| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 250231130 | Shaft angle transducers | 74 |
| 20090206244 | Single Track Optical Encoder - Disclosed are various embodiments of a reflective optical encoder having at least three channels—two data channels and one index channel—disposed along a common axis or single track. The single track configuration disclosed herein permits very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. In addition, the single track configuration reduces problems with misalignment between code scales and light detectors, permits relatively simple electronic circuitry to be used to process outputs, and reduces manufacturing, assembly, integrated circuit and encoder costs. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20100019135 | ROTARY ENCODER FOR CONNECTING ADDITIONAL SENSORS AND ELECTRICAL MACHINE COMPRISING A ROTARY ENCODER OF THIS TYPE - The invention relates to a rotary encoder ( | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100051792 | ABSOLUTE-TYPE ENCODER AND METHOD FOR DETECTING ABSOLUTE POSITION - An absolute-type encoder includes an absolute-type encoder wheel. The absolute-type encoder wheel includes a primary optical grating unit and two secondary optical grating units, wherein the two secondary optical grating units are arranged outside and inside the primary optical grating unit and contain one less optical grating than that of the primary optical grating unit. The encoder wheel is rotated to find a zero point in the light detection signal of the secondary optical grating unit, and a corresponding light detection value of the primary optical grating unit is also determined based on the zero point. The absolute position of the encoder wheel can be calculated with reference to the corresponding light detection value. The absolute-type encoder can also be used as an incremental-type encoder to provide more versatility. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20130037705 | ENHANCED OPTICAL REFLECTIVE ENCODER - An optical encoder and optical encoding system are disclosed. Specifically, an encoder having a light detector elevated relative to a light source is described. The relative height difference between the light source and the light detector enables the optical encoder to minimize noise at the light detector without requiring a separate light baffle between the light source and light detector. Methods of manufacturing and operating such an encoder are also described. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20120205528 | THREE-CHANNEL ENCODER USING A SINGLE OPTICAL TRACK - An optical encoder is disclosed. Specifically, a three-channel encoder is disclosed which utilizes a single track for all three channels. An index channel is provided on the same optical track as the first and second channels which are used to determine incremental angular position. Thus, a more compact and simple three-channel encoder is provided. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20100133423 | OUT-OF-ROUND CODER - Device for detection of out-of-round on an angle sensor including a disc supporting angle coding means rigidly attached to a rotating shaft and at least one fixed optical system including a coherent light source emitting a beam interfering with the angle coding means of the support disc in order to code its angular position, means for collimation of the said beam before interference and a photodetector of the modulated beam after interference. In accordance with one possibility, it includes two optical systems arranged 90° from each other. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20120217384 | OPTICAL ENCODER - An optical encoder includes a light source, a scale which is irradiated by the light source and has a fine pitch pattern and a coarse pitch pattern in a measuring direction in one track, a high resolution detection sensor array which receives light from the scale and detects the fine pitch pattern, and a low resolution detection sensor array which receives light from the scale and detects the coarse pitch pattern. A transmittance distribution or a reflectivity distribution of the scale is a distribution obtained by summing up a modulation component which corresponds to the fine pitch pattern and in which integrated values in a direction perpendicular to the measuring direction form modulation amplitude uniform in the measuring direction and a modulation component which corresponds to the coarse pitch pattern and in which modulation amplitude is uniform in the measuring direction. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20130099107 | ROTATION SENSOR-EQUIPPED BEARING - A bearing unit is provided in an inner peripheral portion of a sensor housing in which a sensor portion is installed. The sensor portion includes a sensor mounting substrate and a sensor fixed to this sensor mounting substrate. The sensor housing is provided with an axially extending substrate mounting groove formed in a direction of a chord which will define the circular section of the outer peripheral surface of the sensor housing. The sensor mounting substrate is mounted on this substrate mounting groove to install the sensor portion within the sensor housing. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20090236507 | SHAFT-MOUNTED DETECTOR FOR OPTICAL ENCODER - A transmissive optical encoder is disclosed. The transmissive optical encoder includes a detector, a code wheel, and an emitter. The detector includes an aperture through the detector. The aperture is configured to receive a rotary shaft of a motor. The code wheel is coupled to the rotary shaft of the motor. Rotation of the rotary shaft results in corresponding rotation of the code wheel. The emitter is configured to emit a light signal through the code wheel toward the detector. Rotation of the code wheel results in modulation of the light signal at the detector. Embodiments of the transmissive optical encoder consume relatively little space and facilitate alignment of the emitter and detector. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090008538 | OPTICAL ENCODER AND ITS MANUFACTURING METHOD - An optical encoder comprises a sensor head including a light source and a photodetector and a scale that moves relative to the sensor head. The light emitted from the light source is reflected, transmitted or diffracted by the scale, and the reflected, transmitted or diffracted light is received by the photodetector to allow the sensor head to output a displacement signal. The sensor head includes a wiring substrate having electrodes formed thereon and on which the light source and photodetector are disposed at predetermined positions and a light transmitting material that covers the wiring substrate, light source, and photodetector. A side plane obtained by cutting the wiring substrate and light transmitting material at the same time in the direction substantially perpendicular to the light receiving surface of the photodetector serves as a reference position related to disposition of the components to be mounted on the wiring substrate. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090090851 | SHAFT-MOUNTED DETECTOR FOR OPTICAL ENCODER - A transmissive optical encoder is disclosed. The transmissive optical encoder includes a detector, a code wheel, and an emitter. The detector includes an aperture through the detector. The aperture is configured to receive a rotary shaft of a motor. The code wheel is coupled to the rotary shaft of the motor. Rotation of the rotary shaft results in corresponding rotation of the code wheel. The emitter is configured to emit a light signal through the code wheel toward the detector. Rotation of the code wheel results in modulation of the light signal at the detector. Embodiments of the transmissive optical encoder consume relatively little space and facilitate alignment of the emitter and detector. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090294637 | Absolute position detection type photoelectric encoder - In an absolute position detection type photoelectric encoder devised so as to detect a pseudorandom pattern disposed on a main scale by means of a plurality of imaging optical systems, assembling of the absolute position detection type photoelectric encoder is facilitated and production cost thereof is reduced by providing: a single light-receiving array element disposed on the imaging surfaces of the imaging optical systems, which incorporates a greater light-receiving array portion in the length measurement direction than the light-receiving range of the respective imaging optical systems; a window signal storing portion for storing a window signal showing a light-receiving range of the respective imaging optical systems; and a window signal comparison portion for obtaining signals corresponding to individual imaging ranges by comparing scanning signals of the light-receiving array element with window signals. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20080277569 | OPTICAL ENCODER - In an optical encoder comprising an optical scale in which a light transmission portion and a light non-transparent portion are arranged and an output pattern obtained by emitting an incident light functions as an optical code, a light source portion and a light detecting portion, the light non-transparent portion is constituted of at least one pair of inclined surfaces which are opposed in such a manner as to become farther away from each other towards the side where the incident light enters and set so that an incident angle of the optical axis of the incident light from the light source should not be smaller than a critical angle of incidence, and the light non-transparent portion is constructed so that the incident light which enters one inclined surface should be totally reflected thereon to enter the other inclined surface and then at least part of the incident light should be reflected on the other inclined surface, and a reflected light which is reflected on the other inclined surface should not enter a light emitting portion of the light source and a reflecting portion around the light emitting portion. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20110220780 | OPTICAL ENCODER - An optical encoder | 09-15-2011 |
| 20120138781 | Interpolation Circuitry for Optical Encoders - Disclosed are various embodiments of circuitry and methods for generating interpolated signals in an optical encoder. The optical encoder configurations and circuitry disclosed herein permit very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed. According to one embodiment, the interpolated signals are generated through the use of signal generation circuitry, peak voltage generation circuitry, reference voltage generation circuitry, slope detection circuitry, and a clocked comparator that is configured to output interpolated output pulses. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20090084945 | PHOTODIODE ARRAY FOR AN OPTICAL ENCODER, PHOTODIODE DETECTION SYSTEM, AND OPTICAL ENCODER - A photodiode detector array for an optical encoder includes a sequence of photodiodes having a pitch between adjacent photodiodes that alternates between a first pitch and a second pitch, the second pitch being different than the first pitch. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20110220781 | Optical Encoder - An optical encoder comprising a set of light sources configured to emit light rays in a serial manner, an encoded scale configured to reflect at least a portion of the emitted light rays, and a photodetector, where the photodetector is configured to detect at least a portion of the reflected light rays and to generate signals based on the detected light rays for each of the light sources. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20080315077 | SCANNING UNIT FOR AN OPTICAL POSITION-MEASURING DEVICE - A scanning unit for an optical position-measuring device includes a semiconductor light source and at least one downstream reflector element that has a defined optical effect on the beams of rays emitted by the semiconductor light source. The optically active surface of the reflector element is arranged in subregions to be reflection-preventive such that no beams of rays are reflected back from the reflector element into the semiconductor light source. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20100148044 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOUSING - An electronic device housing includes a metallic base part | 06-17-2010 |
