Permanent Magnet Type Patents (Class 324/174)
  • Patent number: 8102172
    Abstract: A circular top surface of a magnet is magnetized to the N-pole, and a back surface thereof is magnetized to the S-pole. A detector moves within the X-Y plane at positions located away from the top surface of the magnet. A pair of X-direction detecting elements and a pair of the Y-direction detecting elements are provided in the detector. In the X-direction detecting elements, the directions of a bias magnetic field provided to free magnetic layers are opposite to each other. When the detector moves in the Y direction, a decrease in the sensitivity of one of the X-direction detecting elements is compensated for by an improvement in the sensitivity of the other element. This also applies to the Y-direction detecting elements. Accordingly, position detection outputs of the X direction and the Y direction can be accurately obtained from the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Takeya, Takafumi Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20120007590
    Abstract: A balanced bridge variable-reluctance sensor with no internal circuit components, springs, or dielectric for performing vibration analysis in high-vibration, high-temperature, and other extreme environments. The present invention includes a variable-reluctance sensor in a vibration-sensing capacity. The present invention has inherently high reliability due to its simplicity. The sensor is solidly mounted to a structure that is being monitored and allows a vibration wave to pass through a floating sensor bridge. The sensor vibrates at the same frequency as the application being measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Mike Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8089271
    Abstract: A sense magnet assembly including a generally circular hub portion defining a central axis. The hub portion includes a generally disk-shaped base portion and an outer wall extending axially from an outer edge of the base portion. An elastic magnet material is provided including a plurality of annular portions positioned at radially spaced locations. A substantially rigid annular divider formed of a non-magnetic material is located between adjacent pairs of the annular portions of the magnet material, and a rigid cover is provided extending over the magnet material to limit movement of the magnet material in response to centrifugal forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Globe Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Kottmyer, Scott P. Kreger
  • Patent number: 8054062
    Abstract: A method and system for measuring a characteristic of a machine is provided. The system includes a speed sensor including a housing, a variable reluctance sensor (VRS) mounted at least partially within the housing, and a digitization circuit electrically coupled to an output of the VRS. The digitization circuit is also mounted within the housing and is configured to convert a substantially sinusoidal output of the VRS into a digital output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Scott Brian Wright
  • Patent number: 8054064
    Abstract: A sensor holder has an encoder and a wheel speed sensor arranged opposite to the encoder, via a predetermined air gap. An annular fitting member is formed by pressing an anti-corrosive steel plate. A holding portion is formed of injection moldable synthetic resin and is integrally formed with the annular fitting member. The annular fitting member includes a cylindrical portion axially extending from an incline portion. A seal is arranged inboard of the sensor and fit between the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion of the annular fitting member and the outer circumference of the inner ring. The wheel speed sensor is embedded in the holding portion. At least a surface of the annular fitting member contacting the holding portion is roughened by shot blasting to have a surface roughness Ra of 0.8 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kikuo Fukada, Hiroshi Kawamura, Takayuki Norimatsu, Yujiro Ono, Syougo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8054063
    Abstract: A motorcycle wheel speed transmission mechanism includes a gear housing affixed to the front fork of a motorcycle and having an outside receptacle and an outside sensor mount, a driven gear mounted inside the gear housing and rotatable with the front wheel of the motorcycle, an output gear mounted in the outside receptacle and meshed with the driven gear, an annular magnet holder mounted on the gear shaft of the output gear and defining therein a plurality of equiangularly spaced magnetic zones, and a speed sensor mounted in the sensor mount and electrically connected to an electronic speedometer of the motorcycle through a transmission line for detecting the revolving speed of the annular magnet holder and transmitting detected data to the electronic speedometer for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panochi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Hsin Su
  • Publication number: 20110260713
