Electrically Energized Patents (Class 324/207.16)
  • Patent number: 7915887
    Abstract: A device for generating a magnetic field in a goal area with at least two coils arranged in parallel to a goal area defined and bounded by a goal, wherein a first coil is attached in an area behind the goal and a second coil is attached closer to the goal than the first coil or identical to the goal, wherein the first coil and the second coil respectively have a coil impedance, wherein the coil impedance of the second coil is set so that a magnetic field of the second coil generated due to a magnetic field of the first coil reduces the magnetic field of the first coil at a location within the second coil by at least 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cairos Technologies AG
    Inventors: Walter Englert, Tilman Bucher, Oliver Braun, Christian Holzer
  • Patent number: 7902818
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive proximity detector comprising an oscillating circuit excited with resonance by a generator and comprising a detection coil sensitive to a metal target to be detected, wherein the oscillating circuit comprises a reference coil arranged to present a mutual inductance with respect to the metal target to be detected that is substantially lower than that of the detection coil with respect to the metal target, the oscillating circuit comprises a switch able to assume two positions to connect each coil alternately, the detector comprises processing means connected to the coils making it possible to determine the presence or absence of the metal target close to the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Jacques Bernard, Michel Emmanuel
  • Publication number: 20110043196
    Abstract: A sheet coil type resolver includes: a stator section in which a stator transformer coil composed of first and second stator transformer coil layers is disposed to axially overlap with a resolver stator coil composed of first and second resolver stator coil layers; and a rotor section in which a rotor transformer coil composed of first and second rotor transformer coil layers is disposed to axially overlap with a resolver rotor coil composed of first and second resolver rotor coil layers, whereby the axial dimension is reduced, lead wires can be easily led out from the coils, and high reliability is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Kazuhiko FUJITA, Takako Fukuda, Takaaki Ochiai
  • Publication number: 20110012592
    Abstract: A magnetic flux position sensor includes a primary coil, a secondary coil, and a magnetic flux conductor. The primary coil generates a magnetic flux and the secondary coil senses magnetic flux. The primary and secondary coils are substantially concentric and spaced apart by an annular passage. The annular passage has first and second ends, and the magnetic flux conductor is slidable from the first end to the second end of the annular passage. The magnetic flux transferred from the primary coil to the secondary coil varies as a function of position of the magnetic flux conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bruce Paradise
  • Patent number: 7863891
    Abstract: A collision detection device is provided with a coil which is arranged at an inner side of an outer panel of a body portion of a vehicle and faces the outer panel to generate a magnetic field in a direction toward the outer panel, and a collision determining unit for determining a collision with the body portion of the vehicle based on a variation of an inductance of the coil. The collision determining unit includes a resonance circuit which is constructed of the coil. When there occurs a collision with the vehicle body portion, a distance between the outer panel and the coil will decrease so that an inductance of the coil can instantly decrease. Therefore, a resonance frequency of the resonance circuit will increase and be detected, thus shortening the response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Masanori Kawaura, Norio Sanma, Kyoujirou Suzuki, Sadayuki Kuwahara, Shinichi Kiribayashi
  • Patent number: 7862003
    Abstract: Both improved protection against explosions and the possibility of performing diagnoses even when the I/P converter has been disconnected are to be provided by a position controller (5) for a pressure medium-operated actuating system, the controller being designed to be connected by a pneumatic line to a pneumatic drive (4)-equipped actuator (1) of an actuating element, especially an actuating element of a safety valve (2), where the actuator (1) has an electric power line (6) for controlling an I/P converter (7) according to the live-zero principle, and where the I/P converter (7) can be driven by an electrically controlled switch (10). The goal is achieved in that the switch (10) is designed to be driven by an additional circuit (11), which is connected to the power line (6) and installed in the position controller and which monitors the current in the power line (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Samson AG
