Abstract: An inductive position encoder is described having first and second members which are relatively moveable over a measurement path, a magnetic device mounted on the first member; a plurality of first windings mounted on the second member; and a second winding. The magnetic device is operable to interact with the windings such that upon the energization of either the second winding or the first windings, there is generated a plurality of sensor signals each being associated with a respective one of said first windings and varying with the relative position between said magnetic device and the associated first winding and hence with the relative position between said first and second members. Additionally, the plurality of first windings are arranged along said measurement path so that the sensor signals vary substantially in accordance with a predetermined Gray code.

Abstract: An object identifying system includes an optical scanning device configured to record a series of linear images of successive portions of a support surface as the support surface is moved between first and second positions. A processor in electrical communication with the optical scanning device is configured to compile data corresponding to the series of linear images of the successive portions of the support surface to construct a digital image of the support surface. The processor is configured to compare the digital image of the support surface to at least one stored digital image of a known object to identify an object when the object is disposed on the support surface.

Abstract: An inductive position encoder is described having first and second members which are relatively moveable over a measurement path, a magnetic device mounted on the first member; a plurality of first windings mounted on the second member; and a second winding. The magnetic device is operable to interact with the windings such that upon the energisation of either the second winding or the first windings, there is generated a plurality of sensor signals each being associated with a respective one of said first windings and varying with the relative position between said magnetic device and the associated first winding and hence with the relative position between said first and second members. Additionally, the plurality of first windings are arranged along said measurement path so that the sensor signals vary substantially in accordance with a predetermined Gray code.

Abstract: A magnetoinductive flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of a moving medium includes a measuring tube conducting the medium, and an insert provided in the measuring tube. The insert consists of at least one first part and one second part which first part is introduced into the measuring tube from one end of the measuring tube while the second part, introduced into the measuring tube from the other end of the measuring tube, is joined with the first part in leak-proof fashion. The result is an easy-to-install insert that ensures secure and maintainable retention.

Abstract: A magnetoinductive flowmeter includes a measuring tube, a magnetic field device serving to generate and guide a magnetic field at least part of which permeates the measuring tube, and two electrodes for collecting a voltage induced in a medium as it flows through the measuring tube. The electrodes are so positioned, without connection to the magnetic field device, that their longitudinal axes extend at an angle diverging from zero relative to the direction of the voltage induction. In this uncomplicated fashion, a large effective electrode surface is made available for collecting the voltage induced in the medium. A method for producing the flowmeter is also described.

Abstract: A magnetic flow meter includes a cylindrical vessel within which electrodes are placed directly opposite each other about a magnetically permeable core. In that way, two flow channels are obtained in the vessel. A common magnetic field is applied across both flow channels. The magnetic flow meter is used in conjunction with a controller which monitors amplitude modulated signals representative of applied magnetic field and induced electric field. These amplitude modulated signals are passed to Sigma-Delta modulators, which directly digitise the amplitude modulated AC signals into digital pulses. The controller is capable of monitoring reverse flow through the meter, and to store results until forward flow resumes. Moreover, the controller generates a driving signal for coils which generates a magnetic field, the coil being placed in conjunction with a capacitor which causes resonance. This reduces power consumption by the coil in driving the meter.