Abstract: A linear feedback positioning module is provided with a coupling and a drive at one side of a platform having a lead screw, a movable assembly combined on the lead screw and a feedback assembly. The feedback assembly includes a magnetic scale cooperating with a read head. The magnetic scale is combined on the platform and located along the lead screw to cooperate with the lead screw. The linear feedback positioning module is further used with a backend control assembly. By such arrangements, the feedback assembly can correct error at any moment to improve the process and product accuracy and increase the production efficiency and product competitiveness.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for activating an event if an object has undergone a pattern of motion with alternating motion and standstill which corresponds to a predetermined sequence of motions, in which all forms of motion are included.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring volume- or mass-flow of a medium flowing through a measuring tube (2) in the direction of the measuring tube axis (3), and includes: A magnet system (6, 7) producing a magnetic field (B) passing through the measuring tube (2) essentially transversely to the measuring tube axis (3); at least one measuring electrode (5) coupled with the medium (11); a reference component (17) lying at a defined potential, wherein the reference component (17) is connected with a resistance (20); and a control/evaluation unit (8), which, on the basis of measurement voltage induced in the at least one measuring electrode (4, 5), delivers information concerning volume- or mass flow of the medium (11) in the measuring tube (2).

Abstract: A pole position measuring device for a magnetic levitation vehicle on a magnetic levitation track has a magnetic field sensor pair, for measuring the stator magnetic field of a track side stator, both magnetic field sensors of the magnetic field sensor pair being arranged at a given separation from each other and an evaluation device, which determines the pole orientation angle between the stator magnetic field of the track side stator and the magnetic reference axis of the magnetic levitation vehicle by means of the measured values from both magnetic field sensors. The separation between the two magnetic field sensors is less than half the wavelength of the fundamental wave of the track side stator magnetic field and the evaluation device is configured to determine the pole orientation angle from the measured values of the magnetic field sensors arranged thus.

Abstract: In a magnetic detection apparatus, a magnetic detection sensor generates a sensor output signal whose high level and low level have different potentials in accordance with the moving direction of a magnetic moving object, and a computer unit includes three comparator circuits and detects the output signal of the magnetic detection sensor with three levels of comparison threshold values, so that the moving direction of the magnetic moving object can be detected accurately without any delay.

Abstract: A position detection system that does not require calibration measurement to be performed in advance and reduces the work required for detecting a position and so on is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor array for evaluating the signals of a magnetically sensitive sensor, in which the changes in the magnetic field caused by a moved transmitting element (10) are evaluated by forming the difference. The transmitting element (10) is fitted with a plurality of magnetic poles (14, 16). A soft magnetic collecting element (18, 20) is provided which taps the magnetic field of at least two magnetic poles (14, 16) of the same kind and feeds said magnetic field to the sensor element (22).

Abstract: A sensor arrangement is arranged to detect at least one position of a displaceable component in a fluid device, which fluid device comprises a wall enclosing a cavity, in which cavity the component is displaced by pressurized fluid selectively applied to the component. The sensor arrangement includes a magnetic sensor mounted outside the wall and a first sensor element that is connected to the magnetic sensor and extends through the wall and a predetermined distance into the cavity. The magnetic sensor is arranged to detect the position of at least one predetermined second sensor element located on the displaceable component by sensing a change in magnetic flux induced in the first sensor element by the second sensor element.

Abstract: A position measuring apparatus includes at least one bearing, a rod of magnetizable material guided in the at least one bearing, a linear magnetic field sensor, and a magnet disposed next to the linear magnetic field sensor. The rod includes a cutout, and the magnet is arranged in the cutout within an enveloping cylinder lateral surface around the rod.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor module includes providing a substrate comprising a magnetically sensitive sensor element. The sensor element and the substrate are encapsulated with at least one mold material that is configured to apply a bias magnetic field to the sensor element.

Abstract: Provided is a switch for vehicles, which includes an intermittent driving device connected to a control device which opens and closes a switching device based on the magnitude of the magnetism of a magnet mounted on an operating body. Therefore, the supply of power from a battery to a detection device and the control device is intermittently performed at a predetermined period by the intermittent driving device.

