Rotary Patents (Class 324/207.25)
  • Patent number: 9897466
    Abstract: A motor control system includes a shaft configured to be rotationally driven by a motor. A rotor position sensor is configured to detect rotation of the shaft and output a rotor position signal. A controller is in communication with the motor and the rotor position sensor. The controller converts the rotor position signal to an angle with error, tracks the angle with error to provide an angle that retains mechanical dynamics as stationary reference frame signals, transforms the stationary reference frame signals and the angle with mechanical dynamics to rotating reference frame signals, filters the rotating reference frame signals, transforms the filtered rotating reference frame signals to provide filtered stationary frame signals, and takes an arctangent of the filtered stationary reference frame signals to create a corrected motor control angle. The controller commands the motor based upon the corrected motor control angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: James E. Walters
  • Patent number: 9897469
    Abstract: A resolver rotatably coupled to a rotatable member is described, including a method for evaluating an output signal therefrom. This includes supplying an excitation signal to the resolver and dynamically determining corresponding output signals from the resolver. A plurality of datasets are determined, with each dataset including digitized states of the excitation signal supplied to the resolver and corresponding output signals from the resolver. The digitized states of the excitation signal and the corresponding output signals from the resolver for each of the datasets are arithmetically combined, and a moving average thereof is determined. A phase shift error term is determined based upon the moving average, and a phase shift is determined between the excitation signal and the corresponding output signals based upon the phase shift error term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Rachel L. Hoener, Yo Chan Son, Milan Ashok Vadera
  • Patent number: 9857199
    Abstract: A multi-turn angular position sensor includes a fixed magnet non-rotationally coupled to a fixed structure. A shaft is configured to rotate multiple complete rotations from a reference position, where each complete rotation front the reference position in a rotational direction defines a unique rotation zone of the shaft. Rotatable magnets surround the shaft and are disposed between the shaft magnet and the fixed magnet and are configured to rotate a different number of angular degrees than the shaft magnet. One of the rotatable magnets is a zone sensor magnet that rotates no more than one complete rotation from the reference position. A rotational zone sensor supplies a zone sensor output signal that indicates the unique rotation zone of the shaft. A shaft rotation sensor supplies a shaft rotation output signal representative of a number of angular degrees that the shaft rotates within each unique rotation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kumaran Sena Narasimhan, Gregory Furlong, Joel Stolfus
  • Patent number: 9846057
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for computing the angle (?) of rotation of a rotational-angle sensor apparatus (10) with a first Hall measuring plate (20) and a second Hall measuring plate (30) which are arranged orthogonally to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: TDK—Micronas GmbH
    Inventor: Lothar Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9829345
    Abstract: A rotation detection apparatus includes a signal detector and a determination circuit. The signal detector outputs a first signal and a second signal based on changes in respective resistance values of magnetoresistive element pairs. The first signal has a waveform corresponding to convexities and concavities of a rotor, while the second signal has a waveform differing in phase from the first signal. Upon receiving the first signal and second signal, the determination circuit compares each of the first signal and second signal against a binarization threshold value to generate a first binarized signal and a second binarized signal. The determination circuit permits output of the first binarized signal during one of a concavity period and a convexity period of the second binarized signal, and prohibits output of the first binarized signal during the other one of the concavity period and convexity period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Kobayashi, Kenji Chikuan
  • Patent number: 9810551
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to magnetic field sensors, such as magnetic field angle sensors with generally on-axis arrangements of sensor elements relative to a rotation axis of a magnet or shaft. The shaft comprises or is coupled to an end portion that comprises a soft magnetic material, in embodiments, with the end portion having an end surface proximate the sensor that is rotationally asymmetric with respect to the rotation axis running through the length of the shaft. The sensor comprises at least three magnetic field sensing elements arranged in a plane generally perpendicular to the shaft and rotation axis. Circuitry forming part of or coupled to the sensor is configured to estimate a rotational position of the shaft by combining the signals of the at least three magnetic field sensing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Udo Ausserlechner
  • Patent number: 9797746
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a magnetic target include a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements arranged about a central point. Each one of the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements is configured to measure a magnetic field produced by a magnetic target and provide a respective output signal that represents a respective measurement of a strength of the magnetic field. A processor circuit is coupled to receive the output signal from each one of the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and determine a barycenter of the measurements of the magnetic field based on a position of the magnetic field sensing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Yannick Vuillermet, Andreas P. Friedrich, Andrea Foletto
  • Patent number: 9772200
    Abstract: A magnetically-based position sensor. The sensor includes a magnet, a first collector, a second collector, and a magnetic sensing element. The magnet has at least two poles, and moves along a path. The first collector has a first end and a second end and is configured to collect a magnetic flux. In addition, the first collector is positioned at an angle relative to an axis running parallel to the path and perpendicular to the magnet. The second collector is configured to collect a magnetic flux, and is positioned at an angle relative to the axis running parallel to the path and perpendicular to the magnet, and parallel to the first collector. The magnetic sensing element is coupled to the first and second collectors. A magnetic flux is collected by the first and second collectors, and varies as the magnet moves along the path such that the magnetic flux collected by the first and second collectors indicates a position of the magnet along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: BOURNS, INC.
