Abstract: In a system and a method for determining the speed gradient dn/dt of a shaft of an internal combustion engine, the speed gradient dn/dt is determined as a function of the third power of the speed and the difference between two segment times in the control device. The speed gradient is only determined in phases which are not time-critical, while segment times are read in or stored only in time-critical phases so that the data required for controlling and regulating the internal combustion engine can be calculated in these time-critical phases independently from the determination of the speed gradient.

Abstract: A new method for analyzing an electrical waveform of the type portrayed on a graph includes the steps of selecting a waveform to be analyzed, establishing the boundary of a window-like area and generating a signal if the waveform is in a predetermined position with respect to the area. For example, a signal such as a failure signal is generated if the waveform is to be out of the area but, in fact, is in the area. The method also includes features for determining certain parameters, e.g., rise time, period and the like, for the waveform. The steps include selecting first and second points on the waveform and determining the time lapsed between points. Details regarding the structure of a new waveform analyzer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A speedometer/odometer apparatus, wherein a sensor inputs an electronic sensing signal to an amplifier and a selecting device to be amplified and output as a stable single stroke signal. The signal is combined with a frequency signal from a crystal oscillator and divided into regular pulses. The frequency of the pulses is divided by a frequency divider circuit and output as two signals with high accuracy for respectively controlling the speed indication of the speedometer and mileage indication of the odometer.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for establishing the feed rate of a workpiece along a feed path with respect to a machine device. First and second sensors each having first and second sensing electrodes which are electrically isolated from the workpiece are positioned above, and in proximity to the desired surfaces of the workpiece along a feed path. An electric field is developed between the first and second sensing electrodes of each sensor and capacitance signals are developed which are indicative of the contour of the workpiece. First and second image signals representative of the contour of the workpiece along the feed path are developed by an image processor. The time delay between corresponding portions of the first and second image signals are then used to determine the feed rate based upon the separation of the first and second sensors and the amount of time between corresponding portions of the first and second image signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the motion variation of a baseball is described, the apparatus including: a plurality of sensors between a beginning point and an ending point of motion, the sensors detecting the position variation of a pitched baseball using two-dimensional coordinate values; and a controller for synchronizing the two-dimensional coordinate values output from the sensors to an inside clock being input the synchronized values, and for calculating the speed of a baseball according to the distance between predetermined sensors and the detected two-dimensional coordinate values. Accordingly, the present invention can detect a curving degree and speed variation of a baseball. Particularly, in the case that the lattice structures of the sensors are closely placed in the vicinity of a home plate, the user can minutely measure the motion variation of a baseball.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the speed of a vehicle independent of angular wheel rotation rates is provided. The system generates time-varying signals corresponding to the vertical acceleration of the front and rear wheels. The front and rear wheel signals include corresponding perturbations caused by the wheels crossing road disturbances such as bumps. A time lag occurs between perturbations in the rear wheel signal and corresponding perturbations in the front wheel signal. An adaptive algorithm correlates the signals for various time delay values until a time delay value is determined which maximizes the correlation between the two signals. The calculated time delay value corresponds to the actual time lag between the front and rear wheels occurring before the rear wheels encounter a road disturbance previously encountered by the front wheels. Thus, the invention provides a determination of the actual speed of the vehicle determined independently from the angular rotation rates of the wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and continuously projecting an elapsed time in which a vehicle traveling over a racecourse will complete the course, wherein a difference between the projected elapsed time and a predicted time is continuously displayed to a driver of the vehicle, so that the driver can adjust the speed of the vehicle as needed during a race to approximate the predicted time. A plurality of magnets are mounted on a drive shaft of the vehicle in a circumferentially spaced relationship. A pickup coil is mounted adjacent to the magnets to detect movement of the magnets past the coil for measuring the distance traveled by the vehicle. A computer is electrically connected to the pickup coil and collects data from the coil for continuously calculating a difference between the projected elapsed time and the predicted time during a race. A motion switch is electrically connected to the computer and detects forward movement of the vehicle at the start of a race for automatically actuating the computer.

Abstract: A wireless data display system has a receiver/display unit tuned to the same frequency as a sensor/transmitter unit for monitoring wheel rotation for a vehicle such as a bicycle. The two units are preferably battery powered, and their circuits are designed for low power consumption. Both units have directed antennas positioned in alignment with each other. The receiver includes a tunable antenna to enhance signal reception and reduce sensitivity to a transmitter of an adjacent system, as well as filter and latch circuitry to reduce interference from EMI or RFI or from adjacent operation of a similar transmitter/receiver pair.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use on electronically controlled fuel injection systems senses speed, angular position, and direction of rotation using only a single Hall effect type sensor (24). A disk element (14) is fixedly connected to and rotatable with the camshaft of an internal combustion engine. The disk element (14) includes a plurality of circumferential zones (16a-16x) of substantially identical length with each zone (16a-16x) having first (18a-18x) and second (20a-20x) areas. A first portion 16c-16t, 16v-16x) of these circumferential zones (16a-16x) have first (18c-18t, 18v-18x) and second areas (20c-20t, 20v-20x) which are substantially different in length than the first (18a, 18b, 18u) and second areas (20a, 20b, 20u) of a second portion ( 16a, 16b, 16u) of the circumferential zones (16a-16x).