Abstract: A position detecting system includes a magnetic field generator, a detecting body, a magnetic field detector, a position/direction calculating unit, and a control unit. The magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field in a three-dimensional space. The detecting body is put into the three-dimensional space, and includes a resonance circuit for generating a resonance magnetic field. The position/direction calculating unit calculates a position/direction of the detecting body. If the resonance circuit is in the non-resonant state, the magnetic field detector detects an environmental magnetic field, and the control unit updates detection data of the environmental magnetic field. If the resonance circuit is in the resonant state, the magnetic field detector detects the spatial magnetic field in the three-dimensional space. The position/direction calculating unit executes processing using the detection data of the spatial magnetic field and updated detection data of the environmental magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetic field response sensor comprises an inductor placed at a fixed separation distance from a conductive surface to address the low RF transmissivity of conductive surfaces. The minimum distance for separation is determined by the sensor response. The inductor should be separated from the conductive surface so that the response amplitude exceeds noise level by a recommended 10 dB. An embodiment for closed cavity measurements comprises a capacitor internal to said cavity and an inductor mounted external to the cavity and at a fixed distance from the cavity's wall. An additional embodiment includes a closed cavity configuration wherein multiple sensors and corresponding antenna are positioned inside the cavity, with the antenna and inductors maintained at a fixed distance from the cavity's wall.

Abstract: A magnetic pressure sensing device for rotatably moving parts, of the type including at least one magnetic field source element associated with the rotatably moving part and a magnetic field sensing element associated to a fixed part to measure parameters of a magnetic field determined by the magnetic field source element, the parameters of the magnetic field being a function of the pressure applied to the rotatably moving part. The magnetic field source element includes a device for rotating around at least one axis the direction of the magnetic field as a function of the pressure applied to the rotatably moving part.

Abstract: A procedure for locating a mobile magnetic target (2) using magnetic measurements includes determining first and second positions (P1 and P2), and a first possible speed (V) of the target (2) along a first direction (Y), determining a third position on a trajectory (28) defined relative to the first direction as a function of the first possible speed (V) and of a later moment in time, and determining the approach position of the target and its speed as a function of the first, second and third positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the operation of a robot joint in which a second member (43) is displaceably mounted on a first member (41). The distance to a measurement plate provided to the second member (43) is measured by a range finder (42) provided to the first member (41). A monitoring unit (71) compares the distance data measured by the range finder with a reference distance stored in advance, and generates an abnormality signal when the difference between the distance data and the reference distance exceeds an allowable value.

Abstract: A position detection device includes a magnetic generation unit that has: a first magnetism generating section that is provided on one end side along a predetermined direction and generates magnetism; a second magnetism generating section that is provided on another end side along the predetermined direction and generates magnetism of polarity different from that of the first magnetism generating section; and a low magnetism section that is formed in the first magnetism generating section and the second magnetism generating section such that a width of the low magnetism section varies along the predetermined direction to generate magnetism lower than those of the first magnetism generating section and the second magnetism generating section, and a magnetic detection unit that is capable of moving relative to the magnetic generation unit along the predetermined direction and that detects the magnetism generated by the first magnetism generating section and the second magnetism generating section.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a magnetic field sensor and an injection molded magnetic material enclosing at least a portion of the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a switch for vehicles, including a first switching device which performs the electrical connection/disconnection between a battery and a stop lamp and a second switching device connected to a control device which opens and closes the first switching device based on the magnitude of the magnetism of a magnet mounted on an operating body. Various controls such as auto-cruise control and so on as well as the turn on/off of the stop lamp can be simultaneously performed by the one magnet mounted on the operating body of the switch for vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic system for biosensors. It aims at developing a magnetic system for biosensors, which can switch between attraction force and repulsion force near the sensor surface. The arrangement has at least a coil and a ferromagnetic core generating a magnetic field, and a sensor or sensor surface which corresponds with the magnetic field in a way, that the ferromagnetic core is equipped with an opening on the side where the sensor is located in order to produce a local high density of inhomogeneous magnetic field lines, along which the sensor is movable between at least two definable positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analysis of magnetic fields or signals used for the determination of the position of an object, wherein two temporally to each other shifted magnetic signals or fields are generated by two conductors arranged at least in part or completely separated from each other. The magnetic fields generated by the conductors are consecutively being captured by at least one and preferably three sensors arranged orthogonally to each other and determining from the captured signals information for determining the position of the object carrying the sensors relative to the conductors.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved security system sensor assembly. The sensor assembly of the current invention reduces installation costs when adding a security system. to an existing structure by eliminating the need to install magnets on existing doors. The sensor assembly of the current invention allows the security system to monitor the locked or unlocked status of each monitored door by sensing when a deadbolt lock is in the locked position. Additionally, the sensor assembly will alert the security system when a deadbolt lock is moved from the locked position without authorization.

Abstract: A machine includes a component. The machine may also include a position-sensing system with a plurality of sensor elements that each generate a signal related to proximity of the sensor element to the component by generating the signal based at least in part on the magnetic permeability of the space adjacent the sensor element and a time-varying magnetic field generated by an electric circuit of the position-sensing system. The machine may also include one or more information-processing devices that determine a positional relationship between the component and the plurality of sensor elements based on a plurality of the signals generated by the sensor elements.

