Abstract: A method and device for non-contact measurement of relative displacement (path difference) between a first component (2) and a second component (4), which are moving in an absolute sense to a structure that is fixed in position. The device includes a field barrier element (8, 10) arranged on each of the two components. These elements have structures that result in different magnetic permeation resistances at different relative overlaps. The field barrier elements project into a magnetic field that permeates them. A means (30) is associated with this magnetic field for determining the magnetic field strength that varies as a function of overlap of the field barrier elements and for evaluating the values determined.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor array includes a first three-dimensional magnetic sensor secured to a substrate in a central location of the substrate. A number of second three-dimensional magnetic sensors are secured to the substrate at a first distance from the first magnetic sensor. Additionally, a number of one-dimensional magnetic sensors are secured to the substrate at a second distance from the first magnetic sensor greater than the first distance. Additional magnetic sensors of any dimension may also be included. The magnetic field sensitivity of the first and second three-dimensional magnetic sensors may be less than the magnetic field sensitivity of the one-dimensional magnetic sensors. The sensing range of the first and second three-dimensional magnetic sensors may be greater than the sensing range of the one-dimensional magnetic sensors. The magnetic sensor array may also include a processing circuit coupled to the magnetic sensors.

Abstract: A displacement sensor (100) is provided according to the invention. The displacement sensor (100) includes a rod (103) including a graduated magnetically anomalous region (105) and a magnetic sensor (110) located in close proximity to the graduated magnetically anomalous region (105). The magnetic sensor (110) generates a positional signal that is related to the position of the graduated magnetically anomalous region (105) in relation to the magnetic sensor (110).

Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic tracking system, including at least one electromagnetic field receiver having at least one scalar-magnetometer, at least one electromagnetic field transmitter, and tracker electronics. Also provided is a method for electromagnetic tracking, including generating at least one magnetic field, sensing the at least one magnetic field with at least one scalar-magnetometer, and determining a relative position of the at least one scalar-magnetometer based on the sensed at least one magnetic field.

Abstract: A sensor device for measuring distance between a stator and a rotor in a machine is of the magnetic type and is intended to be mounted in the stator in order to interact with an opposing surface on the rotor. A sensor body (10) can be moved axially in a housing (11) mounted in the stator by means of an operating mechanism (13) and has a stop (16) at a predetermined distance (e) from its end surface designed to interact with a corresponding stop (17) inside the housing. This distance (e) exceeds the distance (d) between the stop (17) in the hosing and the end of the sensor body (10) by a predetermined distance (c) when the sensor body is in its normal measuring position. These stops (16, 17) make possible a particularly accurate calibration of the sensor device.

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 magnetic encoder for detecting for example movement of a continuous pipe, wire line, pipe joints, rod, etc. into a well includes a wheel in the contaminated environment of the well with a permanent magnet mounted on the wheel such that the magnet moves past a sensing location each time the wheel rotates to provide a count representative of the rotation of the wheel and thus if the forwarding distance of the tubing. A sensor responsive to presence of a field generated by the presence of the magnet is mounted in a cylinder defining a separate environment for the sensor inside the cylinder with a stainless steel end dividing wall separating the wheel from the sensor with a ferro-magnetic pin extending through the dividing wall such that the presence of the magnet at the sensing location causes actuation of the sensor.

Abstract: A synchronous signal generator is provided for use in conjunction with an aircraft engine having a spool and an engine output shaft driven by the spool. The synchronous signal generator includes a generator housing, a generator output member rotatably mounted in the generator housing, a once-per-revolution timing mark on the generator output member, and conversion gearing disposed within the housing and configured to couple the engine output shaft to the generator output member. The conversion gearing rotates the generator output member at substantially the same rotational frequency as the spool when the conversion gearing is coupled to the engine output shaft.

Abstract: A rotary encoder includes two component groups arranged in a manner allowing rotation relative to each other about an axis, the first component group having a triggering sensor and a plurality of magnetic sensors. The second component group includes a first magnet, a second magnet, and a third magnet. The component groups are configured such that, in response to a full revolution, the magnetic field of the first magnet and of the third magnet are detectable by the magnetic sensors. A trigger signal is able to be generated by the triggering sensor due to the second magnet and the third magnet, while the first magnet does not bring about a triggering of a trigger signal by the trigger sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring relative displacement between a first shaft and a second shaft includes first and second rotor assemblies. The first rotor assembly is coupled to the first shaft and is centered on an axis. The second rotor assembly is coupled to the second shaft. The second rotor assembly has first and second stator plates. Each of the first and second stator plates includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The first and second stator plates include a plurality of teeth extending in a direction radial of the axis. The apparatus further includes at least one magnet having a magnetic field and disposed on the first rotor assembly. The apparatus includes a flux collector arrangement having first and second collectors positioned adjacent the first and second stator plates, respectively, forming a gap. A sensing device disposed within the gap senses a magnetic flux of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A robust solution for eccentricity issues in 360 degree rotary sensor application utilizing a hollow cylindrical magnet. A hollow cylindrical magnet design can be implemented to drive a parallel field magnetic sensor based oh Hall/AMR technologies. Eccentricity variations of ±0.46 mm on X and Y axes can be reduced by at least 20%, in turn improving the repeatability, linearity error and a correlation error associated with the sensor. For tilts of ±3 degrees, the error can be reduced to at least 50% compared to a solid magnet, thereby increasing the repeatability and accuracy of the rotary sensor. The disclosed design improves linearity, is robust in vibration and improves reliability in lifecycle as the sensor configuration is less affected by wear and tear due to mechanical vibrations.

Abstract: A joint for a motor vehicle has a joint housing (2), with a pivot pin (5) mounted pivotably in same and with an angle-measuring device, which has a magnet (18) and a magnetic field-sensitive sensor, which cooperates with this magnet and by which the angle (?) of the pivot pin (5) relative to the joint housing (2) can be determined. The magnet (18) is fastened to the pivot pin (5) and the sensor to the joint housing (2) or the magnet (18) is fastened to the joint housing (2) and the sensor to the pivot pin (5) at least indirectly. The magnetic field-sensitive sensor is formed by an electric coil (17), which has a core (16) consisting of a magnetic material and which is part of an electrical oscillating circuit (15), by which electromagnetic waves (27) can be sent or are sent.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive level sensing instrument is used for sensing level in a process vessel and comprises an elongate tube having a near end and a distal end. A magnet is selectively positionable proximate the tube responsive to level of the processed material. A magnetostrictive wire in the tube has first and second ends. The second end is operatively secured at the tube distal end. A pair of shear mode crystals are mounted proximate the tube near end. The crystals sandwich the magnetostrictive wire proximate the first end. A sensing circuit is operatively connected to the magnetostrictive wire and the pair of crystals for generating an electrical pulse on the magnetostrictive wire whereby a magnetic field produced by the magnet interacts with the electrical pulse to produce a torsional wave on the magnetostrictive wire sensed by the pair of crystals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor element and to a path sensor constructed therefrom. The optical waveguide accommodated inside a supporting body, for example, a tube has to be placed in a defined position with regard to the elements of a board. In order to obtain a design that is both simple and easy to assemble, the invention provides that the head board, without its own surrounding housing, is fixed, for instance, glued directly inside a recess of the supporting body that is tubular for the most part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor system (1) having a sensor magnet (2) and a magnetosensitive sensor (3) associated therewith, a sensed object (5) being located and movable near the magnetosensitive sensor (3), and according to the invention an additional magnet (4) is spaced from the sensor magnet (2) and the sensed object is movably positioned between the two magnets (2 and 4).

Abstract: A sensing assembly. The sensing assembly is spaced apart from a magnet that has a magnet length, and includes a compensation module and a string of magnetic sensors that has a string length. The magnetic sensors are grouped into a plurality of magnetic sensor groups. Each of the magnetic sensors generates a respective intermediate signal based on the magnet. The compensation module assigns a plurality of respective gains to the respective magnetic sensor groups based on a difference between the magnet length and the string length, and applies the respective gains to the respective intermediate signals of the respective magnetic sensor groups to generate respective adjusted signals.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a downhole tool having an angular position sensor disposed to measure the relative angular position between first and second members disposed to rotate about a common axis. A plurality of magnetic field sensors are deployed about the second member and disposed to measure magnetic flux emanating from first and second magnets deployed on the first member. A controller is programmed to determine the relative angular position based on magnetic measurements made by the magnetic field sensors. In a one exemplary embodiment, a downhole steering tool includes first and second magnets circumferentially spaced on the shaft and a plurality of magnetic field sensors deployed about the housing.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor and method for measuring the motion of an intermediate member and a method for making the MEMS sensor. The MEMS sensor includes a substrate, a lower magnetic member disposed on the substrate, a layer disposed over the substrate, an upper magnetic member disposed at a side of the layer facing the lower magnetic member, an intermediate magnetic member magnetically levitated between the lower magnetic member and upper magnetic member; and a component measuring at least one of motion, forces acting on, and a displacement of the intermediate magnetic member.

