Abstract: A scheme for directional counting of moving objects capable of counting moving objects stably while determining passing directions of the moving objects accurately. In this scheme, a counting line is set in an image field of the sequential images, and a dynamic image formed by pixels forming the counting line is obtained for each frame and while a succesively updated background image is obtained. Then, a subtraction and binarization processing are applied to the dynamic image and the background image to extract a moving object region, and a moving object image is formed by sequentially labeling the moving object region in time order.

Abstract: Inventory monitoring apparatus capable of real-time counting of objects added to or subtracted from a location whose inventory is to be monitored. The apparatus includes structure for supporting a plurality of objects and at least one lever adapted to be contacted and displaced by movement of the objects to and from the supporting structure. Movement of the lever in one direction triggers a switch which generates a signal indicating that an object is being added to the support structure. Similarly, opposite movement of the lever triggers another switch which generates a signal indicating that an object is being removed from the support structure. A microprocessor receives and counts the signals generated by the switches to provide a real-time total of the quantity and, if desired, the locations of objects borne by the supporting structure.

Abstract: A compact counting and data storage system includes control circuitry coupled with a detector and input selector to enable monitoring of traffic within a selected area for a selected count interval. The system also includes a readily removable data storage unit.

Abstract: A high speed, high accuracy parts counting system is disclosed. The new system utilizes known types of centrifugal feeder devices with novel modifications relating to the sensing and control of individual workpieces, enabling workpieces to be counted and processed at much greater speeds than before, while equaling or improving accuracy. The new system makes no attempt to separate individual workpieces for counting purposes, enabling operations to be carried out at greater speeds. Counting of workpieces in an unseparated group of such workpieces is accomplished by electronic measurement of movement of the centrifugal feeder between the leading and trailing edges of a group of unseparated workpieces. The counting of a predetermined number of workpieces is thus a function of the counting of pulses and is independent of the separation or non-separation of workpieces during counting. Provision is also made for high speed collection and discharge of counted groups of workpieces.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a junction between adjacent can ends which are arranged in a stack. The method enables a selected number of can ends in the stack to be counted. The method comprises the steps of illuminating the peripheral edge regions of can ends in the stack with a signal emitted by a emitter inclined at an oblique angle to a line normal to the central axis of the stack and detecting reflected signals from the ends of the peripheral edge regions of the can ends. Oblique illumination provides alternating regions of the stack reflecting a relatively high and relatively low light intensity. Detection of the light intensity across the length of the stack enables a junction between adjacent can ends to be determined.

Abstract: A riding situation guiding management system includes, in each of plural cars constituting a train, an up/down counter for counting passengers getting on and off each car with passenger sensor/counter units provided at doorways and passways of the cars, and a transmission unit arranged in the train for transmitting the passenger information to forward stations, and a broadcasting unit provided in each station for receiving and analyzing the information as well as for broadcasting speech indicative of a current riding situation for each car of the train to passengers who are waiting for the train.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for counting irregularly-shaped articles. A pair of light sources are provided at a sensing plane through which articles to be counted are adapted to pass. Each of the light sources emits a light beam that is at an angle to the other light beam, such as an angle of about 90.degree.. Corresponding solar cells are positioned opposite the respective light sources to receive the light signals as the articles pass through the sensing plane. The light sources are alternately operated and the outputs from the respective light detectors are used to calculate an equivalent volume for the article for comparison with a predetermined article volume range to decide whether to count the article. The method and apparatus permit accurate counts of irregularly shaped articles and are substantially independent of the orientation of the article at the sensing plane.

Abstract: An article collecting device comprising: feed unit 5 for feeding a set of articles smaller in quantity than a target quantity for collection; a recirculating conveyer 2 for conveying a set of articles fed by the feed unit 5; an operation unit 14 for combining at least two sets of articles fed during conveyance of the set of articles by the conveyer and determining whether a target quantity of articles as a preset collection unit is obtained; and an opening unit 12 for discharging the sets of articles combined as the target quantity from the conveyer to a bagging and packaging unit 13 as the result of the combination by the operation unit.

