Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information from a speed and direction sensor is disclosed. The method and apparatus detect the presence of a ferromagnetic object as it moves past a sensor. The sensor determines speed and direction information regarding the ferromagnetic object, and further provides information relating to the environment surrounding the sensor or object, such as the status of an air gap between the sensor and the moving object, and the temperature of the environment in which the sensor or object is disposed.

Abstract: Linear velocity sensor and method for reducing non-linearity in the output signal of the sensor are provided. The sensor comprises a ferromagnetic housing including an opening. The sensor further comprises a spool disposed in the housing. The spool includes a bore for receiving a slidable ferromagnetic rod. The ferromagnetic rod may be extendable through the opening in the housing. A magnet is mounted at the one end of the rod distal from the opening when the rod is substantially inserted in the bore. A coil is wound on the spool. The number of turns of the coil is arranged to taperingly increase as the coil progresses from an end of the spool proximate the opening in the housing to the opposite end of the spool. The tapering arrangement for the number of turns of the coil is selected to reduce non-linearity of an output signal of the coil indicative of linear velocity.

Abstract: A speed sensor for a marine vessel includes a correction circuit to correct any sensor non-linearities so that the sensor produces an output with a pulse stream having a constant pulse rate, and reduces the pulse-to-pulse variations of the pulse stream. The circuit can standardize the pulse stream to have a frequency corresponding to a standard rate.

Abstract: An electrodynamic actuator has a permanently magnetic stationary part that forms an air-core with a magnetic field, and an armature with a coil arranged in the air-core. The armature moves in the magnetic field in the air-core dependent on a drive current fed to the coil. An increased accuracy is achieved by the provision of damping in relation to the speed of the armature, by arranging a sensing winding on the armature and connecting a calculation unit to the sensing winding. The calculation unit determines the speed of the armature from an induced voltage in the sensing winding caused by a movement of the armature in the magnetic field.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a less expensive, highly reliable mobile detection system that can be maintained easily.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a velocity of a part through a part feeder tube. The part feeder tube defines an axis. The apparatus includes first and second sensors spaced axially from each other by a predetermined distance (d). The first sensor sends a first signal in response to sensing the part and the second sensor sends a second, subsequent signal in response to sensing the part. The velocity of the part is based on the distance (d) and the first and second signals.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detection of the presence of a train wheel on a train track that overcomes problems associated with previously known detectors. The invention includes a method for detecting the presence of a train wheel on a train track.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a velocity of a part through a part feeder tube. The part feeder tube defines an axis. The apparatus includes first and second sensors spaced axially from each other by a predetermined distance (d). The first sensor sends a first signal in response to sensing the part and the second sensor sends a second, subsequent signal in response to sensing the part. The velocity of the part is based on the distance (d) and the first and second signals.

Abstract: A shaft revolution counter comprising one or more reed magnetic sensors interacting with one or more magnets attached to the shaft. The interaction generates voltage spikes in the reed magnetic sensors that are used as input signal to an electronic non-volatile counter, as well as its sole power source.

Abstract: A bearing assembly tachometer device for attachment to a rotating shaft which comprises bearing target members disposed between a rotating inner ring member and a non-rotating outer ring to reduce friction therebetween, and a sensing device such as a Hall Effect sensor for detecting passage of the bearing target members as the inner ring member rotates, where the bearing target members are fixed in equidistant circumferential position about the inner ring member such that each said bearing target member rotates about the central axis of the inner ring member the same number of rotations as the inner ring member itself.

