Abstract: A monitoring system for automatically logging the accumulated operational hours of a plurality of instruments is disclosed herein. The monitoring system has the capability of monitoring a large number of instruments that may be remotely located. The monitoring system of the present invention is devised to continually monitor the on/off state of each instrument and hence measure the amount of time that each instrument is in an operational mode.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming image information corresponding to an image of original document on recording sheets includes a sheet size sensor device for detecting the size of the recording sheets, a counter device for counting the number of pages of the recording sheets on which image information has been recorded, a memory device for storing data of printing charge per sheet according to the size of the recording sheets, calculating device for calculating printing charges based on data of the number of pages of the printed sheets counted by the counter device and data of the printing charge per sheet corresponding to the size of the recording sheets detected by the sheet size sensor means, and a display means for display the calculation results calculated by said calculating device.

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: 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: 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: An apparatus for recording driving data which comprises a data gathering device, which further comprises a sensory measuring device, a control unit, an A/D converter, a plurality of parallel ring storage devices and a semiconductor storage device. Analog measurement signals, which are continuously detected by the sensory measuring device, for recording a vehicle movement, are continuously sensed by the control unit with two different frequencies after being digitized into digital measurement signals in the A/D converter. The digital signals are stored in the plurality of parallel ring storage devices with clock frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a time that a system's main power was inactive includes a counter circuit (171) for accumulating transitions of a clock signal (149) while the system's main power (117) is inactive. Preferably, another circuit (159, 125) determines a periodicity of the clock signal (149) after the system's main power (117) transitions active. Then a computational circuit, preferably a microcontroller (129), determines the time (183) that the system's main power (117) was inactive dependent on a number of transitions of the clock signal (149) accumulated by the counter circuit (171) when the system's main power (119) was inactive and the determined periodicity of the clock signal (149) after the system's main power (117) transitions active. Preferably, this apparatus and method are used in a vehicle to determine how long a time that an engine is turned off and to modify an engine control strategy dependent on that determined time.

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: A read-only sequence controller has a main circuit and a sub-circuit operated by a command signal from the main circuit at a predetermined cycle time. The cycle time of the main circuit is longer than the sub-circuit in order to control the sub-circuit. A sensor is provided on an outlet of a machine for detecting a discharge of a work at every cycle end and producing a discharge signal which is fed to the sub-circuit. In normal operation, the sub-circuit is re-started in response to the discharge signal and the command signal from the main circuit. When abnormality occurs, the sensor does not produce the discharge signal. In response to absence of the discharge signal and to the command signal, a stop control circuit produces stop signals to stop the main circuit and the sub-circuit.

Abstract: An actual operating time indicator includes: a lifting motor for lifting a load up/down; a power detection unit for detecting an input power based on a current and a voltage supplied to the motor, and converting the input power into a first voltage proportional to the input power; a voltage-to-periodic pulse conversion unit connected to the power detection unit for receiving the first voltage and converting the first voltage into the periodic pulse proportional to the first voltage; a counter unit connected to the voltage-to-periodic pulse conversion unit for counting and integrating the periodic pulse to obtain an integrated power; and a display operatively connected to the counter unit for indicating the integrated power as an actual operating time of the motor.

Abstract: A method of determining the fullness of a compactor having a reciprocating ram and a container includes the steps of setting a target for the number of reciprocations of the ram required to fill the container to a preselected partial fullness. Each reciprocation of the ram is monitored and the total number is summed. The total number of reciprocations is compared to the target number, and the percentage fullness is calculated from those numbers. The percentage fullness is then displayed locally.

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: A computer system, typically a postage member system, has a processor, a memory, an address decoder, and a window circuit. The window circuit selectively couples the write strobe output of the processor with the write strobe input of the memory in response to the processor's setting and clearing of a latched signal. A counter resets the processor if the latched signal is set and not cleared within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Programmable additive controllers control flow of fluid additives from a fluid supply line. A flowmeter is connected to the solenoid control valve for measuring flow of fluid. A controller opens and closes the control valve. The control valve is positioned downstream from the flowmeter, leaving the meter full upon shut off. A settable input controls cyclic operation of the controller. The controller further incorporates an input for required quantities of additive to be added on each cycle. A comparator in the controller compares a required quantity with signal output indicating flow through the flowmeter. The difference, if any, between actual flow and target flow is continuously sent, and the target flow is continuously adjusted up or down when necessary to compensate for the previous difference. The comparator connects to a closing control for closing the control valve and preventing further flow of additive when the cumulative flowmeter output signal approaches the requirement.

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: A circuit that may be implemented in a computer system that will measure the maximum and minimum time intervals for system elements to respond to a request for data or information. The circuit includes control logic that controls operation of the circuit, an up-counter and a down-counter that are used together for measuring the maximum or minimum response time interval, and a display for displaying the maximum or minimum response time interval that is measured during a test period.

