Abstract: A card reader control system includes a measuring device which measures a time interval of a clock signal which is developed from a card reader when a card is manually driven to travel in the card reader. The card reader control system stores the maximum time interval and the minimum time interval of the clock signal measured by the measuring device. When either one or both of the maximum time interval and the minimum time interval is not included in a preferred range, an alarm buzzer is enabled to indicate that the card speed is not suited for the reading operation.

Abstract: A digital wristwatch having a case and strap also serves as a computer to display speed, distance, and pedaling cadence when temporarily attached to a holder on the bicycle handlebar. Wheel and sprocket sensors are connected to electrical terminals in the holder. The wristwatch is provided with external electrical terminals connected to a microcomputer in the watchcase which uses signals from the sensors when the watchcase is termporarily retained in the holder. The watch mode is converted to bicycle mode by actuating push buttons on the watchcase, which are accessible through windows on the holder.

Abstract: To process the output signal of a rotational speed sensor (2) which generates an alternating voltage dependent in respect of frequency and amplitude on the rotational speed, two low-pass filters (TP1, TP2) serve to produce a useful signal (I1), on the one hand, and a reference signal (I2), on the other hand. The two signals are compared. In dependence on the difference of these signals (I1, I2) a pulse-shaped output signal, namely the processed sensor signal, is generated by means of a comparator (7). The reference signal dynamically follows the useful signal with the aid of a control signal issue by an adapter circuit (20,21).

Abstract: A wheel-speed detecting arrangement for detecting the wheel-speed of a vehicle having a fixed wheel-and-axle configuration includes a wheel generator connected to the wheel/axle configuration such that a first distance signal is produced indicating rotational displacement of the wheel. This first distance signal is then synchronized by use of a basic clock and passed onto a first counter which produces a first data signal indicative of the number of distance pulses. A second counter, enabled as a function of the output of the first counter, measures the number of clock pulses occurring within a measuring time period and generates a second data signal representing that time count. The first distance signal also operates a latch circuit such that, upon initial occurrence of any distance pulse, a reading of the second counter is taken and passed through to a calculating circuit.

Abstract: A frequency-to-voltage converter, as applied to controlling the speed of a motor, comprises: a motor speed encoder (1) producing first and second alternating signals (3a,3b) each at the same, first frequency which frequency is dependent on the said speed, the first and second signals being in quadrature with each other; a reference oscillator (4), for producing third and fourth alternating signals (5a,5b) each at the same, reference frequency, which frequency is higher than said first frequency, the third and fourth signals being in quadrature with each other; and single sideband modulating means (6,7,8) connected to receive the first, second, third and fourth signals and to produce a fifth alternating signal (8a) which is a frequency-shifted version of one of the first and second signals.

Abstract: A transmitter is mounted for movement with a skier or other self-propelled sportsman and transmits ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves toward the stationary medium over which the skier or sportsman is moving. An element of the same transmitter or a separate transducer detects waves reflected from the stationary medium. A computer calculates the speed of the skier or sportsman from the Doppler shift of the reflected waves and actuates a readout unit to indicate the speed to the skier or sportsman. The readout system has a head-mounted display including a character generator and a semitransparent reflector in which the character generator is viewed so that the speed indication appears superposed over the normal background in the viewing direction.

Abstract: A programmable cycle meter assembly (17,117) for monitoring a cycling member by receiving an input signal from a transducer (13,113) proportional to the cycles of the monitored member and for indicating various cycle rates by a speedometer or tachometer (36) in linear proportion to a linear array of corresponding frequencies. The assembly includes a circuit (17, 117) which is characterized by a switchable filter means (12,112) which filters out unwanted frequencies above a predetermined frequency of the input signal from the transducer (13,113). a switchable divider (20,120) is used for adjustably dividing the input signal for changing the proportion of the frequency by variable a predetermined ratio to produce a repetitive rate (24,124). A fixed frequency to voltage converter (28,128) converts the repetitive rate adjusted frequency signal (24,124) into a proportional voltage for indicating cycle rate on a meter (36) for various configurations of the cycling member.