| 20110233392 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING LIGHT PULSED SEQUENCES TO CALIBRATE AN ENCODER - An encoder to be mounted to a piston meter and configured to compute a volume of distributed fluid includes a light sensor configured to detect a light sequence and output signals indicative of the light sequence to a processing device, the processing device configured to determine if the light sequence is one of one or more authorized light sequences, wherein the processing device enters a calibration mode if the light sequence is one of the one or more authorized light sequences. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20100213359 | MEASURING APPARATUS AND MEASURING METHOD FOR MEASURING AXIS TILT OF SHAFT OF MOTOR FOR POLYGON MIRROR - A measuring apparatus includes a light source emitting a measuring light, a first photo-detection element directly receiving a part of a reflected light of the measuring light reflected from a shaft to be measured to detect a first light receiving position, and a second photo-detection element directly receiving another part of the reflected light to detect a second light receiving position. An axis tilt angle of the shaft is measured on the basis of a signal output from the first photo-detection element and a signal output from the second photo-detection element. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20090283667 | ABSOLUTE POSITION LENGTH MEASUREMENT TYPE ENCODER - An absolute position length measurement type encoder includes: a scale in which an ABS pattern based on a pseudorandom code is provided; a light-receiving element for receiving bright and dark patterns formed by the scale; and a signal processing circuit for processing signals subjected to output of the light-receiving element and measuring an absolute position of the scale to the light-receiving element, wherein the signal processing circuit includes a space-dividing number conversion circuit that obtains finer intervals D than the array interval P | 11-19-2009 |
| 20110233391 | OPTICAL ENCODER - A miniaturized optical encoder capable of obtaining a sufficient amount of light in the light receiving element is provided. An optical encoder | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110233390 | OPTICAL ENCODER - A miniaturized optical encoder capable of obtaining a sufficient amount of light in the light receiving element is provided. An optical encoder | 09-29-2011 |
| 20100301195 | High Resolution Single Track Optical Encoder - Disclosed are various embodiments of a single track reflective optical encoder featuring increased spatial resolution, reduced cross-talk between adjoining photodiodes, and increased amplitude output signals from individual photodiodes. With respect to prior art single track optical encoders, some photodiodes are removed from a photodiode array, while nevertheless maintaining appropriate phase relationships between pairs of A and A\, and B and B\, photodiodes. Such a configuration of photodiodes results in increased inter-photodiode spacing, and thereby permits spatial resolution to be increased while boosting current outputs from individual photodiodes. The single track optical encoder configurations disclosed herein permit very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. In addition, the single track configuration reduces problems with misalignment between code scales and light detectors, permits relatively simple electronic circuitry to be used to process outputs, and reduces manufacturing, assembly, integrated circuit and encoder costs. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20110114829 | High Resolution Optical Encoder Systems, Devices and Methods - Disclosed are various embodiments of front-end analog circuitry for use in conjunction with optical encoders. Highly accurate analog output signals are provided by front-end analog circuitry in incremental or absolute motion encoders to interpolation circuitry, which is capable of providing high interpolation factor output signals having high timing accuracy. The disclosed interpolation circuits may be implemented using CMOS or BiCMOS processes without undue effort. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20100038527 | Rotary Push On Encoder - Rotary encoders with push on components for determining speed and/or position of a rotating shaft are described. Also described are features for indexing an encoder to a shaft position. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20090032691 | PHOTOELECTRIC ENCODER AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT USING THE SAME - In a photoelectric encoder, each of light receiving elements ( | 02-05-2009 |
| 20080203283 | OPTICAL ENCODER WITH DETECTOR LENS - An optical encoder of a transmissive optical encoding system is disclosed. The optical encoder includes an emitter, a detector, and a detector lens. The emitter includes a light source and a collimating lens. The detector includes a plurality of photosensors to detect light from the emitter. The detector lens is aligned with the plurality of photosensors to direct the light toward the plurality of photosensors. Embodiments of the optical encoder provide an increased effective sensing area, increased power delivery to the detector, and increased encoder life. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20100181468 | ROTARY ENCODER - [Problems to be Solved] To provide a rotary encoder capable of carrying out self-calibration for a horizontal encoder as well as a vertical encoder without requiring special equipment and simply and inexpensively with a high degree of accuracy while reducing the burden on a worker. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100181469 | ANGULAR CORRECTION METHOD FOR ROTARY ENCODER - [Object] To provide an angular correction method with which angular skip does not occur in determining an angle between angular graduations of a dial of a rotary encoder by interpolation calculation. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20090321621 | OPTICAL ENCODER - An optical encoder, with a simple structure, that can output a high-precision origin signal is provided. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20110315864 | OPTOELECTRONIC ANGLE SENSOR - The invention relates to an optoelectronic angle sensor for determining a rotational angle about an axis, comprising a code carrier ( | 12-29-2011 |
