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:
Jan. 16, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 16, 1998
Robert Setbacken, Santa Barbara, CA (US);
Donald E. Barnett, West Chester, PA (US);
Renco Encoders, Inc., Goleta, CA (US);
Abstract
An optical encoder has a single data track which is scanned photoelectrically by a scanning unit. The data track consists of an incremental track and a plurality of overlying code tracks so that it is possible to generate incremental output signals as well as at least coarse absolute positional information by scanning only one track. The scanning unit comprises a first detecting unit with a phased array of photodetectors to scan the incremental graduation. A second detecting unit with a plurality of photodetectors is provided for scanning the code tracks. The code tracks can be used to generate commutation signals for brushless motors.