With Direction Indicator Patents (Class 324/165)
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Publication number: 20040189282Abstract: A method is described for determining a rotation speed and a rotation direction of a component (2), in particular a transmission output shaft, with a sensor device (1). In the sensor device (1), as a function of a rotation speed and direction of the component (2), a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal are generated, which are phase shifted relative to one another and each of which, on reaching an upper switching threshold or a lower switching threshold in the sensor device (1), triggers a switching signal. When there are alternating, consecutive switching signals of the two sensor signals, the sensor device (1) emits a pulse signal as a function of which a variation of a sensor signal is generated, which is used to determine a rotation speed of the component (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Wolfgang Schmid, Uwe Ruhringer, Gerold Kloos
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Patent number: 6777926Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the speed and direction of a rotating target is disclosed. A first differential Hall package can be generally located opposite to a second differential Hall package, wherein the first differential Hall package and second differential Hall package comprise mirror images of one another. A first output signal can then be generated by the first differential Hall package and a second output signal by the second differential Hall package during a rotation of the rotating target. The first Hall output signal can thus be compared to the second Hall output signal during a shift of the rotating target from a sinusoidal phase to a non-sinusoidal phase thereof, thereby permitting accurate phase information indicative of the speed and direction of the rotating target to be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Curtis B. Johnson
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Patent number: 6747553Abstract: Provided is rotational-state-of-wheel detecting apparatus that can avoid output of an incorrect rotational direction during a halt of a wheel. In ECU 10, a signal input section 10a accurately detects wheel speeds and rotational directions of respective wheels 12, 14, 16, 18, and, based on the results, respective computers 10b, 10c, 10d execute ABS control, TC control, and VSC control. On this occasion, switching of the rotational direction is restricted with a computation result of wheel speed of zero, and it is thus feasible to prevent occurrence of a malfunction or state hunting being repetitive switching of signs, due to an external magnetic field during halts of the wheels 12, 14, 16, 18. This further optimizes the state control of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noritaka Yamada, Toshinobu Ota, Yasuhito Ishida
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Patent number: 6744248Abstract: An arrangement is described for detecting motion of an encoder which comprises magnetically active areas arranged along a main surface subtended at least substantially by a second spatial co-ordinate aligned in the direction of movement of the encoder and by a first spatial co-ordinate aligned at least substantially perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the encoder, which magnetically active areas are subdivided in a predetermined sequence along the second spatial co-ordinate, the arrangement comprising a magnetoresistive sensor element arranged in front of the main surface of the encoder in the direction of a third spatial co-ordinate aligned at least substantially perpendicularly to the main surface of the encoder, and a magnetic field-generating device for generating a magnetic field which permeates the magnetoresistive sensor element with field lines which are aligned at least substantially in a plane subtended by the first and the third spatial co-ordinate, the arrangement being adapted to geneType: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Reinhard Buchhold, Michael Doescher
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Patent number: 6727686Abstract: A method and a device for detecting mispolarization in a signal transducer is described, with which the output signal of the signal transducer—that has at least one singularity—is converted into a square-wave signal. Intervals between specifiable signal-level changes are monitored in the region of the singularity, or plausibility windows are set, within which specifiable events must occur. If the intervals do not correspond to the expected intervals, or if specifiable events do not occur within the specifiable time windows or plausibility windows, mispolarization is detected. The method for detecting mispolarization is used, for example, in the case of a signal transducer having a plurality of uniform angular points and one reference point, but it is not limited to such transducers.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Joern Beckmann, Ralf Klewin, Armin Sayer, Athanasios Hailas
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Publication number: 20040070388Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the rotational direction of a rotatable article, such as a spindle motor used in a data storage device to rotate a data recording disc. The article includes an index mark which is detected by an index sensor to identify an index reference position on the article. The index sensor and index mark are further used to detect the direction of rotation of the article. In some embodiments, a second sensor is provided so that first and second timing pulses are generated from the index mark by the index sensor and the second sensor. In other embodiments, a second (detection) mark is added to the article so that first and second timing pulses are generated by the index sensor. In either case, a rotational direction detection circuit determines the rotational direction of the article in relation to the first and second timing pulses.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Thomas Hong Chuang, Stephen Gregory Horning
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Patent number: 6704683Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a direct velocity of a moving object using nonlinear period measurement. A pulse signal from an encoder indicates the detection of a passage of a point on a moving sensor element, such as a mark on an encoder disk. A counter is then made to count down from a higher value to a lower value, where counts by the counter are made at a variable, nonlinear rate. The rate is faster when the count begins and gets slower as the count continues, reducing the possibility that the counter will overflow before the next encoder signal is received. The counter value is output and the counter is reset when another encoder signal is received, where the output value is directly related to the velocity of the object. In a different method and apparatus, first and second values, such as PWM or DAC commands, are provided to an actuator to output as forces. The values are differenced a rate of change of the force values is determined.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1999Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventor: Christopher J. Hasser
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Patent number: 6700367Abstract: A bearing provided with an annular means generating magnetic pulses and with a device for detecting these pulses, wherein the detection device comprises a plurality of aligned sensitive elements. The sensitive elements are placed equidistantly from one another and the detection device comprises an even number 2N of sensitive elements.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: The Torrington CompanyInventors: A. John Santos, Mark E. LaCroix, Pascal Desbiolles
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Publication number: 20030205998Abstract: A target wheel sensor assembly includes a target wheel, a magnet, and two or more sensing elements placed therebetween. The magnet and the sensing elements are configured so that as the target wheel rotates each of the sensing elements outputs a respective asymmetric signal relative to the direction of rotation of the target wheel or an object mechanically connected to the wheel. Each of these asymmetric signals is differentially combined with one another to determine the direction of motion of the target wheel, and, if optionally desired, the position of the target wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Joseph Pierre Heremans, Bruno P. B. Lequesne, Thaddeus Schroeder, Avoki M. Omekanda
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Patent number: 6639399Abstract: A target wheel sensor assembly includes a target wheel, a magnet, and a sensing element placed therebetween. The magnet and the sensing element are configured so that as the target wheel rotates the sensing element outputs an asymmetric signal. This asymmetric signal is used to determine the position of the target wheel as it rotates and the direction of motion of the target wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thaddeus Schroeder, Bruno Patrice Bernard, Avoki M. Omekanda
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Patent number: 6630821Abstract: A magnetic detection device capable of detecting moving direction of a toothed magnetic movement body is provided. The magnetic detection device comprises a circuit for converting output signals of plural magneto-resistance effect elements 21 and 22 located in moving direction of toothed magnetic movable body to a ternary signal of a high level, a low level 1 and a low level 2, and in which a binary signal of the high level and the low level 1 is output when the toothed magnetic movement body is rotated in forward direction and a binary signal of the high level and the low level 2 is output when the toothed magnetic movement body is rotated in reverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Izuru Shinjo, Hiroshi Sakanoue, Naoki Hiraoka
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Publication number: 20030117132Abstract: A user input apparatus and method for providing control for an electronic device uses contactless sensing. The user input device includes a substantially circular disk having at least one ferromagnetic plate located adjacent to a periphery of the disk and coupled to the disk. The input device also includes a magnet and a magnetic sensor adjacent to the magnet and with magnetic sensor's sensitivity axis oriented parallel to the magnet. The magnet and the magnetic sensor are situated near the periphery of the disk on a circuit board such that, as the disk is rotated, the ferromagnetic plates coupled to the disk pass within a predetermined distance from the magnet but do not contact the magnet or the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor outputs a signal when the at least one ferromagnetic plate passes within the predetermined distance from the magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventor: Gunnar Klinghult
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Publication number: 20030102860Abstract: The ring magnet speed and direction sensing scheme according to the present invention addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a pair of bridges placed on the same semiconductor chip are provided for sensing the passing of north/south transition points on a ring magnet. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the bridge contains a first group of runners that are perpendicular to a second group of runners. The bridges are placed to cause the signal from one bridge to slightly follow the signal from the other bridge. Placement of the bridges on the same chip enables highly accurate readings.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2001Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventors: Michael J. Haji-Sheikh, Mark Plagens, Robert Kryzanowski