| 20090159787 | ENCODER HAVING AN OVERMOLDED COVER, ENCODER SYSTEM WITH AN ENCODER HAVING AN OVERMOLDED COVER, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN ENCODER HAVING AN OVERMOLDED COVER - An encoder includes a rotor including: a shaft and a code disk attached to the shaft; a stator including a scanning unit configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to an angular position of the code disk; a cable configured to transfer the electrical signal; and a cover overmolded onto the stator, where the scanning unit is sealed from an outer environment by the cover. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090314930 | ENCODER HOME POSITION SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD AND SYSTEM - An encoder position signal processing system comprises an analog encoder reader and a codewheel. The codewheel possesses an optical track that modulates the quadrature encoder signal amplitude in order to generate an amplitude change (home pulse) once per revolution of the codewheel. The analog encoder reader outputs a quadrature signal comprised of sine and cosine signals. The quadrature signal is converted to a magnitude signal that is sampled in order to generate a rate of change (ROC) signal, which increases the signal-to-noise ratio. An algorithm using the characteristic shape of the ROC home pulse signal can then be applied to the ROC signal to increases robustness of detecting the home pulse. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20080245956 | PHOTODETECTOR ARRAY AND CODEWHEEL CONFIGURATION FOR FLEXIBLE OPTICAL ENCODER RESOLUTION - An optical encoder includes a coding element having a track with multiple transparent sections, a light source positioned to output light to the track, and a photodetector array, positioned to detect light that passes through the transparent sections of the track. The photodetectors of the photodetector array have larger width dimensions than the width dimensions of the transparent sections of the track. Resolution of the optical encoder may be adjusted by changing the resolution of the coding element. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20090134317 | SENSOR AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN ANGULAR POSITION OF A ROTOR - A sensor for sensing the angular position of a rotor includes a code disk rotatable with the rotor. A first light guide is rotatable with the rotor. The light guide directs light from a light source through the code disk to a detector. A second light guide has first and second arms directing light from a light source to the detector. A light modulator modulates the light directed from one of the first and second arms to the detector. A method for determining the angular position of the rotor includes providing the code disk with a plurality of individual designation areas located near the outer peripheral edge of the disk. Each designation area has a plurality of digital bits. The detector detects the digital bits from a selected portion of the code disk. The selected portion is functionally related to the angular position of the rotor. A bit center is determined for each bit of the selected portion. The bit is determined to be a 1 or a 0 by determining a value related to the bit based on the determined bit center and comparing the determined value against a threshold. The determined 1's and 0's are monitored to identify a code word. The angular position of the rotor is identified based upon the identified code word. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20120168615 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPTICALLY COMPENSATING FOR THE MEASURING TRACK DECENTRALIZATION IN ROTATION ANGLE SENSORS - The invention relates to an improved encoding disk for an optical rotation angle sensor or a rotary encoder, an optical rotation sensor or rotary encoder comprising an improved encoding disk, and a method for optically correcting or compensating for an angle measuring error of a rotary encoder, in particular an angle measuring error which is contingent on a displacement or decentralization of the encoding disk. The encoding disk ( | 07-05-2012 |
| 20090057542 | ABSOLUTE ENCODER UTILIZING LIGHT OF DIFFERENT WAVELENGTHS TO RECUDE CROSS TALK - An encoder having a code scale, an illumination system, and a plurality of photodetectors is disclosed. The code scale has a plurality of tracks that are illuminated by the illumination system. Each photodetector receives light from a corresponding one of the tracks and generates a signal indicative of a quantity of light received from that track. Each photodetector is limited to detecting light in a band of wavelengths corresponding to that track. Each track generates light in a band of wavelengths corresponding to that track, and the band of wavelengths corresponding to one of the tracks is different from the band of wavelengths corresponding to the tracks that are next to that track. The tracks can include alternating reflective and absorptive stripes, alternating transmissive and reflective stripes, or alternating luminescent and absorptive stripes. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090127446 | Optical Encoder Apparatus for Removable Connection with Printed Circuit Board and Methods of Assembling Optical Encoder - There is disclosed optical encoder apparatus for removable connection with a printed circuit board. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a light emitting component, a light detecting component, a mounting component for attaching the light emitting component thereon, and another mounting component for attaching the light detecting component thereon, wherein each of the mounting components have a removable connection with the printed circuit board. A method of assembling optical encoder apparatus is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes attaching a light emitting component and a terminal of a first mounting component to one another; attaching a light detecting component and a terminal of a second mounting component to one another; attaching a terminal of the first mounting component to a printed circuit board; and attaching a terminal of the second mounting component to the printed circuit board. Other embodiments are also disclosed. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20100314532 | Optical Encoder Systems, Devices and Methods - Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise optical encoders having various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder. Also disclosed are compact single track optical encoders having a single dome lens disposed thereover, and dual track triple dome lens optical encoders. Methods of making such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100327152 | Miniaturized Single Track Optical Encoder System with Integrated Index Channel(s) - Disclosed are various embodiments of a reflective optical encoder system having at least three channels—two data channels and at least one index channel. The various configurations of reflective optical encoders disclosed herein permits very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. In addition, the embodiments of the reflective optical encoder systems disclosed herein reduce problems associated with misalignment between code scales and light detectors, permit relatively simple electronic circuitry to be used to process outputs, and reduce manufacturing, assembly, integrated circuit and encoder costs. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110272566 | OPTOELECTRONIC POSITION MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND OPTOELECTRONIC POSITION MEASUREMENT METHOD - An optoelectronic position measurement device having a code carrier that carries at least one optically registered position code and that is illuminated with optical radiation from a radiation source. At least one portion of the optical radiation is registered by at least one registration element, by means of which a signal dependent on the position code can be created and a position of the code carrier relative to the registration element can thus be registered. the code carrier is movable relative to the registration element with a degree of freedom. the optical radiation couples into the code carrier and is guided at least partially in a beam path in the interior of the code carrier lying in the extension level of the code carrier. The decoupling of the optical radiation occurs in a decoupling zone such that the registration element is illuminated by a substantially homogenous intensity distribution. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20130015338 | METHOD FOR WORKING OUT THE ANGULAR POSITION OF A ROTATING ELEMENT AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SUCH A METHODAANM MASA; PeterAACI OnnensAACO CHAAGP MASA; Peter Onnens CH - Method for working out the angular position of a rotating element, using at least one light source emitting a light beam in the direction of a fixed sensor and computing elements for processing an output signal of the sensor, includes:
| 01-17-2013 |
| 20130015337 | METHOD FOR WORKING OUT THE ECCENTRICITY AND THE ANGULAR POSITION OF A ROTATING ELEMENT AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SUCH A METHODAANM MASA; PeterAACI OnnensAACO CHAAGP MASA; Peter Onnens CH - A method for working out the angular position of a rotating element, by using at least one fixed light source emitting a light beam in the direction of a fixed sensor, arranging the light source with respect to the rotating element and sensor to induce an interaction between the beam and sensor, and providing a value of the angular position dependent of the sensor's output signal. The method including:
| 01-17-2013 |
| 20110139971 | ROTARY POSITION ENCODER - A rotary position encoder for determining a rotary position of a shaft includes a rigid substrate having a planar surface and mounted on the shaft to rotate with the shaft; an optical disk having at least a transparent polycarbonate layer and a reflective layer on the transparent polycarbonate layer, affixed to the planar surface of the substrate, the optical disk having a first circumferential track encoded therein having binary data; an optics assembly for interrogating the optical disk and providing an output signal indicative of data received from the interrogation of the optical disk; and a tracking motor for driving the optics assembly radially with respect to the optical disk. | 06-16-2011 |
| 250231140 | Incremental shaft readers; i.e., with means to generate increments of angular shaft rotation | 28 |
| 20090236508 | Incremental encoder - An incremental encoder, which comprises a light source, a code wheel, a first photo-sensitive unit, a second photo-sensitive unit, a first inverse-phase photo-sensitive unit and a comparison circuit, is disclosed. The light source provides a detecting light. The code wheel comprises many diaphanous holes. The detecting light is sieved into a light pulse signal by the diaphanous holes when the code wheel is rotating. The first photo-sensitive unit, the second photo-sensitive unit and the first inverse-phase photo-sensitive unit generates the first electronic signal, the second electronic signal and the first inverse-phase electronic signal respectively based on the light pulse signal. The comparison circuit generates a voltage signal by composing the first electronic signal and the first inverse-phase electronic signal, generates a first digital signal based on the voltage signal and the first electronic signal, and generates a second digital signal based on the voltage signal and the second electronic signal. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20110233393 | MOTOR ASSEMBLY SENSOR CAPTURE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A motor may be configured to drive a drive shaft and an engagement member supported on the drive shaft. A detectable feature comprising a rotary member may be supported on the drive shaft such that movement of the drive shaft by the motor changes a state of the detectable feature. At least one sensor may be arranged to detect the state of the detectable feature. Circuitry may be configured to provide a signal in response to a change in the state of the detectable feature detected by the at least one sensor. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20100140463 | ENCODER AND METHOD FOR PRECISELY INDICATING POSITIONS - An encoder and method for precisely indicating the position of a first member with respect to a second member by utilizing a pattern of machine-sensible elements carried on a track of the first member; the machine-sensible elements being located at successive incremental rotations on the track of the first member and each representing one of the binary values “0” and “1”; and a plurality of “n” sensors, wherein “n” is greater than “3”, carried by the second member at a plurality of spaced locations thereon in proximity to the track of the first member and alignable with the machine-sensible elements of the first member. Each sensor thus senses the binary value of each machine-sensible element with which it is aligned to produce an output corresponding to the binary value of the machine-sensible element with which it is aligned, whereby the outputs of all the sensors constitute a binary code, preferably a Gray code, of “n” bits identifying the position of the first member with respect to the second member. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20090072130 | Rotary Encoder Apparatus and Method - Rotary encoder apparatus is described that comprises an encoder scale or ring and an encoder scale reader. The encoder scale includes an incremental scale and one or more reference marks. The encoder scale reader comprises at least a first readhead and a second readhead that each produce a reference mark signal when passed over a reference mark of the encoder scale. The apparatus also comprises a reference position setter for determining, as the encoder scale reader is rotated relative to the encoder scale, at least one angularly repeatable reference position of the encoder scale relative to the encoder scale reader using a first reference mark signal produced by the first readhead and second reference mark signal subsequently produced by the second readhead. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20100252722 | Optical encoder assembly including collimating reflective surface features - An optical encoder assembly including at least one light source or emitter element, at least one light detector or sensor element, at least one code member including a plurality of code elements arranged along a track extending along a plane with the emitter element and the sensor element positioned on a first side of the plane, and a reflector element positioned on an opposite second side of the plane and including a reflective surface having one or more collimating reflective surface features that reflect light emitted from the emitter element to the code element and on to the sensor element. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20110017905 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE, MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD FOR DETECTING REFERENCE ANGLE OF THE MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE - A microfluidic device includes a platform having a disc shape, a chamber formed on the platform, and a home position mark formed on the platform. The at least one chamber and the home position mark are arranged at a same distance from a center of the platform. The home position mark has a light transmittance which is different from a light transmittance of the at least one chamber. A microfluidic system includes a light emitting part which emits light; a light receiving part arranged to receive the light emitted by the light emitting part; the microfluidic device arranged between the light emitting part and the light receiving part; an operating part which rotates the microfluidic device; and a control part which compares an intensity of light incident upon the light receiving part with a with a reference value to detect a reference angle of the microfluidic device. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20090001259 | ROTARY DEVICE - Disclosed is a rotary device that rotatably and movably supports a rotary body, thereby reducing the number of parts, as compared to the related art. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20110260042 | Power Angle Monitor - A system and method for monitoring the rotation of a generator rotor and calculating a power angle using an optical rotor displacement monitor. The monitor uses a light beam directed toward the rotor to detect a marking thereon, and generates an electrical pulse when the marking is detected. The time between the pulse and a reference point (such as a zero crossing) of the signal waveform from the terminals of the generator is used to calculate the power angle of the generator. The system is adaptive in that it can account for new markings on the rotor. The system may be connected to a network so that power angles from various generators on the electrical network may be compared. The system may further be connected to a common time source such that a time stamp may be applied to the power angles from various generators, allowing for more accurate comparison of the power angles. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20100282955 | SEALED ROTARY MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A measurement system ( | 11-11-2010 |
| 20110215230 | OPTICAL ENCODER - The invention relates to optical encoders providing binary logic signals representing increments of relative position of two elements of the encoder, the two elements being mobile with respect to one another. The encoder includes at least one pair formed of a luminous emitter and of a luminous detector which are secured to the fixed element, the emitter producing a luminous radiation that the detector can detect, and at least one mark secured to the movable element, during the motion of the movable element with respect to the fixed element, the mark being able to place itself in the path of the luminous radiation so as to be detected by the detector. The encoder further includes a plane printed circuit, secured to the fixed element and on which the pair of emitter and detector is arranged. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110303831 | ROTARY ENCODER THAT DETECTS ROTATION ANGLE - A rotary encoder | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110155895 | ROTARY ENCODER WHICH DETECTS ROTATION ANGLE - A rotary encoder | 06-30-2011 |
