Having Particular Sensed Object Patents (Class 324/207.22)
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Publication number: 20120101772Abstract: A device and method for measuring rotation, the device including at least one ball, each ball being magnetized or having a temporary magnetization so as to present a dipole magnetization. The ball is free in rotation in a receptacle of a frame, the device including detection means of a magnetic field created by said at least one ball, along at least three non-coplanar axes of different directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies AlternativesInventors: François Frassati, Roland Blanpain
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Patent number: 8159214Abstract: A position detecting system includes a magnetic field generator, a detecting body, a magnetic field detector, a position/direction calculating unit, and a control unit. The magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field in a three-dimensional space. The detecting body is put into the three-dimensional space, and includes a resonance circuit for generating a resonance magnetic field. The position/direction calculating unit calculates a position/direction of the detecting body. If the resonance circuit is in the non-resonant state, the magnetic field detector detects an environmental magnetic field, and the control unit updates detection data of the environmental magnetic field. If the resonance circuit is in the resonant state, the magnetic field detector detects the spatial magnetic field in the three-dimensional space. The position/direction calculating unit executes processing using the detection data of the spatial magnetic field and updated detection data of the environmental magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Inventors: Akio Uchiyama, Atsushi Kimura
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Patent number: 8148974Abstract: A pulse generator wheel has a cylindrical wall provided with windows distributed about a circumference of the cylindrical wall and closed axially at a first end by a ring. The ring is made of circumferentially extending profiled sections of profiled parts that are separated from one another. The pulse generator wheel is made by stamping in a round sheet metal about the circumference profiled parts each having at least one profiled section extending in the circumferential direction for forming windows between the profiled parts. The profiled sections are spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. The profiled parts are erected and the profiled sections then form a circumferential ring delimiting the windows axially.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: KACO GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Thomas Brokelmann
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Patent number: 8147146Abstract: An output cable 16c of a magnetic sensor 16a, which extends outward in the tangential direction of an arcuate sensor holding portion 15a formed on an annular core member 15 from a sensor unit mounted in the sensor holding portion 15a, is fixedly molded in a mold resin 17b which is fixed in a through hole 15c formed in the sensor holding portion 15a near the sensor unit 16. As a result, the output cable 16c is prevented, even if tensed, from coming out of the sensor unit 16.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: NTN CorporationInventor: Takayuki Norimatsu
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Publication number: 20120074931Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for monitoring the flow of ore in block cave mining operations by inserting an active magnetic beacon 1 into the ore body 12 and generating an alternating magnetic signal with the beacon 1. The ore is monitored with a magnetometer (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to detect the magnetic flux emitted by the beacon 1 thereby determining the position of the beacon. Successive recordings of the position of the magnetic beacon are taken as it moves along with the ore as it “caves”. In this way, the flow patterns of the ore may be revealed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: CMTE Development LimitedInventors: Barend Jacobus Pienaar, Paul J.A. Lever
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Patent number: 8134431Abstract: The invention relates to a switch, in particular a vehicle switch, comprising a switching part which can be coupled to an actuation element, is rotationally mounted about a rotational axis and can adopt defined switch positions. The switching part comprises at least one permanent magnet comprising several south pole and/or north pole sections, and at least two magnetic field sensors which are arranged in a fixed manner in relation to the switching part. The output signals of said sensors, according to the switch position of the contact piece, is dependent upon whether a south or north pole section of the at least one permanent magnet is in the detection range of the respective magnetic field sensor and said output signals form an easy to determine binary switch code in the respective switch position. The invention also relates to an evaluation device for said type of switch, a switch unit comprising said type of switch and an evaluation unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbHInventors: Reiner Mozer, Daniel Horst, Conny Hein
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Patent number: 8106654Abstract: An sensor includes a substrate with a magnetic field sensor mounted on the substrate. The magnetic field sensor has a first surface defining a plane. A magnetic flux conducting member has a second surface that is not parallel to the first surface. A non-magnetic member is situated between the magnetic field sensor and the magnetic flux conducting member.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Horst Theuss, Helmut Wietschorke
