Method and apparatus for sensing the orientation of a mechanical actuator
US6142059A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S13/88
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for determining the extended length or orientation of a hydraulic actuator, or of an implement or joint, is disclosed herein. Electromagnetic (EM) bursts such as ultra-wideband or frequency pulses are generated and applied to a transmitter unit attached to a stationary or moveable portion of the actuator. The EM bursts are launched by the transmitter toward a receiver located on the other of the stationary or moveable portion of the actuator. The time for the EM bursts to travel between the associated antennas of the transmitter and the receiver is determined and converted into a position signal representing the distance therebetween.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.