| 250231150 | With plural gear driven discs | 2 |
| 20090152452 | REFLECTIVE MULTI-TURN ENCODER - A reflective optical encoder for a gear train. The reflective optical encoder includes a gear train with a plurality of gears. Each of the gears is operably coupled to at least one other gear of the plurality of gears. A reflective code pattern is accessible on a surface of at least one of the gears. A reflective optical sensor detects light reflected by the reflective code pattern. Position logic coupled to the optical sensor determines a rotational parameter of the gear train based on the light reflected by the reflective code pattern. Additionally, the position logic may determine rotational parameter of a pinion coupled to the gear train based on the rotational parameter of the gear train. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20100001177 | Rotary Encoder with Built-in-Self-Test - A rotary encoder using built-in self test ability with redundant and fault tolerant position sensing. Wherein the rotary encoder is used with a variety of rotary equipment including a valve actuator including the generation of speed data ( | 01-07-2010 |
| 250231160 | Using phase difference of output signals from plural photodetectors | 3 |
| 20110210238 | ENCODER - An encoder which measures displacement of a moving part includes a light-emitting unit; a moving part which moves relative to the light-emitting unit; a first pattern track which includes a plurality of first unit patterns sequentially formed on the moving part, separated from one another and having different widths; a first light-receiving unit which is disposed to correspond to the light-emitting unit and detects first information light received from the light-emitting unit via a first pattern of the first unit patterns; at least one second light-receiving unit which is disposed to correspond to the light-emitting unit and detects second information about light received from the light-emitting unit via at least one second pattern of the first unit patterns; and a displacement calculating unit which calculates a relative displacement of the moving part with respect to a reference position based on the first and second information. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110147572 | ROTARY ENCODER AND ROTATION MECHANISM INCLUDING THE SAME - A rotary encoder includes two first detection units disposed at positions that are symmetrical about a rotation axis, each of the first detection units outputting an incremental signal, and second detection unit that outputs an absolute signal φ | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110101209 | ROTARY POSITION DETECTOR AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A rotary position detector includes a housing having an inner space having a reflective element therewithin. A light source emits light rays upwardly. A base supports a light detector assembly having a first number of toroidal-sector-shaped light sensors disposed in pairs about a motor shaft axis, one “A” detector element and one “B” detector element alternately disposed. A light blocker rotates with the shaft above the light detector assembly and the light source and includes a second number of opaque, equal-surface-area elements arrayed about the axis, the second number equal to one-half the first number. A circuit measures a signal from the “A” and “B” detectors relating to an amount of light falling thereon, a difference related to an angular position of the motor shaft. | 05-05-2011 |
| 250231170 | With means to indicate a complete shaft rotation | 3 |
| 20100224768 | OPTICAL ENCODER, MOTOR, AND MOTOR SYSTEM - An optical encoder includes a rotation disc, an annular slit, a light source, an absolute-value-related detecting unit, and a signal processing device. The annular slit includes a first annular slit and a second annular slit which are decentered in a mutually different direction. The light source is configured to irradiate light on the annular slit. The absolute-value-related detecting unit is configured to detect transmitted light or reflected light irradiated from the light source and transmitted or reflected at the annular slit to output a detected signal. The absolute-value-related detecting unit includes a first detecting unit corresponding to the first annular slit and a second detecting unit corresponding to the second annular slit. The signal processing device is configured to detect an absolute rotational angle of the rotation disc based on the detected signal output from the absolute-value-related detecting unit. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20110084201 | Position Transmitter with Multi-Turn Position Acquisition - This invention relates to a position transmitter for the acquisition of the position of a shaft, rotatable about an axis of rotation, comprising an optical sensor arrangement with a plurality of sensor elements, in which the plurality of sensor elements are provided for the acquisition of the single-turn position of the shaft, and whereby part of the plurality of sensor elements is provided for the acquisition, in particular for the gearless acquisition, of the multi-turn position of the shaft. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110084200 | Position Transmitter with Multi-Turn Position Acquisition - This invention relates to a position transmitter for the acquisition of the position of a shaft, rotatable about an axis of rotation, with a first optical sensor arrangement for the acquisition of the single-turn position of the shaft, and a second optical sensor arrangement for the acquisition of the multi-turn position of the shaft. | 04-14-2011 |
| 250231180 | Position indicating shaft encoders with means to generate a unique signal for each specific angular shaft position | 8 |
