Abstract: Copy production machine capable of having copies from plural independent copy runs in a copy sheet transport path at a given instant. Copy jam recovery is enhanced by maintaining separate counts of all individual images having copies simultaneously present in the copy sheet path. Apparatus and procedures are described for utilizing the counts for precisely recovering loss of copy sheets due to a jam or other stoppage condition. Control of a billing meter is also disclosed.

Abstract: The method and apparatus disclosed involve the scanning of a representation of a character by means of at least three frame scans based on respectively different directions, the frame scans developing quasitopological codes (QTC) indicative of character STARTS, OPENINGS, CLOSINGS and FINISHES. The QTC relating to convexity-shapes and concavity-shapes of different segments of the character are then automatically stored in respective groups of storage locations in a store, such that, at the end of the process, the groups storing QTC are functionally arranged approximately in the shape of the character so that the character is at least partially recognizable thereby. Also disclosed is method and apparatus in which at least partial recognition of the character takes place by comparing the distances between selected pairs of QTC. In addition, the recognition process may involve the actual comparison of the list of QTC for the character with a set of lists representing predetermined characters.

Abstract: A multimode electronic brake monitor system for use with power driven machinery having an absolute shaft encoder input for determining the position of a rotating or reciprocating member of the machinery, wherein both upstroke and downstroke preset allowable braking times are provided. In a normal mode of operation, the brake monitor system monitors each and every cycle of operation of the associated power driven machine and provides a precise measurement and a direct reading display of machine braking time in milliseconds. Automatic shutdown of the monitored power driven machine occurs should the measured braking time exceed either of two preset allowable braking times. In a thumbwheel mode, the brake monitor system is used to initiate a braking sequence at a presettable machine shaft angle whereupon either braking times in milliseconds or in degrees of shaft angle are measured and displayed.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a circuit for the prevention of the obtaining of a false count from presettable counters and includes means to change the number or quantity to be counted. The safety circuit includes a pair of flip-flops, one of which is responsive to provide an output when the predetermined number is changed and to provide a second output after the predetermined number is changed and when the counter completes its count and the counter is to be reset. The second output activates the second flip-flop to insert a new predetermined number into the counter.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the time of a plurality of successive events with respect to a reference time or event using a master circuit divided into two parts of N and M cascaded stages for counting clock pulses with an early carry propagated from the first part to the second part when the most significant stage of the first part undergoes a transition to a maximum value; and a slave circuit also comprised of two parts of N and M stages, a first part which follows the first part of the master circuit, except during the presence of an event pulse, and produces a normal carry when its most significant stage undergoes a transition from a maximum to a minimum value, and a second part which is a register loaded from the second part of the master circuit by a carry from the first part of the slave circuit. In one embodiment, the first part of the slave circuit is also a register loaded from the first part of the master circuit by clock pulses except during the presence of an event pulse.

Abstract: A calorie counter which is adapted to be constructed in the shape of a wristwatch and which includes a pulse detector for detecting the heart pulses. The calorie counter circuit consists of seven sections; time base, clock, data accumulator, data multiplier, translator, data selector and the display. The heart pulse rate is received, amplified and filtered into uniform shaped waves which are applied to the data accumulator section which totalizes the pulse count and determines the actual pulse rate which is held in a storage latch and updated at one-minute intervals. The actual pulse rate is applied to both the data multiplier section and the binary to BCD decoders. The data multiplier section includes means for presetting the calorie counter to the user's metabolism.

Abstract: For enabling a computer to calculate locations of cuts across an elongated workpiece that will divide it into standardized length finished pieces of optimum economic value, the workpiece is established between parallel, spaced boundaries of an inspection zone, lengthwise parallel to them. From a movable light source a beam is projected down onto the inspection zone that defines a line of illumination extending from one to the other of the boundaries. A manually operable control member, movable parallel to the boundaries, actuates the light source to move the line of illumination lengthwise along a workpiece. An output is produced that has a unique magnitude for each incrementally different position of the line of illumination. When the line of illumination is located at a boundary between unlike-quality lengthwise extending portions of the workpiece, actuation of a pushbutton delivers the then-existing output magnitude to the computer as an input.

Abstract: This invention concerns a programmable counter which can be preset to provide an output indication one pulse after the count of the incoming signal pulse train has reached the integer M, where M equals any binary real number over the range (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, . . ., 32,768). The programmable counter can be preset to any one of the binary numbers using a 4 digit word.

Abstract: An electronic totalizer interposable in the line of a two-wire transmitter having a transducer which converts a metered variable into a current signal that is conveyed over the line to a receiving station, the same line delivering direct current power from the station to the transducer and to the totalizer. The totalizer input circuit includes a resistor through which the current signal flows to produce a corresponding voltage signal, the voltage signal being applied to a resettable integrator to produce a time-integrated voltage which rises above a base level at a rate depending on the varying magnitude of the voltage. The rising integrated voltage is applied to a comparator having a threshold set by a reference voltage to produce an output signal when the integrated voltage reaches the threshold. The output signal is fed back to the integrator to effect resetting thereof to the base level, the output signal also serving to trigger a one shot generating a pulse which is applied to a digital counter.

