Abstract: A linear sensor is described with a casing (5), with a pin (7) which contains a permanent magnet (1) and which is mounted in the casing (5) in a linearly displaceable manner against the force of a spring (6), and with a magnetic field sensor (3) attached to said casing (5) for detecting of a displacement of the permanent magnet (1). The invention provides that the pin (7) is controlled by a first cylindrical guide (8) and a second cylindrical guide (8).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring brushes, such as slipring or commutator brushes, on electrical machines. At least one electronic sensor is configured to be arranged in or on a brush apparatus of an electrical machine. This sensor is measuring the brush position at high speed and high resolution, and characterized in that it receives a brush position signal from the brushes in a contact-less fashion. Data is collected by a central unit which sends the data to a server computer. Client computers can consult data, and real time monitor the status of the machine.

Abstract: A proximity sensor includes a circuit board provided with a processing circuit, a light emitting device mounted on the surface of the circuit board, and a light-transmitting cylindrical light guide surrounding the portion of the circuit board having the light emitting device mounted thereon and guiding the outgoing light from the light emitting device to be emitted to outside. The cylindrical light guide includes the first light emitting surface as the first light outgoing region causing the light emitted from the light emitting device to pass therethrough and directly emitting the light to outside, a reflective surface reflecting the light emitted from the light emitting device to guide the light through the cylindrical light guide in the circumferential direction, and the second light emitting surface as the second light outgoing region emitting, to outside, the light reflected on the reflective surface and propagated through the cylindrical light guide.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor for measuring a direction of a magnetic field in a plane having two sensing structures (1A; 1B) that can be operated as a rotating Hall element. The two Hall elements are rotated in discrete steps in opposite directions. Such a magnetic field sensor can be used as current sensor for measuring a primary current flowing through a conductor (15).

Abstract: A rotation angle detection device includes: a detection portion that detects detection angle that univocally corresponds to rotation angle of a rotating body which is within a predetermined range, wherein the detection angle linearly increases from a minimum value to a maximum value as the rotation angle increases within a unit range, and the detection angle changes from the maximum value to the minimum value or from the minimum value to the maximum value at a boundary between unit ranges that are adjacent to each other; and a correction portion that corrects the detection angle so that the detection angle detected in the predetermined range has linear characteristics, if the boundary between the unit ranges is contained in the predetermined range.

Abstract: A non-contact sheet conductivity measurement system includes a magnetic head apparatus, a computing system coupled to the magnetic head apparatus, a linear actuator coupled to the magnetic head apparatus, a motor controller coupled to the magnetic head apparatus, a power supply coupled to the magnetic head apparatus and a frequency meter coupled to the magnetic head apparatus

Abstract: A seat belt system configured for use in a vehicle includes a seat belt buckle assembly that is configured to determine the both the latch condition of the seat belt buckle assembly with the seat belt tongue, and the tension applied to the seat belt webbing in a seat belt system. The seat belt buckle assembly includes a latch configured to receive and engage the seat belt tongue, a magnet, and a magnetic sensor configured to determine relative displacement of the magnet. The seat belt buckle assembly is configured to cause a first displacement between the magnet and the magnetic sensor in response to engagement of the seat belt tongue with the latch and cause a second displacement between the magnet and the magnetic sensor in response to tension on the seat belt webbing via the seat belt tongue. The first displacement is distinct from the second displacement.

Abstract: Magnetic field sensor and related techniques can identify passing conditions, failing conditions, and marginal conditions of a sensed object. The magnetic field sensor and techniques can use one or more peak values of a proximity signal representative of proximity of the object, DC offset values of the proximity signal, or threshold values related to an amplitude of a signal representative of the proximity signal to identify the conditions.

Abstract: Magnetic field sensor and related techniques can identify passing conditions, failing conditions, and marginal conditions of a sensed object. The magnetic field sensor and techniques can use one or more peak values of a proximity signal representative of proximity of the object, DC offset values of the proximity signal, or threshold values related to an amplitude of a signal representative of the proximity signal to identify the conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for performing object localization based on the emission of electromagnetic fields. The electromagnetic fields are simultaneously emitted from different transmitters. One electromagnetic field is emitted at a base frequency; the remaining waves are emitted at frequencies that are harmonics of the base frequency. The composite magnetic fields are measured by sensors. The signal generated by each sensor is subject to a Fourier analysis to determine the strengths of the individual electromagnetic fields forming the composite electromagnetic field. These individual measure field strength data are then used to determine the position and orientation of the sensors relative to the transmitters.

Abstract: A sensor head for an encoder assembly includes a housing and at least two detectors. The sensor head is intended for scanning directly toward a rotatable encoding member positioned on a carrier ring. The carrier ring is intended to be installed on a shaft of a machine. The detectors are arranged on detector strips are displaceably attached to the housing.

Abstract: A transducer has a magnetic field concentrating member a first coil to couple with a first portion of the magnetic field concentrating member positioned adjacent the first coil and a second coil to couple with a second portion of the magnetic field concentrating member positioned adjacent the second coil, the second portion being spaced along the magnetic field concentrating member from the first portion. The transducer comprises a resonator having a coil wound around a portion of said magnetic field concentrating member which is located between said first and second portions. The transducer is arranged so that the electromagnetic coupling between the resonator and at least one of the first and second coils varies as a function of the relative position between the elongate field concentrating member and that coil. In this way, separate processing electronics can process the signals obtained from the transducer to determine the desired position information.

Abstract: A sensor with multiple magnetic field sensing elements for use in current sensing and other applications is presented. The sensor includes an arrangement of two or more magnetic field sensing elements to sense magnetic field associated with a target. The sensor further includes circuitry to generate a sensor output signal based on sensing of at least one of the magnetic field sensing elements of the arrangement. Also included is a programmable misalignment adjustment block to control the circuitry to generate the output signal with compensation for misalignment between the sensor and the target. The programmable misalignment adjustment block can be programmed to select measurement of one of the two or more magnetic field sensing elements, or alternatively, a mathematical combination of measurements of the two or more magnetic field sensing elements, for generating the sensor output signal when a test of the sensor indicates a misalignment.

Abstract: By incorporating magnetic field sensing coils in an external charger, it is possible to determine the position of an implantable device by sensing the reflected magnetic field from the implant. In one embodiment, two or more field sensing coils are arranged to sense the reflected magnetic field. By comparing the relative reflected magnetic field strengths of the sensing coils, the position of the implant relative to the external charger can be determined. Audio and/or visual feedback can then be communicated to the patient to allow the patient to improve the alignment of the charger.

Abstract: An apparatus (2;3;4;5) for determination of the axial position of the armature (11) of a linear motor comprises at least one pair of magnetically permeable, annular elements (12;20,21;30,31,34,35;40,41,44,45;48;50,51), which are arranged essentially coaxially and at a short distance (dr;db) from one another, such that an air gap (22;32,36;42,46) is formed between them, in which a magnetic field sensor (23;33,37;43,47;Si) for measurement of the magnetic field (B) in the air gap is arranged.

Abstract: A device coupled with a magnetometer and an angular rate sensor can determine a heading of the device using magnetometer data. When the device receives a notification that the magnetometer data may be inaccurate, the device can determine the heading of the device using angular rate data. When the device determines that the magnetometer data are accurate, the device can resume determining the heading of the device using the magnetometer data.

Abstract: A control system for use in safety critical human/machine control interfaces is described, more particularly a joystick type control system and particularly a joystick type control system utilizing magnetic positional sensing. The control system provides a control input device having a movable magnet, a pole-piece frame arrangement positioned about the magnet, at least three magnetic flux sensors being positioned in said pole-piece frame arrangement and a monitoring arrangement for monitoring the output signal of each of said at least three sensors.

