Bourns Incorporated

James A Elzey

Timothy Alan Tabor

David B Johnson

Dean B Childs

Craig R Bailey

Bobby G Calkin

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.

Position encoder

A potentiometer and logic circuitry attached to a common substrate. In one aspect the potentiometer and logic circuitry is an integrated potentiometer mounted on an upper surface of a circuit board with circuitry on a lower surface of the circuit board. The circuitry conducts the position and movement of the potentiometer into potentiometer output signals.

Potentiometer with embedded signal circuitry

An integrated digital electronic encoder that converts mechanical movement of a device input into a signal that can be applied to particular purposes is described. The encoder and associated signal conditioning and processing circuitry are embedded together as a single unit for simplicity of assembly into particular applications, and reliability. The integrated digital electronic encoder includes a substrate with first and second substantially opposed major surfaces, and a digital encoder formed on the first major surface of the substrate. The encoder comprises an actuation shaft, and the encoder is configured to generate electrical signals in response to movement of the actuation shaft. Electronic circuitry is attached to the second major surface of the substrate, preferably using surface mount technology. The electronic circuitry is electrically connected with the digital encoder to process the signals produced by the encoder. The electronic circuitry includes programmable logic to provide multiple function capability to the integrated digital encoder. The electronic circuitry also includes supervisory power circuitry for conditioning the power supplied to the programmable logic, and output circuitry such as a communication interface.

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Fruit Heights, UT, United States of America

James A Elzey