    Inventor: James Gregory Stanley
  • Patent number: 9772201
    Abstract: A rotation angle detection device may include a magnetic detection member that is configured to detect a rotation angle of a rotation member, a holding member holding the magnetic detection member, and a plurality of wiring members for magnetic detection that are attached to the holding member and are connected to the magnetic detection member. The magnetic detection member has a flat plate-shaped body portion, and a plurality of lead terminals. The holding member holds the body portion of the magnetic detection member in a manner that the body portion can longitudinally slide relative to the holding member. The wiring members for magnetic detection respectively have lead terminal connecting portions. The lead terminals of the magnetic detection member are laid on the lead terminal connecting portions of the wiring members for magnetic detection and bonded thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto Mase
  • Patent number: 9766260
    Abstract: A sensor device for contactlessly determining a revolution rate and a direction of rotation of a component that rotates during operation of the component, the component having, on at least one peripheral region, a circumferential structure of web-shaped or tooth-shaped radial protrusions and interposed grooves or tooth gaps includes: a threaded segment configured to positionally fix an arrangement of the sensor device so that the circumferential structure of the component is movable past the sensor device; a magnetic field generating device; and a magnetic field detecting device having at least three magnetic field sensors that are not arranged in alignment along a line. A distance between the magnetic field sensors that are the farthest apart from each other is less than or equal to a width of the grooves or tooth gaps of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: MAN Truck & Bus AG
    Inventors: Peter Kock, Günter Bücklers, Christoph Steinberg
  • Patent number: 9752919
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid level detection device which is configured so that an arm can be easily mounted to a holder after the holder is pivotably mounted using a cover and a main body portion. An end of a float arm is bent at a substantially right angle, and the end side of the float arm is defined as a first end portion. The portion of the float arm which is located closer to the center of the float arm than the first end portion is defined as a second end portion. A first arm mounting portion to which the first end portion is affixed and second arm mounting portions to which the second end portion is affixed are provided to a holder. A stopper for restricting the pivot range of the holder is provided to a main body portion. A first stopper which comes into contact with the stopper is provided to the holder. The first arm mounting portion and the first stopper are provided on a line passing through the pivot axis of the holder and perpendicular to the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: NIPPON SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Iryo, Yoshiyuki Shimazaki
  • Patent number: 9753097
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor with a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements is provided herein. The magnetic field sensor includes a circular vertical Hall (CVH) sensing element comprising a plurality of vertical Hall elements arranged over a common implant and diffusion region in a substrate, wherein the plurality of vertical Hall elements is configured to generate a plurality of magnetic field signals, each magnetic field signal responsive to a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, LLC
    Inventor: Hernan D. Romero
  • Patent number: 9752862
    Abstract: An accelerator opening degree detection device is equipped with: a rotor that is attached to the shaft of a handlebar and rotates in conjunction with the operation of an accelerator grip; magnets attached to the rotor; magnetic sensors that detect the magnetic force of the magnets; a case that houses the rotor and the magnetic sensors, and is attached to the handlebar; and a sensor holder to which the magnetic sensors are attached, and which is housed in the case on the opposite side of the rotor with respect to the accelerator grip. The sensor holder has an inner diameter protruding part that protrudes at a location opposing the magnets, this location being on the inside of the rotor in the circumferential direction, and the magnet sensors are arranged on the inner diameter protruding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nomura, Yuichi Kawasaki, Isao Shokaku, Nobuo Shigemizu, Masaru Nakayama
  • Patent number: 9739640
    Abstract: Rotational angle sensor systems and methods are provided for detecting an angular position of a movable structure. A system may include a movable structure, a rotating member, a magnet and an angular sensor. The movable structure may be configured to rotate about an axis of rotation between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. A rotating member may be coupled to the movable structure and configured to rotate about the axis of rotation based on movement of the movable structure such that rotational positions of the rotating member and the movable structure correspond to one another. A magnet may have a magnetic field pattern with a magnetic field orientation and an angle sensor may be configured to detect the magnetic field pattern and generate one or more signals, based on the magnetic field orientation, corresponding to the rotational position of the movable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Leo Aichriedler, Peter Slama
