Abstract: A position sensor having a housing which defines a carriage guide, a carriage movably arranged in the guide, and a measurement probe arranged on the carriage for transmitting a measurement signal as a function of a position of the carriage. The measurement probe includes a measurement probe carrier separated from the carriage and the carriage guide and movably arranged in the housing. The measurement probe carrier is also connected to the carriage and the carriage guide so that a force can only be transmitted to the measurement probe carrier parallel to a movement direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering angle sensor for motor vehicles. The object of the invention is to be able to provide the absolute value of the steering angle position of the steering wheel within a relatively short angle of rotation of the steering wheel. To this end, the invention proposes featuring two preferably concentric circular tracks (1, 2), wherein the first track (1) is used to determine the relative angular movement of the steering wheel and the second track (2) is used to provide the absolute value of the angle position. Advantageous further developments relate to two different coding options.

Abstract: An audible signal generator incorporated into a total station to audibly indicate to the user the rotational orientation of the total station, and a method for using the audible indication to perform the tilt sensor calibration. In one embodiment, the present invention indicates to the user of the total station when the tilt sensor has been calibrated with the total station in a first rotational orientation. This embodiment then audibly indicates to the user when the rotational alidade portion of the total station has been rotated to a second rotational orientation. This embodiment then audibly indicates to the user when the tilt sensor has been calibrated with the total station in the second rotational orientation.

Abstract: A power window apparatus is provided for detecting pinching in accordance with the opened/closed position of the window and a state of rotation of a motor, the apparatus having a position sensor which detects a safety-control suspension region of the window and which is an accurate sensor. A spiral guide groove is formed in the inner surface of a housing opposite to a rotational plate which is rotated by an output shaft of a motor which opens/closes a window. A follower which is guided by the spiral guide groove is able to move along a straight guide groove provided for the rotational plate in the radial direction. Terminals in the form of conductive films are provided for a printed circuit board accommodated in the housing. When the rotational plate has been rotated, the follower is guided by the spiral guide groove so as to be moved in the straight guide groove. Thus, a slide member provided for the follower is brought into contact with the terminals so that the terminals are conducted with each other.

Abstract: An angular encoder including a flexible measurement tape having a graduation and secured to a sector of a convex or concave, as the case may be, circumferential surface of a support, a scanning head for scanning the graduation of the measurement tape and two tensioning or pressure devices provided at opposite ends of the measurement tape, dependent on whether the measurement tape abuts a convex or concave circumferential surface, respectively, which apply to the two ends of the measurement tape equal tensioning or pressure forces acting in opposite directions, respectively.

Abstract: Labeling equipment alignment tooling for properly adjusting the components of the label transfer system of rotary labeling equipment including a pallet timing plate, a pallet centerline locator, a gripper timing protractor, and a pallet measuring tool.

Abstract: A device for detecting the wheel angle of forklift rear wheels is disclosed. A cylinder steers the rear wheels by means of steering mechanisms based on manipulation of a steering wheel. The steering mechanisms include kingpins that support the rear wheels to be rotatable in relation to a rear axle. Each kingpin rotates integrally with the corresponding rear wheel. A wheel angle sensor, which includes a potentiometer, is fixed to the rear axle by a bracket. The position of the sensor corresponds to the position of one of the kingpins. The sensor detects the rotational angle of the kingpin as the wheel angle of the rear wheels.

Abstract: A device for contactless determination of a rotary angle has a coil body, sensor coils arranged on the coil body so that their inductivity and alternating current resistance values vary in dependence on a relative change of the size of regions of a sleeve-shaped measuring part composed of electrically conductive and/or ferromagnetic material which are associated with the sensor coils, at least one coil being formed as a wire coil which is arranged on a side of the coil body facing the measuring part. The at least one coil has several coil regions extending in a circumferential direction and parallel to an outer surface of the coil body, and in the regions of the coil a winding direction of the at least one coil changes on the catches.

