Patent ID: 6181423
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
A linear measurement apparatus comprising:a disk shaped measurement wheel adapted for rotation about a first rotational axis, the measurement wheel providing, an integral concentrically mounted, laterally positioned, first press roll having a hardened, concave, peripheral surface presenting a texture embossment thereon;a second press roll having a hardened peripheral surface and adapted for rotation about a second rotational axis parallel to the first rotational axis, the hardened peripheral surfaces of the two press rolls positioned in a spaced apart relationship;a linear, elongate control bar having an external bar surface, the control bar engaged between the peripheral surfaces of the first and the second press rolls such that linear axial motion of the control bar causes rotation of the press rolls;the external bar surface of the control bar being functionally enabled for receiving an engraved impression of the surface texture embossment of the first press roll peripheral surface during an initial said linear axial motion of the control bar against the first press roll;the engraved impression of the control bar and the corresponding texture embossment of the first press roll being functionally enabled thereafter for coordinated mutual engagement with linear motion of the control bar;the disk shaped measurement wheel providing a means for rotational position sensing.