    Inventors: Thomas Karte, Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Publication number: 20100327855
    Abstract: A non-stick coating application for high heat welding environments comprised of a fluorinated polymer combined with acidified graphite to which a hardening agent, such as alumina, may be added in some embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Rahul Ganguli, Ten-Luen T. Liao, Roberto S. Santos
  • Publication number: 20100327856
    Abstract: A security device for protecting stored sensitive data includes a closed housing including an array of conductor paths and tamper detecting means adapted to detect a change in impedance of the array of conductor paths above a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: DIRECT PAYMENT SOLUTIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Jonathan David Lowy
  • Patent number: 7822560
    Abstract: Techniques and apparatuses for wind turbine component fatigue load measurement and assessment are disclosed. In one embodiment the component is a tower, fore-aft and side-to-side signals from a two-axis accelerometer attached to a bedplate of a wind turbine are used to measure tower fatigue loads. A yaw axis azimuth position signal can also be used for tower fatigue load measurement and assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David Lawrence LeMieux
  • Patent number: 7808235
    Abstract: An inductive proximity sensor is disclosed. The proximity sensor includes a resonator with a bifurcated inductance coupled to a plurality of transimpedance amplifiers. A portion of the resonator is configured to generate eddy currents in a target containing metal. In various embodiments, the transimpedance amplifiers provide signals associated with eddy currents to a synchronous detector. Apparatus and methods for operating the inductive proximity sensor are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Rollins, Prachi S. Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20100237855
    Abstract: The invention provides a transformer probe for sensing movement of a body of magnetic material, having multiple output channels wherein the output in each output channel is substantially unaffected by faults in other output channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: WESTON AEROSPACE LIMITED
    Inventor: Nigel Philip Turner
  • Patent number: 7795861
    Abstract: At least two coils located at different positions with regard to a positioning area are controlled to indicate a position of an object located within the range of magnetic fields generated by the coils. An embodiment of the invention comprises a generator that uses a multiplexing technique to generate coil enable signals for the at least two coils. The coil enable signals are generated for the at least two coils with any of different polarities and different intensities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Cairos Technologies AG
    Inventors: Walter Englert, Tilman Bucher
  • Patent number: 7788079
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for obtaining an equivalent circuit model of a multi-layer circuit are disclosed. The method includes simulating the multi-layer circuit using an electromagnetic field analysis to provide a coupling network; and simplifying the coupling network using a circuit model order reduction method to generate the equivalent circuit model. The method is very simple to implement and the equivalent circuit model obtained has an apparent physical meaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Ke-Li Wu, Jie Wang
  • Patent number: 7768257
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods which use the solenoid itself to sense the position of the armature within the solenoid, and therefore to determine the position of the solenoid's armature, and or any related devices whose movement is dependent on the armature's movement. Specifically, a system in which the change in self-induction that occurs when the armature moves relative to the solenoid coil is used to detect the location of the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Lueck
  • Patent number: 7768258
    Abstract: A digital based two wire proximity transmitter system and a method for calibrating the system, wherein the transmitter includes a customized linearization table uniquely generated during calibration to take into account the unique impedance properties of a particular probe/coaxial cable configuration. During calibration, the probe is positioned adjacent a calibration target. The calibration target is selected to have the same material characteristics as the target to be monitored during actual operation of the transmitter in the field. At a fixed distance between the probe and calibration target, the resonant frequency of the probe/cable system is determined. Thereafter, utilizing this resonant frequency to excite the probe, the voltage response of the probe/cable system is determined as the distance between the probe and the target material is incrementally changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Metrix Instrument Co., L.P.
