Method and apparatus for calibrating the output signal of a linear position detector

An apparatus for calibrating an output signal of a linear position detector, comprising:

• a base;
• an attachment mechanism provided on the base and configured to engage a housing of a linear position detector to attach the base adjacent the exterior of a housing of a linear position detector;
• and
• an energy source connected to the base, and selectively movable from a home position to a selection position, wherein, in the selection position, the source is adapted to provide energy detectable by a sensor within a housing of a linear position detector to cause a reference position of a movable marker to be determined.

A method for calibrating an output signal of a linear position detector having a housing and a movable marker, the method comprising:

• selectively providing energy from a location exterior of the housing;
• sensing the presence of the energy from within the housing;
• and
• upon sensing the energy, determining a reference point corresponding to the current position of the movable marker when the energy is sensed.

A calibration system for a linear displacement detector having a movable marker, the system comprising:

• a housing;
• an activator located exterior to the housing and adapted to selectively apply an energy signal from an energy source through the housing;
• and
• a processor located within the housing and arranged in communication with a sensor, wherein the processor is adapted to determine a reference point based upon the current position of the marker when the sensor receives the energy signal within the housing.