  • Patent number: 9709422
    Abstract: A rotation angle and stroke amount detection device includes a sensor unit, a rotation angle calculation unit, and a stroke amount calculation unit. The sensor unit includes sin and cos sensors which are magnetic sensing elements that detect changes in a magnetic field caused by rotation or linear displacement of a detection target. The sensor unit outputs sin and cos signals based on detection values of the sin and cos sensors. The rotation angle calculation unit calculates a rotation angle of the detection target based on the sin and cos signals output by the sensor unit. The stroke amount calculation unit calculates a stroke amount of the detection target based on the same signals as those used by the rotation angle calculation unit, i.e., the sin and cos signals. Accordingly, the configuration of the sensor unit may be simplified and the physical size of the device may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seiji Nishimoto, Akitoshi Mizutani
  • Patent number: 9702684
    Abstract: Provided is a rotation angle detection device, having a magnet installed on a valve shaft, which magnetically detects a rotation angle of a valve shaft, the device being configured to include a plate member having a predetermined thickness which is fastened and fixed to one end of the valve shaft, wherein the magnet is molded to the plate member into a cylindrical shape having a height larger than the predetermined thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: KEIHIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kaneko, Michio Onuma, Ryuichi Yaegashi
  • Patent number: 9689717
    Abstract: Phase estimation apparatus processes sensor signals from sensors to estimate a phase of a periodically varying state of an object, such as position of a moving object. A phase estimation processor applies a first correlation calculation to simultaneously collected samples of the sensor signals to generate first quadrature values, where the first correlation calculation employs variable calculation values, and applies a phase calculation to the first quadrature values to generate the phase estimation. A pre-quadrature calibration circuit applies respective second correlation calculations to respective sequences of samples of the sensor signals individually to generate second quadrature values for each of the sensor signals, and applies phase and/or magnitude calculations to the sets of second quadrature values to generate the variable calculation values for the first correlation calculation, thereby compensate for the error component and improve accuracy of the estimated phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Novanta Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Remillard, Bruce A. Horwitz
  • Patent number: 9689711
    Abstract: A position detecting device includes a first sensor portion having a first mold resin object molded for a first magnetic sensor and a first wiring and a second sensor portion having a second mold resin object molded for a second magnetic sensor and a second wiring. The first sensor portion and the second sensor portion have a protrusion part defined between the first magnetic sensor of the first sensor portion and the second magnetic sensor of the second sensor portion to provide a clearance between the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takehito Mizunuma, Tomoyuki Takiguchi, Takamitsu Kubota, Yoshiyuki Kono
  • Patent number: 9691534
    Abstract: In a magnetization device, while an annular magnetic body including plural rows of annular un-magnetized magnetic encoder tracks which are arranged adjacent to each other and integrated therewith is rotated, magnetization is performed, thereby providing a magnetic encoder. The magnetization device includes: a magnetizing yoke including a pair of opposed end portions opposed to each other across a magnetic gap; an exciting coil wound on the magnetizing yoke; a magnetization power source supplying a magnetizing current to the exciting coil to pass magnetic flux between the opposed end portions; and a magnetic shield which is provided to the magnetizing yoke and shields flow of the magnetic flux to the rows of magnetic encoder tracks other than a magnetization target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Shintarou Ueno
  • Patent number: 9692280
    Abstract: A production method for a rotor core for a VR type resolver has a structure in which one protrusion is formed on an inner edge thereof in which the rotor cores can be rotated and laminated without increasing cost. In a production method of a rotor core for a VR type resolver, a plurality of tabular rotor core pieces are laminated. In this case, in the rotor core pieces, four protrusions are simultaneously formed, one of them is left, the remainder thereof is removed, and rotating lamination is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Ochiai
  • Patent number: 9678098
    Abstract: A non-ferrous shaft includes multiple non-integral ferrous tooth components, thereby allowing a sensor to detect the shaft speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James Cosby, Peter V. Tomeo, Angel L. Santiago, Carney R. Anderson, Heriberto Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9678170
    Abstract: Embodiments related to the generation of magnetic bias fields for magnetic sensing are described and depicted. In one embodiment, a sensor includes at least one magnetosensitive element, and a magnetic body with an opening, the magnetic body comprising magnetic material magnetized mainly in a vertical direction, the magnetic body having inclined surface sections shaped by the opening, wherein the sensor is arranged atop the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Tobias Werth, Klaus Elian, James Sterling
