US 2002/0161548 A1 · Abnormal state absolute position detector generating direct digital output

Abstract

An absolute position detector that interprets, rather than avoids, abnormal sensory states. Different combinations of sensors in an array are activated as a marker travels along a path. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is converted into a digital signal that is reliably indicative of the current absolute position of the marker along the path. In a preferred embodiment, a dynamic magnetic field is provided whose current condition represents the current absolute position of a moving marker. As the marker moves, the condition of the field changes to activate different groups of Hall Effect devices in an array. The activated groups may comprise one or more Hall Effect devices in the array, depending on the condition of the field as created by the position of the marker. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is then converted, advantageously via truth table logic, into a digital signal representative of the current position of the marker.

Claims37

Dependent claims

A device for detecting the positional state of an incrementing multi-gear assembly, comprising:

an assembly of components in geared relationship, each component disposed to rotate, said geared relationship enabling the rotation of one component to increment a next component in sequence;
a plurality of said components each including a system further comprising:
a source affixed to the component and traveling along a predefined circular path as said component rotates;
and
an array of at least three sensors deployed equidistantly around the path of the source, different combinations of sensors within the array disposed to become activated and deactivated via sensory communication with the source as the source travels its path, said different combinations ranging from one sensor to multiple sensors activated by the source at different times during travel along the path by the source;
and
a converter, the converter disposed to convert current combined activation/deactivation states of sensors in each system into a digital signal representative of a current overall positional state for the assembly.

4 more elements

A device for detecting the positional state of a geared assembly, comprising:

a plurality of moving components in geared relationship;
a plurality of said moving components each including a system further comprising:
a marker affixed to the moving component and traveling along a predefined path as said component moves;
and
an array of at least two sensors deployed along at least a part of the path of the marker, different combinations of sensors within the array disposed to become activated and deactivated via sensory communication with at least one source as the marker travels its path, said different combinations ranging from one sensor to multiple sensors activated by at least one source at different times during travel along the path by the marker;
and
a converter, the converter disposed to convert current combined activation/deactivation states of sensors in each system into a digital signal representative of a current overall positional state.

4 more elements

A positional detector, comprising:

a moving component;
a marker affixed to the moving component and traveling along a predefined path as said component moves;
an array of at least two sensors deployed along at least a part of the path of the marker, different combinations of sensors within the array disposed to become activated and deactivated via sensory communication with at least one source as the marker travels its path, said different combinations ranging from one sensor to multiple sensors activated by at least one source at different times during travel along the path by the marker;
and
a converter, the converter disposed to convert current combined activation/deactivation states of sensors in the array into a digital signal representative of a current position for the marker along its path.

2 more elements

A device for detecting the position of a rotating member traveling in pendulum motion, the device comprising:

a source affixed to the member, the source moving in reciprocating motion along a path described by a circular arc;
an array of at least three sensors deployed equidistantly around the path of the source, different combinations of sensors within the array disposed to become activated and deactivated via sensory communication with at least one source as the source travels its path, said different combinations ranging from one sensor to multiple sensors activated by at least one source at different times during travel along the path by the source;
and
a converter, the converter disposed to convert current combined activation/deactivation states of sensors in the array into a digital signal representative of a current position of the member.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Abnormal state absolute position detector generating direct digital output

Life of this patent

Abnormal state absolute position detector generating direct digital output

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims37