Abstract: A position sensor has opposed parallel flux concentrators with a gap between them, and permanent magnets are disposed between the concentrators at the ends of the concentrators in the gap. A magnetic sense element is disposed in the gap between the magnets. The magnets with flux concentrators do not move relative to each other, and may be coupled to a moving part whose position is sought to be measured, whereas the sense element may be coupled to a stationary part.

Abstract: A non-contacting, magnet-based, rotary and linear travel absolute position sensor each include a stationary galvanomagnetic sensing element disposed in an air gap or slot of a movable magnet/flux concentrator assembly. The assembly has a first flux concentrator comprising ferromagnetic material having opposing magnet ends, and a second flux concentrator also comprising ferromagnetic material having opposing magnet ends but that is spaced apart from the first flux concentrator by a pair of magnets to form the air gap or slot. The magnet ends of each flux concentrator have a respective magnet area configured to engage a corresponding magnet and is configured in size and shape to cover the magnet. Additionally, the flux concentrators are configured in geometry to decrease in cross-sectional area from the inboard side of the magnet ends towards the center region of the concentrators, specifically the center of travel together provide improved linearity and signal to noise ratio of the output position signal.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is disclosed for measuring the position of a target object as it traverses a linear path of travel within a defined range of measurement. The sensor assembly comprises a ferromagnetic magnetic flux concentrator assembly. The flux concentrator assembly is configured as a generally u-shaped structure including a permanent magnet with elongated ferromagnetic flux concentrator elements affixed at the poles thereof and extending in substantially parallel fashion there from. A galvanomagnetic sensing element is disposed within an air gap between the free end portions of the flux concentrator elements and is displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the flux concentrator assembly. The galvanomagnetic sensing element is configured to provide an output signal indicative of the measured linear position as it travels along the longitudinal axis of the flux concentrator assembly.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is disclosed for measuring the position of a target object as it traverses a linear path of travel within a defined range of measurement. The sensor assembly comprises a ferromagnetic magnetic flux concentrator assembly. The flux concentrator assembly is configured as a generally u-shaped structure including a permanent magnet with elongated ferromagnetic flux concentrator elements affixed at the poles thereof and extending in substantially parallel fashion there from. A galvanomagnetic sensing element is disposed within an air gap between the free end portions of the flux concentrator elements and is displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the flux concentrator assembly. The galvanomagnetic sensing element is configured to provide an output signal indicative of the measured linear position as it travels along the longitudinal axis of the flux concentrator assembly.

Abstract: A clothing accessory includes a molded plastic plate and a molded plastic ring. The periphery of the plate is provided with a first engagement surface and the interior of the ring is provided with a second engagement surface. The relative dimensions of the plate and the ring are chosen such that the fabric of an article of clothing can be engaged between the first and second engagement surfaces. More specifically, when the ring is placed on one side of a fabric and the plate is placed on the other side of a fabric, the plate and ring may be pressed together so that the plate is frictionally engaged inside the ring by the fabric of the clothing. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the engagement surfaces are V-shaped. I.e. one of the surfaces is a concave V-shaped groove and the other is a convex V-shaped edge.