Separate Pick-up Patents (Class 324/207.17)
  • Patent number: 8847780
    Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity detection system. The invention provides a proximity detection system comprising a generator that generates a magnetic field that establishes a boundary, where the generator is capable of receiving radio frequency signals. Also provided is a radio frequency device that sends radio frequency signals, the radio frequency device being capable of sensing the magnetic field and generating a radio frequency response. In the proximity detection system, the generator generates the magnetic field for a first predefined time period, and thereafter senses for a radio frequency response signal from the radio frequency device within a second predefined time period. The invention also provides for shaping proximity detection zones by overlaying magnetic field boundaries to produce a different boundary. The invention also provides for varying the strength of magnetic fields by adjusting a width of a timed pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Strata Proximity Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Larry D. Frederick, Paul L. Hammond
  • Publication number: 20140285186
    Abstract: A device for detecting position of a rotating working means in an active magnetic bearing which comprises sensors (A, B) of the position of a rotating working means, detectors (D) of an output signal of the sensors (A, B) and evaluation circuits connected to control system of the active magnetic bearing. The sensors (A, B) of the position are composed of high frequency transformers, each of which is directly connected to the detector (D) of its output signal and the detectors (D) are composed of an electrical quadrupole with a non-linear transfer characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Miroslav STUSAK
  • Publication number: 20140266166
    Abstract: A two-dimensional inductive position sensing system uses four drive inductors arranged at the vertices of a parallelogram and a sensing inductor positioned within the parallelogram. The sensing inductor is movable within the parallelogram and relative to the drive inductors. A first oscillating current at a first frequency is supplied to a first pair of the drive inductors located at ends of a first diagonal of the parallelogram. A second oscillating current at a second frequency is supplied to a second pair of the drive inductors located at ends of a second diagonal of the parallelogram. As a result, the sensing inductor generates a first output voltage at the first frequency and a second output voltage at the second frequency. A processor determines a position of the sensing inductor relative to the drive inductors using the first output voltage and the second output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Robert C. Youngquist, Stanley O. Starr
  • Patent number: 8836539
    Abstract: Provided are a loop type automobile sensing device formed integrally with a small loop coil, which has the automobile sensing sensitivity of a related art loop type automobile sensing device using a large loop coil, so as to greatly facilitate installing and maintaining of the loop type automobile sensing device and to expand the application scope of the loop type automobile sensing device, and a parking information system using the loop type automobile sensing device. In addition, the loop type automobile sensing device integrally formed with the loop coil is provided in plurality as automobile sensors to detect the presence and moving state of an automobile according to a signal from the automobile sensors, to control operations of a plurality of cameras, warning lamps, and display devices installed to a parking lot, and to notify parking information and automobile movement information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Moru Inven Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong Jun Lee
  • Publication number: 20140253107
    Abstract: A transconductor converts voltage on an inductive sensor to a proportional current using two “coupling” capacitors. Responsive to movement of an electrically conductive target from the null position a resonant current is formed between the two sensor coils. A single differential transistor pair switched by periodic drive signals commutes the net alternating current at the single input to direct current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Steven D. Roach, Gregory H. Ames, Philip N. Zercher
  • Publication number: 20140239943
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining a location of a target, the apparatus comprising: first and second magnetic dipole beacons positioned at substantially a same spatial location having respectively first and second time dependent magnetic moments oriented in different directions that generate first and second magnetic fields having different time dependencies; at least one magnetic field sensor coil located at the location of the target that generates signals responsive to the first and second magnetic fields; and circuitry that receives the signals generated by the at least one sensor coil and processes the signals responsive to the different time dependencies of the magnetic fields to determine a location of the at least one sensor coil and thereby the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: SOREQ NUCLEAR RESEARCH CENTER
    Inventors: Arie Sheinker, Boris Ginzburg, Nizan Salomonski
  • Patent number: 8816675
    Abstract: A VR resolver comprises a resolver stator and a resolver rotor. Teeth whose number is equal to the product of an integer P of 2 or more and 4 are arranged in an annular shape from the inner circumferential side to the inner side in the diameter direction of the resolver stator. In the resolver rotor, convex portions whose number is equal to the product of an odd number m of 3 or more and the integer P are radially projected. All the stator slots are provided with excitation coils which generate a magnetic field by the application of a voltage. Moreover, all the stator slots are provided with either a first coil or a second coil which outputs electric signals of different waveforms based on the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Ichinomiya Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Kinashi
  • Patent number: 8803511
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle gearbox position detector comprising a sensor (3) designed to cooperate with a moving target (5) connected to a gearbox ratio actuation element so as to provide at least one analog signal representative of the position of the neutral point of the gearbox, characterized in that it additionally comprises a unit for processing the signal (9) comprising an analog-to-digital converter designed to convert the analog signal into a digital output signal (17) so as to provide periodic predefined information corresponding to the position of the neutral point only when, on the one hand, the target (5) is in the neutral point position and, on the other hand, when the sensor (1) is in the normal operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: SC2N
    Inventors: Pascal Castro, Vincent Guibet
  • Publication number: 20140203801
    Abstract: Displacement sensor arrangement including at least one primary coil, at least a first and a second secondary coil and at least one magnetically soft coupling element, which magnetically couples the primary coil and the two secondary coils, the displacement sensor being designed so that a position and/or deflection depending on the magnetic coupling between the primary coil and at least the first and second secondary coil is detected, the displacement sensor arrangement having a signal processing unit, which is designed to perform digital signal processing of at least one electrical variable of the two secondary coils and determine the position and/or deflection, the signal processing unit having at least one Goertzel filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Sören Lehmann, Frank Grunwald
  • Patent number: 8779778
    Abstract: Disclosed is a proximity switch provided with an actuator unit and a sensor unit. The sensor unit is provided with an antenna coil, a transmitting circuit which transmits electromagnetic waves at a constant frequency to the antenna coil, a receiving circuit which detects external signals received by means of the antenna coil, and control circuits. The actuator unit is provided with an antenna coil, a power supply circuit which rectifies an electromotive force generated in the antenna coil, and a signal processing circuit which receives power supply from the power supply circuit, performs frequency-dividing to the signals received by means of the antenna coil, and transmits the signals from the antenna coil after the frequency-dividing. The control circuit of the sensor unit has memory for registering the frequency of the signals transmitted from the actuator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Higuchi, Teruyuki Nakayama, Daichi Kamisono, Satoshi Nishiuchi, Kazunori Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8768639
    Abstract: A dynamically self-adjusting magnetometer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A second sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A summing module sums the absolute value of the electronic signal from the first sample module and the electronic signal from the second sample module. A delta comparator module receives the electronic signals from each of the first sample module, the second sample module and the summing module and compares each of the electronic signals with a previously received set of electronic signals to establish a change, wherein an output is generated if the change is greater than or equal to a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Broadband Discovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Cory James Stephanson
  • Patent number: 8766624
    Abstract: In a position detector having two sensors, a first sensor detects a position indicated by a first indicator by electromagnetic induction and a second sensor detects a position indicated by a second indicator by a detection method other than electromagnetic induction. The position detector reduces adverse effects of the transmission signal supplied to the second sensor on the electromagnetic induction position detection circuit. The position indication state of the first and second indicators is determined based on a signal output from the first sensor according to the position indication by the first indicator on the first sensor and a signal output from the second sensor according to the position indication by the second indicator on the second sensor. According to the determination results of the position indication state, the level of the transmission signal provided to the second sensor to detect the position indication by the second indicator is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Wacom Co,. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140167746
    Abstract: An inductive position-measuring device includes a scanning element and a graduation element that are movable relative to each other in a first direction. The scanning element includes exciter conductors and three receiver tracks. The first and the second receiver track are disposed at a distance relative to each other, and the third receiver track is located between the first and the second receiver track. The graduation element includes two graduation tracks which are disposed at a distance relative to each other, and which have different graduation periods. Furthermore, electromagnetic fields generated by the exciter conductors are able to be modulated by the graduation tracks, so that a relative position in the first direction is detectable by the first and the second receiver track, while a relative position in a second direction, which is oriented orthogonally with respect to the first direction, is detectable by the third receiver track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Marc Oliver Tiemann, Martin Heumann
  • Publication number: 20140132252
