Linear Patents (Class 324/207.24)
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Patent number: 8682154Abstract: Position detection unit detecting absolute positions without moving an object to be detected. The detection unit having a first sensor for outputting a monotone signal, that changes in response to displacement of an object to be detected; a second sensor for outputting two sinusoidal signals in response to displacement of the object to be detected; a first memory for storing a monotone signal relative to the position of the object to; a second memory for storing max and min values for each sinusoidal signal; and a position calculator for identifying the cycle of the sinusoidal signal in which the object to be detected is positioned based on the detected monotone signal and stored monotone signal data, and for calculating the position of the object to be detected within the identified cycle and obtaining an absolute position, based on the detected sinusoidal signal and the stored max/min data.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Tamron Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takafumi Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8664947Abstract: An actuator and sensor assembly comprising respective sensor and actuator housings defining an interior chamber. Clips on the sensor housing engage the actuator housing for coupling the sensor and actuator housings together. The sensor housing includes a wall defining a pocket. A connector with a sensor couples to the sensor housing in a relationship wherein the sensor extends into the sensor housing pocket. A movable piston is located in the interior chamber and a tube thereon defines a receptacle for a magnet located adjacent the pocket. The piston is seated on a flexible diaphragm. An actuator shaft includes one end coupled to the piston and an opposite end coupled to a movable object. A plurality of pins in the actuator housing mount the assembly to a support bracket. The sensor senses changes in the magnetic field in response to changes in the position of the magnet relative to the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: CTS CorporationInventors: William D. Storrie, Robert L. Newman, Brian G. Babin, Kevin C. Wolschlager
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Patent number: 8664943Abstract: The present invention provides a single component implementing highly precise pulse detection for rotational or liner position detecting apparatuses for jog dials and mechanical products. Focusing on the fact that the phase difference between the magnetic fields in circumferential and radial directions generated by a magnetized ring is precisely 90 degrees, a position detecting apparatus of the present invention includes two Hall elements placed at a distance; a protective film provided on magnetic sensitive portions of the two Hall elements to cover the magnetic sensitive portions; a thin-film magnetic plate placed on the protective film to cover the magnetic sensitive portions of the two Hall elements; and further a processing circuit calculating the sum and difference of the signals from the two Hall elements to generate signals having an accurate phase difference of 90 degrees. The position detecting apparatus can therefore detect the rotation direction and precise rotation angle.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Asahi Kasei Microdevices CorporationInventor: Ichiro Okada
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Patent number: 8659288Abstract: A rotation angle detector for detecting a rotation angle of a magnet rotator includes: the rotator with a magnet mounted on a rotation shaft; a sensor chip; and an operation element. The chip includes: first and second normal component detection elements for detecting a magnetic field along with a normal direction and first and second rotation component detection elements for detecting a magnetic field along with a rotation direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Tomoyuki Harada
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Publication number: 20140028296Abstract: A method and system for magnetic measurement of elongation of a fastener includes a means for providing a magnetic field gradient along an axis of the fastener, such as one or more permanent magnets. A magnetic sensor is mounted in the fastener in the magnetic field gradient. Magnetic field measurements taken by the magnetic sensor are dependent on a length of the fastener and are sufficiently sensitive to monitor loading during a service life of the fastener. The fastener may be equipped with a signal reader and a data interface for offloading measurement values.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: AUSTIN R&D, INC.Inventors: Reed Lackland McConnell, Jamie Parker Lamb, JR., Gregory John Young
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Patent number: 8629676Abstract: Disclosed is a position sensor, in particular a rotor position sensor, comprising a base. A track that is provided with a conducting coating is formed within the surface of the base relevant for evaluating signals. Since the track is formed within the base, the desired position-dependent modulation of the eddy current behavior is obtained by design measures, resulting in low manufacturing tolerance and reduced production costs.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Sumida Components & Modules GmbHInventors: Rudolf Kronawitter, Willi Wimmer
