Abstract: A pulsed coil drive for a sampled inductive transducer has at least one drive coil connected in a series circuit with a capacitor having a first terminal connected to the negative terminal of a voltage source. The series circuit is normally open during the intervals between pulses. Sampling occurs once per pulse. Each pulse's sampling interval is preceded by a pre-sampling interval and followed by a post-sampling interval. The supply voltage that is applied across the series circuit during both the pre- and post-sampling intervals is applied by switching a first terminal of the coil's free terminal to the voltage source's positive terminal through a p-channel MOSFET. During the sampling interval, the series circuit is shorted by switching the coil's free terminal to the voltage source's negative terminal through an n-channel MOSFET.

Abstract: A position encoder is provided for indicating the relative position between first and second relatively move members. One of the members carries a magnetic field generator which generates a magnetic field whose magnitude and direction vary with position. In a preferred embodiment, the other member carries an excitation winding, one or more sensor windings and a film of magnetizable material. The arrangement is such that the positionally varying magnetic field interacts with the film to change the mutual coupling between the excitation winding and the or each sensor winding. Excitation and processing circuitry is provided for energising the excitation winding and for processing the sensor signals to determine a value indicative of the relative position between the first and second relatively movable members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for detecting a body moving in relation to an, in particular, tubular container. Said device comprises at least one magnet unit which generates a magnetic field, measures this magnetic field and which is assigned to the container and/or to the magnetic body. The device also comprises at least one evaluation device connected to the magnet units and provided for receiving measurement signals of the magnet units. The aim of the invention is to improve a measuring device of this type in order to be able to easily determine, in addition to the position of the body in relation to the container in a longitudinal direction, the position of the body in relation to the container in the transverse direction with a relatively high level of accuracy. To this end, the magnet units comprise a maximum magnetic flux that is essentially perpendicular to the direction of the relative motion of the body and container.

Abstract: An angle detector including an annular stator board (1); a plurality of stators (5) provided on the annular stator board (1) independently of one another and forming slots (10) at constant or various intervals; a magnetic core (11) formed on surfaces of the stators (5); stator windings (4) formed around the magnetic cores (11) and composed of excitation windings (4a) and output windings (4b); a magnetic flux return path plateau (12) provided on each of the surfaces of the stators (5) and provided inward or outward of the stator windings (4); an annular rotor board (6) provided on the magnetic flux return path plateaus (12); and a gap forming board (13) provided on an inner surface (6a) of the annular rotor board (6) and having a board inner surface (13a) whose protrusion state changes according to a waveform. The annular rotor board rotates to cause changes in a gap (14) between each of the magnetic cores (11) and the board inner surface (13a) of the gap forming board (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive proximity sensor with a sensor element which includes a resonant circuit which provides an output signal which depends on the damping by an electrically conductive object. In accordance with the invention, the inductive proximity sensor has a ?? modulator for the evaluation of an output signal of the resonant circuit. The invention furthermore relates to a method for the determination of the presence and/or of the spacing of a metallic object with the help of an inductive proximity sensor.

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.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a signal related to a position of a part comprises an exciter coil, and a receiver coil disposed proximate to the exciter coil. The exciter coil generates magnetic flux when the exciter coil is energized by a source of electrical energy, such as an alternating current source. The receiver coil generates a receiver signal when the exciter coil is energized, due to an inductive coupling between the receiver coil and the exciter coil. The receiver coil has a plurality of sections, the inductive coupling tending to induce opposed voltages in at least two of the sections. Embodiments of the present invention include linear sensors, rotational sensors, and novel configurations for improved ratiometric sensing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a position detecting device capable of canceling an error due to looseness in a vertical direction and of eliminating variation in temperature characteristics by calculating a ratio between output voltages of a plurality of Hall elements. Assuming that the Hall voltage Vhe1 of a Hall element becomes A·K·Bhe1 (A is the amplification factor of a preamplifier, K is a constant, and Bhe1 is the magnetic flux density the Hall element receives), then a PI regulator automatically adjusts the bias point of the PI output by feedback control in such a manner that A·K·Bhe1+Vref=AGND (=0) holds. The Hall voltage Vhe2 of the Hall element after amplification becomes A·K·Bhe2. Since K=?Vref/A·Bhe1, the Hall voltage Vhe2 of the Hall element is given by ?Vref·Bhe2/Bhe1.

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.