Abstract: A coding member having a plurality of base structures is illustrated. The base structures are arranged in a predetermined periodic manner and each base structure comprises first and second metal layers. The base structures are embedded in a body made from an encapsulant such that a surface of the first metal layer is exposed externally whereas the second metal layer is completely embedded inside the body. Encoders, having such coding member are illustrated. The encoders include transmissive and reflective optical encoders, as well as non-optical encoders such as magnetic and capacitive encoders.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable medium for mapping magnetic activity for a current linking a planet's space environment to an ionosphere of the planet are disclosed. Magnetic field measurements of the current are obtained from a plurality of satellites orbiting the planet. A residual magnetic field is determined from the obtained magnetic field measurements. The determined residual magnetic field is arranged to create a time series for a selected location of a planet-centered coordinate system. The magnetic activity is mapped using the created time series for the selected location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to device, method, and system for separation and/or detection of biological cells and biomolecules using micro-channels, magnetic interactions, and magnetic tunnel junctions. The micro-channels can be integrated into a microfluidic device that may be part of an integrated circuit. Magnetic interactions used for the separation are created, in part, by magnetic stripes associated with the micro-channels. Detection of biological cells and biomolecules is effectuated by a magnetic tunnel junction sensor that comprises two ferromagnetic layers separated by a thin insulating layer. The magnetic tunnel junction sensor can be integrated into a silicon based device, such a microfluidic device, an integrated circuit, or a microarray to achieve rapid and specific separation and/or detection of biomolecules and cells.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for identifying and measuring the electric field strength which occurs from each of RFID tags arranged in a detection target space by a receiver to grasp the state of an object. The apparatus is provided with m (m>=1) electromagnetic field generation means provided near a space, the space being occupied by the object when the object is in a particular state; n (n>=1) electric field strength measurement means for identifying and measuring electric field strength which occurs from each of the m electromagnetic field generation means; characteristic extraction means for calculating characteristics from m×n time-series data of the electric field strength; and state identification means for identifying, by statistical processing, a state from the characteristics and characteristic data in each state for learning.

Abstract: A position sensor coder of the type comprising a multipolar magnetic annulus (2) provided at its circumference with poles having polarities of opposite signs, the coder including at least one mark zone (Pi) presenting an angular width (Li) greater than the angular width of each of the alternating poles situated outside said zone around the circumference of the annulus, the coder being characterized in that said mark zone (Pi) comprises two adjacent singular poles (Ni, Si) presenting polarities of opposite signs and placed in the continuity of pole alternation in the annulus (2) and of angular width that is greater than the angular width of the poles lying outside the mark zone, the magnetization within the singular poles varying gradually in continuous manner between the two ends of the mark zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a path measuring apparatus comprising at least a first measuring path and a second measuring path, these measuring paths each having an extension in a longitudinal direction and being oriented parallel to one another in at least a measuring range, at least one position indicator which couples to the measuring paths in a non-contact manner, and a measuring path holder which extends in the measuring range and has recesses, each recess having a measuring path arranged therein.

Abstract: A magnetic system for biosensors is switchable between attraction force and repulsion force near the sensor surface. The magnetic system includes a magnetic source and a sensor. The sensor corresponds with the magnetic field in a way that the magnetic source creates inhomogeneous magnetic field lines that results in a magnetic force towards the magnetic system and which subsequently or adjacently exerts a magnetic force directed away from the magnetic system with all magnetic forces generated at the same magnetic source.

Abstract: A measuring system for determining the distance to a magnetic alternating field source, with a magnetic sensor arrangement, by means of which a characteristic magnetic alternating field signal of the magnetic alternating field source can be recorded, and an evaluation device connected with the magnetic sensor arrangement and by means of which the characteristic magnetic alternating field signals of the magnetic alternating field source recorded by the magnetic sensor arrangement can be evaluated and converted into the distance between the magnetic alternating field source on the one hand and the magnetic sensor arrangement on the other.

Abstract: A displacement sensor for sensing displacement of a first surface relative to a second surface includes a coil mounted on the first surface, and encircling a region in plane; and a conductor extending lengthwise from the second surface through the region. The conductor has a volume that varies along its length. An AC source drives the coil to generate a magnetic field that pierces the region and induces eddy currents in the conductor. Eddy current losses resulting from the eddy currents vary in dependence on the volume of the conductor above and beneath the plane. A sensing circuit is coupled to the AC source to detect changes in eddy current losses, and thereby displacement. Detection of displacement may be used to signal tamper/intrusion. The sensor may further include a visual or audible output to signal such displacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for positioning at least two devices, a first and a second device relative each other. The method comprises: transmitting a number of magnetic pulses with the first device, detecting said pulses with the second device, based on said detected pulses generating a number of virtual planes, and determining a crossing line between said planes corresponding to a direction between said devices.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for determining a spatial position of a first part relative to a second part has at least one magnet disposed on the first part. The magnet generates a magnetic field that extends to the second part. The sensor assembly further has a pair of magnetic field sensors arranged at a spatial distance from each other on the second part. The magnet is positioned in an interval defined by the spatial distance between the magnetic field sensors. The magnetic field sensors each produce an output signal depending on the magnetic field. The output signals of the two magnetic field sensors are combined to form a common sensor signal related to the spatial position of the first part relative to the second part. The output signals of the two magnetic field sensors essentially represent a direction of the magnetic field at the location of the respective magnetic field sensors.

Abstract: A method for detecting magnetic fields, particularly for detecting the position of objects with a preferably oblong, soft-magnetic element, which is connected to electronics, with via the electronics the impedance of the soft-magnetic material is measured, characterized in that a magnetic field is used in which by the position of an object which is located in an arrangement with the soft-magnetic material the magnetic field develops at the location of the soft-magnetic material, with the magnetic permeability ? of the soft-magnetic material adjusting, depending on the magnetic field and thus the position of the object. A respective device serves for applying the method according to the invention.

Abstract: An array of induction coil sensors is used to monitor, from multiple locations, the strength of a magnetic field generated by a wire to be traced. The magnetic field strength data is used to determine the location and orientation of the wire. In one embodiment, the sensor array is incorporated into a test instrument. The screen of the test instrument provides a graphical user interface that shows the orientation of the wire and indicates the location of the wire relative to the instrument.

Abstract: A probe for use in a sensor assembly includes an sensing element body and an sensing element coupled to the sensing element body. The sensing element is at least partially capacitively coupled to a signal processing device. The sensing element generates an electromagnetic field when at least one signal is received, and a loading is induced to the sensing element when an object is positioned within the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A control rod position detector including a permanent magnet that is attached on a control rod inserted in a reactor pressure vessel, where the permanent magnet is capable of moving together with the control rod, and a plurality of reed switch mechanisms that are arranged in the reactor pressure vessel at regular intervals in an insertion direction of the control rod. Each of the reed switch mechanisms is provided with a pair of reed switches that are placed so as to overlap with each other in the insertion direction of the control rod. The pair of reed switches are connected to a common wiring. The common wiring is connected to a detector that detects a position of the control rod based on signals from the reed switches.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a device sensing a capsule (2) inserted in a receptacle (1) in machine and physical parameters of liquid supplied by a beverage production apparatus flowing through the capsule in function of the type of capsule. The capsule containing beverage ingredient is inserted in a cylindrical or conical wide mouthed receptacle having an upper opening for inserting the capsule and a lower bottom closing the receptacle. The receptacle rotates around an axis of a hollow shaft (3) attached at the center and perpendicularly to the external face of the bottom of the receptacle, said shaft forming a hole at the center of the inner face of the bottom of the receptacle. The device comprises a rod sliding in the shaft and passing through the hole of the inner face of the bottom of the receptacle, said rod (4) being provided with a spring maintaining an end of the rod lifted inside the receptacle in contact with the capsule, the other end being inside the shaft.