| 20100127162 | OPTICAL JOG WHEEL WITH SPIRAL CODING ELEMENT - A user navigational apparatus. The user navigational apparatus includes a dial, a coding element, and an encoder. The coding element is coupled to a dial. The coding element includes a track of alternating reflective and non-reflective sections, each having a substantially oblique leading edge relative to a direction of movement of the coding element. The encoder includes an emitter and a detector. The emitter generates a light signal incident on the track of the coding element. The detector detects a reflected light signal which corresponds to a portion of the incident light signal that is reflected off of the reflective sections of the track. The detector also generates a channel signal corresponding to the reflected light signal. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20080251701 | ENCODER WITH A COMBINED POSITION AND INDEX TRACK - An optical encoder. The encoder includes a coding element, an emitter, and a detector. The coding element has a track with a track pattern. The track pattern includes a plurality of optically distinguishable sections, which include a plurality of position sections and an index section. The emitter generates a light signal incident on the track of the coding element. The detector includes a combined position and index photodetector array. The combined position and index photodetector array includes a plurality of position photodetectors and an index photodetector. Embodiments of this type of optical encoder implement position and index sections in a single track on the coding element. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080251700 | ENCODER WITH A COMBINED POSITION AND INDEX TRACK - An optical encoder. The encoder includes a coding element, an emitter, and a detector. The coding element has a track with a track pattern. The track pattern includes a plurality of optically distinguishable sections, which include a plurality of position sections and an index section. The emitter generates a light signal incident on the track of the coding element. The detector includes a combined position and index photodetector array. The combined position and index photodetector array includes a plurality of position photodetectors and an index photodetector. Embodiments of this type of optical encoder implement position and index sections in a single track on the coding element. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080277570 | HIGH PRECISION COMPACT ROTATION ANGLE ABSOLUTE ENCODER - An angle absolute encoder comprises a code rod encoded with code marks configured in segments, such that each successive segment has an increasing number of code marks, arranged at an angle to the rotation axis depending on the number of code marks in each segment. The angle of the code mark is determined by the number of code marks in the respective segment, the width of the segment parallel to the rotation axis of the code rod and the radius of the code rod. The angular resolution increases according to the number of code marks in each segment. Light is reflected from or transmitted through the code marks and detected by a light detector to determine absolute angle position. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20100176283 | Sensor and method for determining an angular position of a rotor using an elongated member - A sensor for determining an angular position of a rotor comprises an elongated member for attachment to the rotor for lengthwise movement in response to rotation of the rotor. The elongated member has a length and includes indicia identifying predetermined designated segments along the length. A field source generates a field adjacent to a selected portion of the length of the elongated member. A field effect detector detects at least one of the indicia associated with the selected portion of the length of the elongated member in response generation of the field adjacent the selected portion. The detected one of the indicia identifies at least one of the designated segments. The identified designated segment is functionally related to the angular position of the rotor. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100219332 | Electronic Code Disk Position Selecting Device - The present invention is an electronic system which can select high-precision positions by an electronic code disk position selecting device. The device includes an active spindle ( | 09-02-2010 |
| 20120153136 | ABSOLUTE ROTARY ENCODER - An absolute rotary encoder comprises: a rotary member which includes a cylindrical surface on which a plurality of marks are arranged at a predetermined pitch in a circumferential direction; a light source configured to emit a light toward the cylindrical surface; a detector configured to detect a predetermined number of marks of the plurality of marks; and a computing device configured to obtain an absolute rotation angle of the rotary member based on an output from the detector. The detector is configured to output a signal corresponding to the predetermined number of marks and having an uneven period resulting from a geometrical layout of the light source, the cylindrical surface, and the detector. The computing device is configured to correct the signal using correction data so as to reduce unevenness of the period, and to obtain the absolute rotation angle of the rotary member using the corrected signal. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120153135 | ABSOLUTE ROTARY ENCODER - An absolute rotary encoder comprises a scale having marks arranged at a first pitch; a first detector and a second detector including plural photoelectric conversion elements arranged at a second pitch smaller than the first pitch, and configured to detect a predetermined number of marks, the second detector disposed opposite to the first detector; and a computing device. The computing device is configured to generate a data string by quantizing a periodic signal output from the first detector, and obtains first angle data from the data string, to normalize amplitudes of the periodic signals output from the first and second detectors, to average the normalized periodic signal to obtain second angle data from a phase of the averaged periodic signal, and to combine the first and second angle data to generate data representing an absolute rotation angle. | 06-21-2012 |
