Linear position encoder
US4584472A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 1984 |
| Grant date | Apr 22, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03M1/285
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Information related to the position of a control member of a vehicle is required for control of power delivered to the vehicle motors. Available linear position encoders are expensive and prone to damage in an industrial environment. The instant apparatus provides a simple and durable linear position encoder having a piston adapted to move within a housing. A plurality of sensors are each positioned along a different housing pathway and a plurality of sensible members are each positioned along a different piston pathway. In response to movement of the piston within the housing the sensors deliver respective position signals to an electric circuit means, which, in turn, delivers respective coded digital signals to a vehicle controller. The apparatus is digital in design and is of simple, rugged, and inexpensive construction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.