Abstract: A transducer is mounted on a ski and transmits ultrasonic waves toward the stationary medium over which the ski is moving. The same transducer or a separate transducer detects waves reflected from the stationary medium. A computer calculates the speed of the ski from the Doppler shift of the reflected waves and actuates a readout unit to indicate the speed to the skier.

Abstract: A redundancy monitor is presented which makes operational checks on the electronic overspeed control system used on aircraft turbine engines. The monitor is a small and lightweight device that can be permanently installed on the engine. Its function is to monitor both the speed pickups that count the revolutions per minute that the turbine shaft is turning and at the same time maintain a check on the performance of the circuitry which processes the data. The monitor includes a latching type BITE indicator which signifies redundant status of the speed pickups and a lamp which lights to indicate any failure in the output circuitry of the overspeed sensor system. A momentary-on type switch activates self test circuitry within the redundancy monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring angular velocity is provided with a microwave oscillator, closed-loop waveguide and a microwave-detector. The microwave oscillator generates microwaves and the waveguide which may employ a magic tee as a part thereof separates the microwaves to propagate one and the other of separated microwaves clockwise and counterclockwise therethrough, respectively. The microwave detector mixes and microwave-detects one and the other of the separated microwaves propagated through said waveguide. When the waveguide is in rotary motion, frequencies or phases between the separated microwaves differ from each other in dependence upon the angular velocity and the microwave detector produces an output signal corresponding to the difference in frequencies or in phases between the separated microwaves.

Abstract: A tubing trip tool for use in determining the extent of defects in tubular elements comprising a continuous string used in a subterranean oil or gas well during removal of the string from the well is disclosed. Local defects and axially extending defects, as well as the average wall thickness of the tubular elements, are measured. The position of the defects is determined by measuring the variable velocity of the tubular elements as they are removed from the well. A noncontact velocity detector comprises detector elements generating a first signal dependent upon an applied magnetic field and the velocity of the tubular elements. The first signal is compared to a signal dependent only upon the magnetic field generated in a second element. A pickup coil and Hall effect probes can be used.

Abstract: A self-controlled synchronous motor is provided with at least one armature winding, a rotor rotatably mounted for rotation in proximity to the winding, and a magnet located on the rotor for providing a magnetic flux. At least one Fe-Ni sensor wire is located within the vicinity of variations in magnetic field intensity produced by rotor rotation and provides an output electrical signal indicative of the position of the rotor. The sensor wire in a preferred embodiment is comprised of a plastically twisted ferritic Fe Ni alloy which provides a substantial voltage output when placed within a magnetic field of varying intensity. In addition to the self-controlled synchronous motor there is further disclosed a method for operating such synchronous motors through the step of sensing changes in the magnetic field intensity during rotation of the rotor and in response to the sensed changes in magnetic field intensity applying current to one or more of the armature windings in the motor.

Abstract: A process for determining a speed and a device for implementing same are provided, wherein the counting device comprises a microprocessor, a programmable counting circuit comprising three counters and connected to the address/data bus of the microprocessor, a storage flip-flop circuit storing the selection addresses of the counters, each counter being associated with a register for preselection of a value for reinitialization of the counters and a common register of the counted values. A logic circuit receiving a masking signal produced by the third counter transfers, to the INTO input of the microprocessor, interruption signals.