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Patent number: 8102172Abstract: A circular top surface of a magnet is magnetized to the N-pole, and a back surface thereof is magnetized to the S-pole. A detector moves within the X-Y plane at positions located away from the top surface of the magnet. A pair of X-direction detecting elements and a pair of the Y-direction detecting elements are provided in the detector. In the X-direction detecting elements, the directions of a bias magnetic field provided to free magnetic layers are opposite to each other. When the detector moves in the Y direction, a decrease in the sensitivity of one of the X-direction detecting elements is compensated for by an improvement in the sensitivity of the other element. This also applies to the Y-direction detecting elements. Accordingly, position detection outputs of the X direction and the Y direction can be accurately obtained from the detector.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Takeya, Takafumi Noguchi
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Publication number: 20110316529Abstract: Embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate systems, methods, apparatuses and program products that provide position tracking using a simple, low frequency oscillator that is attached to an object to be tracked, and one or more receiving stations that are placed around the area in which the object moves. Embodiments of the invention enable position tracking of the object using light weight equipment which minimally impacts the object's natural state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Daniel D. Stancil, Darmindra D. Arumugan, Joshua D. Griffin
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Patent number: 8085037Abstract: A method for measuring the pole position of a magnetic levitation vehicle in a magnetic levitation railway, wherein a supporting magnetic field is generated on the maglev vehicle as a result of a supporting magnetic current on the vehicle side being fed to at least one supporting magnet. The voltage in the stator on the track is measured and the pole position angle between a reference axis of the stator and a reference axis of the maglev vehicle is determined. The magnitude of the supporting magnetic current on the vehicle side and thus the supporting magnetic field is temporally modified and a voltage induced in the stator by the temporal modification of the magnitude of the supporting magnetic field is detected. The pole position angle is formed using the measured values for the induced voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Robert Schmid
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Publication number: 20110291645Abstract: A measuring apparatus for detecting a relative movement between at least one magnetic field sensor array integrated into a semiconductor chip and a transmitter for the sensor array is provided. The transmitter and the sensor array are exposed to the magnetic flux of a magnet. The transmitter has teeth that can be moved past the sensor array during the relative movement, or the transmitter has magnet poles that can be moved past the sensor array during the relative movement. The magnetic field sensor includes a differential magnetic field sensor which comprises a first measuring plate and a second measuring plate that are offset in relation to one another in a direction of the relative movement. The magnetic field sensor also includes a sensor element which is designed to measure the absolute magnetic field and comprises a third measuring plate that is arranged between the first measuring plate and the second measuring plate in the direction of the relative movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2009Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Joerg Franke, Klaus Heberle
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Patent number: 8067933Abstract: A cost-effective system provides reliable location information for locating a vehicle tied to a guideway. Reference markers are mounted to the guideway and scanning devices are disposed in the vehicle and generate at least one output signal when they pass a reference marker. The scanning devices are formed from several individual sensors which are extended in the driving direction with an average scanning length equal to or greater than a distance between neighboring reference markers.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jens Rost, Robert Schmid
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Patent number: 8058867Abstract: A first magnet is secured to the movable member at a first axial position and is associated with a first magnetic field. A secondary magnet is secured to the movable member at a secondary axial position and is associated with a secondary magnetic field. A sensor assembly comprises magnetic sensors arranged in an array (e.g., on a fixed member). A first magnetic sensor is spaced apart from the sensor assembly such that the first magnetic sensor detects the first magnetic field of the first magnet in a first state and an absence of or change in the first magnetic field in a second state. A data processor is arranged for determining an axial position of the moveable member based on at least one of the magnetic fields sensed by the sensor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: James Edward Lenz, Nikolai R. Tevs
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Patent number: 8054062Abstract: A method and system for measuring a characteristic of a machine is provided. The system includes a speed sensor including a housing, a variable reluctance sensor (VRS) mounted at least partially within the housing, and a digitization circuit electrically coupled to an output of the VRS. The digitization circuit is also mounted within the housing and is configured to convert a substantially sinusoidal output of the VRS into a digital output signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Scott Brian Wright
