Method for optimizing performance of optical encoders operating in a fluid
US6900428B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D5/34715
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An unsealed optical encoder does not function properly in a fluid other than air because the optics do not function when interfaced with a medium having an index of refraction significantly higher than air. The collimating lens of an optical encoder has two refracting surfaces, at least one of the refracting surfaces being convex. An orthogonal cap of the present invention is attached over an optical encoder's collimating lens to create a sealed air cavity between the convex refracting surface of the collimating lens and the orthogonal cap. This placement of the orthogonal cap is such that the collimated light leaving the sealed air cavity may enter the surrounding medium at an angle that is normal to the surface of the medium, such as transparent oil, so that the collimated light does not bend even though the light is traveling from air to a much slower medium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.