Including Magnetic Detector Patents (Class 324/173)
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Patent number: 6838870Abstract: An airbag deployment sensor has a cartridge containing a quantity of tape one end of which is attached to the inside surface of an airbag cushion. Deployment of the cushion pulls tape from the cartridge at a rate that is monitored by transmitting light through the tape, or by detecting the presence of metalized, or magnetic shielding portions, of the tape.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Pettypiece, Jr., Tex K. Monroe, Timothy Ilyes
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Publication number: 20040251892Abstract: An airbag deployment sensor has a cartridge containing a quantity of tape one end of which is attached to the inside surface of an airbag cushion. Deployment of the cushion pulls tape from the cartridge at a rate that is monitored by transmitting light through the tape, or by detecting the presence of metalized, or magnetic shielding portions, of the tape.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Robert P. Pettypiece, Tex K. Monroe, Timothy Ilyes
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Publication number: 20040251893Abstract: At least the two arc-shaped magnetic path members are installed along the rotation axis of the throttle valve shaft as if the arc-shaped magnet fixed on the throttle valve shaft is positioned between them. Members constituting the magnetic path are mounted on the resin gear cover to be installed on the body of the EC throttle. Magnetic material (for example, sintered metal) used for the magnet is included in the resin molded gear members to be fixed on the throttle valve shaft, and then when the resin cools down, the magnetic material (for example, sintered metal) is subjected to intense magnet force and magnetized. Control parameters of an internal combustion engine are adjusted according to how much the arc-shaped magnet fixed on the throttle valve shaft is moved into or out of the arc-shaped groove formed by the arc-shaped magnetic path.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Hidehiko Takahara
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Patent number: 6828783Abstract: An angle measuring instrument having a device for determining a shaft angular position within one shaft rotation, and a device for determining a number of executed shaft rotations having a gear including at least one gear for converting the shaft rotary motion into rotary motion having a defined reduction ratio. The gear unit includes at least one gear wheel which rotates in a defined ratio to the shaft rotary motion. Devices are provided for generating sensor signals which are positionally dependent and are dependent upon the shaft rotations, in which the detecting device inductively scans reduced rotational movements of the shaft, and has alternating electrically conductive and electrically non-conductive graduation regions and a scanning device, movable relative to the graduation structure, including a device for generating a homogeneous electromagnetic field and a sensor device to scan the graduation structure and to transmit sensor signals which are dependent upon the shaft rotations.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbHInventors: Andreas Schroter, Marc Tiemann, Johann Oberhauser
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Patent number: 6821021Abstract: The invention concerns an instrumented antifriction bearing device, provided with a non-rotating part including a non-rotating ring and sensor element, a rotating part including a rotating ring and encoder, and at least a row of rolling bodies arranged between two raceways of the non-rotating and the rotating rings. The non-rotating sensing element and the rotating encoder form an assembly detecting rotation parameters. The device includes a maintenance device for temporarily maintaining the angular indexing of the encoder relative to the sensing element in an angular position, wherein the encoder generates in the sensing element a reference signal. The maintenance device temporarily maintains the angular indexing device in position until released, as for example, by the axial displacement of at least part of an element of the device towards the row of rolling bodies.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: SKF FranceInventors: Olivier Message, Franck Landrieve, Samuel Gallion, Jean-François Maestrati
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Publication number: 20040189283Abstract: A sensing assembly senses angular speed and position of a device that rotates about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is defined with respect to a frame. The sensing assembly includes an encoder target wheel that is fixedly secured to the device. The encoder target wheel rotates about the axis of rotation with the device being measured. A first Hall effect sensor is fixedly secured to the frame at a predetermined distance from the axis of rotation. The first Hall effect sensor has a first output line and transmits a first output thereover. A second Hall effect sensor is also fixedly secured to the frame at the same predetermined distance from the axis of rotation. The second Hall effect sensor is offset from the first Hall effect sensor by ninety degrees. The second Hall effect sensor has a second output line and transmits a second output thereover. A controller is electrically connected to the first and second Hall effect sensors. The controller receives the first and second outputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Arquimedes Godoy, Aida I. Parada
