Abstract: A proximity sensor includes a transducer and a circuit having a switch that changes state in response to a presence of an object in spaced relation to the transducer. The transducer includes a magnetic form defining a generally planar surface facing a sensing zone of the sensor. The magnetic form includes a side surface that extends away from the sensing zone and an internal cavity that opens outwardly toward the sensing zone. A sensing coil is positioned within the magnetic form cavity. The transducer additionally includes a sensor housing supporting the sensing coil and the magnetic form in relation to the sensing zone. A non-ferrous metal shield is positioned inside the sensor housing to surround at least a portion of the magnetic form and enhance a sensing range of the proximity sensor. The shield has an edge that faces the sensing zone located substantially co-incident with the generally planar surface of the magnetic form.

Abstract: A proximity sensor assembly is molded with a connector support that extends from an outer side of a sensor housing and supports an electrical connector such that an axis of the electrical connector intersects at a fixed angle less than approximately 90 degrees a line tangential to the outer side from which the molded connector support extends. The orientation of the connector support helps facilitate mounting of the proximity sensor assembly to an actuator housing such that the axis of the electrical connector intersects a center line of the actuator housing at a fixed angle less than approximately 90 degrees and greater than approximately zero degrees. In this manner, two proximity sensor assemblies may be mounted relatively closer to one another at opposite ends of the actuator housing while shielding conductor cables mounted to the proximity sensor assemblies in a corridor or region between the proximity sensor assemblies.

Abstract: A sensor connection apparatus for connecting a plurality of sensors to a process controller having a bus for transferring information, wherein each sensor produces an output corresponding to a sensed condition, includes a respective sensor cable that can be connected at one end to each sensor; a concentrator having each of the sensor cables connected thereto; the concentrator being connected to the bus; the concentrator comprising a circuit for producing for each sensor and associated sensor cable connected thereto a first signal in response to the sensor output and a second signal that corresponds to a sensor cable condition; the circuit further operating to couple the first and second signals for each sensor connected to the concentrator onto the bus for access by the process controller. In one embodiment, the concentrator transmits data to the process controller using a standardized communications protocol, such as CAN, using a microcontroller and transceiver.

Abstract: A sensor interface for determining whether a three-wire or a two-wire sensor is coupled to the interface. In the case of a three-wire interface, the interface determines that the sensor is powered by a power supply through a selected contact in electrical communication with the sensor. For both two- and three-wire sensors the interface generates an output corresponding to a status of the attached sensor.

Abstract: A power supply wherein the rectified output of two or more transformer secondaries are connected in series and then parallel each half cycle of an alternating current energization signal. Logic circuitry monitors the rectified output and automatically switches from a series to a parallel connection to provide a regulated power supply output.