Abstract: A neutron multi-detector array feeds pulses in parallel to individual inputs that are tied to individual bits in a digital word. Data is collected by loading a word at the individual bit level in parallel. The word is read at regular intervals, all bits simultaneously, to minimize latency. The electronics then pass the word to a number of storage locations for subsequent processing, thereby removing the front-end problem of pulse pileup.

Abstract: A battery powered transmitter circuit has a LED of a continuously cycling microcomputer transmit a beam of a predetermined number of infrared pulses at predetermined time periods to a sensor of a battery powered receiver circuit. Only a clock circuit of each circuit of the same frequency is continuously powered. The two clock circuits are synchronized each time that the sensor senses the predetermined number of infrared pulses. When an object breaks the beam, the sensor causes a count of the object by a microcomputer of the receiver circuit. The receiver microcomputer is inactivated when the sensor does not sense the predetermined number of infrared pulses during one or more cycles of operation of the receiver microcomputer. There is only one count incremented on a count display after the beam is interrupted until the sensor again senses the predetermined number of infrared pulses.

Abstract: A counting device that can be employed in calculating the number of objects, such as cigarette packs. In particular, the counting device can include a handle portion and a counting portion. The handle portion includes a display for showing the number of objects counted. The counting portion includes means for delineating the boundaries of the objects being counted and means for counting the objects that overlaps or abuts to the delineating means. Further, the counting device includes a control for turning the device on or off, and for clearing previous counting steps.

Abstract: A battery powered transmitter circuit has a LED of a continuously cycling microcomputer transmit a beam of a predetermined number of infrared pulses at predetermined time periods to a sensor of a battery powered receiver circuit. Only a clock circuit of each circuit of the same frequency is continuously powered. The two clock circuits are synchronized each time that the sensor senses the predetermined number of infrared pulses. When an object breaks the beam, the sensor causes a count of the object by a microcomputer of the receiver circuit. The receiver microcomputer is inactivated when the sensor does not sense the predetermined number of infrared pulses during one or more cycles of operation of the receiver microcomputer. There is only one count incremented on a count display after the beam is interrupted until the sensor again senses the predetermined number of infrared pulses.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for automatic identification and counting of tagged articles massed together in a prescribed size bundles during linen cleaning and sorting processes. A three dimensional scanning of the bundles by multiple passes of a directional RF antenna oriented in different axial planes during each scan within a predescribed vertical path around the bundle.

Abstract: A ones counter that accepts a binary input word of ones and zeros and provides a binary output word indicative of the number of ones within the input word. A two-dimensional array is built with a plurality of like cells connected in a regular manner with the first row of the array determining the least significant bit of the output word and each subsequent row determining the output word's next most significant bit. The first row of the array contains approximately one-half the number of cells as bits in the input word with each subsequent row of the array containing approximately one-half the number of cells of the preceding row with the final row containing a single cell that determines the most significant bit of the binary output word. The ones-count output word is computed asynchronously without clocking circuits or data storage elements.

Abstract: An improved method for counting irregular or unsymmetrical shaped articles that allows greater precision and provides enhanced features over current counting devices and methods. The method improves upon current devices and methods by providing a more precise volume for each article by using actual cross sectional areas of articles. The improved method also allows the user to count broken or incomplete articles as “partial” volumes. These partial volumes may be added to one another to give a precise total batch volume. The actual cross sectional areas may also be used to allow the user to display three dimensional adaptations of each article counted. Because this information is stored, the articles may be displayed at any time after the articles are scanned. The improved method also allows a user to determine the distance between articles, by using the counting device, and, using this information, adjust the feed rate of the device to an optimum feed rate.

Abstract: The invention is a process of counting poker chips or similar tokens used in casino games or similar games and entertainment, which counts the chips in the columns of standard poker-chip trays by sending an ultrasonic (or other measurable energy) wave-front down the given column and measuring the time until an echo is received. If the length of the column is known, and the thickness of the standard poker chip is known, and the speed of sound is known, then the number of chips in the given column is determined by subtracting the current actually measured wave-front echo time from the empty column wave-front echo time and dividing by the amount of time the ultrasonic wave-front takes to traverse one chip-thickness.