Abstract: The circuit arrangement processes two input signals which are periodically variable as a function of the position of a moving part and particularly of the angle of rotation of a rotating part and which are phase-shifted by approximately 90.degree. with respect to each other and have a sinusoidal or sine wave-like characteristic. In an inverting circuit, inverted input signals are generated. A curve change-over switch assembles from the input signals and the inverted input signals two sequences of similar signals sections which are divided in a divider circuit which forms quotient signals which represent the variation of the tangent function. The y signals are then converted in a tangent/arc tangent converter by forming the arc tangent function into an at least approximately sawtooth-shaped voltage signal which consists of path-proportional path signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining aircraft position and velocity is disclosed. The system includes two CCD sensors which take overlapping front and back radiant energy images of front and back overlapping areas of the earth's surface. A signal processing unit digitizers and deblurs the data that comprise each image. The overlapping first and second front images are then processed to determine the longitudinal and lateral relative image position shifts that produce the maximum degree of correlation between them. The signal processing unit then compares the first and second back overlapping images to find the longitudinal and lateral relative image position shifts necessary to maximize the degree of correlation between those two images. Various correlation techniques, including classical correlation, differencing correlation, zero-mean correction, normalization, windowing, and parallel processing are disclosed for determining the relative image position shift signals between the two overlapping images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a running speed detector comprising:a pulse encoder which generates pulses of a frequency proportional to the running speed of a rotary member;pulse period counting device for counting the periods of pulses having said frequency relying upon clock signals;memory for storing ounted values of periods counted by said pulse period counting means; andand a calculating device which receives pulses having said frequency, which calculates the sum of n latest counted values that have been counted already after the arrival of each of said pulses or after the arrival of a predetermined number of pulses, and which calculates the running speed that varies in proportion to a ratio of the number n of counted values of periods to said sum of counted values of periods.

Abstract: An electromagnetic gyroscope, having a sensing axis about which inertial angular rates are measured, the gyroscope including a magnet for generating a magnetic field parallel to the axis; a conductive path traversing the magnetic field; and a sensor for sensing a potential difference between a first point and a second point on the conductive path.

Abstract: A device for determining the rotational speed of a rotating component, in particular of a brake disc (1) of an automotive vehicle brake, the brake disc (1) containing recesses (2) shaped at preferably regular distances and lying opposite to a probe. A contact element (5) is provided as the probe which is adapted to move into abutment on the brake disc (1) and which, when overriding each recess (2), will interrupt an electric circuit comprising an evaluation circuit.

Abstract: A sensing mechanism has a retainer ring which is secured in an aperture formed in a housing in which the sensor is to operate. The retainer ring has a plurality of tabs which cooperate with axial and circumferential slots on the sensor to permit removal and replacement of the sensor without the need for adjustment. On original installation of the sensing mechanism, the retainer ring is positioned in the housing aperture by radially extending tines cooperating with the aperture. A resilient member permits the mechanism to be installed to a depth deeper than the operating depth. The resilient member urges the sensor axially, as permitted by a gap between the retainer ring and the circumferential slots, to achieve the proper operating depth.

Abstract: An evaluation arrangement for a digital incremental transmitter of the type wherein two phase-shifted sinusoidal voltages of the same period are produced generates a periodic triangular voltage signal which is subsequently converted to digital values. The digital values are produced in response to an interlinking of linear portions of the sinusoidal voltages. The digital values are used to address a read-only memory in which are stored a plurality of absolute values within a period.

Abstract: A tubing trip tool for use in determining the extent of defects in tubular elements comprising a continuous string used in a subterranean oil or gas well during removal of the string from the well is disclosed. Local defects and axially extending defects, as well as the average wall thickness of the tubular elements, are measured. The position of the defects is determined by measuring the variable velocity of the tubular elements as they are removed from the well. A noncontact axial velocity detector comprises detector elements generating a first signal dependent upon an applied magnetic field and the axial velocity of the tubular elements. The first signal is compared to a signal dependent only upon the magnetic field generated in a second element. A pickup coil and Hall effect probes can be used.

Abstract: An actual speed value converter for a motor comprises a tachometer having a part rotating with the speed to be measured, e.g., a capacitive or inductive rotor, or an optical actuator disk, the tachometer determining the frequency of a frequency generator. The frequency generator is part of an action path for preparing the actual speed value, the action path comprising a frequency generator and a downstream-connected frequency discriminator.

