Abstract: A digital measurement system for use with a tool, such as a miter saw. The digital measurement system includes a detecting device and a digital display coupled with the tool to measure the length of a workpiece. Each time an aperture passes through the detecting device the detecting device sends an electronic signal to the digital display to calculate and display the length traveled by the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the probable existence, location, and type of defects in a workpiece is described. The apparatus includes a sensor subsystem, an optimizer, a control subsystem, and a computer system having a processor and computer readable memory. Sensor subsystem senses a first section of the workpiece and produces signals corresponding to a physical characteristic of the workpiece. The computer system is configured to generate a workpiece model based on the signals produced by the sensor subsystem. In an alternate embodiment, a defect assembler can be provided to merge signals from a plurality of sensor subsystems. The defect assembler can also be configured to generate the workpiece data model. The optimizer is configured to generate workpiece segmentation recommendations based on the workpiece data model.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a measuring wheel for wireline operations includes the step of machining a metal wheel to achieve a first outer radius. The metal wheel is positioned within a ceramic ring having an inner radius that exceeds the first outer radius by an amount in the range of 0.005 to 0.010 inches, defining a gap between the ceramic ring and the metal wheel. The gap is substantially filled with a suitable epoxy, and the epoxy is cured to adjoin the ceramic ring to the metal wheel. The perimeter of the ceramic ring is machined to achieve a second outer radius and a desirable surface finish and pattern.

Abstract: A measuring roller system for a tree processing machine having a measuring roller and roller mounting means for mounting the roller on the frame of the machine for swinging movement toward or away from the frame. The roller is rotatably mounted on the roller mounting means for rotation caused by axial movement of a tree past the roller while in contact with the roller and while being processed by the machine. A sensor is positioned to measure the amount of rotation of the roller to provide a measure of length of tree fed axially past the roller. The roller system has sensor moving means to rotate the sensor in unison with the roller when the roller is rotated by transaxial movement of the tree during axial movement.

Abstract: A process for accelerating a measuring wheel of a length measurement system for sawed lumber conveyed longitudinally is provided by accelerating the measuring wheel prior to engagement with the sawed lumber to avoid slippage. The rotation of a hold-down or centering roller is used for accelerating the measuring wheel through a follower roller permanently engaged with the hold-down or centering roller. The measuring wheel is pressed by an elastic pressure element both against the follower roller and into the conveyor path of the sawed lumber. As the sawed lumber is conveyed longitudinally, it comes into contact with the measuring wheel forcing it out of the conveyor path and onto the surface of the sawed lumber while simultaneously disengaging the measuring wheel from the follower roller.

Abstract: An improved wire feeding and measuring apparatus having a pair of cooperating feed belts to feed a wire in an axial direction. A drive wheel is located downstream of the feed belts and rotates in contact with the wire at a slightly faster speed than the feed belts, while a measuring wheel, operably connected to an encoder, is also engaged with the wire and is located opposite the drive wheel. The measuring wheel is biased toward the drive wheel by a spring exerting a light force. Guides are associated with each wheel and each guide includes a wire supporting surface and a slot located adjacent the supporting surface. The periphery of each wheel projects a slight distance through the slot in the respective guide and engages the wire. The guides maintain the wire in a tangential relation to the periphery of the wheels and prevent wrap around of the wire on the wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the drive mechanism of the warp beam of a warp knitting machine is disclosed. A pressure roll is carried by a support arm biased toward the warp beam so that the pressure roll engages the warp beam. The pressure roll is operatively connected to a signal generator which emits signals representative of the speed and thus, the amount of yarn withdrawn from the warp beam. A controller receives the generated signals compares the signals to a predetermined knitting machine operating standard. A control signal is generated to the warp beam drive mechanism for controlling the speed of yarn delivery from the warp beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and controlling the amount of yarn withdrawn from the warp beam of a warp knitting machine is disclosed. A pressure roll engages the yarn wound on the warp beam. The pressure roll drives a second drive roll connected to a signal generator for generating signals representative of the speed of yarn withdrawn from the warp beam. The signals preferably are evenly spaced yarn length pulses representing a measure of the length of yarn withdrawn from the warp beam. The pulses are transmitted to a controller circuit which compares the generated pulses with a predetermined knitting machine operating standard and generates a control signal to the warp beam drive mechanism for controlling rotation of the warp beam.