Abstract: A manual ice maker and a refrigerator comprising the same are provided. The manual ice maker comprises: an ice making body being a frame formed with an opening, and provided with a first positioning hole in a front wall thereof, a second positioning hole in a rear wall thereof and a first limiting protrusion on an inner surface of the rear wall thereof; an ice making tray provided with a first shaft at a front end thereof and a second shaft at a rear end thereof, the first shaft rotatably supported in and extended out of the first positioning hole, the second shaft rotatably supported in the second positioning hole; and an ice removing assembly. The ice removing assembly comprises: a twisting member provided with a gear; and a press member movable between a first position and a second position in a vertical direction to drive the gear to rotate.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include an ice container, a discharge unit, which is provided at the ice container and has an outlet through which ice cubes are discharged, an ice discharging unit, which is provided in the ice container in a manner of rotatable in forward and reverse directions so as to selectively discharge ice cubes, which move thereinto by their own weight, in an uncrushed state or a crushed state, a first ice agglomeration blocking member, which is disposed over the ice discharging unit and is rotated by rotation of the ice discharging unit, and a second ice agglomeration blocking member, which is disposed over the ice discharging unit and is rotated by rotation of the first ice agglomeration blocking member, and which is coupled at a portion thereof to the first ice agglomeration blocking member and at another portion thereof to the ice container.

Abstract: Methods of operation for refrigerator appliance configurations with a controller, a condenser, at least one evaporator, a compressor, and two refrigeration compartments. The configuration may be equipped with a variable-speed or variable-capacity compressor, variable speed evaporator or compartment fans, a damper, and/or a dual-temperature evaporator with a valve system to control flow of refrigerant through one or more pressure reduction devices. The methods may include synchronizing alternating cycles of cooling each compartment to a temperature approximately equal to the compartment set point temperature by operation of the compressor, fans, damper and/or valve system. The methods may also include controlling the cooling rate in one or both compartments. Refrigeration compartment cooling may begin at an interval before or after when the freezer compartment reaches its lower threshold temperature.

Abstract: The disclosure features various embodiments and aspects of a chest for quenching beverages. The chest can include a tank for holding a chilled mixture of ice and water, an ice maker adapted for making ice having an output for ejecting ice into a conduit in fluid communication with the tank, and a plurality of quench trays disposed above the tank for holding containers of beverages located in first and second positions. The trays can be filled with cold water by way of a conduit in fluid communication with the tank. The quench trays can include a compartment defined by a bottom and a plurality of walls, and defining therein a plurality of rows for aligning and containing a plurality of beverage containers. The drawers can further include at least one drain orifice configured to guide water out of the quench tray.

Abstract: Refrigerator casings and joint members therefor are provided. A joint member includes a body extending between a first end and a second end generally along a lateral direction. The body further includes a forward face and an aft face spaced apart from the forward face along a transverse direction, and further includes a top surface and a bottom surface spaced apart from the top surface along a vertical direction. The joint member further includes a plurality of barrier channels defined in the body, each of the plurality of barrier channels extending generally along the lateral direction between the first end and the second end. The joint member further includes a plurality of tube channels defined in the body, each of the plurality of tube channels extending generally along the vertical direction between the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment, an inner door including an opening having a size corresponding to the size of the storage compartment, a plurality of door guards disposed in the opening, and an outer door that opens or closes the opening, wherein the inner door includes inner sidewalls that are disposed at both sides of the opening and are flat from an inlet of the opening to an outlet of the opening without any curve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator of which door is opened without interference by a structure positioned next to a side of the refrigerator. Since a main body and the door of the refrigerator are provided with hinge units, while the door is opening, the hinge units rotate in a direction in which the door rotates while protruding, and thus the structure positioned next to the side of the refrigerator is not positioned in a radius of rotation of the door, and the door may rotate without interference. In addition, hinge covers which move in conjunction with the movement of the hinge units are provided at one sides of the hinge units. When the hinge units protrude due to the opening of the door, since protrusions of the hinge units are provided not to be exposed by one ends of the hinge covers sliding.

Abstract: A refrigerator, according to one embodiment, includes an inner case with an improved structure. The inner case includes a plurality of plates forming faces of the inner case, and one or more frames disposed between the plurality of plates to support the plurality of plates. The plates and the frames may be molded separately, without being molded as one body, so that the plates and the frames can be formed with various materials.

