Abstract: In a quick measurement module provided by the present invention, a first distance sensing unit and a second distance sensing unit are provided individually on a movable seat, so that when the movable seat is displaced along a linear shifting axis, the first distance sensing unit senses the distance from the first reference plane, and meanwhile, the second distance sensing unit senses the distance from the second reference plane, so as to sense the linearity accuracy in movement of the movable seat with respect to the first reference plane and the second reference plane. The first reference plane and the second reference plane are spaced apart by an angle other than a right angle, so that the linearity accuracy in movement in the two different planes, such as the horizontal linearity accuracy and vertical linearity accuracy, of the movable seat can be obtained through sensing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a counter for coupling to a measuring mechanism of a fluid meter, wherein an output of measuring mechanism gear is in operative engagement with a gear on the side of the counter, the gear on the counter being designed to adapt to the rotational direction of the measuring mechanism by means of a change wheel. The invention also relates to a counter, which can be connected to a modular base plate system via a mechanical interface, wherein the base plates of this system can be designed having differently arranged detent or engagement elements.

Abstract: Locating apparatus for machine tool including supporting portion for placing at fixed point on object's machining surface, detector including cable to connect apparatus with machine, and locating portion to release or receive cable to measure distance between machine and apparatus and including frame, first device, second device and third device. First device attached to the frame and for receiving or releasing cable in opposition to or pushed by elastic element. Second device attached to frame and includes transmission member to allow the cable passage. Third device attached to frame and allows cable release or reception by apparatus towards machine. First device includes discoidal element rotating around axis of rotation respective to frame to wind or release cable on winding surface. Second device includes guiding slider for conveying cable along conveying direction and moving along translation direction parallel to axis of rotation in proportion to discoidal element rotation.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a rotating component includes gathering an electrical signal from a sensor arranged adjacent a rotating component of an assembly. The electrical signal is transformed from a time domain into a frequency domain. The electrical signal is compared to an expected signal.

Abstract: A miniturized laminar gear box possessing high torque densities and methods of manufacturing the same. The high torque density is possible by directing the output shaft of the planetary stages through the sun gear and behind the input shaft. This allows the input shafts of the planetary stages to face towards the interior of the gearbox and provides a rotary shaft for the spur stages housed in between the planetary stages.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hub assembly for use with an endoscopic assembly of a reposable surgical clip applier having an outer housing defining a channel therethrough, a driver gear slidably disposed within the channel, and a display gear slidably and rotatably disposed within the channel and including first and second plurality of teeth. Distal advancement of the driver gear causes the display gear to advance in a distal direction such that the second plurality of teeth engage a portion of the driver gear and causes the display gear to rotate in a first direction. Retraction of driver gear causes the display gear to translate in a proximal direction such that the first plurality of teeth engage a portion of the channel and causes the drive gear to further rotate in the first direction.

Abstract: A ball game including a vertically disposed rod, a holder for holding a handheld device, the holder being rotatably mounted on the rod such that the holder can be rotated about an axis of said rod; and a ball coupled to the holder by a string and configured such that rotation of the ball about the rod urges the rotation of the holder about the axis of the rod.

Abstract: There is described a shaft shear event detection method. The method comprises storing in memory a shaft oscillation signature determined as a function of known characteristics of the shaft and associated with a shaft shear event; monitoring a rotational speed of the shaft; detecting from the rotational speed an oscillation wave superimposed on the rotational speed, the oscillation wave having a wave modulation frequency and a wave modulation amplitude; comparing the oscillation signature to the oscillation wave; and detecting the shaft shear event when the oscillation wave corresponds to the oscillation signature.

Abstract: There is described a shaft shear event detection method. The method comprises obtaining a demodulated waveform of a shaft oscillation wave superimposed on a shaft rotational speed signal, comparing the amplitude to an amplitude threshold, detecting oscillation when the amplitude threshold is exceeded for a plurality of samples, and detecting a shaft shear when oscillation continues for a predetermined time limit.