Abstract: A drive device for aligning a theodolite with a target, in which the theodolite is mounted rotatably in the horizontal direction on a theodolite foot. Provision is made of a control knob and an encoder connected thereto, the encoder emitting control signals in accordance with the rotary movement at the control knob to a downstream control circuit. The circuit drives a positioning motor. The rotary table is arranged at the theodolite foot and carries the control knob. Provided between the theodolite and the rotary table is an electric contact which ensures the electrical connection between the encoder and the positioning motor.

Abstract: An infinitely adjustable position sensor is provided. The position sensor can be used as a head position switch which generates an output indicative of a position of a harvesting head of a harvesting vehicle, or in similar applications with other types of equipment. The sensor includes a body attachment mechanism for coupling the sensor to the body of the vehicle or other equipment, and a head attachment mechanism for coupling the sensor to the feeder house which supports the harvesting head. For adjustment of the sensor, particularly prior to operation, visual feedback is provided by an LED ring in order to inform the operator of the state or position of the sensor.

Abstract: A position sensor including a rotational shaft (7), a plurality of brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) supported by the rotational shaft (7), a housing (3), a printed circuit board (21) fixed to the housing (3), a main conductor (M) provided on the printed circuit board (21) and contacting with the brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) for generating a primary signal in accordance with which a predetermined number of positions has been attained by the rotational shaft (7), and a subordinate conductor (S) provided on the circuit board (21) and contacting with the brushes (13, 15, 17, 19) for generating a secondary signal in accordance with the which a predetermined number of positions has been attained by the rotational shaft (7). The secondary signal keeps the same voltage level around a predetermined position. According to the present invention, the predetermined position of the rotational shaft (7) may be detected accurately. Further, the cost of the position sensor may be reduced.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the angle of a rotatable body, in particular a body rotatable by more than 360.degree., are described. In this case this rotatable body cooperates with at least two further rotatable bodies, for example gear wheels, whose angular positions are determined with the aid of two sensors. The angular position of the rotatable body is determined from the angular positions detected in this way. So that unequivocal statements can be made, it is necessary for all three rotatable bodies or gear wheels to have defined predetermined numbers of teeth. The method and the device can be used, for example, for determining the steering angle of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The novel inclined plate 360 degree absolute angle sensor is designed to measure the absolute angle created by a base and a rotating surface. The assembly contains a metal inclined plate positioned above four coils so that coils one and two are at the minimum and maximum distance from the plate respectively, while at the same time, coils three and four are equidistant from the inclined plate. Rotation of the plate around a centerline, changes the distance that all four coils with respect to the inclined plate which, in turn, creates a change of the inductance of the coils. This change in inductance may be measured with alternating current bridge technologies in order to provide a measure of absolute angular position of a rotating surface with respect to the base.

Abstract: In a steering wheel rotational angle detecting apparatus, an engaging pin protrudes radially from a projected part of one of a steering wheel and an annular rotating member and includes a spherical portion. An engaging groove is formed at a position on the other of the steering wheel and the annular rotating member of a rotational angle detector corresponding to the position of the engaging pin. The engaging groove is configured to receive and hold the spherical portion of the engaging pin on two sides while allowing the spherical portion to move within the engaging groove. When the steering wheel is turned, the engaging pin or groove immediately transmits torque to the engaging groove or pin, respectively, thus enabling the rotational angle detector to detect rotational angle with high precision in either of the rotational directions of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An articulated coordinate measuring arm having swiveling joints which are unlimited by an end-stops. Power and signals are transmitted through a swiveling joint using a multi-conductor electrical slip-ring sub-assembly. Joint position transducer signal conditioners are closely located to the joint position transducers to reduce signal noise degradation. Rigid transfer members connecting the joints comprise a freely rotating shaft mounted within an outer sheath, wherein both shaft and sheath extend substantially the length of the transfer member, and the shaft outer diameter approaches that of the sheath inner diameter.