  • Patent number: 9658050
    Abstract: In a rotation angle detection device, when a condition that two sensors among three magnetic sensors sense one and the same magnetic pole for three consecutive sampling periods is satisfied, a rotation angle is computed based on output signals from the two sensors, sampled at three sampling timings. When the output signals sampled at the three sampling timings satisfy a prescribed requirement, an angular width error correction value corresponding to the magnetic pole sensed by the two sensors and amplitudes are computed, and stored in association with the magnetic pole. If the condition is not satisfied, the rotation angle is computed based on the information stored in a memory and the output signals from two sensors among the three magnetic sensors, the two magnetic sensors including one of the three magnetic sensors, which detects the magnetic pole of which the angular width error correction value is stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Takaki, Yuji Kariatsumari, Yoshinobu Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9616708
    Abstract: A vehicle-wheel bearing device with a sensor of the present invention includes a plurality of sensors, mounted to a vehicle-wheel bearing, for detecting load thereon, and signal processor for processing an output signal therefrom to generate a signal vector, and load calculator for calculating load acting on a wheel based on the signal vector. The load calculator includes: a coefficient conversion processing unit for calculating an actual-state load estimation coefficient MC that is a load estimation coefficient for a state where the bearing is mounted to an actual vehicle, based on a standard load estimation coefficient MB that is a determined standard load estimation coefficient for the bearing; and a load calculation unit for calculating load on the wheel based on the signal vector and the actual-state load estimation coefficient MC calculated by the coefficient conversion processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9618364
    Abstract: An integrated wheel speed measuring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a hub which is installed inside a wheel bearing; a magnetic encoder which is installed by being inserted into a recessed portion that is provided in one surface of the hub; and a wheel cap which surrounds the one surface of the hub and the recessed portion, in which the magnetic encoder has a cylindrical shape, and is installed in the recessed portion in a longitudinal direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Euisung Lee
  • Patent number: 9605974
    Abstract: In a rotation angle detecting device, a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor are disposed at an interval of an electrical angle of 120 degrees around a rotation center axis of a rotor. An output signal of the first magnetic sensor is expressed by V1=sin ?, and an output signal of the second magnetic sensor is expressed by V2=sin(?+120). A determination device determines whether both the magnetic sensors are normal, or there is a failure in at least one of the magnetic sensors, based on whether an expression of L?V12+V22+V1·V2?0.75?U is satisfied, where L is a lower limit and U is an upper limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: So Saito, Yuji Kariatsumari
  • Patent number: 9605978
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to magnetic field angle sensing systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Udo Ausserlechner, Mario Motz
  • Patent number: 9606196
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for techniques to improve the sensitivity of magnetic sensor systems. One embodiment of a magnetic sensor system includes a magnetic biasing body comprised of a hard magnetic material and including a recess therein. The recess corresponds to a magnetic flux guidance surface of the magnetic biasing body. The magnetic sensor system also includes a magnetic sensing element arranged in or proximate to the recess. A magnetic flux concentrator, which is made of a soft magnetic material, is disposed in the recess between the magnetic flux guidance surface and the magnetic sensing element. Other techniques are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Armin Satz
  • Patent number: 9599035
    Abstract: A pedal spring urges a pedal spring receiving portion to rotate a manipulation member in an accelerator closing direction. The pedal spring has an end portion that contacts a first contact surface of a front segment. A hysteresis spring urges a hysteresis spring receiving portion, which is engaged with the manipulation member, in the accelerator closing direction. The hysteresis spring has an end portion that contacts a second contact surface of the front segment. A step surface is formed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface to limit movement of the end portion of the hysteresis spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takehiro Saito, Masahiro Makino, Hiroshi Saji
  • Patent number: 9574905
    Abstract: A rotating field sensor includes four detection circuits each of which generates an output signal responsive to the direction of a rotating magnetic field, and an angle calculation unit configured to calculate four angle values in correspondence to four groups each consisting of two detection circuits selected from the four detection circuits. The angle calculation unit calculates each of the four angle values on the basis of two output signals of the two detection circuits constituting a corresponding one of the four groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yohei Hirota, Hiraku Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 9562791