Abstract: A counting device with control system includes a housing with a rotating wheel therein. The wheel includes a plurality of seats for each item to be counted. Upon deposit of the items into the housing, each item is seated for discharge through a housing aperture, past a sensor operating a counter and onto a conveyor line. A baffle adjacent the housing aperture directs the counted items to one or the other longitudinal side of the conveyor line. A control system controls the baffle position according to a preselected item count. An air pressure system assures a proper seating of each items and discharge through the housing aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable counter and corresponding method for counting articles arranged in a stack, like compact discs and dvds. The portable nature of the counter enables the counter to be brought and placed adjacent to the stack of discs, which are often times relatively much heavier than the counter, for providing an accurate count of the discs. The counter further employs several error checking type functions, which serves to insure and enhance the accuracy of the count, as well as alert the user of potential problems.

Abstract: A monitoring system for adjusting a light source for a counting cell signal in a counting and dispensing system, which light deteriorates over time as a result of dust accumulation from the handling of pills, capsules, and tablets. The monitoring system uses electronics to adjust the light relative to the dust accumulation, thus maintaining an accurate counting cell signal, so that the system can continue to function. In this respect, the monitoring system provides for longer intervals between required maintenance operations, and therefore reduces the cost of operation.

Abstract: A counting device with control system includes a housing with a rotating wheel therein. The wheel includes a plurality of seats for each item to be counted. Upon deposit of the items into the housing, each item is seated for discharge through a housing aperture, past a sensor operating a counter and onto a conveyor line. A baffle adjacent the housing aperture directs the counted items to one or the other longitudinal side of the conveyor line. A control system controls the baffle position according to a preselected item count. An air pressure system assures a proper seating of each items and discharge through the housing aperture.

Abstract: A counter unit counts discrete articles that are within a predetermined size range into lots having a predetermined number of articles. The counter unit includes (1) a first conveyor that delivers a flow of articles separated at discrete intervals; and (2) at least one bin positioned to receive articles from the conveyor. The at least one bin has at least first and second outlet gates for emptying articles into separate respective first and second locations. A detector unit detects and maintains a count of articles that are received in the at least one bin and fall within said predetermined size range. The detector unit generates an out-of-size signal when an article received in the at least one bin falls outside said predetermined size range. A control unit causes the first outlet gate to open when the count of articles is equal to said predetermined number and causes the second outlet gate to open in response to receipt of an out-of-size signal.

Abstract: A characteristic extraction apparatus relates location data about a location which a moving object, such as a human being, etc., visits, to situation data representing a situation at a time when the moving object visits the location and records the data. Then, it analyzes the recorded data, extracts the characteristic, such as a preference, a movement pattern, etc., of the moving object, and presents it to a user.

Abstract: A method for counting substantially uniformly sized objects includes the steps of obtaining an image of substantially uniformly sized objects; analyzing the image to determine total object area in the image and average object size of the objects; and determining a count of the objects from the total object area and the average object size.

Abstract: A disc sorting apparatus and method is provided for sorting discs of different identities. When discs are received they are conveyed to a sorting arrangement for sorting the discs into respective stacks determined by their identities. The speed of conveyance and thus sorting of the discs is determined by the detected number of discs being identified.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pill-counting machine and method of counting pills that uses a rotatable first pill rotor having a plurality of holes, a second pill rotor having a single orifice and a rotatable third pill rotor having a plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a presence of more than one item at a point along a conveyance path, comprising steps of (A) generating a light beam and directing the beam through the path such that a presence of the item will cause the beam to be attenuated; (B) detecting the beam after it is attenuated by the presence of the item; and (C) determining from the amount of attenuation how many items are simultaneously present. In the preferred embodiment the item is an item of currency, and the step of generating a light beam includes a step of operating an optical source, such as an LED or a laser, to generate a beam having a wavelength in the range of about 400 nm to about 1 micrometer or longer.