    Abstract: Coil patterns and connecting wirings of a slider part or the like are prepared using a printed board (slider board). Connecting wiring patterns prepared using the printed board are arranged at multiple layers. The coil patterns and the connecting wiring patterns are connected via through-holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Kazunari IZAWA
  • Publication number: 20140132253
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronic device includes an excitation control; a first excitation element coupled to the excitation control; a second excitation element coupled to the excitation control; a target positioned near the first and second excitation elements and within the electromagnetic fields generated by the first and second excitation elements; a receiving element positioned near the target and within the electromagnetic fields generated by the first and second excitation elements; and a signal processor coupled to the receiving element and coupled to the excitation control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Jacques Bertin
  • Patent number: 8723510
    Abstract: A resolver comprises a first coil layer and a second coil layer each formed on a flat plate and an insulating layer formed between the first coil layer and the second coil layer. A SIN signal excitation coil includes a SIN first coil formed in the first coil layer and a SIN second coil formed in the second coil layer. A COS signal excitation coil includes a COS first coil formed in the first coil layer and a COS second coil formed in the second coil layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehide Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8723509
    Abstract: Magnetic tracking systems and methods for determining the position and orientation of a remote object. A magnetic tracking system includes a stationary transmitter for establishing a reference coordinate system, and at least one receiver. The remote object is attached to, mounted on, or otherwise coupled to the receiver. The transmitter can include a set of three mutually perpendicular coils having a common center point, or a set of three coplanar coils with separate centers. The receiver can include a set of three orthogonal coils. The position and orientation of the receiver and the remote object coupled thereto is determined by measuring the nine mutual inductances between the three transmitter coils and the three receiver coils. The magnetic tracking system provides reduced power consumption, increased efficiency, digital compensation for component variation, automatic self-calibration, automatic synchronization with no connections between transmitter and receiver, and rapid low-cost implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventors: William R. Patterson, III, Harvey F. Silverman, Kenneth J. Silverman
  • Publication number: 20140125327
    Abstract: An inductive position sensor determines a position of an object. The sensor incudes a circuit board, a wire source coil constructed and arranged to provide a certain operating frequency, a first wire sensing coil, and a second wire sensing coil. The source coil, and first and second sensing coils are embedded in the circuit board, and each of the first and second sensing coils are constructed and arranged to provide an output as the object passes by source coil and the first and second sensing coils. Eddy current generating material is associated with any of the coils so as to provide an eddy current that interferes with wire to wire communication between the sensing coils and the source coil, so as to alter the output of the sensing coils to improve accuracy of the sensor to shape the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: John Jefferson Lackey
  • Publication number: 20140117980
    Abstract: A number of position sensors are disclosed. The position sensors are arranged to inductively sense the position of a target relative to a number of sensor coils. The target is arranged to magnetically couple with first and second coils so that signals are generated that depend on the relative position of the target and the first and second coils. The target extends along the measurement path and is inclined relative to the measurement path so that substantially all of the target overlaps with loops of the first coil and so that when a first end of the target is adjacent a first loop of the first coil, a second end of the target is adjacent a second loop of the first coil that has an opposite winding direction to that of the first loop. The second coil is arranged relative to the target such that the magnetic coupling between the second coil and the first end of the target is opposite to the magnetic coupling between the second coil and the second end of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: David Thomas Eliot ELY
  • Patent number: 8710827
    Abstract: A position encoder is described that generates a signal whose phase varies with a position to be determined. A phase detector determines a first phase measurement of the sensor signal during a first mode and a second phase measurement of said sensor signal during a second mode. The phase detector then differences the first and second phase measurements to obtain a phase difference measurement, which it uses to determine an indication of the position to be sensed. A controller controls a signal generator in order to set a start phase of signals generated in at least one of the first and second modes so that the timings at which said sensor signal crosses a reference level are substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sagentia Limited
    Inventor: Victor Evgenievich Zhitomirsky
  • Patent number: 8710828
    Abstract: A system senses the position of a movable element in a mechanical apparatus. The element moves along an elongated guide member, which is at least partially formed of a magnetic material. An excitation coil is positioned by the guide member and a sensing coil moves with the movable element. An excitation circuit energizes the excitation coil and a position sensing circuit sense a voltage or current in the sensing coil to determine the distance between the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: David Meisel