Abstract: A microwave signal is generated from a fixed source across a fixed path to trigger individual FM transmitters in passing objects such as race vehicles. A vehicle transceiver then sends an omnidirectional specific frequency FM radio carrier signal with a tone imposed to a console and a portable remote receiver. As the FM signal and tone are detected and decoded by the console receiver, data word is sent to a scoring computer which displays the lap of that particular vehicle and the current order of all vehicles.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a junction between adjacent can ends which are arranged in a stack. The method enables a selected number of can ends in the stack to be counted. The method comprises the steps of illuminating the peripheral edge regions of can ends in the stack with a signal emitted by a emitter inclined at an oblique angle to a line normal to the central axis of the stack and detecting reflected signals from the ends of the peripheral edge regions of the can ends. Oblique illumination provides alternating regions of the stack reflecting a relatively high and relatively low light intensity. Detection of the light intensity across the length of the stack enables a junction between adjacent can ends to be determined.

Abstract: Inventory monitoring apparatus capable of real-time counting of objects added to or subtracted from a location whose inventory is to be monitored. The apparatus includes structure for supporting a plurality of objects and a lever adapted to be contacted and displaced by movement of the objects to and from the supporting structure. Movement of the lever in one direction triggers a switch which generates a signal indicating that an object is being added to the support structure. Similarly, opposite movement of the lever triggers another switch which generates a signal indicating that an object is being removed from the support structure. A microprocessor receives and counts the signals generated by the switches to provide a real-time total of the quantity of objects borne by the supporting structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for counting irregularly-shaped articles. A pair of light sources are provided at a sensing plane through which articles to be counted pass. Each of the light sources emits a light beam that is at an angle to the other light beam, such as an angle of about 90.degree.. Corresponding light sensors are positioned opposite the respective light sources to receive the light signals as the articles pass through the sensing plane. A time division multiplex circuit is provided to alternately operate the light sources, and the outputs from the respective light detectors are summed to provide a unitary signal that is provided to a counter to maintain a count of the number of articles passing through the sensing plane. The system provides combined output signals that are substantially independent of the orientation of the article at the sensing plane.

Abstract: A system for automatically recognizing persons or objects as they move past a selected location and for classifying the persons or objects in accordance with selected criteria. The system includes emitters for emitting beams toward a person or object moving past a selected location to generate reflected beams from the person or object. The included angle of the emitted and reflected beam is a function of the height of the person or object. A detector detects the reflected beams and generates signals representative of the included angle, and thus representative of a time-dependent height profile of the person or object from which the beams are reflected. The person or object is classified according to selected criteria.

Abstract: A method and a system for counting irregularly shaped articles that are being moved along a path into and out of a machine. A microprocessor is responsive to three external devices with the first device being located at the input stage of the machine and detecting the leading and the trailing edges of the articles being moved into the machine and respectively generating start and stop events to the microprocessor. The second device is a distance sensing means used to determine the length of each of the articles being moved. The third device detects the movement of the articles in their formed state, such as a box, out of the machine. The microprocessor in response to the first occurring start event initiates the counting of the incremental changes from the distance sensing means and terminates the counting in response to the first occurring stop event.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting the number of passing persons by stature, wherein a projector for radiating light toward the head of a passing person, a light receiving lens for receiving light reflected from the person's head, and a light position detector are arranged as one set at an upper portion of a gateway or a passageway. The light receiving lens converges reflected light to different light-received positions of the light position detector according to the height of the reflective position. The light position detector outputs electric signals which differ according to the reflected light received at the light-received positions and a counting operation is performed discriminatively for every output of the signals.

Abstract: A customer, automobile or other moving entity is monitored by sensing the presence of the entity to generate a signal. The signals are correlated with individual increments of time during an extended time period of days or months. Each signal may represent the count of a single individual or car, or the amount of time the individual or car is in the range of the sensor. The data is collected in a digital memory for the prolong periods of time and can be dumped to a personal computer in the form of a spreadsheet compatible file for future analysis. A unitary battery powered version of the invention includes a power saving circuit while another version of the invention, powered by a wall outlet, can be connected to multiple sensors for collecting data in a large environment such as a store.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for the detecting of metal parts (12) which move relative to a metal sensitive sensor arrangement has at least two part sensors which transmit an electrical pulse to an electronic evaluation circuit for a particular approach by a metal part (12). Several part sensors are connected spatially in series with one another so that a specific metal part (12) causes the part sensors to respond in sequence. The electronic evaluation circuit (13) then transmits a signal when and only when it detects the pulse sequence which arises through sequential response of the part sensors.

