Abstract: An inspection device includes an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of images, captured from a given height, of an inspection object controlled to move at a constant velocity, a comparison unit that compares movements of the inspection object in the images on the basis of the plurality of images, and a determination unit that determines the condition of the inspection object on the basis of a comparison result.

Abstract: A modular material tracking system is provided for tracking material stored on and drawn from a reel using a modular system. The modular material tracking system may include a detection element, digital logic components, location receiver, enclosure, analytic components, interface component, sensor module, and plate module. One or more sensors relative to the reel may detect a position indicative of forward or reverse reel rotation. A processor may analyze signals to count rotations of the reel, which is savable in memory. A battery may provide power. The system may also record the time and location associated with rotations. A method for tracking material stored on and drawn from a reel using a modular material tracking system is also provided.

Abstract: An object of the disclosure is to determine the remaining saturation of existing fluids in naturally fractured and/or homogeneous reservoirs, considering an unconventional tracer test, using the double tracer test method with pressure monitoring (PDTcMP®), which also integrates unused technical elements, in order to estimate more accurately the value of the remaining oil saturation (ROS) in naturally fractured reservoirs, unlike conventional methods used most commonly in homogeneous media. The disclosure substantially modifies the conventional tracer test, as it uses innovative technical elements, which reduce the uncertainty and/or ambiguity associated with conventional tracer tests, when they are applied in naturally fractured reservoirs.

Abstract: An object of the disclosure is to determine the remaining saturation of existing fluids in naturally fractured and/or homogeneous reservoirs, considering an unconventional tracer test, using the double tracer test method with pressure monitoring (PDTcMP®), which also integrates unused technical elements, in order to estimate more accurately the value of the remaining oil saturation (ROS) in naturally fractured reservoirs, unlike conventional methods used most commonly in homogeneous media. The disclosure substantially modifies the conventional tracer test, as it uses innovative technical elements, which reduce the uncertainty and/or ambiguity associated with conventional tracer tests, when they are applied in naturally fractured reservoirs.

Abstract: A counter device for use in tracking an elongated medical device. The counter device includes a housing assembly and a tracking and display unit. The housing assembly defines an entrance opening, an exit opening, and a passageway. The passageway is open to and extends between the entrance and exit openings. The tracking and display unit is carried by the housing assembly and is configured to selectively interface with an elongated medical device disposed along the passageway. In a tracking state, the tracking and display unit generates information indicative of a distance of travel of the elongated medical device traveling along the passageway. In some embodiments, the tracking and display unit includes an engagement assembly rotatably coupled to the housing assembly. The engagement assembly can have a toothed engagement face.

Abstract: A reading apparatus includes a tray having a first surface side and a second surface side opposite the first surface side, an antenna unit disposed on the first surface side of the tray and configured to transmit a radio wave signal for reading a wireless tag and to receive a radio wave signal from the wireless tag, and a controller attached to the tray on the second surface side and configured to control the antenna unit to transmit the radio wave signal for reading the wireless tag. The controller reads data in the radio wave signal from the wireless tag received by the antenna unit. The tray includes at least one of an electromagnetic wave reflecting material or an electromagnetic wave absorbing material disposed between the antenna unit and the controller so as to block the radio wave signal for reading the wireless tag from reaching the controller.

Abstract: A label winding device is for receiving a medium including a label liner and a label member that is removably attached to the label liner and has at least one label portion and a waste portion, separating the waste portion from the label liner at a waste separation portion, and winding the at least one label portion with the label liner. The label winding device includes: a waste winder for winding the separated waste portion; a label winder for winding the at least one label portion with the label liner without the separated waste portion; a waste guide for guiding the separated waste portion to the waste winder; a support for rotatably supporting the waste guide; a sensor for detecting a rotational speed of the waste guide; and a waste break detector for detecting break of the waste portion on a basis of the detection by the sensor.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable monitoring system is disclosed which comprises a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning cable which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into and out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable monitoring system is configured to assess an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement between a rotatable drum and a cable follower member and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed out or retracted into the drum.

