Abstract: A magnetoresistance-effect magnetic sensor provides an effective output even in atmospheres higher in temperature than those relevant to prior art sensors. The invented sensor has magnetoresistance-effect devices each connected to a constant current circuit. The voltage across each device is output as a magnetic sensitive output. With this structure, a temperature rise induced decrease in magnetoresistivity of the device is compensated for by an increase in intrinsic resistance thereof attributable to temperature rise. Thus, the sensor provides a reliable output even in high temperature atmospheres.

Abstract: A magnet mounted on a moving stem or rotary member of a valve generates magnetic flux over part of a stationary member of the valve which has an uniquely patterned set of magnetoresistive sense resistors and three reference resistors (the sensor) disposed thereon. The distance between two adjacent patterns can be equally spaced, or can be compressed for valves with non-linear characteristics in order to achieve increased resolution over a specific portion of the valve travel. Other embodiments can use a light source, beta radiation or neutron radiation as the source of flux, the pattern for each embodiment's sensor having some material responsive and some unresponsive to the flux. The sensor can provide feedback representative of position in a valve positioner, or functions as the position sensor in a position transmitter.

Abstract: A data output encoder capable of having its state of retaining internal error information and self-diagnostic information reset without recourse to removing power or furnishing a dedicated signal line. A reset pulse generator monitors the changing status of an externally provided output request signal. When the signal status reaches a predetermined pattern, the reset pulse generator generates reset pulses that cause an RS flip-flop circuit to reset the state in which the internal error information and self-diagnostic information are retained.

Abstract: The control device is characterized by including a linear encoder for storing two pieces of information on two phases about a printing position in one storing part located on a longitudinal axis of the linear encoder, reading means for reading the pieces of information on two phases stored in the storing part of the linear encoder, and control circuits for controlling a printing position based on the informations on two phases read by the reading means.

Abstract: A recording apparatus, which is provided with a carriage supporting a recording head or reciprocating along a platen, includes a magnetized scale of a magnetic linear encoder positioned along a moving direction of the carriage, and a magnetic head of the magnetic linear encoder, mounted on the carriage and adapted for reading the magnetized pattern of the scale. The scale is provided with at least two magnetized lines of mutually different pitches of magnetization, for recording position information relating to the recording operation, and position information relating to other functions.

Abstract: An absolute encoder wherein tracks are arranged side-by-side on a magnetic drum in the axial direction thereof, and absolute patterns of circulatory random sequence codes are divided and recorded on the tracks, respectively. An additional track for generating sinewaves of two phases in synchronism with the reading of the absolute patterns is provided on the magnetic drum, so that an output can be obained by combining a coarse value of an absolute position obtained from the tracks and a fine value of an absolute position obtained from the additional track. The absolute patterns are detected from the two tracks recorded on the magnetic drum by magnetic resistive elements connected with each other to form circuits each having a three-terminal. Terminals of the magnetic resistive elements are connected through a common line with an electric power source in order to prevent the lines from being crossed.

Abstract: A document reader, such as a hand-fed check reader is described herein. The reader includes a transducer elastically supported relative to a circuit board. Components and circuitry to manipulate signals produced by (read head transducer), or applied to (write head transducer), the transducers are supported by the circuit board. The transducer is supported by a spring member fabricated from the circuit board material, where the board is mounted relative to a document path of travel such that the transducer is biased against the document. A drive wheel and mechanism is provided to move the document along the path and bias the document against the transducer in the vicinity of magnetic information on the document.

Abstract: A turn angle indicator or angular displacement indicator and, more particularly, relates to a capacitive turn angle indicator, especially a positioning sensor for a flap or throttle valve, including a supporting plate fastened to the apparatus at a close narrow distance in front of a further supporting plate which is rotatable planar-parallel relative thereto and which is utilized for a mutually oppositely located narrow spoke or sector-shaped electrode pattern, and with a bearing structure for the rotatable supporting plate and which is fastened to the apparatus. The supporting plates are guided relative to each other through the intermediary of compressively-loaded distance spacers which are arranged in the region of the outer edges of the plates which extend in parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotatable plate.

