Abstract: A welding system is provided for welding a first work piece to a second work piece at a joint having a weld face and a root face. The welding system includes a weld face sensor configured to determine first joint characteristics at the weld face; a root face sensor configured to determine second joint characteristics at the root face; a controller coupled to the weld face sensor and the root face sensor and configured to generate positioning signals based on the first joint characteristics and the second joint characteristics; and a welding gun coupled to the controller and positioned proximate to the weld face, the welding gun configured to generate a welding beam for welding the joint based on the positioning signals from the controller.

Abstract: An inductive position encoder is described having first and second members which are relatively moveable over a measurement path, a magnetic device mounted on the first member; a plurality of first windings mounted on the second member; and a second winding. The magnetic device is operable to interact with the windings such that upon the energization of either the second winding or the first windings, there is generated a plurality of sensor signals each being associated with a respective one of said first windings and varying with the relative position between said magnetic device and the associated first winding and hence with the relative position between said first and second members. Additionally, the plurality of first windings are arranged along said measurement path so that the sensor signals vary substantially in accordance with a predetermined Gray code.

Abstract: A position monitoring system includes a tubular with a cavity formed therein, a magnet movable relative to the tubular, and a sensor sensible of a magnetic field of the magnet. A housing positioned within the cavity sealably isolates the sensor from environmental properties while permitting the sensor to sense the magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: A system for detecting a position and/or orientation of a magnetic dipole includes a first detector and a second detector, separate and spaced apart from the first detector. Each of the detectors includes three or more magnetic field sensors to detect a magnetic field generated by the magnetic dipole. The system has applications, for example, in image-guided surgery and/or therapy.

Abstract: A rotation angle detector for detecting a rotation angle of a magnet rotator includes: the rotator with a magnet mounted on a rotation shaft; a sensor chip; and an operation element. The chip includes: first and second normal component detection elements for detecting a magnetic field along with a normal direction and first and second rotation component detection elements for detecting a magnetic field along with a rotation direction.

Abstract: A control device is provided configured to provide user control signals. The control device comprises a magnetic flux sensing unit configured to provide two-dimensional angular orientation information with respect to a magnetic field acting on the magnetic flux sensing unit, and the user control signals are dependent on the two-dimensional angular orientation information. The control device further comprises a magnet arrangement comprising at least two permanent magnets configured to generate the magnetic field. The magnet arrangement and the magnetic flux sensing unit are arranged to be reoriented relative to one another within a predetermined range of movement, and the at least two permanent magnets are arranged relative to the magnetic flux sensing unit such that the magnetic field experienced by the magnetic flux sensing unit is substantially uniform throughout the predetermined range of movement.

Abstract: A position sensor suitable for use in linear synchronous motor (LSM) drive systems employing Halbach arrays to create their magnetic fields is described. The system has several advantages over previously employed ones, especially in its simplicity and its freedom from being affected by weather conditions, accumulated dirt, or electrical interference from the LSM system itself.

Abstract: A process of mapping piping systems associated with a refinery and petrochemical facilities is disclosed, which maps piping systems, which interconnect facility operating units with other operating units, utilities, distribution facilities and storage units. A system for aiding in the isolation of piping systems, operating units and other facility components is also disclosed. The system includes a search database having representations of the piping systems and its related components. A method of isolating an event within a facility is also disclosed. The method includes identifying the location of an event in the facility, performing a search to identify the impacted piping systems and related components, and identifying measures to isolate the event.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a base segment, a sliding segment, and an input module. The base segment defines more than one indicator. The sliding segment is slidably connected to the base segment and defines a pointer operable to align with an indicator. The input module includes a first magnet, a second magnet, and a sensor. The first magnet is received in the base segment. The second magnet is fixed to the sliding segment to align with the first magnet, and is configured for applying a magnetic force to the first magnet. The sensor is connected to the first magnet to sense the magnetic force and convert the magnetic force into a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal is inputted to the electronic device.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a method of determining a distance to a ferrous material comprises providing a plurality of magnetometers spaced at varying distances from a ferrous material, detecting a ferrous material with each of the plurality of magnetometers individually, establishing one of the plurality of magnetometers as a primary magnetometer, obtaining sensor readings from each of the plurality of magnetometers, forming a first ratio of the differences in the sensory readings of the primary magnetometer to the sensory readings of the other magnetometers, forming a second ratio of the differences in inversely cubed distances to the ferrous material from the primary magnetometer to inversely cubed distances to the ferrous material from the other magnetometers, setting the first ratio and the second ratio equal to each other, and calculating the distance to the ferrous material from the plurality of magnetometers.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for canceling the effects of magnetic field noise in a torque sensor by placing three sets of magnetic field sensors around a shaft, the first set of field sensors being placed in the central region of the shaft and the second and third sets of field sensors being placed on the right side and left side of the field sensors placed at the central region, respectively. A torque-induced magnetic field is not cancelled with this arrangement of field sensors but a magnetic near field from a near field source is cancelled.

Abstract: Provided are a rotation detecting device that highly precisely detects absolute angle with low noise, as well as a bearing assembly with such a rotation detecting device. Such a rotation detecting device includes magnetic encoders arranged coaxially with different number of magnetic poles as well as magnetic sensors that detect magnetic fields of those encoders. Each of the magnetic sensors can detect the encoders within each magnetic pole, and includes sensor elements as well as a phase detector that determines the phase of the sensor element in reference to a detected magnetic field signal and then outputs an ABZ phase signal. Such a rotation detecting device further includes a phase difference detector that determines a phase difference of the magnetic field signals in reference to an output from the phase detectors and an angle calculator that calculates the absolute angle of the encoders based on the detected phase difference.

Abstract: A multi-path data dissemination method for a magnetic diffusion wireless network and a system thereof overcome environmental interferences in wireless data transmissions. Each node of the network is provided for figuring out its good neighbors by broadcasting a good-neighbor exploratory message in a bootstrap process. Each node keeps a good-neighbor table containing nodes with a RSSI higher than a threshold of the good-neighbor table. A magnetic field of a magnetic diffusion (MD) dissemination method capable of determining a data dissemination path is created according to the good-neighbor tables to ensure that the data can be forwarded to a data sink successfully.

Abstract: A motion sensor has a channel amplitude difference processor configured to adjust gains of two channels to bring a gain of a one channel toward a gain of the other channel when a gain mismatch is detected.

Abstract: A motion sensor has an output protocol processor configured to provide a validated output signal after a determined time period, wherein the determined time period is extended if a vibration is detected.

Abstract: Wind turbine comprising a generator section with a generator rotor and a generator stator. A first air gap is defined between a first surface of the generator rotor and the stator, and magnets and electro conductive windings are provided at opposite sides of the first air gap to create a magnetic field over the first air gap during operation. The wind turbine comprises distance measurement means arranged to measure the radial length of a second air gap defined between a second surface of the generator rotor and a stationary part of the generator section. The second air gap is located at a radial distance from the first air gap at a position where there is no interference of a magnetic field generated by the magnets over the first air gap, and the length of the second air gap corresponds directly to the length of the first air gap. This enables accurate measurement and monitoring of the air gap length.

Abstract: A position detector is provided that can detect the position of a moving member with a higher degree of accuracy. In one form, a rotation sensor includes a magnet in which N-pole magnets and S-pole magnets are arranged alternately and circularly and that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of a spool, and first and second Hall elements and that are disposed apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the magnet and detect the poles of the N-pole magnets and S-pole magnets. In that case, the first and second Hall elements and are both unipolar detection type Hall elements that detect only the S-pole. The magnetization width of the S-pole magnets is set large, and the magnetization width of the N-pole magnets is set small.

Abstract: An assembly includes a magnetostrictive transducer that provides a transducer output. Amplifier circuitry receives the transducer output and generates a transducer output burst and a bias output burst. The transducer output burst and bias output burst overlap in time and differ by a phase difference. A burst processor receives the transducer output burst and the bias output burst. The burst processor provides a displacement output that is a function of a time when the transducer output burst and the bias output burst are at the same voltage level.

Abstract: A position detection device includes an electromagnetic conversion element and a magnetic field generator. The electromagnetic conversion element is arranged on a given plane. The magnetic field generator is arranged facing one side of the electromagnetic conversion element in a direction vertical to the given plane and generates a magnetic field covering the electromagnetic conversion element. A relative position between the electromagnetic conversion element and the magnetic field generator is detected when a relative displacement parallel to the given plane is made by the electromagnetic conversion element and the magnetic field generator based on an output signal of the electromagnetic conversion element. The magnetic field generator has an opposed face that tilts to the electromagnetic conversion element, and generates the magnetic field from the opposed face.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing external magnetic fields in implantable medical devices are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus for sensing magnetic fields. An apparatus embodiment includes a sensing circuit with at least one inductor having a magnetic core that saturates in the presence of a magnetic field having a prescribed flux density. The apparatus embodiment also includes an impedance measuring circuit connected to the sensing circuit. The impedance measuring circuit is adapted to measure impedance of the sensing circuit and to provide a signal when the impedance changes by a prescribed amount. According to an embodiment, the sensing circuit includes a resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit. The impedance measuring circuit includes a transthoracic impedance measurement module (TIMM), according to an embodiment. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive application probe is disclosed wherein the probe includes a preassembled sensor element mounted as an application housing installation as an installable unit. The modular nature allows interchanging with various electronic assemblies, and may be an explosion proof installation.

