Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a junction between adjacent can ends which are arranged in a stack. The method enables a selected number of can ends in the stack to be counted. The method comprises the steps of illuminating the peripheral edge regions of can ends in the stack with a signal emitted by a emitter inclined at an oblique angle to a line normal to the central axis of the stack and detecting reflected signals from the ends of the peripheral edge regions of the can ends. Oblique illumination provides alternating regions of the stack reflecting a relatively high and relatively low light intensity. Detection of the light intensity across the length of the stack enables a junction between adjacent can ends to be determined.

Abstract: A counting device including a click wheel operative integrally with a dial for setting the number of repetitive operations, the click wheel having teeth therearound, the number of which corresponds to the number of the repetitive operations; a ratchet wheel having a projection, the ratchet wheel being rotated to a starting position thereof by rotation of the click wheel; a feeding pawl for feeding the ratchet wheel in response to an external signal for every operation; a preventing structure for preventing the ratchet wheel from returning by pressure contact or engagement; and a start button integrally formed with a center shaft and a rotation preventing member of the center shaft, the start button being locked by the preventing structure for said ratchet wheel, and the rotation preventing member being engageable with the preventing structure; the engagement between the rotation preventing member and the preventing structure changing to open a switch as soon as the projection of the ratchet wheel releases the

Abstract: A counter device includes an outer annular dial which may be set to a desired detent position to indicate, for example, the number of copies required from a copying machine. A push button positioned at a null position within the annular dial may then be depressed to operate a control circuit initiating operation of the copying machine and simultaneously engage the counter mechanism of the counter device. The push button then moves incrementally to register with the setting on the annular dial, whereupon the counter device automatically terminates operation of the copying machine by opening the control circuit and simultaneously resets the push button to the null position.The internal mechanism of the counter device includes a ratchet and pawl operated by an external drive from the copying machine. The ratchet and pawl are advanced in incremental steps to register with the preset detent position of the annular dial. The ratchet is then released and returned to its initial or the null position.