    Inventor: David Dobsky
  • Publication number: 20100181995
    Abstract: An electromagnetic induction type rotary encoder includes an excitation board including an excitation coil, a detection board fixed to a movable element to face the excitation board and including a detection coil placed to face the excitation coil with a clearance therefrom, and a controller for outputting an excitation signal to the excitation coil and processing a detection signal output from the detection coil. The controller includes an excitation circuit for exciting the excitation coil at high frequency and a high-frequency generating circuit, a demodulation circuit for demodulating a signal from the detection coil in accordance with excitation to the excitation coil, a waveform shaping circuit for waveform shaping a signal from the demodulation circuit, and a pulse generating circuit for outputting a pulse signal based on the signal from the waveform shaping circuit. Each of the excitation coil and the detection coil is formed in a meandering coil pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuji Inoue
  • Publication number: 20100127694
    Abstract: A system and method for sensing the periodic position of one or more objects, such as rotating blades of a turbine. The system includes a passive eddy current sensing unit having one or more magnets and first and second cores around which first and second coils are wound, respectively, which together generate first and second magnetic fields. The sensing unit is positioned so that the object periodically passes through the first and second magnetic fields in succession, and the first and second coils consequently produce first and second output signals, respectively. Each coil is individually connected to a processing circuitry that receives each of the first and second output signals. The circuitry electronically combines the first and second output signals so that common mode signals thereof electronically subtract from each other to eliminate from output of the circuitry any electromagnetic interference noise present in the first and second output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: John Weickert
  • Publication number: 20100127695
    Abstract: An inductive sensor is operable for detecting a relative position of, or movement between, a member and at least one inductor. An electrical parameter associated with the inductor is caused to change as a result of a change of inductive coupling in response to a change in relative position of the inductor and the member. The sensor further comprises means for setting a datum value of the electrical parameter. The setting means comprises a component that is moveable so as to adjust the inductive coupling while the member is in a datum position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Ian HARRIS
  • Patent number: 7719264
    Abstract: A rotary transducer includes a shaft, and a carrier body, on which an excitation winding and a detector system are arranged. To generate an electromagnetic field, it is possible to conduct an excitation current through the excitation winding, and the detector system is suitable for scanning the electromagnetic field influenced by a code carrier. The rotary transducer additionally includes an excitation control device and an evaluation device. The code carrier is secured in a rotatably fixed manner on the shaft for detecting the angular position of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Joannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Marc Oliver Tiemann
  • Patent number: 7714671
    Abstract: A target signal analyzer having at least one receiving antenna configured to receive the target signal, and a parallel array of oscillator rings. Each oscillator ring is operatively coupled to receive the target signal from the receiving antenna. Each oscillator ring has an odd number of at least three bistable, nonlinear oscillators circularly coupled to each other such that only one-way signal flow is allowed between the oscillators in each oscillator ring. Each of the oscillator rings is configured to oscillate and thereby produce a response signal only when the target signal frequency is within a designated frequency band. For every designated frequency band in a spectrum of interest, at least one of the oscillator rings is configured to produce a response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Visarath In, Joseph D. Neff, Adi R. Bulsara
  • Patent number: 7696746
    Abstract: A turbine wheel of a turbocharger has a turbine blade. The turbine blade has a fin shape of which width in the rotation direction of the turbocharger is narrow, and is projected from the base portion of the turbine wheel. An inclined part of the turbine blade is inclined with respect to the rotation direction of the turbocharger. A coil is disposed so that the inclined part passes nearby as the turbine wheel rotates in a posture that an end in the center axis direction is directed toward the turbocharger. A detector detects a change in inductance, which occurs when the inclined part of the coil passes nearby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignees: DENSO Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Osamu Shimomura, Tsutomu Nakamura, Kenji Takeda, Akitoshi Mizutani, Takao Ban
  • Publication number: 20100085039
    Abstract: A plurality of layers of flat coils are stacked and connected in series with each other to form a single coil pole, and the coil pole is energized by an A.C. signal. Magnetism-responsive member, provided to be opposed to the coil pole in a non-contact manner, is displaced relative to the coil pole, so that correspondency, to the coil section, of the magnetism-responsive member varies in response to variation in the relative position and thus impedance variation occurs in the coil pole. Position detection signal is provided on the basis of an output signal, responsive to the impedance variation, taken out from the coil pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: AMITEQ CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsutoshi Goto
