A pulse generator comprises a mounting to hold two bodies in proximity to each other. Two magnetic elements may be movably placed in the mounting, and the magnetic elements will align with each other in one of two stable states. A coil surrounds the magnetic elements in the mounting, and a force application device applies a force to the first magnetic element to cause the first magnetic element to break the current alignment and thereby make the first and second magnetic elements realign to the other stable state. The movement of the magnets generates a pulse in the coil which may be detected by suitable circuitry and used. The device may be used inter alia to count rotations or linear movements, or to provide switching or remote control without the need for a separate power source.

A pulse generator comprises a mounting to hold two bodies in proximity to each other. Two magnetic elements may be movably placed in the mounting, and the magnetic elements will align with each other in one of two stable states. A coil surrounds the magnetic elements in the mounting, and a force application device applies a force to the first magnetic element to cause the first magnetic element to break the current alignment and thereby make the first and second magnetic elements realign to the other stable state. The movement of the magnets generates a pulse in the coil which may be detected by suitable circuitry and used. The device may be used inter alia to count rotations or linear movements, or to provide switching or remote control without the need for a separate power source.

An inclined-axis axial piston machine includes a housing, a drive shaft and a cylinder barrel. The drive shaft is mounted in the housing so as to be rotatable with respect to a first axis of rotation and is integral with a flange. Each piston is coupled to the flange via a ball joint. A multiplicity of counting perforations are arranged in a periodically distributed and continuous manner over an outer circumferential surface of the flange. The housing accommodates a sensor arranged opposite the counting perforations such that rotation of the drive shaft causes a signal change at the sensor. Each counting perforation is formed integrally from the flange, in the form of a recess having a single continuous perimeter. A side wall of the recess, starting from the perimeter, extends uninterruptedly, without sharp bends or offsets, over the entire circumference of the perimeter.

An inclined-axis axial piston machine includes a housing, a drive shaft and a cylinder barrel. The drive shaft is mounted in the housing so as to be rotatable with respect to a first axis of rotation and is integral with a flange. Each piston is coupled to the flange via a ball joint. A multiplicity of counting perforations are arranged in a periodically distributed and continuous manner over an outer circumferential surface of the flange. The housing accommodates a sensor arranged opposite the counting perforations such that rotation of the drive shaft causes a signal change at the sensor. Each counting perforation is formed integrally from the flange, in the form of a recess having a single continuous perimeter. A side wall of the recess, starting from the perimeter, extends uninterruptedly, without sharp bends or offsets, over the entire circumference of the perimeter.

A pulse generator comprises a mounting to hold two bodies in proximity to each other. Two magnetic elements may be movably placed in the mounting, and the magnetic elements will align with each other in one of two stable states. A coil surrounds the magnetic elements in the mounting, and a force application device applies a force to the first magnetic element to cause the first magnetic element to break the current alignment and thereby make the first and second magnetic elements realign to the other stable state. The movement of the magnets generates a pulse in the coil which may be detected by suitable circuitry and used. The device may be used inter alia to count rotations or linear movements, or to provide switching or remote control without the need for a separate power source.

A pulse generator comprises a mounting to hold two bodies in proximity to each other. Two magnetic elements may be movably placed in the mounting, and the magnetic elements will align with each other in one of two stable states. A coil surrounds the magnetic elements in the mounting, and a force application device applies a force to the first magnetic element to cause the first magnetic element to break the current alignment and thereby make the first and second magnetic elements realign to the other stable state. The movement of the magnets generates a pulse in the coil which may be detected by suitable circuitry and used. The device may be used inter alia to count rotations or linear movements, or to provide switching or remote control without the need for a separate power source.

Systems and methods are provided for measuring articles contained within and/or dispensed from a receptacle. The present invention incorporates a counter device that measures the displacement of a conductive target relative to an LC circuit using an inductance-to-digital converter. In operation, a change in weight of articles in a receptacle will displace or deform a conductive target relative to the position of the LC circuit and, as such, it will create a measurable differential relating to inductance. Based on the measured differential, the number of articles (e.g., pills) within and/or taken from the receptacle is determined using a processor. In accordance with a further aspect, the counter is configured to compensate for a temperature-dependent variation in the measured electrical parameter algorithmically using the processor and/or through the particular configuration of the receptacle components.

Systems and methods are provided for measuring articles contained within and/or dispensed from a receptacle. The present invention incorporates a counter device that measures the displacement of a conductive target relative to an LC circuit using an inductance-to-digital converter. In operation, a change in weight of articles in a receptacle will displace or deform a conductive target relative to the position of the LC circuit and, as such, it will create a measurable differential relating to inductance. Based on the measured differential, the number of articles (e.g., pills) within and/or taken from the receptacle is determined using a processor. In accordance with a further aspect, the counter is configured to compensate for a temperature-dependent variation in the measured electrical parameter algorithmically using the processor and/or through the particular configuration of the receptacle components.