    Abstract: A pulse-type rotation speed transducer and a method for manufacturing the same are described. The pulse-type rotation speed transducer has, as inductive components, a central pole pin, a coil coaxially disposed as a pickup winding around the pole pin and measurement leads, a permanent magnet that is in effective connection with the pole pin, and a sleeve disposed coaxially around the pole pin and the coil. Spacers of an intermediate product ensure coaxial disposition in the context of testing cycles and measurement cycles, cavities within the sleeve being filled with a plastic compound in the context of the final product, accompanied by embedding of the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Mathias Schleyer
  • Patent number: 8035498
    Abstract: A system with a self-powered sending unit communicating with a receiving unit. The sending unit interacts with a magnet attached to a rotating or moving member. The sending unit includes an inductor that intercepts the magnetic field from the magnet. The magnetic interaction with the sending unit generates power that is stored for later use by a transmitter. The magnetic interaction also provides a trigger for the transmitter that causes the transmitter to send a signal using the stored energy. In one embodiment, the signal includes a identification code that uniquely identifies the sending unit. A receiving unit includes a receiver responsive to the transmitted signal and, in one embodiment, a display of the measured parameter that is projected by a heads-up display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Terry Pennisi
  • Patent number: 8015708
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a tonewheel for vehicles. The method includes machining a material into a tonewheel shape, manufacturing a semi-finished tonewheel product having a sensing part in which a plurality of sensing holes is formed at regular intervals in a circumferential direction of the sensing part, by machining the tonewheel shape manufactured at the forming step, and manufacturing a finished tonewheel product having a sensing part of which deformation is recovered, by processing the sensing part of the semi-finished tonewheel product, which is deformed to be curved at the sensing-hole machining step, through a restrike mold. The apparatus is capable of performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: YUSUNG FT Corporation
    Inventors: Jae-Hwan Song, Jin Hur
  • Publication number: 20110210719
    Abstract: A wheel speed detecting device includes a countermeasure against the entrance of muddy water. An annular recess groove is provided in an outer circumference of an end portion of a hub on a sensor side. A cup-shaped flange portion extends from the sensor supporting member with the flange portion covering the annular recess groove while maintaining a predetermined gap T1 between the flange portion and the outer circumference of the end portion of the hub. Muddy water heads toward a multi-pole magnet ring by running through the gap T1 formed between the flange portion and the outer circumference of the hub. However, the entrance of muddy water can be effectively prevented by making the gap T1 small. Thus, muddy water that enters the gap T1 is trapped in the annular recess groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Shinichiro ISHIDA
  • Patent number: 7982455
    Abstract: The object is to produce a magnetic encoder having a large outer diameter at a low cost, provide a sensor case which is compact in size and can be easily mounted and dismounted with a sensor element received therein, and to provide a double row rolling bearing with a preload application device and a rotational speed sensor which comprises a small number of parts and thus can be assembled easily. A magnetic member 12 of the magnetic encoder 11 is made of a magnetic material bound by rubber. The magnetic member 12 is bonded to an annular presser member 8, which also serves as a metal core, by an adhesive 13, thus eliminating the need for a mold and other facilities for vulcanization bonding. This makes it possible to manufacture a magnetic encoder 11 with a large outer diameter at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Ito, Seiichi Takada
  • Patent number: 7966157
    Abstract: A signal processing circuit for a rotation detector outputs accurate rotational information including a rotating direction of a rotor which rotates with an object. A phase difference compensation substantiating block decides whether a predetermined phase difference compensating condition is established. The condition relates to decision whether noise effects on first and second filter signals in first and second filter blocks are different from each other. When the phase difference compensating condition is established, the phase difference compensation substantiating block corrects the phase relationship between first and second phase difference compensation output signals so that the phase relationship is identical to that attained just before the phase difference compensating condition is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Reiji Iwamoto, Satoshi Ohi
  • Patent number: 7960967