Abstract: A device for sensing projectile velocity in an underwater environment is provided. The device includes a plurality of evenly spaced voltage coil members positioned in the path of a projectile. Each voltage coil member includes a support frame having an opening therein and a magnetic coil mounted on the support frame, and a sensing member connected to each support frame. The sensing member includes means for outputting a signal responsive to passage of the projectile through the voltage coil member, and a logic arrangement for determining a difference between passage of the projectile between adjacent ones of said plurality of voltage coil members throughout the run thereof, thereby determining a velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-contact testing of a rotating shaft includes first and second proximity sensors coupled to an automated shaft testing system. Output signals from the proximity sensors are compared to empirically determined threshold values to determine the presence or absence of a shaft coupling characteristic, the speed of the rotating shaft, and the direction of rotation of the shaft when the shaft is oriented proximally to the sensors.

Abstract: A bearing assembly tachometer device for attachment to a rotating shaft which comprises bearing target members disposed between a rotating inner ring member and a non-rotating outer ring to reduce friction therebetween, and a sensing device such as a Hall Effect sensor for detecting passage of the bearing target members as the inner ring member rotates, where the bearing target members are fixed in equidistant circumferential position about the inner ring member such that each said bearing target member rotates about the central axis of the inner ring member the same number of rotations as the inner ring member itself.

Abstract: A jig assembly for use in calibrating a thermocouple sensor includes a conductive member, a holder, and a fastener. The conductive member has a recess configured to receive a test wire and a test surface configured for thermal contact with the thermocouple sensor. The holder is adapted to receive the conductive member. The fastener is coupleable to the holder, wherein the holder and fastener form a recess configured to receive the test wire.

Abstract: A device for measuring the speed of a golf club has a pair of coils spaced a given distance apart with each of the coils forming an oscillating electro-magnetic field which are positioned to interrupt the course of the head of a golf club. When a golf club head successively passes through the first and second oscillating magnetic fields, the natural frequency of the combined fields is altered. A detector circuit including a phase locked loop detects the change in frequency as the club successively pass through the two fields and the time elapsed is measured by a clock and recorded in the memory of a microprocessor which uses the information, along with the given distance between the fields to calculate the speed of the club.

Abstract: A device for measuring the speed of a golf club has a pair of coils spaced a given distance apart with each of the coils forming an oscillating electro-magnetic field which are positioned to interrupt the course of the head of a golf club. When a golf club head successively passes through the first and second oscillating magnetic fields, the natural frequency of the combined fields is altered. A detector circuit including a phase locked loop detects the change in frequency as the club successively pass through the two fields and the time elapsed is measured by a clock and recorded in the memory of a microprocessor which uses the information, along with the given distance between the fields to calculate the speed of the club.

Abstract: A device for controlling a strobe light in underwater high speed photography in a first aspect includes a plurality of spaced break screen or sense coil members, a projectile for launch through the series of break screen or sense coil members, a camera having a shutter opened at a predetermined timing prior to release of the projectile and closing at a predetermined timing subsequent to release of the projectile, and a strobe light opposed to the camera for illumination at a time when the projectile passes in front of the camera. A trigger device, such as a break screen or sense coil, is positioned immediately up-range of the camera. With a time delay programmed into a Programmable Array Logic (PAL), a control circuit receives the trigger information and creates a timed signal to control the illumination of the strobe light.

Abstract: A passive magnetic detector is provided at ground level or buried below ground level in between rails of a railroad track at a distance from the level crossing for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects passing overhead on the track. Magnetic field reversals are detected in the passive detector signal. The reversal signal is analyzed and a train presence output signal is generated for controlling a level crossing gate system or other such crossing warning system. For parallel tracks, pairs of passive magnetic field detectors detect objects over each track and the reversals are analyzed to check that an inbound train does not sneak by undetected as an outbound train is leaving and passing over the same detector pair. At the level crossing, static magnetic field detectors are used to ensure that no equipment remains on the island after detecting that the moving train has left the crossing, so that the crossing gates can be safely lifted as soon as possible.