Abstract: A floating liquefied natural gas (“FLNG”) commissioning system and method are described.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an UV LED curing apparatus, and more particularly, to an UV LED curing apparatus with improved housing and switch controller. The light reflective inner casing is preferably provided as an effective UV light reflector and as a supporting substrate of the UV LED light source while being capable of transmitting heat from the UV LED light source away for further heat dissipation to the ambient by the outer casing. The outer casing is detachably attached to the inner casing and allows a greater user interaction for decorative and entertainment purposes while also being a protective and heat dissipation means.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing phyllosilicate minerals are provided. In some embodiments, the phyllosilicate mineral is clay. In some embodiments, the phyllosilicate mineral is bentonite clay.

Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher having a sorption drying device includes performing a desorption process using the sorption drying device according to a selected cleaning cycle of the dishwasher. The desorption process is capable of releasing moisture.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting materials and for containing the molten materials within melt zone during melting. Exemplary apparatus may include a vessel configured to receive a material for melting therein; a load induction coil positioned adjacent to the vessel to melt the material therein; and a containment induction coil positioned in line with the load induction coil. The material in the vessel can be heated by operating the load induction coil at a first RF frequency to form a molten material. The containment induction coil can be operated at a second RF frequency to contain the molten material within the load induction coil. Once the desired temperature is achieved and maintained for the molten material, operation of the containment induction coil can be stopped and the molten material can be ejected from the vessel into a mold through an ejection path.

Abstract: A heat transfer device is provided for conducting heat from a heat source. The heat transfer device generally includes an evaporator for generating a vapor, a condenser in fluid communication with the evaporator, and a vapor flow restrictor interposed between the evaporator and the condenser, wherein the vapor flow restrictor can increase vapor pressure in at least a portion of the evaporator relative to vapor pressure in the condenser.

Abstract: The application relates to a heat exchanger having a block with ribs and rectangular tubes. The block is arranged between a first collecting box and a second collecting box. Each collecting box is closed off by a base which has eyelets for receiving the tubes, and a trough-shaped circulating section for receiving the collecting box extends along the edge of the base. The base has an elevated contact region on at least one end face for the tube which lies directly opposite the end face in order to allow a stable structure of the heat exchanger, collecting boxes, and block.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a stack of mutually spaced apart plates. The plates are separated by respective spacings therebetween. Alternate spacings respectively provide a flow path for a first fluid and a second fluid. The heat exchanger further comprises a first header for inflow of the first fluid and a second header for outflow of the first fluid. The first and second headers are connected to the plate stack by flexible tubular ducting means.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of the type having a tube assembly made up of a number of tubes through which a first medium flows and around and between which a second medium flows to accept heat from, or transfer heat to, the first medium. One of the media is constrained by a baffle to follow a path through the heat exchanger. According to the invention, the baffle is completely separate from the tubes, so permitting the baffle to adjust automatically. The baffle may be carried on springs and the position based on a pressure balance of the first medium, with the result of allowing the first medium to flow through a varying amount of tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has an intake header, a discharge header, a bundle of tubes extending in parallel between the intake header and the discharge header, an intake pipe connected to the intake header and extending transversely to the axes of the tubes of the bundle, the intake pipe having a first end opening into the header and a second end connectable to a process fluid supply pipe, and a baffle assembly for modifying the direction and rate of flow of the process fluid through the intake header, the baffle assembly being located within the intake pipe and secured to the intake pipe at a position adjacent the second end of the intake pipe. The baffle assembly comprises a plurality of slats lying in planes generally parallel to one another and inclined to the direction of fluid flow, and runners connected to the ends thereof to form a rigid structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cooling a film (1) which can be produced in a film extrusion system in particular, comprising a housing (11) that has at least one channel (12), at least one inlet opening (13), and at least one outlet opening (14) through which a cooling gas (2) can flow and comprising an adjusting arrangement (10) with which the cooling gas (2) volumetric flow rate that can flow out of the outlet opening (14) and the temperature of the cooling gas (2) that can flow out of the outlet opening (14) can be adjusted. According to the invention, the adjusting arrangement (10) comprises a lever system which has a movable actuator (15) and a movable valve element (16), said actuator (15) acting on the valve element (16) such that an actuating effect of the valve element (16) is reinforced.

Abstract: Two or more cores (2a, 2b) in each of which two more types of passage layers through which two or more fluids flow are layered alternately are welded together. The entire bottom portions of the cores (2a, 2b) are covered with a lower header tank (3), thereby making the fluids flow into the cores (2a, 2b). A dummy layer (14) through which none of the fluids flow is provided beside a weld side face of each core (2a, 2b). A weld spacer (18) is welded to the entire peripheral edge of a side plate (16) of the dummy layer (14). A through-hole (16a) for draining water in the dummy layer (14) is made near the lower end of the side plate of the dummy layer (14). Further, a liquid drain hole (20) through which water is drained is made at a lower corner of the weld spacer (18).

Abstract: A device and a method for assessing a gasket pressure of a gasket arrangement between two adjacent heat transfer plates of a plate heat exchanger is provided. The gasket arrangement seals between adjacent heat transfer plates to define a flow channel between adjacent heat transfer plates, and the gasket arrangement is arranged to be exposed to a fluid passing through the flow channel. The device comprises a test object and a holder which are adapted to be arranged in a flow path of the fluid. The holder is arranged to hold the test object and the test object is arranged to be exposed to the fluid. The device is adapted to be arranged outside a space delimited by the adjacent heat transfer plates. The test object is arranged to be evaluated for an indirect assessment of the gasket pressure of the gasket arrangement.

Abstract: A can-type heat exchanger may include a housing having a space therein, integrally formed with a mounting portion, and a first inlet and a first outlet; a partition wall integrally formed to the housing, separating the space and the inside of the mounting portion, and forming a bypass passageway inside of the housing; a heat radiating unit inserted into the space, provided with connecting lines alternately formed by stacking a plurality of plates; a cover cap mounted at opened one surface of the housing, and a second inlet and a second outlet for communicating a second connecting line of the connecting lines; and a valve unit mounted at the first inlet formed in the mounting portion and penetrating the partition wall in the mounting portion, selectively opening and closing the space or the bypass passageway separated by the partition wall using linear displacement.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and system for the in-situ cleaning of a heat exchanger tube bundle of carbonaceous deposits. Using the method and system, an organic solvent is brought into fluid communication with one or more heat exchanger tube bundles in a closed system. The closed system is formed at the site of operation of the heat exchanger tube bundles and without having to remove the heat exchanger tube bundles from their shells or other associated equipment. Once the closed system is formed, the organic solvent is brought to a temperature at which it is effective to remove carbonaceous deposits from the heat exchanger tube bundle and flowed through the equipment associated with the heat exchanger tube bundles so as to contact the heat exchanger tube bundles and remove carbonaceous deposits that have formed therein.

Abstract: Magazine release apparatus and firearms including such magazine release apparatus are disclosed. An example bolt release for use with a firearm includes a first handle to protrude from a first side of the firearm and a second handle to protrude from a second side of the firearm. The first and second handles are integral. The first and second handles are to enable the bolt release to be operable from the first and second sides of the firearm. The bolt release includes a pivot axis adjacent the first side or the second side. The pivot axis is to enable the bolt release to be pivoted between a release position and a retained position. The bolt release to be biased toward the release position.

Abstract: A charging handle having a charging handle body having at least one handle recess formed within the charging handle body; a lever element having at least one lever recess formed in a portion of the lever element, wherein at least a portion of the lever element is slidable within at least a portion of the handle recess; and a latch element having a latch protrusion extending from at least a portion of the latch element, wherein the latch protrusion is formed so as to interact with at least a portion of the lever recess such that movement of the lever element relative to a longitudinal axis of the charging handle produces lateral translational movement of the latch element relative to the charging handle body.

Abstract: An improved bolt and bolt carrier with integral gas key having an extension nozzle threadedly secured and pinned to the gas key for use with a direct gas operated firearm is provided. The extension nozzle is designed to receive a portion of the host firearm's gas operating system. The firing pin retaining pin is oriented so as to expose its widest profile to the firing pin's annular flange, increasing its service life. The bolt has a plurality of lugs extending from its forward end. The extractor recess is constructed so that the face of the bolt is round and the adjacent lugs fully supported. The extractor engages approximately 17% more of a seated ammunition cartridge's rim as compared to the prior art AR15/M16 extractor. The result is an improved bolt and bolt carrier which provides for increased operational reliability.

Abstract: A semiautomatic firearm with redundant systems for reducing misfirings. A safety trigger is provided that is passively actuated in advance of a firing trigger. The safety trigger maintains redundant safety mechanisms that prevent inadvertent or accidental actuation of the firing trigger. The firing trigger can be configured for actuation with a very low magnitude or “soft” pull without compromising safety. For the disclosed embodiments, the safety trigger assures that the firearm is discharged only upon deliberate actuation of the firing trigger. In one embodiment, a trigger pull adjustment mechanism provides adjustment of the pull of the firing trigger to a desired force required by the operator. The disclosed trigger pull adjustment mechanism reduces the number of components and complexity of the machined parts over conventional trigger pull adjustment mechanisms.

Abstract: A firearm safety system and method is described herein. The system may include a tracking system, a smart firearm and/or a smart magazine, and a smart tracking unit. The tracking system is in communication with satellites that monitor specific locations, a smart firearm and a portable electronic device. The tracking system includes an internal geographical database of specific monitored locations. The smart firearm includes a microprocessor and a receiver. The motor operates in response to a signal received, which may indicate that the firearm is approaching a no gun safety zone, whereby the signal causes the microprocessor to operate the automatic safety lock to prevent the apparatus from operating. The receiver monitors signals and receives location data from the satellites. The method of operating a smart firearm includes receiving a signal at the at least one receiver and responding to the signal by locking the automatic safety lock.

Abstract: A method of preventing accidental shooting requires a safety beacon and a firearm that has a computing device and a wireless receiver. The method begins by continuously transmitting a warning signal with the safety beacon and by continuously monitoring for the warning signal with the wireless receiver. The method then processes the warning signal into an endangerment assessment with the computing unit, if the warning signal is captured by the wireless receiver. The endangerment assessment is used to determine whether or not it is safe to shoot the firearm based on the location of the safety beacon. Finally, the method executing a physical response with the firearm, if the endangerment assessment identifies a potentially unsafe situation between the safety beacon and the firearm. The physical response can be a tactile, auditory, or visual notification to the user of the potentially unsafe situation.

Abstract: A firearm safety round configured to function as a safety round for the following firearms: SAR 21—Singapore Assault Rifle-21st Century and M-16 rifle. The safety round includes a cylindrical rear end having a rim, a mid-section adjacent the rear end opposite the rim, the mid-section comprises a truncated cylinder having opposite flat sides, a tab extending outwardly from the mid-section and configured so that when the safety round is received by the firing chamber, the tab will extend out of the firing chamber to visually indicate that the firing chamber of the firearm is free of live ammunition and a cylindrical nose portion extending from the mid-section, opposite from the rear end and longitudinally aligned therewith.

Abstract: The electromechanical trigger guard protective enclosure is a safety device intended to prevent access to the trigger of any firearm with an accessory rail. The present invention has a keypad, which activates the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism either covers the trigger or slides open revealing the trigger for use. The protective enclosure is affixed to the accessory rail on a gun, ensuring that it is able to be used at all times, preventing any inability to properly enclose the trigger. This protective sheath allows for the weapon to remain loaded and ready to fire at all times, aiding greatly in times of self-defense.

Abstract: A gun standoff device may include an elongated body having crenulations at a first end and an attachment mechanism at a second end. The crenulations at the first end may provide a plurality of radially disposed teeth about the circumference of the first end. The attachment mechanism may allow attachment of the elongated body to a gun barrel, a gun magazine, or other gun component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for firearm training simulator which simulates realistic recoil of conventional firearms. The method and apparatus incorporates a linear motor and controllable mass for generating recoil. One embodiment includes an adjusting system for adjusting the amount of recoil provided. Also provided are means for simulating semi-automatic and/or full automatic operation of firearms. One embodiment can include a laser emitter which simulates the path for a bullet fired from a firearm that the method and apparatus is simulating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus that may enable the folding of a multi-point compression powered archery bow. More specifically, the present invention relates to a foldable archery bow, powered by multiple compression devices, wherein the upper limb and the lower limb may be drawn independently and released together. In some aspects, the bow may be adjustable for draw weight, draw length, and draw weight let-off at full draw length in a fixable frame that may be folded and unfolded.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for adjusting the elevation of a bowsight includes a first bracket portion and a second bracket portion spaced from the first bracket portion and adapted for connection to a bowsight. A first pivot arm extends between the first and second bracket portions and is connected thereto via first and second pivot joint assemblies, respectively. A second pivot arm extends between the first and second bracket portions and is connected thereto via third and fourth pivot joint assemblies, respectively. A range adjustment assembly is operably associated with one of the pivot arms and the first bracket portion to thereby cause pivoting movement of the first and second pivot arms and thus movement of the second bracket portion with respect to the first bracket portion to thereby adjust the elevation of a bowsight when connected to the second bracket portion.