  • Patent number: 8692542
    Abstract: A VR resolver with a shaft angle multiplier of 3× has a rotor core 104 that is provided with magnetic poles 104a and 104b, which project in a radial direction, and a magnetic pole 104c, which does not project in a radial direction. The VR resolver also has a stator core 101 provided with salient poles 102c and 102e that are wound with a cosine wave detection wire and that are connected. A zero point detecting terminal is led from the cosine wave detection wire between the cosine winding wound portions of the salient poles 102c and 102e. The zero point detecting terminal provides a voltage waveform. By setting a threshold value for the voltage waveform, an absolute angle of the rotor core 104 is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mineba Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mutsumi Matsuura, Takaaki Ochiai
  • Patent number: 8674687
    Abstract: An angle detection device of the present invention includes: a stator which includes a plurality of salient pole portions which are formed on a flat sheet made of a magnetic material and are raised by bending, each salient pole portion constituting a winding magnetic core on which a winding member for excitation and a winding member for detection are mounted; and a rotor which is made of a magnetic material and is provided rotatably relative to the stator such that gap permeance between the rotor and each salient pole portion is changed due to the rotation of the rotor about a rotational axis of the rotor. According to the angle detection device of the present invention, it is possible to provide the angle detection device which can largely reduce the number of parts and can realize the reduction of cost and the enhancement of reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimi Kikuchi, Kanji Kitazawa, Hisashi Mimura
  • Patent number: 8669760
    Abstract: An angle detection system of the present invention includes: a stator 200 which includes a plurality of salient pole portions which are formed on a flat sheet made of a magnetic material and are raised by bending, each salient pole portion constituting a winding magnetic core on which a winding member for excitation and a winding member for detection are mounted; and a rotor 300 which is made of a magnetic material and is configured to be rotatable relative to the stator such that gap permeance between the rotor and each salient pole portion is changed due to the rotation thereof about a rotational axis thereof. According to the angle detection device of the present invention, it is possible to provide the angle detection device which can largely reduce the number of parts and can realize the reduction of cost and the enhancement of reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimi Kikuchi, Kanji Kitazawa, Hisashi Mimura, Minow Okada
  • Publication number: 20140062465
    Abstract: A rotation detecting device includes rotation detecting device includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member disposed around an axial line. The rotation detecting device further includes a pair of magnetic field generating portions for generating a magnetic field in a region between the first supporting member and the second supporting member. The rotation detecting device further includes at least one magnetic field detecting portion attached to the second supporting member for detecting the magnetic field. The rotation detecting device further includes a first magnetic member for covering one end portion of the magnetic field detecting portion and a second magnetic member for covering the other end portion of the magnetic field detecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji OYAMA
  • Patent number: 8664942
    Abstract: A sensor device for height measurement, air spring comprising a sensor device for height measuring and a corresponding method allowing determining the height also under rough conditions like noisy, dusty or vibrating environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: PolyResearch AG
    Inventor: Lutz May
  • Publication number: 20140055128
    Abstract: A rotation sensor assembly includes a rotated component rotatably coupled with a base. The rotation sensor assembly includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is coupled with the base or the rotated component. The transmitter generates a magnetic field including a sinusoidally time-varying dipole near-field corresponding to an excitation signal having a first phase value. The receiver is coupled with the other of the rotated component or the base. The receiver detects the magnetic field and generates a reception signal based on the magnetic field with a second phase value corresponding to a rotation angle of the rotated component relative to the base. The receiver is mechanically isolated from the transmitter. A rotation angle module is coupled with the transmitter. The rotation angle module, for instance a phase detector, measures the rotation angle of the rotated component based on the phase difference in the first and second phase values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Clarence Walt Fowler, Robert Leonard Nelson, JR., Scott Porter
  • Publication number: 20140055129
    Abstract: A resolver interface includes an excitation coil, a first secondary coil, a second secondary coil, a sampling circuit, and a controller. The excitation coil receives an excitation signal that generates first and second signals in the first secondary coil and the second secondary coil, respectively. The sampling circuit includes a multiplexer that samples at least one period of the excitation signal, the first signal, and the second signal, individually. The controller is configured to calculate a sign of the first signal and the second signal relative to the excitation signal, wherein based on the calculated sign of the first signal and the second signal the controller determines a quadrant of the excitation coil and based on the determined quadrant and magnitudes of the sampled first signal and second signal calculates a position of the excitation coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: John M. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 8652077