Abstract: A device for measuring the speed of a moving object has first and second impact detectors separated by a preselected known distance and disposed in the path of movement of the object. As the object strikes the first and second detectors, the detectors each produce a signal. The signals are separated by a time interval indicative of the distance between the detectors. The elapsed time between the signals is measured by a counter device, and the speed of the object is calculated by a programmable device.

Abstract: A speed of movement of a moving object, e.g., a tennis ball, which moves a predetermined distance is determined by measuring a time interval between a first detection of a vibration wave produced in the ball when it is hit by the tennis player's racket and a second detection of anouther vibration wave produced when the ball collides with the court surface. A vibration sensor for performing the first detection, and a microcomputer for computing the movement speed of the ball, and a liquid crystal display for displaying the movement speed are accommodated in a case which is mounted on the tennis racket. A sound collecting micrphone which performs the second detection is attached to the lower edge of the net near a ball landing position on the court, and the detection signal is transmitted over a radiowave to a receiver accommodated in the case.

Abstract: The arrangement includes a capacitive probe comprising pairs of sensor electrodes, arranged in a pseudo-random sequence, with which a common transmitting electrode is associated. The transmitting electrode is fed by an electrical voltage source and to the sensor electrodes of each pair an electrode circuit is connected which generates an output signal which corresponds to the difference of the displacement currents induced in the sensor electrodes. The electronic circuit is constructed such that it maintains the sensor electrodes at any time at a virtual ground potential. For this purpose each sensor electrode may be connected to the inverting input of an operational amplifier whose non-inverting input lies at the potential at which the sensor electrodes are to be held with respect to the supply voltage. The sensed signal is used in a correlative measurement of speed or travel time.

Abstract: A device for picking up the position of an angle of a rotating part which is provided with angle markers 11 or teeth being simultaneously distributed over its circumference, whereby at least one angle marker and/or intermediate space between two angle markers is shaped differently serving as a reference marker 12. This can be realized, for example, by a wide or smaller angle marker or gap between two angle markers. The distance between two angle marker flanks is picked up by a counter 17 which counts a cycle frequency, whereby the counter is a free running continously counting counter. The instantaneously present counter level is transmitted into a storage 18 for each angle marker flank (ascending flank or rear flank) to be evaluated. Subtractions of two successive storage values and comparisons of successive corresponding differential values are performed for recognizing a reference marker.

Abstract: The gated Transmission Line Model (GTLM) structure is a novel characterization device and measurement tool for integrated circuit process monitoring. This test structure has Schottky gates between the ohmic contacts of a TLM pattern. The gate lengths are varied and the gate-to- ohmic separations are kept constant to provide an accurate determination of several important FET channel parameters. It offers a precise method for measuring the FET source resistance which requires no parameter fitting and which works equally well on planar, self-aligned gate, and recessed gate FET's. In addition, the GTLM structure offers the only available means to measure sheet resistance of enhancement-mode FET channels. The gated-TLM structure can also be used to find the effective free surface potential. The structure may be combined with capacitance-voltage analysis or geometric magnetoresistance analysis to create mobility and doping profile of actual FET channels.

Abstract: The time elapsed between passing landmark posts observed from a moving vehicle, is measured by manually controlled start and stop of a timing cycle, and such time measurement is utilized to perform a velocity calculation based on selection of a memory stored data relating to distances between uniformly spaced types of landmark posts. The time measurements as well as the velocity calculations are exhibited on a digital display.