Abstract: An absolute position detecting device in which the number of revolutions of a drive shaft adapted to drive an object to be controlled is counted with a counter for detecting an absolute position of the object. When a predetermined point on the object returns to an initial position after making one or more revolutions, the drive shaft is returned to an initial rotational angular position. A data rewriting operation is performed to rewrite, as necessary, the count value of the counter into a value obtained by subtracting a count value therefrom which is obtained during the one or more revolutions of the predetermined point.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for counting and recording a number of drops of fluid. The preferred embodiment of the invention is configured as a molded receptacle housing for receiving a commercially available eyedrop bottle in which the cap has been replaced by the housing. The invention includes a detection device that detects the separation of drops from a fluid supply bottle, and counts and records the number of such drops in a preset time period. Optionally, a real-time clock time stamps the stream of drop count data so that the absolute time period during which drops are released is also ascertained and recorded. Optionally, a reminder signal or indication is given to a patient as to the dosage and appropriate time for each eyedrop administration, or an alarm is given if over or under medication is occurring. An alternative application is disclosed in which the drop detection and counting features of the invention are used in a feedback loop to control the flow of fluid in a drop metering system.

Abstract: A system for automatically counting people as they move past a selected location, and for measuring their heights. The system includes emitters for emitting beams toward persons moving past a selected location to generate reflected beams from the person, such that the included angle of the emitted and reflected beams is a function of the person's height. A detector detects the reflected beams and generates signals representative of the included angle, and thus representative of the height of the person. The signals representative of the height of the person are converted to data that may be used for evaluation purposes. The system is particularly adaptable for use in retail stores for determining the number of shopper units in the store during selected time periods and evaluating store performance based, in part, on the conversion of shopper units to actual customers.

Abstract: A colony counting apparatus includes a reading unit with a visual sensor incorporated therein. The presence of a colony is detected at the end of that colony by moving the reading unit along lines selected at an appropriate pitch and by reading data on the individual points set along each line as logical high or low signals. The values obtained in the above-described counting operation are added and stored in an addition/storage device in a CPU, and the results of addition which are stored in the addition/storage device are output to a suitable display by an outputting device when the counting operation is completed.

Abstract: A pair of superposed inclined feed tracks have slots along their upper and lower walls respectively. Elongate gates with inturned tips are disposed along the tracks and pivoted intermediate their ends on pins. A yoke having an axis intermediate the two pins has outward parallel fingers which are disposed outward of the pins, and as the yoke is turned by a rotary solenoid, first in one direction and then the other, the fingers engage the gates on opposite sides of their pivot pins oppositely and alternately to alternately open and close the respective tracks. A reciprocating pusher pushes the parts into the working ends of the upper and lower dies and a settable counter counts the strokes of the pusher. A circuit causes activation of the solenoid to shift the gates to switch the feed from one feed track to the other track when the counter registers up to the set number of strokes.

Abstract: A can counting machine having an inclined housing into which a collection of beverage cans may be dumped. A rotor in the housing defines elongate openings spaced about its periphery for the singular reception and transport of cans upwardly to a discharge outlet in a backing plate rearward of the rotor. The rotor includes a rim projecting from the rotor for rotation therewith to facilitate lateral can movement into a disk opening. Ejector plates on the backing plate dislodge improperly, endwise inserted cans from the opening to prevent the simultaneous discharge of two cans past a can counting component. A motor circuit is responsive to motor loads resulting from a jammed can to automatically reverse motor and rotor direction. A receptacle support assembly receives a plastic bag and includes a frame member spring biased to maintain the bag in open configuration. A liquid barrier directs residual liquid from the cans to a receptacle. A display unit on the housing indicates a can total.