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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: 6798192Abstract: An electronic circuit measures a pulse frequency and/or a pulse period of pulses in a sensor signal originating in a sensor coil, the pulses being zero crossing pulses. The circuit includes a filter stage having an input connected to the sensor coil, the filter stage being for removing electrical noise from the sensor signal to provide a filtered sensor signal. The circuit also has a signal strength sensing circuit connected to receive at least one of the sensor signal and the filtered sensor signal, the signal strength sensing circuit producing a variable threshold signal, which is a substantially monotonically non-decreasing function of a strength of the sensor signal. A variable threshold zero crossing detector is connected to receive the filtered sensor signal and the variable threshold signal. The variable threshold zero crossing detector has an upper threshold to test for zero crossing in a positive direction and a lower threshold to test for zero crossing in a negative direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: David K. Faymon, Tom G. Mulera, Paul M. Stevens, Mansoor Shah
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Patent number: 6777925Abstract: A circuit for inputting and processing a signal from a speed sensor element, includes a comparator having first and second input terminals and first and second input circuits connected to receive the signal. The first input circuit is connected to a first input terminal of said comparator, and the second input circuit is connected to a reference voltage and to the second input terminal of said comparator. A switchable voltage divider circuit interruptibly connecting a voltage divider circuit for reducing an amplitude of the signal on said first input circuit; and a microprocessor is connected to receive and process an output of the comparator and to determine a speed value based thereon. The microprocessor controls switchable voltage divider based on the magnitude of determined vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Seidenfuss
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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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Publication number: 20040150390Abstract: A detector for detecting rotational speed of a vehicle wheel includes a detector element disposed in a housing and a lead wire for sending output signals of the detector element to an outside device. An output terminal of the detector element is electrically connected to the lead wire by tungsten inert gas welding. The housing and the lead wire are molded together with a resin material that forms an outer wall of the detector. Since the lead wire and the output terminal are connected by the tungsten inert gas welding, the junction is protected from any damages due to pressure and heat generated in the molding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroyuki Tsuge, Mitsuru Takasaki, Mamoru Urushizaki
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Patent number: 6771063Abstract: A system for improving the duty cycle output of a vehicle speed sensor circuit is disclosed. The vehicle speed sensor circuit can be configured, for example as a binary counter, to provide a particular number of pulses per distance of vehicle travel. An output of the vehicle speed sensor circuit is generally divided by placing varying values on particular load pins of an associated counter circuit, thereby providing a substantially improved duty cycle output from the vehicle speed sensor circuit, which is independent of an associated sensor duty cycle. The output of the vehicle speed sensor circuit can be divided utilizing a toggle flip-flop circuit integrated with the vehicle speed sensor circuit. The toggle flip-flop can be configured as an edge-triggered toggle flip-flop. The vehicle speed sensor can be utilized to sense rotating members present in a vehicle. The vehicle speed sensor thus provides a digital pulse output for every tooth that passes in front of the vehicle speed sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2001Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Joel D. Stolfus
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Publication number: 20040145363Abstract: A highly simply technical transmitter system for a Ferraris movement transmitter, wherein several magnetic field generators (M1,M2,M3) form at least one magnetic circuit with a moveable, non-magnetic electrically conducting rotating measuring body and speed-dependent or acceleration-dependent output signals can be generated by means of magnetic field sensors coupled thereto, embodied in such a way that a preferably cylindrical device shaft (W1,W2,W3) is provided as a measuring body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventor: Roland Finkler
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Publication number: 20040123662Abstract: A speed sensor for a marine vessel includes a correction circuit to correct any sensor non-linearities so that the sensor produces an output with a pulse stream having a constant pulse rate, and reduces the pulse-to-pulse variations of the pulse stream. The circuit can standardize the pulse stream to have a frequency corresponding to a standard rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: Airmar Technology CorporationInventors: Stephen G. Boucher, Frederic S. Boericke
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Publication number: 20040100251Abstract: The present invention relates to an active magnetic field sensor, in particular a wheel bearing sensor unit, comprising at least one magnetic sensor element (10, 21, 36) for converting a temporally periodic magnetic field into a temporally periodic electric sensor signal at signal outputs (37, 31) and an electronic signal-evaluating circuit, the said magnetic field sensor being electrically fed by way of a sensor interface, wherein an active electric processing of periodic signals (38, 39) of the magnetic sensor element is performed in two or more separate signal channels of the evaluating circuit respectively associated with the sensor signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Peter Lohberg
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Patent number: 6737863Abstract: A rotation detecting device has the following structure. An intermediate assembly includes terminal pins having projections at given portions thereof; a molded plastic base in which the given portions of the terminal pins are embedded with the projections being exposed to the outside; and a plurality of electronic elements connected to the exposed projections of the given portions of the terminal pins. One of the electronic elements is a sensor element which is mounted on the molded plastic base. A molded plastic housing entirely and hermetically covers the intermediate assembly except a connector part thereof where leading ends of the terminal pins are positioned. For producing the rotation detecting device, two or three molding assemblies are used in order.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Unisia Jecs CorporationInventors: Yuhide Aoki, Shinji Akiyama
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Patent number: 6737860Abstract: A system for controlling the rotational speed of a fan, according to a reference clock having a reference frequency, is disclosed. The rotational speed corresponds to a fan rotational speed signal. The fan rotational speed controlling unit compares the reference clock with the fan rotational speed signal, to output a speed controlling signal. The Voltage generating circuit generates a level signal corresponding to the speed controlling signal. The driving unit generates a driving signal to control the rotational speed of the fan according to the level signal. When the fan is assembled with the controlling system, only coils with the same number of turns need to be use to obtain various rated rotational speeds of fans of different specifications by altering the reference frequency of the controlling system. Because coils with different number of turns are not required in stock at the same time, the time cost and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Prolific Technology Inc.Inventors: Chia-Chang Hsu, Yen-John Chen, Chung-Hsien Lin
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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: 20040061493Abstract: A tone wheel for generating electrical pulses at a rate proportional to the rotational speed of a road wheel. The tone wheel is stamped from sheet steel stock and is characterized by elongated, axially extending teeth supported in cantilever fashion from one end on roots extending radially from a center portion of the tone wheel. The teeth are spaced from each other and for a major portion of their length are free of adjacent structure so that they produce a sharp pulse when scanned by a sensor and are self-cleaning to reduce the risk of accumulating dirt and debris which can otherwise result in destruction of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Keith Fishburn, Rudy J. Heimann Jr, Michael G. Nejman
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Publication number: 20040021457Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2002Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: Curtis B. Johnson
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Patent number: 6683450Abstract: An electronic sensor assembly that can be used in speed-sensing applications such as anti-lock brake systems. The sensor assembly includes a sensor element, a housing surrounding the sensor element, a sensor terminal connected to the sensor element and extending outside of the housing for electrically coupling the sensor element to a conductor, a connector terminal for mechanically and electrically coupling the sensor terminal to the conductor, and a splice band mechanically and electrically coupling the sensor terminal to the connector terminal without welding, soldering, or using a crimp bucket. In one aspect of the invention, the sensor assembly further includes a capacitor electrically and mechanically coupled to the sensor terminal and the connector terminal via the splice band. The sensor element is preferably an active sensor such as a magneto-resistive sensor or a Hall-Effect sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Rick, Gary P. Schneider, Kenneth McDonald
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Patent number: 6674279Abstract: A variable reluctance sensor interface module having a variable attenuation circuit and a rectifier and differential to single-ended conversion circuit for operating in a current mode to attenuate a differential input voltage. The variable attenuation circuit receives an input differential voltage from a magnetic sensor, converts the differential voltage to current, and variably attenuates the current. The rectifier and differential to single-ended conversion circuit converts the variably attenuated current to a voltage output. The input circuit includes an RC filter that attenuates high frequency signals. An initial threshold circuit generates an initial threshold voltage that compensates for internal resistance variations.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Manlove, Kevin M. Gertiser, James C. Bach, Gerald A Kilgour
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Publication number: 20030231013Abstract: An electronic circuit measures a pulse frequency and/or a pulse period of pulses in a sensor signal originating in a sensor coil, the pulses being zero crossing pulses. The circuit includes a filter stage having an input connected to the sensor coil, the filter stage being for removing electrical noise from the sensor signal to provide a filtered sensor signal. The circuit also has a signal strength sensing circuit connected to receive at least one of the sensor signal and the filtered sensor signal, the signal strength sensing circuit producing a variable threshold signal, which is a substantially monotonically non-decreasing function of a strength of the sensor signal. A variable threshold zero crossing detector is connected to receive the filtered sensor signal and the variable threshold signal. The variable threshold zero crossing detector has an upper threshold to test for zero crossing in a positive direction and a lower threshold to test for zero crossing in a negative direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc., Law Dept. AB2Inventors: David K. Faymon, Tom G. Mulera, Paul M. Stevens, Mansoor Shah
