Abstract: A magnetized or unmagnetized body of a permanent magnet material is heated in a pattern by a laser beam to a temperature sufficient to lower the coercivity of selected heated regions of the pattern and exposed to a magnetic field to magnetize or to remagnetize the selected heated regions. A pattern guide is used in the process to densify the pattern. In the process, energy is directed through the pattern guide and onto the selected regions, while the pattern guide prevents or minimizes heating of unselected portions of the body. Magnets so produced can have very high pole density, digital encoding and analog patterns having gradually varying local field strength.

Abstract: A rotary encoder capable of detecting angular rotation of a rotating shaft, and identifying its neutral position without the need for multiple encoder wheels. A magnetoresistive sensor is positioned adjacent the periphery of a single multipole magnet ring attached to a steering wheel shaft. The magnet ring comprises alternating N-pole and S-pole magnetic regions along its periphery, the surface of one of the regions containing a demagnetized portion. The sensor produces a sinusoidal signal as the shaft is rotated, responsive to the passage of the magnetic regions, with a period equal to the passage of two successive magnetic regions adjacent the sensor. The angular position of the shaft which aligns the demagnetized portion adjacent the sensor corresponds to the shaft's neutral position. Aligning of the demagnetized portion adjacent the sensor causes a voltage irregularity within the sensor's otherwise sinusoidal output signal, which is detected by a signal processing circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for sensing a vehicle steering wheel position. A permanent magnet target wheel having a global axial magnetic field normal to a first surface is attached to a steering shaft which is rotated by the steering wheel. Multiple regions equally spaced along a common radius on the first surface are magnetically altered and sensed by magnetically responsive sensors positioned adjacent the first radius. A single region positioned within a finite radius along a second radius on the first surface is magnetically altered and sensed by a magnetically responsive sensor positioned adjacent the second radius. The magnetic sensors are responsive to passage of the multiple regions and single region as the target wheel is rotated. Detection of each of the multiple regions corresponds to rotation of the target wheel by an incremental number of degrees.

Abstract: A permanent magnet is heated in a pattern by a laser beam to a localized temperature above the Curie point or a temperature sufficient to reduce the magnet coercivity sufficiently for the field of the magnet or an external field to remagnetize the pattern in the reverse direction. Magnets so produced can have very high pole density, digital encoding and analog patterns having gradually varying local field strength.

Abstract: Nonmagnetized permanent magnet material is heated in a pattern by a laser beam to a localized temperature above the Curie point or a temperature sufficient to reduce the coercivity sufficiently for an external field to magnetize the pattern in the direction of the field. Magnets so produced can have very high pole density, digital encoding and analog patterns having gradually varying local field strength. Alternating pole magnets of this type can be used for stepper motor magnets.

Abstract: A permanent magnet is heated in a pattern by a laser beam to a localized temperature above the Curie point or a temperature sufficient to reduce the magnet coercivity sufficiently for the field of the magnet or an external field to remagnetize the pattern in the reverse direction. Magnets so produced can have very high pole density, digital encoding and analog patterns having gradually varying local field strength.

Abstract: A speed sensor is made by assembling a permanent magnet, a soft magnetic layer on the magnet, a magnetoresistive sensor element of the soft magnetic layer, and a toothed ferritic member mounted for movement past the sensor element. The permanent magnet is surface treated to form, in situ, the soft magnetic layer comprising a thin layer of high permeability, low coercivity material. An Nd-Fe-B alloy magnet is surface treated by a laser or electron beam to melt a thin layer which is cooled to resolidify into a soft magnetic material. Rapid cooling achieves an amorphous surface layer having the desired properties. Slow cooling results in the formation of alpha-iron grains which enhance the soft magnetic properties. Iron formation is aided by reacting with an oxidizing atmosphere. Iron alloying by adding iron powder to the molten layer is also discussed.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, graphite fibers are grown by natural gas pyrolysis on an iron-base metal surface initially bearing a relatively thick oxide.