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:
Oct. 01, 2002
Filed:
Jan. 04, 2001
Ignatius M. Zettel, New Berlin, WI (US);
Jonathan C. Boomgaarden, Waukesha, WI (US);
GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC, Waukesha, WI (US);
Abstract
An electronic detent apparatus and method for simulating a mechanical detent comprises a sensor connected to a microprocessor. A servo-motor is connected to the microprocessor and has a motor drive connected to a clutch. The clutch may engage a wheel disposed upon a rail or surface to effect the simulation of a mechanical detent through the microprocessor controlled servo-motor. The method for simulating a mechanical detent comprises the steps of moving an axis and monitoring the position and velocity of the axis. The position and velocity of the axis is then compared to a pre-specified position threshold value and a pre-specified velocity threshold value using a microprocessor disposed on the axis. A servo-motor is activated to accelerate the axis to a pre-specified position using a clutch controlled by the servo-motor when the position and velocity of the axis exceed the pre-specified position and velocity threshold values. Prior to engaging the clutch, the servo-motor drive speed is adjusted to nearly match the speed of the axis. The clutch operates on a wheel that is connected to the clutch and that is disposed upon a rail. The step of monitoring the position and velocity of the axis may be limited to monitoring only the position or velocity of the axis depending on the desired control characteristics of the electronic detent.