  • Publication number: 20100079136
    Abstract: An electromagnetic field sensor assembly for blade tip clearance measurement in a gas turbine engine is disclosed that includes a ceramic sensor body, a multi-layered wire coil wound about a distal end portion of the sensor body for producing an electromagnetic field, a ceramic well enclosing the sensor body and the coil, and a metallic housing surrounding the well and having an open distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: ROSEMOUNT AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: Richard W. Phillips, Chad P. Stay
  • Patent number: 7679361
    Abstract: A compact position sensor with high operational reliability is provided. This sensor has a tubular detection coil, a magnetic core movable in the detection coil, a drive circuit for the detection coil, a signal processing circuit for converting a change in impedance of the detection coil into an electric signal, and a guide means for guiding a movement of the magnetic core in the detection coil. The guide means has a guide portion connected to the magnetic core and a support portion for slidably supporting the guide portion. The magnetic core can be smoothly displaced in the detection coil without contacting an inner surface of the detection coil by a sliding movement of the guide portion relative to the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahisa Niwa, Yukiko Inooka
  • Publication number: 20100060270
    Abstract: An inductive proximity sensor and related method for sensing a presence/position of a target, with mounting effect compensation, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes providing a proximity sensor having first and second coils that are both at least indirectly in communication with control circuitry. The method also includes receiving respective first and second signals at least indirectly indicative of respective first and second electromagnetic field components respectively experienced by the first coil as influenced both by a target and a structure supporting the sensor and the second coil as influenced by the supporting structure. The method further includes determining by way of the circuitry a third signal based at least in part upon the first signal, as modified based at least in part upon the second signal, whereby the third signal is indicative of the presence or position of the target relative to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Gong, Wei Qian, Weihua Chen
  • Patent number: 7658291
    Abstract: A system for sorting fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire from a batch of mixed fine nonferrous metals and insulated wire includes an array of inductive proximity detectors, a processing computer and a sorting mechanism. The inductive proximity detectors identify the location of the fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire. The processing computer instructs the sorting mechanism to place the fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire into a separate container than the non-metallic pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas A. Valerio
  • Patent number: 7652469
    Abstract: An inductive position sensor has a spatially periodic scale with a series of conducting or permeable features of pitch T and a reading head with drive windings and sense windings, facing the scale with a spatial period 2T along the scale. The windings are each divided in two identical winding elements,having the same relative location within two identical winding element patterns having a center-to-center distance along the scale of NT+T/2, N being an integer, and connected so that the winding element polarities in each winding are either opposed for drive windings and the same for sense windings or the same for drive windings and opposed for sense windings. Thereby, direct couplings in both patterns cancel each other, while the spatially periodic signals coupled via the scale reinforce each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Sensor Technology Limited
    Inventor: Hans Ulrich Meyer
  • Publication number: 20090309578
    Abstract: A generally planar shaped inductor is disclosed that is particularly adaptable for use in motion or position sensors. One inductor can function as a signal input unit and another as a pick up unit in an arrangement wherein both inductors are placed in a generally parallel juxtaposition for flux flow there between. A movable armature is located between the inductors to control the amount of flux transmission between inductors. The position of the armature relative to the inductors controls the output signal generated by the pickup inductor that are adapted to be converted into indications of displacements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: William T. Cochran
  • Publication number: 20090309579
    Abstract: A generally planar shaped inductor is disclosed that is particularly adaptable for use in motion or position sensors. One inductor can function as a signal input unit and another as a pick up unit in an arrangement wherein both inductors are placed in a generally parallel juxtaposition for flux flow there between. A movable armature is located between the inductors to control the amount of flux transmission between inductors. The position of the armature relative to the inductors controls the output signal generated by the pickup inductor that are adapted to be converted into indications of displacements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: William T. Cochran
  • Patent number: 7633026
