Abstract: A device for reliably counting and simultaneously marking objects includes a tubular sleeve slidably emergent from a housing that contains an electronic counter and electromagnet. A marking tip and ink reservoir are slidably held within the sleeve and are forwardly urged by a spring. Whenever the sleeve is pressed against an object, the electromagnet drives the marking tip forwardly to mark the object and, simultaneously, electrical contacts interactive between the sleeve and housing register one count on the counter.

Abstract: An integrated circuit which includes not only a real time clock, but also an elapsed time counter, and a third counter. The elapsed time counter measures the total number of seconds during which a system has been powered up. The third counter is a "cycle counter," which measures the number of times a power cycle (power-up and power-down) has occurred. Thus, by reading the cycle counter and the elapsed time indicator, the general power history of a system can readily be determined, even if the system itself has totally failed. This integrated circuit is battery backed, and is advantageously combined with a system for which power history must be maintained.

Abstract: A brush which includes a stroke counting mechanism used to count the number of strokes made in the brushing of hair. The number of strokes is displayed on a digital read out which is mounted to the brush handle for easy reference. The brush can be used as a training aid it assists children in building counting skills.

Abstract: A system and method for testing an electronic circuit is disclosed. The system includes a circuit board test platform having multiple electronic test capabilities, and a pay-per-use module that is coupled to the circuit board test platform. The pay-per-use module is adapted for monitoring use of the multiple electronic test capabilities of the circuit board test platform, and for debiting a number of usage credits from a usage credit pool based on the use of the multiple electronic test capabilities.

Abstract: A history recording apparatus comprises an EEPROM for storing operation history data regarding a predetermined operation performed by a label printer, and an IC socket provided on a circuit board of the label printer and detachably connectable to the EEPROM. In particular, the history recording apparatus further comprises a CPU for updating the operation history data stored in the nonvolatile memory connected to the IC socket, upon detection of the predetermined operation having been performed a preset number of times which is determined on the basis of a writing tolerance limit of the EEPROM.

Abstract: A process for operating a remote-controllable central locking installation of a vehicle by means of a transmitter, which can transmit coded signals--for example acoustically by means of ultrasound, optically by means of IR and/or by means of USW high-frequency waves--to a receiver fitted in or on the vehicle. An initialization is typically carried out before the actuation for the first time of the central locking installation, or a reinitialization is carried out before the next actuation of the same, to cancel the previous code, that is the code which can be used in future, or in the case of a changing code the relevant code set which can be used in future, being fixed for the first time or once again by the receiver being driven, for example by means of a special control code, into a state in which it can be (re)initialized. The receiver indicates that the receiver is ready for (re)initialization and/or after successful (re)initialization by means of an activation of the door locks.

Abstract: Method of testing the functionality of condensate dischargers. Any ultrasonic vibrations present in the condensate discharger are picked up with an ultrasonic vibration sensor and transformed into an electric output signal. The latter is compared in an evaluation unit with stored data. A test result is then formed based on predetermined decision criteria. The test is carried out over a predetermined test duration, within which instantaneous values of the ultrasonic vibrations are picked up at predetermined times and, if need be, smoothed. The test result is based on the instantaneous values.

Abstract: A malfunction detection system for monitoring the occurrence of intermittent events during the operation of an industrial machine of the type comprising a machine controller and characterized by repetitive machine cycles and for directing the machine controller to stop the industrial machine in the absence of the occurrence of one of the intermittent events within a preselected number of machine cycles following the next preceding one of said intermittent events.

Abstract: An improved monitoring system which identifies the particular event (contact operation) and therefore the particular electromechanical relay (20, 22, and 24 which operated). This information is output from a MCU (30), along with the relative time the event occurred, to a PC and an LCD display (40). In addition, the relative occurrence time is recorded to the thousandths of a second.

