Patents by Inventor Bobby G. Calkin

Bobby G. Calkin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Position encoder
    Patent number: 6828517
    Abstract: A switching element for a rotary or linear encoder which generates pulse signals indicative of rotary or linear position, and direction and rate of change of such position. The invention is characterized by use of a patterned and cured solder-mask material which defines insulated or nonconductive surfaces, with a pattern of conductive wiper-contacting segments therebetween. The invention enables fast and economical fabrication as compared to known encoder switching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby G. Calkin, Craig R. Bailey, James A. Elzey
  • Position encoder
    Publication number: 20020170812
    Abstract: A switching element for a rotary or linear encoder which generates pulse signals indicative of rotary or linear position, and direction and rate of change of such position. The invention is characterized by use of a patterned and cured solder-mask material which defines insulated or nonconductive surfaces, with a pattern of conductive wiper-contacting segments therebetween. The invention enables fast and economical fabrication as compared to known encoder switching elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Bobby G. Calkin, Craig R. Bailey, James A. Elzey