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive sensor unit having one or more sensor coils, which have been mounted on a printed circuit board in a planar manner. According to the invention, a change in the inductance of the sensor coils caused by leakage currents in the conductive actuator is correlated with the position of the actuator with regard to the distance from the sensor coil and with the overlapping of the sensor (at a fixed distance). This provides the basis for an inductive momentary contact switch and an inductive position switching device. The invention also relates to the evaluation of the inductance, e.g. of the momentary contact switch such as in inductive proximity switches by incorporating the inductive sensors in an oscillating circuit. Alternatively, the change in inductance can also be detected by a reactance measurement. A relative evaluation of the influence of adjacent sensor coils is carried out in position switching devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Martin Zapf, Thomas Luber
  • Patent number: 7626466
    Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity switch, particularly an inductive proximity switch, with an oscillator having an at least partly self-compensated feedback network influenceable by a target to be detected, as well as an oscillator amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Kuehn
  • Publication number: 20090289621
    Abstract: Disclosed is a probe for obtaining geometrical data related to a cavity, the probe comprising a probe body comprising a first coupling means; at least one magnetic field generating device comprising a support member and a means for generating a magnetic field; wherein said means for generating a magnetic field being connected to the support member so as to fix a position of said means for generating a magnetic field relative to said support member and wherein said support member comprises a second coupling means configured to engage the first coupling means so as to connect the at least one magnetic field generating device to said probe body. Thereby is achieved to improve positional accuracy of geometrical data related to an internal surface of a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicants: OTICON A/S, Widex A/S
    Inventor: Henrik Poulin PETERSEN
  • Publication number: 20090289620
    Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the clearance between a member and a surface over and relative to which the member moves. The device has a first reference element, and a second reference element which faces the first reference element, and is movable to alter the distance to the first reference element. The device further has a fastening system for fastening the device to the member so that, during the relative motion, the first reference element is held in a fixed position relative to the member and the second reference element slides over the surface. The device further has an urging arrangement which urges the second reference element into contact with the surface so that, as the second reference element slides over the surface and the clearance between the member and the surface varies, the second reference element moves relative to the first reference element. The device further has a sensor which measures the distance between the first and second reference elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Martin S. Suckling, Lee Mansfield, Peter D. Webb
  • Patent number: 7612557
    Abstract: An eddy current type sensor for detecting a conductor includes a LC circuit and an oscillator. The LC circuit has a coil and a capacitor connected in parallel with the coil. The oscillator supplies an alternating current of a predetermined oscillation frequency to the LC circuit. A signal voltage outputted from the LC circuit has a first voltage when the distance between the coil and the conductor is minimum and a second voltage when the distance between the coil and the conductor is maximum. A voltage difference between the first and second voltages has a first difference at a first temperature and has a second difference at a second temperature. The first and second differences become equal to each other at a first frequency and a second frequency. The oscillation frequency is set close to the first frequency or the second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Osamu Shimomura, Tsutomu Nakamura, Kenji Takeda, Akitoshi Mizutani, Takao Ban
  • Patent number: 7602175
    Abstract: A non-contacting position measuring system comprising a sensor that includes a measuring coil which can be energized with alternating current, where the measuring coil comprises at least two voltage taps, an electrically or magnetically conductive object to be measured which is assigned to the sensor, and an evaluation circuit, where the sensor and the object to be measured can be displaced relative to one another in a longitudinal direction of the measuring coil. The position-measuring system presented is formed in such a manner that the object to be measured comprises at least one marking affecting the impedance of the measuring coil between two voltage taps so that the evaluation circuit provides an output signal correlating with the position of the object to be measured in relation to the voltage taps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Felix Mednikov, Martin Sellen, Eduard Huber
  • Patent number: 7602174
    Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a moveable member and an inductor coil. A flexible inductor member moves relative to the inductor coil in response to movement of the moveable member. This produces an inductance signal that indicates the movement of the moveable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Syron Engineering & Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Holcomb, John Charlton, Conrad Earl Waldorf
  • Patent number: 7598734