Abstract: An improved detector is provided for installation in a roadway surface. The detector finds utility in a highway vehicle detection system for determining vehicle presence, vehicle speed and vehicle length. First and second matched induction coil magnetic sensors are maintained at or near the roadway surface. Each of the sensors has a longitudinal axis aligned normal to the roadway surface. The first and second sensors are separated from one another by a known distance in a direction substantially aligned with a direction of traffic flow. Each of the sensors generate a differential magnetic field signature with respect to time to indicate a passing vehicle's leading and trailing edge magnetic signatures. Vehicle speed is determined by a time-distance relationship using the leading and trailing edge magnetic signatures and the known distance. Vehicle length is determined by a time-speed relationship using the leading and trailing edge magnetic signatures and the determined vehicle speed.

Abstract: A measurement device has a laser light source for irradiating a laser light, a reflecting mirror for reflecting the laser light irradiated from the laser light source in a preselected direction and/or for scanning the laser light within a preselected angle range, and an oscillating motor for driving the reflecting mirror to reflect the laser light in the preselected direction and/or oscillating the reflecting mirror within the preselected angle range to scan the laser light. The oscillating motor has a main shaft for undergoing rotational oscillating movement and for supporting the reflecting mirror for rotational oscillating therewith, a connecting device for removably connecting the reflecting mirror to the main shaft, and a detecting device for detecting a rotation angle of the main shaft. A reflector reflects the laser light reflected and/or scanned by the reflecting mirror. A light receiving element receives the laser light reflected by the reflector.

Abstract: A method and device for calculating vehicle wheel speed which counts either one of the rise or the fall of each one of the pulse signals of the wheel sensor when the wheel speed is higher than a certain amount and counts both the rise and the fall of the pulse signals when the wheel speed is lower than the certain amount. This invention reduces the calculation time for the vehicle wheel speed.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring projectile muzzle velocity with an accuracy of .+-.0.1% is mounted in an easily portable muzzle attachment. It operates in the following manner. A washer shaped permanent magnet is positioned on a projectile body. A position sensor containing two inductive coils is located inside the muzzle. When the projectile is fired, the magnet mounted on the projectile passes through the inductive coils, inducing a voltage in each coil. Each voltage is amplified and then fed into hysteresis and zero crossing comparators corresponding to each inductive coil. The zero crossing comparator detects when the induced voltage crosses zero. The hysteresis comparator will gate out any noise induced zero crossings. The two zero crossings are used to start and stop a digital counter which generates a velocity count signal that corresponds to the velocity of the projectile. Further noise interference rejection is obtained by encasing the muzzle extension in a magnetic metal.

Abstract: A instrument and method for measuring archery tackle performance is disclosed. A low power, electronics measurement unit attached onto or mounted internal to a bow in communication with a sensor which detects a signal from an external trigger mechanism mounted onto or internal to an arrow shaft for the purposes of measuring arrow velocity or collecting data indicative of arrow position. The statistical parameters of the collected data may then be used to determine and improve archery tackle performance in any shooting situation.

Abstract: A sensing device conveniently and accurately produces electrical signal representative of the direction in which he steerable wheels (10 and 11) of a vehicle are pointing and the rate of change of the direction of the steerable wheels. The device includes a circular or donut-shaped magnet (26) that is attached to the pinion (12) of a rack and pinion steering gear (6). The magnet has a plurality of magnetic poles (28) spaced around its circumference and preferably extending axially through the magnet. As the magnetic poles rotate past a plurality of sensors (36 and 38) that are located in quadrature positioning relative to the magnetic poles and to each other, the sensors generate electrical signals that are processed to determine the rotation direction of the pinion and the rate of such rotation.

Abstract: A track jump control circuit includes: a head; a rotary motor which drives the head and is controlled in accordance with an input signal; a unit for detecting a speed of rotation corresponding to the rotation of the rotary motor; distance detection unit for producing a signal corresponding to a distance which the head should move with using no data read by the head when the head is moved to a desired position; speed setting unit for setting a speed of movement of the head based on the signal produced by the distance detection unit; and a unit for comparing a speed detected by the speed detection unit with a speed set by the speed setting unit to produce an output as the input signal to the rotary motor.

Abstract: A rail mounted vehicle speed measuring device includes a first magnetic field generating member and a first magnetic field sensing member positioned at a first measuring location on the vehicle; a second magnetic field generating member and a second magnetic field sensing member positioned at a second measuring location on the vehicle, spaced a fixed distance from the first location in the direction of vehicle movement; wherein the magnetic fields generated by the first and second magnetic field generating member are influenced by the rail to produce first and second signal patterns sensed by the first and second sensing member and varying with movement of the vehicle along the rail; and device is provided for correlating the first and second sensed signal patterns to determine the time displacement between the two sensed signal patterns and the velocity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for measuring rotational speed in which a plurality of signal sources disposed along the periphery of a rotating system is monitored by a sensor, and the signals generated by the sensor are added by a counter to form a speed signal sum N. An associated time reference value A.sub.N is determined for each speed signal sum N, and the speed signal sum N and the time reference value A.sub.N for each signal source are saved in pairs in a storage medium. To determine the rotational speed, the time reference value A.sub.N-M which had been saved exactly one revolution before along with the speed signal sum N-M is then retrieved from the storage medium by a processor, which determines the difference of the time reference values A.sub.N and A.sub.N-M (the revolution time for one revolution of the rotating system), and then determines the reciprocal value of the revolution time, which represents the speed.

Abstract: A vital wheel detector for railways injects an oscillating electrical current into a short rail segment and produces a monitor signal in response the magnetic field around the rail. A high Q pickup coil is employed which, when a car wheel is present on the rail segment, sharply decreases in Q and significantly reduces the level of the monitor signal. Any failure of the detector apparatus is in a safe mode, as a loss of rail current results in a loss of the monitor signal whether through an electrical or a mechanical failure. Also, internal mechanical or electrical failures either interrupt the current to the rail or interrupt transmission of the monitor signal to the processing logic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the speed s/.delta.t) of vehicles, in which with the aid of at least two sensors (1, 2, 27, 28) spaced apart from one another (distance s), the time .delta.t=t.sub.1 -t.sub.2 required to drive over both sensors (1, 2, 27, 28) is ascertained. The object of the invention is to disclose a speed measuring method that is simple to accomplish, with which accurate measurement values are ascertainable, and in which external factors of the pavement can largely be ignored. This is attained essentially by using induction loops, instead of the usual piezoresistive pressure sensors, as the measurement sensors (1, 2, 27, 28).

Abstract: A railroad car wheel transducer includes a coil positioned along a rail of a track. The presence of a wheel proximal to the coil causes basic electrical characteristics of the coil, such as its inductance and Q factor to change, which is sensed and used to generate a coil signal. A calibrating circuit monitors the coil characteristics to compensate for long term drifts.

Abstract: A differential magnetic wheel detector is disclosed which identifies the presence and direction of a railway vehicle. The wheel detector includes a primary winding, a secondary winding and signal processing circuitry. The primary winding is excited by a source of AC energy to produce a magnetic flux in the wheel of the railway vehicle. The secondary winding senses a change in voltage induced by the magnetic flux in the railway wheel. The secondary winding includes two coils in a differential bridge which prevents external factors from interfering with the sensing of the wheel. The signal processing device transforms the voltage change into a signal identifying the presence and direction of the railway vehicle.

Abstract: A passive velocity measuring system which includes first and second biaxial fluxgate magnetometers separated by a known distance and oriented precisely with respect to one another and with respect to the path of travel of a ferrous vehicle whose velocity is to be determined. An indication of the velocity of the vehicle is obtained from the ratio of the time derivative of the magnitude of the vehicle's magnetic induction to the negative of the spatial derivative of this same quantity.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for accurately timing speed of aquatic vehicles, particularly for water skiing competition and the like. Floating magnetic generating transmitters are placed under one or more linearly aligned buoys configured to accommodate an aquatic vehicle's path. Water-tight detection means is placed on the aquatic vehicle for receiving a series of signals which are induced when the vehicle cuts through the magnetic field produced at a plurality of such buoys. The signals, responsive to the vehicle speed, are amplified and extraneous high frequencies attenuated, and speed or course traverse time calculated and displayed.

