Patent ID: 6974949
Filing Date: 2005-12-13
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
1. A position sensor comprising: a housing; a light emitting device mounted to the housing; a light receiving device for collecting light from the light emitting device, the light receiving device configured to transmit an output voltage proportional to the light collected by the light receiving device, the light receiving device spaced apart from the light emitting device and mounted to the housing; and a semi-transparent optical member positioned between the light emitting device and the light receiving device to control the amount of light collected by the light receiving device, the optical member having a substantially solid cross-section where light from the light emitting device passes through, the optical member further having a shape that includes a varying thickness, and the optical member being movable between the light emitting device and the light receiving device, wherein light from the light emitting device travels through the optical member and to the light receiving device, such that the amount of light collected by the light receiving device and the output voltage transmitted by the light receiving device varies based on the thickness of the optical member in relation to the optical member's position between the light emitting device and the light reactiving device and the light traveling therethrough.