Abstract: A magnetic angular-position sensor is mounted between two carrier elements that are movable in rotation relative to each other about an axis of rotation. The sensor has firstly a magnetic body defining a working zone in which there extends a magnetic field having field lines perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and secondly a detector member having at least one probe extending in the working zone of the magnetic member in order to provide a signal as a function of the angular orientation of the probe relative to the field lines in the working zone. The magnetic member has two parallel magnet segments and two elongate pole pieces of ferromagnetic material extending perpendicularly to the magnet segments and covering the ends thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for detecting a difference angle, comprising at least one magnet field-sensitive sensor element (12), with which the magnetic field information of a magnetic circuit, consisting of a magnetic pole wheel (10) and of ferromagnetic flux rings (14, 16) with teeth (18, 20), can he evaluated. The invention is characterized in that the teeth (18, 20) extend in a radial direction for radially tapping the magnetic field information of the magnetic pole wheel (10).

Abstract: For compensation of a magnetic field in an operating region a number of magnetic field sensors (S1, S2) and an arrangement of compensation coils (Hh) surrounding said operating region is used. The magnetic field is measured by at least two sensors (S1, S2) located at different positions outside the operating region, preferably at opposing positions with respect to a symmetry axis of the operating region, generating respective sensor signals (s1, s2), the sensor signals of said sensors are superposed to a feedback signal (ms, fs), which is converted by a controlling means to a driving signal (d1), and the driving signal is used to steer at least one compensation coil (Hh). To further enhance the compensation, the driving signal is also used to derive an additional input signal (cs) for the superposing step to generate the feedback signal (fs).

Abstract: An electromagnetic tracking coil arrangement, comprising three co-planar electromagnetic sensors and a fourth electromagnetic sensor that is not co-planar with the three co-planar sensors, wherein the three co-planar electromagnetic sensors and the fourth electromagnetic sensor are each located at a vertex of a tetrahedron.

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: A shock absorber includes a dust tube that surrounds a shock body. The shock body is movable relative to the dust tube in response to road load inputs. A plurality of magnets is mounted to one of the dust tube and shock body, and a module is mounted to the other of the dust tube and shock body. The module interacts with the plurality of magnets to determine a position of the dust tube relative to a position of the shock body. This position information can be used to adjust suspension ride height as needed.

Abstract: In an arrangement comprising a magnetic field sensor which is effectively connected to a magnetic encoder which is arranged such that it can move with respect to the sensor and comprises magnetic poles with alternating polarity, wherein the sensor consists of at least two half-bridges which are in each case formed by two magnetoelectric elements, the electrical properties of which depend on the magnetic field strength, it is provided that the elements of each half-bridge have resistance/field strength characteristics which run in opposite directions and are arranged such that they are in phase with respect to the magnetic field, and that the spacing between the half-bridges corresponds to part of the pole pitch of the magnetic encoder.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of magneto-impedance on a contactless position sensor and to the corresponding sensor. According to the invention, an electrical conductor (1) is produced which has a magnetically-sensitive surface (10) that is subjected to the magnetic force of a permanent magnet (11), said surface varying depending on the relative position thereof in relation to the magnet. The relative position between the magnet and the magnetically-sensitive surface is varied, thereby varying at least one physical characteristic of the conductor, and the variation in the physical characteristic(s) of the electrical conductor is noted, said variation being in correlation with the position of the magnet (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive position measuring device or goniometer having two to no more than five digital oscillators, each of which contains measuring coils or reference coils. Particularly favorable for one application as a transmission sensor is a coil array for three or four oscillators that includes two measuring coils and/or two reference coils. When one plate-shaped measuring element that is sensitive for eddy currents passes through the measuring area, a measuring coil arranged in a planar manner is increasingly covered. One reference coil is arranged such that it does not touch the movement track of the measuring element, but is exposed to the same ambient conditions (temperatures) as the measuring coil. Another reference coil is arranged such that it is covered by the measuring element in the entire measuring area and therefore can compensate the fluctuations in the spacing height between the planar coil array and the measuring element that occur during operation.