Abstract: Swim/sporting event timer/counter. A waterproof housing has upwardly projecting digital displays and two spaced ultrasonic receivers. A swimmer wears an ultrasonic transmitter tuned to ultrasonic receivers. by measuring the time differential for the ultrasonic signals from the transmitter to reach the receivers in the housing, the position of the swimmer (i.e., in front of, directly over, or behind the housing), is determined. Laps are identified by determining when the transmitted signal changes from being received by the two receivers by an increasing time differential to being received by a decreasing time differential. Each time the swimmer passes over the housing, the numbers on the display are inverted so that the swimmer may look down into the water and see the time regardless of which direction the swimmer is traveling in the lane or other predetermined course.

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: A method and an apparatus for measuring a flight path parameter of a projectile (7) or parts thereof during flight possibly into the region of the target, with the electrical charge imparted to the projectile (7) or its part by friction with the air and/or by the gas fumes generated during ignition or detonation being detected by means of at least one inductively operating sensor (1) and the zero passage of the resulting signal is evaluated. The resulting signal can be utilized to measure time of flight, velocity, a time pattern for the distribution of fragments or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an angular measurement device comprising a variable reluctance magnetic circuit comprising a fixed portion (3) associated with a coil (2) and at least a moving element (4) attached to a part (5) rotating in front of the fixed portion, the angular position of which is to be detected, comprising: means (I) for integrating the voltage across the coil, means for measuring the instantaneous value of the integrated voltage (15), means for comparing this measure to a calibrating curve of the integrated voltage versus the angle.

Abstract: A swing training apparatus for use with a hand held sports implement having a head and a handle with a longitudinal axis extending between the head and handle includes a housing that is mounted to the implement at a position adjacent the head. A sleeve carried by the housing defines a bore with a bore axis generally parallel to the implement longitudinal axis. A slug is carried by the sleeve in the bore and has a metallic portion defining a first electrical contact. A spring is used to bias the slug into a position spaced away from the implement head. A second electrical contact is positioned to engage the first contact when a preset centripetal force urges the slug to travel toward the implement head when the implement is swung with sufficient force. An indicator emits an audible signal and emits the signal as the implements reaches the preset centrifugal force threshhold.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tachometer for aircraft for determining engine operating parameters from magneto signals from right and left magnetos. A signal conditioning circuit receives ignition signals from at least one magneto and modifies the ignition signals to provide a right and left train of input pulses for the microprocessor. The microprocessor follows a stored program to develop filtered quantitites depicting right rpm, and left rpm for respective right and left engines, or right and left magnetos of a single engine. The maximum rpm achieved during operation is also stored, along with the difference between the right and left rpms, the change in rpm over a period of time, and average rpm of two engines. A mode switch selects from right rpm, left rpm, maximum rpm, difference rpm, change in rpm over time, and average rpm for display on the display means. A method for calculating highly accurate engine RPM is disclosed.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for determining and evaluating data representative of the condition of a machine provided with measuring points is provided with a test data probe, incorporating a test data receiver and an evaluation circuit with memory for picking up and evaluating the test data received from the relevant measuring points, and with an identifying data sensing probe incorporating a sensing unit for sensing identifying data at the measuring points. The memory includes storage positions for data specific to the measuring points which are activated by the corresponding identifying data from the measuring points. The test data probe and the identifying data sensing probe are provided in a common housing. Within the common housing there is a measuring chamber which is open towards the forward end of the measuring head of the instrument, the chamber accommodating a machine-side data transfer component which is also the carrier for the identifying data specific to the measuring points.

