Patent ID: 6608300
Filing Date: 2003-08-19
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
An encoder for detecting angular movement between first and second relatively rotatable members about a rotational axis, comprising:a base; an emitter mounted to the base and operable to generate a signal; a sensor mounted to the base in spaced relation to the emitter; a fitting defining an encoder axis and configured to be secured to the first member with the encoder axis at least substantially coaxial with the rotational axis of the first member; a signal interrupting disk mounted to the fitting and positioned in axially spaced relation to the emitter and sensor; an alignment bracket mounted to the base for axial movement along the encoder axis; an axially yieldable member disposed between the base and alignment bracket, normally biasing the base and alignment bracket axially through a prescribed distance toward engagement with a mechanical stop, yieldably positioning the base and alignment bracket in an inoperative pre-mounting relationship; and at least one fastener, engaging at least one of the base and alignment bracket with the second member and operable (a) in a first mode to deflect the yieldable member axially and to position the base and alignment bracket in an operative position with the emitter and sensor in a prescribed axial relation to the disk, and (b) in a second mode in which the yieldable member is free to return the base and alignment bracket to the inoperative pre-mounting relationship.