Abstract: Apparatus for counting opaque and transparent containers has a movable conveyor which delivers such containers along a path to a discharge zone. The conveyor path is separated by dividers into adjacent lanes and such dividers are of varying height relative to the conveyor. A metering device overlies the conveyor path and is operable to preclude container stacking. A counting mechanism is associated with each of the lanes to count each container that passes the discharge zone. The counting mechanism comprises a sonic sensor having an emitter and a receiver which are angularly arranged in a plane at an angle to the path of container movement through the discharge zone, thereby avoiding linearity between adjacent sonic sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and recording the time and frequency of occurrence of events at a predetermined surveillance site includes a sensor providing successive output signals corresponding to successive detections of an event occurrence at the surveillance site. The output signals from the sensor are input to a central processing unit operating a control program stored in a memory which stores in the memory the date, time and number of occurrences of events at the surveillance site. The apparatus also includes a keyboard for inputting start date and start time information and for initiating the operation of sensing of events and the recall of stored date, time and event occurrence number information for display on a digital display mounted on the apparatus. All of the operative components of the apparatus are powered by a d.c. electric power source and are contained in a waterproof housing mountable at a predetermined surveillance site.

Abstract: A machine provides automated counting of integrated circuit (IC) parts packed in a shipping tube which may be, for example, an opaque shipping rail for translation of the rail along the track. An elongate support or track receives and holds a shipping rail. A first rail sensor positioned adjacent to the track senses the presence of a rail on the support track and generates a start count signal. A second rail sensor positioned along the track generates a stop count signal after the scanning of the rail by the sensors is completed. An IC parts sensor provided by an inductive proximity sensor is positioned adjacent to the track between the first and second rail sensors and senses the presence of IC parts contained in the shipping rail. A roller drive translates the shipping rail and the sensors relative to each other for scanning of the rail by the sensors. The parts sensor generates parts counting signals from the start count signal to the stop count signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for counting objects, which includes a light emitting system intended to form an emission zone, a light receiving system forming a plurality of substantially aligned reception points, a passage between the emission zone and the reception points to allow the conveying of objects to be counted substantially perpendicularly to the alignment of reception points, and a counting system provided to determine the number of conveyed objects as a function of the variations of light received at the reception points, which variations are due to the interpositioning of objects between the emission zone and the reception points.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for accurately counting the number of containerized items by movement of a unitary emitting and sensor of a beam of light over rows and columns of the planar surface platform supporting the containerized items.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for counting and recording a number of drops of fluid. The preferred embodiment of the invention is configured as a molded receptacle housing for receiving a commercially available eyedrop bottle in which the cap has been replaced by the housing. The invention includes a detection means that detects the separation of drops from a fluid supply bottle, and counts and records the number of such drops in a preset time period. Optionally, a real-time clock time stamps the stream of drop count data so that the absolute time period during which drops are released is also ascertained and recorded. Optionally, a reminder signal or indication is given to a patient as to the dosage and appropriate time for each eyedrop administration, or an alarm is given if over or under medication is occurring. An alternative application is disclosed in which the drop detection and counting features of the invention are used in a feedback loop to control the flow of fluid in a drop metering system.

Abstract: A first sensor at a first location along a conveyor provides a first signal indicating whether or not a container is present at the first location while a second sensor similarly provides a second signal indicating whether or not a container is present at a second nearby location. The first and second signals are input to a logic circuit which outputs a count pulse only if the the inputs are of a proper form in a proper sequence designed so that dither is ignored. The sensors are diffuse reflection type sensors operating at different frequencies. They are mounted so their sensing axes converge at about a 15 degree angle and the sensor lenses are about 3.5 inches from the point of conveyance. A mounting system allows the sensors to be moved up/down and in/out with respect to the conveyor and maintain a position perpendicular with both the container sidewall and the container flow direction.

Abstract: An infrared sensitive system which maintains an inventory of the number of occupants within a monitored room for controlling certain electronic equipment in response to the presence of occupants within the monitored room. The monitoring system activates the electronic equipment when it senses a person entering the unoccupied room, and it deactivates the electronic equipment when the last person exits the room. Switch members provide for manually resetting and overriding the control portion of the system.

