Non-contacting device for sensing multi-component motion

Apparatus for sensing multicomponent motions between two parts comprising

• a least a first conductive element,
• a plurality of second conductive elements, means for independently connecting the first element to one of the two parts and the second elements to the other of the two parts and with the first element being closely spaced from, but not in electrical contact with each of the second elements and further being initially aligned with them,
• an electric oscillator for generating an oscillating voltage, means for applying the oscillating voltage between the first element on the one hand, and each of the second elements, on the other hand,
• and sensing means connected to each of the second elements and the oscillator and including detecting means for separately detecting changes in the potential between first element and each of the second elements as the two parts move relative to each other and thereby change the spacing and alignment between the first element and the second elements and for producing a first set of separate electrical signals representative of such changes, and means for algebraically combining the electrical signals in a plurality of predetermined combinations to generate a second set of electrical signals which are each representative of the separate linear and rotative orthogonal components of the relative motion between the two parts.