Abstract: A method is for setting at least one predetermined distance between a machine tool (10) and a metallic or non-metallic electrically conductive workpiece (12) according to which a capacitive and/or inductive sensor (16) fixed to the machine tool (10) while facing the workpiece (12). The machine tool (10) is displaced with constant speed toward the workpiece (12) by means of a drive device, and a sensor signal is output at predetermined time intervals by means of a data processing unit (24). The sensor signal has a characteristic quantity that continuously changes in a non-linear manner according to the distance of the machine tool (10) from the workpiece (12). The data processing unit (24) compares each read out value of the characteristic quantity with a comparative value read out before at a predetermined number of time intervals and calculates the difference between the values that are compared with one another.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting machine comprising a selectively contactless or tactile sensor system for determining a spacing between the cutting device (outlet of the jet pipe) and the work piece. This device automatically trails the drive of the cutting head to maintain a defined constant spacing. An inductive sensor is used for metallic work pieces. The inductive proximity sensor is concentrically arranged around the jet pipe and determines, in a contactless manner, the spacing from the work piece, and transmits corresponding electrical signals to the drive of the cutting head for controlling the spacing. The inductive sensor is designed so that a ring chamber is concentrically arranged extending along the jet pipe leading to the outlet of the jet. It is possible to provide a pressurized flushing medium through this ring chamber via feed lines. This flushing medium flushes away the material removed by abrasion and the rebound particles in the course of the drilling and cutting process.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting machine comprising a selectively contactless or tactile sensor system for determining a spacing between the cutting device (outlet of the jet pipe) and the work piece. This device automatically trails the drive of the cutting head to maintain a defined constant spacing. An inductive sensor is used for metallic work pieces. The inductive proximity sensor is concentrically arranged around the jet pipe and determines, in a contactless manner, the spacing from the work piece, and transmits corresponding electrical signals to the drive of the cutting head for controlling the spacing. The inductive sensor is designed so that a ring chamber is concentrically arranged extending along the jet pipe leading to the outlet of the jet. It is possible to provide a pressurized flushing medium through this ring chamber via feed lines. This flushing medium flushes away the material removed by abrasion and the rebound particles in the course of the drilling and cutting process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linear feed drive system for working tools with an integrated tactile sensor system for initial positioning processes on the workpiece before the working process is started, and with integrated weight relief. The system comprises at least two parallel guided elements disposed directly next to each other and displaceable against one another in the feed direction. One element is directly connected with the drive of the system, and the other element is connected with the driven tool, so that the possible distance of displacement of the elements relative to one another is limited within a defined range by the action of a force such as the weight of the two linear elements, by the force of a spring, or by a counterweight, in a defined position in said path. The force acts on the linear element supporting the tool against the direction of feed, and the element is displaceable relative to the driven linear element over a limited distance of displacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coordinate thermal-cutting machine with a means for automatically setting the initial height of a torch, in particular a plasma torch, above a workpiece surface. In order to achieve a fast and exact setting of the igniting distance above the workpiece surface, the torch (28) is at least partially surrounded by an inner tubular enclosure (7), which is at least partially surrounded by an outer tubular enclosure (10), bearing elements (8, 9 and 29, 30) being arranged between the tubular enclosures (7, 10) in such a way that the inner tubular enclosure (7) is at least longitudinally displaceable with the torch (28), there also being provided a position sensor which senses the longitudinal displacement and, furthermore, the inner enclosure (7) is connected to a compensation device (35) which reduces the weight of the inner enclosure (7) with the torch (28).

Abstract: The use of a microwave resonator is proposed as a sensor in an arrangement for determining the relative position of the sensor relative to a metal or non-metal body. The resonator may be a component of an oscillator and determine the natural frequency thereof. The resonator can also be connected as a filter. For suitable uses, it is possible to provide a plurality of resonators which can be designed and connected in accordance with the geometry of the object to be monitored.

Abstract: The sensor arrangement according to the invention serves to determine the spacing from a non-magnetic or ferro-magnetic article. In addition, it seeks to make it possible to determine the relative position of the sensor with respect to irregularities on the article such as gaps or holes. The inductive sensor arrangement has an oscillator which feeds a transmitting coil which in turn induces alternating current, in dependence on the relative position with respect to the article, in a receiving component coil. By virtue of the transmitting and/or receiving component coil being in the form of a metal layer on at least one surface of a laminar coil carrier, it is possible substantially to improve measuring accuracy and also the degree of sensitivity of the sensor arrangement.

Abstract: In a measuring arrangement for measuring or regulating spacing on thermal working machines (for example, flame cutting installations), two capacitive electrodes are arranged at different spacings from the workpiece. Interference signals can result from changes in the dielectric constant between the electrodes and the workpiece during the thermal working operation. The output signals of the two electrodes are in negative feedback relationship for compensation purposes.

