Abstract: A hydraulic component includes a camera integrated such that the camera observes at least one surface that is prone to wear and/or at least one edge that is prone to wear to make a statement about wear relating to the at least one surface and/or the at least one edge.

Abstract: A toilet paper holster charging station. The toilet paper holster charging station includes a housing having a top portion with opposing arms extending from a bottom thereof. A support shaft spans between the opposing arms and is rotatably attached thereto. The support shaft is removably affixed to the opposing arms and can hold a roll of toilet paper thereon. An electrical outlet is disposed in an arm of the housing and includes standard sockets as well as Universal Serial Bus (USB) outlets for plugging in and charging devices. The electrical outlet is configured to be connected to the electrical grid of a house through wired connection running through the walls. A shelving portion is included on the top surface of the housing to allow a user to rest an electrical device thereon while charging.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a sheet conveyance unit which includes a sheet conveyance path and conveys a sheet; a sheet detector which detects the sheet in the sheet conveyance path; a job acquiring unit which acquires a print job related to the sheet; an image forming unit which forms an image on the sheet; and a processor which controls the sheet conveyance unit to perform one of first sheet conveyance and second sheet conveyance, the first sheet conveyance being performed to convey the sheet in accordance with sheet information, the second sheet conveyance being performed to convey the sheet and discharge the sheet to outside in accordance with a result of detection, wherein when sheet conveyance is resumed after suspension, the processor controls the sheet conveyance unit to perform the second sheet conveyance on a remaining sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a display portion; an error sensor that detects an operating error; a recovery sensor that detects the recovery from an operating error; and a display processor that makes the display portion display a notice of an operating error when the error sensor detects the operating error and that makes the display portion display an operation guide for preventing the reoccurrence of the same operating error when the recovery sensor detects the recovery from the operating error.

Abstract: A round sling system comprises a bearing structure, a cover, and at least one organizer secured to the cover. The bearing structure is arranged to define a plurality of loop portions and to define at least one bearing structure end portion. The cover defines a cover chamber. The at least one organizer is configured to engage the bearing structure such that the at least one organizer maintains a position of the bearing structure relative to the cover and the at least one organizer maintains a spatial relationship of the loop portions at least within the at least one bearing structure end portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section that electrophotographically forms an image on a sheet; and a sheet feeding path including a first sheet feeding path that conveys a sheet to the image forming section, and a second sheet feeding path provided continuously with the first sheet feeding path. Unjamming is allowed to be performed by separating the apparatus at a boundary between the first sheet feeding path and the second sheet feeding path, and by pulling out the first sheet feeding path. The apparatus further includes: a jam detection section that detects an occurrence of a jam in the sheet feeding path; and a jam clearing section that determines a procedure for unjamming in accordance with a state of a sheet on the sheet feeding path when a jam occurs, and the jam clearing section makes a request to perform unjamming according to a determined procedure.

Abstract: An improved orthotic has a strap that secures the orthotic to a wearer, and comprises a tension indicator coupled to the strap. The tension indicator includes a first element disposed to produce a tactile signal when a tension in the strap reaches a threshold that is less than a permanent deformation threshold.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an RFID tag issuing apparatus includes a communication instructing unit, a search unit, and a misalignment amount detecting unit. The communication instructing unit instructs a reader-writer unit to communicate with the RFID tag at a reference position that is reached when the label is carried by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction after the specific position on the label is detected by a label position detecting unit. The search unit repeats a carrying of the label and a communication instruction to the reader-writer unit when communication cannot be established with the RFID tag, and thus searches for a communication-available range with the RFID tag. The misalignment amount detecting unit detects an amount of carrying of the label to reach the communication-available range from the reference position, as a misalignment amount of the RFID tag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the amount of media on an elevator that supports a media stack in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include sensing one or more identification mark on a segmented positional reference scale, determining the elevator's position based on the sensed one or more identification mark, and determining an amount of media on the elevator based on the determined elevator position.