    Abstract: A position sensor with excellent linearity of coil impedance is provided. This position sensor is equipped with a tubular detection coil, a magnetic core movable in the detection coil, a drive circuit for the detection coil, a signal processing circuit for converting a change in impedance of the detection coil into an electric signal, and a shield member disposed around the detection coil. The shield member is a tubular member having a first inner surface for surrounding an axial region of the detection coil, and a second inner surface for surrounding another axial region of the detection coil. The tubular member is formed such that a distance between the second inner surface and the detection coil is smaller than the distance between the first inner surface and the detection coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahisa Niwa, Yukiko Inooka, Yoshio Mitsutake, Tomohiro Ota
  • Publication number: 20090243596
    Abstract: A position-measuring device includes a measuring standard, on which at least one graduation track is applied, and a support member. Disposed on the support member is at least one exciter winding through which an excitation current is able to be conducted in order to generate an electromagnetic field, as well as at least one detector system for scanning the electromagnetic field, The position-measuring device further includes a capacitor which, together with the exciter winding, forms an LC oscillating circuit, an evaluation element and a switching element that is switchable by the evaluation element. The measuring standard and the support member are disposed in a manner allowing movement relative to each other, and in response to a movement of the measuring standard relative to the support member, the electromagnetic field is able to be influenced by the at least one graduation track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Richard IZAK, Johann Oberhauser, Robert Noichl
  • Patent number: 7589522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for determining the rotational angle of a rotatable element in a non-contact manner, the device including at least one magnetoresistive sensor element which emits at least one first signal for determining a rotational angle of the rotatable element in a first region. A plunger core and a coil move in relation to each other in the axial direction of a shaft according to the rotary movement of the shaft, the coil emitting another signal relating to the modification of the coil inductance, such that rotational angles beyond the first region can be clearly determined in association with the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Knecht, David Fricker
  • Patent number: 7586303
    Abstract: An inductive proximity sensor includes a coil or inductance arranged in the vicinity of an active surface or end of the sensor, a current source repeatedly supplying the inductance, and a signals processor for signals corresponding to the voltages induced in the coil when fed. The induced voltages are influenced by the presence of objects within a given detection area, depending on their distance and on their constituting material. The coil or inductance is part of a parallel LC circuit. The current source is the capacitor of the LC circuit. A voltage signal amplitude measurement is performed after each switch from charge to discharge state. The result is computed using reference measurements to calculate a distance, a nature of the constituting material, and/or mass indicative value of the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Senstronic
    Inventors: Remy Kirchdoerffer, Vladimir Frolov
  • Publication number: 20090219014
    Abstract: A rotation sensor including: a main rotor that integrally rotates with a rotor to be measured; a sub-rotor that rotates in accordance with rotation of the main rotor with a different number of revolutions from that of the main rotor; a first detector detecting rotation of the main rotor; and a second detector detecting rotation of the sub-rotor. The rotation sensor detects an absolute rotation angle of the rotor to be measured from detection signals from the first detector and the second detector. Respective detection signals obtained from the first detector and the second detector are cyclically output in accordance with rotation of each rotor, and the following relationship is satisfied: (Tm?Tc×i)×n=Tm (i and n are positive integers), wherein Tc is a cycle of the detection signal from the first detector, and Tm is a cycle of the detection signal from the second detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: The FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Hori, Shinichiro Iizuka, Tomoaki Toratani, Shinya Saito, Kousuke Yamawaki
  • Patent number: 7573258
    Abstract: An electromagnetic coil arrangement comprising a plurality of electromagnetic sensors located about the periphery of a region and at least one center electromagnetic sensor located at or near the center of the region, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic sensors and the at least one center electromagnetic sensor are located in a single plane. An electromagnetic tracking system and method of use, the electromagnetic tracking system comprising the 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 electromagnetic sensors of the electromagnetic coil arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Peter Traneus Anderson
  • Publication number: 20090189600
    Abstract: Metal face inductive proximity sensors and methods are presented for sensing the presence or absence of a target object in a target sensing area in which a coil system is operated to generate a magnetic field extending outward from the sensing face at a frequency in a range that maximizes a relative target effect for the sensing face area, material, and thickness, and a target material from which the target object is made to allow the protective advantages of metal sensing face materials while enhancing sensing distance by optimizing the ratio of the target energy loss to the energy loss in the metal face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: PEPPERL+FUCHS, INC.
