Electronic position sensing system, method, and apparatus

US12390599B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• University of Massachusetts · US

Inventors

• Craig A. Armiento · Acton, US
• David M. Musoke · Lowell, US
• Alexander Z. Senckowski · Lowell, US
• Alkim Akyurtlu · Arlington, US
• Edward D. Kingsley · Stow, US
• Kyle M. Homan · Pembroke, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 10, 2020
• Grant date: Aug 19, 2025
• Expiry date: Jun 19, 2044

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2205/3584
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A position tracking system includes a member extending along a lengthwise axis. Multiple position tracking elements (such as conductive strips) are fabricated to be exposed on a surface of the member. The multiple position tracking elements form a sequence along the lengthwise axis and are spaced apart from each other. The position tracking system further includes a probe. The probe monitors for presences and absence of the position tracking elements disposed in the sequence as the member and corresponding sequence of position tracking elements moves with respect to the probe. Based on the detected presence and absence of position tracking elements, a monitor resource of the position tracking system monitors parameters such as: i) a position of the member along the axis, ii) a rate of movement of the member along the axis over time, iii) a direction of movement of the member along the axis, etc.