Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the length of a traction mechanism that is part of a traction drive of an engine. In one example, a method includes determining a position of a movable tensioning device relative to a traction mechanism drive using measuring technology, determining an actual length LAS? of a traction mechanism computationally using the position of the tensioning device, determining a length change ?L with respect to a predefinable setpoint length LAS computationally using the computationally determined actual length LAS?, and adjusting one or more operating parameters based on the length change.

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 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 promotional apparatus includes a housing having first and second openings and an elongated slot formed therein. A first measuring tape is disposed within the housing, and is retractably extendable from the housing via the first opening. A second measuring tape is disposed within the housing. A first end of the second measuring tape is fixed to the housing and an opposite second end of the measuring tape is movable within the housing such that a portion of the second measuring tape between the first and second ends thereof extends from the housing via the second opening and forms a loop that is retractably expandable and that is configured to measure a circumference of an object. A goniometer is pivotably secured to the housing and is movable between a stored position and a plurality of operative positions that allow measurement of angles of movement of patient limbs, joints, etc.

Abstract: A chain hoist having a casing into which and with respect to which a chain travels is provided with an externally mounted position encoder assembly. A releasable connector, such as a ratchet strap, is employed to firmly but removably couple the position encoder assembly housing externally on the chain hoist casing. The releasable connector holds the position encoder assembly housing in a fixed position relative to the chain hoist casing. The position encoder assembly has a chain gear that is rotatably mounted relative to the position encoder assembly housing proximate to the chain access opening in the chain hoist casing. The precision encoder assembly chain gear engages the portion of the chain that is maintained under tension at a location externally of the chain hoist casing and rotates as the chain travels relative to the chain hoist casing.