Abstract: A reset mechanism of a counter for counting the number of times of image formation is mounted on an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a unit constituting at least a part of an image forming section which is detachably mounted on a predetermined portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus, a driving mechanism for driving the unit, and a counter for counting the number of times of image formation for reporting the time for replacement of the unit. The reset mechanism has a reset switch provided for on the main body for resetting the counter, and an operating member which is provided for on the unit for operating the reset switch. If a unit which has not been used is mounted on the main body, the operating member which is previously set in the operating position resets the reset switch.

Abstract: An elapsed time recording device includes a counter (130) for incrementally advancing a count value from an initial value towards and beyond a threshold in response to successive clock pulses of a clock signal. Control logic (140) enables the counter (130) to incrementally advance the count value in response to a first input (pin 3) and a second input (pin 1) being at or near a first voltage level, and holds the count value in response to the first input (pin 3) being at or near a second voltage level and the second input (pin 1) being at or near the first voltage level. Setting logic (210) sets the count value to a value beyond the threshold in response to the first input (pin 3) and the second input (pin 1) being at or near the second voltage level when the count value is between the initial value and the threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for testing an electronic circuit is disclosed. The system includes a circuit board test platform having multiple electronic test capabilities, and a pay-per-use module that is coupled to the circuit board test platform. The pay-per-use module is adapted for monitoring use of the multiple electronic test capabilities of the circuit board test platform, and for debiting a number of usage credits from a usage credit pool based on the use of the multiple electronic test capabilities.

Abstract: There is provided a method of estimating cost of printing materials used to print a job on a printing apparatus. The method includes the steps of: storing billing rates reflecting the cost of printing materials to be used in printing the job, selecting a first quantity of printing materials to be used in printing the job, and, prior to printing the job, calculating, as a function of the first selected quantity of printing materials and one of the stored billing rates, a first printing materials cost of the job.

Abstract: A maintenance monitoring system for detachable carrier vehicles of a moving transportation system includes a bar code label, or other readable medium containing vehicle identification information, on each of the carrier vehicles of the transportation system, a stationary input unit positioned for reading the vehicle identification information from each of the carrier vehicles as the carrier vehicles pass a specified point along the route of the transportation system, a decoder for converting the vehicle identification information read by the input unit to a computer data format, and a computer system for receiving the vehicle identification information, for processing the vehicle identification information to accumulate the usage of each carrier vehicle of the transportation system, for comparing the accumulated usage of each carrier vehicle to usage levels at which that carrier vehicle is to receive scheduled maintenance, and for displaying to the user selected parameters regarding the accumulated usage of a

Abstract: An engine life counter electrically connected to an engine restart switch through a power source of an engine. The counter includes a mechanical type counter having a coil; a quartz crystal oscillating at a stable frequency; a frequency demultiplier having an output terminal and a reset input terminal. The frequency demultiplier is connected to the quartz crystal to produce a standard frequency output. A stabilizing circuit is connected between the power source and the reset input terminal to stabilize and filter power from the power source. A transistor circuit is connected to an input of the coil and the output terminal of the frequency demultiplier for producing a series of pulses in cooperation with the frequency demultiplier. The pulses magnetize the coil at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A time-out detector for a computer system to record any number of time-out events with a predetermined period. The time-out detector comprises A-counter coupled to a transmission medium for incrementing in response to an initiating event and decrementing in response to a terminating event; B-counter coupled to the transmission medium for incrementing in response to an initiating event and decrementing in response to a terminating event; I-state bit coupled to the A- and B- counters for toggling between logic 0 and logic 1 states at each prescale pulse, wherein the logic 0 state causes the A-counter to increment by 1 count at each initiating event, and the logic 1 state causes the B-counter to increment by 1 count at each initiating event; T-state bit coupled to the A- and B- counters for toggling between logic 0 and logic 1 states, wherein the logic 0 state causes the A-counter to decrement by 1 at each terminating event, and if the contents of said A-counter is then equal to 0, the T-state bit is set to 1.