Abstract: A counting device determines the number of similar articles, or parts, passing a detector. The device is especially useful in packaging small parts into containers, and in insuring that each package contains the correct number of parts. The counter is preferably of the type in which the parts interrupt a beam of light, changing the current through a photoelectric cell. When the current in the photoelectric cell falls below a predetermined threshold level, the device generates a pulse which indicates the presence of a part. The pulses are counted electronically. The device preferably includes a microprocessor which can efficiently control the counting, calibration, and diagnostic operations. The microprocessor stores information relating to the threshold current level, for a given type of part. The value of the threshold can be determined by a separate calibration procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting lump foodstuff includes a machine frame, a foodstuff feeding funnel fixed on the machine frame, a power-operated sheave unit mounted rotatably under the funnel, a conveyer belt unit disposed revolvably under the sheave unit, and a foodstuff collecting unit disposed under the conveyer belt unit. The sheave unit has several parallel grooves formed in the circumferential surface thereof. The conveyer belt unit includes several parallel belts which are engaged with the grooves of two power-operated pulleys. Any adjacent pair of the belts define therebetween a slot which is aligned with one of the grooves in the sheave unit. Rows of counters detect the foodstuffs which drop from the conveyer belt unit into the foodstuff collecting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for accounting for surgical instruments dispensed into and withdrawn from the surgical operating environment to avoid leaving instruments in the environment comprises a plurality of instrument bearing compartments mounted on a base, a stand for storing surgical instruments after use, and a digital computer programmed to receive signals both from the compartments as a sterile instrument is dispensed and from the stand when a used instrument is stored thereon, convert the signals to numbers of instruments dispensed and stored, subtract the latter number from the former and display the difference. A non-zero different means an instrument remains in the operating environment and must be visually accounted for by operating room staff. The signal from the compartments is preferably generated an interruption of beam of light carried by fiber optic filaments when an instrument is dispensed from a compartment.

Abstract: A dispenser for fungible articles such as pharmaceutical tablets in which an elongated trough is vibrated at a downwardly oriented horizontal angle to dispense articles is single file alignment. An optical detector is mounted adjacent to the trough discharge end and is coupled to a counter for indicating the number of articles dispensed from the trough. The counter may be preset by an operator to dispense a preselected number of articles. The trough is releasably held to the dispenser cabinet by electromagnets which are energized simultaneously with the vibration motor. A container into which articles are to be dispensed is releasably captured beneath the discharge end of the trough adjacent to the detector.

Abstract: Method of producing spall analysis data indicative of the number, size and locations of a substantial number of highly irregularly shaped spall holes, having widely varying sizes, formed within a spall panel by a projectile. A photograph of the panel is electronically scanned by a vidicon on a row by row basis, and the resulting pulse train is manipulated by a digital computer employing particular algorithms to produce the spall analysis data.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic identification and couting of a large number of returned or collected used linens at once by recognizing the shapes of markers that are opaque to X-rays and attached thereto. By numerically processing the shadow images of the markers projected onto an X-ray detector, a many kinds of linens can be identified and counted according to classification instantaneously.

Abstract: Device and method for detecting the contour or shape of one or more articles by projecting multiple light beams on a different portions of an atricle, and measuring the level of light reflected from the article. The amount of light reflected indicates the distance of the light emitter/detector from the article. Readings from multiple light emitter/detector pairs provide an indication of the contour of the object. The readings may be processed to provide an indication of the number and size of articles passing by the sensors. The device may be placed over a conveyor carrying objects to be counted and/or sized.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus for and method of moving textile articles such as pieces of laundry or the like comprising an enclosed passageway having two opposing open ends, and at least one bend between the two open ends; a vacuum source coupled with one of the two open ends and developing a subatmospheric pressure along the passageway and at the other open end of the passageway to draw textile articles into the other open end and through the passageway to the one open end; and a sensor located at the one bend and sensing textile articles drawn through the passageway. The sensor is coupled with an appropriate counter for accumulating a count of successive textile articles drawn through the passageway. A delay circuit is included between the sensor and the accumulator to inhibit successive detector outputs for a selectable but fixed time period, regardless of the size of the textile articles being passed and counted.

Abstract: In an installation for determining the number of persons inside a monitored room or so-called pass-through, a sensor field is generated by IR-sensors. An evaluation unit uses as discriminating criterion the detection of moving bodies and generates for an entrance control unit a signal, allowing or barring the entrance of a person.

