An Analog-to-Digital Converter

A shaft position to binary number converter suitable for use as an input device for a digital computer is described. The basic component of the converter is a binary mechanical revolution counter having an output in the form of voltages or pulses on parallel lines representing, in the binary number system, the quantity stored in the counter. Ambiguities are eliminated by a novel method of internal switching. The effects of backlash are discussed and shown to be negligible.