Abstract: A method of geologic exploration for subsurface deposits includes the steps of: emitting energy below a surface of the earth; sensing a plurality of reactive electro-magnetic waves resulting from the emitted energy; outputting signals from a plurality of sensors to a vehicle corresponding to the sensed reactive electro-magnetic waves; determining position data for the plurality of sensors; generating position marked data corresponding to the outputted signals and the position data; uploading the position marked data from the vehicle to a satellite; and relaying the position marked data from the satellite to a remote analyzing station.

Abstract: The device object of this patent is composed of:—one box (1) which is U-shaped in its transversal section;—two guiding plates (2) for the magnets (4);—two L-shaped rolled sections (3), which constitute the magnets (4) pole pieces;—various magnets (4) placed parallelly to the ferromagnetic insert (8) to be tested; each magnet (4) is placed parallel to the ferromagnetic insert (8) sliding direction with respect to the device and vice versa;—various measuring coils (5) placed in a housing (6), which is U-shaped in its transversal section;—a covering plate (7) fixed to box (1) in such a way to occupy the device side facing the insert (8) to be tested;—simple gears permitting to direct, in following times, the coils (5) parallelly to the different angles of the ferromagnetic insert (8) layers.

Abstract: A position detector for counting rotational and/or translatory movements in at least one direction has at least one exciter magnet (2), a single ferromagnetic element (6) and at least one induction coil (7). Relative movements between the exciter magnet and the ferromagnetic element represent the movements to be counted. The energy which is taken from the movement of those two elements during the approach as therebetween and which is accumulated by means of the ferromagnetic element is liberated in the form of a voltage pulse produced in the induction coil when a given relative position is reached. A rectifier circuit (24) rectifies the voltage pulses and charges a capacitor (28). Upon the occurrence of a voltage pulse to be counted at least one comparator circuit (22) produces a pulse recognition signal which a non-volatile counting and memory circuit (32) counts and stores, the charge in the capacitor serving for power supply purposes.

Abstract: A method for detecting the motion of an element relative to a sensor apparatus is proposed, in which a detection of the direction of motion is performed. As a function of the direction of motion, a measurement signal is increased or decreased at predetermined measurement intervals, and only if a predetermined threshold value is exceeded is a direction-of-motion signal generated. Preferably, by means of a counting logic circuit (6), a counter is increased by a binary amount In one direction (2) and the counter (6) is decreased by a binary amount in the respective other direction (3). Upon a detection of measurement signals which as a result of being increased or decreased in a measurement interval do not lead to exceeding of the predetermined amount of the threshold value, vibration of the element is assumed.

Abstract: A process control method is described which uses measurements from magnetic field sensors to monitor the condition of material, such as from a heat treatment process. The sensors can be single element sensors or sensor arrays, can be used to periodically inspect selected locations, mounted to the test material, or scanned over the test material to generate two-dimensional images of the material properties. The sensors can be exposed to the same process conditions as the material, such as elevated temperatures, or the shielding layers can be placed between the test material and the sensors to reduce sensor exposure to the processing conditions. Additional property measurements, such as sensor lift-off, can be used to ensure proper sensors operation.

Abstract: A logging-while-drilling tool is adapted for incorporation with a drill string having a longitudinal axis. The drill string is further adapted for drilling a wellbore penetrating a geological formation. The drilling tool includes a tool body having a central axis disposed in parallel relation with the longitudinal axis of the drill string and an external, circumferential surface spaced radially outward from the central axis. The tool also includes a measurement apparatus for measuring resistivity of a borehole fluid in the wellbore. The measurement apparatus has an electrode array including a current emitting electrode disposed on the circumferential surface. The current emitting electrode is adapted to emit current into a target region of the wellbore spaced laterally between the circumferential surface and the walls of the wellbore. Further, a current receiving electrode is disposed on the circumferential surface and spaced apart from the current emitting electrode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vertical chip-on-board sensor packages can comprise a vertical sensor circuit component comprising a first face, a second face, a bottom edge, a top edge, two side edges, input/output (I/O) pads and at least one sensitive direction wherein the I/O pads are arranged near the bottom edge. Such vertical die chip-on-board sensor packages can also comprise one or more horizontal sensor circuit components comprising a top face, a printed circuit board (PCB) mounting face, a vertical sensor circuit component interface edge, two or more other edges, and one or more sensitive directions wherein the vertical sensor circuit component interface edge supports the vertical sensor circuit component along the Z axis and conductively or non-conductively connects to the vertical sensor circuit component.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring mud resistivity in a borehole includes a transmitter having a magnetic moment in a first direction; and a receiver having a magnetic moment in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially different, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are disposed in an insulating collar of a downhole tool, and wherein the transmitter is disposed at a selected distance no more than 10 inches from the receiver along a longitudinal axis of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a coil actuator of a type having a coil and a magnet. A current source selectively applies a first current to a coil of a coil actuator for setting a moveable part of the coil actuator to a first position. A recording system captures data corresponding to a back electromotive force voltage produced by oscillation of the coil actuator upon movement of the moveable part of the coil actuator to a second position. A processor applies a curve fit to the back electromotive force data for calculating a frequency characteristic and damping response of the coil actuator.