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Patent number: 8054068Abstract: A magnetic absolute position sensor comprises: a read head, a horizontal magnetic scale, and an oblique magnetic scale. The read head is provided with a first position sensing unit and a second position sensing unit which are used produce signal with respect to the horizontal magnetic scale and the oblique magnetic scale, respectively. The distance between the first position sensing unit and the horizontal magnetic scale is constant, and the distance between the second position sensing unit and the oblique magnetic scale changes from narrow to wide. The absolute position identifying system is electrical connected to the first and second position sensing units, respectively, to obtain absolute position coordinates.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.Inventor: Chih-Mao Shiao
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Patent number: 8049491Abstract: In a position detecting device including a movable member provided in a displaceable manner on a base member, and a proximity sensor which detects the position of the movable member, the proximity sensor includes a magnetic field generating portion, a detecting portion which detects a change in magnetic field according to the displacement of the movable member, and a protruding portion made of a nonmagnetic material, which protrudes toward an object to be detected. A seat position detecting device of a vehicle including the configuration of the position detecting device mentioned above is provided. The base member is comprised of a lower rail which is fixedly installed on a floor of a vehicle body, and the movable member is comprised of an upper rail which is attached to a seat for a vehicle and slidably engaged with the lower rail and which is allowed to be fixed in arbitrary sliding positions on the lower rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Harutomi Nishide
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Publication number: 20110260716Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing an absolute encoder are disclosed. A system can include a plurality of tracks, each having a plurality of track elements. Track elements for at least one of the tracks are configured with a nonlinear modulation, such that an absolute position can be determined without requiring a reference marker.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: David T. Robinson, Walter Wyss
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Publication number: 20110254539Abstract: A sensor assembly configured to sense a position of a seat in a vehicle includes a housing defining a cavity and having an open end. The sensor assembly may also include a carrier removably disposed in the housing cavity via the open end, wherein a permanent magnet may be disposed within a magnet cavity defined in the carrier, wherein the permanent magnet may establish a magnetic field. The sensor assembly may further include a single pole disposed within a pole cavity defined in the carrier and spaced from the permanent magnet and positioned in the magnetic field. In addition, the sensor assembly may include a magnetic sensor element affixed to a printed circuit board (PCB) and positioned in the magnetic field and adjacent to an end of the single pole. The magnetic sensor element and PCB may be at least partially disposed within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: STONERIDGE CONTROL DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Karanjit Singh Saini, Gennady Baskin
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Patent number: 8035372Abstract: A magnetostrictive position or elongation sensor of the type in which an elongated magnetorestrictive waveguide is influenced by a magnetic field from a moving magnet has a Villary type transformer at one end and a hermetically sealed housing containing the signal processing circuitry on a plurality of circuit boards. The signal processor can switch the sensor into a programmable mode in which a diagnostic output is obtained recognizing the magnet, the presence of the sensor in the programming mode and voltage values.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventors: Birgit Garneyer, Randolf Hösl, Uwe Viola, Rainer Heuckelbach
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Patent number: 8022694Abstract: A sensor for sensing the position of an object includes a magnet and a magnetic flux sensor. The magnet has dimensions that include a length, a width and a height. The magnet is adapted to generate a flux field. The flux field has a magnitude of flux and a flux direction. The flux direction changes along at least one of the dimensions. The magnetic flux sensor is mounted adjacent the magnet. The magnet provides a rotating magnetic field vector. A method for magnetizing a magnet to create the rotating magnetic field vector is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: CTS CorporationInventor: Craig Allen Jarrard
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Patent number: 7999539Abstract: In a proximity sensor 20 for detecting the proximity of a member to be detected 8 having a magnet or a magnetic material using a magnetic detection element 26, there are provided elastic members 33 for elastically energizing the magnetic detection element 26 toward the detection surface 26a thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Harutomi Nishide
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Patent number: 7969141Abstract: An inductive proximity sensor or switch and a method of using same. The sensor or switch includes an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) and a plurality of external components. The ASIC is implemented in CMOS technology and has an oscillator. A switch point of the sensor or switch is predetermined by selection of a bias voltage to a potential node of the oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: David Hardie
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Patent number: 7969114Abstract: A system compatible for different types of signals relates to a motor includes a differential amplifier, a comparator, and a transmitting device. The differential amplifier is configured to receive one of a differential digital pulse signals pair and a differential analog signals pair. The differential digital pulse signals pair is converted to a first digital signal, and the differential analog signals pair is converted to an analog signal by the differential amplifier. The comparator is configured to convert the analog signal into a second digital signal. The first digital signal is received and outputted by the comparator. The transmitting device is configured to convert a data signals pair to a binary code, and convert differential reference digital signals pairs to reference digital signals. The reference digital signals, the first and second digital signals are received by an external computing device.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Foxnum Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chih-Jung Liu, Chin-Hsien Ting
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Patent number: 7956606Abstract: A position sensing assembly includes a bearing element and a helically shaped rotational member used to drive a portion of a sensor assembly, such as a Digital Rotary Magnetic Encoder. Interaction between the bearing element and a helically shaped rotational member minimizes the presence of backlash in the position sensing assembly. Accordingly, as an actuator assembly drives both a control element, such as a flight control surface, and the position sensing assembly, the sensor assembly generates an output signal that accurately reflects the position of the control element.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Woodward HRT, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Lee Burt, Russell Robert Bessinger
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Publication number: 20110121824Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for measuring an angular position of a rotating shaft. As will be described in greater detail below, some angle measurement systems of the present disclosure include at least two magnets that cooperatively rotate at different rates according to a predetermined relationship (e.g., a predetermined gear ratio). Two or more magnetic field sensing elements, which are often stationary, measure the directionality of the resultant magnetic field at different positions for a particular angular shaft position. Based on the directionality measured by the magnetic field sensing elements, the techniques can determine an absolute angular position of the rotating shaft, which can be greater than three-hundred and sixty degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: Infineon Technologies North America Corp.Inventor: James William Sterling
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Patent number: 7914024Abstract: Wheel suspension for a vehicle (7), with a carrier element (5), with a wheel carrier (1), which is arranged at a spaced location from the carrier element (5) and which is pivotable about a steering axis (30), with a wheel (14) mounted rotatably on the wheel carrier (1), with a steering wheel (58), which is mounted rotatably on the carrier element (5) at least indirectly and by means of which the wheel carrier (1) is pivotable about the steering axis (30), with at least one joint (8), which is connected to the wheel carrier (1) and which has a housing (26), a pivot pin (25) mounted pivotably in same and an angle-measuring device with a magnet (27) and with a magnetic field-sensitive sensor assembly unit (28), and with at least one guide means (2), via which the joint (8) is connected to the carrier element (5).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Holger Lohmüller, Felix Haeusler, Michael Klank, Joachim Spratte
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Patent number: 7911204Abstract: A reel shaft sensor is provided for a barcode printer and is applied to a reel shaft of the barcode printer. The reel shaft sensor device includes a plurality of magnetic elements and at least one magnetic sensor. The reel shaft has an end to which a connection member is mounted for coupling the interior of a housing of the barcode printer. The magnetic element is arranged inside the connection member and the magnetic sensor is installed inside the housing of the barcode printer and corresponding in position to the connection member. The magnetic sensor detects a magnetic signal from the magnetic elements that rotates with the reel shaft to determine the rotational speed and angular position of the reel shaft. The device is a small-size, magnetism operating shaft sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ching-Wen Chen
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Patent number: 7906958Abstract: 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 piType: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: Kenichi Nakayama, Osamu Kawatoko, Hiroto Kubozono
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Patent number: 7898243Abstract: A device and a method for determining the magnetic field strength of an electromagnet is illustrated and described.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Deutsches Elektronen-SynchrotronInventor: Matthias Werner
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Patent number: 7876186Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having an annular pole piece and an annular armature with surfaces formed thereon through which a magnetic flux passes. The armature is axially movable relative to the pole piece between a first position and a second position. Magnetic flux is efficiently transmitted between the pole piece and the armature and the pole piece can be employed to guide the armature for movement thereon.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Todd Michael York, Andrew Frank Pinkos