Abstract: In an actuating drive or method for capturing a position of a final control element to be positioned by a drive member of the actuating drive, the final control element is pushed from an initial position to a target position by a spring body acting on the drive member. A first reference position is spatially configured in a vicinity of or at the spring body. A second reference position moving relative to the first reference position during positioning movement of the drive member is spatially configured adjacent a first outer surface of the spring body. A distance between the first reference position and the second reference position is captured.

Abstract: An input device including multiple magnets rotatably disposed, multiple magnetic field detecting elements, and a controller. The magnets have the N pole and the S pole formed at a predetermined angular pitch in a rotating direction. The magnetic field detecting elements are disposed facing the magnets. The controller outputs a driving signal in response to a pulse signal output from the magnetic field detecting elements. The controller changes the driving signal to be output in response to a time difference or the number of pulses of pulse signals output from the magnetic field detecting elements.

Abstract: In a wheel support bearing assembly having rows of rolling elements interposed between an outer member and an inner member, spacers are interposed between vehicle body fitting holes in the outer member, which is a stationary member, and a knuckle. A sensor unit including a sensor mounting member and a strain sensor is fitted to the outer member. The sensor mounting member has at least two contact fixing portions fixed to the outer member and, also, has at least one recess between the neighboring contact fixing portions, the strain sensor being disposed in this recess.

Abstract: A magnetic hole finder arrangement having a test field detector including a GMR sensor and may having a test field detector including a first and second magnetic field detectors (which may be GMRs) arranged with respect to a hole location position, the detectors having magnetic axes each arranged transversely to a radius from the hole location position to the detector. The arrangement may include geomagnetic or ambient magnetic field compensation.

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: An arrangement to establish a zero position for a sensor that serves to detect movement between parts of a technical system that are connected by a ball joint. The arrangement comprising a joint housing of the ball joint rigidly connected to a first part of the system, a ball pin rigidly connected to a second part of the system, and a sensor for detecting the movements of the ball pin. At least a first sensor element is disposed on the ball pin and a second sensor element is disposed on a part of the system that is immovable with respect to the joint housing. An axial area of the lateral surface of the ball pin is flattened and positively locks an inner contour of the mounting eye or a disk-shaped element which abuts the mounting eye and is fixed by positively locking with the second part of the system.

Abstract: An absolute position magnetic encoder includes a first magnetic track configured for a binary output, a second magnetic track configured for a decimal output, a first magnetic sensor positioned proximate the first magnetic track to detect the magnetic field of the first magnetic track, and a second magnetic sensor positioned proximate the second magnetic track to detect the magnetic field of the second magnetic track. The encoder is selectively operable to provide one of the binary output and the decimal output.

Abstract: A distance measuring device, in particular a magnetostrictive distance measuring device wherein a distance measuring element extends in longitudinal direction of the device along the measurable measuring distance, relative to which a signal generating signal generator can be moved in longitudinal direction, with a longitudinal housing shaped as a circumferentially enclosed profile (1) with constant cross section contour in longitudinal direction (10), a wave conductor unit in the interior of the profile (1), wherein the wave conductor of the wave conductor unit extends in longitudinal direction (10) of the profile (1), processing electronics in the interior of the profile (1), a traveler moveable in longitudinal direction (10) along the outside of the profile (1), in particular with a magnet as signal generator, wherein the profile (1) is shaped so that it can be positioned in lateral direction in a form fit manner, within a circular interior contour surrounding the outside contour of the profile (1) by more

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the position and orientation of a movable object. The latter exhibits at least two relative sensors (24) on the object, which register a change in the position and/or orientation of the object, and at least two absolute sensors (26) on the object, each for determining the absolute position in an X direction and Y direction in relation to a substrate (20). The invention further relates to a method for determining the position and orientation.