Abstract: A thickness measuring device of a laminating machine includes a mount, a stepper motor, a screw rod, a first contact-activated element, a second contact-activated element, and a microcontroller unit. The stepper motor is coupled to the mount. The screw rod is interlocked with the stepper motor. The first contact-activated element is provided at a position corresponding to and some distance below the screw rod. The second contact-activated element is provided at a position corresponding to and some distance above the screw rod. The microcontroller unit is electrically connected to the stepper motor, the first contact-activated element, and the second contact-activated element so as to provide initialization setting and exercise judgment and control after receiving a thickness measurement. Thus, the thickness of an object to be detected can be conveniently measured.

Abstract: A paper thickness detecting apparatus includes a first sensor and a second sensor in which the electrostatic capacitance changes when a piece of paper such as a bank note or a piece of copying paper is inserted, and a thickness detecting unit for detecting the thickness of the piece of paper from the signals obtained from the respective first sensor and the second sensor, in order to provide a paper thickness detecting apparatus that can reliably detect a foreign object adhered to the paper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a difference in width of a strip of material from a desired width of material. The apparatus may comprise a light source, a light detector, an alarm, a first fiber optic cable coupled with the light source, a second fiber optic cable coupled with the light detector, and a housing. The housing may comprise a material slot for passing the strip of material therethrough such that edges of the strip of material may at least partially intersect a plurality of light fields directed from the first fiber optic cable to the second fiber optic cable. The amount of light detected by the light detector is dependant on the amount of light blocked by the strip of material. If the amount of light received is outside of a range of tolerance from the desired width of material, the alarm may be actuated.

Abstract: In a method for automatically identifying a conveyor belt in a printer as being one of a plurality of belt types, the conveyor belt is moved along a circulatory path. A start and an end of a longitudinal marking on the moving conveyor belt are detected. A distance of travel of the moving conveyor belt between the detecting of the start and the end is sensed to provide a sensed marking length. The sensed marking length is allocated to a nearest of a plurality of nominal marking lengths. Each nominal marking length is associated with a respective one of said belt types. The belt type is associated with or defined by a set of one or more printer control parameters.

Abstract: A penetration screen is disclosed which comprises a substantially planar substrate with, at least, one electrical circuit disposed thereon. The electrical circuit is configured such that, at least, one section of the circuit is electrically isolatable from the remainder of the circuit without causing a fault condition in said remainder of the circuit.

Abstract: A rotational phase difference detecting system, a method that is capable of very accurately detecting a rotational phase difference between a plurality of rotating bodies, a machine operating-state monitoring system, and a method employing the rotational phase difference detecting system. The detecting system has a first rotating body with a first mark, a second rotating body with a second mark, a mark sensor for detecting the first mark, a first camera for imaging the second mark when the mark sensor detects the first mark, and a display section for displaying the second mark imaged by the first camera. The rotational phase difference is detected from a position of an image of the second mark displayed on the display section and is thus detected very accurately with a simple construction comprising the mark sensor, the first camera, and the display section.

Abstract: An alarm system for a casting mold is provided, which includes an alarm electrically connected to the casting mold; and at least one sensing unit electrically connected to the alarm, and spaced apart by a predetermined gap from a cast to be drawn from the casting mold. During a drawing process, if the cast is formed with failure in appearance such as deformation, burr edges or uneven thickness, the cast drawn out of the casting mold would come into contact with the sensing unit and thereby induce the alarm to generate an alarm signal to notify an operator who may immediately solve any operational problems.

Abstract: A fish farming net having conductive wires integrated into the filaments of the net. The conductive wires are arranged in circuits, each of said circuits defining a field connected to an electronic apparatus that monitors a certain electrical parameter of the field. The wires of each circuit are arranged in a pattern whereby the wires are close enough together that a hole large enough for fish to escape will necessarily break one of the wires. In the event the circuit is broken, the monitoring apparatus detects a change in the electrical parameter being monitored and signals an appropriate alarm.

Abstract: An operation sensor for a wrap material dispensing system of a round baler. The operation sensor includes a rotatable member with which the wrap material is engaged, and which rotates along with the wrap material as the wrap material is fed to a wrap material feeding arrangement for introduction into the round baler. Rotation of the rotatable member is detected by a sensing arrangement, which is interconnected with a visual display for providing a user with a visual indication as to the rate of advancement of the wrap material.

