Abstract: Auto-calibrating current sensor integrated circuits (ICs) are configured for mounting at a position relative to a conductor. The auto-calibrating current sensor ICs can include a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements disposed at different locations within the integrated circuit, respectively, and can be configured to measure a magnetic field produced by a current carried by the conductor. The auto-calibrating sensors can include an electromagnetic model of the IC and the conductor. The model can be operative to determine a magnetic field at points in space due to a given current in the conductor at a known location of the conductor from the IC, and also the inverse situation of determining an unknown current and/or location of the conductor based on measurements of a magnetic field at known locations in space due to an unknown current in the conductor. Related auto-calibration methods are also described.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switching-valve position detection system includes: an electric current control circuit in which an electric current from a power supply is smoothed to be a direct current, and is turned into a pulse wave alternating current, the pulse wave alternating current being transmitted to the secondary side and outputted as a smoothed direct current; a carrier wave generator configured to superimpose a high frequency carrier wave for position detection on a signal wave of the electric current command; and a detecting unit configured to extract a carrier wave frequency component for the position detection from a voltage feedback signal of the solenoid, detect a voltage amplitude from the frequency component, and obtain an amplitude signal. The control unit has a position determining unit configured to determine a position of the valve spool, and a determination circuit configured to output a valve position signal based on the determination signal.

Abstract: At a reference position within a first plane, a magnetic field to be detected has a first direction that changes within the first plane. A magnetic sensor includes an MR element. The MR element includes a magnetic layer having first magnetization that can change in direction within a second plane. The first plane and the second plane intersect at a dihedral angle ? other than 90°. The magnetic field to be detected can be divided into an in-plane component parallel to the second plane and a perpendicular component perpendicular to the second plane. The in-plane component has a second direction that changes with a change in the first direction. The direction of the first magnetization changes with a change in the second direction. A detection value depends on the direction of the first magnetization.

Abstract: A method for sensing misalignment of a rotating shaft includes rotating the shaft. A distance from a sensor on the shaft to a first rim of a first coupling mounted to an end of the shaft is sensed as the shaft rotates. A change in the distance from the first sensor to the first rim of the first coupling is determined based on the sensed distance. An angle of the first coupling based on the change in the distance from the first sensor to the first rim of the first coupling during one revolution of the shaft is determined based on the sensed change in the distance from the first sensor to the first rim. An angle of the shaft is determined based on the sensed distance from the first sensor to the first rim of the first coupling representing the sensed change in the distance from the first sensor to the first rim.

Abstract: A piston unit is provided with a piston body; a packing mounted on an outer circumferential portion of the piston body; a holding member having a plurality of magnet holding portions that are arranged along a circumferential direction; a plurality of magnets which are held at intervals in the circumferential direction; a first annular yoke disposed on one side in an axial direction of the plurality of magnets; and a second annular yoke disposed on the other side in the axial direction of the plurality of magnets.

Abstract: In one aspect, a magnetic field sensor includes a plurality of tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) elements that includes a first TMR element, a second TMR element, a third TMR element and a fourth TMR element. The first and second TMR elements are connected to a voltage source and the third and fourth TMR elements are connected to ground. Each TMR element has a pillar count of more than one pillar and the pillar count is selected to reduce the angle error below 1.0°.

Abstract: A control device is provided that is intended to be used for navigating between and within pages of a graphic user interface on a computer monitor. The top shell of the device is intended to rotated with respect to the bottom shell for scrolling and by pressing down on the top shell a selection can be made.

Abstract: A system for automatic detection of drill pipe coupling on a drilling machine is disclosed. The system may include a rotary head, a drill pipe, a display, and a controller. The controller may be configured to: automatically identify a coupling or decoupling condition of the drill pipe; monitor motion and forces associated with the rotary head during a coupling or decoupling action of the drill pipe; automatically identify a fully coupled or fully decoupled condition of the coupling or decoupling action based on the monitored motion and forces of the rotary head; terminate the coupling action based on the identification of the fully coupled or fully decoupled condition; and update the display to indicate the fully coupled or fully decoupled condition of the drill pipe.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor system may include a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor. The first magnetic sensor may include a first triplet of sensor elements for measuring a magnetic field. The first triplet of sensor elements may be aligned linearly along a direction of movement. A first pair of differential signals, output by the first magnetic sensor, may indicate a position of the magnetic sensor system, along the direction of movement, relative to a magnetic pole pair. The second magnetic sensor may include a second triplet of sensor elements for measuring the magnetic field. The second triplet of sensor elements may be aligned linearly along the direction of movement. The second magnetic sensor may be positioned relative to the first magnetic sensor such that a second pair of differential signals, output by the second magnetic sensor, indicates a position of the magnetic sensor system across multiple pole pairs.

Abstract: An electric current sensor includes at least one permanent magnet and at least one magnetosensitive body that detects a to-be-measured magnetic field in a state in which a bias magnetic field is applied thereto from the permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is shaped such that the value of a permeance coefficient obtained when taking the application direction of the to-be-measured magnetic field as the magnetization direction is less than or equal to about 1.5 times the value of the permeance coefficient in a magnetization direction of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A mouse roller module includes a roller, a sensing unit, an electromagnet and a control unit. The roller includes a ring-shaped magnet and a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is extended along a first direction. When an external force is exerted on the roller, the ring-shaped magnet is rotated about the rotating shaft. The sensing unit is located near the roller to sense a pole of the ring-shaped magnet. The roller is arranged between the electromagnet and the sensing unit. The electromagnet and the ring-shaped magnet interact with each other to generate a magnetic force. The control unit is electrically connected with the sensing unit and the electromagnet. The control unit controls the electromagnet and the ring-shaped magnet of the roller to generate the magnetic force according to a result of sensing the pole of the ring-shaped magnet by the sensing unit.

Abstract: To obtain a magnetic detection device which can detect a direction of movement of a magnetic moving body immediately right after a reset release of the magnetic detection device. The magnetic detection device includes a signal change detector which detects the peak, bottom, and gradient of an output signal of a first magnetoelectric conversion element group and the peak, bottom, and gradient of an output signal of a second magnetoelectric conversion element group, wherein a direction of movement of a magnetic moving body is detected based on the gradient of increase or decrease of one of the output signal or the output signal at the timing of a detection of the peak or bottom of the other.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for position sensing comprises a row of multiple magnetoresistive elements. A magnetic field source (3) provides a magnetic field with a first magnetic pole (N) and a second magnetic pole (S). The magnetic field source (3) is arranged such that magnetoresistive elements of the row face one of: the first magnetic pole (N) or second magnetic pole (S). The first magnetoresistive element is arranged in the magnetic field and provides a first output signal dependent on a position of the magnetoresistive element relative to the magnetic field source (3). A measurement unit is configured to determine a position of the magnetic field source (3) relative to the magnetoresistive elements of the row dependent on the first output signals of the magnetoresistive elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shifting range rotary sensing device for a vehicle, comprising: a housing; a substrate accommodated and disposed in the housing; a rotary hinge rod rotatably disposed within the housing and contactingly connected to a lever cooperating unit operated in cooperation with a vehicle gearshift lever so that the rotary hinge rod is rotated cooperatively with the vehicle gearshift lever when the vehicle gearshift lever is rotated; a sensing unit comprising a magnetic sensor disposed on the substrate and a magnet disposed at the rotary hinge rod to correspond to the magnetic sensor; and a rotary hinge rod torsion unit disposed within the housing in a manner to be supportingly contacted at one end thereof with the rotary hinge rod and at the other end thereof with the inside of the housing to elastically support the rotary hinge rod when the rotary hinge rod is rotated.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for position sensing comprises a row of multiple magnetoresistive elements. A magnetic field source (3) provides a magnetic field with a first magnetic pole (N) and a second magnetic pole (S). The magnetic field source (3) is arranged such that magnetoresistive elements of the row face one of: the first magnetic pole (N) or second magnetic pole (S). The first magnetoresistive element is arranged in the magnetic field and provides a first output signal dependent on a position of the magnetoresistive element relative to the magnetic field source (3). A measurement unit is configured to determine a position of the magnetic field source (3) relative to the magnetoresistive elements of the row dependent on the first output signals of the magnetoresistive elements.

Abstract: Provided is a rolling guide device which is capable of directly recognizing an operation condition of a moving member with respect to a track member or a circulation state of rolling elements in an endless circulation path, the rolling guide device including: a track member having a rolling surface; and a moving member, which is assembled to the track member through intermediation of a large number of rolling elements which roll on the rolling surface, and has an endless circulation path for the rolling elements, the moving member including: a main body member having a load rolling surface and a no-load return path for the rolling elements, the load rolling surface being opposed to the rolling surface of the track member to define a load path for the rolling elements, a pair of covers, which have direction change paths for allowing the rolling elements to move between the load path and the no-load return path, and is mounted to the main body member; and a measurement plate, which is interposed at least betwee

Abstract: Magnetoquasistatic through-the-wall non-line-of-sight coupling between a mobile transmitting device located within a building, or indoor, and a fixed receiving device located outside the building, outdoor, enables positioning of the transmitting device through the wall of the building and in non-line-of-sight environments. Systems based on magnetoquasistatic coupling can separately sense the distance and orientation of the transmitting device accurately even in heavy non-line-sight environments such as steel-reinforced buildings. The approach permits sensing and determination of location and attitude of mobile devices in buildings and can be used to locate rescue workers, first responders, or law enforcement officers inside a building.

Abstract: A rotary encoder for measuring absolute rotation around an axis of the rotary encoder, comprising: a magnetised element comprising first and second surfaces at an angle to one another; a first magnetic track provided on the first surface and a second magnetic track provided on the second surface, wherein the first and second magnetic tracks subtend an angle ? around the axis of the rotary encoder, wherein each magnetic track comprises a number of magnetic pole pairs, a magnetic pole pair being formed of two poles defining regions of opposite magnetic polarization, wherein the number of magnetic pole pairs in each track are different and have a greatest common factor of one; and first and second magnetic sensor arrangements, the first magnetic sensor arrangement arranged to detect a magnetic field of the first magnetic track and the second magnetic sensor arrangement arranged to detect a magnetic field of the second magnetic track, wherein the magnetic sensor arrangements are rotatably coupled to the magnetise

Abstract: There is provided an actuator that can prevent a decrease in strength of a plate due to hydrolysis. The actuator is provided with a diaphragm which divides an inside of a casing into a negative pressure chamber and an atmospheric pressure chamber, a resin plate which is provided inside the negative pressure chamber to contact with the diaphragm, and an operating shaft having one side connected to the plate and the diaphragm and the other side extended outside the casing through the atmospheric pressure chamber, the operating shaft capable of being displaced in the axial direction according to the deformation of the diaphragm. The operating shaft penetrates through the diaphragm to connect to the plate inside the negative pressure chamber so that the plate is blocked from the atmospheric pressure chamber.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor, a magnetic assembly, and a method provide circuits and techniques for or measuring one or more displacement angles of a magnet using magnetic field sensing elements. Applications include, but are not limited to, joysticks.

Abstract: A magnetic position detection device configured to detect a relative movement position of a magnetic encoder, which includes N-magnetic poles and S-magnetic poles arranged alternately in a moving direction, by a magnetosensitive portion as a change in direction of a magnetic field from the encoder. As the magnetosensitive portion, direction detection type magnetoresistive elements are arranged, which each have a resistance value that changes depending on a direction of an applied magnetic field. The encoder further includes non-magnetized portions arranged at boundaries between the N-magnetic poles and the S-magnetic poles so that changes through the movement of the encoder of a magnetic-field component Bs in the moving direction of the encoder and a magnetic-field component Br in a direction in which the magnetosensitive portion and the encoder are opposed to each other, which are formed at a position of the magnetosensitive portion, are approximately sinusoidal.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for position sensing comprises a magnetic field source and a magnetoresistive element arranged in a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source, which magnetoresistive element provides an output signal (R) dependent on a position (x) of the magnetoresistive element relative to the magnetic field source. A feedback controller is configured to receive the output signal (R) of the magnetoresistive element and is configured to adjust one or more of the position (x) of the magnetoresistive element relative to the magnetic field source and a strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source acting on the magnetoresistive element dependent on the output signal (R) of the magnetoresistive element.

Abstract: A method for determining of a position of an object using a sensor arrangement that includes a first magnetoresistive element and a second magnetoresistive element. A source provides a magnetic field with first and second magnetic poles. The source is arranged between the first magnetoresistive element and the second magnetoresistive element with the first magnetic pole facing the first magnetoresistive element and the second magnetic pole facing the second magnetoresistive element. The first magnetoresistive element is arranged in the magnetic field and provides a first output signal dependent on a position of the first magnetoresistive element relative to the magnetic field source. The second magnetoresistive element is arranged in the magnetic field and provides a second output signal dependent on a position of the second magnetoresistive element relative to the magnetic field source.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for ascertaining the path of a moved part includes a magnetic measuring assembly and a fixed sensitive measure element. The magnetic measuring assembly has a magnetic field with at least one spatial component that is changed by the movement of the part along the path to be ascertained. The position of the moved part is detected in relation to the fixed sensitive measuring element. The magnetic field is generated by at least one effective magnet connected to the moved part, and at least one support magnet arranged in a fixed manner in the measuring region of the sensitive measuring element.

Abstract: High-resolution multi-turn sensing apparatus and methods. A method can be implemented to sense a rotational position of a shaft having a longitudinal axis. Such a method can include determining a turn number of the shaft with a first magnet arranged in a non-contact manner with a first magnetic sensor to allow measurement of a linear position of the first magnet relative to the first magnetic sensor. The linear position can be representative of a turn number of the shaft. The method can further include determining an angular position of the shaft within a given turn with a second magnet positioned at an end of the shaft along the longitudinal axis and arranged relative to a second magnetic sensor. The method can further include combining the turn number with the angular position to generate one or more output signals representative of a measured rotational position of the shaft.

Abstract: A linear encoder can have a mass embodiment having a position code marking, a read head having a calibration means, and a control and analysis unit, and calibration method for calibrating a position code made of code elements using the read head. The read head has a sensor unit having at least two detection reference points, the detection distance of which establishes at least one standard with high precision. In the scope of the calibration method, calibrated position values are prepared for code elements with the aid of the standard, which is determined with high precision, and are stored in the control and analysis unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a master brake cylinder arrangement with actuation detection for a motor vehicle braking system, having at least one piston arrangement with a piston, which is movably guided in a cylinder bore in a cylinder housing, said piston with the cylinder bore defining a pressure chamber which is fluidically coupled to a hydraulic brake circuit. During a forward stroke, the piston can be moved from a start position into a possible actuation piston along a movement axis, which coincides essentially with a longitudinal axis of the cylinder bore, and during a return stroke, said piston is moved from an actuation position into a start position. The piston is associated with a coupling element which is coupled to a position detecting rod for common movement therewith, said position detecting rod being moved essentially parallel to the first cylinder bore, the position of the position detecting rod can be detected by means of a position detecting sensor placed on the cylinder housing.

Abstract: A magnetized scale (1a) in which magnetic pole pairs each formed of a first magnetic portion (11a) and a second magnetic portion (12a) having different magnetic properties are arranged with a period of a magnetic pole pair width 2?, and a magnetosensitive device (2) in which n magnetosensitive elements (21a to 21e) are arranged with a magnetosensitive element pitch P so that ?=nP may be established are arranged so as to be opposed to each other with a predetermined air gap therebetween. Output values output from the n magnetosensitive elements (21a to 21e) in parallel are analyzed to calculate a relative position between the magnetosensitive device (2) and the magnetized scale (1a) as a position detection resolution of ?/n.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for position sensing comprises a first magnetoresistive element (1) and a second magnetoresistive element (2). A magnetic field source (3) provides a magnetic field with a first magnetic pole (N) and a second magnetic pole (S). The magnetic field source (3) is arranged between the first magnetoresistive element (1) and the second magnetoresistive element (2) with the first magnetic pole (N) facing the first magnetoresistive element (1) and the second magnetic pole (S) facing the second magnetoresistive element (2). The first magnetoresistive element (1) is arranged in the magnetic field and provides a first output signal (R1) dependent on a position of the first magnetoresistive element (1) relative to the magnetic field source (3). The second magnetoresistive element (2) is arranged in the magnetic field and provides a second output signal (R2) dependent on a position of the second magnetoresistive element (2) relative to the magnetic field source (3).

Abstract: Methods and systems for non-line-of-sight positioning are disclosed for arbitrarily short to long ranges, where positioning is achieved using a single anchor not requiring tri-/multi-lateration or tri-/multi-angulation. Magnetoquasistatic fields can be used to determine position and orientation of a device in two or three dimensions. Two or three axis coils can be used in receivers and transmitters. The magnetoquasistatic equations are solved in different scenarios, taking into consideration the image signals originating from the interaction between the fields and ground/earth.

Abstract: A magnetic encoder apparatus is presented that includes a plurality of magnetic sensor elements (e.g. Hall sensors) for reading an associated magnetic scale that produces a periodically repeating magnetic pattern. The plurality of magnetic sensor elements produce a plurality of sensor signals and an analyzer is provided for analyzing the plurality of sensor signals to provide a measure of the position of the magnetic sensor elements relative to the associated magnetic scale. The analyzer is arranged to use the plurality of sensor signals to assess the period of the periodically repeating magnetic pattern sensed by the plurality of magnetic sensor elements. In this manner, the requirement to carefully match the period of the sensor elements with the periodically repeating magnetic pattern of the associated magnetic scale is avoided.

Abstract: With magnetic poles of a magnetic scale each having a length in the moving direction of T, a magnetic field sensing part has m element lines (m?2) each including n magnetic sensors (n?2) as the magnetic sensors corresponding to one of the magnetic poles. The n magnetic sensors included in one of the element lines are arranged at a constant pitch of ?(?=T/n). Each of the magnetic sensors included in the second or further element line is placed shifted by ?/m in the moving direction of the opposite magnetic pole from each of the magnetic sensors included in the previous element line.

Abstract: An absolute position encoder scale includes first and second layers in a stacked configuration. A read head moves relative to spatial modulation patterns of first (top) and second (lower) signal layers along a measuring axis, and a sensing portion produces one or more scale sensing fields to sense the signal layers. A higher frequency scale sensing field may provide a first limited sensing depth to sense position relative to the top signal layer pattern, and a lower frequency field may provide a second deeper sensing depth to sense position relative to the lower signal layer pattern. In some embodiments, an isolation layer between the first and second layers may include a spatial modulation pattern that complements the first layer pattern, to nullify its signal effects when sensing position relative to the second layer pattern using the second sensing depth.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for determining the position of a remote object such as an in vivo medical device such as capsule or probe within a medical patient. Integrated computer and computer executable remote permanent magnetic dipole position and orientation detection system monitors remote object movement. User interface displays remote permanent magnetic dipole location and orientation in a 3-dimensional view. Database stores object position movement in association with time. Magnetic sensor planes detect remote objects with permanent magnetic dipole and generate magnetic field information signal. Computer stores and searches location and posture information use a file.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a magnetic position or path sensor element, the magnetic position or path sensor element having at least one magnetic pathway that extends along a displacement path and that has a plurality of magnetic north-south transitions, as well as at least one magnetic sensor mounted so as to be movable relative to the magnetic pathway. At least one of the magnetic north-south transitions is defined as a critical north-south transition whose position is to be detected with a specified degree of precision. Adjacent to the critical north-south transition are situated magnetic poles having identical polarity. The method provides production reliability by reducing the sensitivity of the magnetic position or path sensor element to positional tolerances.

Abstract: An arithmetic processing portion is configured to perform a correction process for resetting an original position of the stroke position by using at least detection results of a voltage value of a first magnetic force sensor as well as a second magnetic force sensor according to the piston movement, and further not to perform the correction process to reset the original position of the stroke position by using the detection result of the first magnetic force sensor and the second magnetic force sensor right after an abutment when the piston is abutted to the stroke end based on a detection result of a stroke end abutment detecting system.

Abstract: An end cap for a seat track assembled between a vehicle seat and a floor of a vehicle. The seat track includes an upper track attached to the vehicle seat and a lower track attached to the floor that receives the upper track in a sliding relationship. A seat position sensor attached to the upper track senses the position of the lower seat track. The end cap has a plurality of longitudinally extending walls that are assembled over the lower track. One of the longitudinally extending walls is attached to a recessed portion of the lower track with an external surface that is contiguous with the outer surface of one wall of the lower track.

Abstract: A magnetic rotational position sensor assembly for measurement of a rotational angular position of a rotating structure. The sensor assembly includes a shaft member extending along a primary rotational axis for primary rotational movement in response to rotation of the rotating structure, a motion conversion member structured and configured to transform the primary rotational movement of the shaft member into secondary movement, a magnet member secured to the motion conversion member for displacement along a travel path in response to the converted secondary movement of the motion conversion member, and a non-contact magnetic sensor that senses a change in position of the magnet member by sensing a corresponding variation in the magnetic field during displacement of the magnet member along the travel path in response to rotation of the rotating structure, wherein the magnetic sensor generates an output signal representative of a relative rotational angular position of the rotating structure.

Abstract: A vehicle seat power track for an automobile vehicle seat which includes a sensor arrangement to detect the seat position along the track relative to a front airbag apparatus and generate a signal to control the apparatus of the airbag. The vehicle seat power track also includes brackets configured to reduce horizontal movement of the track components.

Abstract: The linear position of an object is estimated using multiple magnetic field sensors and a magnet. The multiple magnetic field sensors are held in fixed relation to one another and in moving relation with respect to the magnet. Readings of the first and second magnetic field sensors and the fixed distance between the first and second magnetic field sensors may be used to estimate the linear position. In some embodiments, an estimated frequency of an approximately sinusoidal field versus position characteristic is also used as part of the estimation.

Abstract: To provide an opening degree detection device for an automatically operated valve which is easily assembled into an automatically operated valve, makes it easy to ensure detection accuracy at the time of assembling the opening degree detection device, and is easily applicable to an existing automatically operated valve. The opening degree detection device includes: a base plate 4 which is detachably mounted on an automatically operated valve 2; a displacement sensor 5; and a target 6 having an inclined detection surface 6a which is detected by the displacement sensor 5. The target 6 is fixed to the base plate 4. The displacement sensor 5 is supported on a valve stem 14 by way of a sensor support member 21, and the sensor support member 21 is supported on the base plate 4 by way of a guide means.

Abstract: A linear position measuring system (10) and a method for determining a position of a carriage in relation to a slide rail (12), with an incremental scale (14) placed along the slide rail (12) and a scanner secured to the slide scale. The scanner is designed to scan a plurality of incremental markings along the incremental scale (14), wherein the incremental markings can be scanned as an essentially analog signal progression. The scanner is designed to scan the incremental markings with a variable scanning frequency. The scanning frequency can be adaptively varied in relation to a currently acquired frequency of the analog signal progression, wherein the variable scanning frequency measures at least twice the currently acquired frequency of the analog signal progression.

Abstract: A first and a second magnet are provided on a movable member so as to oppose to each other across a virtual plane. Each magnet is magnetized in a direction perpendicular to the movable member, so that the same magnetic poles of the magnets are opposed to each other. A hall IC is provided at a position more remote from the movable member than the magnets so as to be movable on the virtual plane relative to the movable member. A Y-parallel area is formed in a space equally distanced from the first and the second magnets, in which magnetic fields of the first and the second magnet rebel against each other, so that directions of the magnetic fields are so made to be in parallel to a stroke direction of the movable member. Robustness for a position gap between the magnets and the hall IC is improved.

Abstract: An actuator and sensor assembly with a housing defining a pocket and an access opening. A substrate with a sensor is located in the pocket through the access opening. A nozzle extends from the housing. A sleeve surrounds the nozzle and retains a hose on the nozzle. A connector assembly is located opposite and normal the pocket and the substrate. Compliant terminal pins extend generally normally from the connector assembly into the pocket and through-holes in the substrate. An actuator shaft gimbal includes a head located in a housing collar and a flexible neck extends through a housing aperture. A shoulder on the neck of the gimbal locks the gimbal in the collar.

Abstract: A scanning device for a position encoder is provided that comprises a plurality of sensor elements for generating a plurality of sensor signals. A summation unit is also provided for generating at least a first summation signal and a second summation signal that provide information on the relative alignment of the scanning device and an associated scale. The first summation signal is generated from a first subset of the plurality of sensor signals and the second summation signal is generated from a second subset of the plurality of sensor signals. The plurality of sensor elements are substantially evenly spaced apart from one another N and sensor elements are provided per period of an associated scale, wherein N is an integer value and a multiple of three and four. In this manner, the third harmonic contribution to the summation signals is suppressed.

Abstract: Techniques for coupling with devices that convert displacements into differential voltages and improvement of the sensitivity of such devices. A transducer operates based on changes of inductances between primary and secondary of a transformer to produce a differential signal that includes a noninverted signal and an inverted signal. A switch receives the noninverted signal and the inverted signal. A processor creates a square wave signal for driving the transducer input, and also digitally creates an inverted transducer output. A filter operates to filter the square wave output from the processor to produce a substantially single frequency signal at a specified timing having a specified phase relationship relative to the first phase inversion signal based on instructions that are executed by the processor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for detecting absolution positions, comprising a sensor unit (N, M) as a planar coil structure and a scale having alternating areas of variable reluctance or conductivity along the measuring line. The invention is characterized in that the measuring device has at least two divisions (T1, T2) for determining the absolute position within the measuring length, the at least two divisions being coded aperiodically and in a bitwise manner and extending parallel to each other and, for each bit formation, having opposite effects on a coil element (S2, S3, S4) as part of the entire sensor structure. Preferably, each coil element (S2, S3, S4), comprising its own emitter and receiver windings (E, R), is balanced in offset, and the entire sensor structure provides approximately equal signal amplitudes for each individual bit of the absolute value at any position of the coded scale by means of compensation windings.

Abstract: A magnetic encoder has a high resolution track including a plurality of North/South pole pairs defining a plurality of pole junctions, and a reference track including a North/South pole pair defining a North/South pole junction aligned with a first pole junction of the high resolution track, and a South/North pole junction aligned with a second pole junction of the high resolution track. Only a single pole junction of the high resolution track is positioned between the first and second pole junctions of the high resolution track.

Abstract: A linear actuator for a variable-geometry member of a turbocharger includes a piston/rod assembly that can axially translate and also pivot to a limited extent. A permanent magnet is mounted in a fixed position within the actuator. A non-magnetized flux carrier is mounted in the piston/rod assembly, and its movement alters the magnetic field of the magnet. A Halls effects sensor detects the magnetic field and the signals produced by the sensor are used for determining axial position of the piston/rod assembly.

Abstract: A magnetic encoder apparatus is presented that includes a plurality of magnetic sensor elements (e.g. Hall sensors) for reading an associated magnetic scale that produces a periodically repeating magnetic pattern. The plurality of magnetic sensor elements produce a plurality of sensor signals and an analyzer is provided for analyzing the plurality of sensor signals to provide a measure of the position of the magnetic sensor elements relative to the associated magnetic scale. The analyzer is arranged to use the plurality of sensor signals to assess the period of the periodically repeating magnetic pattern sensed by the plurality of magnetic sensor elements. In this manner, the requirement to carefully match the period of the sensor elements with the periodically repeating magnetic pattern of the associated magnetic scale is avoided.