Abstract: A proximity sensor 717 comprising a combination of an arbitrarily selected one of a plurality of types of detection end modules 707, a plurality of types of output circuit modules 709 and a plurality of types of outer shell cases 711. The detection end module 707 includes an integrated arrangement having a detection coil assembly (705, 701, 702) with the detection characteristic self-completed by a mask conductor 700 for reducing the conductor detection sensitivity in a specific peripheral area where the outer shell case is assumed to exist, and a detection circuit assembly (703) with the coil of the detection coil assembly as a resonance circuit element. The characteristics of the proximity sensor are completely adjusted before shipment. As a result, the adjustment of the characteristics which otherwise might be required each time is eliminated even in the case of the combination with an outer shell case of a different material.

Abstract: A sensing system for monitoring a property of an electrically conductive moving element of turbomachinery. The sensing system includes a sensing system housing. A magnetic core is contained within the sensing system housing. A coil is positioned about at least a portion of the core. The coil is electrically connectable to a property data analysis device. A first magnet and a second magnet are positioned about the coil and positionable proximate a moving element of turbomachinery to be monitored. A primary magnetic field is generated by the first and second magnets. When the moving element enters the primary magnetic field a current is induced in the moving element, thus generating a time-variable magnetic field and commensurate voltage signal generated in the coil. The voltage signal is amplified by the magnetic core and provides an indication of a property of the moving element.

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 displacement sensor (12) having an elongated member (128) having a conical shaped bellows portion (132) collapsible in response to applied force along an axis (116) of the elongated member. A sensor (126, 142) is located within the bellows portion (132) of the elongated member (128) for providing an electrical signal indicative of the applied force.

Abstract: A device for measuring the position (location and orientation) in the six degrees of freedom of a receiving antenna with respect to a transmitting antenna utilizing transmitter charge quantization. The transmitting component consists of a transmitting antenna of known location. The transmitting antenna is driven by a pulsed excitation. The receiving antenna measures the transmitted magnetic field. A computer then provides the correct position and orientation output.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting passing magnetic articles using a first, True Power On State (TPOS) detector during a first time interval and transitioning to a second, running mode detector after the first time interval, when the output of the second detector is accurate. A phase comparator is responsive to the output signal of the first and second detectors and provides a control signal indicative of a change in the phase relationship between the two output signals. An output switch controlled by the phase comparator provides, as the detector output signal, the first detector output signal during the first time interval and the second detector output signal thereafter.

Abstract: The invention provides a control system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The control system includes a sensor controller and an engine controller. The sensor controller includes a first interface configured to be connected to a sensor coupled to the engine, a first one or more components to provide power regulation and electromagnetic compatibility for the sensor controller, a second interface configured to be connected to a local communication bus of the vehicle, and a first processor and memory configurable to provide control and diagnostics of the sensor. The engine controller includes a third interface configured to be connected to the local communication bus, a second one or more components to provide power regulation and electromagnetic compatibility for the engine controller, and a second processor and memory configurable to control at least one aspect of the internal combustion engine based on information from the sensor controller.

Abstract: An interpolation apparatus in an encoder includes an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing a sine wave signal and a cosine wave signal, respectively. An amplitude level detecting circuit detects each amplitude level of the digitized sine wave signal and cosine wave signal. A computing circuit multiplies the amplitude level of one of the signal by an interpolation position parameter according to a tangent value at an interpolation position. A comparing circuit compares an output from the computing circuit to an output from the amplitude level detecting circuit. The comparison is made at every the interpolation position. A region detecting circuit identifies a region sectionalized by the interpolation positions adjacent to each other based on an output from the comparing circuit corresponding to each the interpolation position. The phase angle of the sine wave signal and the cosine wave signal exists in the region.

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: Location of an emitter using leaky cables. A two-channel receiver determines the location of an emitter by measuring the phase and/or amplitude difference between emitter signals received by leaky cables. In one embodiment, two leaky cables having different propagation velocities are used. In a second embodiment also suitable for use with fiber optic cables, two cables having the same propagation velocity are used, but have different lengths, the extra length being taken up by serpentine patterns or loops. A single cable in a loop may also be used. The leak points on the cables may be passive, or may be controlled RF switches.

Abstract: It is possible to determine the types and values of stator and rotor errors in magnetic circuits in a synchronous machine by measuring the induced voltage (ui) for the terminals of measurement loops which can capture an image of the induction in the measurement gap, then by treating said signals.

Abstract: A motion sensing transducer is disclosed that includes a case having an inner surface, a first cap that closes the case at a first end and a second cap that closes the case at a second end. The case inner surface, first cap and second cap define a space within the case. The apparatus further includes at least one inner plate member separating the space into at a first compartment and a second compartment within the case, a coil-magnet assembly that produces a signal when subjected to motion, the coil-magnet assembly disposed immediately within the case and in the first compartment, and an electronic circuit disposed within the second compartment that modifies the signal.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive-based sensor is disclosed which obtains higher return signals through the use of multiple consecutive input pulses.