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Patent number: 6573710Abstract: A sensor of position and/or of displacement of a moving member generating magnetic pulses. The sensor comprises a plurality of aligned sensitive elements that are divided into at least two subassemblies. The signals emanating from the subassemblies are processed by an electronic circuit able to deliver two analog signals in substantially perfect quadrature.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: The Torrington CompanyInventors: A. John Santos, Mark E. LaCroix, Pascal Desbiolles
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Patent number: 6552531Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a circuit arrangement for processing signals for an active motion sensor which generates at least one first sequence of input pulses that contain motion information. By at least one integrating filter circuit, each input pulse of a pulse train is integrated, and an associated output pulse is generated during a period in which the integrated signal is in excess of a predeterminable second threshold value after a predeterminable first threshold value has been exceeded so that the output pulse has a time delay with respect to the input pulse. As a result, noises of a duration which is shorter than the delay time are effectively suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHGInventors: Wolfgang Fey, Mario Engelmann, Leonhard Link
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Patent number: 6538426Abstract: A combined hub temperature and wheel speed sensor system comprises a sensor assembly coupled to an axle and a wheel assembly fixedly coupled to the wheel, which in turn is free to rotate with respect to the axle. The wheel assembly includes a ring magnet. The sensor assembly includes a temperature sensor in proximity to the wheel bearing, Hall effect sensors positioned to detect the rotation of the ring magnet, and a circuit for generating and transmitting signals corresponding to the wheel rotation speed, rotation direction, and bearing temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Wabash Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Enrietto, Keith Folsom, Bruce Tomlinson
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Publication number: 20030001563Abstract: A rotational sensor system for detecting rotational velocity and rotational direction of a rotating member, such as a vehicle axle, including a tone ring mounted to the rotating member. The system includes a pair of active sensors mounted adjacent to the tone ring and spaced from one another, which, when activated, produce an electric signal in response to movements in the tone wheel. A processor receives the electric signals from the sensors and generates a signal indicative of rotational velocity and rotational direction of the rotating member. Also, preferably, an output signal is created that uses square waves with different amplitude levels for the signal highs and lows depending upon the direction of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Jason D. Turner
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Patent number: 6498474Abstract: A rotational sensor system for detecting rotational velocity and rotational direction of a rotating member, such as a vehicle axle, including a tone ring mounted to the rotating member. The system includes a pair of active sensors mounted adjacent to the tone ring and spaced from one another, which, when activated, produce an electric signal in response to movements in the tone wheel. A processor receives the electric signals from the sensors and generates a signal indicative of rotational velocity and rotational direction of the rotating member. Also, preferably, an output signal is created that uses square waves with different amplitude levels for the signal highs and lows depending upon the direction of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes CompanyInventor: Jason D. Turner
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Detected signal processing device for rotating sensor and detected signal outputting method therefor
Patent number: 6492804Abstract: The rotation of a rotating magnet is detected by magnetic sensors. The rotational speed is detected from pulse signals detected by magnetic sensors, and the rotational direction is detected from the difference in a shift in phase. Signals different in pulse width are generated according to the rotational direction. A signal selection circuit outputs a pulse signal with timing for the rotational speed. A rotational speed determining circuit outputs a decision signal Sf of a high level when the rotational speed reaches a predetermined speed. When a self-diagnostic circuit determines that the magnetic sensors have malfunctioned, a binary error code generating circuit generates an error signal Sg and a 4-bit error code signal Sh. When the signal Sf of the rotating magnet is brought to a high level, the signal selection circuit outputs an error code signal and allows output an output current Is.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Tsuge, Mikio Tanabe -