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Patent number: 8629675Abstract: A linear sensor is described with a casing (5), with a pin (7) which contains a permanent magnet (1) and which is mounted in the casing (5) in a linearly displaceable manner against the force of a spring (6), and with a magnetic field sensor (3) attached to said casing (5) for detecting of a displacement of the permanent magnet (1). The invention provides that the pin (7) is controlled by a first cylindrical guide (8) and a second cylindrical guide (8).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignees: BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Ralf Christmann, Stefan Leopold, Arno Marto, Wolfgang Schuele, Klaus-Juergen Wagner
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Patent number: 8593136Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Micronas GmbHInventors: Joerg Franke, Klaus Heberle
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Patent number: 8587294Abstract: The invention relates to an angular or linear magnetic position sensor that comprises a mobile member including at least one magnet (1) having a magnetization direction that varies linearly along the movement direction of the magnet in a surface defined by said movement direction and in a normal direction, at least four magneto-sensitive elements (2, 3 and 4, 5) and at least one processing circuit (6) providing a signal based on the absolute position of the mobile member, characterized in that a first set of magneto-sensitive elements (2, 3) and (4, 5) are located at a same point, the first couple of magneto-sensitive elements (2, 3) being spatially offset from a second couple of magneto-sensitive elements (4, 5) along the movement direction, and in that the magneto-sensitive elements (3 and 5) measure the tangential component of the magnetic field while the magneto-sensitive elements (2 and 4) measure the normal component of the magnetic field in order to provide, after algebraic combination of the componentType: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Moving Magnet Technologies (MMT)Inventors: Gérald Masson, Nikola Jerance, Didier Frachon, Richard Arlot, Thierry Dorge
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Patent number: 8587295Abstract: An angle detection apparatus comprising a magnet rotor having a multi-pole segment magnet, and a magnetic sensor for detecting the direction of a magnetic flux generated from the multi-pole segment magnet; the multi-pole segment magnet having pluralities of magnetic poles along the rotation direction of the magnet rotor, the magnetic sensor comprising a magnetosensitive plane having pluralities of spin-valve, giant-magnetoresistive devices each having a pinned layer having a fixed magnetization direction and a free layer having a magnetization direction rotating in response to the magnetic flux direction; and the magnetic sensor being positioned relative to the magnet rotor, such that the magnetosensitive plane crosses the magnetic flux, with perpendicular magnetic flux density components having different amplitudes on the magnetosensitive plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.Inventors: Kyohei Aimuta, Masahiro Mita
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Patent number: 8575921Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the movement of a piston disposed within a housing comprises a pin which is responsive to the axial movements of a piston in the housing, the pin having an end which is magnetically coupled to a first ring magnet slidably disposed on a magnet carrier of an indicator body, a second ring magnet disposed on the magnet carrier having its poles oriented so as to repel the first ring magnet, and a retainer for holding the first and second ring magnets on the magnet carrier is described. Additionally, a method for operating the cycle indicator apparatus is also provided. The housing is comprised of one or a plurality of ports through which lubricants are delivered to one or a plurality of corresponding points within a machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Christopher John Sloan
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Patent number: 8564281Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Calnetix Technologies, L.L.C.Inventor: Alexei V. Filatov
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Patent number: 8558539Abstract: A stroke amount detecting device includes a first magnetic field generation member, a second magnetic field generation member, and a magnetic sensor unit. The first magnetic field generation member and the second magnetic field generation member are opposed to each other with respect to a direction perpendicular to a straight stroking axis of a stroking object, and magnetized in opposite directions. The magnetic sensor unit is movable in an area between the first magnetic field generation member and the second magnetic field generation member, along a straight traveling axis that is parallel to the straight stroking axis relative to the first magnetic field generation member and the second magnetic field generation member in accordance with a stroke motion of the stroking object. The magnetic sensor unit has a magnetosensitive surface facing a direction parallel to the traveling axis, thereby to detect an amount of stroke of the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Koichiro Matsumoto, Yoshiyuki Kono, Hitomi Honda
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Patent number: 8552713Abstract: The invention relates to a linear sensor, comprising a sleeve, a pin which comprises a permanent magnet and is linearly displaceably supported in the sleeve, and a magnetic field sensor which is fastened to the sleeve and used to detect a displacement of the permanent magnet, characterized in that the pin is guided by way of a substantially cylindrical guide and has a magnet or pin holder.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbHInventors: Arno Marto, Stefan Leopold, Klaus-Juergen Wagner, Heiko Schrader
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Patent number: 8547088Abstract: Encoded scale bodies for position/displacement measuring systems and position/displacement measurement systems including scale bodies are disclosed. An encoded scale body includes a support band and at least one encoding layer made of encoding material. The encoding layer is arranged on the support band. The encoded scale body further includes a cover band which covers the encoding material towards an outside space. The cover band is formed by the support band. The support band/cover band is elastically flexible. The support band, which is the mechanical holder for the encoding material, may serve to mechanically stabilize the encoded scale body. The cover band covers the encoding material and may protect the encoding layer from external effects such as, in particular, mechanical forces. The flexible support band/cover band may permit the encoded scale body to be used as band material, and for example, a roll material.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Balluff GmbHInventors: Christoph Bauch, Thomas Burkhardt, Roland Holder, Torsten Beutler, Karl Blessing, Bernhard Hahn
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Patent number: 8547083Abstract: An apparatus (2;3;4;5) for determination of the axial position of the armature (11) of a linear motor comprises at least one pair of magnetically permeable, annular elements (12;20,21;30,31,34,35;40,41,44,45;48;50,51), which are arranged essentially coaxially and at a short distance (dr;db) from one another, such that an air gap (22;32,36;42,46) is formed between them, in which a magnetic field sensor (23;33,37;43,47;Si) for measurement of the magnetic field (B) in the air gap is arranged.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: NTI AGInventor: Daniel Ausderau
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Patent number: 8542006Abstract: A solenoid current monitoring circuit of a solenoid actuator includes a solenoid drive board configured to receive a control signal, a sensing resistor configured to detect a current signal of a solenoid coil of the actuator resulting from the control signal, and a differentiator configured to differentiate the current signal. The solenoid current monitoring circuit detects the movement of the solenoid actuator based on a change in the differentiated current signal caused by a change in inductance of the solenoid coil.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Hydril USA Manfacturing LLCInventor: Zhen Liu
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Patent number: 8531182Abstract: A control system for use in safety critical human/machine control interfaces is described, more particularly a joystick type control system and particularly a joystick type control system utilizing magnetic positional sensing. The control system provides a control input device having a movable magnet, a pole-piece frame arrangement positioned about the magnet, at least three magnetic flux sensors being positioned in said pole-piece frame arrangement and a monitoring arrangement for monitoring the output signal of each of said at least three sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Penny & Giles Controls LimitedInventor: Dev Kumar Banerjee
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Patent number: 8532948Abstract: A contactless sensing device comprises a magnetic stripe fixed on a tested object, a detector and a processor. The magnetic stripe has arranged plurality of N-pole and S-pole blocks. The detector includes a fixed magnetic layer with fixed magnetic direction, a free magnetic layer with changeable magnetic direction influenced by external magnetic field, and an insulating layer separated the fixed magnetic layer from the free magnetic layer. While the object is moving to make the magnetic stripe pass through the detector, the magnetic direction of the free magnetic layer is influenced by the N-pole and S-pole blocks, such that the magnetic direction of the free magnetic layer is parallel or anti-parallel to the fixed magnetic layer. The induced change of the magnetoresistance further result in the obvious change of the output signal to the processor, and then the information of the object is sensed and calculated from the processor.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Inventors: Geeng-Jen Sheu, San-Lin Young, Heng-Hui Chen, Shih-Hung Yeh
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Publication number: 20130214766Abstract: An extended range position sensor system includes a first set of spaced-apart magnets, a first sensor, a second set of spaced-apart magnets, a second sensor, and a processor. The first sensor is associated with and is movable relative to the first set of magnets, and is configured to generate a first sensor output signal in response to relative movement between the first sensor and the first set of magnets. The second sensor is associated with and is movable relative to the second set of magnets, and is configured to generate a second sensor output signal in response to relative movement between the second sensor and the second set of magnets. The processor is coupled to receive the first and second sensor output signals and is configured, in response thereto, to generate a position signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Gregory Furlong, John Benton
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Patent number: 8512836Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of magnetizable portions thereon comprising at least one spot per package to be formed from the packaging material is disclosed. At least one of the magnetizable portions provides a magnetic mark carrying a magnetic field pattern. The magnetic field pattern comprises a first magnetic field peak having a first polarity and a second magnetic field peak having a second opposite polarity.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventor: Gert Holmström
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Publication number: 20130200887Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating a sensor signal, the profile thereof depending on the position of a magnetic field-generating element relative to the device, with at least two magnetically sensitive sensors disposed along a measurement path, wherein a support field device, which generates a magnetic support field in the magnetically sensitive sensors, has at least in the magnetically sensitive sensors an essentially identical direction and an essentially homogeneous field strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: MEAS DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Axel Bartos, Reinhold Pieper, Francois Limouzineau, Andreas Voss, Armin Meisenberg
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Patent number: 8502525Abstract: A single housing with a non-ferromagnetic piezo-driven flexure has primary and secondary coil forms of different diameters, one coaxially inside the other, integrated in the flexure. The cylinders defining the planes of the primary and secondaries do not spatially overlap. The secondary coil forms may be wound in opposite directions and wired to provide a transformer device. Movement of the primary relative to the secondaries in the direction of the central axis of the coils can be differentially detected with high precision.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignees: Oxford Instruments PLC, Oxford Instruments AFM, IncInventors: Roger Proksch, Dan Bocek, Jason Cleveland, Matthew Longmire, Matthew Klonowski
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Patent number: 8485497Abstract: A hydraulic valve device includes a sensor for determining spool displacement of within the valve. The sensor includes two main subassemblies, a tube assembly and a body assembly; the tube assembly being mounted onto the valve body by the thread so that the tube together with the valve creates a closed space where oil flows; the plunger with the magnet inside, is kept in contact with the valve spool by the spring so that the magnet moves along with the spool, so does also the magnetic field created by the magnet. An integrated circuit on the printed circuit board senses the angle of magnetic field lines and generates an output signal proportional to the movement of the spool.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Walvoil Fluid Power USAInventor: Beneventi Alessandro
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Patent number: 8478560Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Richard Fox, Gene Holden, Robert Franconi
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Patent number: 8471551Abstract: A position monitoring system includes a tubular with a cavity formed therein, a magnet movable relative to the tubular, and a sensor sensible of a magnetic field of the magnet. A housing positioned within the cavity sealably isolates the sensor from environmental properties while permitting the sensor to sense the magnetic field of the magnet.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gary B. Lake, Brock Alan Peoples, John E. Burris, David Zach Anderson, James T. Sloan, Tyler C. Roberts, Grant R. Thompson, Anthony S. Coghill, Jeremy R. Johnson
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Publication number: 20130154622Abstract: A magnetic linear position sensor includes an array of N number of magnets. The array of magnets is distributed along a line to form a magnetic field relay along the line. The sizes and positions of the magnets in the array of magnets are symmetric along the line, and the size of the magnets decreases from the sides of the array of magnets towards the center of the array of magnets. The magnetic linear position sensor further includes a magnetic field sensor spaced apart and positioned above the array of magnets. The magnetic field sensor moves back and forth over the array of magnets to sense the magnetic field of the array of magnets.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Xinyu Zhou, Qiang Niu, Kurt James Johnston, Christopher G. Benson, Daniel J. Smith, Eric Thomas Carlson, Moussa Ndiaye
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Patent number: 8464600Abstract: The invention relates to a device for shifting changes in the transmission ratio of a vehicle transmission. The device comprises at least one axially movable and/or rotabale shifting element and an electrical position identification of the shifting element. At least one magnet which generates position signals in combination with a stationary sensor is disposed on the shifting element. In order to create a device that is advantageous regarding production and design, the magnet is formed directly by a magnetic area on the shifting element.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Audi AGInventor: Johann Maerkl
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Publication number: 20130147468Abstract: A sensor used to sense the position of an attached movable object. The sensor can be mounted to a pneumatic actuator. The sensor includes a housing that has a pair of cavities or pockets separated by a wall. A magnet carrier is positioned within one of the cavities and a magnet is coupled to the magnet carrier. The magnet carrier is coupled to the moveable object. A magnetic sensor is positioned in the other of the cavities. The magnetic sensor generates an electrical signal that is indicative of a position of the movable object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventors: Robert Newman, William Storrie
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Patent number: 8450998Abstract: A system for determining the quantity of a liquid agricultural product available for spraying on a field from a tank in an airplane comprising a payload storage tank for holding the agricultural product, an elongated magnetostrictive linear displacement transducer tube located vertically in the aircraft payload storage tank, a probe float slidably coupled to move up or down on the elongated magnetostrictive linear displacement transducer tube, and a permanent magnet coupled to the probe float. The position of the magnet is sensed by the elongated magnetostrictive linear displacement transducer tube which generates a signal that marks the level of the liquid in the aircraft payload storage tank, and converter means converts the generated signal that marks the level of the liquid in the aircraft payload storage tank to a quantity of liquid in the aircraft payload storage tank which is displayed to the pilot.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Inventor: Troy Robert Reabe
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Patent number: 8441253Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: Osamu Kawatoko, Toshihiro Hasegawa
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Patent number: 8441254Abstract: An encoder to be mounted to a shaft extending from a piston meter configured to compute a volume of distributed fluid includes a magnet affixed to the shaft via a floating magnet holder, a magnetic sensor configured to sense the flux density and direction of a magnetic field created by the magnet and to output a signal indicating the flux density and direction of the magnetic field to a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board configured to output a signal indicating the volume of distributed fluid if the encoder has not been tampered with and configured to output an error signal if the encoder has been tampered with.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Measurement Specialties, Inc.Inventors: Philip A. Amante, Jeffrey Creak
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Patent number: 8442180Abstract: A control rod position detector including a permanent magnet that is attached on a control rod inserted in a reactor pressure vessel, where the permanent magnet is capable of moving together with the control rod, and a plurality of reed switch mechanisms that are arranged in the reactor pressure vessel at regular intervals in an insertion direction of the control rod. Each of the reed switch mechanisms is provided with a pair of reed switches that are placed so as to overlap with each other in the insertion direction of the control rod. The pair of reed switches are connected to a common wiring. The common wiring is connected to a detector that detects a position of the control rod based on signals from the reed switches.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Mitsuharu Nakamura, Tsukasa Suwazono, Yoshikazu Ui, Yutaka Sosa, Goro Yanase, Kazuhiro Kawagoe, Shinichi Ishizato, Norimitsu Komai
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Patent number: 8432119Abstract: Disclosed are various systems and methods for assessing and improving the capability of a machine tool. The disclosure applies to machine tools having at least one slide configured to move along a motion axis. Various patterns of dynamic excitation commands are employed to drive the one or more slides, typically involving repetitive short distance displacements. A quantification of a measurable merit of machine tool response to the one or more patterns of dynamic excitation commands is typically derived for the machine tool. Examples of measurable merits of machine tool performance include workpiece surface finish, and the ability to generate chips of the desired length.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLCInventors: William E. Barkman, Edwin F. Babelay, Jr., Kevin Scott Smith, Thomas S. Assaid, Justin T. McFarland, David A. Tursky, Bethany Woody, David Adams
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Patent number: 8427137Abstract: A transducer senses repetitive pulses on a magnetostrictive element and provides transducer output bursts. A transducer circuit detects the transducer output bursts. An energy storage device couples to a power input of the transducer circuit. A switching power supply couples to the energy storage device and has repetitive suppressed states during which switching in the switching power supply is suppressed. A sequence circuit provides synchronization of the repetitive suppressed states of the switching power supply with the transducer output bursts.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: MTS Systems CorporationInventors: Uwe Viola, Aleksey Minin, Frank Kraehe
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Publication number: 20130088218Abstract: In a position sensor, two field sensors are placed along a line parallel to the movement to be detected. Two magnets are placed at an angle to each other to generate a magnetic field such that their position is a linear or approximately linear function of the difference between the outputs of the sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: Methode Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Azizur RAHAMAN, Seong-Jae LEE
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Publication number: 20130088219Abstract: A system having a sensor using one or more magnetic field detectors to determine its position on a path of travel relative to one or more magnets situated on the path. The magnets may be electromagnets arranged in regions along the path with a region between two electromagnets. One or more electromagnets may be selectively activated so as to define a region where the sensor is present. An indication from the system may provide a position of the sensor within a region and identify the region where the sensor is situated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Honeywell International, Inc.
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Patent number: 8400142Abstract: An anti-rotation device or assembly for preventing the rotation of a magnet in a linear position sensor and eliminating the risk of undesired magnetic field measurements and incorrect sensor signal outputs. In one embodiment, the anti-rotation device is an anti-rotation plate which is fixed to the housing of the linear position sensor and a magnet carrier which includes at least one finger extending into a receptacle defined in either the edge or the body of the magnet carrier to prevent the magnet carrier from rotating relative to the plate. In another embodiment, the magnet carrier includes a key and the magnet includes a groove. The key extends into the groove for preventing the rotation of the magnet in the magnet carrier.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: CTS CorporationInventors: William D. Storrie, Robert L. Newman
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Patent number: 8398044Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat (3) has a first seat rail (5) fixed to the vehicle structure and arranged on a vehicle floor (10) and a second seat rail (8) fixed to the seat and displaceable in relation to the first seat rail (5) and guided in same. A position detection device (20) is provided with a sensor (24), having a magnet and a Hall element. The sensor (24) is arranged in the interior of the second seat rail (8) and aligned with a flat area associated with the first seat rail (5) in which one end of the flat area corresponds to the end of the rail and the flat area forms a detection area. The sensor (24) is used to detect an end of the detection area. The sensor (24) has a certain detection range and the distance between the sensor (24) and the detection area lies within the certain detection range of the sensor (24). The distance between the sensor (24) and the vehicle floor (10) lies outside of the certain detection range of the sensor (24).Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Thomas Christoffel, Norbert Heeg, Wolfgang Pluta
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Publication number: 20130063132Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed to techniques for determining the position of a piston within a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, in a more cost effective and less labor-intensive fashion compared to current techniques for determining the position of a piston within a linear actuator. One or more magnets may be operably coupled to the piston, and a linear array of sensors may be disposed along an exterior length of the linear actuator. The sensors may measure the magnetic field generated by the magnet and, based on the measured magnetic field, may determine the location of the piston within the linear actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Daniel Youngner, Lisa Lust, Douglas R. Carlson, Kelly Muldoon
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Patent number: 8395374Abstract: A sensor used to sense the position of an attached movable object. The sensor can be mounted to a pneumatic actuator. The sensor includes a housing that has a pair of cavities or pockets separated by a wall. A magnet carrier is positioned within one of the cavities and a magnet is coupled to the magnet carrier. The magnet carrier is coupled to the moveable object. A magnetic sensor is positioned in the other of the cavities. The magnetic sensor generates an electrical signal that is indicative of a position of the movable object.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: CTS CorporationInventors: Robert Newman, William Storrie
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Publication number: 20130057264Abstract: An apparatus for measuring speed of movement of an object deforming lines of Earth's magnetic field includes a first and second magnetometer disposed on either side of a traffic roadway for the object and substantially perpendicular to the object. The magnetometers are configured for measuring deformation of Earth's magnetic field by the object travelling over the roadway. The apparatus also includes a processing unit configured for extracting, from each of the magnetometers, a measurement value corresponding to a quotient defined by a distance of the object with respect to the magnetometer divided by a speed of movement of the object, and for calculating a speed of the object from the measurement values and a geometrical disposition of the magnetometers with respect to one another and with respect to the traffic roadway.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternativesInventors: Antoine Robinet, Roland Blanpain
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Publication number: 20130049743Abstract: [Problem] To provide a float position sensor with a simple structure in which, even when a float is moved after the power is turned off, adjustment is not particularly necessary when the power is turned on next time. [Means for Resolution] A float position sensor including a float and a magnetic sensor provided in a lateral direction with respect to a movement direction of the float for detecting a change of a magnetic field caused by movement of the float, characterized in that the change of the magnetic field caused by the movement of the float is detected by the magnetic sensor through a movable magnet provided in the vicinity of the magnetic sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: TOFLO CORPORATIONInventor: Katsutoshi Sawano
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Patent number: 8384375Abstract: A non-contact position sensor includes a magnet, magnetoresistive elements arranged on a line extending in a predetermined direction on a pole surface of the magnet with predetermined intervals, and an object made of magnetic material displaceable in the predetermined direction. The magnetoresistive elements are connected serially between a power supply and a ground. A first magnetoresistive element is connected to the second magnetoresistive element at a first node. A second magnetoresistive element is connected to a third magnetoresistive element at a second node. The object includes a projection and a shaft connected to the projection. The projection can face the first to third magnetoresistive elements. The shaft is located away from the pole surface by a distance longer than a distance between the projection and the pole surface of the magnet.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Mikihiro Ohshima, Motoki Ogata, Yoshinori Takashima
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Patent number: 8378667Abstract: A pipeline pig signal made according to this invention houses one or more shielded magnetometer sensors and a microcontroller with adaptive thresholding detection means for reducing the likelihood of false alarms. The adaptive thresholding detection means removes outlier data from the magnetic flux data stream and then passes the outlier-free data stream through four low pass filters. A smoothed magnitude of the data stream is compared to detection limits and, if a passage event has occurred, a recent detection is indicated, a counter of a display unit is incremented, a time of passage is recorded, and both statistics are displayed on the display unit. Because a single object may produce multiple magnetic fields, the detector may be locked-out for a predetermined period of time after the passage event to prevent a second detection of the same object as it passes the detection device.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: TDW Delaware Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Miska, William J. Rankin, Matthew W. Logan, Mark G. Register, Eric N. Freeman, Philip M. Maltby, Lloyd N. Salsman
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Patent number: 8373410Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic angular or linear sensor including at least one permanent magnet defined in a cylindrical (r, Q & z) or Cartesian (x, y & z) coordinate system and at least two magneto-sensitive elements, in which the magnet can move in relation to said two magneto-sensitive elements. The invention is characterized in that at least one dimension of the magnet varies as a non-constant function and in that the magnetization of the magnets is oriented in a single direction, i.e. x, y or z in the case of a magnet defined in a Cartesian coordinate system or r, Q or z in the case of a magnet defined in a cylindrical coordinate system.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Moving Magnet TechnologiesInventor: Didier Frachon
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Publication number: 20130033259Abstract: A permanent magnet is fixed to a stationary portion. A yoke made of magnetic material is provided to a rotating portion. The yoke is tube-shaped to surround the permanent magnet and has a chord portion into which a magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet preferentially flows. The chord portion is arranged in such a manner as to be close to the permanent magnet. A Hall element is arranged at a specified position of the stationary portion relative to the permanent magnet 20. The Hall element outputs a signal which corresponds to a density and an angle of a magnetic flux generated between the chord portion and the permanent magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Tetsuya Hara, Yoshiyuki Kono, Toru Shimizu, Takamitsu Kubota
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Patent number: 8368391Abstract: A stroke sensor has two magnets, which are magnetized in a cross-section direction and are displaced in a longitudinal direction, and two magnetism sensitive sections arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction. The magnets have circular-arc-shaped swelling end edges respectively and are magnetized such that the swelling end edges have opposite polarities. Thus, a distribution of a magnetic flux density on an arrangement axis substantially coincides with a sine curve. The magnetic flux having such the distribution is displaced in the longitudinal direction together with the magnets. The magnetism sensitive sections are arranged on the arrangement axis to be distant from each other by a distance of one fourth of a cycle of the sine curve. Thus, the stroke sensor that is not affected by temperature and that has high sensing accuracy can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Koichiro Matsumoto, Tetsuya Aoki, Takashi Kawashima, Tatsuya Kitanaka, Yoshiyuki Kono
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Patent number: 8359942Abstract: A transmission actuator for a transmission includes a split sensor configured to detect a switching position of a split phase rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a split sensor measuring direction. The transmission actuator further includes a gate sensor configured to detect a gate rod position of a gate rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a gate sensor measuring direction, and a gear sensor configured to detect a gear rod position of a gear rod of the transmission that can be longitudinally displaced in a gear sensor measuring direction. Two measuring directions extend substantially parallel and span a measuring direction plane, and a third measuring direction forms an obtuse angle with the measuring direction plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Christian Brammer, Mike Heurich, Reiner Hölscher, Andreas Sievers, Tino Wiggers
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Patent number: 8350561Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: KSR Technologies Co.Inventor: Joong K. Lee