Abstract: Apparatus for evaluating signals generated by first and second spatially separated rows of photoconductors positioned with respect to a measuring plane. The outputs of the photoconductors in each of the rows is scanned by a sampling circuit at a predetermined rate, and the outputs of each sampling circuit coupled to at least one evaluation circuit. Each of the evaluation circuits includes an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the output of the associated sampling circuit, and a pair of digital delay circuits having their inputs alternately coupled to the output of the A/D converter. A comparator is provided for comparing a threshold signal generated by a reference generator with the outputs of the digital delay circuits, the comparator generating a digital signal having a value corresponding to the difference between the ratio of the signals at the outputs of the delay circuits and the threshold signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the speed of a projectile fired from a handgun or small arm has a measuring path, over which the projectile passes, with light gates disposed spaced apart from one another. Each light gate has a light responsive element, which is shielded from the projectile path by a screen containing a light admitting aperture. An electronic signal evaluation circuit processes the signals emitted by the two light responsive elements in accordance with the darkening of the apertures caused by the projectile in flight above them and supplies these signals to a display device. In order to reduce to a minimum the danger of damage to the apparatus or of harm to persons, caused either by the projectile itself or by parts broken off the apparatus by the projectile without providing a connection between the barrel of the gun and the measuring apparatus, the arrangement is selected such that the two light responsive elements are disposed behind a separating wall common to both.

Abstract: An automatic velocity delay circuit utilizes the output signal of a radio equency velocimeter for determining the time a projectile takes to pass a sensor located at the muzzle end of a gun. The circuit uses this time interval pulse and clocking pulses to provide an X-ray trigger pulse at the precise instant that the projectile passes an X-ray head located at a selected position along a parallel path of projectile travel, thus insuring a photographic record of the projectile in the muzzle blast region.

Abstract: A circuit consisting of five cascaded binary coded decimal, UP-DOWN circuits with associated gates, a first input causes the counters to count up, at a 10 Mhz rate until any second input, which latches into memory the accumulated time in the counters, and causes the counters to count down at 5 Mhz rate, when the counters reach zero an output pulse, suitable for triggering photo flash strobes is generated.

Abstract: A vehicle detection system including a pair of inductive loops arranged in the road surface for measuring the speed of passing vehicles. Each loop is the frequency determining element of an oscillator of first and second vehicle detectors. A first measuring value is derived by each detector for a first predetermined measuring time interval in which the measuring value exceeds a response threshold and a second measuring value is derived for a predetermined second measuring time interval shifted a predetermined period of time relative to the first measuring time interval, the second measuring value being below the response threshold. The instant at which each of the detectors is activated is determined by interpolation between the first and second measuring values.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic instrument to be used for timing target vehicles. The instrument has the ability to determine a comparison time-speed number by multiplication of a known speed of a setup vehicle by the length of time the setup vehicle takes to travel between two selected fixed points. The instrument has a memory for storing a comparison time-speed number, a timer, a manually operated first-fixed-point switch, a manually operated second-fixed-point switch, a divide circuit and a speed readout display. The first-fixed-point switch is pressed to start the timer when a target vehicle passes the first fixed point. When the target vehicle passes the second fixed point the second-fixed-point switch is pressed which stops the timer, and causes the instrument to divide the comparison time speed number by the output of the timer and to display the resulting speed.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the flow of a stack of cigarettes in a conveyor system using a television camera tube or light-sensitive detectors positioned adjacent the ends of the cigarettes, preferably in an array or row covering the whole height of the stack, to monitor the formation of the stack and to produce pulse signals representing the articles present. The sensors are scanned by control circuitry which produces control signals in response to the number or speed of articles detected.

Abstract: A voltage generator which provides the biasing voltage to a telemetry transmitter positioned inside the tire of a moving vehicle is disclosed. The entire transmitting system, including the antenna, is self-contained within the pneumatic tire; and, accordingly, there is no need for connecting wires of any nature to be extended outside the tire containing the invention. The invention utilizes one of several available types of voltage generators to generate a voltage in response to the rotation of the tire as the vehicle moves within a coil. As is known, as a tire rotates along a road, the tire deflects and flattens along the area which contacts the road. The transducer used in the invention generates a voltage in response to this tire deflection. The voltage thus generated are processed and utilized to provide the biasing voltage for a transmitter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting the impact of munitions in a predefined arget region during weapons training. The apparatus includes a plurality of photo-detectors (12), each of which has a predetermined field of view in the horizontal plane, the target range being defined by the logical union of these fields of view. The impact of a munition within or without the target area causes a signal to be transmitted (14) to a receiving location which is proximate the gun site. At the receiving location (21), the incoming signals from the plurality of sensors are subjected to logical operations (24) which indicate to the operator of the gun whether or not the projectile impacted within or without the target area, or to the left or to the right of the target area. In addition, a running total (79) is kept of the number of successful impacts.

Abstract: The time of travel of an electromagnetic rapping device plunger is measured between two predetermined points so that the height of lift of the plunger and the terminal velocity can be determined.

Abstract: A special accessory for traffic radar devices includes two operating routines. These routines are to be used with a programmable microprocessor which comprises a portion of the traffic radar device. The routines are designated as a stopwatch routine and an interrupt routine. The stopwatch routine controls the overall operation of the speed computation within the programmable microprocessor of the traffic radar device while the interrupt request routine causes the microprocessor to perform as a precision clock capable of measuring elapsed time.