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Patent number: 7859250Abstract: A sensor measures the position of an actuator of an internal combustion engine, wherein the actuator is electromotively driven by means of a drive connection. The housing of the actuator accommodates at least one position sensor which detects the position at the drive connection. At least one position sensor is connected to a circuit with an operating voltage source and receives signals from at least one position sensor. The circuit and the at least one position sensor are connected via a cable that conducts voltage and signals. The circuit comprises also at least one current measuring device connected in series to the operating voltage source. A current change is transmitted via the cable by means of the signals generated by the at least one position sensor depending on the position of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventor: Werner Wallrafen
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Patent number: 7852066Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the relative position of two parts with a deformable coil, which is connected to both parts and deforms according to their relative position, wherein the inductance of the coil depends on shape and is thus a measure of the relative position, and wherein the coil has a magnetic circuit which is closed in the manner of a toroidal coil.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KGInventor: Gert Krammer
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Patent number: 7830138Abstract: An indicator element for a magnetic rotation angle sensor having a field probe for generating a sensor signal in response to a geometric position of the indicator element relative to the field probe is disclosed. The indicator element has a permanent magnet with an annular cross-section having a plurality of segments, magnetization of the segments being in different directions so that a homogeneous magnetic field is formed in an inner region of the indicator element into which the field probe is arranged. At least two segments exhibit radial or diametrical magnetization and at least two segments exhibit lateral magnetization.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbHInventors: Marco Wolf, Bernd Hoffelder
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Patent number: 7830495Abstract: A lithographic apparatus having a stationary magnet motor to drive a support such as a substrate support or a patterning device support, may be provided with a measurement system to measure a position of the support in question, e.g., to provide a safety system to prevent a collision of the support with another part. The measurement system may be configured to measure a magnetic field strength of an alternating magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly of the stationary magnet motor, and/or measure generation of eddy currents in a metallic layer shielding the magnet assembly in combination with an inductance measurement of an electromagnet generating the alternating magnetic field causing the eddy currents, and/or measure light using an optical position sensitive sensor such as a CCD metric or linear photodiode positioned in a light plane emitted by an emitter.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Olaf Hubertus Wilhelmus Van Bruggen, Marcel Koenraad Marie Baggen, Johannes Roland Dassel, Remko Wakker, Stoyan Nihtianov, Frank Auer, Frits Van Der Meulen, Patrick David Vogelsang, Martinus Cornelis Reijnen, Tom Van Zutphen
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Patent number: 7825759Abstract: An actuator having a linear motor and a plunger that is movable by the linear motor along an axis. The plunger includes an annular flange and a rim that is coupled to an outer periphery of the flange. The annular flange is oriented generally perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of apertures is formed through at least one of the flange and the rim. A locking differential and an axle assembly are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Todd M. York, Andrew F. Pinkos
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Patent number: 7800360Abstract: Electronic equipment control of a parameter of electronic equipment includes magnetic encoder responsive to magnetic input to provide control output for electronic equipment, a connector member connects electrically with a further connector member; the magnetic encoder receives magnetic input representing relative motion between the further connector member and the connector member to provide such control output. The further connector member has an electrical terminal connectible with the connector member, a magnet positioned relative to the electrical terminal for movement therewith providing magnetic output representing such movement, and the magnet and magnetic encoder are in proximity for magnetic coupling to provide the magnetic encoder magnetic force representing relative movement of the connector member and further connector member.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventors: David Johansson, Markus Gustav Agevik, Anders Lundquist, Anders Hansson
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Patent number: 7800356Abstract: A circular surface of a magnet is magnetized to an N-pole, and a back surface is magnetized to an S-pole. A detection unit moves in an X-Y plane at a position apart from the surface of the magnet. An X-direction detection element and a Y-direction detection element are installed in the detection unit. Both the X-direction detection element and the Y-direction detection element are magnetoresistive effect elements each having the bias magnetic field in a B-direction applied to a free magnetic layer directed perpendicular to the surface of the magnet. Each bias magnetic field is stabilized both in the X-direction detection element and the Y-direction detection element such that the detection unit accurately provides position detection output values in the X- and Y-directions.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Takeya, Takafumi Noguchi