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Patent number: 6664780Abstract: A tone ring assembly for use on a rotatable machine part. The tone ring is able to generate a varying voltage output when rotated at varying speeds. A fixed position magnetic sensor detects this voltage. The tone ring comprises an axially extending main body portion having a plurality of areas able to generate a voltage upon rotation. A retainer having at least one radial flange prevents axial movement of the tone ring and the tone ring includes ribs and spaces on its inside diameter to permit oil to pass therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: SKF USA Inc.Inventors: David Dobbs, Mark F. Spreitzer, Morgan J. Bullard, Wayde Fausett
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Publication number: 20030222641Abstract: A probe (10) for sensing movement of a body of magnetic material comprises a magnetically energisable pole piece (30), a closed loop electrical circuit (20) having a first end (25) which is wound around the pole piece (30) and forms a pole piece coil (25) inductively coupled to the pole piece, the arrangement being such that movement of a body of magnetic material (70) relative to the pole piece (30)induces a current in the closed loop circuit (20), and a second end (45), remote from the pole piece (30), which forms a transformer primary coil. A transformer secondary coil (65) is inductively coupled to the primary coil (45), and terminated by a load resistance and means for measuring an output signal from the secondary coil. The primary (45) and secondary (65) coils form a transformer such that a current in the primary coil induces a voltage across the secondary coil. One or more shorting turns (60) of a conductor are inductively coupled to the primary (45) and secondary (65) coils.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Kenneth W. Proctor
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Patent number: 6642709Abstract: A tone wheel for generating electrical pulses at a rate proportional to the rotational speed of a road wheel. The tone wheel is stamped from sheet steel stock and is characterized by elongated, axially extending teeth supported in cantilever fashion from one end on roots extending radially from a center portion of the tone wheel. The teeth are spaced from each other and for a major portion of their length are free of adjacent structure so that they produce a sharp pulse when scanned by a sensor and are self-cleaning to reduce the risk of accumulating dirt and debris which can otherwise result in destruction of the sensor. In other embodiments of the invention, a signal wheel is a composite of a ferromagnetic steel and a non-magnetic material such as plastic. The non-magnetic material serves to block entry of debris or oil into the gaps between the teeth thereby reducing the risk of damage from solid debris or reducing churning and aeration of oil in which the wheel may run.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: A.J. Rose Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Rudy J. Heimann, Jr., Keith Fishburn, Michael G. Nejman
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Publication number: 20030201766Abstract: A wheel-speed sensor mechanism assembly, a vehicle wheel bearing including such assembly and a wheel speed sensor. The assembly includes a vehicle wheel-speed sensor mechanism (such as, but not limited to, an ABS wheel-speed sensor mechanism), a sensor-mechanism housing supporting the sensor mechanism, and an electrical plug. The electrical plug is substantially immovable attached to the sensor-mechanism housing, is electrically connected to the sensor mechanism and is adapted for electrical connection to a vehicle wire. The vehicle wheel bearing includes a target ring attached to a rotatable section of the wheel bearing and includes a sensor mechanism assembly having a sensor mechanism, a sensor-mechanism housing, and the previously-described electrical plug wherein the vehicle wire is a vehicle computer cable. The sensor mechanism senses rotation of the target ring. The sensor-mechanism housing supports the sensor mechanism and is attached to a non-rotatable section of the wheel bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: Steven E. Faetanini, Christopher W. Snavely, Robert M. Brown, Steven J. Couvillon, Sydney E. Weikert
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Patent number: 6636034Abstract: A magnetic field sensor has a carrier element (1) made from metal, on which a holder (2) with a sensor element (3) is fixed in a set position. For this, the holder (2) engages with holding tongues (9, 10), having barbs (11), in recesses (12, 13) in the holder (2). An interspace (15), filled up by an extrusion coating (16), which also surrounds the remaining holder (2) hermetically, exists between the holder (2) and the carrier element (1) through the bearing of the holder (2) against a stop surface (14) of the holding tongue (9, 10).Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Harry Skarpil, Dirk Peter Sopp
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Patent number: 6633233Abstract: Each embodiment (10, 110 and 210) includes a magnetic element (12, 112 and 212) producing a magnetic field. In the first embodiment (10) of FIG. 1, the magnetic element (12) comprises a magnetic bit strip disposed extending in a circular arc on a fixed or stationary plate (14). In the second embodiment (110) of FIG. 2, the magnetic element (112) comprises a magnetic bit strip supported on a movable bar or rod (114). In the third embodiment (210) of FIG. 3, the magnetic element (212) comprises a magnetic bit strip disposed in a rectilinear path on a stationary plate (214). An electrical resistor (16, 116 and 216) is included for changing in electrical resistance in response to changes in the magnetic field produced by the magnetic element (12, 112 and 212). The resistor (16, 116 and 216) comprises a giant magnetoresistive sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: University of FloridaInventor: David P. Fries