Abstract: One embodiment of the subject invention comprises a device in which the passage of an object through first and second closely spaced parallel, pulsed, infrared beams is detected, to provide an elapsed time and/or speed indication. The beams are synchronously pulsed at a sufficiently high frequency that the interpulse periods are relatively short compared to the anticipated minimum elapsed time of the passage of the object through the beams, and beam interruptions are detected within a single interpulse period. In one embodiment of the invention, a third beam, in conjunction with one of the other two beams, is used to measure a second speed value, which is compared to the speed value measured between the first and second beams so as to ascertain if the object is accelerating or decelerating. Measured speed values are displayed on a multiplexed, multi-segment display, as well as being applied to a calculator or processor unit for the computation of preselected functions of the measured speed values.

Abstract: A video device and method for analyzing golf club swings or the like includes means for detecting the golf club swing and calculating the resultant velocity of the club head. The velocity is then displayed on a display device in either a digital or analog mode. The golf club swing can then be analyzed by comparing the relative velocities during different club swings.

Abstract: A plurality of sensors are located on one of the bodies, staggered by fixed distances from each other along the direction of relative movement. The sensors are responsive to a characteristic of the other body, for example to surface characteristics of a roadway. A sensed signal, picked up by a first, or leading sensor is time delayed for a predetermined time interval, and compared with signals received from all the other sensors. Upon optimum correlation, and with known time delay and distance between sensors, the relative speed can then be indicated by determining which one of the sensors picked up the signals which matched the time delay signal. The amplitudes of the signals can be dynamically equalized and the time delay itself changed to permit output over wide ranges, or with respect to different scaling units.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring velocity of a bullet is shown. A portable clamping device securely holds the barrel of a gun in position during firing. A bullet fired from the gun is projected through two openings located a predetermined distance apart from the end of the gun barrel. The bullet passing through the first opening activates a timing circuit to start current flow through a measuring device. The bullet passing through the second opening stops the current flow through the measuring device. The measuring devices gives an output indication that is indirectly proportionate to velocity of the bullet with units indicating the speed of the bullet. The measuring device may be a ballistic meter with no return springs on a meter movement to remain in its maximum position after measuring current flow therethrough.

Abstract: Light perturbations sequentially produced by a projectile at spaced points are detected by photodetectors connected to a logarithmic diode circuit which is AC coupled to an amplifier time-shared by the detectors. Successive pulses from the amplifier are interpreted by logic circuits to start and stop an interval counter.

Abstract: A light screen device for measuring the velocity of a projectile comprising laser disposed opposite to one end of a first plane reflecting mirror and inclined with respect thereto to cause a laser beam to strike the first plane reflecting mirror and in turn to reflect the beam to a second plane mirror and successively reflecting the beam back and forth vertically to higher points on each mirror surface forming a criss-cross rectangularly shaped light grid network therebetween. A light detector is disposed axially in line with a reflected beam to intercept and detect the continuing presence thereof and to generate a pulse signal in response to the projectile passing through the light screen to stop a counting circuit.

Abstract: An interface logic circuit for supplying direction of passage data to a data utilization apparatus from a moving-object sensor which generates three recognition signals indicative of intrusion of an object into the left end, center, and right end, respectively, of a sensing space adjacent the sensor, comprising directional logic means for generating left-to-right and right-to-left object passage signals in response to the recognition signal sequences left-center-right and right-center-left, respectively, independently of overlap between the recognition signals or duration of the individual signals, and inhibit logic means for inhibiting generation of both object passage signals for all other recognition signal occurrence sequences.

Abstract: A velocity computing chronograph includes a chain of BCD counter stages having a clock input signal gated via the outputs from a pair of spaced apart photo-electric screens for measuring the time of flight of a bullet between the screens. BCD coded numerical switches are provided for the manual entry of the distance between the screens. A multiplexer serially applies the BCD digit signals first from the numerical switches and thereafter from the counter stages to the BCD data digit input of an integrated circuit calculator chip. The calculator circuit has divide and equal command input terminals which are driven automatically at appropriate times for the projectile velocity to be computed in the calculator circuit and display on an LED display driven thereby.

Abstract: An electronic circuit has a plurality of input terminals. Application of a first input signal to any one of the terminals initiates a timing sequence. Later inputs to the same terminal are ignored but a later input to any other terminal of the plurality generates a signal which can be used to measure the time difference between the later input and the first input signal. Also, such time differences may be measured between the first input signal and an input signal to any other terminal of the plurality or the circuit may be reset at any time by an external reset signal.