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

Abstract: A garment hanger and counting system has cutouts in the hook portion so a counter can count each hanger even when they are side by side. The counter is not affected by garments supported on the hanger. The hanger has cutouts on an open end side of the hook portion and the neck side of sufficient depth so that a counter counts the hangers whichever way they are hung on a hanging bar. The system includes hangers and a hanger counter with a modulated light source converging beam optics to a focal point, a photodetector to produce a signal from each hanger, and an indicator to determine the number of hangers counted.

Abstract: A remote controlled object counter has a data counter which may e.g. be buried beneath a trail for counting the passage of people along the trail and a data collector separate from the data counter. The data counter employs an inductive loop with an oscillator and a processor for detecting the oscillator frequency and transmitting a corresponding data signal through radio transceivers in the data counter and the data collector for processing in the latter. To enable adjustment of the data counter sensitivity without physical contact, an adjustment signal generated in the data collector is sent through the transceivers to the data collector processor.

Abstract: A random selection system for making a select/non-select determination for individual events, such as the arrival of a person or an article, is based on the advanced establishment of a predetermined percentage within the system for carrying out the determinations. The system is particularly useful for security monitoring of employees or passengers passing through workplace exits or through terminal entrances, in that each person processed by the system has an identical probability of being selected for further scrutiny. By presetting the percentage of selections to be applied to all events processed, a degree of security desired by the system operators may be achieved. Both methods and apparatus for electronic random selection are taught. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus utilizes LSI digital circuitry for rapidly carrying out each individual select/non-select determination in response to sensing circuitry which detects the arrival of the person or article being processed.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting the passage of living beings through a surveillance region into and out of a controlled-access space includes at least one pyroelectric detector device that includes two detector elements which have active areas that are directly exposed to thermal radiation from the surveillance region and convert the thermal radiation energy received thereby into electrical signals with opposite polaritites. The detector elements are situated in succession in the direction of passage into the controlled-access space. The surveillance region is optically subdivided into two surveillance zones arranged in succession as considered in the passage direction, for instance by a mask that masks an intervening zone situated between the surveillance zones to prevent thermal radiation from the intervening zone from reaching either one of the detector elements.

Abstract: The replenishment quantity for each article on a sales display is determined from the measurement of the length left on the peg, this measurement being performed by means of either: (a) a gun which comprises an ultrasonic emitting device and an ultrasonic receiving device, these being housed in slidably adjustable mounting bezels, an aiming arrangement consisting of a lamp, a reflecting chamber, a lens, a color imparting filter and reflective ducts, as well as a rear-mounted display and a front-mounted nose, the latter being provided with ducts, a reflective tube and a recessed hooking-on component; or (b) a portable marking indicia reader which reads marking indicia placed on the sales display itself. These devices are connected, via suitable interface to a microcomputer which computes the replenishment quantity based upon the product parameters associated with the particular product and the vacant space on the peg.

Abstract: A device for counting the overvoltage surges discharged by a gapless overvoltage arrester contains a sensing head and a counting mechanism which follows the sensing head. In the sensing head, the discharge current carried by the overvoltage arrester in a ground return line during the occurrence of an overvoltage surge is detected. The counting mechanism records an overvoltage surge as soon as the discharge current exceeds a threshold value. During this process, an effective connection between the sensing head and a counter is established for a brief time by means of a switch. This device is intended to be characterized, with a high counting accuracy, by a dead time which is independent of the components used. This is achieved by the measure that the switch is followed by a threshold detector which responds above the threshold value of the discharge current.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring insecticide activity. A chamber holds a plural of insects and a quantity of the insecticide to be tested. An exit is formed in the chamber so that insects escaping from the chamber pass through a detector to generate a signal. The signals are compared to other signals generated by the other insects passing the detector to determine the repellency of the insecticides.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for counting uniform objects passing a row of sensors over a conveyor for the objects, in which counting of each object by activating a sensor is ensured by proper spacing of the sensors, prevents double counting of any object by scanning the control circuit respectively for the sensors. An activated sensor then inhibits the control circuit for the sensor or sensors adjacent that activated, which might be activated by the same object.