Device and method for automatic reset of encoder

An automatic encoder reset device, comprising:

• a portable enclosure for housing various components of said device;
• a programmable logic controller located within said enclosure;
• a software program associated with said programmable logic controller for controlling operation of said reset device;
• a first power supply located within said enclosure, said first power supply for converting AC power to DC power and for supplying DC power to said programmable logic controller;
• a second power supply located within said enclosure, said second power supply for converting AC power to DC power and for supplying DC power for resetting an encoder of interest;
• electronic circuitry located within said housing, said electronic circuitry including at least a charging circuit and a reset circuit in communication with said first power supply and said second power supply, respectively;
• a communication cable in electrical communication with at least said second power source and said programmable logic controller, said communication cable adapted for connection to a corresponding encoder plug on said encoder of interest;
• at least one relay in communication with said encoder plug so as to selectively and temporarily short circuit particular reset pins thereof;
• and
• a reset switch on said enclosure for initiating an encoder reset operation;
• whereby said reset device is operative to reset said encoder of interest.

A method of resetting an encoder, comprising:

• providing an encoder reset device, said encoder reset device, further comprising:
• a portable enclosure for housing various components of said device,
• a programmable logic controller located within said enclosure,
• a software program associated with said programmable logic controller for controlling operation of said reset device,
• a first power supply located within said enclosure for providing power to said programmable logic controller,
• a second power supply located within said enclosure for providing power for resetting an encoder of interest,
• electronic circuitry located within said housing, said electronic circuitry including at least a charging circuit and a reset circuit in communication with said first power supply and said second power supply, respectively,
• a communication cable in electrical communication with at least said second power source and said programmable logic controller, said communication cable adapted for connection to a corresponding encoder plug,
• at least one relay in communication with said encoder plug so as to selectively and temporarily short circuit particular reset pins thereof, and
• a reset switch on said enclosure for initiating an encoder reset operation,
• connecting said communication cable to a corresponding plug on an encoder of interest;
• causing said reset device to run a quick reset procedure that attempts to reset said encoder of interest without discharging said encoder;
• if said quick reset procedure is unsuccessful, causing said reset device to run a full reset procedure that, in seriatim, discharges said encoder of interest, recharges said encoder of interest, and shorts appropriate reset pins of said encoder of interest, to effectuate the resetting thereof;
• and
• disconnecting said communication cable from said encoder plug.