    Inventor: Igor Kurkovskiy
  • Patent number: 7554324
    Abstract: A proximity sensor system uses a sensor coil as the frequency determining element of an oscillator circuit. The frequency of the oscillator circuit is thus modulated based on the proximity of the sensor coil to a conductive element, thereby supplying a frequency modulated sensor signal. A frequency modulation (FM) detector circuit demodulates the sensor signal, and supplies a signal having an amplitude that varies with, and is representative of, the proximity of the sensor coil to the conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Devlin M. Gualtieri
  • Publication number: 20090160434
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an incremental displacement transducer for determining a displacement of a first object relative to a second object having a scanning unit linked or to be linked with the first object for scanning a spacing or division track linked or to be linked with the second object having first areas and second areas arranged in alternating manner with a period length, the first areas having a first physical property and the second areas a second physical property differing therefrom, and where the scanning unit has a plurality of sensors for scanning the first areas and the second areas on the basis of the first and/or second physical property, and having an evaluation unit linked with the scanning unit for determining the displacement on the basis of measuring signals of the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Christian Speckmann, Timo Galm
  • Patent number: 7548819
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating an output dependent upon the impedance or at least one component of the impedance of a device includes a load component having a known impedance or component thereof for connection in series with the device; a measurement channel for measuring voltages; a switch arrangement connected to the measurement channel for switching the measurement channel to sequentially measure a first voltage on a first side of the load component and a second voltage on a second side of the load component or a voltage difference across the load component; a processing arrangement connected to the measurement channel for processing the sequentially measured voltages to generate an output dependent upon the impedance or at least one component of the impedance of the device; and a signal generating arrangement for generating an electrical signal for application to the series connected load component and device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Ultra Electronics Limited
    Inventors: Ian Slothers, Andrew Langley
  • Publication number: 20090140728
    Abstract: An inductive proximity sensor is disclosed. The proximity sensor includes a resonator with a bifurcated inductance coupled to a plurality of transimpedance amplifiers. A portion of the resonator is configured to generate eddy currents in a target containing metal. In various embodiments, the transimpedance amplifiers provide signals associated with eddy currents to a synchronous detector. Apparatus and methods for operating the inductive proximity sensor are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: George E. Rollins, Prachi S. Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20090140727
    Abstract: An inductive proximity sensor is disclosed. The proximity sensor includes a source circuit with an inductive element configured to deliver energy to a resonator when a source current is changed. In various embodiments, the source current is provided a step current source. In various embodiment, the source current is provided by constant current source coupled to the inductive element by a switch. Apparatus and methods for operating the inductive proximity sensor are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: George E. Rollins, Weihua Chen, Prachi S. Kulkarni, Diana A. Sufariu
  • Patent number: 7528606
    Abstract: A coupled non-linear sensor system is provided for sensing a non-sinusoidal time-dependent target signal. The system comprises an odd number, other than one, of interconnected oscillatory sensors for sensing time-dependent changes in an external magnetic flux generated by the non-sinusoidal time-dependent target signal, the sensors coupled to each other by a coupling parameter characterized by a threshold value, so that each of the sensors oscillates in the presence of the non-sinusoidal time-dependent target signal as the coupling parameter exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Visarath In, Antonio Palacios, Yong Ko, Adi R. Bulsara
  • Publication number: 20090108835
    Abstract: A device for generating a magnetic field in a goal area with at least two coils arranged in parallel to a goal area defined and bounded by a goal, wherein a first coil is attached in an area behind the goal and a second coil is attached closer to the goal than the first coil or identical to the goal, wherein the first coil and the second coil respectively have a coil impedance, wherein the coil impedance of the second coil is set so that a magnetic field of the second coil generated due to a magnetic field of the first coil reduces the magnetic field of the first coil at a location within the second coil by at least 20%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Walter Englert, Tilman Bucher, Oliver Braun, Christian Holzer