Permanent Magnet Type Patents (Class 324/174)
  • Patent number: 7320258
    Abstract: An attaching structure of a rotation-detecting sensor comprises (a) a rotation-transferring medium, (b) a rotation-detecting sensor having (b1) a detection portion that detects a variation in magnetic field due to the rotation of the rotation-transferring medium to convert the variation into an electric signal and (b2) a main body having a plurality of side faces, (c) a flange that is provided at at least one side face of the main body of the rotation-detecting sensor, (d) an attaching member for the rotation-detecting sensor, the attaching member having an attaching hole into which the main body is inserted, concurrently with the flange being applied to the attaching member, and (e) a resin-molded body that (e1) covers by resin molding at least one part of the flange and a part of the attaching member to embed them in it and (e2) fixes the main body of the rotation-detecting sensor to the attaching member through the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sumiden Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Tawara
  • Patent number: 7318589
    Abstract: A pulser ring and a second seal ring are separately formed. When a multipolar magnetic rotor of the pulser ring is bonded to an outer circumferential face of an outer cylindrical portion of an annular core portion, the multipolar magnetic rotor is opposed to a magnetic sensor in the radial direction. Due to the above structure, the multipolar magnetic rotor can be strongly supported by an outer cylindrical portion of the annular core portion. Therefore, even when a rotary centrifugal force is given to the multipolar magnetic rotor, it can not be swung in the radial direction. Accordingly, an interval of the multipolar magnetic rotor and the magnetic sensor in the radial direction, which are opposed to each other, can be maintained constant irrespective of an intensity of the centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignees: Jtekt Corporation, Uchiyama Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kageyama, Katsura Koyagi, Masahiro Inoue
  • Patent number: 7307414
    Abstract: To provide a bearing with integrated rotation sensor capable of detecting the rotational speed and the origin position without being affected by an external magnetic field, the bearing includes a rotating ring, a magnetic encoder 7 mounted on the rotating ring, and a stationary ring. The magnetic encoder 7 includes a ring shaped rotational speed to-be-detected member 7A having a plurality of magnetic poles alternating with each other, and a origin position to-be-detected element 7Ba arranged axially in a portion of the circumferential direction of the to-be-detected member 7A. Rotational speed and origin position magnetic sensors are mounted on the stationary ring so as to respectively confront the rotational speed and origin position to-be-detected elements. A magnetized restoration element 7Bb is disposed in a circumferential portion of the magnetic encoder 7, where it confronts the origin position magnetic sensor, and except the second to-be-detected member 7Ba.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 7304471
    Abstract: A combined sensor and bearing assembly (1) of the present invention includes a rolling bearing unit (22) and a rotation sensor unit (23). The rolling bearing unit (22) includes a rotatable raceway member (2), a stationary raceway member (3) mounted around the rotatable raceway member (2) with an annular bearing space defined between it and the rotatable raceway member (2), and a circular row of rolling elements (4). The combined sensor and bearing assembly (1) also includes a to-be-detected member (7) including a magnet secured to the rotatable raceway member (2), and a magnetic detector (8) including a magnetic sensor of an analog output type disposed in face-to-face relation with the to-be-detected member (7). Only a range in which a magnetic characteristic of the to-be-detected member (7) relative to the magnetic detector (8) exhibits linearity is used for detection of rotation angle of the rotatable raceway member (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Koike, Tomomi Ishikawa, Hiroshi Isobe
  • Patent number: 7301330
    Abstract: A sensor (10) has an output coupled to a first comparator input. A control circuit (18) is arranged to switch from an upward tracking mode to a downward relative level detection mode, to a downward tracking mode, to an upward relative level detection mode and back to the upward tracking mode successively. A first and second digital to analog conversion circuit (14a,b) receive a first and second digital control value from the control circuit (18) respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus Adrianus Van Oevelen, Stefan Butzmann, Reinhard Buchhold, Thomas Stork, Hendrik Boezen
  • Patent number: 7288930
    Abstract: Unlike known wheel-speed sensors, the wheel-speed sensor in accordance with the present invention is readily serviceable without disassembly of major components of the wheel assemblies and is relatively simple, and thus less expensive to manufacture, than known wheel-speed sensors. Two embodiments of the wheel-speed sensor in accordance with the present invention are disclosed. One embodiment relates to a “between-the-rows” wheel-speed sensor which includes a magnetic exciter ring that is adapted to be affixed to a rotating axle between rolling element rows of a wheel bearing. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the wheel-speed sensor is configured to form a grease seal which typically inserts into the end of an axle tube. A wheel-speed sensor utilizes a multiple pole magnetic exciter ring that is adapted to be attached to a rotating axle shaft. The wheel-speed sensor includes a two-piece stator which also functions as a grease seal which concentrates flux from a rotating multiple pole exciter ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Russell Clark
