Abstract: A sensor for sensing the angular position of a rotor includes a code disk rotatable with the rotor. A first light guide is rotatable with the rotor. The light guide directs light from a light source through the code disk to a detector. A second light guide has first and second arms directing light from a light source to the detector. A light modulator modulates the light directed from one of the first and second arms to the detector. A method for determining the angular position of the rotor includes providing the code disk with a plurality of individual designation areas located near the outer peripheral edge of the disk. Each designation area has a plurality of digital bits. The detector detects the digital bits from a selected portion of the code disk. The selected portion is functionally related to the angular position of the rotor. A bit center is determined for each bit of the selected portion.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing the angular position of a rotor includes a code disk rotatable with the rotor. A first light guide is rotatable with the rotor. The light guide directs light from a light source through the code disk to a detector. A second light guide has first and second arms directing light from a light source to the detector. A light modulator modulates the light directed from one of the first and second arms to the detector. A method for determining the angular position of the rotor includes providing the code disk with a plurality of individual designation areas located near the outer peripheral edge of the disk. Each designation area has a plurality of digital bits. The detector detects the digital bits from a selected portion of the code disk. The selected portion is functionally related to the angular position of the rotor. A bit center is determined for each bit of the selected portion.

Abstract: A snap action switch has a base and cover enclosing upper and lower electrical terminals. A spring blade disposed between the terminals is movable by a cover-mounted actuator between engagement with one terminal or the other. The spring blade has only one stable position to which it returns upon release of the actuator force. The spring blade includes an anchor mounting the blade in the base and defining a generally planar junction portion. A pair of wings extend out of the plane of the junction portion. An elongated center beam connects at a fixed end to the junction. Outer beams on either side of the center beam connect to the wings. The free ends of all three beams are joined at a contact portion. Crimps in the outer beams place them in tension and the center beam in compression.