Abstract: A precision, high-resolution, absolute, multi-revolution encoder which allows a multi-revolution position value of a shaft to be detected with high reliability, using only a single revolution detector, and makes multi-revolution detection indirectly related to the accuracy of a rotary angle position signal. The output signal from the single multi-revolution detector is used, together with an inverted output signal, to increment and decrement corresponding up/down counters, based on the direction of rotation of the shaft. Each of the up/down counters is incremented or decremented at different points or zones of the shaft rotation so that the rotational value can be determined unambiguously. A conventional grey-code detector provides accurate angle values. The counters may exist as discrete hardware or integrated software embodiments.

Abstract: In a display control apparatus for controlling a display unit for displaying operation performance of an arithmetic processor with reference to a performance signal representative of the operation performance, a first producing circuit (28) produces a peak signal in compliance with a count signal produced by a counting circuit (22) which is for counting an operation number of operation of the arithmetic processor. A comparing circuit (31) carries out comparison between the peak and the performance signals to produce a result signal representative of a result of the comparison. A second producing circuit (29) produces the performance signal with reference to the result signal.

Abstract: In order to oversee and plan, at overall shop level, the execution of maintenance work on several installations (1), each having monitoring equipment (3) which monitors the intervals at which maintenance should be carried out on the installations, it is proposed that the outputs (A.sub.3) from the monitoring equipment (3) be fed to a processing unit (27) which produces maintenance status reports (53) for the whole shop. Registers, which store certain maintenance intervals, are reset only upon recognition of maintenance personnel at the site of the installation by manual input and recognition of the condition at the processing unit by a remote input.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for counting objects placed in a bin. The apparatus includes a shroud which covers the bin and which contains a hole through which the objects can be passed into the bin. A flexible paddle secured to the shroud extends into the hole so as to cover the hole when in a first position. The paddle can be flexed when an object is pressed against the paddle so as to move the paddle into a second position that permits passage of the object past the paddle into the bin. A counter is connected to the paddle to count paddle movement from the first position to the second position as each object is passed into the bin.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus (e.g., copying apparatus) equipped with a counter for counting the number of specific cycles. Allowance or prevention of an operation cycle is controlled in accordance with voltage changes at a predetermined position of the controlling circuitry supplying a driving voltage to the counter. A specific operation of the electrical apparatus is enabled by connection of counter.

Abstract: Signal errors generated in a channel of a wall thickness inspecting machine are detected and counted to determine whether the channel should be turned off.

Abstract: An electronic counting device for counting the charge cycles accumulated on a battery. The counting device is mounted on a battery intercell connector and senses the reversal in current through the battery which corresponds to a charge cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus wherein a primary automotive odometer includes a drive gear with a secondary odometer including a secondary gear with the secondary gear fixedly mounted to a solenoid ram wherein the solenoid ram is coupled to a solenoid. The solenoid is selectively actuated upon coupling of a seat belt arrangement to actuate the solenoid and effect engagement of the secondary gear relative to the gear of the primary odometer for indication of seat belt usage in relationship to automative usage in terms of miles traveled.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating a copier-duplicator which initially produces a master and thereafter produces copies from the master. The copier-duplicator is enabled upon receipt of a valid access code to begin producing the master and copies thereof. Counts of the number of masters and copies are accumulated. The copy count is compared against a minimum amount and each time a new master is made and if the number of copies produced is less than said minimum, a violation count is stored together with its associated access code. If the copier-duplicator is in a lock-out mode, access is denied to the access code having a violation. If in a flag mode, access to the machine is permitted even if a violation code is present. However, there is a capability of displaying all of those access codes having a violation associated therewith. It is further possible to prevent access to the copier-duplicator in the event that the number of copies or masters exceeds a maximum permissible amount.

Abstract: A device for counting the number of very small projections on a surface of an object, which includes a casing therein housing a probe to be scanned in contact with the surface of the object having continuously occurring very small projections, a tip end portion of the probe being projected out of a forward end of the casing; a detecting unit including an acceleration sensor; a comparator for converting electric signals emitted from the detecting unit into pulse signals; a latching device provided with a delay circuit for latching the pulse signals received and maintaining its emitted signals for a certain length of time; and a display device for counting and displaying the output signals from the latching device.