Abstract: First to fourth magnetic detection units (22-25) are arranged in opposition to a multipole magnetized surface (21a) of a multipole magnet (21) of a magnetic encoder (17). The first and second magnetic detection units (22, 23) are placed on positions separated from each other by 180 degrees on the periphery of the center of the multipole magnet and output an A-phase signal and a B-phase signal. The third and fourth magnetic detection units (24, 25) are placed on positions separated from each other by nearly 180 degrees on the periphery of the center of the multipole magnet and output an A-phase reverse signal and a B-phase reverse signal. Detection signals of the same phase are synthesized and averaged, and consequently a detection error generated by an outer magnetic flux extending in the diameter direction of the multipole magnet can be removed.

Abstract: An inductive proximity sensor or switch and a method of using same. The sensor or switch includes an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) and a plurality of external components. The ASIC is implemented in CMOS technology and has an oscillator. A switch point of the sensor or switch is predetermined by selection of a bias voltage to a potential node of the oscillator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distance measuring device, in particular to a magnetostrictive distance measuring device, which can be manufactured in a simple and cost efficient manner and still satisfy strict requirements with respect to tightness, with an elongated housing, shaped as a stable, hollow, circumferentially closed particularly one piece profile, with a constant cross section contour in longitudinal direction, a wave conductor unit in the interior of the profile, wherein the wave conductor of the wave conductor unit extends in longitudinal direction of the profile, processing electronics, a slide movable in longitudinal direction on the outside along the profile, in particular with a magnet as signal generator, wherein the profile has an inner contour without shoulder over its entire length, and in the inner contour at least one insert with an inner contour is disposed torque proof, which also has inner corners, outer corners, and/or shoulders.

Abstract: A position sensing assembly includes a bearing element and a helically shaped rotational member used to drive a portion of a sensor assembly, such as a Digital Rotary Magnetic Encoder. Interaction between the bearing element and a helically shaped rotational member minimizes the presence of backlash in the position sensing assembly. Accordingly, as an actuator assembly drives both a control element, such as a flight control surface, and the position sensing assembly, the sensor assembly generates an output signal that accurately reflects the position of the control element.

Abstract: To provide a tilt angle sensor that is capable of detecting acceleration, a tilt angle, and the like of a device to which the tilt sensor angle is mounted, and also capable of reducing the size and the cost with a simple structure. The tilt angle sensor comprises: a spring member having a fixed end a free end that has a flexibility to be bent at least in one direction; a magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field, which is mounted at the free end of the spring member; a magnetic field detecting device provided by facing the magnetic field generating device for detecting a direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device; and a damping device for giving a damping force to a bending action of the spring member.

Abstract: The position indicator for a stick shaped sensor is received in a particularly annular sliding element, comprised of wear resistant, slide capable material as e.g. plastic, with an extended guidance length, which additionally comprises axial flow channels for the pressure medium in order to avoid local pressure buildup.

Abstract: A position sensor device determines a position of a reciprocating object and includes, (a) at least one magnetically encoded region fixed on a reciprocating object, (b) at least one magnetic field detector, and (c) a position determining unit. The magnetic field detector is adapted to detect a signal generated by the magnetically encoded region when the magnetically encoded region reciprocating with the reciprocating object passes a surrounding area of the magnetically encoded region. The position determining unit is adapted to determine a position of a reciprocating object based on the detected magnetic signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic position sensor (1) consisting of an electrically non-conductive, non-magnetic carrier (2), on which a resistive layer (3) and a tapping layer (4), which lies at a distance from and at least partially overlaps said resistive layer, are arranged. The distance is selected in such a way that under the action of a magnetic unit (5) that is moved along the regions of the resistive layer (3) and the tapping layer (4) lying above one another, said layers (3, 4) come into contact with one another. According to the invention, the tapping layer (4) is a foil consisting of an amorphous metal, upon which the force of the magnetic unit (5) acts.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting an angular position of an electric motor are disclosed, including sending an electrical pulse through a stator coil of the electric motor, determining an approximate angular position of a rotor of the electric motor in response to detecting an timing of a returning electrical pulse from the stator coil, the timing of the returning electrical pulse being indicative of the angular position of the rotor; and determining an accurate position of the rotor in response to sensing a transition of a digital sensor in response to the rotor rotating relative to the stator, the transition being indicative of the accurate position.

Abstract: For a shaft of an electric motor with a runout sensing area, an electrical runout value for the runout sensing area is determined, the shaft is rotated and the runout sensing area of the shaft is heated sufficient to reduce the electrical runout value.

