Multi-channel segmented slip ring

A data transfer method comprising:

• generating relative rotational movement between a first ring of electrically conductive segments and a plurality of signal communication elements;
• monitoring the relative rotational movement;
• applying a plurality of data streams, one to each signal communication element;
• at selected rotational angles, receiving the plurality of data streams, one on each segment of the ring;
• and
• sorting each of the plurality of data streams in accordance with the monitored relative rotational movement.

An interconnecting data link which transmits data between two sections mounted for relative rotation, said interconnecting data link comprising:

• at least one ring including a plurality of electrically conductive arc segments separated by non-conductive interruptions spaced angularly around one of said sections;
• a plurality of signal communication elements spaced angularly around the other of said sections, the plurality of signal communication elements in selective electrical communication with said plurality of electrically conductive ring segments, the signal communication elements including one of:
• brushes in selective physical contact with the electrically conductive ring segments;
• and,
• capacitive couplers spaced from the conductive segments.

An interconnecting data link which transmits data between two sections mounted for relative rotation, said interconnecting data link comprising:

• at least one ring including a plurality of electrically conductive arc segments separated by non-conductive interruptions spaced angularly around one of said sections;
• a plurality of signal communication elements spaced angularly around the other of said sections, the plurality of signal communication elements being in selective electrical communication with said plurality of electrically conductive ring segments;
• an encoder which generates an angular displacement signal indicative of the relative rotation of the sections;
• and
• a de-multiplexer which receives the angular displacement signal and the data, and sorts the data in accordance with the angular displacement signals.

An interconnecting data link which transmits data between two sections mounted for relative rotation, said interconnecting data link comprising:

• a first ring including a first plurality of electrically conductive arc segments separated by non-conductive interruptions spaced angularly around one of said sections;
• a second ring including a second plurality of electrically conductive arc segments axially spaced from said first plurality of conductive segments;
• a first plurality of signal communication elements spaced angularly around the other of said sections, the first plurality of signal communication elements in selective electrical communication with said first plurality of electrically conductive ring segments;
• and,
• a second plurality of electrical communication elements in electrical communication with the second ring.

A multi-channel slip ring assembly comprising:

• a plurality of electrically conductive arc segments disposed end to end around a first circular ring with non-conductive interruptions therebetween;
• a plurality of electrical signal transfer elements disposed in a spaced relationship around a second circular ring, the first and second rings being concentric about a common axis with the arc segments and the transfer elements in electrical communication with each other, the arc segments and the transfer elements being mounted to undergo relative rotation around the common axis;
• a rotational position sensor for measuring the relative rotation;
• a means for applying electrical signals to one of the arc segments and the transfer elements;
• a means for retrieving the electrical signals from the other of the arc segments and the transfer elements;
• and,
• a multi-channel decoder connected with the angular encoder and at least one of the arc segments and the transfer elements.

A slip ring assembly comprising:

• a first plurality of electrically conductive arc segments disposed end to end around a first circular ring with non-conductive interruptions therebetween;
• a second plurality of electrically conductive arc segments disposed end to end around the first circular ring adjacent and axially displaced from the first plurality of arc segments;
• a first plurality of electrical signal transfer elements disposed in a spaced relationship around a second circular ring, the first and second rings being concentric about a common axis with the first arc segments and the first transfer elements in electrical communication with each other, the first arc segments and the first transfer elements being mounted to undergo relative rotation around the common axis;
• a second plurality of electrical signal transfer elements disposed in a spaced relationship around the second circular ring in electrical communication with the second arc segments.

A multi-channel segmented slip ring assembly comprising:

• a plurality of electrically conductive arc segments disposed end to end around a first circular ring with non-conductive interruptions therebetween;
• a plurality of electrical signal transfer elements disposed in a spaced relationship around a second circular ring, the transfer elements include at least one of:
• brushes;
• and,
• capacitive couplers;
• the first and second rings being concentric about a common axis with the arc segments and the transfer elements in electrical communication with each other, the arc segments and the transfer elements being mounted to undergo relative rotation around the common axis.