Abstract: A magnetostrictive position measuring method determines a time of flight of a magnetostrictive response transmitted through a waveguide. The magnetostrictive response is generated using a target magnet in response to a magnetostrictive excitation. In the method, an electrical response signal containing an indicator of the magnetostrictive response is digitally sampled at a sampling rate to obtain a plurality of samples. An amplitude of each of the plurality of samples within a target frequency range is determined through an analysis of the plurality of samples in a frequency domain. A peak sample from the plurality of samples in the frequency domain corresponding to the magnetostrictive response is identified. The time of flight and a position of the target magnet along the waveguide is determined based on the peak sample.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive position measuring method determines a time of flight of a magnetostrictive response transmitted through a waveguide. The magnetostrictive response is generated using a target magnet in response to a magnetostrictive excitation. In the method, an electrical response signal containing an indicator of the magnetostrictive response is digitally sampled at a sampling rate to obtain a plurality of samples. An amplitude of each of the plurality of samples within a target frequency range is determined through an analysis of the plurality of samples in a frequency domain. A peak sample from the plurality of samples in the frequency domain corresponding to the magnetostrictive response is identified. The time of flight and a position of the target magnet along the waveguide is determined based on the peak sample.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive-based sensor is disclosed which obtains higher return signals through the use of multiple consecutive input pulses

Abstract: A magnetostrictive-based sensor is disclosed which obtains higher return signals through the use of multiple consecutive input pulses.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive system is shown wherein there is included a wave guide but no return wire. The wave guide is folded and acts as the completed wire (whether solid or hollow) for conducting current for the current input pulse.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive-based sensor is disclosed which obtains higher return signals through the use of multiple consecutive input pulses.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension strut is disclosed that includes a housing having a chamber and a piston slidably disposed in the chamber. A piston rod is connected to the piston and extends out of the housing. The piston rod includes a bore extending longitudinally therein. A magnetostrictive transducer provides an output signal indicative of the piston position with respect to the housing. The magnetostrictive transducer includes a magnetostrictive waveguide disposed in the bore and a magnet joined to the housing that is operably coupled to the magnetostrictive waveguide and the magnetostrictive waveguide abruptly terminates at one end.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension strut is disclosed that includes a housing having a chamber and a piston slidably disposed in the chamber. A piston rod is connected to the piston and extends out of the housing. The piston rod includes a bore extending longitudinally therein. A magnetostrictive transducer provides an output signal indicative of the piston position with respect to the housing. The magnetostrictive transducer includes a magnetostrictive waveguide disposed in the bore and a magnet joined to the housing that is operably coupled to the magnetostrictive waveguide and the magnetostrictive waveguide abruptly terminates at one end.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension apparatus according to the invention includes a vehicle suspension strut and a continuous position sensor coupled to the vehicle suspension strut and adapted to provide information indicative of a continuous position of a first portion of the vehicle suspension strut relative to a second portion of the vehicle suspension strut. The continuous position sensor includes a magnet coupled to the first portion of the vehicle suspension strut and a sensing mechanism coupled to the second portion of the vehicle suspension strut and responsive to the magnet to provide an output indicative of the continuous position of the first portion relative to the second portion.

Abstract: A precision permanent position magnet assembly for use with a magnetostrictive linear displacement transducer having a magnetostrictive waveguide to provide an enhanced return signal is disclosed. The North-South axes of the magnet assembly are perpendicular to the waveguide center line axis and preferably includes three bar-type permanent magnets in a side by side alternating polarity configuration spaced apart with the pole spacing being one-half the wavelength of the return signal imposed on the waveguide. Three sets of such magnets may be radially disposed at 120 degree increments in a non-magnetic carrier.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a housing having a chamber and a piston slidably disposed in the chamber. A piston rod is connected to the piston and extends out of the housing. The piston rod includes a bore extending longitudinally therein. A magnetostrictive transducer provides an output signal indicative of the piston with respect to the housing. The magnetostrictive transducer includes a magnetostrictive waveguide disposed in the bore and a magnet joined to the housing that is operably coupled to the magnetostrictive waveguide.

Abstract: A wave guide suspension device and modular construction for sonic waveguides, including a damping element for use with a waveguide that supports a current pulse and results in a torsional or longitudinal strain wave, is disclosed. The damping element is to prevent the reflection of the sonic strain wave and includes a sleeve surrounding the waveguide and a mechanism for applying pressure on the sleeve so the sleeve exerts pressure on the waveguide, thereby gradually dampening the sonic strain wave energy along the length of the waveguide surrounded by the damping element sleeve to prevent reflection of the sonic strain wave. Further, the return wire placement is determined by measuring system response to provide minimal ringing of the signal received from a pickup coil. In addition, the suspension mechanism is used to contain the waveguide thereby avoiding extraneous noise. Finally, a bracket is disclosed that facilitates the process of assembly of the waveguide assembly.

Abstract: A damping element for use with a waveguide that supports a current pulse and results in a torsional or longitudinal strain wave is disclosed. The damping element is to dampen the reflection of the strain wave and includes a sleeve surrounding the waveguide and a mechanism for applying pressure on the sleeve so the sleeve exerts pressure on the waveguide, thereby gradually dampening the strain wave energy along the length of the waveguide surrounded by the damping element sleeve to prevent reflection of the strain wave.