Abstract: A position and electromagnetic field sensor is provided. The sensor relies upon an oscillator such as a Robinson marginal oscillator to generate an rf or microwave electromagnetic field. As an inhomogeneously shaped object, such as a metallic toothed wheel, for example, moves through the resultant field, the field experiences a change in electric or magnetic susceptibility. This in turn causes energy losses in the oscillator the magnitude of which can be output as a d.c. signal related thereto. To detect non-moving objects which nevertheless generate an electromagnetic field or have attached to them a source thereof, the sensor also includes a giant or colossal magnetoresistive structure located adjacent the oscillator coil, the structure having an imaginary magnetic susceptibility which is strongly dependent upon the magnitude and direction of the field generated by or at the object to be sensed.

Abstract: A proximity switch having a coil former (3) which is fitted with at least one coil (4, 5, 6), has an associated board (8) and is held by a plastic housing (1), and having an electrically conductive shield (2) between the coil former (3) and the inner wall of the plastic housing (1), with the shield (2) making electrically conductive contact with a circuit (9) which is mounted on the board (8), wherein the shield (2) is formed by an electrically conductive inner wall coating on the plastic housing (1).

Abstract: A method for phase matching matches a relative phase of a first element and a second element by detecting a magnetic flux. The method provides a magnetic flux generator to generate the magnetic flux. The method also provides a magnetic sensor in order to detect the magnetic flux. According to the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic sensor, the relative position of the first element and the second element is adjusted until the magnetic flux reaches a predetermined value, which means that the phase of the first element and that of the second element are matched.

Abstract: A sensor device includes the ability to determine part presence and at least one physical characteristic of the part. A drive coil and sense coil are arranged so that a voltage applied across the drive coil causes a response in the sense coil, which is influenced by the presence of the item of interest. In a first mode, a controller determines whether the item is present by determining an amount of coupling between the drive coil and the sense coil, which is indicative of whether a part is present near the sense coil. In a second mode, the controller determines an amount of magnetic flux that is indicative of a thickness of the material. In another mode, constant current applied to the drive coil instigates a voltage across both coils. The amplitude of the sense coil voltage and a phase shift of the sense coil voltage relative to the drive coil voltage provides material thickness information.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a clamp arm position in a power clamp provides a sensor wheel that may fit beneath the clamp arm. A low profile sensor body abuts an edge of the sensory wheel to detect the sensor position without undue change in the power clamp or clearance about the power clamp.

Abstract: A first magnetic substance and a second magnetic substance are arranged opposite to each other with a gap left therebetween; a holding member being arranged in the gap; a magnetic field generator being secured to the holding member; the generator being arranged adjacent to the first magnetic substance or the second magnetic substance, thereby increasing an magnetic attraction generated by a magnetic force between the generator and the first magnetic substance or the second magnetic substance. A slide between a sliding portion of a supporting member and that of the holding member is permitted only on the magnetic substance side to which the magnetic field generator stands close, which relaxes the requirements of dimensional accuracy such as the height of the holding member.

Abstract: A proximity sensor has a resonant circuit which when stimulated by a pulse produces a signal with decaying oscillations. The number of such oscillations above a signal threshold varies in relation to the distance between a metal object and the proximity sensor. The sensor operation is configured by deriving a function that defines how the performance of a given proximity sensor deviates from performance reference data. The function is employed to normalize the count of oscillations produced by the given proximity sensor and the normalized count is used to determine presence of an object. By normalizing sensor performance, common configuration data can be used to setup a given proximity sensor without having to take into account specific performance variations of that sensor.

Abstract: An identification and organization system using color coding and alphanumeric labels for matching components of a proximity measurement system includes: (1) a color code system to identify the type or series of proximity probe used with the proximity measurement system, and (2) an alphanumeric labeling system to identify the system length (i.e., the length of the extension cable plus the length of the proximity probe). Installation and maintenance of proximity measurement systems can be more reliably performed by the color code and alphanumeric labeling system.

Abstract: A method of determining a gap between an eddy current proximity transducer and a target is provided. The method includes providing a data structure that is populated with data that is relative to a gap value corresponding to a complex impedance value of the transducer, exciting the transducer at a plurality of different frequencies, determining a complex impedance value of the transducer at a respective one of the plurality of frequencies, and determining the gap using the data structure and the complex impedance value.

Abstract: A sensor (80) for sensing the position of a ferromagnetic target (82) relative to the sensor includes a Hall effect device (184) responsive to a change in a magnetic field (240) acting on the Hall effect device. A magnet (182) produces a magnetic field (240) that acts on the Hall effect device (184). The target (82) changes the magnetic field (240) acting on the Hall effect device (184) as the position of the target relative to the sensor (80) changes. First and second flux collectors (186 and 190) are located on one side (194) of the magnet (182) for concentrating the magnetic field (240) on the Hall effect device (184). A third flux collector (192) is located on a second side (196) of the magnet (182) opposite the one side (194) for reducing the reluctance of a magnetic flux path through the target (82).

