Abstract: A non-contacting linear position sensor having bipolar tapered magnets. A pair of magnets are positioned adjacent each other and attached to a movable object. Each magnet has a central portion that is thinner than both ends of the magnets. A pair of pole pieces has ends that are arranged spaced apart in parallel relationship about the central portion. The other ends of the pole pieces are located spaced apart with a magnetic flux sensor located between. The magnetic flux sensor senses a variable magnetic field representative of the position of the attached movable object as the magnets move. The magnets have opposite polarities on either sides of the central portion.

Abstract: A non-contacting position sensor having radial bipolar tapered magnets. The sensor has a semicircular first plate and a second plate. Four semicircular magnets are affixed to the first plate and second plate. Each magnet has a thick end and a thin end. Two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic field having a first polarity, while the other two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic field having a second polarity. An air gap is formed in the space between the four magnets. A magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the air gap. The object whose position is to be monitored is rigidly attached to the magnet assembly, causing the magnetic flux sensor to move relative to the magnets within the air gap as the component moves. A varying magnetic field is detected by the magnetic flux sensor, resulting in an electrical signal from the magnetic flux sensor that varies according to its position relative to the four magnets.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a non-contacting position sensor using bipolar tapered magnets is provided. A non-contacting position sensor in accordance with the preferred embodiment uses a pole piece having a first plate and a second plate. Four magnets are affixed to the first plate and second plate. Each magnet has a thick end and a thin end. Two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic field having a first polarity, while the other two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic filed having a second polarity. An air gap is formed in the space between the four magnets. A magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the air gap. The component whose position is to be monitored is rigidly attached to either the pole piece or the magnetic flux sensor, causing the magnetic flux sensor to move relative to the magnets within the air gap as the component moves.

Abstract: A combustible gas detector or sensors having a multi-level sensitivity circuitry. The gas detector has a bridge circuit for outputing voltages indicative of gas concentrations contacting the bridge circuit. There is a power supply node electrically coupled to one end of the bridge circuit. There is also a voltage control circuit, coupled between the bridge circuit and the power supply node, for controlling when at least a low and high input voltage level is supplied to the bridge circuit so that the bridge circuit has at least two levels of gas concentration discernability. The bridge circuit outputs distinguishable voltage levels for high gas concentrations in response to receiving the low voltage level. Additionally, the bridge circuit outputs distinguishable voltage levels for low gas concentrations in response to receiving the high voltage level.