Abstract: A depth determination apparatus is described. The depth determination apparatus includes a rotatable reel for receiving a length of line, a free end of the line being adapted to receive a weight, a hollow elongate leader assembly through which the line is played out and retracted, a measuring arrangement for measuring the length of line played out and/or retracted through the hollow elongate leader; and a drive means for at least retracting the line through the hollow elongate leader.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting a change in tension of a taut wire fence system, where the system includes a connector including a main body member having a first attachment portion at one end of the member and a second attachment portion at the opposite end of the member and a sensor located on the main body between and aligned with the first and second attachment portions, the method including the steps of attaching a first wire of the fence to the first attachment portion and attaching the second attachment portion of the connector either to an end support mount for the fence, or to a second wire of the fence system such that the connector is held independently of direct contact with any fence support, and such that the first wire, the sensor on the main body of the connector and the second attachment portion respectively, are aligned.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable monitoring system is disclosed which comprises a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning cable which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into and out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable monitoring system is configured to assess an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement between a rotatable drum and a cable follower member and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed out or retracted into the drum.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable counter is disclosed which is of the character comprising a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning snake which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into an out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable counter is configured to count an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum and includes first and second sensor portions mounted on the rotatable drum and a cable follower member, respectively to sense relative rotational movement therebetween. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement therebetween and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed or retracted into the drum.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus for determining the loop size of a rodeo rope comprising determining a circumference C, determining a spoke S length, providing a chart having loop sizes corresponding to a range of circumference measurements and spoke measurements, and finding a loop size based upon the measured circumference and measured spoke. The loop size refers to a set of parameters that characterize the rope. The method can be implemented by a computer and associated software.

Abstract: A fishing reel 100 includes a data communication unit 44 capable of wirelessly transmitting terminal tackle water depth data to a data communication unit 66 of a fishing data display device 60, which is arranged outside of a fishing reel 100. The fishing data display device 60 includes a display unit 65 that displays the terminal tackle water depth data obtained from the data communication unit 44 and fish depth data obtained from a data communication unit 91 of a fish finder 90. The fisherman is capable of easily performing jigging with a fishing reel, as well as ascertaining the water depth of terminal tackle.

Abstract: A band-like exercise result measurement article with selectable display aspect includes a planar strip of a flexible material having first and second ends, an elastic inner surface and an outer surface of a loop material, the outer surface having, along its length, at least one linear scale imprinted upon it. The article also includes a buckle, a first segment of a hook material affixed to the inner surface near the second end and a second segment of a hook material affixed to the outer surface of the strip near its second end. When the first hook segment is fastened to the outer surface through the buckle, the article displays a measurement of scale. When the second hook segment is fastened to the outer surface through the buckle, the measurement is precluded from display.

Abstract: A method of calibrating once-around and harmonic errors of encoded nips is provided. An encoder with an index pulse is used to measure the velocity and rotation of the driven wheel or idler. The geometry of the drive train and wheel and idler is chosen so that their once around and harmonic frequencies are unique such that no other drive errors will generate these frequencies. The method includes running the idler or wheel at substantially constant velocity for N revolutions. Each index triggers the collection of velocity data, which is averaged for N revolutions. This process detects drive train motion errors that are periodic with respect to the timing of the index pulse (i.e., once per revolution of the wheel or idler). Once the velocity errors have been measured, corrections are made. This method may be incorporated in xerographic machines as part of a setup or calibration procedure.

Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave and a transponder spaced a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus that accurately measures rope, wire, tubing and other materials is herein disclosed. A variety of different-sized models would possess different sized openings. One model with a one-inch opening would be used to measure small wire and cable. Another model with approximately a 3-inch opening would be used for larger electrical cables, rope, tubing and the like. An even large model would be available for measuring ductwork, hoses, and other large diameter material. As the material is pulled through the opening, an optical sensor, similar to that used on an optical computer mouse, accurately measures the material to the fraction of an inch. A mechanical sensor, utilizing a guide wheel is also envisioned. The length is displayed on a digital readout on the perimeter of the invention that is provided with a power button, reset button and the like.

Abstract: A sensing device includes an elongated whisker element having a flexible cantilever region and a base region where a change in moment or curvature is generated by bending of the cantilever region when it contacts an object. One or more sensor elements cooperatively associated with the whisker element provide one or more output signals that is/are representative of two orthogonal components of change in moment or curvature at the whisker base region to permit determination of object distance, fluid velocity profile, or object contour (shape) with accounting for lateral slip of the whisker element and frictional characteristics of the object. Multiple sensing devices can be arranged in arrays in a manner to sense object contour without or with adjustment for lateral slip.

Abstract: As a rule, measuring cable position sensors consist of an axial arrangement of flat spiral spring, cable drum, and encoder. By locating the flat spiral spring within the interior of the cable drum, the construction length is reduced on one hand, and it becomes possible on the other hand to locate the cable outlet in one of the outer corners of the housing, which improves the application capabilities of the sensor.