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Publication number: 20030184282Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a characteristic, such as speed, of a machine. A variable reluctance sensor (VRS) is coupled to a resistive element, which filters a portion of a basic output signal generated by the VRS having a frequency above a prescribed threshold level, thus removing high-frequency noise from the basic output signal. An amplifier amplifies the filtered output signal. The filtered, amplified output signal has an increased signal-to-noise ratio such that the machine characteristic, i.e. speed, can be more accurately measured during a slow speed operation. A controller generates a control signal received by a switching device to decouple the resistive element when machine speed exceeds a prescribed threshold level. Then, the basic output signal is used to measure the characteristic of the machine during normal machine operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Arthur Wild
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Patent number: 6628741Abstract: A shaft revolution counter including one or more reed magnetic sensors interacting with one or more magnets attached to the shaft. The interaction generates voltage spikes in the reed magnetic sensors that are used as input signal to an electronic non-volatile counter, as well as its sole power source.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Netzer Precision Motion Sensors Ltd.Inventor: Yishay Netzer
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Publication number: 20030173956Abstract: To provide a compact bearing assembly equipped with a rotation sensor capable of detecting not only pulse signals for detecting the number of revolution, but also a home position signal, the bearing assembly equipped with the rotation sensor includes a rotatable member (2) and a non-rotatable member (3) with rolling elements (4) interposed between the rotatable and non-rotatable members (2) and (3) to permit the rotatable member (2) to be rotatable relative to the non-rotatable member (3). The rotatable member (2) is provided with a magnetic encoder (7) and the non-rotatable member (3) is provided with magnetic sensors (8A) to (8C). The magnetic encoder (7) includes first and second to-be-detected elements (7A) and (7B) each having a plurality of equally spaced, opposite magnetic poles defined therein so as to alternate with each other in a direction circumferentially thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Applicant: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshio Fujikawa, Toru Takahashi, Yoshitaka Nagano, Takashi Koike, Kenichi Iwamoto
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Publication number: 20030122539Abstract: A tone wheel for generating electrical pulses at a rate proportional to the rotational speed of a road wheel. The tone wheel is stamped from sheet steel stock and is characterized by elongated, axially extending teeth supported in cantilever fashion from one end on roots extending radially from a center portion of the tone wheel. The teeth are spaced from each other and for a major portion of their length are free of adjacent structure so that they produce a sharp pulse when scanned by a sensor and are self-cleaning to reduce the risk of accumulating dirt and debris which can otherwise result in destruction of the sensor. In other embodiments of the invention, a signal wheel is a composite of a ferromagnetic steel and a non-magnetic material such as plastic. The non-magnetic material serves to block entry of debris or oil into the gaps between the teeth thereby reducing the risk of damage from solid debris or reducing churning and aeration of oil in which the wheel may run.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2001Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Rudy J. Heimann, Keith Fishburn, Michael G. Nejman
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Patent number: 6570375Abstract: A wheel speed sensor latch for securing a wheel speed sensor to a bearing cap of a vehicle speed sensing assembly. The latch includes a main body having a collar section adapted for receiving the wheel speed sensor therethrough. The latch further includes a pair of bifurcated legs extending from the main body. The pair of bifurcated legs being engageable with a pair of latching members formed on the bearing cap such that the pair of latching members and the pair of bifurcated legs cooperate to secure the wheel speed sensor on the bearing cap.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Kurt H Stroeters, Loren M Trotter, Richard P Burns, Jay T TenBrink
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Publication number: 20030085697Abstract: A tone ring assembly for use on a rotatable machine part. The tone ring is able to generate a varying voltage output when rotated at varying speeds. A fixed position magnetic sensor detects this voltage. The tone ring comprises an axially extending main body portion having a plurality of areas able to generate a voltage upon rotation. A retainer having at least one radial flange prevents axial movement of the tone ring and the tone ring includes ribs and spaces on its inside diameter to permit oil to pass therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: David Dobbs, Mark F. Spreitzer, Morgan J. Bullard, Wayde Fausett