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining depth of compressions of a chest of a patient receiving chest compressions. A field detector is used having at least two coils at a fixed distance from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Physio-Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Corey Centen
  • Publication number: 20140035565
    Abstract: A method for positioning a motor vehicle in relation to a primary element of a charging device disposed on a side of a roadway of the motor vehicle for contactless charging of an electric storage device of the motor vehicle, includes moving a secondary element of the charging device arranged on the motor vehicle and interacting with the primary element relative to the primary element by moving the motor vehicle on the roadway into a predetermined charging position, and determining with at least one sensor and at least one positioning element having at least two mutually different markers, when the secondary element has reached the predetermined charging position, by detecting the markers with the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Achim Enthaler, Björn Elias
  • Publication number: 20130342192
    Abstract: An angle sensor includes a sensor rotor formed with a planar coil and a sensor stator placed to face the sensor rotor with a gap therefrom and formed with a planar coil. The planar coil of the sensor stator includes an SIN phase coil and a COS phase coil each having an annular ring shape, and a rotary transformer coil placed radially inside of a region where both the coils are provided. The rotary transformer coil includes two connecting wires to connect to an external circuit, the two connecting wires being arranged to extend across the coils. The two connecting wires are arranged one above the other in their portions that extend across the coils while an insulating film is interposed between the connecting wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryojiro KANEMITSU, Shinya SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 8587293
    Abstract: A simple position determination is enabled by a device and a method to determine the position of a local coil in a magnetic resonance apparatus, wherein at least one signal emitted by at least one transmission coil is received by the local coil and is evaluated with a position determination device in order to determine the position of the local coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Biber, Thorsten Feiweier, Wolfgang Renz
  • Patent number: 8575931
    Abstract: A length measurement apparatus (10) has a bistable magnetic element (102), an elongated physical scale (200) with a plurality of measurement graduation elements (202) spaced apart from one another and a reading head (100) movable relative to the physical scale (200) in its longitudinal extent and which includes a first and second reading head magnet (114a b) arranged transverse to the longitudinal extent and with opposite polarity to one another. The measurement graduation elements (202) each have a magnetic short-circuit element (202) to suppress the magnetic field (116a) of the first reading head magnet (114a) in a first relative position of the reading head (100) and the magnetic field (116b) of the second reading head magnet (114b) in a second relative position of the reading head (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sick Stegmann GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Siraky, Florian Grieshaber
  • Patent number: 8564281
    Abstract: Noncontact measuring of positions of objects is achieved through measurements of parameters characterized by the distribution of an AC magnetic flux in the air gap between stationary and moveable portions defining a sensor magnetic circuit. A sensor head fixed relative to a stationary element includes a soft-magnetic core. A sensor target is fixed relative to a movable element, the soft-magnetic core and the sensor target separated by an air gap and defining a magnetic circuit. A coil around the soft-magnetic core is adapted to produce a magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. A magnetic flux density sensor fixed relative to the sensor head resides in the gap between the soft-magnetic core and the sensor target and is configured to detect magnetic flux density in a portion of the gap. A controller in communication with the magnetic flux density sensor is configured to receive an output signal of the magnetic flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Calnetix Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Alexei V. Filatov
  • Patent number: 8555918
    Abstract: Flow rate control valve includes: a target probe formed of a magnetically-responsive substance and mounted to one end of a spool; a sensor housing mounted to the one end of the sleeve and having a cylinder section defining an inner space to permit entry therein of the target probe; and first and second coils provided around the cylinder section and axially spaced from each other by a predetermined distance. The probe is constructed so that magnetic response of the coils gradually varies in one direction in response to a linear position of the target probe. The first coil responds to the target probe, while the second coil does not respond to the target probe. Impedance of the first coil varies with a linear position of the probe (31), and the linear position of the probe is detected through differential synthesis performed between outputs of the first and second coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Amiteq Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Goto
  • Patent number: 8560259