    Abstract: A pulsar ring for a rotary encoder has a mounting ring (1) made of a non-magnetic material, with one end being fixed to an inner ring (202) at the rotation side and the other end being positioned in proximity to an outer ring (201) at the stationary side via labyrinth-shaped clearances (G1, G2, G3), a pulsar ring body (2) formed by a synthetic resin material or rubber-like elastic material mixed with magnetic powder, magnetized to have multiple poles, and integrally installed on an inner surface of the mounting ring (1), and a seal ring (3) disposed inside the mounting ring (1), fixed to the inner ring (202) via the mounting ring (1), and slidably in contact with the outer ring (201), whereby the pulsar ring is hardly exposed to disturbances by foreign matters, muddy water, and external magnetic fields from the outside, and consequently can maintain a stable magnetic pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7948232
    Abstract: A position measuring apparatus includes at least one bearing, a rod of magnetizable material guided in the at least one bearing, a linear magnetic field sensor, and a magnet disposed next to the linear magnetic field sensor. The rod includes a cutout, and the magnet is arranged in the cutout within an enveloping cylinder lateral surface around the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Jens-Thorsten Gronau, Mike Heurich, Tino Wiggers
  • Patent number: 7948231
    Abstract: A rotation detecting apparatus capable of increasing the angle detecting precision without being affected by an offset signal resulting from a stress in a silicon chip. The rotation detecting apparatus includes a magnetic sensor array and a magnet rotatable in face-to-face relation with the magnetic sensor array. The magnetic sensor array includes a plurality of groups of sensor elements, each group including four sensor elements. The four sensor elements of each combined sensor element group are so arranged as to be oriented vertically and horizontally in four directions and connected parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignees: NTN Corporation, Hamamatsu Foundation for Science and Technology Promotion
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Shoji Kawahito
  • Patent number: 7928726
    Abstract: A rotation sensor unit includes an encoder, a holder radially positioning the encoder, and a rolling bearing having an inner race. The rolling bearing is fitted around the shaft so that one end of the inner diameter surface of the inner race protrudes from the end of the outer diameter surface of the shaft. The holder has a screwed portion fitted in the inner race, positioning the encoder coaxially with the shaft. The holder is non-magnetic, having a retaining portion in which the encoder is axially pressed. The encoder is a plastic magnet, with protrusions and recesses formed integrally on its outer diameter surface and biting the inner diameter surface of the retaining portion to prevent the encoder from rotating. With the holder screwed to the shaft, the encoder is disposed between the magnetism detection element and the one end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Shoji Itomi
  • Patent number: 7915886
    Abstract: A first magnetic sensor produces a first output signal in response to movement of a target such as a multi-pole ring magnet, and a second magnetic sensor produces a second output signal in response to movement of the target. The first and second magnetic sensors may be corresponding magnetoresistor sensors, the first and second magnetic sensors may be intertwined, the first and second magnetic sensors may be oriented at an angle with respect to one another so as to produce a difference in phase between the first and second output signals, the first and second magnetic sensors may be arranged so as to produce a 90° phase difference between the first and second output signals, and/or the first and second magnetic sensors may be formed on a semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Joel D. Stolfus, Jason M. Chilcote
  • Patent number: 7911203
    Abstract: A sensor having a signal generation module including a first magnetic sensor, an analog signal processing module, and a signal inversion module for inverting a first waveform and a second waveform, wherein the signal inversion module outputs the first and second waveforms in a first region spanning a first range of angular position of the magnet and outputs the first and second inverted waveforms in a second region spanning a second range of angular position of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Monica J. Thomas, Michael C. Doogue, Hooman Bustani
  • Patent number: 7891078
    Abstract: A method of improving efficiency of manufacturing a vacuum electronic device, includes placing sensors on the device's interior during its construction and obtaining a first measured characteristic value; comparing the first measured characteristic value with a desired characteristic value; determining whether the first measured characteristic value is within a predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value; adjusting a component of the device and measuring the characteristic of the device to obtain a second measured characteristic, comparing the second measured characteristic value with a desired characteristic value, determining whether the second measured characteristic value is within a predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value; and repeating the previous step until the second measured characteristic value is within the predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ayax D. Ramirez, Stephen D. Russell
