Patent ID: 8020753
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
1. A revolution counter device for counting a number of turns and increments thereof of a driven part by a driving part comprising: an adapter shaft having an output end configured for coupling to a driven part that is to be rotated on a turning axis, and an input end configured for coupling to a driving part for rotating the driven part with the adapter shaft on the turning axis, and an intermediate portion in line between the input and output ends that is coupled to a rotary encoder; a device body having a first portion for mounting said adapter shaft in engagement with the rotary encoder therein, said rotary encoder being coupled to the intermediate portion of said adapter shaft which is turned when the output end thereof is coupled to the driven part and turned by the input end coupled to the driving part, and having a rotary encoder circuit operatively coupled thereto for outputting signals indicative of the number of turns and increments of said adapter shaft detected by said rotary encoder, said device body further having a second portion, at a distance from the first portion, having a sufficient mass that said second portion acts to orient the device body to a gravity-determined position as a reference position that is indexed by gravity; and a memory counter circuit which receives output signals from said rotary encoder circuit and maintains a count indicative of a number of turns and increments of the driven part being turned by the driving part, said memory counter circuit including a reference setting circuit that sets a reference setting for a count using the reference position of the device body as indexed by gravity.