Abstract: The composite magnet of the present invention comprises two pieces of permanent magnet material formed into a complementary pattern of holes and projections. The two pieces are magnetized in opposite axial directions. The two pieces, magnetized in this manner, when placed together form an interlocking single element which exhibits a magnetic pattern of north-south poles which matches the pattern of holes and projections. In this manner, the composite magnet appears as a single permanent magnet, exhibiting a sharp, strong, and well-defined magnetic pattern. In accordance with the present invention, the composite magnet may be used in many applications including, but not limited to encoders, one of which is described in detail.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting gear modes of an automobile transmission is disposed about a detent lever internally within the transmission case. The system includes an encoder capable of generating a magnetic field disposed on or about a detent lever, and at least one sensor, such as a Hall-effect sensor, disposed opposite the encoder. The encoder is a magnetic strip having at least one track encoded thereon, wherein the sensor is juxtaposed with the encoded track such that it produces a digital signal representative of the position of the encoder means and the corresponding gear mode.

Abstract: A signal conditioning circuit which converts multiple analog signals received from an encoder into a multi-bit digital signal, corresponding to the angular position of a rotary object, which is independent of any common mode disturbances such as temperature, humidity, ambient light and aging. At any given time, at least one of the analog signals is at a maximum voltage and at least one of the analog signals is at a minimum voltage. At no time are all of the analog signals simultaneously at a maximum or simultaneously at a minimum. The signal conditioning circuit continuously detects the maximum and minimum values of the analog signals. A midpoint of the maximum and minimum values is determined and compared with the original analog signals. For all values of the analog signals greater than the midpoint value, a binary logic level of 1 is outputted. For all values of the analog signals less than the midpoint value, a binary logic level of 0 is outputted.

Abstract: A holder for holding a magnetic sensitive element by which the magnetic sensitive element may be secured at a desired position so as to obtain favorable output characteristics and to reduce the area which the element occupies. The holder positions the magnetic sensitive element opposite a magnetic drum, within a magnetic encoder, and comprises a movable holder for holding a magnetic sensitive element connected to a flexible signal input/output member, a fixed holder fixed to a circuit board for holding the movable holder, and a guide which is biased against the movable holder to permit movement of the movable holder in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic sensitive surface of the magnetic sensitive element to a desired set position to thereby adjust the gap between the magnetic sensitive element and the magnetic drum.

Abstract: A digitizer comprising a microprocessor, a quartz oscillator, a cursor or stylus, an overlapped loop assembly, a peak phase recognizer, an analog/digit converter and other matching devices including multiplexers, amplifiers, filters and etc., wherein the overlapped loop assembly includes a plurality of loops for horizontal axis respectively starting from the left and the middle and a plurality of loops for vertical axis respectively starting from the bottom and the middle to overlap on the loops for horizontal axis forming into an induction area, the first loop for the horizontal axis at the left being connected to the first loop for the horizontal axis at the middle and the posterior loops for the horizontal axis at the left as well as the loops for the vertical axis at the bottom being respectively connected to the posterior loops for the horizontal axis at the middle and the loops for the vertical axis at the middle.

Abstract: A combined optical and capacitive absolute positioning encoding system uses a plurality of metallized strips deposited onto a glass scale substrate. A movable transceiver is positioned adjacent to the scale. The transceiver generates interrogating electrical an optical signals which interact with the scale. The movable transceiver also carries with it receiver mechanisms for receiving the signals after interaction with the scale. Signal processing electronics are provided to determine the relative positions of the scale and transceiver by comparing the transmitted, interrogating signals with the received signals. The system is able to determine the relative positions of the scale and transceiver even if power to the system is interrupted, or if the scale and transceiver are moved relative to one another very rapidly.

Abstract: Two fragments from a single maximal length sequence of length 2.sup.(x/2) -1 are interleaved to produce a new sequence of bits. The lengths of the fragments are such that they have no common factors. Each x-tuple of successive bits of the new sequence of bits uniquely defines the absolute position of that x-tuple in the sequence of bits, which position may be obtained from the relative position in the fragments of two y-tuples making up the x-tuple.

Abstract: A position detector device for detecting the position of a moving object includes a magnetically-recorded section on a moving surface of the moving object where multipoles are magnetized with a wave-length of .lambda., and a magnetic sensor for detecting changes in magnetic field by moving of the magnetically-recorded section. The magnetic sensor is provided with 2.sup.N (N+1, 2, 3, . . . ) pieces of signal detecting magnetic resistance elements connected to constant-current power sources and arranged at an interval of .lambda./2.sup.(N+2). The extent to which the moving object is moved is detected on the basis of electric signals outputted from these signal detecting magnetic resistance elements.

Abstract: A magnetic-type absolute position encoder includes a magnetic drum having a magnetic material magnetized on a circumferential surface thereof is rotated and absolute position in one revolution is calculated based on sinusoidal and cosinusaoidal signals outputted by a magnetic reluctance element arranged to oppose the circumferential surface. The polarities of a magnetic material (2) magnetized on the circumferential surface of a magnetic drum (1) are aligned in the direction of the rotational axis of the magnetic drum to form a magnetization track (3). In a case where a sinusoidal signal having n cycles per revolution is to be generated, the magnetization track is made to undulate n cycles per revolution in the direction of the rotational axis. A sinusoidal signal and a cosinusoidal signal having a phase difference of 90.degree.

Abstract: A multiposition sensor device includes a plurality of inductive-type coils arranged in a first array and a plurality of plates arranged in a second array being juxtaposed and movable relative to the coils, allowing the coils and the plates to register in any plurality of unique couple arrangements. The multiposition sensor device further includes a circuit coupled to each one of the coils, which generates a first signal when a plate is registered with its associated coil and a second signal when no plate is registered with its associated coil. In a preferred embodiment, the coil and plates lie in parallel planes. The coils are angularly spaced along a given circumference in one plane while the plates are angularly spaced along a corresponding circumference in the other plane to allow easy rotation of one array with respect to the other. In one specific embodiment, there are four coils and five plates.

Abstract: A high resolution encoder having a relatively high number of magnetic pole pairs with a magnetic flux strength sufficient for use in high resolution applications. Magnetic pole pair spacing varies from about 0.01 inch to about 0.1 inch with each magnetic pole pair having a magnetic flux in the range of about 2 gauss to about 700 gauss at a distance of 0.036 inch at a temperature of +20 degrees centigrade. This high resolution encoder is especially well-suited for use with magnetically encoded targets in sensor bearings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic encoder comprising a rotational shaft on which a magnetic drum is provided, a first base provided with a bearing portion for rotatably supporting said rotational shaft, a second base mounted on said first base and provided with a sensor opposed to said magnetic drum, and a cap for covering said magnetic drum, said sensor and the like and having an open end edge secured to said first base.

Abstract: A sensor for determining position or dimensions of an object comprises an array of detectors and an actuating medium of the detectors configured to cause the detectors to output an absolute Gray binary code.

Abstract: An absolute encoder for detecting the absolute (as opposed to the relative) rotational displacement of an encoder shaft includes a pair of pitch signals recorded on tracks and an associated signal processing circuit. The pair of pitch signals have different periods (wave lengths) which are such that they have no common factors. The signal processing circuit includes magnetic sensors for producing absolute position data indicative of the degree of displacement of the encoder shaft, on the basis of the pitch signals. Through the use of a pair of pitch signals having periods with no common factor, a high degree of resolution is obtained, without having no significantly increase the number of pitch signal tracks.

Abstract: A resolution enhancement circuit comprises a voltage divider used to add multiples of two position representing quadrature signals into a plurality of adder output signals having zero crossings during the cycle of the quadrature signals, a digitizer creating a plurality digital signals based on the individual adder output signals and an output logic circuit combining the digital signals into a new pair of digital quadrature signals of increased resolution. The circuit provides information for more precise control of die casting machines and the like.

Abstract: Electrodes (6) provided on the inner periphery of a rotary plate (3) are different in number from those provided on the outer periphery. A slide knob (12) moves a contact part (5) along the plane of the rotary plate (3). Thus, the number of electric pulses generated every rotation of the rotary plate (3) when the contact part (5) is in the inner periphery is different from that when the contact part (5) is in the outer periphery.

Abstract: A rotary encoder which serves to generate absolute position data is outfitted with a power source monitor which generates, during a power interruption, an alarm signal which invalidates all subsequent absolute position data being outputted by the rotary encoder. Loss of output data from the rotary encoder is reliably prevented, even upon the unexpected occurrence of very short power supply interruptions. This enhances the operational reliability and stability of the encoder considerably.