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Publication number: 20030085696Abstract: A tone ring assembly for use on a rotatable machine part. The tone ring is able to generate a varying voltage output when rotated at varying speeds. A fixed position magnetic sensor detects this voltage. The tone ring comprises an axially extending main body portion having a plurality of areas able to generate a voltage upon rotation. A retainer having at least one radial flange prevents axial movement of the tone ring and the tone ring includes ribs and spaces on its inside diameter to permit oil to pass therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2001Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: David Dobbs, Mark F. Spreitzer, Morgan J. Bullard
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Patent number: 6559634Abstract: In a vehicle wheel rotation detecting system, a signal input portion of an ECU accurately detects a vehicle wheel speed and a rotating direction of the vehicle wheel speed of the respective wheels. On the basis of the detected results, the respective computers are operated to perform ABS control, TC control and VSC control. When a computing result of the vehicle wheel speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a change in the rotating direction is inhibited. This may prevent an error in the result of detection of the wheel rotating direction owing to an external magnetic filed and the like so as to further optimize the vehicle state control.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Noritaka Yamada
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Publication number: 20030080730Abstract: An electronic sensor assembly that can be used in speed-sensing applications such as anti-lock brake systems. The sensor assembly includes a sensor element, a housing surrounding the sensor element, a sensor terminal connected to the sensor element and extending outside of the housing for electrically coupling the sensor element to a conductor, a connector terminal for mechanically and electrically coupling the sensor terminal to the conductor, and a splice band mechanically and electrically coupling the sensor terminal to the connector terminal without welding, soldering, or using a crimp bucket. In one aspect of the invention, the sensor assembly further includes a capacitor electrically and mechanically coupled to the sensor terminal and the connector terminal via the splice band. The sensor element is preferably an active sensor such as a magneto-resistive sensor or a Hall-Effect sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: SSI Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Rick, Gary P. Schneider, Kenneth McDonald
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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: 6549001Abstract: A tone ring assembly for use on a rotatable machine part. The tone ring is able to generate a varying voltage output when rotated at varying speeds. A fixed position magnetic sensor detects this voltage. The tone ring comprises an axially extending main body portion having a plurality of areas able to generate a voltage upon rotation. A retainer having at least one radial flange prevents axial movement of the tone ring and the tone ring includes ribs and spaces on its inside diameter to permit oil to pass therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: SKF USA Inc.Inventors: David Dobbs, Mark F. Spreitzer, Morgan J. Bullard
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Patent number: 6543858Abstract: A wheel end assembly is provided which facilitates maintenance of the wheel end assembly, and further provides a more secure bearing housing. The spindle is caused to rotate with the drive axle, and is in turn connected to drive a wheel hub. In other features, a housing mounts a bearing cup structure which surrounds the spindle, and has a piloting land for positioning a brake torque plate or a spider, along with the bearing cup. A tone wheel is sandwiched between two nuts, and is caused to rotate with the spindle. The tone wheel includes a tab extending into an opening on the washer such that the washer rotates with the tone wheel. The overall assembly facilitates maintenance and assembly, and provides a more secure environment for the bearing structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLCInventor: Patrick B. Melton
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Patent number: 6541957Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-contact testing of a rotating shaft includes first and second proximity sensors coupled to an automated shaft testing system. Output signals from the proximity sensors are compared to empirically determined threshold values to determine the presence or absence of a shaft coupling characteristic, the speed of the rotating shaft, and the direction of rotation of the shaft when the shaft is oriented proximally to the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Kenneth E. Zick
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Patent number: 6542847Abstract: The present invention describes a sensor assembly for detecting movements, wherein a sensor signal is produced in an active sensor (1) by an encoder (E) acted upon by the movement, and which includes a first device (2, 3, 4, 5) that permits converting the sensor signal, along with at least one additional information, into an output signal which can be transmitted to an evaluating device, and which is in particular characterized in that a second device (1a) is provided by which a signal voltage that depends on an air slot (d) between the active sensor (1) and the encoder (E) is detected and sent to the first device (2, 3, 4, 5) for transmission as additional information.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHGInventors: Peter Lohberg, Heinz Loreck, Wolfgang Fey, Michael Zydek
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Patent number: 6534979Abstract: An apparatus for attaching sensors to rotating shafts on equipment includes a cup magnet and a housing for receiving the cup magnet. A target rotor is displaced within the housing which rotates when attached to a rotating shaft for the purpose of sensing the shaft rotation. Alternately, the cup magnet may be permanently attached to a rotating couple rather than a non-rotating housing. A preferred embodiment may have a dust cover.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Inventor: Gary William Wineland