Abstract: An autoclave or other equipment has a counter provided by an EEPROM for counting the number of times the autoclave has been used. The EEPROM has a first set of ten registers which contain the unit value of the count together with a fault code associated with the last use of the autoclave. Two further registers contain the hundreds and tens, and the ten thousands and thousands value of the count. The tens value in one of the further registers is used to determine in which of the registers of the first set the units value is stored, so that each of the registers in the first set is only written into ten times for every hundred counts, thereby extending the life of the EEPROM. Another register in the EEPROM contains information about the nature of the autoclave.

Abstract: An electronic equipment using a battery as an energizing power source includes a display unit, a signal generator for generating operation clocks while the electronic equipment is being actuated, a counter for measuring the number of the clocks, a calculator for calculating an operating time of the battery based upon the result of the counting operation by the counter, an estimating unit for estimating a consumption state of the battery based upon the result of the calculation by the calculator, and an informing unit for making the display unit display beforehand the expiration of the lifetime of the battery based upon the result of the estimation by the estimating unit.

Abstract: A polling device (10) includes a housing (12), pushbuttons (14, 16) mounted on the housing for receiving customer responses to an inquiry, circuitry for counting and storing the number of times each pushbutton (14, 16) is depressed, and a time delay circuit for disabling the counting circuitry for a predetermined period of time after one of the pushbuttons has been depressed for discouraging repetitive voting. A display unit (46) for reading and displaying the number of times each pushbutton (14, 16) has been depressed is also provided.

Abstract: An actuation counter is disclosed for counting the number of operation cycles of a valve or other electrically actuated device. The counter provides a real-time output display of the count for analysis by an operator. A battery operated counting circuit is configured in a housing and is responsive to the detection of load or actuation current on a conductor to increment a stored count. The actuation current which corresponds to the operation cycles of the monitored device is detected by a current probe. A preferred embodiment the counting circuit includes a delay circuit which operates to prevent an increment in the count due to spurious signals such as those induced by contact bounce. Access ports associated with the counting circuit are provided so that an operator can determined the presence or absence of magnetic fields by the use of a voltmeter. The counting circuit also preferably includes a threshold setting circuit and reset switch.

Abstract: A portable apparatus suitable for use by a waitress for carrying money and making change which includes a signaling device for emitting a signal each time the apparatus is opened. The apparatus also includes a counter which counts and records the number of times the apparatus is opened.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter has two non-volatile memory devices, each of a different technology, CMOS battery-backed RAM and E.sup.2 PROM. The E.sup.2 PROM technology allows a limited number of rewrites. In order to provide real-time accounting in such a non-volatile memory over the life of the meter, a trip data counter is stored in a circular data store in addition to a separate account of other postage accounting data, including printwheel setting information. The trip data counter is used for calculations of postage meter register data. The separate account is updated at predetermined intervals using the trip counter data if necessary for data recovery.

Abstract: A counter/marker apparatus which comprises a head assembly including a counter mechanism, a first elongated sleeve fixed to the head assembly, and a second elongated sleeve dimensioned and configured for sliding axial concentric movement within the first sleeve. The second elongated sleeve has an elongated slot therein extending in a generally axial direction. The apparatus also includes a momentary switch and apparatus for mounting the momentary switch to cause actuation of the momentary switch upon relative axial movement of the first and second elongated sleeves. Apparatus is provided for coupling the momentary swtich to the counter and for coupling the second sleeve to an associated pen. A set screw extending through the first sleeve to the elongated slot in the second sleeve to limit travel of the second sleeve relative to the first sleeve.

Abstract: Equipment using consumables that require replacement after a predetermined number of uses includes counter arrangements for keeping track of the number of uses of each consumable. Even though some of the consumables may replace the same item, the usage count is maintained for each individual consumable. For the consumables, automatic identification of replaced items is provided whereby the counter arrangement is enabled to accumulate usage counts on the correct consumables.