  • Patent number: 7282908
    Abstract: Surveying device (1) for the running parameters of railway contact bearings (2) which is provided with a rotating race (3) and a non-rotating race (4) which are coaxial to a rotation axis (A) of the railway contact bearing (2) itself, the device (1) being provided with a sealing shield (5) which is mounted onto the non-rotating race (4); and which is also provided with a sealing lining/covering (7) which is integral with the shield (5), and which is in contact with a sliding surface (11s) which is in turn integral with the rotating race (3): the device also being provided with a signal generating element (15) which is integral with the sliding surfaces (3s) (11s) themselves and which is arranged inside the shield (5); and which is also provided with a sensor (16), which faces the generating element (15) in order to read the signal itself, and which is itself integral with the shield (5) in a position which is outside the railway bearing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: SKF Industrie S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Moretti, Matteo Genero
  • Patent number: 7276899
    Abstract: A transducer comprising a fixed part and a mobile part which are mounted for relative motion about a given axis. On the shaft of the rotor part there is fitted a magnetized element consisting, for example, of an annular element diametrically magnetized at a single pair of poles. Mounted on the fixed part is a pair of Hall-effect sensors which are set angularly staggered by 90° about the axis of rotation of the shaft. The Hall-effect sensors generate corresponding output signals having values that vary in a continuous range. The values of the output signals generated by the transducer uniquely identify the relative positions of the aforesaid fixed and mobile parts with respect to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Campagnolo Srl.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Guderzo
  • Patent number: 7276898
    Abstract: An apparatus having a position sensor for determining a position of a moveable component is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing, a positioning member, a shaped magnetic pole, a magnet, and a hall effect sensor. The positioning member, the shaped magnetic pole, the magnet, and the hall effect sensor are each disposed within the housing. The positioning member is operably coupled to the moveable component and moveable relative to the housing. The magnet induces a magnetic flux in the shaped magnetic pole. One of the shaped magnetic pole and the magnet move in conjunction with the positioning member. The hall effect sensor is adapted to sense an intensity of the magnetic flux in the shaped magnetic pole and generate an output corresponding to the sensed intensity such that the position of the moveable component can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventor: James D. Rosplock
  • Patent number: 7274188
    Abstract: In a motorcycle, to prevent an increase in the diameter of a hub in association with the mounting of a pulser ring and for increasing the flexibility when arranging a wheel speed sensor. An annular groove is formed on a side surface of an annular rear brake disk in an annular shape. A stepped annular pulser ring is mounted to the side surface of the rear brake disk so that a pulser section is located in the groove. Thus, a space for accommodating the pulser ring on an inner periphery of the rear brake disk is eliminated. In addition, the size of a hub-engagement hole on the rear brake disk may be reduced. Since the pulser section of the pulser ring is located in the groove of the rear brake disk, it does not take much space in the direction of an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichiro Ishida
  • Publication number: 20070205759
    Abstract: To provide a bearing with integrated rotation sensor capable of detecting the rotational speed and the origin position without being affected by an external magnetic field, the bearing includes a rotating ring, a magnetic encoder 7 mounted on the rotating ring, and a stationary ring. The magnetic encoder 7 includes a ring shaped rotational speed to-be-detected member 7A having a plurality of magnetic poles alternating with each other, and a origin position to-be-detected element 7Ba arranged axially in a portion of the circumferential direction of the to-be-detected member 7A. Rotational speed and origin position magnetic sensors are mounted on the stationary ring so as to respectively confront the rotational speed and origin position to-be-detected elements. A magnetized restoration element 7Bb is disposed in a circumferential portion of the magnetic encoder 7, where it confronts the origin position magnetic sensor, and except the second to-be-detected member 7Ba.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 7265537
    Abstract: A sensor device for a shaft of a machine having a machine housing, the shaft having a shaft circumference and the machine housing having a sealed receiving bore. The sensor device includes a sensor for measuring motion parameters of the shaft and a stationary annular sensor housing that supports the sensor and encircles the shaft about the shaft circumference in a centered manner and at a distance. The sensor housing is retained in the receiving bore by a press fit or screw connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Dominique Lutaud, Eric Kammerer
