Abstract: An encoder device comprises a first resistor having one end connected to a first contact piece and the other end connected to an A/D conversion input terminal, a second resistor having one end connected to a second contact piece and the other end connected to the other end of the first resistor and having a different resistance value from that of the latter, a first pattern electrode to which a first potential is applied, a second pattern electrode to which a second potential is applied, and a non-electrode zone on which neither of said first and second pattern electrodes is provided.

Abstract: An encoder device encodes angular position in the form of electrical signals in dependence on the position of a rotatable member in relation to a series of discrete fixed contacts disposed about the axis of rotation of a rotatable member. A series of discrete fixed contacts 2a, 2b, carried by a panel 1, form a first group of contacts of a flexible switch structure which also has a second group of contacts 9 carried by a flexible sheet 7 and arranged such that each contact of the second group is located opposite to, but spaced from, one of the series forming the first group of contacts. An intermediate sheet 8 is sandwiched between the panel 1 and flexible sheet 7 and is apertured at 10 in the region of the contact sets 2a, 2b and 9.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter apparatus has a code board having at least three patterns disposed thereon. One of the patterns represents a least significant bit and is arranged at the center between the other patterns. A reading device is provided for reading the patterns on the code board and for outputting a digital signal corresponding to the patterns. By arranging the least significant pattern in the center, adjustments between the reading device and the code board are not critical, and reading accuracy is improved.

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.