Abstract: The current invention relates to systems, apparatus, and methods that allow the forces from elastic elements to create inward, rather than outward, forces, on a base object such as a speargun base or stock. The invention discloses systems, apparatus, and methods for attaching elastic elements (also called bands or power bands) onto the stock in a manner that reduces or eliminates undesirable outward and rearward forces on that stock. While applicable in many contexts, the invention is particularly useful as a way to attach elastic bands to a speargun.

Abstract: A revolver has a detent mechanism providing positive mechanical engagement between the cylinder yoke and the frame. A housing mounted on the frame has a spring biased plunger that transversely engages a pin. The pin projects from the housing and engages a recess on the yoke when the revolver cylinder is closed. The pin is biased into engagement with the recess by the plunger to maintain the revolver closed and the chambers of the cylinder in precise alignment with the barrel during firing. Manual force applied to the cylinder can overcome the biasing force and permit the revolver to be opened and closed.

Abstract: An open ignition breech plug for a muzzle-loading firearm. The open ignition breech plug includes an internal body portion for removable installation into the breech end of a barrel of the muzzle-loader, and an external body portion comprising a gripping surface, a nipple for receiving an ignition source such as a percussion cap, and at least one open portion of the external body portion for external visibility of the nipple and a percussion cap mounted thereon. The nipple can be integrally formed with the external body portion or removably mounted thereto.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide significant firearm recoil force reduction and can be integrated within a traditional firearm stock. Such recoil shock absorbers include a body assembly, plunger assembly, and return spring. The body assembly includes a shock tube, cylinder end, and accumulator. The shock tube includes an opening at its distal end, the cylinder end is rotatably coupled to the shock tube, and the accumulator is coupled to the cylinder end. The cylinder end can be selectably/adjustably aligned with the shock tube opening, resulting in a selectable/adjustable orifice and a pathway from the shock tube to the accumulator. The plunger assembly is slidably coupled to the body assembly and includes a piston. The piston and the shock tube are in slideable relation such that when the plunger assembly is introduced into the body assembly the piston is introduced into the shock tube.

Abstract: A support structure for a weapons system has a frame adapted for connection to a wearer, the frame having an elongated first portion defining a frame axis and adapted for positioning adjacent to the spine of the wearer, the frame having an upper end, a boom connected to the upper end of the frame and having a first boom portion extending away from the frame, and a second boom portion angled with respect to the first boom portion and extending away from the frame axis, the boom having a free end, a cable reel mechanism connected to the frame, a cable having a first end connected to the cable reel mechanism and a free end extending from the free end of the boom and adapted to connect to the weapons system, and the cable reel mechanism including a biasing facility to exert tension on the cable to provide support for the weapons system.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein a holster that provides for infinite adjustment and positioning of a gun and gun grip in a concealed or unconcealed location on a person. Accordingly the same holster can be used by a right-handed or left-handed shooter, and by either in a strong side or cross-draw position.