Abstract: A method of detecting the rotational speed of a rotary member, which comprises the steps of detecting, in sequence, a time period indicative of the interval between successive preceding and following angular positions of the rotary member, memorizing in turn from each of the angular positions of the rotary member a series of the time periods detected during one rotation of the rotary member, substituting the foremost time period memorized during one rotation of the rotary member for the foremost time period memorized during the preceding one rotation of the rotary member, and calculating the sum of the substituted time period and the remaining time periods memorized during the preceding one rotation of the rotary member upon detection of each of the angular positions to detect the actual rotational speed of the rotary member.

Abstract: In an analog display device, a pointer (1) can be reset by a stepping motor (2) which receives a constant number of pulses upon a reset command. In this way, starting from any position, the pointer is certain to reach the stop which corresponds to its zero position. In order in this connection to keep the mechanical force on the stop (6) and the transmission elements (3 and 4) between the pointer and the stepping motor small, the pulses for the resetting are produced initially with a relatively low pulse frequency and then with a higher pulse frequency. As a result, the stepping motor starts up reliably with a relatively high driving torque but gives off only a smaller driving torque when the stop in the zero position is reached.

Abstract: In a speed display device of the numerical display type which comprises a speed sensor for producing an electric speed signal indicative of a travel speed of the vehicle, and an electric display responsive to the speed signal for providing a numerical display indicative of the travel speed of the vehicle, the improvement comprises an electric control device responsive to the speed signal for successively enlarging the size of the numerical display in accordance with rise of the speed level. Alternatively, the electric control device may be arranged to be responsive to the speed signal for successively inclining the shape of the numerical display in accordance with rise of the speed level.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting at least one predetermined angular position on rotating devices, having a tachogenerator with a stator part and a rotor part for producing a tacho signal with speed-dependent frequency. The stator and rotor parts of the tachogenerator form at least four circumferentially directed, substantially equidistantly spaced pole areas. For the purpose of an angular position-dependent amplitude modulation, a pole clearance is provided in at least one of the pole areas in both the stator part and the rotor part of the tachogenerator. An envelope amplifier with a threshold value stage is preferably connected in series with the tachogenerator and essentially only permits the passage of the angular position signals resulting from the coincidence of pole clearances in the rotor and stator parts of the tachogenerator.

Abstract: In an engine speed sensing device, angle pulses produced when the crankshaft rotates through a predetermined angle are counted by a counter for a predetermined interval. The count of angle pulses is read into a central processing unit of a digital computer at the end of each set time interval in response to a control signal which both updates the angle pulse count and signals the processing unit to read the count.

Abstract: An arrangement for the attachment of means for the detection of revolutions per minute, etc., comprises a rotary member to be mounted concentrically around a hub of a wheel, said member having a single or, a plurality of, magnet pieces arranged concentrically therein and a plurality of mount openings formed concentrically therein to permit it to be attached to the spokes of a different wheel, and a detector with a built-in magnetic flux sensor mechanism which operates when it enters a magnetic field generated by said rotary member, said detector being equipped with an adjuster mechanism which is clamped onto said hub to hold said sensor mechanism within said magnetic field.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a sensor (60) that senses the rotational speed of a drive shaft (70) of an aircraft turbine engine. The mounting assembly includes a bushing (30) slideably mounted within a portion of a tubular housing (10) and a spring (20) within the housing (10) for axially biasing the bushing (30). Pins (50) mounted to the housing (10) extend inwardly into slots (36) in the bushing (30) to prevent rotational movement of the bushing (30).

Abstract: A system for determining the ground velocity of an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a CCD linear optical image sensor carried by the aircraft for forming a first and second substantially instantaneous light intensity contour of the optical image of the surface of the earth lying below the aircraft. The two contours are delayed in time with respect to each other. A computer, included in the system, compares the two contours to determine the relative position shift between the two contours by utilizing cross-correlation techniques. The computer then corrects the contour position shift for the aircraft altitude and divides the corrected position shift by the time delay between the two contours to obtain the aircraft ground velocity. A signal indicative of the aircraft ground velocity is output by the system.