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Publication number: 20100219813Abstract: A position detecting device for a vehicle and a seat position detecting device which are compact in structure and low in production cost are proposed, in which the absolute position from the reference point can be always detected. The position detecting device for a vehicle for detecting a position of a mobile object for the vehicle which is moved by a driving force of a rotating driving source includes a deceleration device having a two-stage hypo-cycloid mechanism decelerating the rotation amount of a rotation shaft rotated plural revolutions to one revolution or less by the driving source upon the mobile object being moved and a rotation sensor detecting a rotation output from the deceleration device as an absolute angle, wherein a position of the mobile object is detected based on the absolute angle detected by the rotation sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2008Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Sadao Ito, Akira Kamiya, Yukihiro Kato, Katsuyoshi Shirai
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Publication number: 20100213931Abstract: A breakage detection device for detecting breakage of a window glass capable of opening and closing an opening of a vehicle is provided. The breakage detection device includes a clip, a magnetic sensor, a detection unit, and a determination unit. The clip is arranged at an end portion of the window glass and holds an end portion of the window glass with a force enabling the end portion of the window glass to be crushed when the window glass breaks. The magnetic sensor detects displacement of at least part of the clip when the window glass breaks. The detection unit acquires an output value of the magnetic sensor in predetermined time intervals to detect a temporal change in the output value of the magnetic sensor. The determination unit determines that the window glass is broken when the temporal change detected by the detection unit is outside a tolerable range.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventor: Tsuneo Suzuki
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Publication number: 20100201352Abstract: System for ball possession detection, which contains a device (130) comprising means for detecting a magnetic field in a playing device (100) of a ball game, wherein the magnetic field is generated by at least one permanent magnetic (110) in the playing device, wherein the device can be associated to a player of a ball game and the means for magnetic field detection comprise a magnetic field sensor (210) and a control unit (220), and a method for ball possession detection, wherein the magnetic field sensor detects a magnetic field (310), the control means measures the magnetic field strength of the detected magnetic field (320) and detects (330) whether the magnetic field was caused by the at least one permanent magnet in the playing device and outputs information about the detection (350), as well as a ball (100) that contains at least one permanent magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: Cairos Technologies AGInventor: Walter ENGLERT
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Patent number: 7764154Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having an annular pole piece and an annular armature with surfaces formed thereon through which a magnetic flux passes. The armature is axially movable relative to the pole piece between a first position and a second position. Magnetic flux is efficiently transmitted between the pole piece and the armature and the pole piece can be employed to guide the armature for movement thereon.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Todd Michael York, Andrew Frank Pinkos
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Publication number: 20100181996Abstract: In order to determine a position of a mobile object relative to a surface within a movement range that comprises a ground which the surface intersects along a line of intersection, a magnetic field of a first elongate magnetic field-generating object which is located at a first distance from the line of intersection is measured, and a magnetic field of a second elongate magnetic field-generating object that is located in or on the ground, at a second distance on another side of the line of intersection, is measured. Based on a comparison between the measured magnetic fields, it is determined whether the mobile object is located in front of or behind the surface. A generator that triggers the magnetic field-generating objects in a multiplex mode is provided for distinguishing which magnetic field-generating object generates which magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2008Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: Walter Englert, Tilman Bucher
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Patent number: 7757606Abstract: An apparatus and method for registering a position of a component of a press is disclosed. The press having a plurality of components that can rotate about a central longitudinal axis, such as a main drive shaft and press cylinders, at least one of these components being assigned at least one position registering device, which registers the angular position of the respective component. The, or each, position registering device is formed as a magnetic rotary encoder.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Man Roland Druckmaschinen AGInventors: Alfons Baintner, Nils-Hendric Schall, Klaus Liepert, Juergen Ziegler
