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: Ultrasonic fuel gauging apparatus for a fuel tank having a plurality of ultrasonic fuel level sensors for sensing fuel levels at respective predetermined locations in a tank based on echo ranging; a memory means for storing sensor data; and a state device for interrogating each of the sensors by controlling the application of transmit pulses to each of the sensors and for receiving output signals corresponding to return echoes, the state device operating in response to a sequential state counter.

Abstract: A circuit for calculating a DC value for use in a code conversion apparatus of a recording and reproducing system includes a first storing element, second storing element, parallel to serial convertor, selecting circuit and a DC value calculating circuit.

Abstract: A tape recorder comprises a reproducer for reproducing an information signal recorded on a tape-shaped recording medium, a transporter for transporting the tape-shaped recording medium, a dial and a controller for setting a transport speed of the tape-shaped recording medium at one of a plurality of speeds according to a rotation phase angle of the dial, the controller being arranged to be operable while the reproducer is in operation and establishing a plurality of predetermined specific speeds within the plurality of speeds having a relatively greater phase angle of rotation of the dial than the phase angle rotation of the dial for the plurality of speeds not at the predetermined specific speeds.

Abstract: A tuning circuit (10) and method of operation for tuning an analog filter (40). The tuning circuit (10) has an integrator with an input portion (12) and a comparator portion (14), a counter (32), and a decoder (34). The integrator is implemented with an RC time constant which is proportional to an RC time constant of the analog filter (40). The comparator portion (14) provides an enable signal during the RC time constant of the integrator to the counter (16) which quantizes the RC time constant relative to a clock period of the counter (16). A predetermined decoding is performed to provide an output control signal to control adjustment of the RC time constant of the analog filter (40).

Abstract: An input to the control unit of a microprocessor places the microprocessor in a WAIT condition whenever the input clock frequency is determined to be less than a predetermined minimum value. A timing circuit which includes a relatively high capacitance device generates a "kill" signal whenever the time interval between successive clock pulses is greater than a value corresponding to a cut-off frequency. The kill signal is applied to the control unit of the microprocessor and cannot be reset except with a system reset.

Abstract: For one of memory divisions that is selected at a time as a selected division N(m) in a memory for use in putting a sound processing device in operation of generating a three-dimensional image of an acoustic field, a difference signal is produced to represent a clock count minus a delay count n(m) specific to the selected division and to have more and less significant bits. For use as an address signal supplied to the memory, a part of the more significant bits is changed to a like part of a memory space address specific to the selected division. As usual, the less significant bits are used to indicate read aR(i(m)) and write W(i(m)) pointers which are spaced in the selected division by the delay count. The part may be specified to be wide and narrow when the selected division is narrow and wide. Alternatively, the part may have a predetermined bit width.

Abstract: An input to the control unit of a microprocessor places the microprocessor in a WAIT condition whenever the input clock frequency is determined to be greater than a predetermined maximum value. An RC circuit in combination with a Schmitt trigger generates a "kill signal" whenever the time interval between successive clock pulses is less than a value corresponding to a cut-off frequency. To assure that the microprocessor is not placed in a WAIT state by an occasional "glitch" on the clock input, the kill signal applied to the microprocessor control unit is provided from a four-bit counter. If the Schmitt trigger generates a kill signal on eight consecutive clock cycles, the counter output changes state and sequencing of microcode by the control unit is suspended.

Abstract: An artificial neural network, which has a plurality of neurons each receiving a plurality of inputs whose effect is determined by adjust able weights at synapses individually connecting the inputs to the neuron to provide a sum signal to a sigmoidal function generator determining the output of the neuron, undergoes memory modification by a steepest-descent method in which individual variations in the outputs of the neurons are successively generated by small perturbations imposed on the sum signals. As each variation is generated on the output of a neuron, an overall error of all the neuron outputs in relation to their desired values is measured and compared to this error prior to the perturbation. The difference in these errors, with adjustments which may be changed as the neuron outputs converge toward their desired values, is used to modify each weight of the neuron presently subjected to the perturbation.

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: A digitally-operating electrical appliance or equipment which is adapted to automatically handle power-supply or line frequencies of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. A full wave of the power-supply frequency is utilized for the generating of a waveform having a pulse referenced thereto. A pulse sequence which is generated independently of the power-supply frequency and is of an essentially higher frequency than the former is counted into a counter, and the content of the counter is thereafter discriminated at a threshold value of about 55 Hz.

