Abstract: An optic position sensor provides a data encoding method which improves the resolution capability of the sensing system. The data pattern of the sensor comprises a series of data signals having a start bit, digital data bits, an analog bit region (12) and a stop bit. The digital data bits may be a Manchester Encoded, Gray Coded data signal pattern. The analog data bit region (12) comprises a vernier track (10) which will produce a signal peak that moves linearly with position. The detection of the position of the vernier track (10) or bit relative to its range or region (12) provides a measurement of the percent of travel that has occurred within and between the discernible resolution of the digital data bits of the data signal, to provide resolution capability of approximately one part in sixteen thousand.

Abstract: A pressure sensor, such as the type of sensor used in screw-type refrigeration compressors, permits sensing of positive as well as negative pressures and provides an indication of the direction in which the compressor is rotating. Negative pressure leads to system shut-down, while positive pressure verification will allow compressor operation to continue. The pressure sensor includes a pair of adjustable tension springs, on opposite sides of the diaphragm, to vary the position of the diaphragm within its mechanical stroke. By establishing a pressure range of interest, and by employing an electrical sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, the direction of movement of the diaphragm and sensor can be monitored immediately upon compressor start-up.

Abstract: A leak tight position sensor or transducer (10) comprising a housing (12) having a cavity (32) with an opening (14) in one side and an aperture (16, 26) in each end of the housing (12). Located within the cavity (32) is a drive block (34) having bushing (36) with a threaded aperture (37) receiving the threaded end (42) of a shaft (40) made of a permanent magnet material. The threaded end (42) of the magnetic shaft (40) has a flat (44) and the other end (46) of the shaft is journalled in an aperture (16) of the housing (12). A metallic contactor (38) attached to the drive block (34) wipably engages an electrical circuit (54) printed on the interior surface (52) of a ceramic substrate (50) proportioned to seal the housing opening (14). Electrical wires (60) inserted through openings (58) in the substrate (50) are soldered to the circuit (54) and not only complete electrical connection and securement of the wires (60) to the circuit (54), but seal the openings (58) in the ceramic substrate (50).

Abstract: The rotary SIP switch (10) provides a single in-line package (SIP) having switching capabilities previously found in dual in-line packages (DIP) while providing more switch contacts in the same package area. The miniature rotary SIP switch (10) has a pair of oppositely disposed terminal and contact leafs (30) fixedly mounted in the base wall (27) of the switch housing (12), with the contact leaf portions (36) cantilevered within the interior of the switch housing (12). Lateral tabs (38) integral with the leaf contacts (36) effect equal spring loading upon a contact pin (44) disposed within an aperture (42) extending through a cylindrically shaped rotary driver (40). The contact pin (44) is free floating in the aperture (42) and self-centers when the rotary driver (40) is rotated and the ends of the contact pin (44) engage respective contact leafs (36). The rotary driver (40) has integral detent protrusions (48) for positioning the driver (40) and contact pin (44) in an open circuit position.

Abstract: A slider consisting of a one or two piece body with resilient contact switch members projecting in opposite directions at spaced intervals along the length of the slider to be in contact with a collector plate on one side and a respective one of spaced contactors at the opposite side. A plurality of ribs or protuberances which are located in the line of movement of the switch members, causes resilient deformation of the switch members to hold the switch in position once it snap fits into one or another of its respective switch positions. The protuberances may be either projections formed integrally in a switch body or on the collector plates.

Abstract: A multiple-function electrical switch has an automatic return to an initial position upon release of the shaft (60). An annular drive (70) mounted upon the shaft (60) has a rotary contactor (100) and momentary switch contacts (90,92) secured thereto, and a torsional spring (110) is mounted in a cover (36) enclosing one end of the housing (11). As the shaft is rotated, a tongue (78) on the driver (70) engages the torsional spring (110) which will effect return of the driver and shaft to its initial position upon release of the shaft. The tongue (78) is received in a pocket (56) located in the cover (36) such that the shaft (60) may be moved axially at only one rotational position, such movement effecting engagement between the momentary switch contacts (90,92) and terminals (44,46) disposed in the cover.