Abstract: Multiple magnetic sensing transducers can detect the position of a target. For example, a linear array of transducers can detect a target's linear position. A master and slave arrangement can reduce the cost and size of a system containing multiple magnetic sensing transducers. The master contains circuitry for voltage regulation and processing logic as well as a magnetic sensing transducer. The slaves contain a magnetic sensing transducer and little else. As such, the slave units are small and inexpensive. The slaves obtain power from the master, produce detection signals, and pass the detection signals to the master. The master interprets the detection signals along with an internal detection produced by the master's internal magnetic sensing transducer to produce a position signal.

Abstract: A vane actuated drive mode sensor is generally composed of two primary components, including a drive mode sensor array and an actuator. The sensor array can be provided as a housing composed of a plurality of Hall Effect (HE) sensors, magnets and the electronics associated with the sensors. The actuator, also referred to as a vane, can be provided as a plate constructed from a magnetic material, such as, for example, ferrous steel, and can be provided with holes punched thereon at different places depending on the requirement of a user. The actuator can be connected to a user's driver and can slide on and/or within the housing.

Abstract: A rotational position sensor, or angular position sensor, that having two pole pieces. Each of the pole pieces has a first end portion and a second end portion. The two second end portions are arranged in overlapping parallel association to provide a gap between them. Two magnetically sensitive components are disposed in the gap between the second end portions of the two pole pieces. The two magnetically sensitive components are used to provide redundancy in the event that one of the magnetically sensitive components experiences a failure.

Abstract: A method is provided to calibrate an angular position sensor by using an electrical coil to provide a magnetic field that simulates the presence of a permanent magnet. By successively selecting currents to flow through the electrical coil and by moving the electrical coil through at least two angular positions, the gain of an output relationship between a signal from a magnetically sensitive component and the angular position of the coil can be determined. By changing the intensity of the electrical current flowing through the coil, the intensity of the magnetic field emanating from the coil can be selected. In order to achieve the appropriate null offset characteristic of the device, the electrical coil is moved until a preselected output voltage is achieved. By comparing the angular position of the coil when the output voltage is achieved to an angular position of the coil for the desired output signal characteristic, a calibration angle can be determined.

Abstract: An angular position sensor is provided with a rotatable magnetic structure that comprises a primary magnet and a secondary magnet. The primary and secondary magnets are adjusted in position relative to each other in order to achieve an adjustability of the gain and offset characteristic of an output signal from a magnetically sensitive component disposed within the magnetic field of the magnetic structure. The primary and secondary magnets are rigidly maintained in position relative to each other and disposed for rotation about an axis of rotation. Each magnet has a magnetic axis extending though its first and second magnetic poles. The two magnetic axes rotate within parallel planes that are each perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the magnetic structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for attaching a gear tooth sensor to an object, such as an engine block of an automobile. A clamping bar and a deformable conical washer are associated with a tubular portion of the sensor in such a way that rigid attachment of the clamping bar to the engine block, such as through the use of a threaded bolt, deforms the conical washer into a generally flat shape and, in the process, causes a distal end of the tubular portion of the sensor to move away from a target by a predetermined distance. Prior to deforming the deformable washer between the clamping bar and the engine block, the sensor is moved into contact with a rotatable target, such as a gear.

Abstract: A rotational position sensor is provided with a rotatable member that comprises first and second portions. The first portion is generally cylindrical and has an opening that is shaped to receive the second portion therein with a resilient spring disposed in the annular gap between the first and second portions when this assembly is accomplished. A magnet is molded into or otherwise affixed to an extension of the first portion and the second portion of the rotatable member is shaped to receive a shaft. Relative rotation is permitted between the first and second portions of the rotatable member so that the shaft will not be ceased in position if the rotatable member is jammed within a stationary portion of the sensor. If jamming occurs, such as that which might be caused by icing, the first portion of the rotatable sensor might be ceased in position and restricted from further rotational movement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for attaching a gear tooth sensor to an object, such as an engine block of an automobile. A clamping bar and a deformable conical washer are associated with a tubular portion of the sensor in such a way that rigid attachment of the clamping bar to the engine block, such as through the use of a threaded bolt, deforms the conical washer into a generally flat shape and, in the process, causes a distal end of the tubular portion of the sensor to move away from a target by a predetermined distance. Prior to deforming the deformable washer between the clamping bar and the engine block, the sensor is moved into contact with a rotatable target, such as a gear.

Abstract: An angular position sensor is provided with a carrier assembly in which a magnetically sensitive device is disposed. The carrier assembly has a portion which is shaped to receive a rotatable member in sliding association therein. A magnet is disposed within the rotatable member and is rotatable in response to rotation of a shaft attached to the rotatable member. A pivot means is provided for permitting the carrier assembly to move relative to a stationary housing and in response to movement of the rotatable member. A means for urging the carrier assembly toward the central axis of the rotatable member is also provided to maintain a consistent relationship between a magnetically sensitive device disposed within the carrier assembly and the magnetic disposed within the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: An angular position sensor is provided with first and second pole pieces that extend from regions proximate a rotatable magnet to regions proximate a magnetically sensitive device. The pole pieces provide defined magnetic paths of lowered reluctance that confine the lines of flux extending between the rotatable magnet and the magnetically sensitive device. The placement of the rotatable magnet between first and third pole piece segments of the invention significantly reduces the sensitivity of the sensor to variations in position of the rotatable magnet and therefore increases the reliability of the measurement system. This reduced sensitivity inhibits the degradation of operational accuracy that could otherwise be caused by inaccuracies in the magnet's shaft position, large tolerances in the dimensions of the shaft diameter and the bearing diameter and variable location of the shaft because of excessive bearing wear.

Abstract: A lever operated device having an interchangable lever mounting feature is disclosed in which a body or housing is formed with a cylindrical cavity which holds a retainer configured with a recess to receive a lateral pivot portion of an operator lever. The lever is held captive with the pivot portion thereof confined to the recess in the retainer by a bounding surface of the cavity when the retainer is in place.