Abstract: A golf swing training and practice device by which a golfer may ascertain various characteristics, such as clubhead speed and elapsed swing time, regarding the swing of his golf club. The present training and practice device comprises a portable, battery or AC powered apparatus for accurately measuring, computing, and displaying both the elapsed time to complete the golfer's swing and the speed by which a golfer's clubhead is moved through a measuring zone. The measuring zone is established by the optical axes of a pair of photodetectors or the like, that are mounted within a detector head. Unlike conventional golf training or practice apparatus, the photodetectors of the present invention are responsive to ambient light. The photodetectors are disposed in parallel alignment with one another, so as to receive respective horizontal and parallel beams of light, whereby to define the measuring zone therebetween.

Abstract: In an analog display device, a pointer (1) can be reset by a stepping motor (2) which receives a constant number of pulses upon a reset command. In this way, starting from any position, the pointer is certain to reach the stop which corresponds to its zero position. In order in this connection to keep the mechanical force on the stop (6) and the transmission elements (3 and 4) between the pointer and the stepping motor small, the pulses for the resetting are produced initially with a relatively low pulse frequency and then with a higher pulse frequency. As a result, the stepping motor starts up reliably with a relatively high driving torque but gives off only a smaller driving torque when the stop in the zero position is reached.

Abstract: A high quality velocity signal is generated from an incremental position encoder, thus eliminating the DC tachometer in robot and machine tool closed loop control systems. The encoder signals are used to amplitude modulate the outputs of a high frequency oscillator. Two side band frequencies equal to the sum and difference of the encoder and oscillator frequencies are produced and converted to analog voltages and summed to yield a speed signal. This signal is continuous through zero rate and has a polarity determined by direction of rotation.

Abstract: The tachometer of the present invention has a stator member with a pair of opposed stator elements. The stator member is mounted on the apparatus. Windings are provided on the stator elements in which the electric signal is generated.A magnetic means is provided for establishing a magnetic flux between the stator segments. For this purpose, magnets may be mounted on the exterior of the stator segments and the portions of the apparatus adjacent the segments used as the flux return path. Or, magnets may bridge the two stator segments.A magnetically permeable rotor is mounted on the apparatus shaft. The rotor may be formed of steel laminations with no rotating winding and has a plurality of peripheral projections that alter the reluctance of the magnetic path in the teeth as they rotate, inducing a speed responsive signal in the windings. The maximum speed of the rotor is limited only by the strength of the steel.

Abstract: An acoustic tachometer for diesel engines includes a microphone which is responsive to the sounds generated by the engine combustion occurrences. The microphone signal is passed through a band-pass filter having a variable center frequency which is determined by a control signal from a sweep generator. The control signal has a known relationship to the operating speed of the engine. As the band-pass filter is swept through its frequency spectrum, a peak detector identifies the signals of maximum amplitude, which occur at the fundamental frequency of the combustion occurrences. The control signal voltage at the maximum amplitude and hence at the fundamental frequency is stored. At the end of each sweep, the stored control signal voltage is fed to an oscillator having a frequency which is dependent upon the stored control signal voltage, and is related to revolutions per minute (RPM). The output of the oscillator excites a counter-display circuit which displays the operating speed in RPM.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a signal corresponding to a reference phase of a reference rotor of a motor relative to the stator, includes a field magnet having a plurality of north and south poles mounted on the rotor; a Hall-effect element associated with the field magnet and mounted on the stator for generating a position signal corresponding to the position of the rotor relative to the stator for use in changing-over energization of coils on the stator; a plurality of equally spaced cut-out portions along the periphery of the rotor forming a plurality of equally spaced toothed portions; an optical detector associated with the toothed portions and mounted on the stator for generating a speed signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the rotor relative to the stator; a differentiating circuit for differentiating the position signal to produce a differentiated signal; and an AND gate supplied with the differentiated signal and the speed signal for producing the phase signal corresponding to a reference phas

