Abstract: In an indicating-needle type meter device, when starting excitation of a stepping motor, a controller sets the phase of an excitation signal to a predetermined excitation start position and returns the phase of the excitation signal by a predetermined reversal angle such that an indicating-needle rotates in the backward direction, thereby positioning the indicating-needle at a stopper position. Subsequently, the controller advances the phase of the excitation signal by an origin return angle to rotate the indicating-needle in the forward direction to an origin position apart from the stopper position by a predetermined angle, thereby positioning the indicating-needle at the origin position. Here, the origin return angle is an angle obtained by adding a backlash angle, a predetermined positive pre-offset angle, and a positive placing error correction angle set based on a placing error of the indicating-needle with respect to the stopper.

Abstract: An instrument driving device includes a magnet which rotates; a driving gear coaxial with the magnet; an output gear driven by the magnet; a needle pointer shaft which has a needle pointer mounted thereon and rotatably supports the output gear; a transmission gear which transmits rotation of the driving gear to the output gear; and a case which accommodates parts of the driving device elements, wherein a stopper and a bearing part which rotatably supports the needle pointer shaft are provided in the case, a protrusion which makes contact with the stopper is formed in the output gear, a contact point with which the needle pointer shaft makes contact is formed in the bearing part, and the end section at the protrusion side of the stopper is in the same position as the contact point in the axial direction of the needle pointer shaft.

Abstract: A pointer-type alarm mark structure of a micro-differential pressure gauge includes a transparent casing. The transparent casing has a shaft thereon. At least one alarm index is provided on the shaft. By adjusting the alarm index to a desired position, the user can know whether the pointer of the gauge is within a safe area.

Abstract: A pointer gauge surface structure with an indication mark. A mark member is coupled on the surface of a pressure gauge or a micro-differential pressure gauge to display a critical value for a person to read with ease. A circumferential portion of a transparent casing is provided with a slide rail for engagement and slide of the mark member. The mark member has a C-shaped cross-section to provide a tightening function relative to the slide rail.

Abstract: An indicating instrument includes a step motor having a field winding, a pointer, a reduction gear mechanism having gears, a stopper device for stopping the pointer at a stopper position, a detecting device for detecting induced voltage of the winding at each of detecting points that include a zero point corresponding to the stopper position, a control device for controlling a drive signal, and an updating device for updating the zero point based on the induced voltage during zero-reset control performed by the control device. The control device performs return control, whereby the pointer rotates to a return point in an indication value increasing direction and then returns to a waiting point in a zero-reset direction to stand by at the waiting point, prior to zero-reset control, whereby the pointer rotates from the waiting point in the zero-reset direction.

Abstract: An onboard electronic device operating unit enables a needle calibration mode by performing a specified needle calibration enabling operation on part of multiple setup operation sections. The setup operation sections can change setting states of control contents for an onboard electronic device. In the needle calibration mode, part of the setup operation sections functions as a needle calibration section. Operating the needle calibration section can calibrate a needle position of a needle-type display apparatus.

Abstract: A motor controller comprising, a detector configured to perform a difference processing for information relating to a counter electromotive force and an induced electromotive force generated by a stepping motor, and to generate a driving control signal based on a result of the difference processing, and a driver configured to drive the stepping motor based on the driving control signal.

Abstract: A dial assembly with magnetic calibration feature adapted for use as part of a gauge assembly for measuring fluid levels in cryogenic applications is disclosed. The dial assembly includes a base, a pivot pin extending from the base, a pointer assembly pivotally mounted on the pivot pin, and a calibration magnet with adjustment feature. The pointer assembly includes a pointer coupled with a pointer magnet. The calibration magnet with adjustment feature is magnetically coupled to the pointer magnet and adapted to adjust a position of the pointer magnet and therefore the pointer relative to volume indicia on a dial face of the dial assembly. In operation, a movement of the calibration magnet induces a movement in the pointer magnet. The adjustment feature is coupled to the calibration magnet such that it is manipulatable even when the dial assembly is mounted on a gauge head of a gauge assembly installed on a vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method sensing the absolute position of a gauge. A pointer having a predefined rotation with a circular travel pattern. At least one light emitting diode that generates an optical signal. An optical sensor placed in a fixed position along the circular travel pattern of the pointer. A pointer driver for driving the pointer.

Abstract: A device used to alert an individual of the presense of low atmospheric pressure. This is accomplished through the use of an aeronoid barometer, and an audio/visual alarm. The counterclockwise rotation of the metallic barometer needle contacts the the sensor probe, or metallic contact, at a given low atmospheric pressure. This contact completes an electrical circuit which activates an alarm.

Abstract: A water purifier 40 includes a flow meter 42 for measuring the cumulative flow of water through a water purification cartridge 6. The flow meter has an indicator portion 44 that rotates in response to increasing cumulative flow and a graduated portion 46 rotating about the same axis as that of the indicator portion. The graduated portion includes an insertion groove 29 for manually rotating the graduated portion in order to reset the flow meter. Because the flow meter has few part, the body of the water purifier can be made compact and its cost reduced.

Abstract: An in-line flow meter for use in drip irrigation systems which provides a field adjustable, infinitely variable visual flow indication of both high and low flow rates above and below a field adjustable normal flow rate is provided by means of a drag paddle rotatably disposed in the flow in the fluid conduit. The paddle carries a magnet and an indicator lever exterior to the conduit carries a second magnet which interacts with the magnet on the paddle. The paddle which hangs downwardly into the flow, and rotates upwardly and downwardly depending on whether the flow increases or decreases. The exterior indicator lever similarly rotates to mimic or telegraph the angular orientation of the paddle through the interaction of the two magnets. An adjustable counterweight is provided on or as the exterior indicator lever and can be positioned so that the indicator lever is approximately level or aligned with a fixed shield when the predetermined flow is achieved.

Abstract: A zero-position stopper to stop the pointer when it is returned to the zero position and a maximum-position stopper to stop the pointer when it is located at the maximum position are provided. A microcomputer generates a zero-start signal when an ignition switch is turned on so that pointer moves from the zero position and engages the maximum position stopper, and thereafter generates a zero-return signal so that the pointer returns to the zero-position stopper. When the pointer engages the zero-position stopper, the computer does not generate a control signal.

Abstract: The indicating pointer of a gauge is rotatably and frictionally connected to a hub which is attached to the shaft from a meter movement for calibration of the pointer relative to the graduation indicia of the gauge, without removal and replacement of the pointer or hub from the shaft. The hub may include a gap within which the pointer is nestable and has limited movement.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring fluid level, especially cryogenic fluids, having a head assembly with a passageway to receive the upper portion of a lift rod assembly. The lift rod assembly includes a spring attached at the upper end to the head and at the lower end attached to a spring guide. A lift rod is mounted adjustably on the spring guide, and the upper end of the lift rod has attached a magnet and the lower end of the lift rod a displacement member. The upper end of the lift rod is received in the passageway of the head. Attached to the head adjacent to the passageway is a dial assembly adjustably mounted in relation to the passageway of the head.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an oil-filled depth gauge which is made far less sensitive to violent shock and the potential resulting inaccuracies to the maximum depth gauge indicator from such shock. More specifically, the present invention comprises an improved oil-filled scuba diving depth gauge in which the improvement provides a fluid dam member which may be affixed to or molded into the transparent enclosure covering the dial face to effectively block the flow of the oil in the region of the gauge occupied by the maximum depth indicator dial. The fluid dam reduces the likelihood that a sudden jar or other violent shock will induce a relative differential in the motion between the oil and the gauge body which might otherwise produce inaccuracies in the position of the maximum depth indicator dial.

Abstract: A cross-coil type indicator including a coil bobbin around which a pair of coils are wound while intersecting each other at a right angle, a magnet rotor rotatably supported in a hollow space of the coil bobbin, a pointer shaft fixedly secured to a center portion of the magnet rotor, a pointer firmly fitted onto the pointer shaft, and a dial plate having a graduation arranged thereon to indicate the present quantity of measurement in cooperation with the pointer. In the indicator, a projection is provided on an upper surface of the magnet rotor and a recess is provided on an inner wall surface of the coil bobbin located opposite to the upper surface of the magnet rotor, so that the projection and the recess are engaged with each other while the pointer shaft is moved upward. The projection may be provided on the inner wall surface of the coil bobbin. In this case, the recess is provided on the upper surface of the magnet rotor.

Abstract: To unvisualize the mechanical indicating instrument for an automotive vehicle when the ignition switch is turned off, the pointer is covered by a pointer cover below zero indication when the meter is deactivated, or a semitransparent front cover is disposed in front of the dial. In this case, the meter is offset by an offset magnet from a zero position to under the pointer cover when deactivated. On the other hand, to visualize the same instrument, when the ignition switch is turned on, lamps disposed in front and/or back of the dial are illuminated and a colored transparent pointer is illuminated by another or the same lamp in linkage with the ignition switch.

Abstract: Detector apparatus adaptably mountable about the external surface of steam pipes and condensate pipes, and wherein the apparatus includes a curved temperature sensitive bi-metallic element fixedly mounted at one end and with the opposed end being free to flex. A push arm is mounted at the free end of the bi-metallic element in engagement with a temperature indicating element for indicating a temperature either within or outside of a range of desired maximums and minimums, utilizing calibrated reference in the form of a rotatable dial. The surface temperature of the steam or condensate pipe being monitored is determined. The apparatus is provided with mounting member or system capable of use in combination with cylindrical surfaces within a range of diameters.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for indicating on a pressure differential gauge whether air leakage in a compressed air line is within a predetermined acceptable level, the gauge has pressure-responsive and manually shiftable pointers and is connectable in the air line across a first restriction in the line for indicating by the pressure-responsive pointer pressure differentials across the first restriction, and a second restriction temporarily insertable in the line downstream of the first restriction for passing air at a rate equal to the permissible air leakage from the line, and discharging air through the second restriction and indicating by the manually shiftable pointer the position of the pressure-responsive pointer during such discharge, the manually shiftable pointer after removal of the temporary restriction indicating by the relative position of the pressure-responsive pointer on charging of the line whether leakage therefrom is within acceptable limits.

Abstract: At an extremity of the pointer board of a push-button tuner is fixed a member on which a pointer is mounted. At a surface of the member on which the pointer is mounted. There is disposed a lateral fitting groove having an opening at the front surface. The fitting groove is provided with indentations. The pointer has a fitting portion engaging with the fitting groove on its back surface and the fitting portion has protrusion engaging with one of the indentations.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge calibration means which utilizes slip clutch action between the gauge pointer shaft and the float rod. In setting the gauge range, either of said elements may be held stationary at a given point while the other element is moved to coordinate with the given point. Upon release of the element being held, the slip clutch is effective to maintain the established relationship between the two elements. A tool is used to move the slip clutch as needed for desired relative setting of the two elements.