    Abstract: A measurement system (1) of the relative position between two structural parts (2a, 2b) of a building, that have separated for example following the formation of a crack, comprising a cylindrical permanent magnet (3) adapted to generate a magnetic field (B) and a sensor (5), the sensor (5) being fixed and the magnet (3) being moveable according to a direction perpendicular to its axis of symmetry (h) so as to vary the direction of the lines of force of the magnetic field B which cross the sensor 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: CAMLIN ITALY S.R.L.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Chiesi, Luca Mussi, Matteo Sacchi, Federico Sassi, Luca Ascari
  • Patent number: 9540036
    Abstract: An electronic control apparatus configured to control electric power steering and provided integrally with an electric motor is electrically connected to an ignition switch and which assists a rotation operation of a steering column by rotation of the electric motor. A first magnetism detecting element configured to operate using power supplied via the ignition switch to output a first set of rotation angle signals of the electric motor. A second magnetism detecting element configured to operate continuously using continuously supplied power to output a second set of rotation angle signals of the electric motor. A controller configured or programmed to generate rotation angle information about the electric motor based on the first set of rotation angle signals and the second set of rotation angle signals outputted while the ignition switch is stopped and to calculate a position of a steering wheel from the generated rotation angle information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Nidec Elesys Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuki Harada, Tokuji Tatewaki, Eiji Wada, Osamu Maeshima, Masatoshi Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 9518843
    Abstract: A resolver has a structure in which the resolver is attached to a flange by press-fitting and in which strong stress that affects an angle detecting accuracy of a stator of the resolver is not applied. The flange, in which a resolver is press-fitted, includes a cylindrical portion in which a stator of the resolver is press-fitted to the inside thereof, and a tabular portion which is larger than an outer diameter of a cylindrical portion viewed from an axial direction and which is integrated with the cylindrical portion, wherein a clearance portion having an expanded inner diameter which does not contact with an outer periphery of the stator of the resolver is provided on an overlapped portion of a cylindrical portion viewed from a vertical direction to the axis and the tabular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: MINEBEA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo Fukushima, Toshinori Chino
  • Patent number: 9518844
    Abstract: Angular widths of respective magnetic poles of a detection rotor are stored and divisions are set for respective magnetic pole pairs. Based on output signals from first and second magnetic sensors, a rotation angle computation unit computes first and second rotation angles that are rotation angles within the corresponding division. Based on the angular widths, the rotation angle computation unit identifies the magnetic pole sensed by the first magnetic sensor and computes a first absolute rotation angle using the first rotation angle. Based on the identified magnetic pole and the second rotation angle, the rotation angle computation unit computes a second absolute rotation angle. The rotation angle of the detection rotor is computed based on the first and second absolute angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Ueda, Hayato Komatsu, Yuji Kariatsumari
  • Patent number: 9518840
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for effectively sensing rotational position of an object. In certain embodiments, a rotational position sensor can include a shaft configured to couple with the rotating object. The shaft can be configured to couple with a magnet carrier such that rotation of the shaft yields translational motion of the carrier. A magnet mounted to the carrier also moves longitudinally with respect to the axis of the shaft, and relative to a magnetic field sensor configured to detect the magnet's longitudinal position. The detected longitudinal position can be in a range corresponding to a rotational range of the shaft, where the rotational range can be greater than one turn. In certain embodiments, the rotational position sensor can include a programmable capability to facilitate ease and flexibility in calibration and use in a wide range of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugen Bogos, Perry Wehlmann, Thanh Vinh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9506738
    Abstract: A rod-shaped magnet is mounted on a rotating unit. The rod-shaped magnet has end surfaces which are oriented in a rotating direction and are magnetized to different magnetic poles. An angle detecting unit including magnetoresistive elements is disposed so as to be offset in a radial direction of a revolution path of the magnet from the revolution path and is configured to detect a change in angle of rotation of the rotating unit by detecting a leakage magnetic field in the vicinity of a side surface of the magnet. Two position detecting units each include magnetoresistive elements and are configured to detect a change in orientation of a magnetic field in the direction of a tangent to the revolution path when facing the rod-shaped magnet and produce a switch output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Onodera, Tokuo Nakamura, Takafumi Noguchi