Abstract: Absolute counters for linear segments or revolutions having a Wiegand element (WE) in the main field between two opposite excitation magnets (EM1, EM2) connected by a common ferromagnetic back connection body (14), and an additional sensor element (SE) for determining the information about the polarity and the position of the excitation magnet, wherein the output signals of the Wiegand element (WE) simultaneously supplies energy for the required counter and logic electronics, as well as having an additional sensor (ZS) for the fine resolution in the frame work of a multi-turn which also lies within the main field between the excitation magnets (EM1, EM2).

Abstract: The present invention refers to position sensors in stick design, for installation in hydraulic cylinders, which may be maintained and replaced without having to open the hydraulic system of the cylinder and thus causing leakage. According to the invention the sensor includes a sensor head housing having an attachable and detachable sensor head cover which can be opened without removing the remaining housing out of the piston cylinder unit. Opening of the sensor-head-cover allows easy access to the functional components of the sensor.

Abstract: The subject invention is related to wireless proximity sensor and sensing system for detecting the position of an object. The system includes a transceiver for providing wireless communication with a passive wireless surface acoustic wave (SAW) proximity sensor. The wireless proximity sensor receives a wireless signal from the transceiver, which powers the SAW device and in turn transmits a signal back to the transceiver that includes information about the position of an object. The wireless proximity sensor uses one or more SAW devices with a sensing element made of magnetostrictive material, in conjunction with one or more magnets and one or more targets that are positioned relative to an object. The movement of the target(s) in relation to the proximity sensor operatively produces a mechanical response due to the shift in the magnetic field of the sensing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor (6) for measuring the distance between a stator and a rotor, which sensor is of the magnetic type and has a sensor body (8) to which is attached a sensor tip (10), The tip of the sensor (10) is connected to the sensor body (8) by a fixing arrangement (14) that has a locking device (16) that interacts with engaging devices (24) and a spring arrangement (34). The locking device (16) is pressed towards an attaching position (A) by the action of a spring force F1 exerted by means of the spring arrangement (34) against the engaging device (24), fixing the sensor body (8) and the tip of the sensor (10) in relation to each other. By the application of a force F2 on the sensor body (8) that is greater than the spring force F1, it is possible to move the sensor body and the tip of the sensor to a releasing position (D), releasing them in relation to each other.

Abstract: A detection head is provided for a moving vehicle. The detection head includes a coil array defined by a plurality of coils arranged along a moving direction of the moving vehicle. Dummy coils are provided on both sides of the coil array. Based on a difference between outputs of the dummy coils, whether the moving vehicle is in a continuous segment where the magnetic marks are provided at a constant first pitch or a discrete segment where the magnetic marks are arranged at a pitch wider than the first pitch is identified.

Abstract: An electrodynamic drive of a compact design is provided, particularly for a respiration system dispensing valve. The electrodynamic drive has a velocity measuring system that is uncoupled from the electrodynamic drive. The velocity measuring system is provided directly above a moving coil system, wherein the velocity measuring system has a short-circuit sleeve (15) for forming a separate magnetic circuit (221).

Abstract: A detector unit apparatus and method for operating and producing a detector unit to be adapted to varying environmental influences or to its own, in particular mechanical, electrical or magnetic parameters of the detector unit, which are dependent on measuring lengths. An inventive positional sensor operating according to the running time principle of a mechanically elastic shaft and comprising a waveguide, a positional element, e.g. a positional magnet, which can be displaced in particular along the waveguide, in addition to a detector assembly that is located on the waveguide and comprises a detector coil wherein the detector assembly has a current source so that a current can flow through the detector 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: According to the intended use, an electrical conductor (1) having a magnetically sensitive surface (10) subjected to the magnetic force of a permanent magnet (11) is produced, the area of this surface varying according to its relative position with respect to the magnet, said relative position between the magnet and the magnetically sensitive surface is varied, which causes at least one physical characteristic of this conductor, to vary, and said variation in physical characteristic(s) of the electrical conductor is recorded, this variation being in correlation with the position of the magnet (11).

Abstract: An occupant detecting apparatus includes a detecting portion detecting whether an occupant is seated on a seat, and a judging portion judging whether the occupant occupies the seat on the basis of information detected by the detecting portion. The judging portion judges that the seat is unoccupied by the occupant when a state where a detection that the occupant is not seated on the seat by the detecting portion continues for a judgment time after the detecting portion detects that the seat is occupied by the occupant.