Publication number: 20020175673Abstract: An arrangement is described for determining the direction of movement of a motion sensor element which, in a first zone having a first pitch and extending in the form of strips along a motion co-ordinate describing a movement of the motion sensor element, comprises periodically recurrent areas alternately influencing a first magnetic field, and, in a second zone having a second pitch and extending in the form of strips along the motion co-ordinate, comprises periodically recurrent areas alternately influencing a second magnetic field, the arrangement comprising a first sensor element for detecting the influence on the first magnetic field by the first zone of the motion sensor element, and a second sensor element for detecting the influence on the second magnetic field by the second zone of the motion sensor element, the first pitch of the first zone being in an odd, integral ratio to the second pitch of the second zone. Such an odd, integral ratio is 1:3, 1:5, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventor: Stefan Butzmann
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Patent number: 6404188Abstract: A magnetic effect sensor system has a target with a first set of regularly spaced tooth/slot transition target features and a second set of different tooth/slot transition target features interspersed within the regularly spaced features. The mix of target features allows a single magnetic effect sensor to output a clocking pulse train for misfire detection and an encoded pulse train for determining absolute mechanical position by utilizing two thresholds on the sensor output waveform.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Honeywell INCInventor: Lamar Floyd Ricks
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Patent number: 6348790Abstract: A leadless motor rotation detector apparatus for determining the direction of shaft rotation of a motor providing a fluctuating magnetic field when rotating includes: at least two sensors separated a predetermined distance from one another. Each sensor senses the magnetic field and generates a corresponding sensor signal having an amplitude and phase associated with said sensed magnetic field. A processor is responsive to the sensor signals, and compares temporal aspects associated with the relative phase of each of the sensor signals to determine a leading or lagging signal. The leading or lagging signal is associated with a corresponding one of the at least two sensors and is indicative of the direction of motor rotation.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Aler, Jin H. Gu
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Patent number: 6320374Abstract: In an angle-based crankshaft position sensing system, an electrical circuit is provided for also sensing the direction of rotation of the crankshaft. A slotted target wheel is coupled to the crankshaft and a single dual-element MR sensor is juxtaposed with the target wheel. The elements generate respective detection signals when a slot passes by the elements, with the position of the slot being indicated as being directly under the sensor at the point in time when the detection signals intersect each other. Also, square waves are generated for each detection signal, and when the magnitude of the second square wave is non-zero when the falling edge of the first square wave occurs, a clockwise rotation is indicated. On the other hand, if the magnitude of the second square wave is zero when the falling edge of the first square wave occurs, a counterclockwise rotation is indicated.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thaddeus Schroeder, Bruno Patrice Bernard Lequesne
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Patent number: 6310474Abstract: A direction of rotation detection apparatus and method using the outputs of a single differential sequential sensor employing two matched magnetostatic elements, ie., either Hall elements or magnetoresistors (MRs), to extract direction of rotation information from the passage of a single tooth edge of a target wheel. The two matched sensing elements are spaced in close proximity to each other, preferably on the order preferably of about 1 mm to about 2 mm apart, in the circumferential direction of the target wheel and generate two identical angularly offset signals from the passage of a single tooth edge of a target wheel which are input to a signal conditioning circuit. Within the signal conditioning circuit, the two sensor signals are differentially amplified to produce a differential signal whereby the polarity of the differential signal enables one of two comparators with respective reference voltages.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thaddeus Schroeder
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Patent number: 6307365Abstract: A method for determining position and/or direction of a target, where the target has a series of magnetic poles with a magnetic pole spacing d.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: The Torrington CompanyInventors: A. John Santos, Mark E. LaCroix, Pascal Desbiolles
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Patent number: 6285184Abstract: There is provided a speed and position signal generator which operates irrespective of mechanical error, and also operates without any delay of signal transmission. The speed and position signal generator generates A, B phase pulse signals corresponding to a frequency set value and direction setting, and outputs these two phase pulse signals and a Z phase pulse signal corresponding to a teeth number set value, and includes a reference clock generator as a reference, a frequency arithmetic operation circuit, a frequency division circuit for frequency dividing an output phase train from the frequency arithmetic operation circuit, an A, B phase generation circuit for generating A, B phase pulse signals using the frequency division signal, and a Z phase generator circuit for generating a Z phase pulse signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisya Tokyo KakaiInventor: Fumio Yamazaki
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Detected signal processing device for rotating sensor and detected signal outputting method therefor