Abstract: A fall protection device, including: a housing; a hub rotatable with respect to the housing; a line wrapped around the hub and configured to pay out from and retract into the housing, an engagement mechanism configured to prevent rotation of the hub and further payout of the line; and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a length of the line paid out from the housing, the adjustment mechanism comprising: (i) at least one gear attached to the housing; (ii) a pivot having a track configured to interact with the at least one gear and pivot as the at least one gear rotates; and (iii) an arm configured to urge at least a portion of the engagement mechanism causing it to move into an engagement position, to thereby prevent further rotation of the hub and payout of the line from the fall protection device.

Abstract: A dose counter for a metered dose inhaler includes an incremental counting system for counting doses. The incremental counting system has a main body, an actuator arranged to be driven in response to canister motion and to drive an incremental output member in response to canister motion. The actuator and incremental output member are configured to have predetermined canister fire and count configurations in a canister fire sequence. The canister fire configuration is determined by a position of the actuator relative to a datum at which the canister fires medicament and the count configuration is determined by a position of the actuator relative to the datum at which the incremental count system makes an incremental count. The actuator is arranged to reach a position in the count configuration at or after a position in the canister fire configuration.

Abstract: A method for allowing a first party and a second party to obtain shared secret information is provided. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining, by the first party, a sequence of values A=X+NA where X is a sequence of values and NA is a random sequence associated with the first party; obtaining, by the second party, a sequence of values B=X+NB where NB is a random sequence associated with the second party; performing, by the first and second parties, a data matching procedure to identify corresponding pairs of values, a, b, in respective sequences A and B that match, wherein sequences A and B are discrete-valued sequences equal to, derived from, or derived using, sequences A and B; wherein the shared secret information is equal to, or derived from, or derived using, the matching values in sequences A and B.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring a rotation of a compressor wheel of an exhaust-gas turbocharger, which compressor wheel has on the peripheral side a number n of blades, an inductive sensor is provided for detecting the speed or rotational frequency, which sensor produces at least one output signal as a function of eddy currents generated as the blades pass by, and the rotational speed of the compressor wheel is inferred from a fundamental frequency of the output signal. In addition, information about a fault of the compressor wheel is derived from at least one modulation of the output signal, e.g., amplitude modulation, and an imbalance of the compressor wheel is detected.

Abstract: A display device for a measuring instrument, includes: a display screen of a graphic display module; and a processing unit for drawing on the display screen a figure changed in position or shape in response to change in measured value, the processing unit is configured to: calculate first coordinates on the display screen based on a pre-changed value of the measured value; draw at least a part of the figure on the display screen based on the first coordinate; calculate second coordinates on the display screen based on a post-changed value of the measured value; acquire as a redrawing region a region on the display screen based on the first coordinates and the second coordinates; and redraw the redrawing region based on a redrawing function for redrawing only a specified region on the display screen.

Abstract: A counter mechanism includes: a counter housing including a shaft and a hole; a first set of cam teeth located in the hole; a striker located in the hole and configured to move axially with respect to the hole having a second set of cam teeth; a counter wheel hub having a third set of cam teeth configured to communicate with both the first and second set of cam teeth, the counter wheel hub also having an actuator; and a counter wheel having an actuation feature configured to communicate with the actuator to cause the counter wheel to rotate when the counter wheel hub rotates. A method for counting dispensed items may also be described.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a counting mechanism for a drug delivery device, comprising a first counting member comprising an interaction element, a second counting member comprising engagement elements that are configured to engage with the interaction element of the first counting member, and a separating member, wherein the first counting member is moveable relative to the separating member between a first and a second relative position, and the separating member is configured to prevent an engagement of the interaction element with the engagement elements when the first counting member is in the second relative position with respect to the separating member. Further, the present disclosure concerns a drug delivery device comprising said counting mechanism.

Abstract: A manually operated metered dose inhaler includes a dose counter chamber including a dose display tape driven by a ratchet wheel which is driven in turn by an actuator pawl actuated by movement of a canister, the tape unwinding from a stock bobbin during use of the inhaler, a rotation regulator being provided for the stock bobbin and including a wavelike engagement surface with concavities which engage against control elements in the form of protrusions on resilient forks of a split pin thereby permitting incremental unwinding of the stock bobbin yet resisting excessive rotation if the inhaler is dropped onto a hard surface.