Abstract: An object feeding, counting, and dispensing device is provided which includes a feeding funnel having a pathway having an entrance into which discrete objects are provided and an exit, an object sensing system at the exit of the pathway, a dispensing funnel having an upper opening into which the objects are gravity fed after passing through the object sensing system and a relatively smaller lower opening, a vibration system which substantially silently vibrates the dispensing funnel in a horizontal plane, and preferably not a vertical plane, and a display indicating the number of object counted. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the vibration system includes a weight, a motor coupled to the dispensing funnel which eccentrically rotates the weight through XY plane such that rotation of the weight creates forces in X and Y directions, and a system which cancels the force in one of the X and Y directions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving the precision of at least one of neutron coincidence counting and neutron multiplicity counting. The method includes the steps of: (1) sampling the real and accidental coincident pulses at the incoming pulse rate; and (b) sampling the accidental coincidences at a clock rate, wherein the clock rate is much faster than the pulse rate. The clock rate is faster than the pulse rate by a factor of 5 to 10 (in the preferred embodiment, approximately 4 MHz).

Abstract: A method for counting a number of objects passing through an entry threshold, comprising the steps of disposing a sensor (11) having a matrix of sensing points in an area of the entry threshold, identifying successive complete footprints of the same object on the sensor, and distinguishing between different footprints using clustering. The method is used in association with a pressure mat disposed at the entry threshold and tracks the progress of the object across the mat. Specifically, when a footprint vanishes from the mat, retroactive processing is effected in respect of the body associated with that footprint so that other footprints belonging to the same body may be ignored. The number of footprints thus associated with the body and which are not ignored serves as a counter of the number of bodies crossing the entry threshold.

Abstract: A counter is used to count tokens in a pusher-type game machine. The counter has a sensor unit (25) arranged in a path (23) through which tokens (19) fall. The sensor unit is a part of a capacitance sensor (51) for detecting a capacitance change in the path. A reference capacitance change corresponding to a single token failing through the path is stored in an MPU (47) in advance. A capacitance change detected by the capacitance sensor is compared with the reference capacitance change, to determine the number of tokens failing through the path.

Abstract: When a vehicle traveling ahead of another vehicle and a reflector on a road exist laterally adjacent each other, signals indicative of reception levels of waves reflected from the objects are added together for every beam to carry out the detection of the target. The preceding vehicle and the reflector are detected in an integrally merged form because the wave reflected from the reflector is strong. Therefore, in a region influenced by the wave reflected from the reflector, only the reflector is detected without addition of the signals indicative of reception levels of the reflected waves for every beam. In a region which is not influenced by the wave reflected from the reflector, the preceding vehicle is detected by adding the signals of the reflected waves together. Thus, the reflector and the preceding vehicle can be detected in a discriminating manner.

Abstract: A five sided chamber is placed in a laundry chute such that any laundry article passing through the chute must also pass through the chamber. The five sided chamber is mirrored on the inside surfaces of four of the five sides while the fifth side is transparent. A light beam emitter and a light beam receiver are positioned along the transparent fifth side of the chamber. The light beam emitter is directed at the center of one of the four mirrored sides and the light beam receiver is directed at the center of an adjacent one of the four mirrored sides. Reflection of the light beam internally within the five sided chamber is such that the light beam forms a star pattern before returning to the light beam receiver via the transparent fifth side.

Abstract: A system for counting a series of progressively moving articles using one or more sidewardly positioned and angularly oriented ultrasonic transducers which bathe the articles with ultrasonic waves and receive echoes reflected backwardly therefrom. Distances to the articles are determined by measuring round-trip sonic travel times. Count adjustment signals are generated when articles pass through the fields of view of the transducers and are replaced by other articles at measurably different distances.

Abstract: An optical particle flow monitoring system for monitoring particle flow through the primary and/or secondary tubes of an air dispensing system, such as an air seeder. The primary tubes include a particle sensor having at least one emitter lens body, which forms a substantially uniform, collimated beam which illuminates a sensing area in a seed tube in order to accurately monitor the number of particles flowing in the seed tube. In the preferred embodiment, optical fibers connect the emitter lens bodies to optical beam generating devices, and connect respective receiver lens bodies to optical beam detecting devices, with both the optical beam generating devices and the optical beam detecting devices being located remotely from the seed tubes for improved immunity to static electricity discharge.