Publication number: 20010002791Abstract: The rotation of a rotating magnet is detected by magnetic sensors. The rotational speed is detected from pulse signals detected by magnetic sensors, and the rotational direction thereof is detected from the difference in the way of making a shift in phase. Signals different in pulse width are generated according to the rotational direction. A signal selection circuit outputs a corresponding pulse signal with timing for the rotational speed. A rotational speed determining circuit outputs a decision signal Sf of a high level when the rotational speed reaches a predetermined speed. When a self-diagnostic circuit determines that the magnetic sensors have malfunctioned, a binary error code generating circuit generates an error signal Sg and a 4-bit error code signal Sh.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2000Publication date: June 7, 2001Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsuge, Mikio Tanabe -
Patent number: 6242905Abstract: A method of identifying a direction of rotation of a wheel using Hall probes which are disposed about the circumference of the wheel. In this case, a first, a second and a third Hall probe are disposed successively, so that the second Hall probe lies between the first and third Hall probes. From the output signals of the three Hall probes, two evaluation signals are obtained, through comparison of which the direction of rotation of the wheel is determined.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Dieter Draxelmayr
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Patent number: 6242904Abstract: A rotation detector (100) includes a first transmitting element (1) and a second transmitting element (3) each disposed opposite a gear rotor (5) attached to a rotating body as a detected member. A signal processing device (13) is connected to the first transmitting element and the second transmitting element for generating pulse signals based on rotation signals generated by the first transmitting element and the second transmitting element. The rotation detector is characterized in that the signal processing device generates the pulse signals with different pulse widths to distinguish between the case where the first transmitting element generates the rotation signal prior to the first transmitting element and the case where the second transmitting element generates the rotation signal prior to the first transmitting element.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1998Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsuyoshi Shirai, Eiichiro Iwase, Nobuyasu Suzumura
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Patent number: 6229299Abstract: A sensor is positioned to sense the magnetic field strength of a magnet associated with a rotating body. The sensor produces a signal having a sinusoidal output as the magnet rotates with the rotating body. A controller takes a derivative of the output and calculates the rotational velocity of the rotational body as a function of the derivative.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Igor Strashny
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Patent number: 6222362Abstract: A method is presented for detecting the position and the direction of motion of a movably mounted part on an electric motor that makes provision not only for a single-channel sensor but also a measuring arrangement for the motor current and the rectified motor current by means of which the motor current is activated after operating switching devices to reverse the polarity of the voltage applied to the motor to cause a reversal of the direction of motion. The measuring arrangement establishes from the variation of the motor current over time the point of time of the motor current maximum and transmits this to the evaluation logic. The point of time of the actual reversal of the direction of motion is derived from the point of time of the motor current. Preferably, the current is measured as a reference current value even before falling through the zero crossing.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Temic Telefunken Microelectronics GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Schulter, Dieter Driendl, Erwin Kessler, Stephan Kimpfler, Kurt Kleiner
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Patent number: 6208131Abstract: A position and speed sensor comprising a circular element (1) rotatably driven about its axis. The circular element (1) has two position indicators (3, 4) of different angular width. A sensor means (5) is fixed in position with respect to and adjacent to the circular element (1). The sensor means (5) has a sensing element for sensing the passage of each of the position indicators (3, 4) past the sensing clement. An electrical signal is produced by the sensor means (5) corresponding to the passage of each of the sensed position indicators (3, 4). The signal has a duration corresponding to the angular widths of the sensed position indicators (3, 4). Also included is a means to process the electrical signal to produce information as to the angular position and angular velocity of the circular element. A method for reverse rotation detection using the position and speed sensor means (5) is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Oribatal Engine CompanyInventors: Martin John Cebis, Steven Michael Basso
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Patent number: 6181127Abstract: In the case of a method for checking the width of the measuring air gap of a magnetic speed sensor, square-wave output signals are generated from the measurement signals of the sensor by means of at least one prescribable threshold value. The pulse duty factor of the output signals is held within a prescribed range in the case of an acceptable gap width. In the case of amplitudes of the measurement signal outside prescribed limits, the pulse duty factor deviates in a reliably measurable fashion from the prescribed range. A circuit has the means for carrying out this method.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AGInventor: Werner Wallrafen
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Patent number: 6058358Abstract: A first value (V), which corresponds to the angular units covered during two actual position values successively transmitted via the data transmission link at the maximum rotational speed of the encoder shaft (W), and a second value (D) which corresponds to the difference between the maximum travel of the angular position encoder (MAX) and the first value (V), are stored in a store. A processing unit determines the direction of rotation of the shaft (W) depending on whether two actual position values (X11, X12; X21, X22; X31, X32) lie in the range between the zero point (NP) of the angular position encoder and an actual position value (L2) corresponding to the magnitude of the first stored value (V), or in the range between an actual position value (L1) corresponding to the magnitude of the second stored value (D) and the maximum travel (MAX), or outside these ranges.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Gerhard Streichert
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Patent number: 6043644Abstract: The present invention concerns the domain of inductive contactless sensors, allowing the position and/or the movement of a target sensitive to a magnetic field to be detected. The invention provides a miniature sensor comprising at least a primary coil generating an alternating magnetic field and at least two secondary coils for picked up such field, the coils being planar. The amplitude of the signal picked up by each coil is when the target passes in front of the coils, so that by measuring the signal amplitude or phase modulation, the speed and the direction of movement, or position of the object to be detected, is detected.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1997Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Cesm Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et DeveloppementInventors: Yves de Coulon, Johan Wilhelm Bergqvist, Herve de Lambilly
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Patent number: 6034525Abstract: A system for determining the direction of rotation of the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine includes a sensor assembly for generating a crank rotation direction signal. The sensor assembly includes a stator having a sprocket fixed to the crank and having a plurality of teeth. The rotation of the crank, and the sprocket with the crank, results in changes in the magnetic field, and such changes or flux create a current in a conductor. The rotor also includes, at one angular location about the sprocket, a first interruption that serves as a first reference point or marker. The interruption in the sprocket teeth creates an irregularity in the magnetic flux and, consequently in the generated current or signal. The rotor also includes a second interruption or marker at an angle other than 1800 from the first marker. The second interruption differs physically from the first interruption, so that a second irregularity which is distinguishable from the first irregularity occurs in the generated signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: Outboard Marine CorporationInventors: Scott A. Koerner, Paul T. Ng
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Patent number: 6016056Abstract: A device for detecting motion of a movable part of an injection-molding machine uses an encoder coupled to the part which outputs two square waves which are a quarter-cycle out of phase. The two waves are used to generate trigger pulses at four times either encoder waves' frequency. The direction of the phase shift, positive or negative, depends on the forward or backward direction of motion of the part, and the trigger pulses are generated in on one of two logic circuits depending on the direction of motion of the part. The quadrupling of the encoder wave frequency increases the accuracy of motion measurement. The device uses AND/OR logic to generate the two sets of trigger pulses. The trigger pulses are counted to determine the distance the part has moved. The trigger pulses are also latched, and higher-frequency clock pulses are counted during the latched period to calculate the part's speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Meiki SeisakushoInventor: Mitsunori Seki
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Patent number: 6016055Abstract: A device for measuring the rotation speed or detecting the direction of rotation of a rotary magnetic field includes a Hall sensor which is mounted as an SMD component on a printed circuit board. A magnet wheel is secured to a rotor spindle of an electric motor and a rotary magnetic field is generated upon its rotation. A magnetic flux guide element is provided for concentrating the rotary magnetic field in the region of the Hall sensor, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the Hall sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Heimo Jager, Werner Kostler
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Patent number: 6008637Abstract: Operational diagnostic system for an angle detector (C) which measures the angle of a rotating part (2) via at least two dual-state logic signals (A, B) processed by an electronic device which encodes them as the weighted sum of their voltages in order to produce an analog signal at a voltage which is always greater than a predefined threshold when angle detector (C) functions normally, in such a way that the value of the measured angle is transmitted over a single electrical connection (S) connecting the output of angle detector (C) to a processing device (U) of the processor type, and the connection (S) is also used by the processing device (U) to transmit the command signal to start testing of the operation of the detector (C), and to transmit the result information from the detector (C) to the processing device (U), and features the following:an electronic device which lowers the voltage of detector C's output signal below the predefined threshold in response to a diagnostic command signal from the procesType: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Jean-Paul Corbier