  • Patent number: 7893578
    Abstract: An electric motor includes a rotor having a field permanent magnet, a board housing member fixed to a stator, and a magnetism detecting circuit that detects the magnetism of the field permanent magnet. The magnetism detecting circuit includes a circuit board that is discrete from the board housing member, a sensor case that is discrete from the circuit board and is supported on the circuit board, and a rotation sensor held by the sensor case. The board housing member has an engagement hole and a positioning surface. The sensor case has an engagement convexity corresponding to the engagement hole and an abutting surface corresponding to the positioning surface. When the circuit board has been located in the board housing member, the engagement convexity engages the engagement hole and the abutting surface abuts the positioning surface, resulting in that the rotation sensor is positioned relative to the board housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Ha Products Co., Ltd., Toshiba Consumer Marketing Corporation
    Inventors: Kinya Hayashi, Tsuyoshi Shiga, Naoto Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 7893689
    Abstract: A displacement measuring device includes a stationary magnetic member for providing an accommodation space and a first and second magnetic circuits, a movable magnetic member disposed in the accommodation space to move in its longitudinal direction, a magnetic sensor for sensing magnetic flux flowing in the first and second magnetic circuits. The stationary member includes a sensor supporting member disposed in line with an axis of symmetry, a pair of yoke members axisymmetrically disposed at opposite sides of the sensor supporting member, a pair of permanent magnets each of which is disposed between one of the yoke members and the sensor supporting member. The permanent magnets are polarized so that magnetic flux flows in one of the magnetic circuits opposite in direction to magnetic flux flowing in the other magnetic circuit. The magnetic sensor is disposed on the sensor supporting member to confront the moving magnetic member at a first air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ito, Takamitsu Kubota, Yoshiyuki Kono
  • Patent number: 7884600
    Abstract: To provide a rotation angle detecting device, in which undesirable noises from an angle calculating circuit can be reduced to increase a detection accuracy, outputs of four linear magnetic sensor arrays arranged on a non-rotatable member confronting a magnetic generating element and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the sensor arrays being arranged along four sides of an imaginary rectangular shape, are read out by signal read-out circuits, and then converted into digital signals by AD converting circuits in order to calculate an angle of rotation of the magnetic generating element by an angle calculating circuit. The signal read-out circuits and the AD converter circuits are arranged outside of the magnetic sensor arrays arranged in a generally rectangular pattern, and the angle calculating circuit is arranged inside of the magnetic sensor arrays, all being mounted on a semiconductor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7872554
    Abstract: A pulser ring and a second seal ring are separately formed. When a multipolar magnetic rotor of the pulser ring is bonded to an outer circumferential face of an outer cylindrical portion of an annular core portion, the multipolar magnetic rotor is opposed to a magnetic sensor in the radial direction. Due to the above structure, the multipolar magnetic rotor can be strongly supported by an outer cylindrical portion of the annular core portion. Therefore, even when a rotary centrifugal force is given to the multipolar magnetic rotor, it can not be swung in the radial direction. Accordingly, an interval of the multipolar magnetic rotor and the magnetic sensor in the radial direction, which are opposed to each other, can be maintained constant irrespective of an intensity of the centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, Uchiyama Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kageyama, Katsura Koyagi, Masahiro Inoue
  • Patent number: 7834616
    Abstract: A first magnetic sensor is formed on a semiconductor substrate, and the first magnetic sensor produces a first output signal in response to movement of a multi-pole magnet. A second magnetic sensor is formed on the semiconductor substrate so as to be intertwined with the first magnetic sensor and so as to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the first magnetic sensor. The second magnetic sensor produces a second output signal in response to movement of the multi-pole magnet. The predetermined angle is between 0° and 180° exclusive, and the predetermined angle is sufficient to produce a difference in phase between the first and second output signals. An output signal converter converts the first and second output signals to a linear signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Joel D. Stolfus, Jason M. Chilcote