  • Patent number: 7253610
    Abstract: A bicycle signal output device comprises a magnet structured to be mounted to one of a first part and a moving part of a bicycle, a coil structured to be mounted to the other one of the first part and the moving part of the bicycle, and a signal generating unit that operates using electrical power generated by the coil in response to relative motion between the magnet and the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Masayoshi Nagae
  • Patent number: 7241243
    Abstract: A power transmitting device, such as a differential, having a housing, input and output shafts, which are rotatably disposed in the housing, a gear set, one or more actuators and/or one or more sensors disposed within the housing, and a connector having a fitting, a seal member and a locking member. The gear set is operable for transmitting rotary power between the input and output shafts. The fitting has a body that extends through a hole formed in the housing. The body includes a plurality of terminals that are electrically coupled to the at least one electrical components. The seal member is disposed between the fitting and the housing to form a seal therebetween. The locking member engages the body and the housing to retain the fitting to the housing. The fitting facilitates electrical connection of the electrical components within the housing with a wire harness that is external to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Duncan
  • Patent number: 7221150
    Abstract: An improved variable reluctance speed sensor configuration yields increased signal strength for a given sensor element diameter and/or sensor-to-speed wheel spacing. The improved sensor according to various embodiments of the invention comprises a plurality of passages containing pole pieces. The surface of the housing facing the speed wheel has thereon one or more projections. This sensor housing configuration concentrates magnetic flux in the housing when the speed wheel teeth are not aligned with the pole pieces. In particular, the projections act as flux concentrators, increasing the flux differential in the pole pieces as the speed wheel teeth pass the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Unison Industries LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia A. Hudson, Randal Parker Bold, Wesley Raymond Bankard
  • Patent number: 7221149
    Abstract: A moving object detection device has a magnetic sensor element, a permanent magnet for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor element; a board on which electronic parts are mounted, a holder; and a case. The holder has an integral approximately box-shaped support part to hold the magnet and the board, and the holder is inserted into the case so that the magnetic sensor element, the permanent magnet, and the board are contained in the case. The holder and the case are fitted and fastened to each other by concave-convex-shaped elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignees: TDK Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Fukuoka, Eiichi Nunokawa, Toshinao Kido, Kunihiko Fukui
  • Patent number: 7215111
    Abstract: A magnetic motion sensor has: two magnetic sensors aligned in a direction along which changes in a magnetic field shift for detecting an appearance of the changes; a differential means for taking out a differential signal of output signals from these two magnetic sensors; and a timing detection means for generating a pulse, indicating a timing at which the changes in a magnetic field pass through either of the magnetic sensors, when an output signal of the magnetic sensor in question strides over a threshold value, while generating a pulse, indicating a timing at which the changes in a magnetic field pass through in between the magnetic sensors, when the differential signal strides over the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kaneyasu, Kazuhiro Komatsuzaki, Keiichi Higuchi, Takashi Onimoto
  • Patent number: 7215110
    Abstract: A seal ring has an annular body which is constituted so that a disc section extended to a radially inward direction is overlapped with one end of a cylindrical section, and a sensor member for detecting rotation of an inner ring is provided to an outer periphery of the cylindrical section, and an outer case for covering the sensor member is provided by insert-forming. The outer case contracts after it is formed and is press-contact with the cylindrical section so that a gap is hardly generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignees: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd., Koyo Sealing Techno Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Toda, Minoru Sentoku, Hirokazu Arai, Fumiaki Kasahara, Shinichi Obayashi
  • Patent number: 7205760
    Abstract: A vehicle axle assembly having an axle housing, an axle shaft and a sensor. The axle housing has a tubular portion. A flat is formed on an annular wall of the tubular portion proximate a distal end of the tubular portion. A hole, which intersects the flat, is formed through the tubular portion. The axle shaft can have an integrally formed target portion that includes a plurality of teeth. The sensor is mounted in the hole and abuts the flat to space a tip of the sensor apart from the teeth of the target portion by a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Blair J. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7202658
    Abstract: A piston velocity detector to determine the velocity of a magnet carrying piston in a cylinder, preferably in the form of a self-contained, hand-held, battery powered piston velocity detector including a plurality of magnet field sensors disposed in an array fixedly spaced from each other within the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Eldesco Corporation