Abstract: When an IC card is attached to a terminal unit, a counter counts pulses of an external clock signal and a switching circuit outputs the external clock signal to an internal circuit in place of an internal clock signal if a NAND gate determines that the count of pulses of the external clock signal by the counter is a predetermined value. When the IC card is ejected from the terminal unit, pulses of the internal clock signal are counted by a counter and when the count attains a predetermined value, the counter is cleared and the switching circuit outputs the internal clock signal to the internal circuit in place of the external clock signal in response to the output of the NAND gate. Thus, it can be correctly determined whether the IC card is operated in the form of a single body or in the form attached to any terminal unit.

Abstract: An electric switch device comprises a contact spring a movable contact element; a movable contact element-supporting member having a protrusion thereof for supporting the movable contact element through the contact spring; a fixed contact element disposed in opposed relation to the movable contact element, the movable and fixed contact elements being moved toward and away from each other to effect closing and opening operations; and a casing for containing the movable and fixed contact elements therein, the casing being provided with a hole through which the protrusion of the movable contact element-supporting member is projected outwardly according the movement of the movable contact element-supporting member. The electric switch also includes a counter mounted on the casing for counting the frequency of projection of the protrusion of the movable contact element-supporting member through the hole.

Abstract: An electronic equipment has a central processing unit (CPU), a first memory accessable by the CPU, a first setting circuit for holding a signal representative of a rated access time of the first memory and a removable auxiliary memory which includes a second memory accessable by the CPU and a second setting circuit for holding a signal representative of a rated access time of the second memory.

Abstract: A Time Demand Counter permits a sensor to be mechanically coupled, by quick connect/disconnect means, to the power feed line of a monitored device with little disruption of the power feed circuitry. The sensor is nonloading in that essentially no energy is drawn from the monitored device's feed line to power the Time Demand Counter. Unlike current transformers previously used, the sensor does not have to be varied to complement the current drawn by the monitored device. A long useful battery life is assured for internally powered embodiments of the invention. Also, since the invention accumulates the record of ON/OFF cycles, as well as the total accumulated demand time, the average time the monitored device is used each time demand is placed on it can be readily determined.

Abstract: A tool holder for monitoring the service time of a tool holded on the tool holder is disclosed. A sensor and electric circuit are provided for determining whether or not the machining operation with the tool is executed. Counters are provided for counting time cumulatively during the time when the machining operation is executed, and store the cumulative time as the service time of the tool. The service time is output to a numerical control apparatus via an output device.

Abstract: A ballpoint pen of conventional size and shape has a movable ball point that is pressed upwardly in the direction of the housing of the pen when a mark is made. Means is provided for normally biasing the ballpoint outwardly of the housing. However, when the ballpoint is pressed against a writing surface, the refill cartridge having the ball at the lower end thereof is moved upwardly to close a normally open switch which connects a solar cell array in circuit with an electronic counter that counts each time the switch is closed. Controlled by the counter is a liquid crystal display that visually indicates the total number of counts. A gravity switch is contained in the housing and is actuated to reset or clear the counter in preparation for counting a succeeding group of marks when the pen is inverted.

Abstract: In a pocket size portable sound recorder, a special pushbutton swith is provided, and pulses are generated according to the number of operations of the pushbutton switch and are applied to a counter as upcount inputs. Also provided is a timer in which a pulse is generated whenever a specified time elapses after depression of the push button switch, and the pulse output is applied to the counter as a downcount input. Since the counter output is applied to the operation control circuit of the recorder, after the pushbutton switch is depressed, the recorder action will be carried out for a predetermined time period until the count value of the counter becomes zero. Also when the counter counts down to a predetermined value a flickering light is generated to indicate that the predetermined time is about to expire. If the special pushbutton is continuously depressed the counter is automatically reset to zero.

Abstract: In a counter apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, which counts and manages the number of image forming operations, data which is ultimately written is retrieved from data stored in an EEPROM, and the retrieved data is set in a RAM counter as an initial value. The RAM counter performs a count-up operation for each printing operation for production of new data. The new data is written in the EEPROM for each production, so that a count value when a power source is turned off is held therein. In the EEPROM, a plurality of unit areas are continuously provided and are used as data write areas. The new data is sequentially written for each unit area. Thus, the number of write operations for the unit areas is decreased, so that the EEPROM which has a limited number of times of write access can constitute the counter apparatus together with the RAM counter.