  • Patent number: 7823678
    Abstract: A versatile vehicle speed sensor compactly disposed on the outside in a radial direction of a gear. A motorcycle includes a power unit having a torque take-out shaft for outputting a torque generated by an internal combustion engine as a drive torque for driving a rear wheel, a torque transmission mechanism T which includes a gear pair consisting of bevel gears and a drive shaft and which transmits the drive torque to the rear wheel, and a vehicle speed sensor such that teeth of a driven gear constituting the gear pair constitute a portion to be detected. The vehicle speed sensor includes a main body portion having a detecting portion opposed to the addendum of the teeth in the direction of a normal to the addendum cone surface of the driven gear, and the main body portion extends along the normal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigetaro Okano, Kenji Matsuo, Hiroatsu Inui
  • Patent number: 7825653
    Abstract: To provide a rotation detecting system of a type having a high detecting resolution, in which the rotational position can be detected accurately, in which a sufficient gap can be secured between the sensor and the rotating body and which is effective to simplify assemblage and processing to thereby reduce the manufacturing cost, the rotation detecting system is provided with a multiplying section 4 for multiplying the pulses, generated by the sensor 3, by a multiplication factor to form multiplied pulses Pb and a speed detecting section 5 for detecting an period average speed of the encoder 71 during the interval, in which the latest N pieces of the multiplied pulses Pb have been generated where N represents the multiplication factors by which the multiplied pulses Pb have been multiplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Shintarou Ueno, Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7812599
    Abstract: A magnetized pulsar ring of the invention is a pulsar ring fixed to an outer peripheral surface of a supporting member and including a ring body in which a number of magnetic poles are at predetermined intervals in a peripheral direction. The ring body 11a is formed of a plastic magnet, and has a cushion member made of an elastic body that is interposed between the ring body and the outer peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Ishii, Tetsuaki Numata, Naoki Morimura, Nobutsuna Motohashi, Yoshifumi Shige
  • Patent number: 7808233
    Abstract: A rotary machine includes at least one rotating member and at least one stationary member positioned such that a clearance gap is defined between a portion of the at least one rotating member and a portion of the at least one stationary member. The clearance gap has a measurable radial dimension and a measurable magnetic flux is generated in the clearance gap at least partially by relative movement between the stationary member and the rotating member. A method of monitoring a clearance gap measurement system for the rotary machine includes providing at least one clearance gap measurement assembly. The measurement assembly has at least one dimension measurement apparatus and at least one magnetic flux measurement apparatus. The method also includes positioning the at least one measurement assembly on the stationary member to facilitate measurements of the clearance gap during operation of the rotary machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Raymond V. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7800361
    Abstract: A magnetic encoder constituting rotation detector in combination with a magnetic sensor, comprising a circular multipolar magnet and a metal reinforcing ring to which the circular multipolar magnet is fixed is disclosed. The encoder is characterized by a projecting portion which is provided at a surface of the circular multipolar magnet facing to the metal reinforcing ring, so as to form an adhesive space to secure uniform adhesive layer between metal reinforcing ring and the circular multipolar magnet, thereby preventing from being peeled off or cracked. And the height of the projecting portion is adapted to define the thickness of the adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Uchiyama Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Masanori Tomioka
  • Patent number: 7786727
    Abstract: A small rotary encoder capable of easily fitting a substrate into a proper position without using an adhesive or the like is provided. Slits are formed in an encoder case so that the encoder case is partially plate-spring shaped, a step portion and a claw portion are formed on the inner circumference of the encoder case, convex portions and concave portions that are combined with each other are formed on the inner circumference of the encoder case and a substrate, respectively. When the substrate is inserted into the encoder case, the encoder case is bent by the slits so that the substrate can be inserted into the encoder case. The substrate is inserted between the step portion and the claw portion, so that the substrate can be fitted into the encoder case, and the substrate is prevented from being incorrectly fitted in a circumferential direction, so that a position can be easily determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Namiki Seimitsu Houseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomonori Sumi, Kouji Oki