Abstract: A technique is presented for tracking a target illuminated by a laser designator. A light beam scattered from the target in response to illumination by the designator is received and projected on a detector as an unfocused spot. The detector is divided into a plurality of sectors, each sector being adjacent to two sectors and all sectors meeting at a common point. Each sector outputs a signal indicative of a respective energy of the portion of the light beam illuminating the sector of the detector. A sum of the signals is determined. A plurality of ratios is determined, each ratio corresponding to a respective sector and being calculated by dividing a signal from the respective sector by the sum of the signals. The orientation of the system with respect to the target is determined based on the three ratios, via a look-up table and/or via one or more algorithms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weapon intended for fighting games, mainly for paintball, namely to special cartridges containing painting liquid. The special cartridge contains a cartridge case 1 that includes a propellant charge 2, a projectile 3 and a primer cap 4. The cartridge case 1 has inside a rigidly fixed nozzle 5 (variants 1, 3) for supplying a portion of the gas stream at the projectile 3 or a solid partition 7 (variant 2). The cylindrical cartridge case body 1 is provided with holes 6 on the side of the primer cap 4 that are intended to direct the gas flow (variants 1-3); in addition, the mouth of the cartridge case is also provided with holes 8 for directing the gas flow (variants 2, 3). The areas of the holes of the nozzle 5 and the total surfaces of the holes 6 and 8 are of different size.

Abstract: An existing munition may be modified, using a modification kit, to provide enhanced fragmentation effects. The munition may be enclosed in an airframe, which also contains preformed fragments, and one or more adapters may be used to provide connections through the airframe. The adapters may be used to substitute for types of connectors already on the existing munition. The adapters may include one or more of an adapter for coupling a tail kit to a tail of the munition, an adapter for coupling a nose kit to a nose of the munition, and an adapter for coupling lugs to the munition. The adapters may engage couplers on the munition, and/or may engage the airframe. The modification of the existing munition may transform the existing munition into a fragmentation weapon, for example usable for height-of-burst detonation to spread fragments over a large area.

Abstract: A reusable container for storing ammunition cartridges or similar shaped products comprises a base having a plurality of recesses, a first cover portion, and a second cover portion. A first link is pivotably connected to the base and the first cover portion. A second link is pivotably connected to the base and to the second cover portion. In a closed position, a first snap releasably retains the first cover portion over the base and a second snap releasably retains the second cover portion over the base. In an open position, the top and bottom surfaces of the container are configured so that multiple containers can be nested and stacked together.

Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system is provided. The system includes a first plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a first network bus. The system further includes a first bus controller connected to the first network bus. The system further includes a second plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a second network bus. The system further includes a second bus controller connected to the second network bus. The system further includes a bus interface circuit connected to the first bus controller by a first electrical connection and connected to the second bus controller by a second electrical connection.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes a first end support portion supporting a first end of the columnar work piece; a second end support portion supporting a second end of the columnar work piece; and a measurement device having a probe which measures the columnar work piece supported by the first end support portion and the second end support portion. The first end support portion includes a first end support body attachably and detachably fitting into a centering aperture of the first end of the columnar work piece. The first end support body includes at least two cut-outs, and in a state where the first end support body is fitted into the centering aperture, an interior surface of the centering aperture is visible to the exterior through the cut-outs. The measurement device inserts the probe into the centering aperture through the cut-outs and measures the interior surface of the centering aperture.

Abstract: A machining tool assembly for manufacturing a firearm lower receiver includes a first and second side jig which are configured to be disposed on opposite sides of the firearm lower receiver and configured to removably attach to one another securing the firearm lower receiver therebetween. A drill block jig is removably attachable to the first and second side jigs disposed above the top surface of the firearm lower receiver, wherein the drill block jig comprises a plurality of through holes. A template spacer jig is removably attachable to the first and second side jigs disposed above the top surface of the firearm lower receiver, wherein the template spacer jig comprises a spacer aperture disposed through a template spacer thickness. A first and second pocket templates are removably attachable and disposed onto the template spacer jig. A router support plate is disposed onto either the first or second pocket templates.

Abstract: A position detector has a gap for providing a detection range. The gap has a gap width that is greater at the ends of the gap than at a center. Therefore, an amount of a spill magnetic flux and an amount of a direct magnetic flux respectively flowing through a position at and around an end portion of the gap are reduced when compared to a gap having a constant gap width along the direction of relative movement. Namely, the density of magnetic flux which passes through a Hall element that is positioned at each longitudinal end of the gap decreases. Therefore, at or around the ends of the gap, a rate of change of the magnetic flux density detected by the Hall element decreases and the linearity of an output signal from the Hall element is improved.

Abstract: A variety of magnetic field sensor arrangements provide so-called “tooth detectors” using a simple low-cost magnet.