Abstract: An electronic counter is provided for evaluating the impulses generated by digital electronic measuring system. This counter includes a register which counts the impulses generated by the digital electronic measuring system and generates a position reading, a memory unit, a comparator, and a control circuit. The control circuit is responsive to the output of the comparator and is adapted to store the position reading generated by the register in the memory unit if that reading is a more extreme value than the reading previously stored in the memory unit. In this manner, the extreme reading measured by the digital electronic measuring system during the measuring cycle is determined and stored in the memory unit.

Abstract: This specification relates to performance of partial store operation in a hierarchical memory system which has a buffer store interposed between a processor interrogating the memory system and the main memory of the memory system. Such a partial store operation can be performed on a word of data in the main memory using the buffer store copy of that word of data. The copy of the word of data is read out of the buffer store into a register where it is modified to form a new word by replacing one or more but not all of the bytes in the word of data with bytes supplied by the processor. The new word is then placed in the main memory by performing a full store operation. The problem with performing a partial store operation in this manner is that the copy of the word of data in the buffer store may not be up-to-date. A technique is provided to eliminate the possibility of this old data being rewritten back into the main memory.

Abstract: A control system for directing hydraulic fluid to selected cylinders on a lift truck to perform selective ones of a plurality of power truck functions, such as raising and lowering the lift forks on the truck mast, tilting the lift forks with respect to the truck mast, and extending the lift forks away from the truck mast, includes a control lever mounted on the truck control panel, having upper and lower control positions and a neutral position therebetween. A function control switch includes a manually actuatable switch button on the controlled lever. A counter means is responsive to the function control switch to cycle sequentially through a plurality of count states from an initial count state in response to actuation of the function control switch means.

Abstract: A multipoint recorder having a counter for producing sequential address signals for sequential selection by randomly addressable input switching means and recording by randomly addressable recording means. A randomly addressable visual display indicating the point being recorded is also connected to the common bus output of the counter. This provides a recorder in which no circuit or mechanical means is required solely to provide synchronization of the input switching means, the recording means and the visual display.

Abstract: An electrostatographic type copying or reproduction machine incorporating a programmable controller to operate the various machine components in an integrated manner to produce copies is disclosed herein. The controller carries a master program varying machine operating parameters from which an operating program for the specific copy run desired is formed and used to operate the machine components to produce the copies programmed. As an aide to maintain copy quality and machine reliability, the programmable controller includes diagnostic programs for operating the machine components in a different manner. The machine includes a plurality of sensors disposed along the paper path through which sheets of paper are transported to various locations in the machine. As each sheet is detected, the time on a counter is stored in the controller memory. One of the diagnostic programs is utilized to selectively access the times as desired.

Abstract: A system for metering material flow made up of a member moveable in proportion to the flow of material, a permanent magnet moveable by the member and a reed switch connecting a source of energy through an electronic circuit to a counter. The circuit and reed switch are sealed in a phenolic resin, which is waterproof and enclosed in a housing that fits onto an opening in the meter housing. The circuit has a transistor with a collector connected to the counter.

Abstract: A joystick mechanism for transducing vector motion of an end of a joystick into its X and Y components including: an X-potentiometer having a body and a shaft, a bracket for mounting the body of the X-potentiometer to a surface, a Y-potentiometer having a body and a shaft, a rod connecting the shaft of the X-potentiometer to the body of the Y-potentiometer so that the shafts of the X and Y-potentiometers lie at right angles to each other, and a joystick having one end attached to the shaft of the Y-potentiometer and which is oriented such that its effective axis lies at a right angle relative thereto.

Abstract: In the illustrated embodiments, a rotary position encoder is manually positioned to select any of a set of x-ray exposure times to be used in making medical x-ray photographs. In one form, the encoder output selects a code word from a read only memory, and a comparator ends the timing cycle when a counter reaches a count value corresponding to the active code word. The pulse generator supplying input pulses to the counter, rather than operating at a constant rate, may be controlled so that the pulse count per unit time corresponds to a specified mAs-product, an x-ray tube being switched off when a selected count value (corresponding to a desired mAs-product) is reached.

Abstract: Apparatus for supervising the operation of a rotary machine such as a heat engine driving an electric generator, pump, etc., includes electronic circuits responsive to the alternating output of a tachometer-type alternator for recording performance details, such as speed, running hours, running hours in excess of normal speed, running hours with improper parameters (oil or water pressure or temperature), these electronic circuits being powered by rectifying the alternator output.

Abstract: An optical detector provides an optically amplified function of displacement to be measured. The detector includes a first optical grating which moves with a displaceable member, while a second reticle grating is positioned in a plurality of phase displaced zones which remain fixed. The light beam is modulated by both gratings and detected by a plurality of photodetectors, each positioned behind one of the phase displaced zones. Pairs of phase displaced photodetector signals are processed at a comparator to provide a pair of phase quadrature digital waveforms for tracking the position of the displaceable member. Signal resolution is provided in the presence of zero displacement drift and vibration induced oscillation by interrogation of the photodetector signals which are filtered to provide average values.

Abstract: An apparatus having a digital circuit containing a variable-modulus counter and a frequency source for rapidly cycling the variable-modulus counter through all of its states is used to produce a random sample from the set of digits through which the variable-modulus counter is cycling upon the actuation of a pushbutton-controlled sampling circuit. The sample is added to previous samples, if any, and displayed or may be cleared. A modulus selector is used to determine the modulus, or operating range, of the variable-modulus counter and may utilize any suitable commercial type device such as a rotary switch and logic gates. A synchronizer operates in response to the sample pushbutton to enable sampling counting at an appropriate instant of time.