Abstract: A system (10) for measuring magnetic fields, wherein the system (10) comprises an unmodulated or direct-feedback flux locked loop (12) connected by first and second unbalanced RF coaxial transmission lines (16a, 16b) to a superconducting quantum interference device (14). The FLL (12) operates for the most part in a room-temperature or non-cryogenic environment, while the SQUID (14) operates in a cryogenic environment, with the first and second lines (16a, 16b) extending between these two operating environments.

Abstract: A metal detector having a plurality of phase delay discrimination regions with corresponding selectable exception spaces therein.

Abstract: A magnetic encoder is mounted on a bearing unit and comprises a reinforcing ring and a multi-pole magnet for detecting the rotation speed thereof. The multi-pole magnetic is attached to the outside surface of the reinforcing ring, and a peelable protective cover formed from magnetic rubber or the like is attached to the surface of the multi-pole magnet. A handle is provided to facilitate operation.

Abstract: A magnetic linear displacement sensor. In accordance with one embodiment, the displacement sensor includes a Hall transducer element having a sensor plate surface and at least one magnet having a lengthwise dimension along which said Hall element detects a magnetic field component orthogonal to the sensor plate surface during displacement sensing. The magnet includes first and second pole faces disposed on opposite lengthwise sides thereof and a polarization axis aligned orthogonally with respect to the lengthwise dimension. The first pole face opposes the Hall, element and is characterized as having a non-planar surface contoured to generate a substantially linear orthogonal magnetic field component sensed by said Hall element during linear displacement sensing.

Abstract: A combination Hall effect position sensor and switch for sensing the position of a moveable object. The sensor has a magnet that is attachable to the moveable object. The magnet has a pair of ends and a central portion. A linear magnetic flux sensor is positioned about the central portion of the magnet. The linear magnetic flux sensor generates an electrical signal indicative of a specific position of the movable object. A switch type magnetic flux sensor is positioned about one of the ends of the magnet. The switch type magnetic flux sensor generates an electrical signal that is indicative of the movable object reaching a pre-determined location.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enhancement of the for measuring resistance-based features of a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect a signal produced by a eddy current generated electromagnetic field. The magnetic field enhancing source is positioned to the alternative side of the object under measurement relative to the sensor to enable the sensitivity enhancing action. The sensitivity enhancing source increases the intensity of the eddy current generated in the object under measurement, and as a result the sensitivity of the sensor. A system enabled to determine a thickness of a layer and a method for determining a resistance-based feature characteristic are also provided.

Abstract: Tracking a boring tool is performed within an underground region using a locating signal. The boring tool is moved through the ground during a series of distance movements such that potential movement of the boring tool during any one of the distance movements is less than a maximum movement value. A current positional relationship is determined for a current one of the distance movements based on: a last-determined positional relationship established for an immediately preceding one of the distance movements, certain orientation parameters, the maximum movement value and the determined signal strength of the locating signal in the current positional relationship. Target coordinates are accepted and a target position, based on the target coordinates, is included as part of the current positional relationship. The position of the target is unconstrained with respect to system geometry. Steering command features are provided along with steering warnings.

Abstract: A magnetic detection apparatus includes a first block, a second block, and an exterior resin covering the first block and the second block. The first block includes a magnetoresistive element for detecting a change in a magnetic field that varies in accordance with movement of a rotating member, electronic components forming a protection circuit against external noise, a first lead frame electrically connected with the electronic components, and a first base in which the electronic components, the first lead frame and the magnetoresistive element are sealed with a resin. The second block includes a magnet arranged in opposition to an object to be detected for generating a magnetic field, a second lead frame electrically connected with the first lead frame and having a connector terminal for outputting an output signal of the magnetoresistive element to an external member, and a second base in which the second lead frame is sealed with a resin.

Abstract: A metal detection system with a magnetometer head coupleable to conventional footware and method of use for facilitating hands-free detection of metals below a surface of the ground adjacent to a user. The metal detection system with a magnetometer head coupleable to conventional footware and method of use includes a magnetometer assembly, a control assembly, and a coupling assembly. The magnetometer assembly is designed for passing over a surface and detecting metal below the surface. The control assembly is operationally coupled to the magnetometer assembly, and facilitates operational control of the magnetometer assembly. The coupling assembly operationally couples the magnetometer assembly to a piece of conventional footware.

Abstract: A paramagnetic oxygen sensor and method employs a pressure sensor having a membrane extending through an air gap for a magnetic field. A piezoelectric element is mounted on the membrane. Gas chambers are formed on either side of the membrane. The gas mixture, the properties of which are to be measured, is supplied to one of the chambers. A reference gas is applied to the other chamber. A pulsating magnetic field is provided across the air gap and through the chambers containing the gas mixture and reference gas. The differing responses of the gas mixture and reference gas to the magnetic field deflect the membrane. The deflection of the membrane is sensed by the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element maybe operated either in a passive mode or active mode to sense the deflection of the membrane.

Abstract: The apparatus can continuously determine the location at which a cable is buried. Location data of a measurement standard position is acquired by RTK-GPS. The azimuth of the moving direction of the apparatus is calculated using the location data. Electromagnetic waves from a metallic wire are received by two electromagnetic signal receiving sections whose locations in the horizontal plane are different from each other, and distances from the measurement standard position to a cable in a measurement base line direction and in the vertical downward direction are calculated using the received electromagnetic signals. The depth of the cable is calculated using the distance in the vertical downward direction. The plane location data of the cable is calculated using the azimuth of the moving direction, the location data of the measurement standard position, and the distance in the measurement base line direction.