Abstract: A sequence of or controls pulse-transfer stages supplies or controls pulses between a start limit and a stop limit in the sequence. The device whose position is to be encoded selects and controls a responsive means in a limiting stage. Each stage has a pulse-control device responsive to the selector or in itself incorporates the selector-responsive pulse-control function, being arranged to serve in different embodiments as a start limit or as a stop limit. In one example, the start limit is the initial stage of the sequence and the selected stage is the stop limit. In an alternative, the selected stage is the start limit and a pulse-transfer stage at or near the end of the sequence is the stop limit. An encoding counter counts pulses between the start and stop limits. The pulse-control devices have a prescribed physical arrangement, which is a circle in the case of a shaft position encoder, so that the counter provides a code that represents the position of a shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely measuring the period of a wheel signal generated by a transducer in a brake control system includes a clock for generating a periodic clock signal, a first counter for maintaining a count of clock signal cycles, a second counter for maintaining a count of wheel signal cycles, a gate for selectively enabling and disabling the first and second counters at substantially the same phase angle of the wheel signal, and a computer programmed to read the first and second counters, to control the gate to enable the first and second counters for a period of time, and then to read the first and second counters again to arrive at measure of the elapsed time and the number of wheel signal cycles occurring during the measurement period.

Abstract: A microcomputer for installation in one vehicle for computing and displaying the average speed of another vehicle in which display and data input are actuated simultaneously to minimize peripheral connections and in which provision is made for measureent of speed in real time.

Abstract: An event rate counter for measuring the number of events occurring per unit of time with an input pulse train having a fixed number of pulses per each occurrence of the event, wherein the input pulse train is scaled by a multiplier and divider to provide a direct readout in events-per-unit of time. The input pulse train is amplified and applied to a level detector, the output of which is a logic level pulse train having frequency equal to the frequency of the input signal. The pulse train frequency is monitored by a frequency detector for controlling a commutative switch. For low frequency pulse trains, the switch gates the pulse train from the level detector first to the multiplier, the output of which is gated by the switch to the divider. The multiply-divide sequence order is reversed by the switch for high frequency pulse trains thereby extending the dynamic frequency range of the counter.

Abstract: A probe is constructed for placement in the hot turbine section of a gas turbine engine. A housing containing two electrodes extends through the turbine shroud into the tip clearance area of the turbine rotor. A voltage impressed across the electrodes will generate an electric field in the vicinity of the turbine blades which will be distorted as the blades pass, thereby generating a charge pulse at the output of the probe. The electrode conductors are imbedded in pins which are retained by insulating rings brazed in place. The electrodes extend slightly outward from the surrounding insulating surfaces to create an air gap around each electrode. This air gap provides additional insulation and prevents contamination.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic device for taking the speed of a rotating member. In order to provide speed signals having a different degree of discrimination at the interior of a determined range of values, the device according to the invention comprises transducer means operatively connected to the rotating member to generate a first train of pulses, pulse generating means for generating a second train of pulses at a constant frequency, counting means for counting the pulses of said second train between two subsequent selected pulses of said first train, and a microprocessor for comparing the counted pulses with reference numbers comprised between predetermined minimum and maximum values corresponding to higher and lower values of a maximum speed zone of the speed range.

