Abstract: A variable sized coiled tubing counter is described herein. The variable sized coiled tubing counter includes a plurality of rollers. At least one roller is a floating roller which is allowed to travel and may be connected to a tension assembly. The variable sized tubing counter typically includes a counter which is rotationally connected to a floating counting roller using a somewhat flexible axle. As coiled tubing passes through the tubing counter, the length of tubing is determined based on the number of rotations of the counting roller. The use of floating, tensioned rollers allows the disclosed tubing counter to be utilized with multiple diameters of coiled tubing without significant adjustment to the tubing counter or changing components of the tubing counter.

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: An apparatus and method for monitoring the condition at or near the surface of objects is disclosed. The apparatus is a vehicle which includes a housing which is supported and translated across the object surface by three wheels. The front or first wheel is associated with an encoder and sensor which magnetically determines the physical condition of the object. The apparatus includes a starter block which includes a series of metallic wires embedded at certain depths and locations within the starter block. The vehicle passes over the starter block prior to passing over the object in order that the vehicle be recalibrated by the starter block prior to observing the physical condition of the object.

Abstract: A linear measuring apparatus for measuring elongated materials such as cables is disclosed. The apparatus includes a measuring station which includes two endless belts which run over two pulleys and between which the material to be measured is drawn. The measuring station is provided with sensors to which a counter unit is connected for indication of material lengths, and the endless belts (5a, 5b) extend horizontally, side-by-side, and resiliently abut the material to be measured.

Abstract: A mechanism for accurately measuring the length of a continuously produced product, i.e. cable, hose, chord, tube, rope, strip, wire, fiber and etc. The mechanism has a housing for retaining first and second shafts. A first rotatable member attached to the first shaft has a first circumferential face with a pliable surface thereon. A second rotatable member attached to the second shaft has a second circumferential face with a pliable surface thereon. The first and second rotatable members are moved toward each other to define a common chord between the first and second circumferential faces. The pliable surface of the circumferential faces surrounds the product as the product moves along the entire chord. An encoder responsive to rotation of the second shaft generates discrete signals which are communicated to a counter to indicate the distance moved by the product along the chord. The counter has a visual readout to inform an operator of the length of product that has passed through the mechanism.

Abstract: A guided working device (1) is driven by an operable traction motor (2) for movement along a travel rail (3). The working device carries a driver (4) provided with articulated heads for a measuring carriage (5), which measuring carriage always travels the same distance as the working device (1). The measuring carriage travels on a control rail (11) and includes a measuring device (6). A plurality of sliding conductors (17) are also receivable by the control rail (11). The measuring carriage carries a preferably toothed measuring wheel about at least a circumferential portion of which a preferably toothed measuring belt is wrapped. The measuring wheel (7) is pressed, by guided wheels (8) in front of and behind the measuring wheel, against a toothed belt supporting surface which is associated with the control rail (11).