US 5,592,057 A · Step motor and servo motor indexer

Abstract

A step motor and servo motor indexer (10) having an improved user interface (14) wherein an input capability for programming a full range of program parameters and values is provided, yet where the user input system (20) has few components. The user input system (20) for programming the indexer (10) is characterized by having a data entry unit (26) which includes only a toggle device (27) and a rotary device (28), both of which may be combined into a single component part. In addition to the typical turned clockwise and turned counter clockwise modes of the rotary device (28) the use of the rate of rotation permits an additional input mode which is used to accomplish rotational or software ballistics to input large ranges of values during programming of the indexer (10). The user interface (14) further includes a display (22), for presenting program choices and values to user during programming, and for reporting running parameters. The indexer (10) further includes a stop button (24) to halt operation of the indexer (10) when it is running.

Claims21

Dependent claims

An improved step motor and servo motor indexer of the type having a control unit and a user interface, which includes a display and a data entry means for selectably programming said control unit, wherein the improvement comprises said data entry means comprising:

a. a rotary device, which produces a first signal component that is transmitted to said control unit, for user input to said control unit of data which will be presented on said display for later confirmation;
and
b. a toggle device, which produces a second signal component representing a bi-modal state change, which is transmitted to said control unit, for confirming that said indexer is to use data currently presented on said display.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Step motor and servo motor indexer

Life of this patent

Step motor and servo motor indexer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21