    Inventors: Andy W. Ketelaars, Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 7183760
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotational speed sensor comprising a rotatable ring. The rotational speed sensor has K magnetic pole pairs distributed angularly over the rotatable ring. Also, sensors are positioned relative to the rotatable ring such that a varying magnetic field is detected. The sensors comprise a first pair being positioned 2?L/K radians apart. The sensors further comprise a second pair being positioned 2?M/K radians apart. The first pair of sensors and second pair of sensors are positioned at a relative position of (2?/K)*((2n?1)/2 radians. L, M are integers between one and K and n is an integer greater than one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: AB SKF
    Inventors: Hendrik Anne Mol, Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits
  • Patent number: 7164265
    Abstract: A bearing unit for a vehicle wheel hub is associated with a rotation sensing device and an electromagnetic inductive coupling. The rotation sensing device comprises an impulse ring (18) secured for rotation with the rotatable race (13) of the bearing unit by means of a rotatable annular carrier (19), and a magnetic/electric transducer (20) mounted to the stationary race (12) of the bearing unit by means of a stationary annular carrier (21) and operatively facing the impulse ring (18). The electromagnetic inductive coupling comprises a stationary coil (24) electrically connectable to a power supply (32) and carried by the stationary annular carrier (21), and a rotatable coil (25) electrically connectable (26) to an electric or electronic device mounted on the wheel. The rotatable coil (25) is carried by the rotatable annular carrier (19) and is electromagnetically linked to the stationary coil (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Bruno Giai, Alexander Molenaar, Simona Pilone, Simon Van Ballegooij
  • Patent number: 7157904
    Abstract: A magnetic detection apparatus is able to make a selection between AC coupling and DC coupling thereby to improve the accuracy of a final output signal corresponding to a magnetic movable element, thus making it possible to ensure excellent detection performance. The magnetic detection apparatus with a sensor composed of magnetoresistive elements (2a, 2b) for detecting the strength of a magnetic field includes a first comparison circuit (31) that has a first comparison level (VR1), and waveform shapes the amplitude of a detection signal (C) from the magnetoresistive elements (2a, 2b) through DC coupling, a second comparison circuit (32) that has a second comparison level (VR2), and waveform shapes the amplitude of the detection signal C through DC coupling, and a third comparison circuit (33) that has a third comparison level VR3, and waveform shapes the amplitude of the detection signal C after AC coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Yokotani, Naoki Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 7135848
    Abstract: A highly integrated radiometer sensor cell includes a base having opposing surfaces with one surface adapted for surface mounting on a board. A radio frequency (RF) feed receives RF signals and at least one MMIC is operatively connected to the RF feed and receives the RF signals from the RF feed. This MMIC can include at least one quadrature hybrid, a low noise amplifier (LNA) connected thereto, and a detector circuit for producing a detected signal for further radiometer processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Xytrans, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny F. Ammar
  • Patent number: 7117585
    Abstract: A magnetic detection apparatus can be improved in its product yield. The magnetic detection apparatus includes a resin compact having a the magnet arranged in opposition to an object to be detected for generating a magnetic field, an IC chip with a magnetic detection part built therein for detecting a change in the magnetic field in accordance with movement of the object to be detected, and an IC package in which a lead frame having the IC chip installed thereon is sealed with a resin. A method for manufacturing such a magnetic detection apparatus includes a signal adjustment step for adjusting a signal generated from the magnetic detection part in a state in which the magnetic field is applied to the magnetic detection part to correct a deviation of the signal of the magnetic detection part generated in accordance with a relative displacement between the magnetic detection part and the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Izuru Shinjo, Shigeki Tsujii, Yoshinori Tatenuma, Hiroshi Sakanoue, Masahiro Yokotani, Ryouichi Sasahara
  • Patent number: 7119532
    Abstract: A magnetic rotation detector includes a magnetic rotor having magnetic bodies, a detecting body that detects a change in magnetic flux that is caused by the magnetic bodies as the magnetic rotor rotates; and an abnormality determination portion that monitors an apparent fluctuation in rotational speed of the magnetic rotor based on a result detected by the detecting body and that determines that the magnetic rotor is in an abnormal state if the fluctuation occurs at a specific position of the magnetic rotor. The abnormality determination portion detects the occurrence of the fluctuation at the specific position of the magnetic rotor by making a determination on a distance between apparent positions of the magnetic bodies which correspond to the apparent fluctuation in rotational speed and calculates the distance on the basis of a product of an interval of generation of noise in an output signal detected by the detecting body and a rotational speed of the magnetic rotor at the time of generation of noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihisa Nihei, Toyoharu Katsukura, Junji Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7116095