Abstract: A thickness sensor for layered sheet material entering a lamination machine includes an arm movable upon interaction with the layered sheet material. A variable resistance output dependent upon the position of the arm controls the speed of rotation of heated rollers in the lamination machine so that the layered sheet material will be drawn through the machine with variable speed to better infuse thermal adhesive into the material should such material be detected.

Abstract: A portable panel position detector for determining the orientation of panels being serially moved on a transfer line into a downstream panel treatment facility comprising a pair of support towers laterally spaced to allow the passage of line supported panels therethrough. The spaced support towers operatively mount elongated and vertically extending sensor strips in opposing spaced relationship that defines clearance-determining gating between the towers. In the event a panel moving through the restricted gate is not properly orientated on the transfer line, at least one sensor strip or a portion thereof will be deflected by physical contact with the panel moving therethrough. The displaced strip effects the triggering of an alarm that advises a transfer line attendant that the panel is improperly loaded. The panel can be appropriately repositioned on the transfer line so that it can successfully pass through the treatment facility without damage.

Abstract: A motion detector comprising a rotator member having at least one radially positioned member and being mounted for rotation from at least a first position to at least a second position; a detector member, preferably a Hall Effect sensor; and a magnet producing a magnetic field; wherein, the radially positioned member is characterized by altering the magnetic flux of the magnetic field when it moves into and out of proximity to the magnet; and wherein the detector member detects the alteration of the magnetic flux. The motion detector is preferably used to detect the speed, type, position, presence, and absence of a printer ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotational phase difference detecting system and method that is capable of very accurately detecting a rotational phase difference between a plurality of rotating bodies. There is also disclosed a machine operating-state monitoring system and method employing the rotational phase difference detecting system. The detecting system has a first rotating body (13) with a first mark (12), a second rotating body (11) with a second mark (10), a mark sensor (4) for detecting the first mark, a first camera (2) for imaging the second mark when the mark sensor detects the first mark, and a display section (7) for displaying the second mark imaged by the first camera. The rotational phase difference is detected from a position of an image of the second mark displayed on the display section and is thus detected very accurately with a simple construction comprising the mark sensor, the first camera, and the display section.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a tape automated bonding process, which is used to attach a plurality of flexible substrates constructed in the form of a tape to an edge of a rigid substrate, the monitoring apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing the variation of an optical signal and being moved along the edge of the rigid substrate so as to monitor the quantity of the flexible substrates according to the number of the variation of the optical signal.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting data on individual and aggregate use of various washroom products. The system includes one or more product dispensers having a sensor associated therewith for determining product usage. The sensor communicates usage information to local transmitter which responsively generates a data signal. The data signal is transmitted, such as by wireless techniques, to a central data collection unit. The central data collection unit receives and stores the data signal for later analysis. In exemplary embodiments, usage from a plurality of dispensers can be monitored by a single data collection unit.

Abstract: The present invention is useful in a nip-forming apparatus including a first roll and a second roll, wherein one of the rolls is displaceable toward the other to control the position of the first roll relative to the second roll, and wherein one of rolls is driven and the other is rotatable. The invention defines a setup procedure that includes rotating the driven roll and sensing a rotational speed of the rotatable roll. While the driven roll is rotating, the displaceable roll is displaced to a home displacement position relative to the other roll, wherein the home displacement position corresponds to a displaced position of the displaceable roll where the rotatable roll rotates at a select speed in response to contact with the driven roll. This home displacement position is then recorded. The invention is particularly well-suited for setup of a sheet decurler in an image forming apparatus. Change in the home displacement position over time due to roll wear is monitored and used to predict roll failure.

Abstract: Monitoring unit with one light beam for monitoring the postion of and/or forming material webs or blanks. Monitoring units of this type usually consist of a transmitter, for example, a LED and a receiver, for example, a photocell. The operation of the machine entails the light emitting and receiving units being covered by dust and other contamination. In order to avoid this, a flow of gas or air is directed onto the translucent housing surrounding the same. The air is supplied via an air line in which an electrical cable to supply power to the monitoring unit is also accomodated.