Abstract: A movement pattern recognizing apparatus has a movement signal detection device including a sensor for detecting a mobile body in a detection region and for providing a movement signal indicating the position of the mobile body. The signal changes as time elapses. The apparatus further has a movement pattern storage device for storing data about previous movement patterns which were realized when a mobile body moved in the detection region, and a movement pattern selection device for selecting data about the movement pattern from the movement pattern storage device based upon the movement signal detected by the movement signal detection device.

Abstract: A seed counter of the present invention is used to accurately count seeds at a high speed. The invention includes a line vac connected to a linear array laser. The line vac is connected to a supply of seeds which are drawn through the line vac by a source of pressurized air and past the photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor is connected to a control circuit which counts the seeds as they pass the photoelectric sensor. The control circuit also controls the flow rate of the counter by means of a variable pressure regulator connected to the line vac. As a result, the flow rate of the counter can be precisely controlled and a precise number of seeds can be counted and conveyed by the invention.

Abstract: A device for measuring mean staying time of persons inside a building by processing signals from an entry/exit detector that outputs entry and exit signals when persons enter into and exit from the building. The device includes a staying measurer for determining the number of persons staying inside the building by subtracting the number of exit signals from the number of entry signals, an entry or exit measurer for determining the number of persons who have entered into or exited from the building by counting the entry or exit signals per predetermined period of time, and a calculating section for calculating the mean staying time of persons in the building during such a time period by dividing the number of persons staying inside at the time the unit time has expired by the number of persons who have exited.

Abstract: A counting apparatus including a sensor surface having a plurality of zone locations with pressure actuated switches which produce a contact event signal corresponding to the zone location when an object traveling across the sensor surface contacts the zone location, a microprocessor connected to the pressure actuated switches having software for analyzing the contact event signals according to predetermined temporal and spatial criteria stored in the memory of the microprocessor, the microprocessor producing an increment signal when a sequence of contact event signals satisfies one set of criteria related to "in" counts and a second increment signal when a sequence satisfies another set of criteria related to "out" counts, and a counter with a two-channel count register which increments one channel in response to an "in" increment signal and increments a second channel in response to an "out" increment signal.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for counting parts. The apparatus includes a tray having at least one location for containing a part; a plate having at least one hole positioned above the at least one location; a pneumatic device coupled to the at least one hole; and a sensing element for determining the presence of a tray part in the at least one location when the pneumatic device is active.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is an automated method for counting parts. The method includes positioning a tray having an array of part locations; aligning a complementary array of holes in a plate with the part locations; activating air flow through the holes such that the parts will move to alter the air flow; and determining from the altered air flow the number of parts.

Abstract: A seed monitor includes a planter master unit having one or more planter counting units connected to the planter master unit, with each planter counting unit associated with a different seed tube. Each planter counting unit includes a light source, a means for forming a light beam that traverses a sensing area of a seed tube, a detector and a processor. The circuit board connects the detector and light source with a processor. The processor adjusts the intensity of the light source and selects an output amplifier gain that is appropriate for the counting of seeds. In this manner, the planter monitoring system adjusts for long-term dust and dirt accumulation and aging of components. The processor processes the selected stage of amplified output from the detector and determines the number of seeds that have traversed the sensing area of the associated seed tube. The planter master unit receives binary data of the counted seed, and from this data, provides an output to the operator.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for counting a plurality of objects, wherein the objects are aligned such that the objects form a linear array oriented in an X-Y plane, comprising a sensor for detecting a discriminating characteristic of an object, and for locating the orientation of the linear array formed by the objects, a sensor moving means for moving the sensor in an X-Y plane, and a processor for determining the orientation of the linear array formed by the objects, wherein the sensor scans the orientation of the linear array formed by the objects when counting the objects.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for counting a plurality of objects, wherein the objects have a discriminating aspect and are aligned such that the objects form a linear array, comprising determining the orientation of the linear array, scanning the linear array and detecting individual objects within the linear array as the linear array is scanned.