Abstract: A vehicle tachometer kit including a pick up coil that is adapted to be mounted on the outside of the vehicle's alternator to sense its rotating field without any disassembly. An induced signal in the coil from alternator field leakage provides the normal input to a user calibrated r.p.m. display driving circuit in the tachometer that can be calibrated for different alternators and drive pulley ratios without another tachometer by selectively applying a simulated input reference signal to the display driving circuit and adjusting the r.p.m. display until a scheduled ratio is achieved between the displayed r.p.m. and the reference signal.

Abstract: A variable reluctance magnetic speed sensor senses the speed of a rotating gear (12). A ferrous outer cylindrical shell (22) extends axially and has a magnet (14) at one axial end and a coil (16) at the other axial end. An inner pole piece (4) in the coil (16) directs magnetic flux across a gap to the gear teeth (10), which flux is returned by the outer pole piece shell (22) to the magnet (14). Particular pole piece gap spacings are disclosed together with various pole piece constructions.

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: The apparatus for measuring the muzzle velocity V.sub.0 of a projectile fired from a weapon enables eliminating the effects of interfering magnetic fields, particularly that of the terrestrial magnetic field. For this purpose the apparatus comprises a shielding arrangement for shielding or screening interfering magnetic fields. Such measuring apparatus contains two induction coils and a support for the attachment thereof which is made of a material of low magnetic permeability. For shielding or screening the interfering magnetic fields there is used a shielding arrangement made of a material of high magnetic permeability. The apparatus is simultaneously constructed as a muzzle brake and is suitable for measuring the muzzle velocity of sabot projectiles.

Abstract: Wheel bearing pulser combinations of the type where an annular pulser is force fitted onto the outer surface of a wheel bearing are disclosed in which the pulser is constructed to accommodate resiliently resisted radial expansion of its central opening as required by the force fitting of the pulser onto the bearing to permit increased dimensional tolerances of the bearing while avoiding an undue radial compression of the outer race of the bearing from the force fit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a time delay value in an electronic fuze of a projectile exiting the muzzle of a gun barrel, in which a single transmitter coil concentrically mounted to the gun muzzle is utilized both to sense the presence of the projectile at the gun muzzle and to inductively transmit a radio frequency signal having a duration proportional to the fuze time delay value to a receiver coil disposed on the projectile. The transmitter coil is energized from a radio frequency oscillator before the projectile is fired. As the front end of the projectile begins to emerge from the gun muzzle, its presence is detected by a change in the transmitter coil impedance, and the transmitter coil is automatically deenergized.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensing device for sensing low levels of magnetic intensity is composed of a ribbon-shaped strip of amorphous magnetic material having at least one twist along the length thereof between the ends of the strip. Subsequent to imparting the desired number of twists to the strip, the strip is supported in the twisted condition. The device is capable of generating a pulse in response to the presence of an external magnetic field similar to the Wiegand wire effect.

Abstract: A multi-segmented radio frequency excited inductance coil sensor is operaely disposed on the muzzle end of a gun tube for the purpose of detecting the transverse displacement of a projectile from the center axis of the gun tube. The apparatus comprises a combination of sum and differencing amplifiers which combine detected signals into a form which can be used to compute the angle and magnitude of displacement.

Abstract: A differential sensor coil assembly is described which is suitable for plment at the muzzle end of a gun to measure projectile velocity, and which is more capable of resisting propellant gas and muzzle blast wear and erosion effects on the inner coil. A solid sheet coil assembly having a common inner-outer end configuration for inner and outer coil loop include a first plasma arc metal coating, a second ceramic plasma or coating and an expoxy filler means for filling the open areas between the inner and outer loop.

Abstract: A velocity measuring system utilizes a pair of magnetic sensors each moun in a displaced location with respect to the other on a vehicle whereby such sensors passing over the same stationary base location at different times provide geomagnetic field signals to a correlator circuit for producing a value for the ground speed of the vehicle.