Patent ID: 7023684
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: G01D,H01G

Abstract:
1. A variable position sensor comprising a first stationary member and a second moveable member, a plurality of spaced electrically conductive plates on one of said first member and said second member, said plurality of spaced plates defining segments of a surface, an electrically conductive plate on the other of said first member and said second member, wherein movement of said second member with respect to said first member will move said electrically conductive plate on said other of said first and second members adjacent successive ones of said plurality of spaced electrically conductive plates, means for applying a first pole of an electric potential to all of said plurality of spaced plates and a second pole of said electric potential to said electrically conductive plate on said other of said first and second member, and means for detecting a capacitance between one of said plurality of spaced conductive plates and said electrically conductive plate on said other of said first and second member wherein a position of said second moveable member with respect to said first stationary member is determined.