Abstract: A monitor for collecting data on consumer consumption of disposable sheet products is disclosed. The monitor comprises a working surface capable of supporting a stack of sheets thereon, a weight sensor, and a recorder. The stack of sheets comprises a plurality of sheets individually removable from the stack. The stack has a stack weight, and each sheet has a sheet weight. The weight sensor is in operative communication with the working surface for measuring the stack weight as the sheets are removed from the stack. The recorder is in communication with the weight sensor for receiving and recording the stack weight. Optionally, the monitor further comprises a consumer input device for receiving data generated by a consumer regarding usage and acceptability of the product being tested. The results of the stack weight measurements and the data generated by a user may be uploaded to a computer to create a data file.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting data on individual and aggregate use of toilet tissue or other types of rolled absorbent paper in a public washroom includes a sensing system for sensing one or more characteristics of paper use at a particular dispensing location, and a recording system for receiving and recording data from said sensing system, whereby paper use at the dispensing location can be monitored and studied. The system further analyzes the data to determine such things as the total amount of paper used, the duration of time over which paper is used, the number of discrete pulls on the paper taken by a user and the amount of paper taken by a user per discrete pull.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting data on individual and aggregate use of toilet tissue or other types of rolled absorbent paper in a public washroom includes a sensing system for sensing one or more characteristics of paper use at a particular dispensing location, and a recording system for receiving and recording data from the sensing system, whereby paper use at the dispensing location can be monitored and studied. The system further analyzes the data to determine such things as the total amount of paper used, the duration of time over which paper is used, the number of discrete pulls on the paper taken by a user and the amount of paper taken by a user per discrete pull.

Abstract: The difference between the temperature of a heat exchange medium leaving the evaporator unit of a chiller and the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator unit is monitored relative to a real time alarm limit for this temperature difference. The real time alarm limit is computed from time to time by a microprocessor. The value of the computed alarm limit will vary with the cooling load being experienced by the chiller's evaporator unit.

Abstract: A photofinishing apparatus for reading and/or writing magnetic information on a web of photographic film. The web comprises a plurality of individual strips of film secured together end to end. The apparatus includes a film track for receiving the web, a pair of drive rollers for moving the film web through the film track, a magnetic reader and/or writer for reading and/or writing magnetic data on the web, and a detection device for detecting metal objects in the web. The detection device is located at a point in the film track prior to the magnetic reader and/or writer. A monitoring device monitors the change in voltage across two space points on the film track for determining when a metal object is in the web and for producing a signal which is used to stop the film web.

Abstract: A method for removing a splice at a location on a tubular food casing product applies a tape to the food casing proximate the position of the splice, which tape has metallic properties. At least one of the metallic properties is detected when the tape reaches a particular location during movement of the casing. The splice is removed in response to the detection of the tape. Apparatus for removing a splice from a tubular food casing product employs a detector for detecting the tape when the tape reaches a particular location during movement of the casing; and employs a casing cutting apparatus for removing the splice which is activated in response to detection of the tape.

Abstract: Page sensor apparatus for producing a signal related to a thickness of a sheet of paper may comprise a base plate and a foot plate positioned in opposed relation. The base and foot plates are arranged to allow the paper to pass therebetween, so that the base and foot plates become separated by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the sheet of paper. Capacitance sensing apparatus connected to the base plate and the foot plate senses changes in the electrical capacitance of the base and foot plates and generates an output signal related thereto, the output signal being related to the plate separation, thus paper thickness.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing machine of the type in which a leading edge and a trailing edge of a moving sheet are detected. The improvement includes an elongated light source that is of a length greater than that of an irregularity on the moving sheet. The elongated light source extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the moving sheet. A plurality of sensors are arranged in an array and are movably mounted on a support which is extended in a direction substantially parallel to the elongated light source. The elongated light source is movably mounted to another support, so as to position the light source relative to the array of sensors. A lens, interposed between the light source and the sensor array focuses light rays emitted from the light source on to the sensors. The sensors are in a receiving relationship with the light source. The elongated light source and the array of sensors define a passageway through which the moving sheet passes.