Abstract: A procedure for locating a mobile magnetic target (2) using magnetic measurements includes determining first and second positions (P1 and P2), and a first possible speed (V) of the target (2) along a first direction (Y), determining a third position on a trajectory (28) defined relative to the first direction as a function of the first possible speed (V) and of a later moment in time, and determining the approach position of the target and its speed as a function of the first, second and third positions.

Abstract: A shaft assembly, includes an elongated shaft and a flywheel mounted to an end of the shaft. An encoder is mounted to the shaft and includes an annular support ring having a radially inwardly extending portion and an axially extending portion extending from a radially outer end of the radially inwardly extending portion. The radially inwardly extending portion defines a spring section which is compressed between the flywheel and the end of the shaft, and an encoder material is disposed on the axially extending portion of the annular support ring.

Abstract: A position detection apparatus and a medical-device-position detection system that have improved position detection accuracy are provided by setting high amplification for the position detection apparatus. The position detection apparatus includes a circuit that has at least one embedded coil (10a) and that is provided inside an object (10) to be detected; a first magnetic-field generating unit (11) for generating a first magnetic field in the region where the embedded coil (10a) is disposed; a magnetic-field detecting unit (5, 12) for detecting an induced magnetic field generated at the embedded coil (10a) by the first magnetic field; and a second magnetic-field generating unit (23) for generating a second magnetic field having a phase substantially opposite to the phase of the first magnetic field.

Abstract: A magnetic structure for detecting a relative motion between the magnetic structure and a magnetic field sensor comprises at least two permanent magnets. The permanent magnets are arranged along a predetermined line which for example is a straight or circular line at a predetermined distance g from each other. The permanent magnets are magnetized in the direction of the line, adjacent permanent magnets having an opposite direction of magnetization.

Abstract: In a method for determining road clearance of a vehicle, the vehicle is moved relative to a measurement configuration with a reference surface. One or more magnets, which are disposed on the vehicle and assigned preferably each to a defined measurement point on the vehicle, is detected by at least one device for magnetic field measurement. With the help of at least one device for separation measurement, the separation between the measurement configuration and the bottom side of the vehicle is determined. In this way, a rapid, reliable, repeatable and flexibly usable method for the determination of the road clearance of a vehicle is provided. A corresponding device is provided for implementing the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preferably ferriteless inductive proximity switch having at least one transmitting coil, one oscillator circuit and at least two receiving coils arranged in the alternating magnetic field of the transmitting coil, whereby the transmitting coil and the receiving coil are arranged adjacent to each other on a printed circuit board, and also having an evaluation circuit connected to the receiving coil for evaluating the received signal of the receiving coils when a target approaches the proximity switch.

Abstract: A load sensor includes a housing and a magnet carrier axially movable within the housing. A first and a second magnet are coupled to the magnet carrier in an axially spaced apart arrangement and oriented to provide repelling magnetic fields. The magnet carrier and the first and second magnets are axially movable relative to the magnetic field sensor, and the magnetic field sensor is configured to provide an output that is indicative of the position of the magnetic filed sensor relative to the first and second magnets.

Abstract: A position detecting circuit provided in an imaging apparatus having an optical system that images a subject image, an imaging element that performs photoelectric conversion of the subject image, and a release switch capable of setting states of two stages includes: a plurality of magnetic field change detecting elements that detect the intensity of a magnetic field formed by a magnetic field generating body attached to either the optical system or the imaging element and that are provided so as to be separated from each other; a position detecting portion that detects the position of the magnetic field generating body on the basis of outputs from the plurality of magnetic field change detecting elements; and a standby portion that stops a function of at least one of the position detecting portion and the plurality of magnetic field change detecting elements until a first stage of the release switch is set.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of determining an angle a of an external magnetic field relative to a magnetoresistive angle sensor with two full bridges which respectively supply an output signal U1=U0sin(2?), U2=U0cos(2?), wherein the angle determination can be carried out using simple electronic components, it is proposed that the angle ? is determined in an analog manner using the relation ?=½*(U1/(U1|+U2|))?1*sgn(U2).