Abstract: An absolute position encoder comprising a rotary code plate for obtaining sine wave outputs of a plurality of channels each having a different number of cycles per revolution, A/D converters for respectively A/D-converting the sine wave outputs of the plurality of channels for constituting rotational angular data of the code plate, and a ROM for storing at corresponding addresses interpolated data obtained by interpolation of angular data of one wavelength of the channels into a predetermined number of divisions sequentially using outputs of the A/D converters corresponding to the channels as address data, and for storing at corresponding addresses corrected data obtained by correction of an interpolation error included in interpolated data of upper channels having small numbers of cycles based on correction address data using interpolated data of lower channels having large numbers of cycles as the correction address data, wherein an absolute position of a moving body is detected by synthesis of the interpol

Abstract: A multi-turn absolute encoder comprising a shaft angle encoder for measuring the turning angle of a rotating shaft, and a turn detector for detecting the number of turns of the rotating shaft, wherein the turn detector uses a magnetic bubble element for sequentially transferring magnetic bubbles in a pattern in accordance with a magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet turned by the shaft, and a detector to detect the number of turns of the shaft from the positions of the magnetic bubbles which are transferred in the pattern.

Abstract: In construction of a signal processing circuit for an encoder including a pair of phased magnetic sensors arranged, for relative displacement, facing a magnetized track on a scale, output signals issued by the magnetic sensors are first stage divided by an analog processing unit and, after conversion into digital signals, second stage conversion is carried out by a digital phase locked loop connected to the analog processing unit. The degree of dissolution in detection of the displacement by the entire circuit is remarkably enhanced by the dual stage division of the signals during processing.

Abstract: A high resolution encoder having a relatively high number of magnetic pole pairs with a magnetic flux strength sufficient for use in high resolution applications. Magnetic pole pair spacing varies from about 0.010 inch to about 0.050 inch with each magnetic pole pair having a magnetic flux in the range of about 2 gauss to about 700 gauss at a distance of 0.036 inch at a temperature of +20 degrees centigrade. This high resolution encoder is especially well-suited for use with magnetically encoded targets in sensor bearings.

Abstract: In constructoin of a magnetic recording medium provided with one circular track for magnetic graduations and another circular track for standard marks, the standard marks are accompanied with specified magnetic identification marks so that discrimination between the standard marks can be fairly done without any influence by the number of the standard marks only by reading them out together with the identification marks. The medium is advantageously used for displacement detectors such as magnetic rotary encoders and magnetic linear scales.

Abstract: A non-contact type potentiometer employing a triangular wave encoder includes a triangular wave encoder for outputting a triangular wave signal consisting of a LEAD signal and a LAG signal having the phases different from each other. A pair of comparators are provided for waveforming the triangular wave signals into a pair of rectangular wave signals. An up/down signal converter is provided for converting each of the rectangular wave signals into up/down directive pulses, and an up/down counter is provided for receiving the directive pulses and outputting an absolute digital signal which is supplied to a D/A converter for converting the absolute digital signal into analog position step signals.

Abstract: A capacitance-type measuring apparatus includes first and second support members which are movable with respect to one another along a measurement axis; a first electrode array and a second electrode disposed on the first support member; and a third electrode array disposed on the second support member and capacitively coupling the first electrode array and second electrode for transmission of a signal between the first electrode array and second electrode through the third electrode array. One of the first electrode array or the second electrode is formed to have end portions configured such that the degree of coupling between the first electrode array and second electrode through the third electrode array decreases linearly along the extent of each end portion relative to the measurement axis. This configuration permits improved measurement accuracies by reducing the effects of tilt between the first and second support members which changes the spacing between such members along the axis of measurement.

Abstract: The position-reading system for machine-tool parts rotatable through 360.degree. renders possible accurate position determination by using a scale although there is present a measuring gap. This is achieved by the use of two reading units angularly offset at a predetermined angle with respect to one another and by the use of an indicating unit which contains evalution and switch-over means. These evaluation and switch-over means evalute the output signals of the two reading units and switch, on the one hand, one reading unit, upon passage thereat of the measuring gap, to become position-reading inactive and, on the other hand, the other reading unit to become position-reading active, such other reading unit taking over the corresponding momentary position value or reading.

Abstract: A first pattern which repeats change in the longitudinal direction with a predetermined pitch and a second pattern which changes in the longitudinal direction with a pitch which is different at least from that of the first pattern, both formed of a predetermined material, are disposed on a surface of a rod section. A detection head section is provided in proximity to the rod section, responds individually to the first pattern and the second pattern, changes its relation of correspondence to the respective patterns in accordance with its linear position with respect to the rod section and produces output signals in accordance with the relation of correspondence to the respective patterns. In accordance with the output signals corresponding to the respective patterns, first and second absolute position data of different ranges whose one cycle is constituted of one pitch of the respective patterns can be obtained.