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

Abstract: A portable locator and method for establishing the location of the cable line in a region which includes at least one generally straight electrically conductive cable line extending across the region from which cable line a locating signal includes a first arrangement for measuring a local flux intensity of the locating signal at a first above ground point within the region with the portable locator in a particular orientation at the first above ground point. A second arrangement uses the local flux intensity to establish a cable line angular orientation which limits the possible directions to the cable line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point. A third arrangement uses the measured local flux intensity to establish an actual direction of the cable line that is selected from the possible directions based on certain characteristics of the locating signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for securely monitoring a distance between a metallic part and an inductive proximity sensor, in particular for monitoring a closed position of a guard door in an automated system, said method having the steps of: providing an oscillating circuit, providing a metallic part made of a first material, driving the oscillating circuit with at least one pulse, such that a decaying oscillation is generated which is dependent on a distance between the metallic part and the oscillating circuit and which has an actual frequency and an actual attenuation, and signaling whether both the actual frequency undershoots a predefined maximum frequency and the actual attenuation undershoots a predefined maximum attenuation. The invention also relates to a signaling device for monitoring a distance between a metallic part and an inductive proximity sensor.

Abstract: A combined steering angle and torque sensor that inductively and with eddy current damping generates two absolute angle measurement signals over an angle range of 360 degrees including a first damping rotor being disposed on an end of an input shaft of steering column divided by a torsion element; a second damping rotor being disposed on an end of an output shaft of the steering column; at least one carrier being fixed to a housing of the steering column and through which the steering column passes at a right angle, the at least one carrier being fitted with flat coils in a complete angle range; and at least one passive actuating element, without periodically repeated structures, being borne on each of said first and second damping rotors, the actuating elements being in two different locations of said angle range acting on the flat coils of the at least one carrier.

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.

Abstract: A detector for measuring relative position along a measurement path comprising: a passive, laminar electrical intermediate device extending along the measurement path wherein the extent of the said electrical intermediate device in an axis normal to the measurement path varies along the measurement axis; at least one laminar transmit winding and at least two laminar receive windings wherein the said at least two laminar receive windings are displaced from each other along the measurement path wherein each laminar receive winding is substantially electrically balanced with respect to the at least one laminar transmit winding; arranged such that the mutual inductance between at least one laminar transmit winding and at least two laminar receive windings indicates the relative position of the electrical intermediate device.

Abstract: A portable locator and method for establishing the location of the cable line in a region which includes at least one generally straight electrically conductive cable line extending across the region from which cable line a locating signal includes a first arrangement for measuring a local flux intensity of the locating signal at a first above ground point within the region with the portable locator in a particular orientation at the first above ground point. A second arrangement uses the local flux intensity to establish a cable line angular orientation which limits the possible directions to the cable line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point. A third arrangement uses the measured local flux intensity to establish an actual direction of the cable line that is selected from the possible directions based on certain characteristics of the locating signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive sensor unit having one or several coils, which are mounted on a printed circuit board in a planar manner. According to the invention, a change in the inductance of a sensor coil due to leakage currents in the inductive actuator is correlated with the position of the actuator in two respects i.e., with the distance x to the sensor coils and with the overlapping y of the sensor coils. As a result, an inductive push button switch and an inductive position switching device (a sliding switch) are provided. The invention also relates to the evaluation of the inductance by means of reactance measurement. A relative evaluation of the influence of adjacent sensor coils increases the precision of response in push button switches and, generally, a relative evaluation of the influence of adjacent sensor coils is carried out in position switching devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for assessing field distortion includes a probe and a processor. The probe includes a mechanical fixture for placement at a location to be tested, and one or more field generators, which are attached to the mechanical fixture and are arranged to generate respective magnetic fields. The probe further includes one or more field sensors, which are attached to the mechanical fixture at known positions with respect to the one or more field sensors and are arranged to sense the magnetic fields generated by the one or more field generators and to output signals responsively to the sensed magnetic fields. The processor is arranged to process the signals so as to assess a distortion of the magnetic fields sensed by the field sensors at the tested location.