    Abstract: A dynamically self-adjusting magnetometer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A second sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A summing module sums the absolute value of the electronic signal from the first sample module and the electronic signal from the second sample module. A delta comparator module receives the electronic signals from each of the first sample module, the second sample module and the summing module and compares each of the electronic signals with a previously received set of electronic signals to establish a change, wherein an output is generated if the change is greater than or equal to a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Broadband Discovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Cory James Stephanson
  • Patent number: 8542007
    Abstract: In an inductive position sensor for determining the position, particularly the rotation angle, of a movable element, at least two subsystems are provided, which each have second transmitting units with an actuating unit, an oscillating circuit on the movable element, and a receiving unit with an evaluating unit. According to the invention, it is provided that the operation of the individual subsystems is carried out alternately. Thus, if one subsystem is operating, all other subsystems are deactivated. In this way, all subsystems are individually operated in a consecutive manner. The synchronization required to do so is provided by a non-galvanic coupling of the subsystems, and in particular by an inductive coupling by way of preferably existing inductances of the subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Elmos Semiconductor AG
    Inventors: Robert Brands, Wolfgang Büsser
  • Patent number: 8508243
    Abstract: The inductive incremental displacement sensor is characterized in that the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit each have a first inductive sensor and a second inductive sensor disposed at a distance from each other and that the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit deliver a switching signal relevant to a conductive region of the graduated track when the difference or the ratio of the detection signals from the inductive sensors allocated to the respective sensor unit as generated by the conductive region is less than a specifiable threshold. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining the displacement of a first object relative to a second object as well as to an inductive sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Speckmann, Ulrich Ehrenfried
  • Publication number: 20130187639
    Abstract: A first reception wiring and a first magnetic flux coupler form a first track having a shape periodically changing in a rotation direction of the rotor at a first pitch. A second reception wiring and a second magnetic flux coupler form a second track having a shape periodically changing in a rotation direction of the rotor at a second pitch. The first reception wiring and the second reception wiring are stacked via a first insulative layer in a direction in which a rotation shaft extends. The first magnetic flux coupler and the second magnetic flux coupler are stacked via a second insulative layer in a direction in which the rotation shaft extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130181700
    Abstract: The invention relates to a path measuring apparatus comprising at least a first measuring path and a second measuring path, these measuring paths each having an extension in a longitudinal direction and being oriented parallel to one another in at least a measuring range, at least one position indicator which couples to the measuring paths in a non-contact manner, and a measuring path holder which extends in the measuring range and has recesses, each recess having a measuring path arranged therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: BALLUFF GmbH
    Inventor: BALLUFF GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130176019
    Abstract: An arrangement for transmitting data and/or power between a chassis and a seat that is movably disposed on said chassis by means of a guide rail. Several primary iron half-cores that support at least one primary winding are arranged in a fixed manner within the guide rail while at least one secondary iron half-core comprising at least one secondary winding is placed on the seat. The primary half-cores are disposed within the guide rail in such a way that at least one primary and one secondary iron half-core are positioned relative to each other so as to transmit data and/or power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Achim Bauer, Andre Zybala
  • Patent number: 8478560
    Abstract: A three-wire transformer position sensor is provided that includes an excitation coil and an output coil. The excitation coil is adapted to be electrically excited with an excitation signal, and has a first end and a second end. The output coil includes a first coil and a second coil and is inductively coupled to the excitation coil upon electrical excitation thereof the excitation coil. The first end of the first coil is electrically connected to the second end of the second coil and to the second end of the excitation coil, and the second end of the first coil is electrically connected to the first end of the second coil. The output coil is configured, when it is balanced and the excitation coil is being electrically excited, to supply a null output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Fox, Gene Holden, Robert Franconi
  • Publication number: 20130141085
    Abstract: In a position detector having two sensors, a first sensor detects a position indicated by a first indicator by electromagnetic induction and a second sensor detects a position indicated by a second indicator by a detection method other than electromagnetic induction. The position detector reduces adverse effects of the transmission signal supplied to the second sensor on the electromagnetic induction position detection circuit. The position indication state of the first and second indicators is determined based on a signal output from the first sensor according to the position indication by the first indicator on the first sensor and a signal output from the second sensor according to the position indication by the second indicator on the second sensor. According to the determination results of the position indication state, the level of the transmission signal provided to the second sensor to detect the position indication by the second indicator is controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: WACOM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wacom Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8450997