Abstract: An electric reel is furnished with an information communication unit is adapted for transmitting first information concerning the reel to an external fishing information display device. The information communication unit is adapted for receiving second information concerning fishing from a fish finder or a GPS through a fishing information display device and an information coordinating unit. A second display unit of the fishing information display device can display the first information concerning the reel obtained from the reel and the second information concerning fishing with one of the first and second information being superimposed on the other. In this fishing reel, a large amount of information can be displayed while the size of the reel is kept small. Also, information concerning fishing can be obtained quickly.

Abstract: A rolled product of contiguous separable sheets having at least one indicium to permit visual location of the end of the roll. The rolled product comprises at least a first and second contiguous separable sheet of product wound around an axis, forming a cylindrical roll, each sheet having an outer edge positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical roll. At least the first and second contiguous separable sheet of product has at least one indicium that bears a predetermined relationship when the first sheet is the outer most sheet of the rolled product. The predetermined relationship is such that a discontinuity of the indicium is likely to be formed between the outer edges of sheets marked with the indicium and the portion of the indicium which lies directly beneath the outer edge of the sheets. The rolled product can include sheets of contiguous separable product having multiple indicium.

Abstract: My invention described is an electronic and mechanical tool used to measure jet line or string for the purpose of measuring electrical conduit lengths. This new process eliminates the manual labor required before calculating how long the conduit is and how much feeder lengths are required. With the use of a permanent magnet and magnetic switch applied with a sheave that works together and timing to give input to a four decade up counter, the system senses the total number of feet measured by the jet line or string passing around the sheave and displays the total count on the foot meter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring cables of varying diameters to be used in a wire bundle. The apparatus involves a support platform having a groove formed therein which is laid out to have at least one U-shaped turnaround portion. The groove is further canted such that it opens at an angle of about 4.85° away from an interior area defined by the U-shaped arc. This allows cables of varying diameters to be placed in the groove during measuring and automatically compensates for the differences in diameter of the cables. Thus, each cable laid into the groove and measured in accordance with the length of the groove will have the same length, regardless of differences in the diameters of the cables.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring cables of varying diameters to be used in a wire bundle. The apparatus involves a support platform having a groove formed therein which is laid out to have at least one U-shaped turnaround portion. The groove is further canted such that it opens at an angle of about 4.85° away from an interior area defined by the U-shaped arc. This allows cables of varying diameters to be placed in the groove during measuring and automatically compensates for the differences in diameter of the cables. Thus, each cable laid into the groove and measured in accordance with the length of the groove will have the same length, regardless of differences in the diameters of the cables.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the circumference of a body.

Abstract: A displacement measuring appparatus is small in size and hence capable of avoiding interference with other units and further has its measurement accuracy hardly deteriorated. There are disposed pulleys for movement with respect to the body of the appartus and there is disposed an energizing means such that the pulleys are subjected to the energizing force. A wire is passed around the pulleys. When the wire is subjected to a pulling force, the pulleys are moved against the energizing force of the energizing means.

Abstract: A travel sensor for detecting an absolute value of a travel of a mechanical component or a travel change, the travel sensor has a rotatable circular sensor element having a circumference, a detector, and a mechanical device arranged so that a longitudinal motion of the mechanical component is convertable with the mechanical device into a rotary motion of the sensor element, the mechanical device being formed as a Bowden cable which is acted upon by the longitudinal motion of the mechanical component to be detected and is retained on the circumference of the circular sensor element so as to be wound up onto and wound from the circular sensor element, the sensor element carrying a dipole permanent magnet whose field lines as a function of its rotary position intersect the detector in different directions, so that in operation an unambiguous angle signal is present at an output of the detector.

Abstract: A tool and a method for adjusting a space between a printhead in a print cartridge and a platen in an ink jet printer are disclosed. The shape of the tool mimics the shape of a print cartridge. The tool is inserted into an aperture in a carriage in place of the print cartridge whose printhead is the closest to the platen, or, if all of the printheads are equally close to the platen, then the tool may be inserted in place of any of the print cartridges. The tool includes a thin flexible member that extends toward the platen. The length of the member is such that, when the tool is properly inserted into the aperture and contacts the platen, then the printhead to platen spacing at that point on the platen would be just equal to a minimum acceptable spacing between a printhead in the same aperture and the platen.