Abstract: A device for measuring the number of persons without any affection by overlap of persons in any direction, sunlight variations, shadows, or the like includes a plurality of cameras arranged in parallel with respect to their optical axes for taking an image in a measuring area to measure the number of persons, an extraction unit for extracting a person based on image data taken by said plurality of cameras, a trace unit for tracing the person extracted by the extraction unit, and a decision unit for deciding whether or not a decision line is passed based on the data produced by the trace unit and to increase the number of passing persons when the line is passed. In the extraction unit, the persons overlapping in a depth direction can be precisely separated by employing space coordinate data by correspondence in a plurality of images taken by the plurality of cameras at the same timing.

Abstract: A plurality of rows are provided on a calling of sensors and each have a plurality of distance variation measuring sensors. The distance variation measuring sensors each include a light emitter and a light receiver arranged in the orthogonal direction to the direction in which human bodies pass. The number of passers is detected on the basis of the number of the distance variation measuring sensors which have detected a human body. The traveling direction of human bodies is detected on the basis of the change in the distance to the distance variation measuring human bodies measured by the sensors.

Abstract: An optical seed flow monitoring system for monitoring seed flow through the primary and secondary seed tubes in an air seeding system. The primary seed tubes include a primary seed sensor having a plurality of emitter lens bodies and receiver lens bodies. Optical fibers connect the emitter lens body to an optical beam generating device and the receiver lens body to an optical beam detecting device both positioned remotely from the seed tubes. Alternately, one or more of the secondary seed tubes can include a secondary seed sensor having an emitter lens body and a receiver lens body.

Abstract: A machine for counting discrete articles, such as tablets, pills, or capsules, comprising a feeder including a hopper for receiving and dispersing a plurality of tablets to be counted into separate streams, a plurality of detectors associated with each stream for detecting each tablet in that stream, a counter coupled to said plurality of counters for counting the total number of tablets in all of the streams and a switching device coupled to each of said plurality of detectors for preventing detector saturation and delay, thereby improving counter accuracy and speed.

Abstract: A method of automatically determining the number of filaments making up a synthetic yarn, or other yarn such as staple natural fibers comprising removing a small cross-section of the yarn to create a plurality of small filament pieces, and automatically counting the small filament pieces to determine the number of filaments in the yarn.

Abstract: The present invention includes a component feeder having a portable frame that is adapted to be moved between, and installed at, a plurality of assembly machines in which the portable frame is adapted to receive a reel containing a roll of tape with components mounting on the roll of tape. The component feeder also includes a component advancing mechanism mounted on the portable frame, wherein the component advancing mechanism is adapted to advance the roll of tape by one of the components. A counter in the component feeder is mounted on the portable frame and electrically connected to the component advancing mechanism, wherein the counter detects and counts each advancement of the roll of tape.

Abstract: A number of fish may be counted by emitting an ultrasonic wave or an electromagnetic wave toward a predetermined area of a body of water where fish pass (e.g., a fish farming pool, a river or the like). Reflected waves are received from the fish bodies so that the reflected waves received from a cross section of the predetermined area are periodically stored. An ultrasonic wave fish shade image is produced that shows changes of fish shades. Fish are counted by performing an image processing which discriminates the ultrasonic wave fish shade image based on a predetermined fish shade decision rule. This arrangement reduces errors occuring due to muddiness and dust in the water and allows an automatic continuous fish counting ability over a long time period.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting containers of predetermined diameter that includes a pair of optical proximity sensors positioned adjacent to a container conveyor such that light energy from the sensors is incident sequentially on the containers as the containers pass on the conveyor adjacent to the sensors. The sensors are adjustably positionable with respect to each other such that the sensors are spaced from each other in the direction of container motion on the conveyor. An electronic circuit is coupled to the sensors for detecting passage of containers on the conveyor while ignoring dithering of the containers. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensors are mounted on a common support having a scale for measuring separation between the sensors. Printed indicia in units of container diameter, preferably in both English and metric units, is affixed to the support adjacent to the scale.

