초록 ▼

A system for determining the extended length or orientation of a hydraulic actuator, or of an implement or joint, is disclosed herein. Electromagnetic (EM) bursts such as ultra-wideband or frequency pulses are generated and applied to a transmitter unit attached to a stationary or moveable portion o

A system for determining the extended length or orientation of a hydraulic actuator, or of an implement or joint, is disclosed herein. Electromagnetic (EM) bursts such as ultra-wideband or frequency pulses are generated and applied to a transmitter unit attached to a stationary or moveable portion of the actuator. The EM bursts are launched by the transmitter toward a receiver located on the other of the stationary or moveable portion of the actuator. The time for the EM bursts to travel between the associated antennas of the transmitter and the receiver is determined and converted into a position signal representing the distance therebetween.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] For a linear actuator of the type including a stationary portion and a moveable connector, a method for determining the position of the connector relative to the stationary portion comprising the steps of:generating electromagnetic (EM) bursts;transmitting the EM bursts f

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] For a linear actuator of the type including a stationary portion and a moveable connector, a method for determining the position of the connector relative to the stationary portion comprising the steps of:generating electromagnetic (EM) bursts;transmitting the EM bursts from one of the stationary portion and the moveable connector;receiving the EM bursts at the other of the stationary portion and the moveable connector;generating a timing signal representative of the time for the EM bursts to travel between the stationary portion and the moveable connector; andconverting the timing signal into a position signal representative of the distance between the stationary portion and the moveable connector.