Abstract: In a proximity sensor, in order that it is not affected by a cable length and an environment of a setting place or the like, and that it is extremely stable in operation, and that it can be used nearing in a maintenance-free state, there are included a detecting electrode arranged in an object detecting area and made of a metal plate formed like a plate; a charge system with a direct current power source; a discharge system with a current detecting unit; and a switch for alternately switching the charge system and the discharge system to the detecting electrode by a specified switching frequency, and an electrostatic capacity between a detected object and the detecting electrode is detected as current flowing in the discharge system.

Abstract: An object detecting device for detecting an object at least partly having a magnetic substance or magnetic-flux permeable material is formed of a detection coil arrangement including a primary coil for generating magnetic flux and a secondary coil disposed separately from the primary coil at a predetermined interval for receiving the magnetic flux from the primary coil; and a detection circuit for detecting an increase of the magnetic flux transmitted to the secondary coil due to presence of the object within a space between the primary and secondary coils. The detection circuit produces signal indicating the presence of the object upon detection of the presence.