Abstract: The electronic counter for counting a periodic clock signal generated at a preset clock frequency (f.sub.o) includes a clock circuit generating the periodic clock signal at the preset clock frequency (f.sub.o); an adjustable frequency divider (4) having an output (8), a first input (5) and a second input (7), the first input of the frequency divider (4) being connected to the clock circuit (6) so as to receive the periodic clock signal and the second input (7) of the frequency divider being connected to receive a cycle speed signal (n), the frequency divider (4) containing means to produce a pulsed output signal at a divider output frequency (c.sub.o); a tracking circuit (T) connected to the output (8) of the frequency divider (4) to receive the pulsed output signal at the divider output frequency (c.sub.

Abstract: A timing interpolator providing high resolution timing measurement of when an event occurs. The interpolator of the present invention includes three embodiments. The interpolator of the first embodiment includes a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) phase-locked loop, an N-bit counter, and an N-bit latch. The interpolator of the second embodiment includes a delay line phase-lock loop and an X-bit latch. The delay line phase-lock loop includes an X-bit delay cell chain and a phase detector. The interpolator of the third embodiment of the present invention represents a combination of the interpolators of the first and second embodiments. The interpolator of the third embodiment includes a VCO phase-locked loop, a delay line phase-lock loop and X-bit latches.

Abstract: An anti-fraud device for digital measuring instrument includes a sensing encoder integrated circuit combinably packed with a sensor, and a measuring decoder integrated circuit combinably packed with a measuring meter for receiving signal as sensed from the sensor through a transmission line. When an external-signal generator is fraudulently installed on the transmission line for increasing output signals into the meter for cheating a meter fare, an external signal from the external-signal generator will be first checked by the measuring decoder integrated circuit provided before the measuring meter to be different from a prestored data in the measuring. Then the measuring decoder will not output a valid pulse to be counted in the measuring meter, without increasing an unwanted meter fare or fees for preventing a fraud matter.

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 pressure spring for urging a document (10) against a reading head (22) in a document processing machine, comprises a resilient band (46) on band support arms (50) with different portions of the discontinuous resilient band (46) being selected to lie between the support arms (50). Manually operable means (80), (70) can be provided. In one embodiment, a motor (84) under the action of a controller (106), automatically advances the discontinuous band (46) whenever a service date or a pre-determined document count has been exceeded. Should the discontinuous resilient band (46) reach an extremity of travel, the controller (106) provides that the motor (84) returns the discontinuous resilient band (46) back to its start position.

Abstract: An apparatus for predicting the lifetime of cables for movable portions of an industrial robot, the apparatus comprising: measuring devices connected to the cables for the movable portions of the industrial robot for measuring mechanical movement of the cables for said movable portions; and a CPU for making accummulating results obtained by the measuring devices and predetermined reference values to determine that the cables for said movable portions have exceeded their lifetime if the accumulated exceeds a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A measurement mechanism which can be implemented in any complex system for measuring the service times required for carrying out specified operations is described for a system having a plurality of components working in pre-emptive mode so that an operation once started by a component can be suspended to perform other operations which are requested by the same or other components if these operations have higher priority levels. The measurement mechanism includes a current status register 16 in which the system causes a status value to be stored representative of the current operation being performed by the system. It also includes a reference status register 18 in which a reference value representative of the operation to be measured is stored. These values are compared through a compare logic circuit under control of a filtering value stored in another register. When a match is detected by the compare circuit, the content of a counter is incremented.

Abstract: A coin counting apparatus for a vending machine includes a down counter which is loaded with an initial count representing the number of coins to be deposited in order to initiate a vend cycle which initial count is decremented in response to each sequential coin detection. A display responsive to the current count of the counter indicates the number of coins yet to be deposited and a gate detecting the target count of zero is coupled to actuate relay contacts to signal the vending machine to initiate a vend cycle. An initialization circuit causes the loading of the initial count in response to either the detection of power up or the expiration of a predetermined time period, in the range of 1 to 10 minutes, after the last coin detection.

Abstract: A system for managing the number of image forming operations of an image forming apparatus is provided, wherein when the accumulated number of copies for a user exceeds a predetermined copying number to be allowed for the user, the copying operation is forced to continue up to the number of copies specified by the user at that time. However, when this condition is detected, an instruction for inhibiting the next copying operation by that user is delivered to a main unit of the image forming apparatus. The excess number of copies over the predetermined number is designated as the initial setting number in an accumulator for calculating an accumulated number of copies after resetting by a renewal arrangement.