Abstract: There is provided a method for counting and dispensing pills, tablets, and capsules which depends on a simple vibrating, sloped, concave-shaped (e.g., V-shaped) trough, having a number of descending steps. The vibration of the trough is controlled and adjusted by a microprocessor. The vibration of the trough is patterned to provide a greater vibratory amplitude at its dispensing end than at its intake end. The difference at each end of the trough in vibratory amplitude is achieved by elastomeric supports that are differently spring dampened. The microprocessor electronically adjusts the input vibration to the trough, such that the flow of materials is adjusted for different types of materials (i.e., tablets of different shapes and/or sizes). This causes the tablets to align accurately within the trough, and sequentially pass a pill detector mechanism in single file. This ensures that the device can handle an extremely varied range of tablet or capsule sizes and shapes.

Abstract: An optical seed counting system for counting seeds that are dispensed through a plurality of seed tubes associated with a multiple row seed planter. Each seed tube includes an optical sensor having an emitter and a receiver. The emitter and the receiver each include lens components for shaping an optical beam. Optical fibers connect the emitter to an optical beam generating device and the receiver to an optical beam detecting device both positioned remotely from the seed tubes. The optical components of the emitter generate a substantially spatially uniform optical beam across a sensing area within the seed tubes. The detecting device generates a pulse signal where the period of the pulses represents the intensity of the optical beam in the sensing area. Seeds that are dispensed in the seed tubes interfere with the optical beam in a manner that affects the light intensity of the beam. Therefore, the change in intensity of the beam indicates the number of seeds.

Abstract: A device for counting the number of and determining the direction of travel of articles being conveyed, particularly articles of clothing, hanging on hangers provided with hanger hooks. Each hanger hook has a stem that is conducted through a light barrier connected with a counting and evaluating unit. The light barrier has at least two receivers that are spaced apart vertically in a plane and consist, in each case, of two sensors which operate independent of each other. The sensors are separated by a small distance. With this device, counting of the hangers is possible regardless of their position and, in particular, erroneous counting due to crossed hangers is excluded.

Abstract: There is provided a method for counting and dispensing pills, tablets, and capsules which depends on a simple vibrating, sloped, concave-shaped (e.g., V-shaped) trough, having a number of descending steps. The vibration of the trough is controlled and adjusted by a microprocessor. The vibration of the trough is patterned to provide a greater vibratory amplitude at its dispensing end than at its intake end. The difference at each end of the trough in vibratory amplitude is achieved by elastomeric supports that are differently spring dampened. The microprocessor electronically adjusts the input vibration to the trough, such that the flow of materials is adjusted for different types of materials (i.e., tablets of different shapes and/or sizes). This causes the tablets to align accurately within the trough, and sequentially pass a pill detector mechanism in single file. This ensures that the device can handle an extremely varied range of tablet or capsule sizes and shapes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately counting the number of articles passing along an article path. A light beam is transmitted across an article path to a sensor, which light beam is interfered with by the passage of articles along the article path and the received light beam is converted to electrical signals that are conditioned, amplified and input to a logic unit which, based on derived amplitude, duration and area of the input signals, determines the number of articles that passed along the article path. A system is also described which accurately counts the number of articles passing along a plurality of article paths by employing a plurality of such devices each of which accurately counts the articles passing along each article path and, upon instructions from a master console, sends its counts to the master console for summation. The system further includes a network architecture with simplified wire harnessing and enhanced operation.

Abstract: The alleyway-monitoring device disclosed has, mounted at different heights, two light barriers (16 to 26, 28 to 30), the higher of which is at a height at which the light beam can be broken only by fork-lift trucks. The light barriers produce output signals which enable the direction of motion of the objects which break the beam to be determined, the output signals being passed to associated up/down counters (50, 52) which are in turn connected to the inputs of a monitoring circuit (54). The monitoring circuit triggers an acoustic alarm (56) if non-permitted counter-reading combinations occur.