Abstract: A mach airspeed indicator capable of internally determining mach number and VMO from measured altitude and airspeed information directly. An internal microprocessor, capable of storing a plurality of selectable VMO curves and a table of mach number versus q.sub.c /P.sub.s, receives the measured altitude and airspeed information, determines VMO and mach number therefrom, and directly drives the VMO and mach number displays where q.sub.c represents the impact pressure and P.sub.s represents the static pressure. The measured altitude and airspeed signals are analog synchro signals. In order to drive the VMO display, the received analog altitude synchro signals are digitized in a synchro-to-digital converter comprising a single multiplying digital-to-analog converter for both sin .theta. and cos .theta. synchro functions, and fed to the microprocessor which verifies the appropriate VMO from the preselected VMO curve, and drives the VMO analog pointer via a stepper motor servo loop closed by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A light detection, signaling and speed measurement system. The system includes a housing having a first photosensitive surface mounted therein for detection of an incident light source approaching the system from any direction. The system further includes at least one light signal device mounted for visibility, along with circuitry responsive to detection of the incident light source for illuminating the light signal device. A second photosensitive surface is also provided to receive largely ambient light and to be nonresponsive to the light of the incident light source, along with circuitry to allow the illumination of the light signal device only when the second photosensitive surface detects the absence of a predetermined level of ambient light. The system further includes circuitry for detecting and indicating the velocity of the incident light source moving with respect to the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely measuring the period of a wheel signal generated by a transducer in a brake control system includes a clock for generating a periodic clock signal, a first counter for maintaining a count of clock signal cycles, a second counter for maintaining a count of wheel signal cycles, a gate for selectively enabling and disabling the first and second counters at substantially the same phase angle of the wheel signal, and a computer programmed to read the first and second counters, to control the gate to enable the first and second counters for a period of time, and then to read the first and second counters again to arrive at measure of the elapsed time and the number of wheel signal cycles occurring during the measurement period.

Abstract: Noise signals from a relatively moving object, such as those caused by eddies in a fluid or by protrusions and recesses or gradation on the surface of paper or an iron plate, are sensed at two or more points spaced in the direction of the motion. A difference signal is then obtained from the resulting two noise signals. The relative velocity of the object is detected from the difference signal by utilizing the autocorrelation function or the frequency spectrum of the difference signal.

Abstract: An onboard unit consisting of a tape recorder, and associated data handling components utilized to provide records of vehicular operating information including speed, distance, power level, braking level, traction motor current and other control events. Each quantity is associated with an incremental distance and/or time which is fixed. In the case of a rail guided vehicle, location signals provided by ground mounted markers are also recorded. Summation of incremental distances as determined from each marker provides an exact location. A magnetic tape unit provides both data storage and operations instruction for a microprocessor based system, allowing convenient alteration or variations in unit function without internal modification. Each unit retains a unique non-volatile serial number which is transferred to each tape allowing convenient correlation of recorded tapes to onboard units.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the angular velocity and speed of a rotating shaft comprises charge storage elements for storing charge. The charge storage elements are capable of being coupled to the rotating shaft so as to be rotatable about a predetermined axis at an angular speed or velocity related to the speed or velocity of the shaft. A charging brush and discharging brush are positioned relative to the charge storage elements so that the charging brush can charge the charge storage elements at a first predetermined angular position of the latter about the axis and the discharging brush can discharge the charge from the charge storage elements at a second predetermined angular position of the latter about the axis.

Abstract: Noise signals from a relatively moving object, such as those caused by eddies in a fluid or by protrusions and recesses or gradation on the surface of paper or an iron plate, are sensed at two or more points spaced in the direction of the motion. A difference signal is then obtained from the resulting two noise signals. The relative velocity of the object is detected from the difference signal by utilizing the autocorrelation function or the frequency spectrum of the difference signal.

Abstract: A digital speedometer for indicating angular or linear velocity has an index counter to control update of the displayed velocity. The purpose of the index counter is to prevent undesirable fluctuation of the displayed velocity where minor variations in velocity being measured have occurred. The digital speedometer uses a pulsating input signal having a frequency proportional to the velocity to be indicated. An oscillator circuit provides a clock frequency that is utilized in generating a counting period electrical signal. During the counting period, the input pulses proportional to velocity are gated into a counter. After each counting period, a comparison is made between the count currently being displayed and the count stored in the counter. If a difference occurs, the index counter is incremented. Only after the index counter has been incremented a plurality of consecutive times is the display permitted to be updated.