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: Semiconductor components electrically connected in parallel are divided into a plurality of groups, with the control terminals of the semiconductor components constituting each group being connected in common to form a control terminal of the group, wherein the control terminals of the groups are mutually independent. A load current is limited by allowing specified ones of said semiconductor components to become conductive. Control of the load current is made possible without accompanying wasteful power dissipation.

Abstract: A device for counting events, such as deposit of coins, providing a control signal after an easily preset number of events has been counted. A binary counter has a parallel output register, with a simple switch and diode connected between each output terminal of the register and a common signal conductor. Individual switches are set to the binary number corresponding to the desired count, so that the voltage on the common conductor changes when the count equals or exceeds the binary preset number. When the circuit receives on electrical signal to be counted, a delay circuit prevents counting for some minimum interval of time, to prevent false counts due to switch bounce or other disturbances which may be related to the event. Energy is stored within the device to maintain the stored count for a short period of time in the event of power interruption between receipt of a first signal to be counted and provision of a control signal when the preset number of counts has been reached.

Abstract: A neuron network which achieves learning by means of a modified Boltzmann algorithm. The network may comprise interconnected input, hidden and output layers of neurons, the neurons being "on-off" or threshold electronic devices which are symmetrically connected by means of adjustable-weight synapse pairs. The synapses comprise the source-drain circuits of a plurality of paralleled FETs which differ in resistance or conductance in a binary sequence. The synapses are controlled by the output of an Up-Down counter, the reading of which is controlled by the results of a correlation of the states of the two neurons connected by the synapse pairs following the application of a set of plus and minus training signals to selected neurons of said network. A noise generator comprising a thermal noise source is provided for each neuron for the purpose of simulated annealing of the network.

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: 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: A counter circuit for counting pulses inputted thereto asynchronously during a fixed period includes a counter 12' for counting the input pulses, a register 13 for storing pulses outputted by the counter 12' at fixed periods, and a control circuit 11' for generating a signal that controls the operating state of the counter 12' and register 13. When a signal that decides the operating period of the counter 12' is not being generated, namely between pulses indicative of the operating period, the counter 12' performs an ordinary counting operation. If an input pulse for counting is applied to the counter 12' during a period of time in which the abovementioned pulse is being generated, the control circuit 11' causes the counting operation to continue without clearing the counted value in the counter 12', after which the counted value in counter 12' is outputted to the register 13 to be latched therein, thereby preventing miscounting in the register 13.

Abstract: An iterative and continuous normalizer for ensuring that the ejector rate of the slave channels in a fungible product sorter are operating at the same rate as a channel selected as the master channel. A distributed trip level value applied to a master channel comparator results in a rate of ejection of non-standard products that are counted to a predetermined count, at which time a master channel counter output is produced. In similar fashion, a slave channel output is produced; however, the comparator in the slave channel operates to an adjusted trip level value, which is the distributed trip level value adjusted by a multiplying factor. This multiplying factor is produced by a multiplier controlled by an up/down counter, in turn controlled up or down by whether the slave channel counter output or master channel counter output arrives first.

Abstract: A pulse width control circuit for providing a control signal to adjust variations of electrical characteristics among a plurality of printing elements has an up/down counter and a plurality of control signal generating circuits. The up/down counter counts the number of pulses of a clock signal and delivers the counted value. The control signal generating circuit compares the counted values from the up/down counter with set values corresponding to conduction time periods of the currents used for driving light emitting diodes, and generates a plurality of control pulse signals having pulse widths whose central positions thereof are in accord with each other.

Abstract: A device for generating timing pulses for a rotary printing machine includes generators for generating synchronizing pulses and a pulse sequence corresponding to increments of angle of rotation of the machine. A pulse processing circuit includes address counters connected to the pulse generating means and being preset by an address presetting device. The output of the one address counter is connected to a PROM storing predetermined sequences of timing pulses. In order to provide for shifting of the stored timing pulse sequences in a negative direction, an inverting member is connected in the data bus between the rotary speed counter and the address presetting device of the one address counter. The inverting member can include either negators or storing means programmed with complementary values.

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: The invention provides a conversation device having a space key for instructing feeding of a printing tape without printing, a pulse oscillator for producing pulses of predetermined period upon depression of the space key, a counter for counting the pulses generated from the pulse oscillator, a one-shot multivibrator for producing a pulse to indicate that the count value has reached a predetermined value, a flip-flop which is set by the pulse from the one-shot multivibrator and allows the pulses from the pulse oscillator to be supplied to a motor driver for amplifying the pulses and which is reset when the predetermined number of pulses from the pulse oscillator is received and prohibits the supply of the pulse oscillator to the motor driver, and a pulse motor for feeding the printing tape without printing. Therefore, when the flip-flop is set, the motor driver causes the pulse motor to drive the printing tape for a predetermined length corresponding to a plurality of characters.