Abstract: A subframe structure for an automotive vehicle wherein a subframe is attached through a rubber mount to a vehicle body, suspension components are assembled onto the subframe so that the suspension components are held connected to the vehicle body through the subframe, and a detecting assembly capable of providing an output signal according to a load that acts between a subframe and a vehicle body is provided. A rubber mount for use in this subframe structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A scale section is made of a magnetic material. A repeated pattern is recorded at a uniform pitch on the surface of the scale section. A sensor section is provided independently from the scale section. The sensor section is provided with a magnetic position sensor that reads the pattern, on a surface close to the surface of the scale section. Further, the sensor section is provided with a magnetic tilt sensor that detects a tilt between the surface of the scale section and the surface of the sensor section on which the position sensor is located. The magnetic position detector in which the scale section and the sensor section are separated from each other can be efficiently fixed to a detection target using the tilt sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of orientation measurement by a magnetic field generating apparatus and a magnetic field receiver apparatus by using one or more coils, respectively. Said coils transmit or receive at least one magnetic field being modulated by a frequency, respectively; thereby said apparatus provides a specific arrangement to said coils like e.g. a planar one to determine the relative orientation of said apparatus to each other.

Abstract: A relative position of two articles is determined by generating a magnetic field using a magnetic element of a first article and determining a first measurement value and a second measurement value using a sensor arrangement of a second article, with the first and the second measurement values correlated to the size of the magnetic field in two different spatial directions and correspond to two different magnetic field components. The sensor arrangement is selected such that the first magnetic field component is essentially parallel to the direction of relative movement of the articles and the second magnetic field component is essentially perpendicular to the relative direction of movement of the articles. A difference signal of the absolute magnitudes of the first and second measured values is used to determine the relative position of the first and second articles. A position detector is also provided.

Abstract: A position detecting device has a movable unit, and a hold unit that movably holds the movable unit. One of the movable unit and the hold unit has a magnetic field generator having an engaged portion and a guide opening. A magnetic field sensor is provided on the other unit of the movable unit and hold unit. The sensor senses the magnetic field so as to detect the position of the movable unit relative to the hold unit. The magnetic field generator is fixed to the first surface after the magnetic field generator is slidingly moved by a rod member inserted into the guide opening and engaged with the engaged portion so as to dispose the magnetic field generator at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A system and method for optimally placing radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas. The system varies the placement of RFID tag and interrogator antennas with respect to each other and a stationary object or objects. A signal generator sends a known reference signal to the one or more RFID interrogator antennas. The signal is received by the one or more RFID tag antennas and is displayed upon an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer or other multipurpose signal measuring device. By this method, the system finds the optimal placement of the antennas with respect to each other and the object or objects.

Abstract: To provide a position detection apparatus with an expanded range of good linearity in a magnetic sensor's output characteristic with respect to position of a movable body as well as to provide a vehicle mirror angle detection apparatus using the position detection apparatus. Two permanent magnets 42 and 44 and one Hall-effect sensor 46 are used. The permanent magnets 42 and 44 are arranged with their relative position fixed. The Hall-effect sensor 46 is placed laterally to the arrangement of the two permanent magnets 42 and 44. The permanent magnets 42 and 44 and Hall-effect sensor 46 move relative to each other in a direction parallel to the arranging direction of the permanent magnets 42 and 44. Those surfaces 42a and 44a of the permanent magnets 42 and 44 which face the Hall-effect sensor 46 constitute magnetic pole faces of opposite polarity and the magnetic pole faces 42a and 44a are placed with an inward tilt.

Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic coil arrangement comprising a set of electromagnetic sensors at fixed locations with respect to each other, each of the electromagnetic sensors comprising a planar coil coupled to a conductive layer, the planar coil comprising non-concentric rings. Further, provided is an electromagnetic tracking system, comprising an electromagnetic coil arrangement, at least one complementary electromagnetic sensor and a processor configured to process a signal comprising data indicative of a mutual inductance between the at least one complementary electromagnetic sensor and each of the set of the electromagnetic sensors of the electromagnetic coil arrangement. Also, provided are a method of tracking and a method of manufacturing an electromagnetic coil arrangement.

Abstract: An instrument (10) for measuring three-dimensional motion in a living body comprises a plurality of magnetism generators (12i) fixed to one of at least two objects (44, 46) moving relatively in the living body, a plurality of magnetic field sensors (14j) fixed to the other object in order to perform noncontact detection of the magnetic field of each magnetism generator (12i), and a signal processing means (26) for calculating relative position and direction between each magnetism generator (12i) and each magnetic field sensor (14j) according to a magnetic field detected by each magnetic field sensor (14j). The number of magnetism generators (12i) and magnetic field sensors (14j) is at least five, respectively.

Abstract: Described is a position sensor device for determining a position of a movable object. The position sensor device includes (a) a magnetic field source fixed on a movable object, (b) a first magnetic field detector located at a first position and detecting a first magnetic field signal characteristic for a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source at the first position, (c) a second magnetic field detector located at a second position and detecting a second magnetic field signal characteristic for a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source at the second position, and (d) a position determining unit determining a position of the magnetic field source based on a comparison of the first magnetic field signal and the second magnetic field signal.