Abstract: An angle measuring device used for measuring the pendulum angle of a cable of a lifting device comprising connection components which utilize measurement value pick-ups and are connected via a cardanic-type joint to axles which are arranged at right angles to one another. To attain high precision of discrimination in measurement, the measurement value pick-ups each comprises a Hall sensor and an associated magnetic element to create a magnetic field detectable by the Hall sensor. An angle of measurement can be attained if the lower connection component is swung and causes a shift in the joint ball around the axle. This results in a change in the position of the magnets relative to the Hall sensors. This change in position results in a change in the detected Hall voltage which after appropriate adjustment can be transformed into an angle measurement.

Abstract: A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed (preferably six and/or seven joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere ranging from six to eight feet in diameter and a measuring accuracy of 2 Sigma .+-.0.003 inch. In addition to the measuring arm, the present invention employs a controller (or serial box) which acts as the electronic interface between the arm and a host computer. Additionally, a number of end effector probes are provided that fulfill functions other than measurement only.

Abstract: An angular encoder for determining an angular position between a stationary element and an element rotatable relative to the stationary element and including a coupling for connecting a scanning unit with a stationary element and formed of a spring material, with the coupling having at least two plates which extend transverse to each other and one of which extends parallel to a rotational axis of the rotatable element, and with each of the two plates having a plurality of leaf spring arms which are so formed and aligned that the leaf spring arms extend in directions of their respective application lines in which directions forces are applied to the coupling during rotation of the rotatable element relative to the stationary element.

Abstract: A stator of an angular-position measuring device is connected by means-of a coupling with the stationary portion of a drive device. A mounting element is screwed to the coupling, in which a coupling element is provided for radial clamping between the coupling and the stator.

Abstract: An angular position sensor having high angular resolution and which provides an immediate indication of the angular position being measured upon the application of power to the position sensor is disclosed. A quadrature disk having a continuous notch or recess in the outer periphery thereof is rotatable with respect to quadrature sensors positioned in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to one another. Differing radii on the quadrature disk cause the actuation and deactuation of the quadrature sensors as the disk passes thereunder producing sharply defined output signal transitions. While this is occurring, the Hall-effect sensor produces a sine wave output. The orientation of the quadrature disk with respect to the quadrature sensors is such that the output signal transitions produced by the quadrature sensors correspond with the maximum and minimum values of the sine wave produced by the Hall-effect sensor.

Abstract: A device for measuring the angle of twist (20) is mounted to an electromotor (10). The housing (21) of the measuring device (20) is sealed from the housing (13) of the electromotor (10) by a sealing element (30). The sealing element is designed like a disk, is fixed by its outer circumference on the housing (21) and rests in a sealing manner by its inner circumference on the shaft (22) of the measuring device (20). The sealing element (30) can be at least partially deformed in a flexible manner so that it can yield to a pressure gradient between the motor housing (13) and the housing (21) of the measuring device.

Abstract: It is provided a drive and control device for a grinding machine of the type comprising a rotatable abrasive wheel (2), translating members (3) of the wheel (3) with respect to a rotating piece (4) to be ground, and restoring means (5) to reset the wheel (2) comprising a diamond-resetting member (6) and a balancing member (7), the device comprising sensor members (10) adapted to detect the piece roundness and electronic means (19) adapted to generate actuating signals (23) of the restoring means (5), in the presence of a roundness of the piece (4) different from a predetermined roundness. The process consists in grinding the piece and simultaneously measuring the piece diameter until achievement of a predetermined diameter, detecting the piece roundness, and operating said restoring means in interlocked relationship with the detected roundness.

Abstract: A multi-purpose carpentry measuring device is described. The tool combines the functions of a framing square, level and plum bob in one function and with just one measurement. Further, the tool can also be used as a bevel gauge and a level bench marker. A foot and leg member, joined by a pivot, contain bubble tubes for all necessary horizontal and vertical level measurements. Extendible rules on both members further increase the usefulness of the device. The tool has a built-in magnetic disc and bar code reader for continuously displaying angular read out on an integral calculator. Laser pin lights at either end of the tool allow for laser precision in all level bench marker observations as may be facilitated by a positioning pin disposed in said device.