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 semiconductor integrated circuit constructed on a single chip. Either one of a signal inputted to a clock signal input terminal and a signal obtained by dividing the frequency of the clock signal inputted to the clock signal input terminal is selected by a selecting circuit responsive to a selection signal supplied from the exterior of the chip to be supplied to a control circuit. Consequently, the frequency dividing circuit can be bypassed in response to the selecting circuit. Accordingly, it is possible to easily provide operation at a high frequency exceeding the maximum operating frequency of component devices forming the semiconductor integrated circuit. This can be done by connecting an external circuit having the same function as that of the circuit bypassed and capable of higher-speed operation.

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 technique of storing and displaying machine fault information including the number of actual machine faults and the number of machine almost faults in a reproduction machine having a plurality of components and an operator console with a display screen including the steps of entering a fault history display mode at the operator console to display machine fault histories, the fault histories including the number of actual faults and the number of almost faults of selected components, computing the rate of failure of selected components based on the number of actual failures and the number of almost failures relative to the number of opportunities to fail of said components, and displaying the computed rate of failure for the selected components on the display screen.

Abstract: A hubodometer (10) for attachment to a vehicle's wheel structure for sensing a rotation of the wheel structure and for converting the sensed rotation to a distance travelled. The hubodometer comprises an outer housing (12) having a permanent magnet (28) affixed thereto for generating a magnetic field and a coupler (14) for coupling the housing to the wheel structure such that the outer housing rotates therewith. The hubodometer further comprises an anti-rotation mechanism (16) rotatably coupled within the outer housing, the mechanism having a plurality of components (18,20,22,24,30) coupled thereto, the components being stabilized against rotation thereby. The components include an electronic controller (20) and a plurality of magnetic field sensors (30). The plurality of sensors are disposed relative to the housing such that as the magnet rotates thereabout all of the plurality of magnetic field sensors do not simultaneously sense the magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for storing run data of a vehicle in a data memory of an electronic tachograph and displaying the run data with a predetermined resolution. The method includes the steps of sensing the movement of the vehicle, providing digital distance and velocity data from signals of the sensing step proportional to the travel distance of the vehicle and the instantaneous velocity, respectively, and reading the digital data into successive cells of the data memory of the tachograph in predetermined regular periods corresponding to a first sampling rate defining the resolution. The digital data are read into successive cells of an accident memory which has a substantially smaller storage capacity than the data memory at a rate substantially higher than the first sampling rate corresponding to regular intervals of distance traveled. Thereafter, the maximum and minimum values of the velocity and the value of the distance during each of the predetermined regular periods are determined.

Abstract: An engine operating time measuring apparatus is provided for use with an engine having an internal magneto-type electrical generator providing an ignition voltage. The engine operating time measuring apparatus includes power supply circuitry coupled to the electrical generator of the monitored engine for supplying operating power to the apparatus in response to generated ignition voltage. Timing circuitry is responsive to the operating power supplying circuitry for generating a clock signal. A counter is responsive to the clock signal for counting the generated clock signal to identify the engine operating time.

Abstract: The limited write non-volatile memory is characterized in that it is constituted by a limited memory space (1)in an EEPROM which is organized as a first zone (5) for recording the more significant bits of successive data sets at fixed addresses, and a second zone (6) for recording at least the remaining less significant bits of said data sets at addresses which change around a closed loop of addresses, said less significant bits being recorded with at least one redundancy bit which is common both to the more significant bits recorded in the first zone and the less significant bits recorded in the second, said memory being under the control of a programmed circuit for processing and addressing control. Said memory space constitutes the meter memory (CA, CD, CT) of a franking machine.

Abstract: Electronic control circuitry for transmitting electrical communication between electrically controlled equipment employing timing or display means at a first location, and at a second and remote location for the continuous exchange of electrical power and control signals betwen equipment at each of the locations and where two single wire connectors provide the sole electrical communication between the said locations.

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: A monitoring system for a fork lift truck or other load handling vehicle comprises a plurality of transducers each assigned to detect a particular condition of vehicle usage; means for deriving from the transducers a plurality of binary signals each representative of the condition detected by a respective one of said transducers; and binary processing means including means for selectively gating the binary signals thereby to produce a plurality of sets of data each corresponding to a mode of vehicle usage represented by a respective combination of said signals. The sets of data are accumulated thereby to derive a count representative of the duration of each said mode of vehicle usage. The data read-out may be transmitted to a remove receive over an optical link.

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 vending machine, coin-operated self-service machine, utility meter etc., is provided with a counting mechanism which is inexpensive and simple in construction and easy to operate. The device comprises a binary counting device capable of storing cumulative counts of transaction information. The binary counts are converted in a parallel to serial converter and ultimately pulsed in a series of long and short pulses to an LED. The vending machine, self-service machine, etc., is provided with a bar code serial number, and a bar code reader reads and stores both the serial number and the transaction information delivered through the LED. Software is provided to permit the storage of transaction count information based upon the serial number of a particular machine.

