling and disabling information is capable of optionally setting tariff display conditions in respective ones of operating modes without reconstructing the circuit arrangement of the taximeter body.

Abstract: Angular deviations of a control surface cause phase quadrature output signals to be produced from an optical encoder mounted thereon. Successive values of the quadrature signals are latched to logic circuitry which determines the state and direction of rotation, causing a counter to up or down count, appropriately. A digital display, responding to the status of the counter, indicates the magnitude and direction of the angular deviation of the control surface.

Abstract: A portable length probe having a length measuring wheel with light transmission holes at equally spaced angular intervals thereon, which wheel is rotatably mounted in an integral one piece nose body having a photo-responsive element and a light-emitting element disposed in aligned facing relation in a common bore formed in the nose body transverse to the wheel. The photo-responsive element is an infrared sensitive photo-transistor and the light emitting element is an infrared light emitting diode (LED), and both are encased in cylindrical opaque cases which fit in generally complementary sliding relation within the bore, the cases each having an optically open end facing one another. Increased accuracy is provided by employing frequency doubler circuitry in conjunction with the wheel, in which the wheel light transmission holes are substantially uniform in angular width and are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to such hole angular width.

Abstract: A device for counting or measuring the length of road marking lines or for a total counting of road marking line segments on roads or the like, characterized in that the control or the switching on or off counters of a known type is carried out by the application device, e.g., a spray gun for making the road marking lines.

Abstract: A digital depth indicator for rotary earth drills, and particularly auger type drills, operates from the means used to lower and raise the drill. The indicator operates from either the wire or cable of a wire line hoist auger or the hydraulic fluid flow in a hydraulic Kelly hoist type machine. A rotary measuring device is provided with an incremental shaft encoder which rotates to produce a dual signal which is supplied to (1) an up/down digital counter and (2) a programmable .div.N counter, which counter supplies a .div.N pulse to the up/down digital counter. The programmable .div.N counter is provided with switches for (1) setting the apparatus to read in feet or in meters and (2) setting the program for the drilling machine type or model. The output from the up/down digital counter is fed through a display driver to a digital display showing the indicated depth in feet or meters.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention facilitate surveys of buried structures, such as pipelines or the like, in particular by substantially automatically measuring and indicating distance information. Preferably that information is obtained by a transducer that produces serial data representing the length of wire bailed out from a portable reel and a cyclical counter responsive to such data for counting the serial data. A signalling device, such as a horn, strobe light, etc., is activated each time the counter completes a cycle as an indication that a predetermined distance has been covered since the last measurement was made and that the next potential measurement should be made. The number of pulses of such serial data counted in each cycle of the counter can be manually adjusted to obtain small or large distance intervals between test locations at which potential or other measurements are to be made to obtain a substantially continuous survey of the pipeline.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for making area measurements of an image on a kinescope screen. Scan lines of the kinescope are divided into a series of pulses by a switching device. The pulses within the image are counted. The number of pulses counted within the image is an indication of the area of the image. The size of the image may be determined in conventional units by comparing the number of pulses counted within the image to the number of pulses known to represent a given area.

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.

Abstract: A non-contact measurement system for determining the contour of an electrically conductive surface relative to a fixed reference point comprising a support arm journaled at one end to a bearing providing a fixed reference point and adapted to extend toward a conductive surface having a contour to be determined and a non-contact probe coupled to the support arm by a precision lead screw driven by a stepper motor which moves the probe either toward or away from the surface and which generates an electrical signal indicative of its axial position from an initial reference position. Control circuitry coupled to the stepper motor is operable to direct the stepper motor to extend the probe toward the surface until it reaches a predetermined distance from the surface.

Abstract: A digital odometer having a mechanical memory in the form of an encoder supplies binary data to a logic control and memory which may be a microprocessor. Both total distance and trip distance are stored in memories in the logic control and memory and are supplied to digital displays.

Abstract: A length measuring device has a magnetic scale body including at least one origin signal magnetic section and a measurement signal magnetic section forming a magnetic grating, the magnetic scale body having a uniform frictional surface formed over the entire effective length of the scale body, and a detecting head body including an origin detecting head for detecting an origin signal and a measurement detecting head for detecting a measurement signal and provided with a scraper in elastic contact with the frictional surface of the magnetic scale body, the detecting head body moving relative to the magnetic scale of the body along the length of the latter.

Abstract: A display apparatus for tape running positions is provided with a first pulse generator (36) for generating m first pulses for each revolution of a supply reel (12) in a tape transport, a second pulse generator (38) for generating n second pulses for each revolution of a take-up reel (14), and a counter (44 to 48) for counting the number of the first pulses during one period of the second pulse. The ratio of count value change in the counter for a time period from the start to the end of the tape running is expanded to the square of the change ratio of rotational speed of the reel from the beginning to the end of the tape winding. A counting range of the counter at this time is proportional to m/n.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring unit or remnant lengths of material, calculating the price and developing related sales information adapts to use in a system wherein the measuring and related data entry operations are performed at a plurality of terminals connected to a central computer. Each terminal employs a measuring roller and associated optical-electronic measuring and data processing circuitry. The measuring roller moves bi-directionally to increment or decrement the measure and is adapted for being repositioned to a precise home position at the commencement of each measuring operation. Electronic "noise" encountered with prior art optical-electronic length measuring and price computation apparatus has been substantially eliminated and operation improved by use of visual and audio cues for the operator.