Abstract: An encoder for a wheel or other devices with relative movement comprises in the use of a printwheel, a linear Hall-effect sensor and magnet mounted in a non-ferrous metal shaft with a flux conducting spiral ring molded in the printwheel and encircling the shaft. The angular position of the printwheel is absolutely determined by the magnitude of the signal relative to the transition point of the spiral. The values are converted to digital information and stored in non-volatile memory for comparison to the values measured as the wheel is positioned during operation of the wheel. In another embodiment, a second Hall-effect sensor is placed on the shaft opposite the first sensor to provide an enhanced signal.

Abstract: A magnetic rotary encoder which is reduced in overall size and production cost and wherein little torsional force around an axis of a rotary shaft is applied to a bearing for the rotary shaft from a force from an object member for detection and the detection sensitivity does not fluctuate even if the rotary shaft is yielded. The rotary shaft includes a fixed shaft fixedly supported at least at one portion thereof and having an inner race of the bearing secured to an outer periphery thereof, a cylindrical member having an outer race of the bearing secured to an inner periphery thereof, and a magnetic member provided on an outer periphery of the cylindrical member and having magnetic poles formed thereon. A magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic flux from the magnetic member is supported on the fixed shaft by means of a mounting plate, and a detecting member is mounted in sliding contact with the cylindrical member and rotates, when it is rotated, the magnetic member around the axis of the rotary shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for magnetically detecting positions and intends to provide a position detecting apparatus of the kind with high accuracy in which when recording magnetic signals of a predetermined length on magnetization tracks, a plurality of recording units are continuously arranged in the direction of the magnetization track and are set as the predetermined recording length, thereby sharpening the output waveform of the signal corresponding to the edge portion of the magnetization recording length. The present invention is suitable for the absolute type having a plurality of magnetization tracks.

Abstract: A position detector is provided with an encoded element having indicia representative of a bit pattern of a pair of bits of a Gray code and a pair of sensors responsive to this indicia. The encoded element is capable of being mechanically coupled to a movable member and the sensors are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to a shift in the bit pattern between two bits of the Gray code such that movement of the encoded element past the sensors is used to produce two bits of the Gray code. Additional encoded elements and sensors are used to produce additional bits of the Gray code.

Abstract: A rotary encoder comprises a rotator having ring-shaped multipole magnet and stator having magnetic field detecting sensors concentrically provided with the ring-shaped multipole magnet. The stator is provided with a plurality of zero-magnetostrictive amorphous ferromagnetic cores arrayed in correspondence to the magnetic pole pitch of the multipole magnet. Rotation angles of the rotor are detected by coils extended across the plurality of amorphous magnetic cores to be magnetically coupled with the same.

Abstract: A printwheel encoder comprises a non-ferrous shaft having a magnet strip and a flexible Hall-effect sensor arrangement affixed thereon. Molded printwheels including a flux conducting ring having an inner spiral surface are rotatably mounted on the shaft in respective juxtaposition to each Hall-effect sensor. The wheels are mounted adjacent to each other so that the rings form a nearly continuous flux conducting sheath which protects the Hall-effect sensors from external magnetic fields.

Abstract: A rotational position indicator useful for example for indicating wind direction is provided by a stator having nine position sensors substantially equally spaced around the circumference of a circle and an armature mounted for rotation on an axis located at the center of the circle. The armature is formed with two position sensor actuators mounted at approximately 140.degree. relative to each other. Each position sensor actuator is mounted at a radial position for selectively actuating the position sensors upon rotation of the armature. An electric circuit is coupled to each position sensor for indicating actuation or not of the respective position sensor. The output provides a unique position code for successive intervals of angular positioning of the armature relative to the stator. The actuators have an actuating effect over a selected angular interval sufficient to produce 36 unique position codes for indentifying successive 10.degree.

Abstract: The capacitive detector of position between two supports (10 and 30) comprises a series of electrodes (11) on support (10) and a series of electrodes (13) on support (30). The electrodes (13) of support (30) and electronic circuitry (21) are formed on the lower face of an integrated circuit substrate (20) constituting the electronic part intended for the application of incremental potentials to the electrodes (13).