  • Patent number: 9500481
    Abstract: A rotation rate sensor for detecting a rotation rate about a rotational axis parallel to a main extension plane of a substrate of the sensor includes: a first oscillating mass; and a second oscillating mass mechanically coupled to the first oscillating mass. The first oscillating mass is (i) deflectable along a first oscillations plane parallel to the main extension plane, (ii) extends in a planar manner parallel to the first oscillations plane in a rest position, and (iii) deflectable out of the first oscillations plane into a first deflection position. The second oscillating mass is (i) deflectable along a second oscillations plane parallel to the first oscillations plane, (ii) extends in a planar manner parallel to the second oscillations plane in a rest position, and (iii) deflectable out of the second oscillations plane into a second deflection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Odd-Axel Pruetz
  • Patent number: 9470553
    Abstract: Rotation angle detection apparatus includes a magnet provided in a main gear and a magnetism detector positioned to face to the magnet. Magnet rotates integrally with main gear and magnetism detector detects changes in magnetic field of magnet so a rotation angle of main gear is detected. Main gear includes bottomed recessed part and plurality of mounting pins arranged in recessed part. Magnet is inserted in recessed part wherein a part of magnet protrudes from an upper end of the recessed part. Magnet inserted in recessed part is pressed against main gear by an elastically deformable retaining plate made of non-magnetic material. An outer portion of retaining plate includes plurality of mounting holes. Magnet inserted in recessed part is pressed against main gear by elastically deformed retaining plate and mounting pins inserted in mounting holes are thermally caulked wherein magnet is secured to the main gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ikeda, Tetsuo Suzuoki, Junpei Hayashi, Akihito Kuno
  • Patent number: 9455650
    Abstract: A two-dimensional locating method of a motion platform based on a magnetic steel array involves the following steps: placing more than four linear Hall sensors at any different positions within one or more polar distances of the magnetic steel array on the surface of the motion platform in a motion system; determining a magnetic flux density distribution model according to the magnetic steel array; determining the mounting positions of the above-mentioned linear Hall sensors, which are converted into phases with respect to the mass center of the motion platform; recording the magnetic flux density measured values of the linear Hall sensors as the motion proceeds; solving the phases of the mass center of the motion platform in a plane, with the measured values being served as observed quantities and the magnetic flux density distribution model being served as a computation model; and determining the position of the mass center of the motion platform with respect to an initial phase according to the phase, so a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jinchun Hu, Yu Zhu, Jinsong Wang, Ming Zhang, Kai Liao, Kaiming Yang, Dengfeng Xu, Wensheng Yin, Guanghong Duan
  • Patent number: 9435630
    Abstract: An actuator and sensor assembly with a housing defining a pocket and an access opening. A substrate with a sensor is located in the pocket through the access opening. A nozzle extends from the housing. A sleeve surrounds the nozzle and retains a hose on the nozzle. A connector assembly is located opposite and normal the pocket and the substrate. Compliant terminal pins extend generally normally from the connector assembly into the pocket and through-holes in the substrate. An actuator shaft gimbal includes a head located in a housing collar and a flexible neck extends through a housing aperture. A shoulder on the neck of the gimbal locks the gimbal in the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: CTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: William D. Storrie, Steven Brown, Gerard McCafferty
  • Patent number: 9410828
    Abstract: An encoder includes a first multiple rotation counter that generates first multiple rotation data using a rotation signal indicating one rotation of a rotational shaft of a motor, a second multiple rotation counter that generates second multiple rotation data using the rotation signal, a first cumulative-number calculation unit that calculates first accumulated multiple rotation data using an angle signal indicating a rotational angle of the rotational shaft, a second cumulative-number calculation unit that calculates second accumulated multiple rotation data using the angle signal, and a first comparative diagnosis unit that diagnoses whether the encoder has a fault by performing a comparison to determine whether the first multiple rotation data, the second multiple rotation data, the first accumulated multiple rotation data, and the second accumulated multiple rotation data are a same value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagata, Toshikazu Satone, Masanori Nimura, Hajime Nakajima
  • Patent number: 9400229
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for monitoring the state of a roller bearing. The apparatus includes a vibration sensor, configured to detect vibrations which occur during operation of the bearing, and to generate a first signal as a function of the detected vibrations. A diagnosis electronics system is configured to output an item of information about a state of the bearing on the basis of the first signal and at least one limit value stored in the diagnosis electronics system. A sound emission sensor is provided, configured to pick up noises, produced in the event of plastic deformation of the bearing at least in regions. A second signal is then transmitted to the diagnosis electronics system, taking into account the picked-up noises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Hans-Henning Klos, Klaus-Dieter Müller, Ulrich Werner