Abstract: A rotational angle detecting device includes a rotary shaft 1 having an annular projection 1c formed therein so as to extend radially outwardly therefrom, and a housing 2 rotatably supporting the rotary shaft 1. A plurality of rolling contact bearings 6 each having inner and outer races are mounted on the rotary shaft 1 under a pre-loaded condition so as to sandwich the annular projection 1 c between the respective inner races of the rolling contact bearings 6. The assembly is rotatably received inside the housing 2 to permit the rotary shaft 1 to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof. A resistor element 12 is disposed on an inner surface of a housing lid 3 in concentric relation to the longitudinal axis of the rotary shaft 1. An electroconductive brush 5 is secured to an end face of the rotary shaft 1 for rotation together with the rotary shaft 1 and held in sliding contact with the resistor element 12.

Abstract: A self-contained drafting instrument adapted for rapid measurement of diagrams or drawings on a surface. The instrument utilizes an internal movement detection mechanism, an electronics processing system, and a display screen capable of graphical representation. The movement detection mechanism measures both orthogonal components of movement and the display screen provides a scale that electronically scrolls as the instrument moves or by manually pressing a key on a keyboard. The drafting instrument can be constructed in a number of orientations including a ruler, drafting triangle, protractor, or T-square.

Abstract: A system for use in construction or similar activities, for layout of points or lines using a projected laser beam includes a remotely controlled turntable unit having a rotatable turntable for receiving a portable, hand-carryable self-leveling laser projecting instrument. The portable self-leveling laser instrument preferably has a relatively wide self-leveling range, such as up to about 4.degree. in two axes, and is useful in layout operations separate from the remote turntable. When placed on the remote turntable unit, the direction of pointing of the laser or lasers from the instrument can be controlled by the operator from a distance, through operation of a hand-held remote unit having directional buttons which control a motor of the turntable unit. Provision can be included for measuring angles on the turntable unit, for varying the speed of rotation of the turntable, as by holding down one of the buttons, and for generating a preselected angle (such as 90.degree.) from a remote position.

Abstract: A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed (preferably six and/or seven joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere ranging from six to eight feet in diameter and a measuring accuracy of 2 Sigma +/-0.003 inch. In addition to the measuring arm, the present invention employs a controller (or serial box) which acts as the electronic interface between the arm and a host computer. Additionally, a number of end effector probes are provided that fulfill functions other than measurement only.

Abstract: A rotatable member is positioned coaxial with a joint between a first element and a second element. The joint defines an angle to be measured. The rotatable member has coded information thereon. First and second sensing heads are attached to respective elements. Coded information is arranged on the rotatable member so as to periodically pass in readable proximity to the sensing heads once every revolution of the rotatable member. A decoding system is provided for each sensing head. Each decoding system includes threshold circuitry, a state machine, and a pulse generator for providing a timing strobe. A first timer uses a timing strobe from the first sensing head for continuously determining the average elapsed time for one complete revolution of the rotatable member. A second timer uses timing strobes from the first and second sensing heads to continuously determine the average elapsed time for the coded information on the rotatable member to travel from the first sensing head to the second head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high accuracy angular position transducer of simple constuction. The angular position transducer consists of a stator core in slots of which both exciting windings with p .sub.1 pole pairs and output windings with p .sub.2 pole pairs are wound, and a rotor core which carries no windings and has salient poles whose number is an integer N satisfying one of the following relations, p.sub.1 +p.sub.2 =N, or p.sub.1 -p.sub.2 =.+-.N. In this construction the angular position is detected by using the following voltages induced in output windings: two or three phase voltages having a sinusoidal waveform of one cycle per rotation of 1/N of the circumference, in the combination of single phase exciting windings and two or three phase output windings; single phase voltage having a sinusoidal waveform whose phase shifts by 2.sub..pi. per rotation of 1/N of the circumference, in the combination of two phase exciting windings and single phase output windings.