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Publication number: 20030038623Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor apparatus having a sensor (2) for generating an analog sensor signal (200) with successive minima and maxima, and a corresponding method for generating an output signal of a sensor apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventor: Dieter Draxelmayr
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Patent number: 6522127Abstract: The device for measuring a physical quantity associated with the rotation of a member includes a metal disc, integral with the rotating member, provided with at least one aperture forming a reference point. In addition, this device includes a fixed assembly for detecting the reference point, with at least one magnetic proximity detector and a part for checking that this detector is operating correctly, this being fixed outside the magnetic detector, without electrical contact or connection with the latter. The checking part has at least one conducting turn which surrounds an active end of the detector and is connected to modify its state by short-circuiting this turn or by supplying it with current.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Alstom France S.A.Inventors: Bernard Auge De Fleury, Jean Yves Zliechovec, Jean-Claude Bouttemy
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Publication number: 20030020460Abstract: A system for controlling the rotational speed of a fan, according to a reference clock having a reference frequency, is disclosed. The rotational speed corresponds to a fan rotational speed signal. The fan rotational speed controlling unit compares the reference clock with the fan rotational speed signal, to output a speed controlling signal. The voltage generating circuit generates a level signal corresponding to the speed controlling signal. The driving unit generates a driving signal to control the rotational speed of the fan according to the level signal. When the fan is assembled with the controlling system, only coils with the same turns need to be use to obtain various rated rotational speeds of fans of different specifications by altering the reference frequency of the controlling system. Because coils with different turns are not required in stock at the same time, the time cost and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Chia-Chang Hsu, Yen-John Chen, Chung-Hsien Lin
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Patent number: 6512365Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling a road wheel of an automotive vehicle to the suspension system of the vehicle includes a housing and a hub having a spindle which extends into the housing where it rotates on a bearing having rolling elements arranged in two rows. The spindle carries a target wheel between the two rows of rolling elements, and the housing has a hole which opens into the space between the two rows. Here the housing is fitted with a sensor that monitors the rotation of the target wheel. The sensor has a bushing which is within the hole and a probe which extends from the bushing into the housing where it has a pickup area that is presented toward the target wheel. The bushing is positioned within the hole by an O-ring that is compressed between it and the surface of the hole. The bushing also has a leading surface that leads up to the O-ring and has a diameter only slightly less than the diameter of the hole. It also has a trailing surface of lesser diameter on the other side of the O-ring.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: The Timken CompanyInventor: John L. Karpinski
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Patent number: 6509731Abstract: A device for measuring the rotational speed of a rotating body, in particular a toothed wheel, is provided with a variable-inductance speed pick-up which is mounted in a housing and faces an annular measurement zone of a rotating body having at least one measurement-sensitive discontinuity of measurement. The rotating body is further provided with at least one disturbance zone with at least one disturbance discontinuity that influences the measurement. In order to improve the quality of the measurement it is provided that at least one screen is arranged between the disturbance zone and the speed pick-up.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: AVL List GmbHInventors: Rudolf Enzendorfer, Günther Nagenkögl
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Publication number: 20030011358Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling a road wheel of an automotive vehicle to the suspension system of the vehicle includes a housing and a hub having a spindle which extends into the housing where it rotates on a bearing having rolling elements arranged in two rows. The spindle carries a target wheel between the two rows of rolling elements, and the housing has a hole which opens into the space between the two rows. Here the housing is fitted with a sensor that monitors the rotation of the target wheel. The sensor has a bushing which is within the hole and a probe which extends from the bushing into the housing where it has a pickup area that is presented toward the target wheel. The bushing is positioned within the hole by an O-ring that is compressed between it and the surface of the hole. The bushing also has a leading surface that leads up to the O-ring and has a diameter only slightly less than the diameter of the hole. It also has a trailing surface of lesser diameter on the other side of the O-ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2001Publication date: January 16, 2003Applicant: The Timken CompanyInventor: John L. Karpinski