    Abstract: A sensor unit is supported on a stationary ring which does not rotate even when it is in use, and the rotation of the rotary ring can be detected by a rotation detecting sensor held within the sensor unit. Within the sensor unit, besides the rotation detecting sensor, there are disposed other sensors such as a temperature sensor and a vibration sensor, thereby being able to detect the rotation speed and the rotation number of the wheel supported on the rotary ring, and the other car driving conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Takizawa, Shigeru Endo, Ikunori Sakatani, Tatsunobu Momono, Yasushi Mutoh
  • Patent number: 7116099
    Abstract: An angular position sensor has a sensor element detects changes of magnetic field strength of a magnet that rotates in synchronization with a rotating body, for detecting its angular position. A circuit is provided for compensating hysteresis characteristics of an output of the sensor element in both the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation directions, using different coefficients for compensation approximated by different functions, depending on whether said rotating body rotates clockwise or counterclockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Saito
  • Patent number: 7088093
    Abstract: A magnetic encoder is mounted on a bearing unit and comprises a reinforcing ring and a multi-pole magnet for detecting the rotation speed thereof. The multi-pole magnetic is attached to the outside surface of the reinforcing ring, and a peelable protective cover formed from magnetic rubber or the like is attached to the surface of the multi-pole magnet. A handle is provided to facilitate operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Uchiyama Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Naoto Teshima, Hironori Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7078891
    Abstract: A speedometer gear output structure includes a gearbox installed in a motorcycle and holding a driven gear and an output gear for synchronous rotation with the wheels of the motorcycle, an annular magnetic device fastened to the gear shaft of the output gear for synchronous rotation, and a circuit board mounted in the gearbox and holding a sensor corresponding to peripheral magnetic zones of the annular magnetic device for outputting an output signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventors: Kuo-Hsin Su, Paul Huang, Paul Fei-Ta Chen
  • Patent number: 7075291
    Abstract: Tone wheel testing apparatus and the test method using the apparatus are disclosed. Tone wheel testing apparatus comprising a surface adjusting means for holding in the horizontal position an annular object to be tested to which a tone wheel is attached, the means comprising a pair of pressing members between which the object is held, and the one of the pressing members having a reference surface with which the tone wheel is contacted in order to make the tone wheel align in the rotary axis direction of the object, a rotatable chucking means for seizing the object so as to make the center of the object align with its rotary center when the object is held by the surface adjusting means, and a magnetic testing sensor disposed adjacent to the tone wheel of the object so as to face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Uchiyama Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Masanori Tomioka
  • Patent number: 7075290
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the velocity of a rotating device is described herein. The apparatus includes a magnet assembly affixed to a rotating shaft of a rotating device and a circuit assembly. The circuit assembly includes a circuit interconnection having a sense coil and sensors affixed thereto. The circuit assembly is adapted to be in proximity to the magnet assembly, wherein the magnet assembly combines with the circuit assembly to form an air core electric machine such that voltages generated from the sense coil exhibits an amplitude proportional to the velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven James Collier-Hallman, Philip G. Bright, Clane J. Cammin, Hentianarisoa Ratouth
  • Patent number: 7071834
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the operating conditions of a rolling bearing, has the rolling bearing including: an outer ring of a metal with outer raceway; an inner ring of a metal with an inner raceway; and a plurality of rolling elements; a first member electrically connected to the outer ring; a second member electrically connected to the inner ring; and a lubricant presented on the area at which the outer raceway and the inner raceway come in contact with the rolling surface of the rolling elements; wherein, the electrical characteristics between the outer ring or first member and the inner ring or second member are monitored in order to monitor the operating conditions of the rolling bearing operating with a lubricant and when the electrical characteristics thus monitored fall outside a predetermined range, the lubricating conditions are judged poor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Matsuyama, Sumio Sugita, Yasushi Morita
  • Patent number: 7061228
