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Encoder for measuring the absolute position of moving elements

  • US 4,901,073 A
  • Filed: 03/30/1988
  • Issued: 02/13/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/04/1986
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An encoding system for determining the absolute position of a movable member relative to a stationary member, including in combination:

  • an encoding band supported by one said member comprising a series of bar-code symbols disposed at regular intervals along said band, each said symbol being distinctly different from every other said symbol and each comprising a pattern of bars and spaces for encoding the absolute position corresponding to the location of its symbol along said band,reading means rigidly supported by the other said member for scanning said bar-code symbols on said encoding band including means for generating an analog signal voltage,said movable member being capable of both discrete and continuous motion in two directions, anddecoding means actuated by said analog signal voltage for determining the absolute position of said movable member relative to said stationary member,whereby said absolute position can be determined solely from said system without dependence on any additional information external to said system.

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