    Abstract: Magnetic tracking systems and methods for determining the position and orientation of a remote object. A magnetic tracking system includes a stationary transmitter for establishing a reference coordinate system, and at least one receiver. The remote object is attached to, mounted on, or otherwise coupled to the receiver. The transmitter can include a set of three mutually perpendicular coils having a common center point, or a set of three coplanar coils with separate centers. The receiver can include a set of three orthogonal coils. The position and orientation of the receiver and the remote object coupled thereto is determined by measuring the nine mutual inductances between the three transmitter coils and the three receiver coils. The magnetic tracking system provides reduced power consumption, increased efficiency, digital compensation for component variation, automatic self-calibration, automatic synchronization with no connections between transmitter and receiver, and rapid low-cost implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Silverman
  • Patent number: 8441251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a proximity sensor having a first transmission coil, a second transmission coil, at least one reception coil, an excitation device which is connected to the first and second transmission coils, and an evaluation unit which is connected to at least one transmission coil and/or to the excitation device as well as to the at least one reception coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Sascha Thoss, Andre Lissner, Olaf Machul
  • Patent number: 8441253
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes: a measuring circuit configured to carry out predetermined processing for the measurement result of an object to be measured; a communication control circuit configured to generate output data to be output externally depending on the processing result of the measuring circuit; a power source circuit having a charging element configured to supply power to the measuring circuit and the communication control circuit; an output circuit having open-drain output terminals configured to externally output the output data generated in the communication control circuit; and a charge control circuit configured to charge the charging element at the timing when the output data is not output externally, the open-drain output terminals of the output circuit being used as the input terminals thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Kawatoko, Toshihiro Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20130099778
    Abstract: A differential transformer type magnetic sensor is disclosed. The drive coil includes a planar coil arranged on a substrate. The first differential coil includes a planar coil arranged on the substrate. The second differential coil includes a planar coil arranged on the substrate and connected to the first differential coil. The first selector unit is used for a zero adjustment of a differential transformer. The first differential coil includes a plurality of first branch lines formed by branching a wire material forming the outermost turn of the first differential coil. The plurality of first branch lines are so arranged that the amount of magnetic fluxes passing along the plurality of respective first branch lines differ when the drive coil is driven. The first selector unit is capable of selecting any one of the plurality of first branch lines and arranged on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
  • Patent number: 8421447
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuji Inoue
  • Publication number: 20130088217
    Abstract: A noncontact distance measuring sensor and a method for noncontact distance measurement is provided. The distance measuring sensor has a coil arrangement including at least two measuring coils oriented along a common axis. An electrically and/or magnetically conducting measurement object is in electromagnetic interaction with the coil arrangement. The distance measuring sensor further has an evaluation circuit for evaluating and ascertaining a position of the measurement object. In addition to the measuring coils, the noncontact distance measuring sensor includes an additional coil which is arranged along the common axis, is coupled to the evaluation circuit, and at least partly overlaps at least one of the two measuring coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicants: MICRO-EPSILON MESSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG, BURKERT WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Burkert Werke GmbH, Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH& Co., KG
  • Publication number: 20130069637
    Abstract: An inductive detection encoder according to the present invention includes: first and second members which are oppositely disposed so as to relatively move in a measurement direction; a transmitting coil formed in the first member; a magnetic flux coupled body which is formed in the second member and coupled with a magnetic field generated by the transmitting coil; and a receiving coil formed in the first member and having receiving loops. At least one of the transmitting coil and the receiving coil has a specific pattern that impairs the uniformity and periodicity of a pattern; and a dummy pattern formed in a position corresponding to a specific phase relationship of a cycle generated by the track with respect to the specific pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirokazu Kobayashi, Osamu Kawatoko, Shozaburo Tsuji, Kenichi Nakayama