Abstract: An attachment indexing apparatus which performs the steps of indicating an objective indexing position angle of an attachment by an indexing position angle indicating means 1, detecting the present position angle by a position detecting means 2, comparing the objective indexing position angle with the present position angle by an angle comparing means 3, determining the indexing rotation direction of the attachment by an indexing rotation direction determining means 4 in accordance with the compared result, calculating an indexing rotation angle of the attachment from the angle compared result and the indexing rotation direction by an indexing rotation angle calculating means 5, and indexing and rotating the attachment in accordance with the determined indexing rotation direction and the calculated indexing rotation angle.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting or measuring movements in geological and other formations and capable of carrying out such measurements on a three-dimensional basis. The apparatus has a housing acting as a support and an elongated arm, e.g., a stiff measuring rod of adjustable length, projecting from the housing and acting as a movement following element. One end of the rod is secured within the housing by sliding and pivoting connections so that the remote end of the rod may move freely in three dimensions relative to the housing. Three movement sensors are positioned within the housing. A first one of the sensors measures translational motion of the rod in the axial direction. A second sensor measures rotation of the rod about the pivot in a first plane. A third sensor measures rotation of the rod about the pivot in a second plane which intersects the first plane at right angles. The first movement sensor is preferably a linear potentiometer and the second and third sensors are preferably rotary potentiometers.

Abstract: An elevation mechanism, for changing the elevation angle of an attachable container subassembly, has an outer housing having an integral portion for mounting the container subassembly, and an inner housing having an exterior surface about which the outer housing is rotatably supported. A motor within the inner housing supplies torque to a gear train, which includes a planetary gear system for rotating the outer housing and the container subassembly attachable thereto, with respect to the inner housing. The inner housing can be fastened to a surface, generally in the vertical plane, with respect to which surface the rotating outer housing moves the container subassembly in adjustable elevation disposition.

Abstract: A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed (preferably six joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume, which in a preferred embodiment, comprises a sphere ranging from six to eight feet in diameter and a measuring accuracy of 2 Sigma.+-.0.005 inch. In addition to the measuring arm, the present invention employs a controller (or serial box) which acts as the electronic interface between the arm and a host computer.

Abstract: An angular position sensor having at least one resistive track which is circular, for example, and at least one cursor. The cursor is adapted to move while in electric contact with the track. The track is closed and continuous and has at least two electric access points. The sensor cooperates with an arrangement for applying separate predetermined electric potentials to the access points and with an arrangement for measuring the resulting electric potential at one of the access points. The cursor is therefore able to rotate through a complete turn without leaving the one resistive track. All angles can be measured and rotation through several turns is possible.

Abstract: A device for contactless determination of a rotary angle has two bodies which are movable relative to one another, at least one sensor coil through which an alternating current flows and whose inductivity and alternating current resistance value changes due to a relative change of a size of regions of a first one of the bodies which regions are associated with the at least one coil and composed of a material selected from the group consisting of an electrically conductive material and ferromagnetic material, the first body being arranged with mechanical prestress relative to a second one of the bodies.

Abstract: A feedback mechanism for providing an implement position signal includes a rotary potentiometer mounted on the implement frame adjacent the rockshaft with the axis of the potentiometer shaft extending parallel to the rockshaft. A linkage structure includes a potentiometer arm connected to a rockshaft arm by a link such that the angle the potentiometer arm forms with the link is acute when the implement is in the transport position and obtuse when the implement is in the lowered field-working range. At the lowermost position of the implement, the link and potentiometer arm approach an overcenter position. The linkage structure provides amplified rotation of the potentiometer shaft relative to the rockshaft when the implement is in the field-working range of positions, while rotation of the shaft is reduced relative to rockshaft rotation when the implement is raised above the field-working position. In the preferred embodiment, rotation of the rockshaft 10.degree.