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 method and apparatus for the determination of automobile and truck tire revolutions wherein said apparatus adhered to the tire detects each revolution by the flexing of that section of the tire.

Abstract: A reader device, preferably implemented in solid-state form, is provided as a separate element for connecting to a so-called cumulative operations measurement system. Such a system is, for example, concerned with the measurement of elapsed time, especially in determining how long a particular piece of apparatus may have been functioning; or, on the other hand, measuring events such as the number of times a particular piece of apparatus has been turned on without regard to the elapsed time. The reader device is preferably provided with its own source of power, or it can rely on the power source contained within the operations measurement system.

Abstract: An interactive real-time, distributed control system for textile weaving machines including real time, interactive bi-directional communications centrally manages the whole range of activities of a weaving room. Microcontrollers at each weaving machine control most of the routine weaving functions and operations, but communicate in real time with a central computer which provides large-scale data storage and analysis. Easy, consistent automatic machine set-ups result from electronically downloading cloth style and dobby control data from the central computer to the weaving machine microcontrollers. Because communications between the microcontrollers and the central computer as well as much of the analysis performed by the central computer occur interactively on a real time basis, correction and optimization of the weaving process at individual machines is possible, resulting in higher productivity and quality.

Abstract: A sensing arrangement for sensing the level of a bulk material, such as the paving material fed by a paving machine, comprises an ultrasonic transducer spaced from the paving material for controlling the feed of material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile incident logger for monitoring an on-board, automotive, computer and signal levels developed by analog and digital sensors, the logger employing a coverage monitor, which records which memory locations are accessed by the computer; a cycle tag counting unit, which counts bus cycles of the computer; a discriminator, which detects the occurrence of incidents the logger is to record; a trace memory unit, which stores bus states of the computer; a trace memory unit, which stores memory variables of the computer; a discriminator, which detects the occurrence of some of the incidents the logger is to record; and a trace memory unit, which stores the sensor signals.

Abstract: A read-only sequence control system comprises a control unit having counters for determining the cycle time of the system and timing for the performance of various operations an EPROM and a plurality of relays responsive to data outputs of the EPROM for controlling a machine. The system has a first sensor for detecting the entrance of a work part into the machine and a second sensor for detecting discharge of the entered work part. When the second sensor does not detect the work at an end of working cycle, the control unit operates to stop the machine.

Abstract: In X-ray generators comprising a converter for generating the high-voltage for an X-ray tube, substantial dose fluctuations are liable to occur from one exposure to another of series involving a fixed exposure time due to supply voltage fluctuations or fluctuations in the object absorption. These dose fluctuations are more pronounced as the exposure time is shorter and as the converter frequency is lower. These fluctuations are reduced by terminating a series of exposures each time after the same number of converter alternations when the deviation between the actual value and the reference value of the dose or the dose rate is smaller than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A knitting counter for counting stitches or rows of stitches comprising: a counter casing having a flat bottom surface to be placed in substantially horizontal flat support surface and formed with a reception opening as well as with a window opening; an operating member having a touch portion projecting out through the reception opening as movably guided thereby and a pusher portion extending within the casing; a digital display device disposed at the window opening; and an electrical control circuit arranged within the casing and connected to the display device for controlling thereof; wherein the control circuit incorporates a self-openable count input switch which, when closed each time, functions to change a numerical indication of the display device one by one, the pusher portion is in permanent engagement with the count input switch, and the counter casing has such a shape as to be prevented from toppling down upon a normal push on the touch portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for counting the exact number of electrical circuit components carried by a length of component dispensing tape is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the invention uses optical detectors to detect the transmission of light through tape index holes and component carrier compartment holes and variously to increment or inhibit operation of a counter accordingly. In one form of the invention, the circuitry is adapted to detect automatically whether the tape is optically transmissive or opaque and to modify the counting scheme accordingly.

Abstract: A variable force push button is used as an input device for a control system. Specifically, a bi-directional storage device produces a command that is applied to an element to be controlled. A signal is generated having a characteristic representative of the force applied to the push button. A representation of the characteristic is integrated by the storage device. In addition to changing the characteristic by varying the force applied to the push button, the user can change the direction of the integration, thereby increasing and decreasing the value of the command. The push button comprises a pressure sensitive element sandwiched between electrically conductive contacts one of which is actuated by the user. The pressure sensitive element is constructed of conductive particles in an elastomeric matrix. Preferably, electrically conductive micro-agglomerates of unbound finely divided electro-conductive carbon particles having a maximum dimension of between about 0.