  • Patent number: 9395389
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is sandwiched together with a rubber material mixed with a vulcanizing agent in a mold assembly including an upper mold and a lower mold. The upper and lower molds, while completely sandwiching the sensor assembly, are heated for a predetermined length of time, and a pressure is then applied to the sensor assembly to complete a compressive molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayoshi Ozaki, Tomomi Ishikawa, Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9376963
    Abstract: A tuning process is provided for dynamically tuning a gas-turbine (GT) engine to correct for flashback events without directly measuring occurrences of the flashback events at the GT engine. Initially, readings are taken that measure low-frequency dynamics at the GT engine. A determination of whether flashback criteria are met by an instantaneous signal that quantifies a detected spike within the measured low-frequency dynamics is carried out, where the flashback criteria include the following: identifying the spike overcomes a multiple of an average of the low-frequency dynamics measured over a predefined period of time; and identifying the spike overcomes a preestablished minimum amplitude. Upon the spike meeting the flashback criteria, a count is added to a running record of spikes, which is compared to an alarm limit. If the alarm limit is triggered, action(s) are invoked to address the flashback events, such as adjusting fuel-flow splits of the GT engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Sumit Soni, Donald Gauthier, Hany Rizkalla, Khalid Oumejjoud, Peter Stuttaford
  • Patent number: 9377055
    Abstract: A wheel bearing arrangement having an outer ring (12), an inner ring (13), and a seal arranged between the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (13) for the purpose of sealing off a rolling chamber, wherein, in the rolling chamber, rolling bodies (10) roll in a load-bearing manner on raceways of the outer ring (12) and of the inner ring (13), wherein the cover element (32) has a fastening region (28) for the fastening of the cover element (32) radially at the outside to the outer ring (12). It is sought to further improve the encoder protection in a wheel bearing arrangement of said type by virtue of the cover element (32) having a collecting channel (27) which surrounds a joint bell housing (19) and thereby protecting the encoder (14) of the wheel bearing arrangement against fouling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Niebling, Roland Langer
  • Patent number: 9358833
    Abstract: A sealing device including a first annular rotating shield, a second annular shield, fixed and arranged in front of the first shield for delimiting therebetween a first annular chamber and a sealing ring provided with at least a first and a second annular lips that extend axially and radially project from a flange portion of the second shield and towards a flange portion of the first shield, inside the annular chamber. At least one of the first and second lips cooperates with the flange portion of the first shield without touching it for defining a first dynamic labyrinth seal therewith. The first shield integrally supports a third annular lip that extends projecting from the first shield towards one of the first and second lips without touching it for defining a second dynamic labyrinth seal between the first and second shield and inside the annular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Carmelo Gulli
  • Patent number: 9360345
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Fox
  • Patent number: 9360494
    Abstract: A rotor (1b) includes a first cylindrical portion (10), and a second cylindrical portion (20) including a first partial circumferential surface (21) having a width narrower than that of the first cylindrical portion (10) in the circumferential direction, and a second partial circumferential surface (22) having a radius smaller than a radius of the first partial circumferential surface; the rotor, further, including a first to-be-detected portion having a plurality of teeth (15), and a second to-be-detected portion having at least one tooth (25), and wherein the at least one tooth of the second cylindrical portion and the tooth of the first cylindrical portion corresponding to the at least one tooth are formed in one operation by machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shunichi Odaka
  • Patent number: 9354084
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to magnetic field angle sensing systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Udo Ausserlechner, Mario Motz
  • Patent number: 9335361
    Abstract: An electric machine electrically connects to an inverter via a multi-phase power circuit. A method for monitoring the multi-phase power circuit includes non-intrusively adjusting a commanded AC electric current from the inverter after a prescribed time period and comparing a measured magnitude of AC electric current in the multi-phase power circuit with a minimum threshold. Presence of an open circuit fault in the multi-phase power circuit can be detected based upon the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Silva Hiti, Steven E. Schulz, Millin Perisic, William R. Cawthorne, Mark A. Vernacchia, Aubrey Walter Downs, Jr., Gabriel Gallegos-Lopez, Michael D. Haggerty