Abstract: A linear rotary encoder includes a pair of rotational surfaces. A contact belt has a first end coupled to a first rotational surface in the pair and a second end coupled to a second rotational surface in the pair. The contact belt is driven to rotate around the pair of rotational surfaces by a driving force applied to media to move the media from the first end toward the second end. An encoding scale is coupled to an inner surface of the contact belt. A reader is positioned to read the encoding scale as the contact belt rotates around the pair of rotational surfaces. The reader generates an output signal indicating a position of the media based on reading of the encoding scale.

Abstract: A device for sensing the relative rotary position of first and second parts about a rotation axis, the device comprising a follower constrained to move on a first track fast with the first part and on a second track fast with the second part, the first track being linear and the second track comprising a plurality of circular arcs and at least one transition section connecting one of the circular arcs to another, the tracks being arranged so as to convert relative rotation of the parts into linear motion of the follower, wherein the second track is generally spiral, each circular arc is of constant radius about the rotation axis and the first track is perpendicular to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A measurement system for measuring a dimension of an object includes a rotary encoder and a rotatable wheel connected to the rotary encoder. A first transfer roller is separated from the rotary encoder by a first predetermined distance. A connector having an inner surface opposed to an outer surface engages with the rotatable wheel so that the connector moves in sync with the rotatable wheel. The connector engages between the first transfer roller and the object so that the connector moves in sync with the object.

Abstract: A tape checking apparatus has a driving roller (42) interposed in a running path (L) of an endless tape (T) and a thickness-measuring device (44) disposed near the driving roller (42). The thickness-measuring device (44) measures the thickness of the endless tape (T) that is pinched between the driving roller (42) and a pinch roller (45).

Abstract: A linear measurement device for a stator core inspection system includes a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to a frame. Each of the wheels has a contact surface and a hub portion. The linear measurement device further includes an encoder gear rotatably mounted to the frame. The linear measurement device further includes a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of rotation of the encoder gear. The linear measurement device further includes a belt configured to engage the hub portion of each wheel and the encoder gear, and rotation of one wheel causing synchronous rotation of the encoder gear and the other wheels.

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 linear measurement device for a stator core inspection system includes a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to a frame. Each of the wheels has a contact surface and a hub portion. The linear measurement device further includes an encoder gear rotatably mounted to the frame. The linear measurement device further includes a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of rotation of the encoder gear. The linear measurement device further includes a belt configured to engage the hub portion of each wheel and the encoder gear, and rotation of one wheel causing synchronous rotation of the encoder gear and the other wheels.

Abstract: An electronic hand holdable measuring device for measuring dimension of an article by rolling the device across surface of the article includes a housing 10 and a roller sub-assembly 11. When the roller is worn it can be readily replaced together with an associated raster disc 23 forming part of the sub-assembly. An optical reader is permanently mounted inside the housing.

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: Apparatus (10) comprising rotatable feed belts (16,18) driven by a reversible electric servo-motor (20) which is operated by a pre-programmed electronic controller (30) feeds accurately measured lengths of a wire strand (12), regardless of wire slippage which may occur relative to the feed belts. Controller (30) receives feedback signals from an encoder (22) indicative of the distance and direction wire (12) actually moves, compares the feedback signal with stored data and recognizes the amount and direction of any wire slippage. Wire movement less (or more) than the desired length results in forward (or reverse) operation of servo-motor (20) and feed belts (16,18) to move the wire forward (or in reverse) until the desired length is reached. Encoder (22) is operated by a measuring wheel (24) which engages and is rotated by wire strand (12) itself during forward or reverse movement. Either "run-out" of wire strand (12) or too large a "following error" shuts down the apparatus.

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).

Abstract: A distance measuring device includes first and second wheels having an endless belt looped about the wheels so the belt rotates as a ground engaging wheel. A hand contacting member is attached to the belt so as to provide positive sensory input to the device user when measuring distances.