The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 30, 1996
Filed:
Mar. 17, 1995
Eugene D Alfors, Rockford, IL (US);
Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
A rotational position sensor is provided with a rotatable member that comprises first and second portions. The first portion is generally cylindrical and has an opening that is shaped to receive the second portion therein with a resilient spring disposed in the annular gap between the first and second portions when this assembly is accomplished. A magnet is molded into or otherwise affixed to an extension of the first portion and the second portion of the rotatable member is shaped to receive a shaft. Relative rotation is permitted between the first and second portions of the rotatable member so that the shaft will not be ceased in position if the rotatable member is jammed within a stationary portion of the sensor. If jamming occurs, such as that which might be caused by icing, the first portion of the rotatable sensor might be ceased in position and restricted from further rotational movement. However, the second portion will remain free to rotate with the shaft because of the relative angular movement that is permitted between the first and second portions. This movement is in association with the changing torsion of the spring disposed in the gap between the first and second portions. When the ceasing of the first portion of the rotatable member is eliminated, the first and second portions of the rotatable member move back to their regular positions relative to each other and continued normal operation is possible.