Abstract: An automatically actuated cover for the exit from a currency counter responds to activation of a counting cycle to cover the exit and responds to completion or termination of a counting cycle to open or uncover the exit.

Abstract: A variable rate, bi-directional slew control employing a dual-concentric potentiometer having a first shaft attached to a first spring for urging it to remain in an extreme clockwise position and a second shaft urged by a second spring to remain in an extreme counterclockwise position wherein an extension of a sleeve provides the means for manual manipulation of the first shaft in a counterclockwise direction and the second shaft in a clockwise direction. A first tap associated with the first shaft is electrically connected to a first off-zero detector which is itself connected to a pulse generator which is in turn connected to an up input of an up/down counter. A second tap associated with the second shaft is electrically connected to a second off-zero detector which is connected with a second pulse generator which is in turn connected to a down input of the up/down counter.

Abstract: An automatic velocity delay circuit utilizes the output signal of a radio equency velocimeter for determining the time a projectile takes to pass a sensor located at the muzzle end of a gun. The circuit uses this time interval pulse and clocking pulses to provide an X-ray trigger pulse at the precise instant that the projectile passes an X-ray head located at a selected position along a parallel path of projectile travel, thus insuring a photographic record of the projectile in the muzzle blast region.

Abstract: The instrument operating time recorder (10) is attached to host instrument (12) and includes a frequency divider (14) for counting line voltage transitions during power-on time and to generate a binary output for a prescaler (20). Prescaler (20) divides by a predetermined value set to the frequency of the host instrument and generates a signal for a digital decoder (24) the output of which can be applied to the readout or display (26).

Abstract: In order to control the auto-sampler in a device such as a gas chromatograph in which data is sampled by an analog-to-digital converter, the converter providing outputs indicative of its status and having one state when the converter is enabled, another state when the converter is disabled and pulsing between said states when the converter is acquiring data, an automatic injection control device is provided which: counts the sampling pulses from the converter to insure that a full conversion cycle has been completed and sets a first signal to so indicate; through a retriggerable, one-shot multivibrator insures that the last of the sampling pulses is completed and provides a second signal accordingly; and adds these two signals with the status signal indicating that the converter is in a condition to receive data to provide a trigger signal for use by the auto-sampler.Further, a method for generating triggering signals to initiate such event is presented.

Abstract: A means for adjusting an electrical value within inaccessible electrical circuitry is disclosed including a proximity stimulus means acting upon and within the vicinity of a proximity stimulus response means to produce a response which is converted into an electrical signal by a transducing means. The number of electrical signals produced are accumulated and placed into the appropriate electronic form to adjust the electrical value. The magnitude of the adjustable electrical value and its adjustment may be monitored on an optional monitoring means.

Abstract: Device for electronically controlling pneumatic thread tensioners or other related components of looms of the kind comprising a cam, the motion of which is synchronized in relation to the rotation of the crankshaft of the loom and which produces a signal by means of an electronic detector, characterized in that it also comprises a generator of electric impulses which is excited by the aforesaid signal for emitting a train of impulses with an adjustable frequency by means of which per operational cycle, is being effected the control of the concerned components of the machine.

Abstract: A copying machine managing apparatus identifies information recorded on a plurality of using section magnetic cards and on an administrative department magnetic card. The plurality of using section magnetic cards are respectively assigned to using sections and bearing thereon respective using section codes. When one of the using section magnetic card is inserted in a slit of the copying machine managing apparatus, the using section code is identified and a copying machine associated therewith is made operable. The number copies produced by the particular using section is accumulated by a digital computer at each production of a copy and stored in an RAM. The accumulated number is at the same time indicated on an indicator window of the managing apparatus. When the administrative department magnetic card is inserted in the slit, the accumulated number of copies for each using section is successively read out from the RAM and indicated on the indicator window.

Abstract: A device for counting or measuring the length of road marking lines or for a total counting of road marking line segments on roads or the like, characterized in that the control or the switching on or off counters of a known type is carried out by the application device, e.g., a spray gun for making the road marking lines.