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting rotation of a bicycle part comprises a casing member comprising a generally annular body structured to be mounted to the bicycle part so that the annular body is incapable of rotating relative to the bicycle part as the bicycle part rotates in opposite directions around a rotational axis. The annular body includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed exposed magnet mounting portions that are concentric with respect to the rotational axis, and a cover member is detachably mounted to the annular body for blocking the plurality of magnet mounting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Masahiro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7034521
    Abstract: A wheel speed detector for detecting a relative rotating speed between an outer ring and an inner ring by means of a magnetic sensor in association with a magnetic ring. A stationary seal member is fixed to the stationary ring and a rotatable seal member is fixed to the rotatable ring. The seal members engage to seal a gap between the inner ring and the outer ring. The magnetic sensor is fixed to a radial inner surface of the stationary seal member and the magnetic ring is fixed to a radial outer or a radial inner surface of the rotatable seal member and surfaces of the magnetic ring other than that fixed to the radial inner surface of the rotatable seal member are covered with a seal lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Sentoku, Motoshi Kawamura, Kazutoshi Toda, Nobuyuki Seo, Naoki Morimura, Tomohiro Ishii, Kanichi Kouda, Yoshifumi Shige, Fujio Harumi
  • Patent number: 7026809
    Abstract: The invention relates to a position and/or speed sensor including a mobile target (2) with at least one tooth, a first permanent magnet (5), at least one second permanent magnet (11), and a probe (4) sensitive to the direction and intensity of a magnetic induction, and placed along an axis OZ such that when there is no adjacent tooth, the magnetic induction created by the first magnet passes through the probe along a direction opposite to the direction of magnetization. Magnetic inductions created by the permanent magnets (5, 11) have approximately equal values but in opposite directions, and in the presence of an adjacent tooth, the absolute value of the variation of the magnetic induction detected by the probe (4) is greater than a trip threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Electricfil Industrie
    Inventor: Laurent Dufour
  • Patent number: 7019515
    Abstract: A pulsar ring is provided with a ring-shaped supporting member and a magnetized member formed into a strip shape and secured to a circumferential face of the supporting member so that N-poles and S-poles are arranged alternately with equal pitches. The length of the circumferential face of the supporting member is set so as to correspond to the length of the magnetized member so that the end portions of the magnetized member are butted to each other without any gap with the magnetic property in the butted portion being maintained to have equal pitches. The magnetized member is magnetized by a magnetizing device, and then affixed to the supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Sentoku
  • Patent number: 7009384
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Pierre Heremans, Bruno P. B. Lequesne, Thaddeus Schroeder, Avoki M. Omekanda
  • Patent number: 6984072
    Abstract: An instrumented bearing, in particular for an electric steering wheel (12), comprises an outer element (1) and an inner element (6) whereof one is mobile relative to the other which is fixed, via at least a row of rolling elements (14) arranged between the elements, and by detection (22, 23, 31) of rotational parameters of the rotating element. The bearing further comprises electronic elements (34) for processing signals emitted by the detecting elements and electronic elements (35) for controlling at least an actuator electrically connected to the device, advantageously arranged on a printed circuit plate (33) fixed in rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Franck Landrieve
  • Patent number: 6977497
    Abstract: A magnetoelectric converting element is constructed by four or more magnetic resistance segments symmetrically arranged at a predetermined pitch with respect to the central line of a magnet perpendicular to the rotating direction of a magnetic moving body. The magnetizing direction of the magnet is set to the direction perpendicular to the direction opposed to the magnetic moving body. Further, 0.7P?X?P and P?Y?1.6P are set when the size of the magnet in the moving direction of the magnetic moving body is set to X and the size of the magnet in the direction opposed to the magnetic moving body is set to Y and the pitch of the magnetic resistance segments at both ends constituting the magnetoelectric converting element is set to P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Yokotani, Izuru Shinjo
  • Patent number: 6969987
    Abstract: A hybrid speed and or proximity sensor may include a variable reluctance sensor with an added excitation circuit. Similarly, a hybrid speed and or proximity sensor may include a variable inductance proximity sensor having a magnet and a magnetically permeable pole piece added in the sensor. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Aaron Schwartzbart
  • Patent number: 6958599
    Abstract: An angular velocity sensor for a rotor (2) and method of determining angular velocity in which the position at which event generation means (4) pass sensing means (5) is determined using information from the times at which the event generation means (4) passed the sensing means (5) during at least one previous complete revolution to of the rotor (2). Especially applicable to use of Hall Effect Sensors to detect commutation points of a brushless permanent magnet rotor in an Electric Power Assisted Steering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited
    Inventors: Peter Geoffrey Scotson, Christopher David Dixon, Connel Williams
  • Patent number: 6958600
    Abstract: The invention finds application in the field of electric valve actuators. Particularly, the invention relates to a magnetic absolute angular position sensor for valves controlled by electric part-turn actuators, wherein the rotation ? of the valve shaft (10) induces a change in the direction along which the lines of the magnetic field generated by a magnet (8) integral therewith, pass through a stationary circuit board (7), containing two Wheatstone bridges arranged at 45° to each other, and made of a magneto-resistive material. Hence, two 90° electric signals X and Y are generated, having the same amplitude, which allow to uniquely determine the angle of rotation ? of the shaft (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Biffi Italia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Archimede Affaticati, Giordano Alfieri
  • Patent number: 6957926
    Abstract: A magnet mounting structure for fastening a magnet to a spoke of a two-wheeled vehicle even without tool includes a knob member having a screw and the magnet and an internal thread member in which the screw is screwed. The spoke is held between the knob member and the internal thread member to allow the magnet to be fastened to the spoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Cateye Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoji Okuda
  • Patent number: 6954014
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor with a frequency generator attached thereto, equipped with the frequency generator (FG) for detecting a rotational speed of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Japan Servo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Ohiwa, Yuji Enomoto, Tomoyoshi Maruyama, Yuji Takagai, Sachio Hatori, Kazuto Nagai
  • Patent number: 6954063
    Abstract: A rotation detecting device includes a magnetoresistive unit comprising a pair of magnetoresistive sensing elements arranged in line symmetry, and a biasing magnet that generates magnetic flux. The magnetoresistive unit is arranged so that its line of symmetry extends in the direction of the magnetic flux generated by the biasing magnet. As a result, an output of the magnetoresistive unit does not change when the magnetic flux passes along the line of symmetry whether operating in a high temperature condition or a room temperature condition. By setting the threshold level to this output voltage, the output of the magnetoresistive unit can be shaped into a pulse signal without changing it in correspondence with temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takamasa Kinpara, Hirofumi Uenoyama
  • Patent number: 6943542
    Abstract: This wheel speed detector is constructed of a magnetic sensor and a magnetic ring and is integrated with the inside of a seal device. The magnetic ring constitutes a part (core bar) of the seal device. This arrangement can enable the compacting and reduction in the number of components and improve space saving and assembling workability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Sentoku, Motoshi Kawamura, Kazutoshi Toda, Nobuyuki Seo, Naoki Morimura, Tomohiro Ishii, Kanichi Kouda, Yoshifumi Shige, Fujio Harumi
  • Patent number: 6937010
    Abstract: A magnetic detector capable of being easily assembled and diminishing fluctuation in magnetic detection accuracy includes: magnetic resistance elements whose resistance value changes according to change in magnetic field generated by rotation of a multi-polarized rotor; an IC formed by integrating a signal processing circuit section that outputs a signal corresponding to multi-polarization of the rotor based on change in resistance values of the magnetic resistance elements; a lead frame mounted with the IC and connected to an external output terminal for externally outputting an output signal from the signal processing circuit section; a magnet applying a bias magnetic field to the magnetic resistance elements; and a magnetic guide for correcting lines of magnetic force from the magnet. The IC, lead frame and magnetic guide are preliminarily assembled to serve as a first assembly, and the magnet and external output terminal are preliminarily assembled to serve as a second assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Takashima, Masahiro Yokotani, Izuru Shinjo
  • Patent number: RE39781
    Abstract: A magnetic device mounts on a flat spoke of a wheel. This magnetic device can comprise a magnet and a housing. The housing is coupled to the magnet, and has a spoke-receiving recess with a non-circular cross section, and at least one detent. The detent extends from the housing into the spoke-receiving recess to secure a flat spoke within the spoke-receiving recess via a snap-fit. The magnetic device communicates with a sensing device, which is adapted to be coupled to a portion of the bicycle that is adjacent to a wheel of the bicycle. A display unit, adapted to be mounted on handlebars of the bicycle, displays the speed information obtained from the sensing device. In a second embodiment, the housing is made of a more elastic material, and the detents become optional. In a third embodiment, the spoke-receiving recess of the housing has a projection that engages a concavity form in the connecting portion of the spoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Muraoka, Kozo Kitagawa, Kazuo Wada
  • Patent number: RE39843
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Gary W. Wineland