  • Patent number: 7777481
    Abstract: A self-energizing, non-contacting sensing device for detecting movement of ferrous elements, methods of use and assemblies therewith. The device includes a permanent magnet, a pair of ferrous conductors, an inductor coil and a microprocessor. The ferrous conductors are attached to the permanent magnet with free ends of the ferrous conductors being spaced from one another to provide a gap. The gap provides an open circuit in the absence of the moving ferrous elements and a substantially closed circuit in the presence of the moving ferrous elements. When the circuit alters between open and closed states, in the absence and presence of the moving ferrous elements, respectively, an electromotive force imparted on the inductor coil generates an alternating current. The microprocessor is configured to detect the alternating current produced in the inductor coil, and thus, can assess whether the ferrous elements are moving in a normal or abnormal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Danaher Motion, LLC
    Inventors: Bir Inder Singh, Forrest Scott Seitz
  • Patent number: 7746064
    Abstract: The invention relates to a speed measurement device (1, 2) for a permanently excited electric synchronous machine (5, 7) comprising a first part (11, 13) and a second part (15, 17). The invention also relates to a corresponding method for measuring speed. The second part (15, 17) of the permanently excited electric synchronous machine comprises permanent magnets (19). The speed measurement device (1, 2) comprises at least one first sensor (25) and a second sensor (31), wherein the first sensor (25) is provided with a sensor coil and the second sensor (31) is a Hall sensor and the sensors (25, 31) on the first part (11, 13) are arranged in such a way that the first sensor (25) and second sensor (31) are influenced by a magnetic field (33), which is generated by the permanent magnets (19), by means of a flow conducting device (43) having an integrated character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Knorr, Zeljko Jajtic
  • Publication number: 20100156395
    Abstract: A method and system for measuring a characteristic of a machine is provided. The system includes a speed sensor including a housing, a variable reluctance sensor (VRS) mounted at least partially within the housing, and a digitization circuit electrically coupled to an output of the VRS. The digitization circuit is also mounted within the housing and is configured to convert a substantially sinusoidal output of the VRS into a digital output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Brian Wright
  • Patent number: 7737682
    Abstract: A wheel speed detecting apparatus incorporated with a wheel bearing apparatus. The wheel speed detecting apparatus has an encoder, and an annular sensor holder arranged opposite to the encoder. The sensor holder has an annular fitting member formed from a steel plate. A holding portion is integrally molded with the annular fitting member. A wheel speed sensor is arranged opposite to the encoder. Several substantially circular arc notches are formed on the outer circumference of the holding portion so that portions of the periphery of the annular fitting member are exposed from the holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yujiro Ono, Hiroshi Kawamura, Kikuo Fukada
  • Patent number: 7739000
    Abstract: At least one waveform characteristic of a vehicular sensor waveform is reported in a wireless vehicular sensor network. The vehicular sensor waveform results a vehicle's presence near a wireless vehicular sensor node. The waveform characteristic may be rising edge, falling edge, waveform duration and/or waveform midpoint of vehicular sensor waveform. Report transmission uses at least one wireless physical transport. Transmitting the report may initiate a response across the wireless physical transport, preferably from an access point, an acknowledgement of receiving the report. The transmitted report may be received by an access point in the wireless vehicular sensor network. The wireless vehicular sensor network may create any of a vehicular traffic report, a vehicular parking report, and/or a vehicular speeding report, based upon the received vehicular sensor waveform report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Sensys Networks, Inc
    Inventor: Robert Kevaler
  • Patent number: 7728583
    Abstract: An encoder for use with a machine includes at least one moveable member. The encoder also includes at least one sensor configured to activate via magnetic flux and is configured to dissipate electrical signals with a power amplitude less than approximately one microwatt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Lyngle Waters, Michael Charles Spalding
  • Patent number: 7728582
    Abstract: To hold a pulsar ring (1) of a magnetic rotary encoder well concentrically by a pressure inserting jig (4) when the pulsar ring is installed on a rotary body (3), the pulsar ring (1) comprises a metallic annular holder (10) and a pulsar main body (20) of a magnetic rubber material, the holder (10) comprises a disk portion (11) where the pulsar body (20) is bonded, a mounting tube portion (12) having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the disk portion (11) and being fixed to the rotary body (3), a fold-back portion (15) folded inward, and an intermediate portion (13) extending therefrom toward the mounting tube portion (12) so as to be separated from the disk portion (11), and the outer circumference of the fold-back portion (15) or a guide portion (22) mounted thereon is fitted to a circumferential wall portion (42) of the jig (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7714570
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a sensor include a signal generation module including a first magnetic sensor to generate a first waveform in the form of a sine wave and a second magnetic sensor to generate a second waveform in the form of a cosine wave, the first and second waveforms containing angular position information of a magnet in relation to the first and second magnetic sensors, and an analog signal processing module for providing an algebraic manipulation of the first waveform and the second waveform to generate a linear position output voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Monica J. Thomas, Michael C. Doogue, Hooman Bustani
  • Patent number: 7710110
    Abstract: A robust solution for eccentricity issues in 360 degree rotary sensor application utilizing a hollow cylindrical magnet. A hollow cylindrical magnet design can be implemented to drive a parallel field magnetic sensor based on Hall/AMR technologies. Eccentricity variations of +/?0.46 mm on X and Y axes can be reduced by at least 20%, in turn improving the repeatability, linearity error and a correlation error associated with the sensor. For tilts of +/?3 degrees, the error can be reduced to at least 50% compared to a solid magnet, thereby increasing the repeatability and accuracy of the rotary sensor. The disclosed design improves linearity, is robust in vibration and improves reliability in lifecycle as the sensor configuration is less affected by wear and tear due to mechanical vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Swapnil Patil, Nurul I. Hasan, Suresh Krishna, Azhagar Raj M, Vivek Salunke
  • Publication number: 20100090686
    Abstract: A magnetic encoder includes a metallic reinforcing ring and a magnetic ring attached to the metallic reinforcing ring, and is composed of a mixture of an elastic element and a magnetic material. A front side of the magnetic ring is formed into a roughly uneven surface having a roughness of Ra 0.2 to 10.0 or Ry 2 to 100.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Masanori Tomioka
  • Patent number: 7692422
    Abstract: A wheel support bearing assembly includes an outer member inserted in a knuckle, an inner member made up of a hub axle, double rows of rolling elements, and a cover closing an opening of one end of the outer member. The cover includes a sensor connector and a sensor cap. A pulsar ring is mounted on the inner race and a rotation sensor is opposed to the pulsar ring and embedded in the sensor connector. The cover extends over an outer surface of the sensor connector. The cover has a cylindrical portion mounted in an inner peripheral surface of one end of the outer member, which end forms a pilot portion for the knuckle. The cylindrical portion of the cover has an outer periphery provided with an annular elastic member held in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the knuckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunari Yamamoto, Hisashi Ohtsuki
  • Patent number: 7688066
    Abstract: A rotation detector includes: a magnet to form a magnetic field between the magnet and a rotary member; a magnetism detection element positioned in the proximity of the magnet to detect a variation in the magnetic field due to a rotation of the rotary member; and a signal processing circuit 3 to process a signal from the magnetism detection element and which is coated and sealed with a resin 7, recess portions 14a, 14b which are lower than electrode forming regions 15 are formed at adjoining regions adjacent to electrode forming regions 15 on which surface electrodes 4 are installed and resin 7 is filled within recess portions 14a, 14b. Thus, the rotation detector which can suppress the deficiency generated at a part mounted on a circuit forming portion, at junctions between the part and surface electrodes, or so forth due to expansion and shrinkage involved in a temperature variation can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuhide Aoki
  • Patent number: 7683609