Abstract: A motion indicating device used especially to monitor the movement of sheets of paper, which are moved via conveyor paths. A scanning device has a rotatably mounted scanning member, which lies on the scannable surfaces of the moving sheet of paper and is set into rotation by same, and which is provided with signal elements, which generate motion signals in a stationary electronic signal transmitter by their rotary movements. The scanning member is a ball (8) with uneven weight distribution or a hollow ball (81, 82). The ball is guided freely rotatably in a guide cage (7) and has at least one signal element. A signal transmitter is arranged on a side located diametrically opposite the contact point (19) of the ball (8) and is directed in this plane of rotation toward the ball (8).

Abstract: A plurality of probes 3 or 10 are arranged in a conveying path of a web 1 or 9 comprising a slit sheet or a nonwoven fabric for contact with the web 1 or 9. The probes 3 or 10 are rotatably supported and arranged so that if a defect portion exists in the web 1 or 9, the probes 3 or 10 rotate to the defect portion of the web and protrude under the web, and when the probes 3 or 10 protrude under the web, a detecting means 6b outputs a defect detection signal.

Abstract: A sheet break detector apparatus is disclosed for detecting a break in a sheet disposed contiguously between an upstream and a downstream felt of a paper machine dryer section. The detector apparatus includes an infrared light emitter disposed adjacent to the sheet disposed between the felts for emitting a beam of infrared light towards the sheet moving contiguously between the felts. An infrared light receiver is disposed on an opposite side of the felts relative to the emitter for receiving the beam in the absence of the sheet, the beam being blocked by the presence of the sheet while the felts permit the passage therethrough of the beam. A transmitter is connected to the receiver for transmitting a signal from the receiver in the absence of the sheet. An alarm is connected to the transmitter such that in the event of sheet break, the beam of light is received by the receiver and the signal is transmitted to the alarm so that an alarm signal is generated, indicating that a sheet break has occurred.

Abstract: A method of measuring and expressing the unwound amount or residual amount of a web roll, such as carbon film roll or printing paper roll in terms of a unit length of the web roll includes the steps of: starting a count of pulses to be produced by a rotation displacement detecting sensor for each predetermined angle of rotational displacement when the residual amount of the web roll is considered to have been reduced to a predetermined value; and emitting a warning signal when the count reaches a predetermined count number (initially set on the basis of the average value of the amounts of unwinding rotation of the web roll per unit length) during the time when the web roll is unwound and fed by a unit length from the count start time.

Abstract: A rotatable capacitance sensor preferably constructed of a generally cylindrical body mounted on bearings to a carriage assembly. The body has a number of parallel, spaced apart conductive plates having edges extending through the exterior body surface, and alternate ones of the plates are connected via a bearing to a conductor in one part of the carriage assembly, and the remaining ones of the plates are connected via a bearing to a second conductor in another part of the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out the checking of the state of wear of a covering fabric in a driving belt (2) mounted on a plurality of pulleys (3, 4, 5) by measuring the electric resistance variations of the belt fabric. The apparatus provides that at least two of the pulleys (3, 4, 5) should be electrically insulated with respect to each other and connected to an electric circuit (20) designed to apply an electric voltage to said pulleys in order to carry out the measuring of the electric resistance of the fabric exhibited by belt stretches (A, B) comprised between the pulleys themselves. The electric resistance thus found lends itself to be compared with predetermined resistance values corresponding to different states of wear of the belt (2) fabric. The work surface of the belt (2) is coated with an electrically conductive fabric (12) acting by contact on the pulleys (3, 4, 5) and having characteristics of tensile strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (2) for assessing the stiffness of a sheet (4), such as a currency note, by measuring the extent and rate of movement of the trailing edge of the sheet (4) away from a feed path for the sheet. Such movement is part of a straightening movement of the sheet (4) upon disengagement of the trailing edge from constraining means (34) when a leading portion of the sheet (4) is in a bent condition.

Abstract: A printing or copying apparatus of a type provided with a recording medium, operable device for forming an image on the recording medium, device for operating a first signal required for the timing operation of the operable device, keys for instructing to start or stop the execution of image formation, first control device controlling the operable device in accordance with the first signal, and which comprises a memory for storing a program for operation control of the operable device for image formation, and second control device for controlling the first control device in accordance with the key instructing device for controlling the execution of image formation and for controlling at least one of the operable devices, and which comprises a memory for storing a program for operation control of the first control device.

