An encoder includes a plurality of slit tracks, a point light source, a first light-receiving array, a second light-receiving array, and a third light-receiving array. The plurality of slit tracks respectively comprises a plurality of reflection slits arranged along a measurement direction. The point light source is configured to emit diffusion light to the plurality of slit tracks. The first light-receiving array is configured to receive light reflected by the slit track comprising an incremental pattern. The second light-receiving array is configured to receive light reflected by the slit track comprising an incremental pattern longer in pitch than other incremental patterns. The third light-receiving array is configured to receive light reflected by the slit track comprising an absolute pattern.

A rotary encoder correcting method for a transport apparatus having a rotary encoder for outputting output signals in response to rotation of a transport roller. The method includes the steps of setting beforehand the number of n-divided output signals obtained by dividing, by n, the number of output signals outputted from the rotary encoder with one rotation of the transport roller; measuring a divided area shift time for each divided area when a printing medium is transported at constant speed and each time the number of output signals agrees with the number of n-divided output signals; and calculating a correction coefficient for each divided area based on the divided area shift time. The divided area shift time is corrected for each divided area of the rotary encoder based on each correction coefficient when a process is carried out on the printing medium.

A linear rotary encoder includes a pair of rotational surfaces. A contact belt has a first end coupled to a first rotational surface in the pair and a second end coupled to a second rotational surface in the pair. The contact belt is driven to rotate around the pair of rotational surfaces by a driving force applied to media to move the media from the first end toward the second end. An encoding scale is coupled to an inner surface of the contact belt. A reader is positioned to read the encoding scale as the contact belt rotates around the pair of rotational surfaces. The reader generates an output signal indicating a position of the media based on reading of the encoding scale.

A rotary scale apparatus for an encoder apparatus including a planar disc on which at least one track including scale features is provided, in which the planar disc includes a hole through its centre for receiving a cylindrical shaft, and in which the rotary scale member includes at least three cantilevered spring members which are provided substantially in plane with the planar disc and spaced around the edge of the hole, for engaging with, and radially locating the disc on, a cylindrical shaft inserted therethrough.

An obstacle avoidance system for a rotary head having a rotating shaft driven by a motor includes a photoelectric encoder and a controller. The controller is electrically coupled to the photoelectric encoder. The photoelectric encoder includes a code disk and a photoelectric sensor. The controller includes an angle detecting unit, an obstacle detecting unit, and a driving circuit. The driving circuit is electrically coupled to the obstacle detecting unit and the angle detecting unit. The driving circuit can set a current angular position as a limit value of a preset rotation range when receiving an obstacle signal from the obstacle detecting unit. A method thereof is also disclosed.

A system for detecting rotational over travel includes: an angular position sensor comprising a rotor rotatable about an axis, the angular position sensor configured to output one or more electrical signals to indicate an angular position of the rotor about the axis and/or a number of turns completed by the rotor about the axis; and a device comprising a first operating mode and a second operating mode and configured to transition from the first operating mode to the second operating mode in response to the rotor rotating beyond at least one angular position threshold, wherein the transition from the first operating mode to the second operating mode is independent of the one or more electrical signals.

A rotary scale apparatus for an encoder apparatus including a planar disc on which at least one track including scale features is provided, in which the planar disc includes a hole through its centre for receiving a cylindrical shaft, and in which the rotary scale member includes at least three cantilevered spring members which are provided substantially in plane with the planar disc and spaced around the edge of the hole, for engaging with, and radially locating the disc on, a cylindrical shaft inserted therethrough.

The subject technology is directed to a motor apparatus or rotary system. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing comprising a first opening positioned on a first side. A motor comprising a shaft is positioned inside the housing. The shaft comprises a first portion extending through the first opening. The apparatus further includes a code wheel and an encoder. The encoder comprises a second opening. The first portion of the shaft extends through the second opening. By extending the shaft through the encoder, the apparatus allows for dual-sided functionality, enabling both ends of the shaft to be used for driving loads or connecting to other components. This configuration enhances space efficiency and the versatility of the motor apparatus, making it ideal for various compact applications.