Abstract: In a processing machine which operates with an arc, for example, a burning cutting installation, the arc current is measured and regulating signals are derived from the measurement value for the purposes of regulating the tool-workpiece spacing. In that procedure the analog measurement value is converted by a converter into high frequency signals whose frequency corresponds to the respective measurement value, the high frequency signals are fed to a regulator and therein are converted again into analog and/or digital signals. Also provided is a capacitive or inductive spacing measuring means which is also connected to the converter so that the arc current measurement values and the spacing values of the capacitive or inductive measuring arrangement are processed by the same converter means and evaluation circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring and warning apparatus for automatic processing apparatuses, in particular robots. Reactance-determining elements are arranged as sensors on the movable parts of the robot. If the robot arm approaches an object, detuning of the sensor circuit occurs. In that way, it is possible to produce a monitoring or stop signal. A central supply with HF-signals and current permits central monitoring of the function of the sensor circuits and at the same time triggering of warning signals when the sensor approaches an object. That is achieved in that the warning signals derived from sensor signals are used to connect additional loads into the circuit which is supplied from the central current supply means. Therefore, by monitoring the current consumption, it is possible to detect both failure of individual sensor circuits and also the approach of an object to a sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for registering a chance event, particularly the passage of a ball over a closed boundary line in a game, is described wherein the ball contains an oscillatory circuit. Two parallel conductors, fed by an a.c. generator in phase opposition extend along the boundary line so that a receiving conductor extending between the transmitting conductors is subject to a resultant zero voltage until the ball approaches and passes the boundary line so disturbing the electromagnetic fields radiated by the transmitting conductors. The receiving conductor current then passes through an amplifier, phase comparison means, a pulse generator and display device. The phase comparison means is connected to distinguish the direction in which the ball crosses the line and also enables a zero setting device to accommodate prolonged extraneous signals. A compensating antenna and circuit eliminate stray field effects. The transmitting and receiving conductors can encircle a goal structure.

Abstract: A control circuit for measuring the distance between a workpiece and an electrode which is formed as inductance and is part of a resonant circuit as a frequency-determining element whereby the frequency variations of the resonant circuit for producing voltage and/or current changes which are proportional to a distance are connected to a measuring circuit and includes at least two partial inductances in the resonant circuit with one inductance being represented by the electrode and the other being a stationary resonant circuit arranged at a distance from the electrode and in the immediate influence sphere of the workpiece.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the distance between a metallic workpiece and a processing tool includes, in addition to a sensing device having a reactance, a compensation sensing arrangement having a reactance with one of the reactances being inductive and the other capacitive and with the reactances being dimensioned and connected in opposition in such a way that by a predetermined lateral approach of the workpiece to the electrodes the tool can be compensated by changes in the reactances.

Abstract: Interruptions in the playing time of a game having a set playing time are recorded by the transmission of signals by the referee at the beginning and end of each interruption. The referee's signals are transmitted by wireless to a reception conductor located in or on the playing area and conducted therefrom to recording and display devices. To prevent interference by signals other than those from the referee, interference receiving conductors are located outside the playing area and/or around the spectator areas and signals received by these loops are suppressed by comparison with the signals emitted within the playing area. Interference may be further prevented by providing for the referee to transmit two separate signals the characteristics of which are compared with those of predetermined signals and elapsed time only recorded when the signal characteristics coincide.

Abstract: The push-on handle of a circuit board is provided with a lateral extension forming a supporting element on which may be mounted further circuit elements, especially elements which in use should be accessible. The lateral extension may be integral with the handle or may be fixed thereon by complementary interengaging grooves and ribs or by any other conventional means.

Abstract: An apparatus to automatically regulate the speed of a motor driven vehicle. An actuating member movable between an operative and an inoperative position, preferably into or out of cooperative engagement with the accelerator, is in turn operated by a connecting device. A speed control arrangement drivingly engages the connecting device when the actuating member is in its actuating position to in turn operate that part of the vehicle which controls its speed. A control circuit receives actual and ideal speed signals and emits a difference signal which in turn operates the speed control arrangement to in turn operate the connecting device.

Abstract: Apparatus for equalizing the electrically effective value of an electrically conductive layer is described wherein the equalization is effected by a tool, such as a sand-blasting device or laser that does not contact the layer, which is caused to traverse the layer to reduce the thickness thereof under the action of a thrust device acting on a pivoted tool guide under the control of an electrical circuit responsive the resistance of the layer. The tool guide is a two-part telescopic device pivoted about a point displaced above the working end of the tool by an amount that is many times greater than the distance of the working end of the tool above the layer, which distance is kept constant by controlling the length of the telescopic guide. For this purpose a feeler device on the lower part of the guide is maintained in contact with a cam surface which determines the length of the guide against spring reaction as the guide turns about the pivot point.

Abstract: The distance between a cutting torch and a work piece varies the oscillating frequency of the electrical control circuit. This frequency is converted by a discriminator into direct current signals, which are utilized to correct the deviations and hold the torch at a substantially constant distance from the work piece. As the torch moves away from the work piece, the bandwidth of the discriminator is widened, such as by damping or untuning a discriminator tuning circuit. A field-effect transistor is suitable for use as a damping resistor, and a capacitor-diode unit may be used to untune the tuning circuit. The control voltage is conveniently tapped from the output of an amplifier connected to the discriminator, and the control input may be provided to a variable resistor or capacitor. The control voltage for changing the frequency range is conveniently obtained from the analog signal component of the regulator output.