Abstract: A portable locator and method for establishing the location of the cable line in a region which includes at least one generally straight electrically conductive cable line extending across the region from which cable line a locating signal includes a first arrangement for measuring a local flux intensity of the locating signal at a first above ground point within the region with the portable locator in a particular orientation at the first above ground point. A second arrangement uses the local flux intensity to establish a cable line angular orientation which limits the possible directions to the cable line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point. A third arrangement uses the measured local flux intensity to establish an actual direction of the cable line that is selected from the possible directions based on certain characteristics of the locating signal.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides for disambiguating the phase of a field received from a wireless tracker in an electromagnetic (“EM”) tracking system. In a first method, a carrier wave signal is modulated with a tracking signal transmitted by an EM tracker. A time reference indicating a starting point for a particular phase of the carrier wave signal is determined and is used to determine the proper phase for the tracking signal. In a second method, the EM tracker transmits auxiliary data that includes the proper phase of the tracking signal. In a third method, the EM tracker includes a passive transponder that receives a desired phase of a tracking signal as auxiliary data in an excitation signal. In response, the EM tracker transmits the tracking signal according to the desired phase. Tracking electronics may then lock onto the proper or desired phase determined according to any of the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The rolling bearing apparatus of the present invention comprises a rolling element, a non-rolling element disposed concentrically with the rolling element, and a rotation detector for outputting an input exciting voltage by converting it to an induced voltage according to the relative rotation state of the rolling element and the non-rolling element. The rotation detector comprises a rotor provided in the rolling element, a stator provided in the non-rolling element, and an exciting winding and output windings being wound to the stator. The output windings induce a voltage according to the gap permeance between the rotor and the stator in response to the exciting voltage inputted to the exciting winding.

Abstract: An air-core transformer position sensor includes an excitation coil, an output coil, and a sensor coil. The excitation coil is adapted to be electrically excited with an excitation signal. The output coil is inductively coupled to the excitation coil upon electrical excitation of the excitation coil. The sensor coil is electrically shorted, is movable relative to the excitation coil and the output coil and, upon electrical excitation of the excitation coil, is inductively coupled to at least one of the excitation coil or the output coil.

Abstract: An inductive position sensor, which in particular is a rotational angle sensor, is provided with two first transmitter units for the generation of two site-dependent first alternating fields having the same carrier frequency, and at least one oscillating circuit arranged in or on an element which may be moved within the alternating field and the position of which is to be determined. The oscillating circuit can be energized by the total alternating field and generates a oscillating-circuit alternating field having the same carrier frequency as the first alternating fields.

Abstract: In embodiments, data corresponding to an object is determined from symbology.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a highly accurate and inexpensive electromagnetic induction type encoder capable of acquiring strong signal intensity with the offset reduced by a short scale coil, and is durable against fluctuations in the yaw direction, which includes a number of scale coils 14 arrayed on a scale 10 along the measurement direction, and transmitting coils 24 and receiving coils 20 that are disposed on a grid 12 relatively movably in the measurement direction with respect to the scale, and which detects a relative movement amount of the scale and the grid from changes in magnetic fluxes detected by the receiving coils via the scale coil when the transmitting coils are magnetized, wherein a plurality of sets of the transmitting coils (24A, 24B), the receiving coils (20A, 20B) and the scale coils (14A, 14B) are disposed symmetrically with respect to the center of the scale, and scale coils of one set located at a symmetrical position around the center of the scale is disposed with ½ phase of the scale pi

Abstract: An inductive position sensing system including an inductive position sensor and an electromagnetic barrier positioned adjacent the sensor to shield the sensor from induced electromagnetic field interference. The electromagnetic barrier is formed of a soft magnetic composite material comprising a soft magnetic filler material dispersed within a non-magnetic matrix or binder material. In one embodiment, the non-magnetic matrix material comprises a non-metallic material, and more specifically comprises a polymeric material. In another embodiment, the soft magnetic filler material comprises an iron-based material, and more specifically comprises powder particles formed of iron or an iron alloy dispersed within the non-magnetic matrix material.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an angular position of a shaft, such as a steering column, comprises a coil assembly, a coil support, and a coupler element having a coupler angular position correlated with the angular position of the shaft. The coil assembly includes a transmitter coil and at least one receiver coil, the coupler element modifying an inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and at least one receiver coil. A signal processing circuit receives coil signals from the coil assembly and determines the angular position using a receiver signal, and a reference signal that is correlated with an axial displacement but otherwise substantially independent of angular position. The reference signal can be used for ratiometric sensing, to substantially eliminate common mode factors, and also to determine the number of revolutions of the shaft. A combined angle and torque sensor further determines a twist angle across a torsion bar.

Abstract: Position detection of a medical device is prevented from being impossible even when the frequency characteristic of a magnetic induction coil is varied in accordance with the state of an external magnetic field for guiding the medical device.

Abstract: A magnetometric device for evaluating a physical parameter (D, K), comprising a circuit (1) which is sensitive to a magnetic field, a measurement circuit (2) and a magnetic field generator (3), the sensitive circuit (1) being subjected to a magnetic field which varies with the physical parameter to be measured and having an electrical characteristic which is evaluated by the measurement circuit and which varies as a function of the magnetic field. The field generator (3) is designed to reverse the polarity of the applied magnetic field, the evaluation of the physical parameter thus being able to be corrected of the parasitic influence of the terrestrial magnetic field.

