US3665608A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Position-locating system
Assignee: Digital Equipment Corp
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Filing: 1969-07-17
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Granted: 1972-05-30
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Expires: 1989-07-17
Abstract
Abstract A stylus whose position is to be determined is attached to ends of two strings. The other ends of the strings are wrapped around and attached to a pair of spring-biased, rotatable drums. When the stylus is moved, one or both of the drums rotate to accommodate the change in length of the strings and the angular positions of the drums therefore correspond with the position of the stylus. The drum angles are measured by angle transducers whose outputs are processed by a computer to provide a reading of the stylus position.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas C Stockebrand
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:37
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B7/00; G01B7/004; G05; G05B; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/30; G05B2219/49; G05B2219/49253
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
A positioN reader for reading the coordinates of a point on a generally planar surface, said comprising A. a generally planar surface, B. first and second drums having corresponding first and second drum axes about which said drums rotate, said axes being spaced apart from each other and perpendicular to said surface, C. a pointer for positioning over the point whose coordinates are to be read, D. a first string having one end attached to said pointer and the other end connected directly to, and rotatably wrapped around, said first drum, E. a second string having one end attached to said pointer and the other end connected directly to, and rotatably wrapped around, said second drum, F. said first and second strings extending parallel to said planar surface when said pointer is positioned over said point, and G. angular transducers providing signals indicating the angular positions of said drums about said axes to thereby provide an indication of the coordinates of said point.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
A positioN reader for reading the coordinates of a point on a generally planar surface, said comprising A. a generally planar surface, B. first and second drums having corresponding first and second drum axes about which said drums rotate, said axes being spaced apart from each other and perpendicular to said surface, C. a pointer for positioning over the point whose coordinates are to be read, D. a first string having one end attached to said pointer and the other end connected directly to, and rotatably wrapped around, said first drum, E. a second string having one end attached to said pointer and the other end connected directly to, and rotatably wrapped around, said second drum, F. said first and second strings extending parallel to said planar surface when said pointer is positioned over said point, and G. angular transducers providing signals indicating the angular positions of said drums about said axes to thereby provide an indication of the coordinates of said point.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The position reader defined in claim 1 including biasing means tending to rotate said drums so as to wind said strings onto them, thereby to maintain tension on said strings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
The position reader defined in claim 2 in which said biasing means are constant torque devices: The reader defined in claim 1 A. including means for supporting a planar article, such as a drawing containing points whose positions are to be determined, and B. in which said axes are substantially perpendicular to the plane of said article.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The reader defined in claim 1 in which the points whose coordinates are to be determined lie on or in close proximity to the circle whose diameter is a line intersecting said axes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The reader defined in claim 1 in which said pointer has inner and outer bearing races to which the respective strings are attached.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-30 | 1975-11-29 | 1976-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-30 | 1979-11-29 | 1980-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-30 | 1983-11-29 | 1984-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |