Abstract: A stud finder for detecting ferrous objects hidden within a wall, such as nails and screws, comprising a tray having at least one cavity, a magnet, and a cover. The magnet placed within the cavity and secured by the cover. The magnet is free to move within the cavity when a force, such as gravity or magnetic, is applied. As the stud finder is slid across a wall, a magnet will move within the cavity when it comes into proximity of a ferrous material such as a screw or nail. The movement is caused by magnetic force. The presence of the magnetic force indicates the presence of a screw or nail which also indicates the presence of a stud.

Abstract: A security screening apparatus for differentiating between ferromagnetic objects having different magnetisation comprises at least one magnetic sensor (106) arranged to produce a signal indicative of an ambient magnetic field or gradient over a zone of sensitivity (128) around the sensor, and a signal processing circuit which receives as an input the signal from the magnetic sensor and a detection circuit that determines whether a signal is above a detection threshold, which, in response to a detection, emits an alert signal; and detection zone defining means for defining a detection zone within the zone of sensitivity, the detection zone including an inner bound at a predetermined distance from the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments are generally directed to magnetic field detector systems and methods. In one example, a magnetic field detector system includes a proof-mass including a magnetic dipole source, a plurality of supports, each individual support of the plurality supports being coupled to the proof-mass, a plurality of sensors, each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors positioned to measure a resonant frequency of a corresponding support of the plurality of supports, and a controller coupled to each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors, the controller configured to measure a characteristic of a magnetic field imparted on the proof-mass based on at least a first resonant frequency of the measured resonant frequencies.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments are generally directed to electric field detector systems and methods. In one example, an electric field detector system includes a proof-mass including a source of concentrated charge, a plurality of supports, each individual support of the plurality supports being coupled to the proof-mass, a plurality of sensors, each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors positioned to measure a resonant frequency of a corresponding support of the plurality of supports, and a controller coupled to each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors, the controller configured to measure a characteristic of an electric field imparted on the proof-mass based on at least a first resonant frequency of the measured resonant frequencies.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor package according to an embodiment includes: a package body; a magnetic field sensor disposed on top of the package body and including a sensor assembly in which a displacement is generated by a magnetic field; and a conductive line formed on the package body, which is for making current to be measured flow and generating a magnetic field for displacing the sensor assembly, wherein the conductive line generates a magnetic field applied in a perpendicular direction to the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A magnetometer comprising a resonating structure which is naturally resonant in at least three resonant modes, a resonant frequency of the three modes being sufficiently separated to allow of detection of same, the resonating structure having two sense electrodes disposed on opposing major surfaces of the resonating structure and having a conductive path formed as a loop, the loop being disposed near or at edges of the resonating structure and the two sense electrodes being formed inwardly of the edges of the resonating structure and also inwardly of the loop.

Abstract: A magnetometer has a resonating structure which is naturally resonant in at least first and second resonant modes, a resonant frequency of the second mode being at least an order of magnitude greater than a resonant frequency of the first mode, the resonating structure having two sense electrodes disposed on opposing major surfaces of the resonating structure and having a conductive path formed as a loop, the loop being disposed near or at edges of the resonating structure and the two sense electrodes being formed inwardly of the edges of the resonating structure and also inwardly of said loop.

Abstract: Magnetic field detectors include a proof mass suspended by deformable arms similar to a three dimensional accelerometer. The magnetic field detectors further include magnetically sensitive material present on the proof mass and/or deformable arms to cause movement of the proof mass and/or deformable arms when in the presence of a magnetic field. This movement is converted to an electrical signal and that electrical signal is compared to a reference to determine if a magnetic field of interest is present. The magnetic field detector may be included within an implantable medical device, and when the magnetic field detector indicates that a magnetic field of an MRI scanner is present, the implantable medical device may switch to an MRI mode of operation. The device may also switch back to a normal mode of operation once the MRI scanner is no longer detected such as after a predefined amount of time.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) magnetometer includes first fixed electrodes, second fixed electrodes, a mobile element to rotate about a first rotation axis along a first direction and translate along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, mobile electrodes extending from the first mobile element and being interdigitated with the first fixed electrodes to form first sensor assemblies, a rotation element coupled to the mobile element to rotate about a second rotation axis along the second direction, the rotation element having a surface opposite the second fixed electrodes to form second sensor assemblies, the second fixed electrode being displaced from the surface of the rotation element along a third direction, and a trace having sections along the first direction and offset from the first rotation axis and along the second direction and offset from the second rotation axis.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor comprises a substrate and a moving part which is displaced when subjected to a Laplace force. There is a gauge for measuring the displacement of the moving part. There is a suspended lever that is rotationally displaced about an axis of rotation at right angles to the direction of displacement of the moving part. The lever is connected to the moving part to transmit displacement of the moving part to the lever to cause rotation of the lever about the axis of rotation. The lever is also connected to a first part of the gauge. The sensor comprises a hinge that connects the lever to the substrate. The hinge allows the rotation of the lever about its axis of rotation and is rigid to allow for a lever arm effect. The second part of the gauge is fixed with no degree of freedom to the substrate.

Abstract: A device with a magnetic sensor is disclosed. The device includes a substrate with a device layer. A magnetic sensor is formed on the device layer and includes a first permanent magnet. The first permanent magnet has at least one alternating ferromagnetic (FM) layer and antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer, with a buffer layer disposed between the FM layer and the AFM layer. The first permanent magnet is magnetized in a first direction at a temperature higher than a blocking temperature of the AFM layer. A plurality of device pads are coupled to the magnetic sensor. An integrated circuit substrate with a plurality of IC pads, wherein the plurality of device pads are selectively eutectic bonded to the plurality of IC pads at a bonding temperature greater than the blocking temperature of the AFM layer of the first permanent magnet.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor and associated method provide an output signal with an identifiable encoding to indicate when a signature region in a moving target proximate to the magnetic field sensor passes by the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A scissor style magnetic sensor having a novel hard bias structure for improved magnetic biasing robustness. The sensor includes a sensor stack that includes first and second magnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic layer such as an electrically insulating barrier layer or an electrically conductive spacer layer. The first and second magnetic layers have magnetizations that are antiparallel coupled, but that are canted in a direction that is neither parallel with nor perpendicular to the air bearing surface by a magnetic bias structure. The magnetic bias structure includes a neck portion extending from the back edge of the sensor stack and having first and second sides that are aligned with first and second sides of the sensor stack. The bias structure also includes a tapered or wedged portion extending backward from the neck portion.

Abstract: A metal sensor includes a primary coil, a compensation coil, a first additional coil, and a magnetic field sensor. The first additional coil is configured to be excited without the primary coil and the compensation coil being excited.

Abstract: A two-axes MEMS magnetometer includes, in one plane, a freestanding rectangular frame having inner walls and four torsion springs, wherein opposing inner walls of the frame are contacted by one end of only two torsion springs, each torsion spring being anchored by its other end, towards the centre of the frame, to a substrate. In operation, the magnetometer measures the magnetic field in two orthogonal sensing modes using differential capacitance measurements.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method of providing force feedback information experienced by an object of interest (OOI) within a magnetic field comprising determining location of OOI within the magnetic field; determining new location of OOI within the magnetic field; determining expected position of the OOI within the magnetic field; comparing the new location with the expected position of the OOI and calculating force feedback information being experienced on the OOI.

Abstract: A magnetic stud sensor includes a handle portion and a body portion which together form an enclosure for loosely enclosing a magnet. The handle portion is adapted with indentations for a user's fingers and a projection for urging the magnet toward a wall. The body portion includes guides which, in connection with the projection, loosely hold the magnet near a planar portion of the body portion proximal a wall when the stud sensor is in use. As the stud sensor approaches a metal object behind a wall panel, the magnet is urged against and strikes the planar portion making an audible clicking or tapping sound.

Abstract: A method includes supplying a current to at least one conductive path integral with a MEMS device to thereby exert a Lorentz force on the MEMS device in the presence of a magnetic field. The method includes determining the magnetic field based on a control value in a control loop configured to maintain a constrained range of motion of the MEMS device. The control loop may be configured to maintain the MEMS device in a stationary position. The current may have a frequency equal to a resonant frequency of the MEMS device.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) magnetometer includes first fixed electrodes, second fixed electrodes, a mobile element to rotate about a first rotation axis along a first direction and translate along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, mobile electrodes extending from the first mobile element and being interdigitated with the first fixed electrodes to form first sensor assemblies, a rotation element coupled to the mobile element to rotate about a second rotation axis along the second direction, the rotation element having a surface opposite the second fixed electrodes to form second sensor assemblies, the second fixed electrode being displaced from the surface of the rotation element along a third direction, and a trace having sections along the first direction and offset from the first rotation axis and along the second direction and offset from the second rotation axis.

Abstract: A magnetic field strength threshold alarm that includes sensing means responsive to a magnetic field and actuating in response to field strength above a predetermined threshold, the sensing means being configured to be operational and able to actuate without consumption of energy; and alarm means for outputting an alarm responsive to the sensing means actuation, the alarm means being configured not to consume energy prior to actuation of the sensing means and only consuming energy subsequent to actuation of the sensing means. So, energy is not consumed by the alarm means prior to actuation. The alarm may be considered to include energy storage means for providing electrical energy, wherein the sensing means, the alarm means and energy storage means being operatively connected such that the electrical energy from the energy storage means is provided only when the sensing means is actuated.

Abstract: An electric field sensor comprising: a substrate having a hole; a shielding electrode and a sensing electrode, disposed in the hole of the substrate; a piezoelectric bar having one end connected to the center of the shielding electrode, the other end fixed on the substrate. Present invention provides several electric field sensors, which have the same feature of utilizing electrodes interleaving vibration to modulate external electric field. They have IC-compatible operation voltage and small volume.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining and compensating for the effect of a field influencing object on a field sensor, preferably a coil, that is within a navigational domain. The navigational domain contains navigational magnetic energy and disturbing magnetic energy, and the field influencing object produces the disturbing magnetic energy in response to the navigational magnetic energy. The correction system includes a first transmitter for projecting into the navigational domain field energy in a first waveform sufficient to induce a first signal value in the sensing coil. The system also includes a second transmitter for projecting into the navigational domain field energy in a second waveform sufficient to induce a second signal value in the sensing coil. The system further includes a signal processor for receiving the first signal value and for receiving the second signal value to determine the effect of the electrically conductive object on the field sensor.

Abstract: The transverse critical-current uniformity in a superconducting tape was determined using a magnetic knife apparatus. A critical current Ic distribution and transverse critical current density Jc distribution in YBCO coated conductors was measured nondestructively with high resolution using a magnetic knife apparatus. The method utilizes the strong depression of Jc in applied magnetic fields. A narrow region of low, including zero, magnetic field in a surrounding higher field is moved transversely across a sample of coated conductor. This reveals the critical current density distribution. A Fourier series inversion process was used to determine the transverse Jc distribution in the sample.

Abstract: An arrangement and method recognizes and classifies preferably hidden objects in object and/or human traffic. Objects relevant to security are recognized, located and tracked through the surroundings thereof in moving object and human traffic isolated in real time. Use is made of a combination of a field generator, the field of which is modified by at least one corresponding object within the scanned space, first sensors which repeatedly record the changes in the field and provide corresponding signals, second sensors which record defined surroundings of the object in real-time with relation to the first sensors and provide corresponding signals and analytical means which correlate and collate the signals from the sensors with each other and which give from the same the shape, spatial position and/or spatial orientation of the object.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an apparatus 200 comprising forming an integrated magnetometer package 202. Forming an integrated magnetometer package 202 includes forming a movable part 215 from a MEM magnetometer substrate 210, and attaching an integrated circuit 910 to one side 212 of the MEM magnetometer substrate. A spacer structure 410 is formed on an opposite side of the MEM magnetometer substrate such that the moveable part is exposed through an opening 420 in the spacer structure. But the moveable part cannot escape through said opening. A permanent magnet 1010 is mounted through the opening to the movable part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for the contactless determination of conductivity-influencing properties and their spatial distribution over the entire cross section of an electrically conductive substance moving in a primary magnetic field (B). The substance may be a liquid or a solid. A simultaneous measurement of a number of mechanical state parameters of the magnetic system is performed (three-dimensional components of the force and the torque), said parameters being variable by the effect of a secondary field on the magnetic system, the secondary field being produced on the basis of eddy currents induced in the substance by the primary field (B). To determine the spatial distribution of the property that is sought, the primary field is changed in intensity or form a number of times and a measurement of the state parameters is carried out for each change.

Abstract: A magnetic apparatus for locating hidden ferrous fasteners includes a holder of a preselected non-ferromagnetic material having a base member and at least one wall member of a first predetermined height. The wall member being fixed substantially normal to the base member and has a perimeter about 30 to 70% of a perimeter of the base member. The apparatus further includes a cylindrical magnet of preselected type having a predetermined diameter and a second predetermined height and having sufficient strength to pull itself to such hidden ferrous fastener across a separation distance of at least ½-inch.

Abstract: A waterproof housing that encloses a hand-held magnetometer for underwater use and includes a first portion open at one end and connected to a second portion with one end open and accessible through the first portion and terminating at a closed end. The magnetometer has first and second housings and is inserted into the first portion open end so that the second housing is received into the second portion and the first housing is received into the first portion. A base seal is inserted into the first portion open end to provide a fully functional magnetometer protected from water incursion at depth.

Abstract: A method of searching for a material fated to generate an interband phase difference soliton includes the steps of generating an AC in a soliton candidate material, identifying a loss of AC magnetic susceptibility of the siliton candidate material due to a turn and a twist cut of a vortex line and judging whether or not the soliton candidate material is capable of generating soliton.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining and compensating for the effect of a field influencing object on a field sensor, preferably a coil, that is within a navigational domain. The system includes a first and second transmitter to create signals. A signal processor is able to process the created signals. The method can include determining interference and/or a correct signal based on the two signals. Also, a shield can be provided to limit transmission of selected fields.

Abstract: An arrangement and method recognizes and classifies preferably hidden objects in object and/or human traffic. Objects relevant to security are recognized, located and tracked through the surroundings thereof in moving object and human traffic isolated in real time. Use is made of a combination of a field generator, the field of which is modified by at least one corresponding object within the scanned space, first sensors which repeatedly record the changes in the field and provide corresponding signals, second sensors which record defined surroundings of the object in real-time with relation to the first sensors and provide corresponding signals and analytical means which correlate and collate the signals from the sensors with each other and which give from the same the shape, spatial position and/or spatial orientation of the object.

Abstract: A hand held, or at least hand directed, apparatus and method for detecting contraband, such as paper currency, within a container, where the contraband has a ferromagnetic component. The apparatus includes a DC magnetic field source for inducing a de-magnetization field in any ferromagnetic contraband that may be present within a container, and induction coil sensors for detecting certain characteristic patterns in the “de-mag” field induced by the DC magnetic field source. These certain characteristic field patterns are indicative of contraband arranged in commonly found arrangements of such types of contraband.

Abstract: The use of magnetic field sensing to perform sophisticated command control and data input into a portable device is disclosed. A magnetic field sensor is embedded or fixedly attached to a portable device to measure changes in the magnetic field strength and/or direction accompanying movement, motion or tilt of the device in one-, two- or three-dimensions when the portable device is used to air-write or make gestures.

Abstract: A hand held apparatus and method for detecting paper currency, within a package, where the paper currency has a ferromagnetic component. The apparatus includes a DC magnetic field source for inducing a DC de-magnetization field in any ferromagnetic paper currency that may be present within a package, and DC magnetic sensors for detecting certain characteristic patterns in the DC “de-mag” field induced by the DC magnetic field source. These certain characteristic field patterns are indicative of paper currency arranged in commonly found arrangements.

Abstract: A table top mounted apparatus and method for detecting contraband, such as paper currency, within a container, where the contraband has a ferromagnetic component. The apparatus includes a DC magnetic field source for inducing a de-magnetization field in any ferromagnetic contraband that may be present within a container, and magnetic sensors for detecting certain characteristic patterns in the “de-mag” field induced by the DC magnetic field source. These certain characteristic field patterns are indicative of contraband arranged in commonly found arrangements of such types of contraband.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring electric currents include at least one sensor for measuring the magnitude of the field strength depending on the current. The current to be measured is conducted past the sensor at least partially with oppositely directed directional components at the sensor. At least one magnetic field sensor can be used as a sensor.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises: an excitation device which excites the measurement site with a local direct-current or alternating-current magnetic field, and a plurality of magnetic field detection devices which are disposed in proximity to each other to measure the magnetic field component that is perpendicular to the exciting magnetic field.

Abstract: The system (10) and the method are used for forecasting the electrical conductivity of an anode (12) for aluminum production before the anode (12) is baked. In the system (10), at least one receiving coil (20,22) is coupled to an electromagnetic field emitting unit (14,18). A sensing device (30) is connected to the receiving coil (20,22), the sensing device (30) outputting a signal indicative of a variation of the electromagnetic field received by the receiving coil (20,22) as the crude anode (12), or a portion thereof, passes inside the receiving coil (20,22). A value indicative of the electrical conductivity of the anode (12) is then calculated using the signal from the sensing device (30) and signals previously obtained using reference anodes (12). This way, the electrical conductivity of the anodes (12) can be forecasted before the crude anodes (12) are baked.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor device (2) is described that comprises an oscillatory member (8) and current control means (6). The current control means (6) is arranged to pass an alternating current (AC) along at least first (10) and second (12) current paths provided through the oscillatory member (8) and is arranged to provide magnetic gradiometer mode operation (i.e. to measure magnetic field gradient) in which current flow through the first current path (10) is in substantially the opposite direction to current flow through the second current path (12). The current control means (6) can also prove magnetometer mode operation (i.e. to measure magnetic field strength). The magnetic field sensor (2) may be used in a compass.

Abstract: Magnetometry and pulsed electromagnetic radiation (EM) may be employed during a same survey pass by synchronously interleaving the collection of magnetometer data with pulses from EM sensors. For example, one or more magnetometers may be sampled between pulses of one or more EM coils such that the data from the one or more magnetometers is substantially free of artifacts from the pulsed EM radiation. A detection system may include a vehicle capable of locomotion over a surface of earth, a mount coupled to the vehicle, the mount including at least one magnetometer, at least one EM sensor adapted to produce pulses of EM radiation, and a controller adapted to interleave collection of data from the at least one magnetometer between the pulses of EM radiation.

Abstract: In a MEMS device employing a beam supported by transverse arms, potential bowing of the transverse arms caused by fabrication processes, temperature or local self-heating from resistive losses is accommodated by flexible terminations of the transverse arms. Alternatively, this bowing is controlled so as to provide selective biasing to the beam or mechanical advantage in the sensing of beam motion.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device comprising a base structure; a magnetic sensor attached to the base structure and operable for sensing a magnetic field and allowing for a continuous variation of an amplification of the magnetic field at a position at the magnetic sensor; and for receiving a DC voltage and an AC modulation voltage in the MEMS device; a pair of flux concentrators attached to the magnetic sensor; and a pair of electrostatic comb drives, each coupled to a respective flux concentrator such that when the pair of electrostatic comb drives are excited by a modulating electrical signal, each flux concentrator oscillates linearly at a prescribed frequency; and a pair of bias members (mechanical spring connectors) connecting the flux concentrators to one another.

Abstract: A detection device, for detecting a strength of a magnetic field of an object, includes a housing having a center, a first end and a detection end. A permanent magnetic element is suspended above the center of the housing having a first magnetic field strength and an indicator. A biasing permanent magnetic element is disposed at the first end of the housing and has a second magnetic field strength for biasing the indicator toward the first end. A first distance is between the permanent magnetic element and the biasing permanent magnetic element so that a threshold magnetic field strength can be determined from the first magnetic field strength, the second magnetic field strength and the first distance. Thus, when the object is placed approximate to the detection end and the object magnetic field strength is greater than the threshold magnetic field strength, the indicator rotates toward the detection end.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a thin deformable membrane made of a conductive material forming a first plate of a capacitor which conducts an electric current therethrough. A second capacitor plate of the capacitor includes a doped region of a semiconductor substrate. A layer of a gaseous dielectric separates the two plates. The membrane deforms due to the effect of the Lorentz force generated by a magnetic field lying in the plane of the membrane and perpendicular to the lines of current being conducted therethrough. In addition, a process for fabricating this magnetic sensor is also provided as well as a device for measuring a magnetic field using the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for making output signal (AC voltage) levels of MEMS capacitive sensors uniform, each including a microstructure being displaced by a certain force and a fixed electrode for detecting capacitance variation caused by gap size difference between the microstructure and the fixed electrode, the apparatus and method comprising so as to apply actuating current of a predetermined frequency to the microstructure, output a sensing signal of the fixed electrode while receiving a reference offset voltage, compare an RMS level of the sensing signal with a preset RMS level, and then adjust the reference offset voltage of the fixed electrode so that the sensing signal made equal to a target level.

Abstract: A sensor assembly with a universal sensor module for sensing angular position of a rotatable object is provided. The universal sensor module includes a module housing. The sensor module further includes a rotatable assembly in the module housing configured to define a bore for interchangeably receiving one of the following: the rotatable object, and an interface adaptor for receiving the rotatable object. A bearing device allows rotational movement between a stationary assembly and the rotatable assembly. The sensor assembly is configured to accommodate an array of diverse sensing applications with the universal sensor module.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus and method for determining the pass through flux of magnetic materials. The apparatus comprises one or more magnetic field sensors arranged in such a way as to collect field strength data in any or all the x, y, z directions. The apparatus also comprises a magnet field source or arrangement of magnet field sources which are placed beneath the material being characterized and includes a mechanism whereby the magnetic material can be mapped by the movement of any one or combination of: magnetic field source or sources, sensors and magnetic material. The invented method comprises the use of various configurations of magnetic sources in order to generate a magnetic field that emulates the open-loop condition found in magnetron sputtering.

Abstract: A rotary position sensor includes a cylindrical housing having a partition wall which divides the interior of the housing into a first storing space and a second storing space. The first storing space stores a rotating mechanism and is closed with a first cover in such a manner that a shaft portion of a rotating member projects outside, and the second storing space stores an electrical circuit component and is closed with a second cover. A magnet included in the rotating mechanism is disposed at a position close to the partition wall, and a giant magnetoresistive element included in the electrical circuit component is disposed in a recess formed in the partition wall. Thus, the rotating mechanism and the electrical circuit component are completely separated from each other by the partition wall, so that a complex sealing process is not necessary and the detection accuracy can be increased.

Abstract: In a MEMS device employing a beam supported by transverse arms, potential bowing of the transverse arms caused by fabrication processes, temperature or local self-heating from resistive losses is accommodated by flexible terminations of the transverse arms. Alternatively, this bowing is controlled so as to provide selective biasing to the beam or mechanical advantage in the sensing of beam motion.