Automatic counting system for passages
First Claim
1. An automatic counting system for non-uniform bodies having a non-uniform speeds in either direction through a constricted passage comprising a ranging apparatus having at least three ranging stations spaced longitudinally along the passage for detecting the presence and absence of bodies to be counted at said stations, and a sequence logic circuit connected to said ranging apparatus for detecting and interpreting the sequence in which bodies are detected at said ranging stations for thereby counting the passage of bodies said ranging stations all including means operable to determine the distance to a detected body for detecting the presence of that body by emitting a pulse of energy oscillations within a limited wave-length spectrum and for measuring the time interval until that energy is reflected back from a detected body to be counted.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is particularly useful for counting the passengers moving into and out of a common carrier vehicle such as a motor bus. Three ultrasonic ranging stations are provided to determine the presence and absence of passengers at three successive positions at the bus entrance. The three positions may correspond respectively to three steps through the entrance. Sequence logic circuitry is included for analyzing the sequence of detection of passengers at the three different ranging stations to establish a count of the number of passengers entering or leaving.
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Citations
27 Claims
- 1. An automatic counting system for non-uniform bodies having a non-uniform speeds in either direction through a constricted passage comprising a ranging apparatus having at least three ranging stations spaced longitudinally along the passage for detecting the presence and absence of bodies to be counted at said stations, and a sequence logic circuit connected to said ranging apparatus for detecting and interpreting the sequence in which bodies are detected at said ranging stations for thereby counting the passage of bodies said ranging stations all including means operable to determine the distance to a detected body for detecting the presence of that body by emitting a pulse of energy oscillations within a limited wave-length spectrum and for measuring the time interval until that energy is reflected back from a detected body to be counted.
Specification