Abstract: A position detecting apparatus for detecting a position pointed by a pointer on a system such as a digitizer has the following parts: a position detection section having a plurality of loop coils arrayed in a side-by-side fashion in the direction of position detection; a selection circuit for successively selecting the loop coils one-by-one; a transmission circuit for generating an A.C. signal of a predetermined frequency to be delivered to the selected loop coil; a receiving circuit adapted to detect an induced voltage of a frequency substantially the same as that of the A.C. signal from among various voltages induced in the selected loop coil; a connection switching circuit for connecting the selected loop coil alternately to the transmission circuit and the receiving circuit; a position pointer having a tuning circuit including a coil and a capacitor and adapted to resonate with an electric wave produced by the loop coil which is supplied with the A.C.

Abstract: A capacitance sensing system for sensing the rotary position of a rotating shaft, particularly one having limited rotary motion. The system uses at least four capacitances comprising fixed capacitance plate members, one of which is preferably made of four arcuate segments enclosing the shaft and the other of which is a ring member enclosing the shaft and displaced therefrom along the shaft. A dielectric member is attached to the shaft between the fixed plate members. The capacitance value of the four capacitances change as the shaft rotates in such a manner that the capacitance changes produce an output voltage which represents the rotary position of the shaft, which output voltage is insensitive to radial motions of the shaft.

Abstract: A high-resolution shaft encoder and a related encoding method for accurately measuring angular position and velocity of rotating shafts. The high-resolution shaft encoder includes an annular-shaped actuator ring that rotates at high speed, a shaft centered within the actuator ring, and an encoder housing. The shaft encoder generates measurements of shaft position .theta..sub.p and velocity .omega..sub.p, with respect to the encoder housing, from measurements of three time intervals t.sub.p, t.sub.r and .DELTA.t. These time interval measurements are computed from the output of a sensor element positioned on the shaft and a sensor element positioned on the encoder housing, both of which respond to an input actuation element positioned on the rotating actuator ring.

Abstract: A rotary encloder includes a rotary disk for rotating by an amount proportional to movement of an object under control and having a magnetic body on a surface thereof, and a write/read head arranged at a position opposing the rotary disk on a radius of rotation thereof for writing position information into the magnetic body on the surface of the rotary disk and for reading written information from the magnetic body. The object is positioned at a control position, control position information for controlling the object is written by a writing portion of the magnetic head at a corresponding position on the rotary disk, and the written control position information is subsequently detected by a reading portion of the magnetic head, thereby detecting arrival at a control position of the object.

Abstract: A displacement coder of the differential type wherein, in order to reduce the dimensions thereof, a first disk is rotatably connected to a principal shaft coupled to the shaft which controls the displacement of a mobile member being monitored and a second disk which is coaxially mounted on the principal shaft but which is rotated in a ratio of slightly less than 1 to 1 with respect to the first disk through a driving connection which includes a common pinion and two tooth wheels which wheels are also mounted along the principal shaft.

Abstract: A rotatable member having multiple discrete positions between opposite ends of a normal path of movement is provided with two (or three) parallel, encoded tracks having different patterns of distinct, serial sections. These tracks cooperate with relatively stationary probes of a position sensor. As the rotatable member moves from position to position, the sensor will produce a family of two (or three) separate binary signals that changes states as the probes detect boundaries between successive sections of the tracks with which they respectively communicate, and the patterns of the encoded sections are so selected that the sequence of state changes when the rotatable member is approaching a predetermined mid position will differ from the sequence when the member is moving away therefrom.

Abstract: In construction of a displacement detector for an encoder provided with a phase locked loop connected to a detection head facing a scale of the encoder, use of a signal switching circuit allows optimum selection of signals used for generation of a system output signal depending on the speed of the relative movement between the detection head and the scale, thereby assuring generation of the system output signal at high degree of dissolution at any speed of the relative movement. Further, additional use of a parallel/serial converting unit assures high reliability in transmission of the system output signal to external systems.

Abstract: A capacitance-type measuring apparatus includes first and second support members which are movable with respect to one another along a measurement axis; a first electrode array and a second electrode disposed on the first support member; and a third electrode array disposed on the second support member and capacitively coupling the first electrode array and second electrode for transmission of a signal between the first electrode array and second electrode through the third electrode array. One of the first electrode array or the second electrode is formed to have end portions configured such that the degree of coupling between the first electrode array and second electrode through the third electrode array decreases linearly along the extent of each end portion relative to the measurement axis. This configuration permits improved measurement accuracies by reducing the effects of tilt between the first and second support members which changes the spacing between such members along the axis of measurement.