Abstract: A position and speed sensor comprising a circular element (1) rotatably driven about its axis. The circular element (1) has two position indicators (3, 4) of different angular width. A sensor means (5) is fixed in position with respect to and adjacent to the circular element (1). The sensor means (5) has a sensing element for sensing the passage of each of the position indicators (3, 4) past the sensing clement. An electrical signal is produced by the sensor means (5) corresponding to the passage of each of the sensed position indicators (3, 4). The signal has a duration corresponding to the angular widths of the sensed position indicators (3, 4). Also included is a means to process the electrical signal to produce information as to the angular position and angular velocity of the circular element. A method for reverse rotation detection using the position and speed sensor means (5) is also disclosed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 12, 1998
Date of Patent:
March 27, 2001
Assignee:
Oribatal Engine Company
Inventors:
Martin John Cebis, Steven Michael Basso