Abstract: A device and method for disclosing position of a positionable input by positioning the input over a range of positions to cause the magnitude of the directional component of a vector representing a field or force produced by a source to change from a reference magnitude or reference direction as the input is being positioned while an electric circuit that contains a sensor for sensing the directional component is changing the value of an electric signal for restoring the magnitude of the directional component being sensed by the sensor to the reference magnitude or reference direction, and using the value of the electric signal to disclose the position of the input.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a movable object, a first sensor element with a first magnetically encoded region and a second magnetically encoded region, and a second sensor element with at least a first magnetic field detector. The first sensor element is provided at to the movable object. The first magnetically encoded region is adapted to generate a magnetic reference signal in the first magnetic field detector of the second sensor element.

Abstract: A magnetic field detector having a reference magnetoresistive element and a magnetic field detecting magnetoresistive element. The reference magnetoresistive element and the magnetic field detecting magnetoresistive element each has a stack structure including an antiferromagnetic layer, a fixed layer of a ferromagnetic material with the direction of magnetization fixed by the antiferromagnetic layer, a nonmagnetic layer, and a free layer of a ferromagnetic material with the direction of magnetization adapted to be changed by an external magnetic field. The reference magnetoresistive element is such that the direction of magnetization of the fixed layer and the direction of magnetization of the free layer in the nonmagnetic field are parallel or antiparallel to each other, and the magnetic field detecting magnetoresistive element is such that the direction of magnetization of the fixed layer and the direction of magnetization of the free layer in the nonmagnetic field are different from each other.

Abstract: A method for measuring the movement of boundaries between different portions of a heterogeneous rock body is disclosed. The method comprises placing a plurality of blast movement monitors 109 in a rock body prior to blasting and noting the position of each blast movement monitor. The rock body is then blasted to break it up into a plurality of pieces. Thereafter the position of the blast movement monitors 109 is located and based on this the boundaries of rock portions can be adjusted to account for the blast. This leads to a more accurate reporting of different ore bodies to the appropriate processor in a heterogeneous rock body. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises broadly a said monitor 109 and a receiver. The monitor 1 comprises a transmitter 109 received within a casing 111 that in turn is received within a housing 126. Further the casing 111 can move within the housing 126 and self right so that it always transmits its signal in an upright direction.

Abstract: In occupant detection systems, direct connections, such as fixed or permanent connections, are provided between the antenna and measurement circuit and between the measurement circuit and wiring harness. Multiple such arrangements may be used for capacitive, electric field, or other types of occupant detection circuits. In some embodiments, the occupant detection is split between a measurement circuit and a processor. For multiple sensors, multiple measurements circuits are provided with direction connections. The processor determines the occupancy state from data from the measurement circuits. The direction connections provide separate, unitary measurement modules to be used by the occupancy system.

Abstract: A new approach for locating an underground line described herein remains accurate in the face of bleedover by including both amplitude and phase from at least two magnetic field strength sensors in the measurement set. A numerical optimization step is introduced to deduce the positions and currents of each of several cables, of which one is the targeted cable and the others are termed bleedover cables. Furthermore, some embodiments of the method accounts for practical problems that exist in the field that relate to reliable estimation of cable positions, like the phase transfer function between transmitter and receiver, the estimation of confidence bounds for each estimate, and the rejection of false positive locates due to the presence of noise and interference.

Abstract: An inductive position sensor for rotary motion includes a transmitter coil and a receiver coil, the receiver coil generating a receiver signal when the transmitter coil is excited by an alternating current source. A movable coupler element modifies the inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil so that the receiver signal is sensitive to the coupler element position. The ratio between the receiver signal and the reference signal is sensitive to the coupler element position, but substantially insensitive to common mode factors. The angular or positional range of the position sensor can be increased using a plurality of receiver coils.

Abstract: A system for tracking a moving magnetic target uses a magnetic anomaly sensing system to continually determine magnetic gradient tensors associated with the target and converts the magnetic gradient tensors to gradient contraction scalars. A processor uses the magnetic gradient tensors and gradient contraction scalars to determine a minimum of bearing and range to the target. A velocity of the target is determined using the determined bearing and range at two points in time as the target is moving. To continually track with the moving target, the processor determines adjustments in elevation and azimuth using the magnetic gradient tensors and gradient contraction scalars along with bearing, range and determined velocities of the target. The processor can include a routine that determines range while accounting for asphericity errors introduced by the aspherical nature of constant magnetic gradient contours associated with the target.