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Patent number: 5977764Abstract: A method is provided for determining the speed and direction of a rotating shaft. A rotor is connected to the shaft. The rotor includes three circumferentially spaced teeth, the first of said teeth having a first center spacing, the second of said teeth having a second center spacing different than the center spacing of the first tooth, and the third of said teeth having a third center spacing different than the center spacing of the second tooth. The centers of each of said teeth is sensed and a signal is produced in response thereto. A first time period to reach the center of the first tooth, a second time period to reach the center of the second tooth and a third time period to reach the center of the third tooth are determined, then the speed and direction of rotation of the shaft are established.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bradley Dean Riedle, Charles William Suter, David Andrew Franchock, Patrick William Gibson, Robert Cary Haase
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Patent number: 5977765Abstract: An apparatus is provided to determine the speed and direction of a rotating shaft, including a rotor with three circumferentially spaced teeth connected to the shaft. The spacing of the center of the second rotor tooth is wider than the spacing of the center of the first tooth and the spacing of the center of the third tooth is wider than the spacing of the center of the second tooth. A sensor detects the center of each tooth and produces a signal in response thereto. The signal is received by a computer. The computer determines the speed and direction of rotation of the shaft by determining a first time period to reach the center of the first tooth, a second time period to reach the center of the second tooth and a third time period to reach the center of the third tooth.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Patrick William Gibson, Robert Cary Haase, David Andrew Franchock, Bradley Dean Riedle, Charles William Suter
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Patent number: 5955878Abstract: A multipole magnetic encoder is movable past two fixed analog sensors delivering sinusoidal signals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2) phase-shifted by .pi./2. A generator produces 2n sinusoidal signals (S.sub.i) of the same amplitude (A) as the signals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2), phase-shifted by .pi./n. An analog multiplexer delivers a signal (S) consisting of 2n successive portions of signals (S.sub.i). An acquisition device determines a maximum envelope (E) of the signals (S.sub.i). Two of switching thresholds (L.sub.i) and (L.sub.j) are generated proportional to the envelope (E). Two comparators compare the signal (S) with the thresholds (L.sub.i) and (L.sub.j), and deliver binary signals (A.sub.i) and (B.sub.j). Two combining devices combine the binary signals (A.sub.i) and (B.sub.j), each delivering a high resolution signal of 2m*n periods in the interval of one period of one of the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: The Torrington CompanyInventors: Fernand Peilloud, Alain Bochet
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Patent number: 5719496Abstract: A proximity sensor which includes a bar magnet having opposing North and South poles and two magnetic responsive sensors disposed on a lateral face of the magnet between the opposing North and South poles and a pair of corresponding flux concentrators, configured such that the magnetic responsive sensors are sandwiched between the magnet and the flux concentrators along a lateral face of the magnet between opposing pole faces forming a dual-element sensor assembly. In one embodiment the dual-element sensor assembly is adapted to be utilized with a two-channel ferrous target, a target wheel having ferrous targets that are axially separated to correspond to the two-channel sensor assembly. In this embodiment the sensors are configured such that the longitudinal axis of the sensor is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the ferrous target wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Durakool IncorporatedInventor: Ronald J. Wolf
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Patent number: 5670886Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing proximity of an object using near-field effects or magnetic effects. The sensor chips are designed to accommodate numerous sensing elements. In the electromagnetic sensor, radio frequency energy is fed to an antenna. The antenna radiates this radio frequency energy to charge the surface of an object. When the position of the object changes, the impedance of the antenna due to near-field effects changes. This impedance change is detected to provide an indication of the object's movement. In the magnetic sensor, the sensing element is placed at a right angle to the sensor electronics to provide a smaller surface area across the diameter of the sensor. The magnet that charges the object to be detected is manufactured as a part of the sensor encapsulant. The sensing device may be packaged to be inserted into a wall to provide a sensor having a leak-free seal.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Wolf Controls CorporationInventors: Peter U. Wolff, Marshall E. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 5654633Abstract: A tachometer for monitoring the rotation of an output shaft (e.g. of a motor, where the motor is enclosed within a standard NEMA housing), includes an enclosure (e.g. adapted to be secured to an end plate of the motor housing), the enclosure having a radial center and a longitudinal axis which, when the enclosure is secured to the housing, are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the output shaft. The enclosure has at least one mounting surface in a peripheral wall portion thereof, the mounting surface having an aperture formed therein which opens in a radial direction. A sensor module including a pair of axially aligned magneto-resistive sensors is mountable on the mounting surface of the enclosure such that the module protrudes through the aperture with the sensors facing radially inwardly.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc.Inventors: Neil C. Griffen, Richard S. Stokes, Joseph F. Bioty
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Patent number: 5644224Abstract: A resolver rate sensor is disclosed in which dual brushless resolvers are mechanically coupled to the same output shaft. Diverse inputs are provided to each resolver by providing the first resolver with a DC input and the second resolver with an AC sinusoidal input. A trigonometric identity in which the sum of the squares of the sin and cosine components equal one is used to advantage in providing a sensor of increased accuracy. The first resolver may have a fixed or variable DC input to permit dynamic adjustment of resolver sensitivity thus permitting a wide range of coverage. In one embodiment of the invention the outputs of the first resolver are directly inputted into two separate multipliers and the outputs of the second resolver are inputted into the two separate multipliers, after being demodulated in a pair of demodulator circuits. The multiplied signals are then added in an adder circuit to provide a directional sensitive output.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1996Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: David E. Howard
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Patent number: 5523679Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for detecting the speed and rotary direction of a rotary drive by using a signal-transmitting or signal-changing element which is connected rotationally secured to the rotary drive. According to the invention, during rotation of the signal-transmitting or signal-changing element a rotary direction coded signal is produced which is detected by a sensor and which is supplied to an electronic evaluator unit. The aim of the invention is to provide a process and device for detecting the speed and rotary direction of a rotary drive which manages with one sensor unit for a high analysis of the speed and rotary direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1993Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Roland Kalb
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Patent number: 5500585Abstract: A device for detecting the movement of a movable component in that the position signals furnished by two position sensors are added to a signal that is conducted through a signal line to an evaluation arrangement. The position ranges associated with the position sensors have an overlapping region. From the position signals, a signal processing arrangement determines a direction signal and a speed signal. Two current sources are actuated by the direction signal and the speed signal to impress predetermined currents in the signal line. The currents are added in the signal line. In a first embodiment, a signal transmitted over the signal line has four different levels. In another embodiment, the signal transmitted over the signal line has three different levels. The device according to the present invention is particularly suitable for use in an adjustment drive provided in a motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1993Date of Patent: March 19, 1996Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Volker Aab
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Patent number: 5486759Abstract: A device for detecting the movement of a movable component in that the position signals furnished by two position sensors are added to form a signal that is conducted through a line to an evaluation arrangement. The position ranges associated with the position sensors have an overlap region. Different discrete values are assigned to the position signals and can be evaluated easily in the evaluation arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1993Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Hartmut Seiler, Guenter Haderer, Volker Aab, Cornelius Peter
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Patent number: 5451851Abstract: A traction motor controller has a motor feedback employing motor-driven encoders producing signals in quadrature having a phase depending on motor direction and frequency according to motor speed. A logic encoder develops a single signal comprising a pulse train having a frequency dependent on motor speed and either of two amplitudes dependent on motor direction. A decoder at the controller has a circuit for producing a pulsed output at a frequency according to the encoded signal to indicate motor speed. Another decoder circuit uses a comparator to discriminate between the two amplitudes. The higher amplitude signal causes comparator output pulses which are converted to a steady state signal by a flip-flop which is clocked by delayed motor speed pulses.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1993Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Delco Electronics Corp.Inventors: Edward O. Allen, John M. Schieffer