Abstract: A sensing facility that is integrated into a station from which strip material is fed to a wrap station, and/or into the roll and shaft from which the strip is effectively uncoiled, is designed to monitor an electrical impedance generated by the roll and shaft and/or linked to their overall radial dimensions. An output signal is triggered when the monitored level of impedance matches a selected reference value.

Abstract: To check the thickness of a magnetic tape in relation to preset tolerance limits in the course of the winding of the tape onto a hub of a tape cassette, the tape thickness is determined by means of a microprocessor from the number of revolutions of the hub during the winding of the tape and the wound tape length.

Abstract: A magnetic defect detector having a pair of rotatable cylinders made of nonmagnetic material which pinch a running steel strip therebetween, two pairs of bearings being engaged with the end parts of the pair of cylinders. A pair of stationary shafts are respectively housed in the cylinders, the end parts of which are engaged with the bearings. A yoke is housed in one of the cylinders, the free ends of which are placed near to the pinched strip, and a magnetizing coil surrounds the yoke. At least one sensor is housed in the other of the cylinders, and it is placed near to the pinched strip.

Abstract: A system for automatically detecting the presence of staples within a set of original document sheets loaded into a document handling tray and automatically inhibiting the operation of the document feeder to prevent damage to the document feeder or the original sheets in response to detecting a staple, particularly a staple in a preselected area of the document tray in which it is most likely that a staple would be present as documents are normally loaded into the document tray by the operator, including preventing inadvertent actuation or output of the staple detector by metal objects other than a staple, such as an operator's ring temporarily present in the document tray during initial loading the documents, preferably by coordinated confirmation of the completion of document loading into the document tray.

Abstract: A sheet movement detection system for apparatus having a sheet feed path includes a first capacitor sensor including a first pair of parallel plate members located in opposing relation on opposite sides of the feed path plane at an upstream position and second capacitor sensor including a second pair of parallel plate members, which are correspondingly sized and spaced to said first plate members, in opposing relation on opposite sides of the feed path plane at a downstream position. The sensors are coupled in a detection circuit which applies potentials across the pairs of plate members so that output signals of the first and second sensing means are subtracted from one another. A position circuit detects the output of the detection circuit during movement of a sheet lead edge through the second sensor and provides a sheet lead-edge position signals indicating the position or velocity of the sheet lead edge.

Abstract: A web break detector which utilizes sonic signals to detect the occurrence of a break in a moving web in web handling machinery. A separate sonic transmitter and receiver transducer are utilized to provide improved speed of detection, and enhanced reliability. The dual transducer detector can also be placed closer to the web to enhance reliability and efficiency. Multiplexing is utilized to permit multiple detectors to be operated with reduced complexity and minimal mutual interference. The transmitting transducer is triggered to emit a sonic burst for a predetermined time period and at a predetermined rate. The receiving transducer is activated for a predetermined time duration beginning a predetermined delay period after the sonic burst is triggered and generates a detection signal in response to receiving the reflected burst. The absence of the detection signal causes generation of a control signal to stop the web handling machinery.

Abstract: An improved sheet-position detection system for apparatus having a sheet feed path and a use location(s). The position detection system includes a first capacitive sensor including a first pair of parallel plate members located in opposing relation on opposite sides of the feed path plane and centered on a desired lead sheet edge position. A second capacitive sensor includes a second pair of parallel plate members that are located in opposing relation on opposite sides of the feed plane and are centered on a desired trail sheet edge position. A bridge circuit applies potentials across the pairs of plate members in a circuit configuration such that output signals of the first and second sensors are subtracted, and when the combined outputs of the first and second sensors is zero, a feed sheet is indicated to be centered between the sensor means.

Abstract: A diagnostic system analyzes conditions of critical points in a production line. The diagnostic system generates an operator message based on the conditions it analyzes. A sensor senses the conditions of the critical points in the production line and generates critical point signals representative of the conditions of the critical points. An isolator receives the critical point signals and generates logic signals representative of the critical point signals. The isolator isolates the logic signals from the critical point signals. A controller receives the logic signals and generates an operator message based on the logic signals.