Abstract: A beverage counting device comprising a wrist band and one or more counters secured to the wrist band where the counters permit an individual the ability to record and display the number of beverages they have consumed. A method for using a beverage counting device comprising the steps of: providing a beverage counting device comprising a beverage counting device comprising a wrist band and one or more counters secured to the wrist band where the counters permit an individual the ability to record and display the number of beverages they have consumed; a) obtaining a beverage to drink; b) actuating a button on the counter to record the beverage; c) consuming the beverage; and d) repeating steps a) through c) until no further beverages are consumed.

Abstract: A counter mechanism includes: a counter housing including a shaft and a hole; a first set of cam teeth located in the hole; a striker located in the hole and configured to move axially with respect to the hole having a second set of cam teeth; a counter wheel hub having a third set of cam teeth configured to communicate with both the first and second set of cam teeth, the counter wheel hub also having an actuator; and a counter wheel having an actuation feature configured to communicate with the actuator to cause the counter wheel to rotate when the counter wheel hub rotates. A method for counting dispensed items may also be described.

Abstract: The counter contains a counting member with a rotational shaft extended from the counting member; a base member for positioning the counting member with the rotational shaft extended outside the base member; a cover member with an opening that is jointed to the base member to house the counting member in between and to expose the digits of the counting member by the opening; and a pressing member sleeving over the rotational shaft for engaging the counting member. The counter is structurally simple, convenient to use, not powered by a battery, and of a lower production cost.

Abstract: A counter comprising: a first ring member having first indicia and a second ring member having second indicia, each of said first and second ring members being rotatable in increments about a common axis, one or both of said first and second indicia indicating a count; a drive mechanism for rotating said first ring member; and a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling said first ring member to said second ring member, to allow said first and second ring members to rotate cooperatively when coupled and to allow independent rotating of said first ring member when not coupled; wherein said coupling mechanism comprises first and second engagement means, said first engagement means being movable radially outwardly and radially inwardly relative to said axis.

Abstract: Improved counter device (1) having a hollow casing (2) on the inside of which a mechanical type of numerator assembly (3) is housed with an activation device for the numerator assembly (3), and wherein said activation device has a rod (4) that is axially moveable in a straight line having a protrusion that is perpendicular to the rod (4) coupled in a elongated hole (7) located in a moving element (6) jointed in a fixed point that can move at an angle; said moveable element (6) being coupled at one end to a toothed wheel (8) connected to the hub of the numerator assembly (3) itself, in a such way that when the rod (4) moves, when receives a impulsion, to record a numeric count brought about by the slide of the protrusion along the mentioned elongated hole (7) in turn bringing about the angular sliding of the moveable element (6) that activates the toothed wheel of the assembly (3).

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a revolution counter tool and method employs an adapter shaft with input and output ends coupled in-line between a driven part and a driving part, and an intermediate portion between the input and output ends that is coupled to a rotary encoder and encoder circuit. A memory counter circuit maintains a count of turns and increments of the driven part by the driving part, and a reference setting circuit sets a reference setting of the memory counter circuit when a count is to be taken. The device body has a first portion mounting the adapter shaft with the rotary encoder, an intermediate housing containing the memory counter circuit, and a second portion at a distance from the first portion and of a sufficient mass that acts to orient the device body to a gravity-determined position as a reference position.

Abstract: A handheld, thumb or finger operated, umpire's counter having three dials to indicate the count kept by the umpire for each of “strikes”, “balls”, and “outs”. Each dial has associated with it a null indicator having a tactile output perceptible to the touch. This tactile output enables the umpire to determine when the respective dial is set to “0”, or to set and/or reset a respective dial to “0” without looking at the counter. It also permits the umpire to confirm that each dial is indeed set to “0” before he begins counting.