Abstract: A rolled web in combination with a dispenser having gauge indicia, the rolled web having roll volume indicia to aid a consumer in determining the relative amount of the product remaining on the roll. The web having indicia in a diagonal pattern along its length such that the lateral position of the indicia on the web relative to the gauge indicia on the dispenser indicates the relative portion of web remaining on the roll. Also disclosed is a method of indicating the relative portion of web remaining on a rolled web product where the method includes the steps of applying indicia to the web in a diagonal pattern along the length of the web, winding the web into a roll, and inserting the roll into a dispenser having gauge indicia wherein the position of the indicia on the web relative to the gauge indicia indicates the relative portion of web remaining on the roll.

Abstract: A fishing rod and reel is provided with a line having conductive portions spaced at regular axial intervals. A conductive sensor is mounted to the rod along the line's path. A counter is connected to the conductive sensors to count the number of conductive portions that pass by the sensors and complete a circuit therewith. Based on the number of counts and the length of the interval between the conductive portions, the overall length of line that is unwound from the real, that is, passes by the sensors, is calculated and displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the relative differential length of a sample of a web or sheet material. The apparatus includes a substantially flat surface adapted to support the sample. Air is removed between the sample and the substantially flat surface to position the sample in an unrestrained state. A translation member translates a plurality of non-contact sensors in a first direction along the length of the sample, whereby the plurality of non-contact sensors sense the distance from a reference plane to the sample and generate a signal representative of the distance sensed. A data collection system collects the generated signals and determines a relative differential length of the sample from the generated signals.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for calculating the velocity, displacement and/or strain of a moving surface or web of material. ("Surface or web" is hereafter referred to simply as "web".) In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is provided having a first photosensor array disposed near the web of material and a second photosensor array disposed near the web of material, wherein the second photosensor array is spaced a distance "d" from the first photosensor array. A processing unit is coupled to both the first photosensor array and the second photosensor array and is configured to control or carry out functional operations and computations associated with the system.

Abstract: An arrangement for accommodating a scale (2) of a length measuring device in a positive-locking engagement has a profile base (1) and lateral profile legs (4, 5) which are connected with the profile base so as to project away from it. A scale (2) is arranged between the profile legs (4; 5). The profile legs (4; 5) are made of elastic material and the profile base (1) is made of a longitudinally stable, bendable material. The profile legs (4; 5) can contain elastic sealing slats.

Abstract: A chain measuring system which allows quick and simple calculation of the number of links in various types of chains such as roller chain, saw chain or link chain. The inventive device includes an elongated member, a plurality of equally spaced notches within a side of the elongated member forming a plurality of pegs, each of the pegs having an arcuate end, a plurality of link count indicia within the elongated member and adjacent each notch, and a length indicia within the elongated member. The rollers of each link of a roller chain are removably positionable within the notches. The link count indicia indicate how many links are within the chain by the user simply viewing the link count indicia adjacent the last link. Preferably, the elongated member includes an augmented portion which provides space between the pegs and another surface such as a wall.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes: a spool rotatably supported to a reel main body; rotation number detect element detecting the rotation number and rotation direction of the spool; a microcomputer measuring the length of a fishing line in accordance with the detected rotation number and displaying the measured fishing line length on a display device; and control element controlling the processing operation speed of the microcomputer according to a rotation state of the spool detected by the rotation number detect element.

Abstract: A plastic ball is disclosed, in particular a PVC air ball having a ball skin consisting of a skin base substance, in which a predetermined amount of stiffening material the hardness of which is greater than that of the skin base substance is added to the skin base substance.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the length of fiber optic cable being deployed om a winch to an underwater environment. The cable deployment measuring apparatus of the present invention comprises a constant current generator for generating a direct current, a resistor array having a plurality of series connected resistors and a plurality of trip wires with one of the trip wires being connected across each of the resistors. The trip wires which function as short circuits are also attached to the cable at predetermined locations along the length of the cable. When the fiber optic cable is being deployed, each trip wire will break when the location at which the trip wire is positioned is unwound from the winch for deployment in the underwater environment. This, in turn, will cause flow through the resistor array with a resulting voltage drop across the array.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the length of textile material wound onto a lap beam and in particular, onto a dyeing beam, having (a) a pressure roll bearing upon the beam lap and mechanically connected with a displacement detecting transducer that emits measurement impulses, (b) a beam-driven shaft encoder that emits a predetermined number of calculation impulses for each revolution of the beam, and (c) a computer that calculates the partial lengths of the laps (lt) from the measurement impulses and the calculation impulses. The displacement detecting transducer is movably or slidingly interengaged with an elongated linear member in the form of a toothed rack hinged so that a projection of one end always intersects the longitudinal axis of the lap beam.