Optical position sensor for determining the angular position of a rotating device
US8809763B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D5/3473
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical position sensor system is disclosed for determining the angular position of a rotary member having a longitudinal rotation axis that extends in an axial direction. The system includes a single light source aligned along the rotation axis. A collimating element is adjacent the light source a predetermined distance, the collimating element aligned along the rotation axis to collimate light from the light source along the rotation axis. A detection element is adjacent the collimating element a predetermined distance to receive collimated light from the collimating element and to provide a linear output. A light blocker is inserted between the collimating element and the detection element, the light blocker coupled to the rotary member to rotate therewith about the rotation axis to block portions of the collimated light from the light source and the collimating element from reaching the detection element in direct relationship to the rotary position of the light blocker.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.