Abstract: A non-contact measurement method for a relative displacement or relative positioning of a first object relative to a second object, in which: at least one transmitting coil, placed on the first object, is excited by an alternating excitation signal, at least one alternating electronic output signal, generated by mutual inductance in at least one receiving coil, is detected; the at least one receiving coil being placed on the second object and in a magnetic field created by the at least one transmitting coil, and the relative displacement of the first object is determined relative to the second object using the at least one alternating electric output signal generated on the at least one receiving coil.

Abstract: An inductive position sensor for position sensing includes a transmitter coil and a receiver coil, the receiver coil generating a receiver signal when the transmitter coil is excited by an alternating current source. A moveable coupler element modifies the inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil so that the receiver signal is sensitive to the coupler element position. For example, the coupler element may rotate about a common central axis of the transmitter coil and receiving coil. In further examples, a reference coil is configured so that a provided reference signal is substantially insensitive to variations in the angular position of the coupler element. A ratio between the receiver signal and the reference signal is sensitive to the coupler element position, but substantially insensitive to common mode factors that influence the reference signal and receiver signal to a substantially equal degree.

Abstract: A method for electromagnetic tracking the position and orientation of an object using a discretized numerical field model, rather than the conventional analytical dipole model. The method including the steps of determining a discretized numerical field model associated with a particular distortion source; acquiring mutual inductance signals between electromagnetic sensors and the particular distortion source, the sensors being rigidly attached to a tracked object; estimating an initial position for the tracked object in the presence of the particular distortion source; refining the estimated position of the tracked object; and estimating an orientation of the tracked object.

Abstract: A system and method of minimizing the mutual inductance coupling between two or more coils of a coil array of an electromagnetic tracking system. The system involves a geometric arrangement of two or more coils, which significantly reduces any mutual inductance coupling between the two or more coils. The method involves characterization of two or more coils and compensating for mutual inductance coupling between the characterized two or more coils.

Abstract: A position sensor comprises: a cosine coil and a sine coil as excitation coils which generate excitation signals; a detection coil which detects the excitation signal generated from the cosine coil and the sine coil; and a phase-difference detector serving as a converter that calculates a position of the detection coil based on the excitation signal detected by the detection coil. The cosine coil and the sine coil are plate-shaped conductors each including: a plurality of vertically bent segments which function as a coil; and connecting wire portions provided on both sides of the segments to connect the segments.

Abstract: Sensors and methods for measuring displacement are disclosed. In one embodiment, among others, a resistive element is configured to receive an alternating voltage between a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal, the first and second electrical terminals defining a length of the resistive element. A signal pickup is capacitively coupled to the resistive element and is configured to be moved along the length of the resistive element at a substantially fixed distance from the resistive element and without contact between the resistive element and the signal pickup. A shielded cable, such as a coaxial cable, electrically connected to the signal pickup carries a signal having an amplitude proportional to the position of the signal pickup with respect to the first and second electrical terminals.

Abstract: An electromagnetic tracking system comprising at least one electromagnetic transmitter assembly or at least one electromagnetic receiver assembly with two coils attachable to a trackable object to be tracked. The two coils including a first large coil and a second small coil, with the second small coil positioned asymmetrically with respect to the first large coil. The electromagnetic tracking system enables a medical professional to continually track the position and orientation of the object during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing a parameter such as position, comprises: (i) an excitation winding for example coils (7, 9) in quadrature; (ii) a signal generator (41, 42, 43) operable to generate an excitation signals and arranged to apply the generated excitation signal to the excitation winding; (iii) a sense coil (11) that can be electromagnetically coupled to the excitation winding such that, in response to the excitation signal being applied to the excitation winding by the signal generator, a periodic electric signal is generated in the sense coil that is indicative of the value of the parameter to be measured by the sensor; and (iv) a signal processor (108) operable to process the periodic electric signal generated in the sensor winding to determine a value representative of the parameter being measured.

Abstract: An inductive proximity switch with a housing formed of a nonmagnetic, high-grade steel, with a transmitting coil, two receiving coils which are connected in series in opposite directions and which are located symmetrically relative to the transmitting coil, and an evaluation circuit which is connected to the receiving coils. At a given size, the inductive proximity switch has a relatively large operating distance and the operating distance is largely stable, especially is largely independent of temperature, essentially in that, on the back of the receiving coils, opposite the influence side, there is a pre-damping element and the pre-damping properties of the pre-damping element at least approximately correspond to the pre-damping properties of the housing on the influence side.

Abstract: A variable reluctance type angle detector 1 with a rotor 5 and a stator 4. The rotor 5 is provided rotatably on the stator 4. The stator 4 has twelve teeth 2 disposed circumferentially. An excitation wire 7, a SIN output wire 8, and a COS output wire 9 are wound around the teeth 2.

Abstract: A source for inducing an electromagnetic magnetic field, comprising: a substrate, a conductive layer coupled to the substrate, and a planar coil coupled to the substrate, wherein the planar coil comprises non-concentric rings, and wherein the non-concentric rings are configured such that a drive current applied across the non-concentric rings provides a magnetic field, and wherein the magnetic field comprises a moment vector that is tilted at an angle from the normal to a plane of the planar coil. Also provided are a method of electromagnetic tracking, a method of manufacture of a planar coil, and an electromagnetic sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact free arrangement for determining an absolute position of a member adapted for setting an amount of medicament to be injected from a medication delivery device, or adapted for determining an amount of medicament injected from a medication delivery device. The arrangement according to the present invention comprises at least one track of reflector means, at least one emitter means, and at least one receiver means. The at least one emitter means and the at least one receiver means are adapted to electrically couple to a number of the reflector means. The electrical coupling may be capacitive or inductive. In addition, the present invention relates to a medication delivery device or a syringe having such arrangement.

Abstract: A system to measure the displacement of relatively moveable bodies along an axis comprising: a resonant electrical intermediate device further comprising an inductor, whose width varies along the displacement axis, and a capacitor in electrical series which cooperates with an antenna comprising transmit and receive windings whose mutual inductance varies according to the position of the electrical intermediate device relative to the antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus providing a signal related to a position of a coupler element comprises an exciter coil and a receiver coil, the apparatus being operable to provide a signal correlated with the position of the coupler element using a receiver signal generated when the exciter coil is energized due to an inductive coupling between the receiver coil and the exciter coil. In some examples, the receiver coil has first and second sections generating a first section signal and a second section signal respectively, and an electronic circuit is operable to generate a position-independent signal using the first section signal and the second signal. This position-independent signal may then be subtracted from a baseline voltage to provide an improved reference signal for ratiometric position sensing.

Abstract: A coil at a first location in magnetic communication with a door of a vehicle generates a magnetic field responsive to a time varying signal applied thereto. The first location and the coil are adapted so that the magnetic field is influenced by an opening state of the door, and by a crash involving the door. A signal is generated from the coil responsive to the time-varying signal and to the magnetic field, wherein the signal provides for sensing an opening state of the door and for sensing a crash involving the door.

Abstract: An air-core transformer position sensor includes an excitation coil, an output coil, and a sensor coil. The excitation coil is adapted to be electrically excited with an excitation signal. The output coil is inductively coupled to the excitation coil upon electrical excitation of the excitation coil. The sensor coil is electrically shorted, is movable relative to the excitation coil and the output coil and, upon electrical excitation of the excitation coil, is inductively coupled to at least one of the excitation coil or the output coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for detecting a body moving in relation to an, in particular, tubular container. Said device comprises at least one magnet unit which generates a magnetic field, measures this magnetic field and which is assigned to the container and/or to the magnetic body. The device also comprises at least one evaluation device connected to the magnet units and provided for receiving measurement signals of the magnet units. The aim of the invention is to improve a measuring device of this type in order to be able to easily determine, in addition to the position of the body in relation to the container in a longitudinal direction, the position of the body in relation to the container in the transverse direction with a relatively high level of accuracy. To this end, the magnet units comprise a maximum magnetic flux that is essentially perpendicular to the direction of the relative motion of the body and container.

Abstract: A method detects relaying of a contactless data communication by a radio amplifier for intercepting and manipulating the communication to achieve an unauthorized authentication. The method involves transmitting an electromagnetic field successively from at least two spatially separated antennas of a transmitting unit, receiving the transmitted fields in a receiving unit, determining field strength vectors of the received fields allocated to each antenna, and comparing actual values of the vectors with prescribed nominal values stored in a nominal value field that maps the true field strength distribution in multi-dimensional space around the transmitting unit. The actual field strength magnitude and the reception angle between the transmitting antennas can be determined from the vectors and compared with stored nominal values in this manner. When the determined actual values match prescribed nominal values of the nominal value field, the occurrence of a relaying of the signal can be reliably excluded.