Appeal No. 1997-0234
Application 08/219,540
The claimed invention relates to a process and a device for monitoring the position of objects.
More particularly, Appellants indicate at pages 2 and 3 of the specification that the device includes a
feeler pin which is rotated in first and second directions of rotation until it contacts objects such as
machine tools. A zero position of the feeler pin, instead of being defined by a mechanical stop, is
determined by a microcomputer during a learning cycle.
Claim 8 is illustrative of the invention and reads as follows:
8. A process for monitoring the position of objects comprising the steps of:
providing an electric motor;
providing a shaft rotatably driven by said electric motor;
providing an encoder for detecting a degree of rotation of said shaft;
providing a microcomputer for storing and interpreting data received from said encoder and for
controlling said electric motor;
providing a feeler pin connected to said shaft;
mounting said feeler pin in proximal relationship to a first and a second object;
rotating said shaft in a first direction until said feeler pin contacts said first object;
measuring a first degree of rotation of said shaft with said encoder during said rotation in said
first direction;
storing said first degree of rotation of said shaft in said microcomputer;
rotating said shaft in a second direction until said feeler pin contacts said second object;
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