Abstract: A magnetometer includes a spherical magnet member movably disposed within an enclosure. There is a plurality of Hall effect sensors on the enclosure and circuitry responsive to the plurality of Hall effect sensors. The circuitry is configured to indicate changes in the relative orientation of the spherical magnet member and the plurality of Hall effect sensors. A change in orientation of a movable structure is sensed by placing a magnetometer on the movable structure, allowing the spherical magnet member in the enclosure to assume an initial orientation therein; and monitoring the circuitry that is responsive to the Hall effect sensors. Alternatively, the magnetometer is placed on a stationary structure in sensing proximity to the movable structure.

Abstract: In an inductive sensor a ferrous core is provided and has generally opposed first and second ends. A winding assembly surrounds the core. First and second magnets are coupled to the first and second ends of the core and are oriented relative to one another so that like magnetic poles are opposing one another along a length defined by the core.

Abstract: An orientation sensor includes a sensor body. At least four magnetic sensors are coupled to the sensor body. The sensors are positioned in a non-planar arrangement, one relative to the other. A processor is in communication with the magnetic sensors. The processor is programmed to compute, based on signals generated by at least three of the sensors, the magnitude of a vector oriented in a direction substantially coincident with an inclination direction of a magnetic field in which the sensor is located.

Abstract: A performance measuring system for a rotating shaft comprises a first annular support assembly to be coupled adjacent to a first end of a rotating shaft inwardly of associated shaft bearings. A second annular support assembly is to be coupled adjacent to a second end of a rotating shaft inwardly of associated shaft bearings. A third annular support assembly is to be coupled to the rotating shaft between the first and second support assemblies. A laser source is mounted on the first annular support assembly. A laser detector is mounted on the second annular support assembly. First and second magnetic sensors for detecting the Earth's magnetic field are mounted respectively on the first and second annular support assemblies. An accelerometer is mounted on the third annular support assembly for generating a fourth detection signal.

Abstract: In an inductive sensor a ferrous core is provided and has generally opposed first and second ends. A winding assembly surrounds the core. First and second magnets are coupled to the first and second ends of the core and are oriented relative to one another so that like magnetic poles are opposing one another along a length defined by the core.

Abstract: A performance measuring system for a rotating shaft comprises a first annular support assembly to be coupled adjacent to a first end of a rotating shaft inwardly of associated shaft bearings. A second annular support assembly is to be coupled adjacent to a second end of a rotating shaft inwardly of associated shaft bearings. A third annular support assembly is to be coupled to the rotating shaft between the first and second support assemblies. A laser source is mounted on the first annular support assembly. A laser detector is mounted on the second annular support assembly. First and second magnetic sensors for detecting the Earth's magnetic field are mounted respectively on the first and second annular support assemblies. An accelerometer is mounted on the third annular support assembly for generating a fourth detection signal.

Abstract: A GMI sensor comprised of a GMI fiber for determining a spin rate of a rotating body in which the GMI fiber is fixed relative to the body as the body spins within an external magnetic field is presented. The sensor comprises a GMI fiber having multiple axes of sensitivity with at least two of the axes being oriented one to the other such that the segments act independently, but employing a single conditioning circuit.

Abstract: A motion sensor for connecting to the housing of a gasoline dispenser which is used to dispense gasoline to vehicles. The motion sensor includes components to detect motion, such as that caused by a vehicle striking the dispenser housing, and provides a signal to a controller which cuts off electrical power through an electrical supply line to electrical components of the dispenser. With power disconnected from electrical components of the dispenser, potential arcing of electricity to those electrical components when they become damaged, or potential arcing when the electrical supply line becomes damaged can be prevented to potentially prevent a resulting fire or explosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor system that uses two sensors for measuring and monitoring of angular position of a member in two or three axes. The sensor system of the present invention preferrably uses a pair of magnetoresistive sesors that are maintained in the same plane and in orthogonal configuration with respect to each other, and which reference their position according to the Earth's magnetic field or a magnetic field provided by a user. Accordingly, the sensors of the present invention are useful for a variety of purposes, including, virtually any application that requires monitoring and measurement of any combination of roll, pitch, and yaw.