Abstract: A magnetic induction counting device includes: an inductive source having a permanent magnetic member disposed therein and a structure adapted to be worn on a worker's hand during material handling and counting operations; at least two sensing members made of Hall element for detecting the magnetic field of the inductive source and producing a voltage signal; a plurality of amplifiers respectively connected to the sensing members for receiving and amplifying the voltage signal of the sensing members; a sequential processor coupled with the amplifiers for outputting a pulse signal according to a sequential and unilateral condition of the voltage signal received from the amplifiers; and a counter functionally connected to the sequential processor for performing counting and displaying operations according to the pulse signal; thereby, during material handling and counting operations, automatic counting of the materials can be conveniently carried out in accordance with the movement of the worker's hand wearing

Abstract: A ballpoint pen of conventional size and shape has a movable ball point that is pressed upwardly in the direction of the housing of the pen when a mark is made. Means is provided for normally biasing the ballpoint outwardly of the housing. However, when the ballpoint is pressed against a writing surface, the refill cartridge having the ball at the lower end thereof is moved upwardly to close a normally open switch which connects a solar cell array in circuit with an electronic counter that counts each time the switch is closed. Controlled by the counter is a liquid crystal display that visually indicates the total number of counts. A second switch is actuated by gravity to reset or clear the counter in preparation for counting a succeeding group of marks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encouraging driver's seat belt usage includes a system for detecting and recording each time a seat belt is used. Depending on the level of seat belt usage the driver earns discounts on car insurance premiums.

Abstract: Counter circuit apparatus which sequentially re-allocates lower-order counting operation in order to extend counter life. The counter is comprised of a plurality of lower order counters and at least one higher order counter. A count selection circuit is coupled to the plurality of counters which controls the counting thereof in response to applied event input signals. A map control circuit is coupled between the higher order counter and the count selection circuit which controls the count selection circuit in response to signals derived from the higher order counter. The map control circuit sequentially enables a predetermined one of the lower order counters to count individual ones of the applied event input signals. A count unscrambling circuit is coupled to the plurality of lower order counters and the map control circuit which produces an ordered count output signal that is indicative of the number of event input signals counted by the counter.

Abstract: A preset counter apparatus is provided for copying machines having a plurality of key inputs for increasing or decreasing the number of copies to be made. The timer is used to measure a predetermined increment of time for changing the numerical value upon the continuation of a key input. The rate of change of the number of copies to be reproduced can be progressively increased, at least across a predetermined number of increments of values, by the continued activation key member.

Abstract: A system for monitoring energy use by each of a plurality of tenants or other users of energy provided by a common heating/cooling plant and for allocating the energy expense for a building among such users on a pro-rata basis.

Abstract: A checking system is provided to check the condition of a plurality of storage racks, e.g., the quantity and types of articles in racks in a machine, with the articles being stored along the length of the racks. Rack indicating means is provided in the form of indicia adjacent each of the plurality of racks to identify a plurality of different types or brands of articles. Each of these rack indicating means is subdivided along the length of the respective rack into individual indicating means or indicia, and, as an example, may correspond to the numerical sequence of the respective adjacent article stored in the rack. Interrogation means is cooperable with the indicating means, and this may be a bar code reader to cooperate with bar code indicia to determine data from the rack and individual indicating means. As an example, this may be identifying the particular rack and the sequential number of the articles in the particular track at that instant.

Abstract: A circuit for monitoring digital electrical signals which counts events, compares the event count to a threshold value, generates an equal value signal when the threshold is attained and indicates the time elapsed between an initial value and the generation of the equal value signal. The event counter is automatically cleared or reset upon a user enabled automatic clear logic enabling signal. The circuit is preferably configured as a chip employing GaAs Schottky diode field effect transistor logic (SDFL) gates.