Abstract: A golf counter includes a disk-like body member, which has a center opening, a series of symbols marked on the top wall and equiangularly spaced around the center opening, and a plurality of positioning holes corresponding to the symbols, a magnet secured to the bottom side of the disk-like body member, and a rotating faceplate, which is rotatably secured to the disk-like body member by the magnetic attraction force of the magnet and has a through viewing hole for showing one of the symbols of the disk-like body member, and two raised portions protruding from the bottom side and selectively engaging the positioning holes of disk-like body member to let the through viewing hole show one of the symbols.

Abstract: A wire reel containing portion 3 of a reinforcing bar binding machine 1 is provided with a rotation detecting lever 8 and a photosensor 7. When a wire reel is rotated in starting to bind a wire, rotation thereof is detected by the rotation detecting lever switched ON/OFF by a projected portion formed at a side face of the wire reel, the photosensor detects a reflection mark of the wire reel to determine a kind of the wire from a number of the marks, and a twist torque or the like is controlled. Wire information is detected not in an initializing operation (in setting wire) of rotating the wire reel at low speed but in a binding operation of rotating at high speed and therefore, an amount of swinging the rotation detecting lever is large and wire information can firmly be detected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for use in a computing environment to provide object counts by utilizing object images. Objects are detected and images are captured using a programmable array of light sources and photo detectors. The images are compared against known images to ascertain the identity of the objects and subsequently count the objects.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism comprising a body (10) mounted so as to be rotatble about an axis; means (3) for rotating said body about said axis; first cam means (9, 10) for displacing said body along said axis away from an axial rest position during rotation of said body in a first direction; biassing means (11) for restoring the body to its axial rest position on completion of a rotation or a predetermined portion thereof of the body; means (8a) for detecting the axial movement of the body when it is being restored to its axial rest position; and second cam means (2, 9) permitting said body to be rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A method of accurately maintaining, in position registers of memory modules, a net count of rotor signals received from a motor equipped with a rotor position sensor. A vehicle apparatus includes the memory modules and motor, as well as a driven component and processors that: (a) adjust the net count while the motor is driven; (b) monitor for, and terminate power upon encounter of, a mechanical stop; and (c) correct the net count for rotor signals received thereafter. Storage media and memory modules are encoded with processor instructions and processor-readable code that, when executed by processors, cause them to perform the method.

Abstract: A counter with communication function allows the counts of a counting mechanism to be transmitted through a communication line such as the Internet, so that no meter reading by a meter reader is required. A CPU of a control unit checks the time given in a timer and determines whether the current time and date is the date and time to transmit counts. It drives a bar code reader when it is the date and time to transmit the counts, and the bar code reader reads the counts of a counting mechanism of a copy machine and stores it in a memory. The CPU then gives a user or a management company notice of the read counts and counter information, such as a counter number, through a communication interface, a router and an Internet network by Electronic Mail.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and method of automatically counting the loaded electronic components in a carrier tape. A pair of detectors is arranged respectively above and below the carrier tape, and a counting wheel having teeth on the periphery is operatively coupled to the keyholes of the tape and reel machine. An encoder is utilized having its axis coupled to the counting wheel.

Abstract: An electronic environment sensing instrument having an analog indicator has a casing having a front panel with a scale, an electronic sensing and driving assembly mounted in the casing, a needle and a DC power supply. The electronic driving indicator assembly has a detecting and driving circuit to sense and measure an environmental parameter outside the casing and generates a control signal, a drive unit to receive the control signal and rotate a specific amount in a specific direction based on the control signal and a gear assembly connected to and driven by the drive unit. The needle is attached to and driven by the gear assembly and points to a specific value on the scale corresponding to the sensed environmental parameter.

Abstract: A walker and/or wheelchair distance measuring device comprising a wheel assembly, a measuring assembly and a display. The wheel assembly is capable of attachment to a walker, and includes a support and a wheel. The measuring assembly comprises a sensor having a trigger associated with one of the support and the wheel and a pickup associated with the other of the support and the wheel. The processor is electronically coupled with the sensor. The processor is capable of interpreting the information received from the sensor. The display is associated with the processor for displaying results computed from the processor.

