Patent US3609759A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3609759A
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Photoelectric keyboard encoder
Assignee: Emerson Electric Co
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Filing: 1969-12-31
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Granted: 1971-09-28
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Expires: 1989-12-31
Abstract
Abstract A photoelectric encoder for converting information, such as numbers of the decimal system into a series of digital signals of a binary code. The encoder includes a keyboard with keys in the form of vertical columns of light transparent material, each having therein a predetermined number of reflective surfaces. The keys are arranged in parallel rows with a light source to one side of the keyboard and photocells, at predetermined vertical levels, adjacent another side of the keyboard. The reflective surfaces throughout the keyboard are predeterminately located such that no light is transmitted through the keys to the photocells when the keys are in their raised positions. When a key is depressed, one or more light reflecting surfaces are moved in such positions that light is reflected to one or more of the photocells to thereby produce one or more binary code pulses.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel E Teske
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:32
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/94; H03K17/965; H03K17/968; H03K17/969; G; G06; G06C; G06C7/00; G06C7/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A photoelectric encoder comprising a plurality of parallel plungers each having at least one light-transmitting zone and one light-reflecting zone, said zones being axially displaced along the plunger, said plungers being independently movable between retracted and depressed positions, a light source adjacent one side of said plungers and light-responsive means adjacent another side of said plungers at predetermined axial levels, said reflecting zones being predeterminately located at said axial levels so as to reflect said light to said light-responsive means when said plunger is depressed and said reflecting surface is in a common axial level with said light-responsive means, the latter producing an output signal unique to the plunger depressed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A photoelectric encoder comprising a plurality of parallel plungers each having at least one light-transmitting zone and one light-reflecting zone, said zones being axially displaced along the plunger, said plungers being independently movable between retracted and depressed positions, a light source adjacent one side of said plungers and light-responsive means adjacent another side of said plungers at predetermined axial levels, said reflecting zones being predeterminately located at said axial levels so as to reflect said light to said light-responsive means when said plunger is depressed and said reflecting surface is in a common axial level with said light-responsive means, the latter producing an output signal unique to the plunger depressed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The encoder set forth in claim 1 wherein said plungers each comprise a generally rectangular elongate column of light-transmitting material, said columns being arranged in adjacent parallel rows.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The encoder set forth in claim 2 wherein said light-reflecting zones each comprise a surface formed in said column at a non-normal angle to the light flux propagated from said light source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The encoder set forth in claim 3 wherein said surfaces are formed at 45* angles to said light flux.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The encoder set forth in claim 4 wherein each of the plungers is provided with a unique axial arrangement of light-reflecting 45* surfaces and light-transmitting zones to provide unique output signals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The encoder set forth in claim 1 wherein said light-responsive means comprise plural light-responsive devices disposed at alternate axial levels adjacent said other side of said plungers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The encoder set forth in claim 6 wherein each light responsive device is carried at the focal point of a generally parabolic reflector.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The encoder set forth in claim 7 wherein said light-responsive devices comprise photocells.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The encoder set forth in claim 5 wherein said light-responsive means comprise plural light-responsive devices, each carried at the focal point of a generally parabolic reflector.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The encoder set forth in claim 9 wherein said reflectors comprise transparent disks disposed at alternate axial levels adjacent said other side of said plungers.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |