Noncontact shaft angle detector
 Apparatus and method for non-contact determination of shaft angle utilizes a patterned disc secured to the shaft or other rotor being observed. The disc has sectors of different optical properties whereby radiant energy directed to the disc will be encoded by the sectored pattern. A set of detectors, which each correspond to one of the sectors, provides variable output signals according to the amount of radiant energy attenuated by the disc and directed onto the detectors. These signals are converted to a set of digital signals which define a unique rotational position, and a computing means calculates angular position from these signals. The computing means will, if necessary, compare the digital output signals and then calculate angular position in a manner which is insensitive to small decenters (or lack of concentricity) in the arrangement of the shaft, disc, detectors, and any associated optical system. 
Energy Innovations, Inc.
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inventional inventional
Alan W. David E. Daniel R.
Holmes Burrowes Valentine