Abstract: A bench-top pill counter accurately and automatically counts a wide variety of shapes and sizes of pharmaceutical pills and capsules, having a variety of coatings. A rotating bowl, periodically shaken during rotation, is combined with a fixed, flared spiral guide ramp causing pills to distribute individually on an annular ledge in the bowl. The pills are dispensed from the bowl onto a sloped slide and counted at the bottom of the slide by an optical counter. The micro-computer determines an optimum speed and shake algorithm for the bowl, based on the characteristics such as the size and shape of the pills, so that the pills distribute individually and only one pill at a time passes the counter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an encoder including a rotary member and a fixed member. The fixed member is provided with an electrode having A-channel, B-channel and C-channel patterns, the rotary member is provided with contacts which are to be opposed to the electrode. A-C state switches from OFF to ON at each rotation of the rotary member for one click angle from a stable click position in both CW and CCW direction. During CW rotation for one click angle, B-C state remains unchanged from OFF; during CCW rotation for one click angle, B-C state switches twice between ON and OFF.

Abstract: An electronic bar tool is disclosed that is capable of displaying titles and recipes for a plurality of mixed drinks. The apparatus comprises a handle having a display device and a measuring device for measuring a volume of liquid. The display displays the drink ingredients and the necessary volumes and may also indicate to a user the type of glass the drink is to be served in, whether the drink should be shaken or stirred, and whether the drink should be served with or without ice. The drink titles and recipes may be stored in a memory that may be changed through a communications port.

Abstract: An electromagnetic counter includes a case, an electromagnet, an anchor rotatable through magnetization and demagnetization of the electromagnet, and number wheels rotated by a predetermined angle according to the rotation of the anchor. A flexible board with a light emitting diode is disposed in a confined space in the case for illuminating the number wheels.

Abstract: An encoder-equipped seal mounted on a wheel bearing unit on an automotive vehicle includes an elastic element and a reinforcing ring for sealing said wheel bearing unit and for detecting the number of revolutions of the wheel. The encoder-equipped seal further includes a first ring element and a second ring element, wherein the first ring element includes a first reinforcing ring, a first flanged portion and a magnetic attached to the first flanged portion of the first reinforcing ring, and wherein the second ring element includes a second reinforcing ring having a second flanged portion, and a seal lip arranged radially on the circumferential edge of the second flanged portion of the second reinforcing ring. The first ring element and the second ring element are united into one unit by allowing one to engage the other in such a manner that the first ring element is located axially outwardly of the wheel bearing unit and the second ring element is located axially inwardly of the wheel bearing unit.

Abstract: Counter mechanisms for measuring the useful life of a reposable or disposable device include an actuator that drives a counter each time the device is used, sterilized and/or two or more parts of the device are fitted together. A display may be provided to display the number of times the counter is driven. A signaling device may also be provided that is responsive to the device having been used a specified number of times (based on the actual number of uses, sterilizations and/or fitting of two or more parts together) to provide an indication of when the device should no longer be used. Further, a disabling mechanism may be provided to prevent further use of the device after the specified number of uses.

Abstract: An encoder-equipped seal mounted on a wheel bearing unit on an automotive vehicle, and includes an elastic element and a reinforcing ring for sealing said wheel bearing unit and for detecting the number of revolutions of the wheel.

Abstract: A leaf spring type coupling is described which is provided with a first leaf spring 9 and a second leaf spring 10 that absorb a deviation in the axial center of a first rotating axis and a second rotating axis via an intermediate member 8 provided between a first shaft connection member 6 and a second shaft connection member 7, wherein a second shaft coupling shaft 7 thereron is inserted and provided between a second leaf spring 10 and the intermediate member 8 so that a protrusion 7B of the second shaft connection member 7 passes through a through-hole 10B of the second leaf spring 10, and the first leaf spring 9 is inserted and provided between the intermediate member 8 and the first shaft connection member 6. Also, the intermediate member 8 and the second shaft connection members 7 are provided between the first leaf spring 9 and the second leaf spring 10, wherein the mounting angles of both of the member 7 and 8 are deviated by 90 degrees relatively to each other about their rotating axis.

Abstract: Counter mechanisms for measuring the useful life of a reposable or disposable device include an actuator that drives a counter each time the device is used, sterilized and/or two or more parts of the device are fitted together. A display may be provided to display the number of times the counter is driven. A signaling device may also be provided that is responsive to the device having been used a specified number of times (based on the actual number of uses, sterilizations and/or fitting of two or more parts together) to provide an indication of when the device should no longer be used. Further, a disabling mechanism may be provided to prevent further use of the device after the specified number of uses.

Abstract: A vibration detector. A machine, such as a gas turbine engine, contains a rotor bearing and a gear. A nearby sensor produces a train of pulses as teeth of the gear travel past. The frequency of the pulse train indicates rotational speed of the rotor. In addition, vibration of the rotor causes the gear to orbit about another center. The orbiting causes amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, or both, in the pulse train. Detection of the modulation indicates the presence of vibration. Thus, a single pulse train, produced by a single sensor, is used to indicate both speed, and the presence of vibration.

Abstract: A mechanical numeral wheel counter comprising several numeral wheels and switch sensors set alternatively around the numeral wheels. The circumferences of the numeral wheels are divided into equal spaces and a sensing material is placed on each of the spaces. As the numeral wheels rotate, the status of each sensor will be different when the numeral wheel is at different position. Signals output from the sensors are processed by a computer capable of reading and recognizing the signals. A standard digital wave form can be obtained from the processed signals received by the computer from the sensors.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing powder foods or liquids has a scoop for containing the powder or liquid, and levelling means for levelling off the scoop contents, wherein the levelling means co-operates with a counter such that operation of the levelling means is adapted to advance the counter, the counter being characterised in that the counter may be reset to zero in a single step process.

Abstract: A display device is described which indicates the number of heatings performed, especially for the purpose of autoclave sterilization. The display device comprises a temperature-sensitive mechanical element which essentially reversibly transforms from a first spatial state to a second spatial state when the temperature-sensitive mechanical element is heated in excess of a predetermined temperature. The temperature-sensitive mechanical element is coupled to the actuating element of a counter mechanism and upon the transformation to the second spatial state effects movement of the actuating element into an actuation position.

Abstract: A method of operating a winch having a winch drum mounted in a housing to reel in and pay out the cable over a plurality of repeated cycles of use during a period of use of the winch. A digital counter is mounted on the housing so as to be responsive to each rotation of the drum in both directions and arranged to generate a total count during the period of use which is indicative of the number cycles so that the winch can be taken out of operation for service when the number of rotations reaches a predetermined maximum. The digital counter includes a follower contacting a raised portion on an edge of the drum so as to be moved by the raised portion for actuating each count of the digital counter.

Abstract: Medical device having a counter for recording usage. A medical tool is provided having a proximal extremity. The tool having a collar fixed thereto and a cap. The cap includes a part which requires replacement and/or cleaning for each use of the tool. A detent assembly is carried by the cap and the collar and includes a rotatable counter wheel and a mechanism for causing advancement of the counter wheel from one number to the next number when the cap is separated from the collar so that the counter wheel is advanced by one increment each time the cap is removed and/or replaced on the collar to give an indication of the number of times that the device has been used.

Abstract: A spline counting mechanism for determining the number of splines on a shaft. The spline counting mechanism includes a plunger urged into engagement with the shaft and adapted to be rotated with respect to the shaft. The plunger is adapted to engage each spline on the shaft as the plunger is rotated through one revolution and is operable to establish and cut off electrical continuity in an electrical circuit as the plunger rotates into engagement with and then beyond each spline. The mechanism further includes a digital counter for counting and displaying the number of times that electrical continuity is established in the electrical circuit, this number being equal to the number of splines on the shaft.

Abstract: Medical device having a counter for recording usage. A medical tool is provided having a proximal extremity. The tool having a collar fixed thereto and a cap. The cap includes a part which requires replacement and/or cleaning for each use of the tool. A detent assembly is carried by the cap and the collar and includes a rotatable counter wheel and a mechanism for causing advancement of the counter wheel from one number to the next number when the cap is separated from the collar so that the counter wheel is advanced by one increment each time the cap is removed and/or replaced on the collar to give an indication of the number of times that the device has been used.