Abstract: A rotary displacement measuring apparatus includes an axle whose rotary displacement is to be determined, with the axle being mounted to rotate about its long axis. An emitter is mounted on the axle to define a plurality of concentric tracks circumscribing the axle to rotate as the axle rotates, with each of the tracks being segmented to define a plurality of spaced-apart, conductive sections for producing electric fields when energized. Also included is a voltage source for energizing the conductive sections. A detector is disposed adjacent to the tracks of the emitter and includes a plurality of sensors, each positioned adjacent a respective track to detect the electric fields of the respective track as the axle and tracks are rotated. The detector produces signals representing the variation in the electric fields as the emitter is rotated, and these signals provide an indication of the rotary displacement of the tracks and thus of the axle.

Abstract: A third reference pattern which can be detected by a first reference pattern formed on a first detecting member and cannot be detected by a second reference pattern formed on a second detecting member is formed at a first position on a rotatable disk, a fourth reference pattern which can be detected by a second reference pattern formed on the second detecting member and cannot be detected by the first reference pattern formed on the first detecting member is formed at a second position substantially rotation-symmetrical with the first position on the rotatable disk, a signal obtained by the third reference pattern of the rotatable disk being detected by the first reference pattern formed on the first detecting member is supplied as a first reference signal to one signal processing circuit, and a signal obtained by the fourth reference pattern of the rotatable disk being detected by the second reference pattern formed on the second detecting member is supplied as a second reference signal to the other signal p

Abstract: The device includes an incremental optical encoder (3) comprising two parts, 4,5) which are displaceable in rotation within one another. One part (5) is associated with a movable component (1) and the other part (4) with a fixed component (2) and its output is connected to a device for determining the angular position of the movable component (1) relative to the fixed component (2) on the basis of the relative angular positions of the two encoder parts. The encoder (3) is carried by one of the components (1), and one if its parts (5) is connected to this component (1) while the other part (4) is connected to an optical device for slaving the encoder part in at least one specified orientation in relation to the other component (2).

Abstract: A measuring device for determining the angle of rotation has a coil body (11) having two cores (12, 13) which are approximately semicircular in cross section and are offset relative to one another in the axial direction. Further the cores (12, 13) are offset by 180.degree. relative to one another in the radial direction. A coil (20, 21) in a working connection with a measuring part (22) of electrically conductive and/or ferromagnetic material is wound on each of these cores (12, 13). The measuring part (22) is constructed as a sleeve segment and covers half the circumference of the coil body (11). The measuring part (22) is directly connected by a carrier (23) with the shaft (17) whose rotational movement is to be determined. The shaft (17) is supported in the coil body (11) along a relatively long distance. This has the advantage that the complete sensor can be mounted at a holding device. Accordingly the costly adjustment of the sensor during final assembly is dispensed with.

Abstract: A camera mount for taking panoramic pictures. A camera mounting plate is rotatably attached to a tripod mounting plate in a manner permitting the camera mounting plate to sweep an arc of rotation along the top surface of the tripod mounting plate. The tripod mounting plate has a convexly-curved forward edge and a protractor disposed adjacent the forward edge. A stationary detent is fixedly attached adjacent to the center of the protractor and a plurality of adjustable detents are disposed to each side of the stationary detent within respective detent slots disposed along the arc of rotation adjacent to the protractor. The camera mounting plate includes a camera mounting block that can be adjusted rearwardly and forwardly upon the camera mounting plate. A pointer integrally formed as part of the camera mounting plate includes a transparent eyeglass disposed above the protractor having a datum to facilitate alignment of the pointer with the protractor.

Abstract: A low cost, portable computer aided runout measuring system for cylindrical components comprises an electrically interconnected displacement transducer, a computer and an ancillary angle measuring device. Runout deviations are stored in the computer in a displacement vs. time mode while concurrently therewith the angle at deviation is stored in the computer.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring an angle of rotation, and in particular the instantaneous angle of rotation of a rotatable member such as a steering column of a motor vehicle, is especially applicable in a power steering mechanism for a motor vehicle and includes a first wheel, the movement of which serves for measuring the angle of rotation and its direction. The sensor further includes a second wheel which is mechanically linked with but movable relative to the first wheel, the displacement of the second wheel being an indication of the number of rotations effected about an axis by the first wheel, and/or an indication of the direction of the rotation.