Abstract: A plurality of identical circuit board identification generators are individually located on an associated plurality of circuit boards in a computer system, each generator providing a unique identification for each associated circuit board. Identification numbers are automatically and sequentially generated by the generators upon the initial system turn on or upon a resetting of the system. The generators comprise a counter and logic circuitry for enabling the counters. The counters are initially disabled and pre-set to a maximum count. The first counter is then enabled and counts from the maximum to zero, and delivers an enable signal to the logic circuitry in the next circuit board to enable that counter. The enable signals propagate from board to board until the last board commences its count, at which time all counters are disabled. In this manner, N circuit boards will be identified as boards "O" through "N-1.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling the proportions of a plurality of solvents being introduced into a column of a liquid chromatograph. The circuit compensates for the compressibility of liquids by dividing the time during each pumping cycle during which the pump is delivering liquid to the column into a known number of intervals. A circuit responsive to the interval signals opens and closes solvent valves thereby allowing the solvents to be introduced into the pump in the desired proportions.

Abstract: A short term response enhancement for a digital phase-locked loop is implemented to provide a relatively major change in the phase of the output signal over a relatively short period of time. The basic digital phase-locked loop determines the average number of pulses from a clock source which occur or are expected to occur between successive occurrences of the input signal to the digital phase-locked loop, and compares the number of pulses counted from the occurrence of the last output signal with the average number of pulses expected to occur, producing an output signal when the two numbers agree. The number of pulses which occur between successive cycles of the input signal are also compared against the previously determined average. A count which differs from the average count indicates a change in phase of the input signal.

Abstract: The control system for periodically synchronizing in a sequential order the operation of a plurality of control elements of a printing machine comprises a control shift register having an input coupled to a fine timing device for generating synchronizing pulses corresponding to predetermined angular positions of the machine and another input connected to a sheet feeding control device. The outputs of a predetermined number of first stages in the control shift register are connected to a gating nonoperative time compensator, the control inputs of which are connected to the rotary speed detector and the output of which is connected to an assigned operation control element in the machine. A transfer shift register is connected in series with the control shift register or with the output of the dead time compensator.

Abstract: Input pulses generated by rotation of a knitting machine are used to produce output pulses that energize needle selection mechanisms therein. A control system operates in such a fashion as to advance the output pulses with respect to the input pulses, while keeping pulse frequency constant. The control system is clocked, and a forward counter is programmed with a number which is dependent upon knitting machine speed, and which number is derived from the number of clock pulses intervening between subsequent input pulses. After the forward counter has been so programmed, it is clocked by the clock until the appropriate number of clock pulses has been counted. At that time, a pulse is generated by reverse counter and a monostable multivibrator, which is used to produce an output pulse according to a program stored in a PROM. Provision is made to bypass the counter when the knitting machine is operated at low speeds.

Abstract: A universal timing array (UTA) comprising a branch and increment logic circuit and multiple 2-bit counter cells is fabricated as a single large scale integrated circuit and is adapted to implementing various timing and control functions in digital computers and radar signal processors. Implementation of the UTA functional design using emitter coupled logic circuitry and special circuit design features improves UTA performance by increasing operating clock frequency, widening operating temperature range and reducing on-chip complexity. A specific embodiment utilizes a standard universal digital array chip having specially selected cell placements and interconnecting routing patterns.

Abstract: A circuit consisting of five cascaded binary coded decimal, UP-DOWN circuits with associated gates, a first input causes the counters to count up, at a 10 Mhz rate until any second input, which latches into memory the accumulated time in the counters, and causes the counters to count down at 5 Mhz rate, when the counters reach zero an output pulse, suitable for triggering photo flash strobes is generated.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement is provided for controlling the drive of dental treatment instruments by means of driving devices associated therewith and the operating data of which are adapted to be fed to a separate forward/backward counter when the particular treatment instrument is selected for use. A starter switch is connected to the forward/backward counter and is operable, when actuated, to vary the particular stored count of the counter step-wise for the purpose of varying the operating data and for transmission to a control element, for the control thereof, which is associated with the particular treatment instrument. Upon actuation of the starter switch in order to vary the stored count of the forward/backward counter, the counting speed of the counter is increased with increasing actuation time of the starter switch by reason of the fact that the counter receives a number of counter pulses which increase per unit time.

Abstract: A plurality of counters are connected with a plurality of correction terminals for independently correcting counts of the counters. An initializing circuit is connected between initializing terminals of the counters and the correction terminals. An initializing signal generator is connected between an input line from the power source and the correction terminals, for initializing the counters to predetermined counts only when signals are simultaneously applied to the correction terminals.