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel speed sensor 10 includes a cover member 21 having a mounting hole 26, a detection unit 31, a connector terminal 38, and a connector 61. The connector 61 is arranged on a surface of the cover member 21 at a side opposite to a rotor 17. The detection unit 31 is arranged on a surface of the cover member 21 at a side of the rotor 17. The detection unit 31 includes a Hall device 32, which detects change in a magnetic flux caused by rotation of the rotor 17. A connector terminal 38 is electrically connected to the Hall device 32 and is inserted in the mounting hole 26 of the cover member 21 and in the connector 61. A resin molding portion 71 integrates the detection unit 31 and the connector 61 through the mounting hole 26 to integrate the cover member 21, the connector 61, and the detection unit 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Kimura, Eiichiro Iwase
  • Publication number: 20100059325
    Abstract: A speed monitoring system (6) for a fluid-coupling device (10) includes a hub (44) and a ring magnet (220). The hub (44) rotates at a first speed that is proportional to an input clutch speed of a fluidically engageable input member. The ring magnet (220) rotates at a second speed that is proportional to an output clutch speed of a fluidically engageable output member. A magnetic sensor (232) generates a differential speed signal of the ring magnet (220) relative to the first speed. A controller (54) generates an actual speed signal indicative of the second speed in response to said differential speed signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Rick L. Boyer
  • Patent number: 7671582
    Abstract: The magnetic encoder is constituted by integrally bonding a magnet portion obtainable by forming a magnetic material containing a magnetic powder and a binder for the magnetic powder in a circular ring shape to a slinger. The binder contains at least a thermoplastic resin and an impact resistance-improving agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Yabe, Takeshi Murakami, Nariaki Aihara
  • Patent number: 7671581
    Abstract: A magnetic pulse generator for measuring wheel revolutions of bicycles includes a magnet and an attachment device for attaching the magnet to a component (or spoke) of a wheel. Damage to the component to which attachment is to take place is to be prevented, and the installation expenditure during attachment is to be reduced. Furthermore, the magnetic pulse generator known from practical application is to be improved in that it is applicable to components of various geometric shapes, in particular to round components of various diameters and to flat components spokes of various widths. This object is met with an attachment device that includes a housing that encompasses the component, and that is formed as a longitudinally slit tubular piece. Ends of the housing forming the longitudinal slit can be connected to each other in a positive-locking and/or non-positive manner, and a spacing (A) therebetween is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cycle Parts GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Noenen
  • Publication number: 20090309576
    Abstract: A speed pick-up ring includes a main body having a plurality of targets and defining a plurality of notches. Each notch is disposed between adjacent targets. Each notch includes a base wall, a first sidewall and an oppositely disposed second sidewall. The base wall includes a convex portion. A fluid device includes a housing and a variable reluctance speed sensor engaged to the housing. The fluid device further includes a speed pick-up ring disposed within the housing. The speed pick-up ring includes a main body having a plurality of targets and defining a plurality of notches. Each notch is disposed between adjacent targets. Each notch includes a base wall, a first sidewall that is generally concave and an oppositely disposed second sidewall that is generally concave. The base wall includes a convex portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: John Ryan Kess, John Charles Walters
  • Publication number: 20090309577
    Abstract: A gas turbine shaft speed sensor including a sensing coil comprised of a central conducting wire, the sensor and conducting wire is surrounded by a layer of mineral insulator and the mineral insulator is surrounded by a metallic, non magnetic, sheath. A sensing coil formed with this construction allows the high operating temperatures and is robust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: WESTON AEROSPACE LIMITED
    Inventor: Nigel Philip Turner
  • Patent number: 7631498
    Abstract: A turbocharger monitor including a sensor adapted and positioned with respect to a turbocharger housing to sense passing compressor blades, generating both rotor rotation information and rotor displacement information. A controller is configured to receive the generated information from the blade sensor, and to establish rotor rotation speed and an indicator of bearing condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Greentree
  • Patent number: 7633289
    Abstract: Displacement encoder for a moving shaft, having a sleeve intended to be clamped on the shaft and an encoding zone having polarized magnetic mark. The encoding zone has permanent magnet disposed against the sleeve and a layer of elastomer is overmolded and adherized on the magnet and on the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Patrick Fayaud, Laurent Guerbe