Abstract: An instrument for aligning the spindle of machine tools such as drill presses or vertical milling machines at various angles with respect to a work surface. In one embodiment the upper portion of an elongated shaft is engaged in a chuck or collet of the spindle while the lower potion is operably mounted to shaft bearings, which permits the shaft to pivot, rotate and to move vertically and horizontally with respect to the work surface of the machine tool. A displacement detector for detecting pivotal movement of the shaft is mounted on a member of the shaft bearing in fixed relation to the pivot of the shaft. A linear interface provides contact between the shaft and displacement detector and permits predictable repeatable movement of the displacement detector.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for controlling the displacement of a steerable driven trailing machine with respect to a leading machine by measuring the separation between the machines and inputting such measurement to the trailing machine drive control, and measuring the angular disposition of the trailing machine and inputting the steering control of the trailing machine.

Abstract: A system for measuring an inputting range of motion data to a computer comprises a goniometer for measuring range of motion and for producing a range of motion signal from those measurements. A plurality of switches are carried by the goniometer for producing control signals. An interface device receives the range of motion signal and digitizes that signal to produce range of motion data. The interface device also receives the control signals which are used to control the input of the range of motion data to the computer.

Abstract: The angle encoder comprises a transmitter disk, which is provided with two circular measuring scales, preferably incremental measuring scales. A scanning unit is associated with each of said measuring scales and during a rotation of said disk relative to said scanning head is adapted to scan said scale with reflected light and to optoelectronically generate measured-value signals, such as control signals in response to said scanning. To minimize the effect of a radial runout on the accuracy of the measurement and to permit a providing of the measuring scales on the transmitter disk by a copying process, the transmitter disk has at least one frustoconical outside surface, which is centered on the axis of rotation and is provided with the measuring scales. A process of manufacturing the transmitter disk is also described.

Abstract: An asbolute position-measuring transducer system for an industrial robot having a plurality of axes of movement comprises an individual position transducer in the form of a resolver for each one of the axes, with the operating range of each axis corresponding to a plurality of revolutions of its resolver, a revolution counter connected to the output of the resolver of at least one of the axes for receiving the output signals from the resolver and counting the accumulated number of resolver revolutions, a back-up battery adapted for supplying the resolver and the revolution counter during the power failure, and a device for effecting the intermittent operation and reading-off of the resolver during the battery back-up operation, whereby a single resolver is used for position measuring during the normal operation and for counting revolutions during the battery back-up operation.

Abstract: A method for detecting an absolute steering angle of a steering angle sensor such as encoder for a vehicle wherein the steering angle sensor generates an output signal indicating a relative rotation angle of a steering shaft of the vehicle and at least one reference signal representing a reference position for every one rotation of the steering shaft. The method comprises the steps of setting a deviation .DELTA..theta. between the reference position and an actual straight-ahead driving state position responsive to the output signal and the reference signal, storing the deviation .DELTA..theta. in a memory of a computer which holds the deviation .DELTA..theta. while the computer is disconnected from a battery, determining a steering angle with the reference position responsive to the output signal and the reference signal, and correcting by the deviation .DELTA..theta. the steering angle to obtain the absolute steering angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an angle sensor for musical tone control which controls a musical tone in response to changing angles at an articulation of the human body. Both ends of a pair of plate members are coupled pivotally and movably around an axis parallel to both faces of plate members. This pair of plate members are attached on the interior side of articulation of the human body by attaching means to generate a signal in response to the bending motion of the articulation. Thus, a musical tone control signal in response to the bending angles is outputted from detecting means which is placed on the plate members to control musical tone.