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Patent number: 7759930Abstract: An actuator having a fixed part, a movable part movable with respect to the fixed part in a travelling direction, and a non-contact position sensor connected to the movable part to read the position of the movable part. The position sensor has a reading device connected to the fixed part and having a ferromagnetic core; and a magnetic cursor, which is integrated in the movable part, is defined by a magnetized portion of the movable part, and is so magnetized as to locally saturate the ferromagnetic core at the magnetic cursor.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.Inventors: Marcello Colli, Eugenio Dragoni, Nazario Bellato, Andrea Baldassari
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Publication number: 20100176801Abstract: In a magnetic encoder (1), a permanent magnet (20) as a magnetic scale is provided with three rows of tracks (21) wherein N poles and S poles are alternately arranged along a shift direction. In the permanent magnet (20), at end portions (211) in the width direction of the tracks (21A, 21B, 21C), a rotating magnetic field wherein a planar direction changes is formed, and a sensor plane (16) of a magnetic sensor (15) faces a boundary portion (212) between the tracks (21A, 21B, 21C). Thus, detection accuracy of the magnetic encoder of the rotating magnetic field detection type is improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2006Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATIONInventors: Fusayoshi Aruga, Katsuya Moriyama, Naoyuki Noguchi
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Publication number: 20100171488Abstract: The invention concerns a system for measuring the alignment error of two axles provided with a first and a second coupling part by means of a biaxial orthogonal magnetic sensor system comprising a sensor and a magnet, wherein said sensor is designed to be placed on the first coupling part with its one direction of sensing oriented in one direction of magnetization of said magnet, which magnet is designed to be placed on the other coupling part and means for reading off an angle error and offset error independently of each other during the rotation of the axles on-line. The system moreover includes a reference sensor for determining said angle error and offset error orientation relative to a known direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2008Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: ELOS FIXTURLASER ABInventors: Jan Wipenmyr, Christer Johansson, Christian Jonasson
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Patent number: 7750623Abstract: Method and device for locating the right or left position of a wheel of a vehicle. The wheel has a magnetic measuring component including a core of ferromagnetic material on which are arranged, crosswise, two windings presenting maximum sensitivity axes extending in a plane intersecting the rotational axis of the wheel, and offset from each other, in this intersecting plane, by an angle ?, and on movements of the vehicle, a measurement is taken of a signal generated by the variation of a magnetic field at the terminals of each of the windings so as to deliver two periodic signals phase-shifted from each other by (+ or ?) ?, the direction of rotation of the wheel is determined from this phase difference and, from this direction of rotation and from the direction of movement of the vehicle, the location of the right or left position of the wheel is deduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Continental Automotive FranceInventor: Gilles Dulac
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Patent number: 7744354Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid pump and a fluid-transfer plate and a sensor for a fluid pump, particularly applicable to linear compressors, for detecting the position of the respective piston and preventing the latter from colliding with the fluid-transfer plate upon variations in the compressor operation conditions, or even variations in the feed voltage. The objectives of the present invention are achieved by means of a fluid pump (1) comprising a piston (2) that is axially displaceable within a cylinder (3), the cylinder (3) comprising a cylinder closing fluid-transfer plate (40), the piston (2) being displaced toward the fluid-transfer plate (40) and capturing a gas or fluid from a low-pressure environment (11), and the fluid pump (11) comprising a sensor assembly (98), which includes an inductive sensor (8) associated with the fluid-transfer plate (40).Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Empresa Brasileira de Compressores S.A. —EMBRACOInventor: Dietmar Erich Bernhard Lilie
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Patent number: 7741839Abstract: A sensor for sensing the position of an object includes a magnet and a magnetic flux sensor. The magnet has dimensions that include a length, a width and a height. The magnet is adapted to generate a flux field. The flux field has a magnitude of flux and a flux direction. The flux direction changes along at least one of the dimensions. The magnetic flux sensor is mounted adjacent the magnet. The magnet provides a rotating magnetic field vector. A method for magnetizing a magnet to create the rotating magnetic field vector is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: CTS CorporationInventor: Craig Allen Jarrard
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Patent number: 7737685Abstract: Described is a piston rod position-sensing system having a cylinder and piston rod arranged in the cylinder for movement with respect thereto. A magnetically hard layer is formed on the piston rod to provide a recording medium. The magnetically hard layer is made of a cobalt-phosphorous (Co—P)-based alloy. A magnetic pattern is recorded in the magnetically hard layer. A magnetic field sensor located in the cylinder senses the recorded magnetic pattern while the piston rod is moving with respect to the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Thomas P. Low, C. Bruce Clark, Ronald E. Pelrine, Joseph S. Eckerle, Chris Smith, Giovanni Zangari