Position sensor method and apparatus

This invention relates to a position sensing method and apparatus and particularly to a sensor assembly for sensing the angular position of a rotatable body. A sensor assembly for sensing the angular position of a rotatable body such as a motor vehicle steering column. The sensor assembly includes a ring gear which is zero calibrated upon assembly of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly further includes a ring member which functions to lock the ring gear to the sensor housing to maintain the zero calibration between the time of calibration and the subsequent mounting of the sensor assembly on the steering column and further functions to release the ring member for free rotation with the steering column in response to mounting of the sensor assembly on the steering column. The locking and releasing functions of the sensor assembly are performed by a finger structure of the ring member which includes a free end which is engaged in a notch in the sensor housing upon calibration of the sensor assembly to maintain the calibration setting and which further includes a release portion which is engaged by the steering column as the sensor assembly is mounted on the steering column to pivot the finger structure in a sense to move the free end of the finger structure out of the housing notch.