Abstract: A photodiode detector array for an optical encoder includes a sequence of photodiodes having a pitch between adjacent photodiodes that alternates between a first pitch and a second pitch, the second pitch being different than the first pitch.

Abstract: An encoder device includes: an encoder base; a hub rotatably arranged in the encoder base and arranged to carry an encoder disk; and an alignment device arranged to urge the hub into a predetermined axial and radial position relative to a portion of the housing, the alignment device including a contact portion arranged to contact an axial surface of the encoder base, a locating structure arranged to maintain the alignment device in a predefined radial position, a flange structure arranged to contact an axial surface of the hub and a circumferential portion of the hub, and a spring structure arranged to urge the hub axially toward the flange element, where the alignment device urges the hub into a predetermined axial and radial position relative to a portion of the encoder base, and the spring structure contacts the hub so as to form a detent, the detent allowing the alignment device to be removed from the hub by pulling the alignment device axially away from the hub.

Abstract: A device for mounting an encoder on a motor includes a first part including at least one first mounting ear and a second part including at least one second mounting ear. A first end of the first part is adapted to connect to a second end of the second part, and a second end of the first part is adapted to connect to a first end of the second part to form a substantially circular cleat. An inner diameter of the cleat is adapted to couple to a housing of the encoder, and the mounting ears are adapted to mount to the motor.

Abstract: An encoder includes a base member and a cover attachable to the base member. The cover includes a surface with an opening and a strain relief device associated with the opening. The strain relief device includes at least one extension member extending from the surface of the cover and at least one bar member extending from the at least one extension member. The strain relief device is integral with the cover.

Abstract: An encoder device includes: a housing; a hub arranged in the housing, the hub arranged to carry an encoder disk, the hub rotatable in the housing; and a gapping and centering device carried by the housing and including a slide that is movable between a first position and a second position. The slide in the first position is arranged to urge the hub into a predetermined axial and radial position relative to a portion of the housing, and the slide in the second position is arranged to permit axial and radial movement of the hub. The slide is arranged on an axial side of the housing opposite to an axial side on which the housing is to be mounted to a device to be measured, and the slide in the first position and in the second position does not extend beyond a radial periphery of the housing.

Abstract: A photodiode detector array for optical encoders includes a plurality of photodiodes, each of the photodiodes providing a scanning signal with a defined phase relationship to a scale when the detector array moves relative to the scale. A plurality of switching elements is provided for selectively combining each of the photodiodes with other photo diodes in a defined manner. The switching elements allow the photodiodes to be unambiguously combined for at least two different scale radii so that a defined number of phase shifted scanning signals is generated in each case. The combination of the photodiodes differs between the at least two different scale radii.

Abstract: A scale for a position encoder that includes a first graduation track having a first set of markings that are periodically arranged with a defined graduation period ?, a second graduation track having a second set of markings that are periodically arranged with a defined graduation period ?, wherein the second graduation track is shifted relative to the first graduation track by a distance ?/4. A third graduation track having a third set of markings that are periodically arranged with a defined graduation period ?, wherein the first, second and third graduation tracks are positioned such that at any one time at least one, but never three, of the first, second and third graduation tracks will transmit light directed upon the scale.

Abstract: A scale for a position encoder that includes a first graduation track having a first set of markings that are periodically arranged with a defined graduation period &Dgr;, a second graduation track having a second set of markings that are periodically arranged with a defined graduation period &Dgr;, wherein the second graduation track is shifted relative to the first graduation track by a distance &Dgr;/4. A third graduation track having a third set of markings that are periodically arranged with a defined graduation period &Dgr;, wherein the first, second and third graduation tracks are positioned such that at any one time at least one, but never three, of the first, second and third graduation tracks will transmit light directed upon the scale.

Abstract: A lead frame assembly that includes a lead frame defining a cavity, a lead frame contact disposed within the cavity and a sensor disposed on the lead frame contact.

Abstract: An angle measuring system that includes a drive shaft that rotates about an axis of rotation, an encoder and an encoder attachment system that has a Belleville disk spring that generates a radial pressure with respect to the axis of rotation so as to attach the encoder to the drive shaft.

Abstract: An optical encoder has a single data track which is scanned photoelectrically by a scanning unit. The data track consists of an incremental track and a plurality of overlying code tracks so that it is possible to generate incremental output signals as well as at least coarse absolute positional information by scanning only one track. The scanning unit comprises a first detecting unit with a phased array of photodetectors to scan the incremental graduation. A second detecting unit with a plurality of photodetectors is provided for scanning the code tracks. The code tracks can be used to generate commutation signals for brushless motors.

Abstract: The angular measuring system has a hollow pick-up shaft whose end is slitted, and the slitted area has an interior thread. A screw with an exterior thread is provided for clamping the pick-up shaft in a bore of a driveshaft. The screw is turned into the pick-up shaft until it is axially supported on a detent. By further turning of the screw the thread flanks of the interior thread and of the exterior thread cause the slit end of the pick-up shaft to be spread open radially.

Abstract: A method and device for generating a reference signal for comparison with scanning signals generated by a position measuring device. The reference signal is generated using the same components used to scan a scale by averaging the scanning signals so that the reference signal is always less than the higher state of any scanning signal.

Abstract: A method and device for varying interpolation factor of at least one position-dependent, periodic signal in a position measurement system. The method and device allows switching between one of a specified number of different interpolation factors at a switching time point at which the interpolated measurement signal has an identical signal form for every possible interpolation factor.

Abstract: A simplified mechanism for rotationally aligning and gapping a pattern wheel with respect to a stationary mask are provided as part of a modular optical shaft encoder in accordance with the present invention. Moreover, the present invention includes a simplified method of connecting and aligning a modular encoder to a shaft. A radial alignment mechanism is provided between engagement surfaces of the hub of the pattern wheel and the encoder housing for independently providing radial alignment. The engagement surfaces are designed so that as the surfaces are urged into engagement with one another, the encoder housing (and thus the mask pattern) becomes radially aligned to the pattern wheel (and specifically its pattern). As an independent functional mechanism, a linear cam member is utilized for gapping the hub of the pattern wheel and thus the pattern thereon to the stationary mask pattern.

Abstract: An encoder including a scale and a light source for illuminating the scale, and a sensing device displaceable relative to the scale in a measuring direction for generating measuring signals, with the sensing device including a transparent carrier provided with a scanning grating, photosensors for converting a position-dependent modulated light into electrical scanning signals defining the measuring signals, and strip conductors provided on a surface of the transparent carrier for forming an electrical connection with the photosensors.

Abstract: The angular measuring system has a hollow pick-up shaft whose end is slitted, and the slitted area has an interior thread. A screw with an exterior thread is provided for clamping the pick-up shaft in a bore of a driveshaft. The screw is turned into the pick-up shaft until it is axially supported on a detent. By further turning of the screw the thread flanks of the interior thread and of the exterior thread cause the slit end of the pick-up shaft to be spread open radially.