Abstract: A rotation detector includes a first distance sensor disposed to face a rotating body with a gear portion formed non-parallel to a rotation axis for continuously measuring a distance from the gear portion during rotation of the rotating body, a second distance sensor disposed at a position different from the first distance sensor in a direction of the rotation axis for continuously measuring a distance from the gear portion during rotation of the rotating body, and an axis shift detecting portion for detecting an axis shift of the rotation axis based on a variation in the distance measured by at least one of the first and second distance sensors.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a television apparatus includes a first component and a second component, a cylindrical or columnar magnet, a magnetic sensor, and an engagement mechanism. The first component and the second component are connected to be relatively rotatable. The magnet is provided to the first component, and a plurality of magnetic poles are formed along the outer circumference of the magnet. The magnetic sensor is provided to the second component to detect magnetism of the magnetic poles. The engagement mechanism includes at least one convex-concave engagement portion configured to allow the magnet and the first component to be mutually engaged inside or on the outer circumference of the magnet. The engagement mechanism is asymmetric with respect to the central axis of the magnet and asymmetric with respect to any virtual plane including the central axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are various systems and methods for assessing and improving the capability of a machine tool. The disclosure applies to machine tools having at least one slide configured to move along a motion axis. Various patterns of dynamic excitation commands are employed to drive the one or more slides, typically involving repetitive short distance displacements. A quantification of a measurable merit of machine tool response to the one or more patterns of dynamic excitation commands is typically derived for the machine tool. Examples of measurable merits of machine tool performance include workpiece surface finish, and the ability to generate chips of the desired length.

Abstract: A magnetic displacement sensor, where, in order to achieve an improved measurement behavior, magnets are formed in a direction of an x-axis such that a z-component (Bz) of the flux density has an essentially linear characteristic curve in a region of travel and/or the magnets are formed in a direction of a y-axis such that the z-component (Bz) is essentially constant in a region of a transversal offset.

Abstract: A system having a sensor using one or more magnetic field detectors to determine its position on a path of travel relative to one or more magnets situated on the path. The magnets may be electromagnets arranged in regions along the path with a region between two electromagnets. One or more electromagnets may be selectively activated so as to define a region where the sensor is present. An indication from the system may provide a position of the sensor within a region and identify the region where the sensor is situated.

Abstract: An encoder apparatus comprises a first scale member with a scale region on which a scale is arranged; a detector that detects light from the scale region; and a retaining member with a retaining surface that is arranged so as to face a surface of the first scale member including the scale region via a predetermined gap, and that retains a liquid at least between the retaining surface and the first scale member.

Abstract: A base station (e.g., a central device including a transducer assembly of one or more orthogonal transducers) transmits a magnetic field at a known power level and direction. The magnetic field signal includes data information transmitted from the base station to a movable remote station. The remote station includes a transducer assembly of one or multiple transducer coils to receive the magnetic field generated by the base station. Location and orientation of the remote station (with respect to the base station) are determined based on the magnitude, amplitude, and/or phase of magnetic field signals received on each of the remote station's transducers. The remote station may transmit the location and orientation information (e.g., raw measured data or converted data) to the base station using the same coils as used by the remote station to receive the magnetic field generated by the base station.

Abstract: An electromagnetic motion sensor includes a base, an electromagnetic induction layer, a block, and an emitting coil. The electromagnetic induction layer with a plurality of induction coils is arranged on the bottom of the base. The block is movably connected to the base by a plurality of elastic members. The emitting coil is fixed to a center of the bottom of the block facing the induction layer. A circuit inside the block provides current to the emitting coil. The block moves with the jerk of the motion sensor when the motion sensor is jerked, causing the elastic members to be distorted. The relative movement between the block and the magnetic induction layer causes more than one of the induction coils generate and output voltage signals according to the change of magnetic flux through the plurality of induction coils caused by the moving of the emitting coil.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a magnetic field source, at least one flux conducting soft magnetic element with at least one air gap and at least one magnetic field sensor located in the air gap and measuring a change of the magnetic field of the magnetic field source. The flux conducting soft magnetic element consists of 35% by weight?Ni?50% by weight, 0% by weight?Co?2% by weight, 0% by weight?Mn?1.0% by weight, 0% by weight?Si?0.5% by weight and 0.5% by weight?Cr?8% by weight and/or 0.5% by weight?Mo?8% by weight, wherein (Mo+Cr)?8, rest iron and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: A magnetic encoder scale having a series of periodically spaced magnetic marks. A reference mark is applied to the scale using an applicator or template, which has a feature for locating the reference mark. The applicator or template has one or more magnetic marks corresponding to the periodic scale marks, whereby the applicator or template automatically assumes a defined phase relationship relative to the periodic scale marks when placed on the scale. The reference mark may be attached to the scale self-adhesively, or it may be formed by removal of material from the scale, guided by the applicator or template. The applicator may alternatively have a strong permanent magnet which applies further magnetization to a region of the scale.

Abstract: A motor rotation angle sensor includes a plurality of Hall elements and a plurality of switches, each a which is able to interrupt supply of power for operating a corresponding one of these Hall elements.

Abstract: A rotational position sensor includes a rotating body rotatably supported around a predetermined axis line by a bearing portion of a housing and a sensor unit having a movable sensor element arranged at the rotating body to detect a rotational angle position of the rotating body and a fixed sensor element arranged at the housing. The rotating body includes a tapered annular contact face defining a part of a virtual cone face with a vertex on the axis line and the bearing portion includes a tapered annular bearing face rotatably supporting the annular contact face on the virtual cone face. Accordingly, the rotating body is consistently located on the axis line due to an automatic alignment effect. Therefore, the rotational angle position of the rotating body can be detected with high accuracy even with occurrence of aging variation such as wearing at a bearing area.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device or assembly for preventing the rotation of a magnet in a linear position sensor and eliminating the risk of undesired magnetic field measurements and incorrect sensor signal outputs. In one embodiment, the anti-rotation device is an anti-rotation plate which is fixed to the housing of the linear position sensor and a magnet carrier which includes at least one finger extending into a receptacle defined in either the edge or the body of the magnet carrier to prevent the magnet carrier from rotating relative to the plate. In another embodiment, the magnet carrier includes a key and the magnet includes a groove. The key extends into the groove for preventing the rotation of the magnet in the magnet carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a position/displacement measuring system comprising at least one encoded scale body having at least one encoding track extending in a measuring direction and a sensor device having at least one sensor head sensitive to the encoding, wherein the at least one sensor head comprises at least a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit which provide respective sensor signals and are spaced apart from one another in the measuring direction.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for measuring a location of a terminal using a magnetic field. For example, the apparatus may measure a location of a terminal using a magnetic field obtained by a magnetic field sensor and one or more sensor values obtained by a plurality of other sensors.

Abstract: A position detecting device is disclosed, which detects a position indicated by a human body. The position detecting device includes: a sensor substrate including a detection area, in which a plurality of detection electrodes are formed, and a wiring area, in which wiring led out from the detection electrodes is formed, and a case configured to house the sensor substrate. The sensor substrate further includes a conductor, which is connected to a fixed potential, provided at a position opposed to (facing) the wiring area.

Abstract: Anti-lock and intelligent braking systems have become ubiquitous in modern vehicles, which employ wheel speed sensors or WSSs. These WSSs generally uses current-domain signals (transmitted through power wires) to reduce the size of the vehicle's wiring harness, but because a vehicle is an inherently noisy environment, mixed signal circuit or MSC (used to decode these signals for a microcontroller) should be able to filter out or compensate for noise. However, traditional MSCs have been plagued with problems, partly due to errors in time base measurement due to noise (as well as other factors). Here, an MSC is provided that accurately calculates a wheel speed pulse width (which is used for time base measurements) by observing the wheel speed pulse as it passes through several thresholds.