Abstract: A medical device and position sensor combination for use in medical applications comprises a position sensor having a core made of a high permeable material The core material is made of a Wiegand effect material comprising a mixture of cobalt, vanadium, and iron. The position sensor has an outer diameter of approximately 0.4 mm and is used in a medical device having an outer diameter of approximately 0.67 mm.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining motion parameters of a conductive, profiled surface (22) relative to a sensor (3), with the sensor (3) comprising at least one coil for generating an electromagnetic alternating field, which is subjected, because of the feedback resulting from position changes between the surface (22) and the sensor (3), to a variation, which is determined by means of the coil (16). The position change is derived from the coupling impedance (Zc) of the coil (16), and the real component (Rc) and the imaginary component (Xc) of the complex coupling impedance (Zc) of the coil (16) are determined, with a distance d between the sensor (3) and the surface (22) being computed based on the determined values while using an algorithm as a basis.

Abstract: A position sensor based on the travel time principle of a mechanically elastic wave length having a wave guide, an electrical hollow return conductor, a detector coil attached to the wave guide and a position element which is movable along the wave guide which generates or detects mechanical elastic wave.

Abstract: A non-contact linear absolute position sensor includes a first magnetic encoder having n+1 pole pairs, a second magnetic encoder having n pole pairs and located and aligned with the first magnetic encoder so as to cover a linear distance. The magnetic encoders are affixed to a traveling body. Two pairs of Hall Effect sensors are located near each of the first and second magnetic encoders and are configured to generate linear position signals. A processor is provided to process the linear position signals to generate an output signal indicative of a linear absolute position of the traveling body.

Abstract: A flexible instrument includes a flexible member having a proximal portion, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. At least one optical sensor positioned proximate the proximal portion of the flexible member provides a proximal end position signal indicative of the position of the proximal portion of the flexible member. At least one flexible member sensor positioned proximate one of the other portions of the flexible member provides a second position signal indicative of the position of the other portion of the flexible member.

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: A two-dimensional all-digital ratiometric decoder to analyze signals representative of state changes in a closed loop control system. In one embodiment, the two-dimensional digital ratiometric decoder comprises at least one selector circuit, a summation circuit, a difference circuit and a divider circuit. The at least one selector circuit is adapted to select the signals to be processed by alternating between the signals representative of the X dimension and the signals representative of the Y dimension. The summation circuit is adapted to add the amplitude magnitudes of the signals selected. The difference circuit is adapted to obtain the difference between the amplitude magnitudes of the signals selected. The divider circuit is adapted to divide the output of the difference circuit by the output of the summation circuit to produce a quotient proportional to the physical change of the object being controlled.

Abstract: In order to improve a sensor assembly for detecting the position of a magnet which is movable in relation to the sensor assembly, with a sensor housing, in which a sensor element sensitive to magnetic fields is arranged, it being possible to generate a digital output signal, the switching state of which is dependent on the relative position between the sensor element and the magnet, in such a way that it has an extended range of uses, the sensor element is provided with at least one field directing device of a magnetizable material which is arranged with respect to the sensor element, and varies in its geometrical dimensions transversely in relation to a direction of relative movement between the magnet and the sensor element, in such a way that an amplified analog sensor signal which characterizes the relative position between the sensor element and the magnet can be generated, at least in a specific relative positional range.

Abstract: A seat buckle sensor system is provided that provides an output representative of a lock condition of a seat belt buckle. The system includes a magnet on an end of a seat buckle lock pin and a Hall device. The lock pin, and magnet on the end thereof, move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the Hall device. The magnet imparts a first magnetic flux on the Hall device in the locked position causing the Hall device to produce a first output. The magnet imparts a second magnetic flux on the Hall device in the unlocked position causing the Hall device to produce a second output.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a method and system for detecting the position of a shaft comprises providing a shaft with defined hardened metallic regions. The shaft has a first hardened metallic region from a surface of the shaft to a first radial depth from the surface at a first longitudinal position. The shaft has a second hardened metallic region from the surface of the shaft to a second radial depth at a second longitudinal position. The second radial depth is different from the first radial depth. A sensor senses an eddy current to detect an alignment of at least one of the first hardened metallic region and the second hardened metallic region with a fixed sensing region at a respective time. A data processor determines a longitudinal position of the shaft with respect to a cylinder at the respective time based on the sensed eddy current.