Abstract: A circuit (1) for compensating for temperature with a sensor operating by the eddy current principle for measuring physical conditions of an object. The circuit includes an evaluation unit (3) for evaluating a measuring signal (100) of the sensor (2). The sensor (2) and the evaluation unit (3) are interconnected via a connection cable (4). For the purpose of minimizing or preventing to the greatest extent temperature caused interferences, an additional compensation line (5) is provided which compensates for the temperature of the connection cable (4). A corresponding method for compensating for temperature is described.

Abstract: A sensor with a carrier board which is arranged in a housing is at least partly produced by an injection molding process and fitted with electronic, optical electromechanical and/or opto-electronic components. A region of the carrier board and at least some of the components disposed thereon are arranged in a hollow space formed inside the at least partly injection molded housing.

Abstract: A displacement sensor precisely detects displacement of a moving body in a rectilinear movement direction even if the moving body rotates. The sensor includes a detector and a magnet. The cross sectional area of the permanent magnet in a plane perpendicular to an axis, which extends in the rectilinear movement direction, varies in the direction of movement. The permanent magnet is magnetized in the rectilinear movement direction. The detector is located so that magnetic flux passes through a detection face of the detector substantially perpendicularly.

Abstract: An impact-induced pulse sensor comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis and a guiding element arranged on the housing. A sensor element is adapted to be displaced within the housing along the guiding element when an essentially pulse-shaped impact of a given duration is exerted on the housing. The sensor element is displaced with a predetermined speed and along a predetermined distance. The guiding element is configured such as to affect the speed. The sensor element is made of a magnetic material. A pickup element is rigidly connected to the housing for magnetically generating a measuring signal derived from the displacing of the sensor element caused by the impact. The sensor element, when displaced, generates in the pickup element a measuring voltage depending from the distance. The guiding element affects the speed such that for impacts with like pulse areas the measuring voltage vs distance is independent from the duration of the pulse-shaped impact.

Abstract: Proximity switch with a coil arrangement having at least one coil and an evaluation circuit arranged downstream of said coil arrangement for obtaining a switching signal when a trip feature of the coil arrangement approaches a desired response distance, wherein the at least one coil is formed by coil sections (8) connected electrically in series, preferably disposed next to one another, axially in parallel, with a same winding direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated circuit with a single sensor element (1) for converting a physical variable into an electrical signal, comprising a comparator unit (4) by which means the electrical signal of the sensor element (1) can be compared with various different threshold values in order to produce different discreet circuit states and an output unit (5) for outputting an output signal representing the different discreet circuit states or the comparator unit (4). The threshold values of the comparators of the comparator unit (4) are stored in a storage unit of the integrated circuit in such a way that they can be regulated with a control device (3). The integrated circuit has a single output terminal (7a) on which the various circuit states of the electrical signal can be picked off in code.

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

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a clamp arm position in a power clamp provides a sensor wheel that may fit beneath the clamp arm. A low profile sensor body abuts an edge of the sensory wheel to detect the sensor position without undue change in the power clamp or clearance about the power clamp.

Abstract: A proximity probe system comprising a multi-coil proximity probe including a drive coil, a sense coil and a reference coil. The system includes a signal generator driving the drive coil with an alternating current for creating a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in a proximate conductive object resulting in an eddy current induced magnetic field emanating therefrom. The sense coil is interposed between the object and the drive coil for outputting an object induced alternating current that is detected by the system and correlated to a position of the object relative to the probe. The reference coil is positioned to be inductively coupled to the drive coil for carrying a drive coil induced alternating current that is detected, conditioned and feedback to the signal generator for controlling the magnetic field radiating from the drive coil while sensing the the object induced alternating current in the sense coil.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a member position detecting apparatus having a high degree of freedom for design and layout of a seat rail, capable of suppressing accumulation of dust and eliminating influence of an external magnetic field. A member position detecting apparatus 1 has a function of detecting whether a metallic seat rail (a moving member) 3 guided by a metallic stationary rail 2 has reached a front end position (a predetermined position) P on the stationary rail 2. The openings of the stationary rail 2 and the seat rail 3 face each other and the end portions thereof are folded and engaged with each other. The stationary rail 2 is disposed on the floor of a vehicle, and a planar magnet 5 is provided at a front end portion thereof. The seat rail 3 is fixed on a lower portion of the vehicle seat, and a magnetic sensor 7 is provided to face the magnet 5 at the front end portion of the seat rail.

Abstract: A measuring assembly and machining assembly allowing for easy access and maintenance of the measuring assembly. The measuring assembly is disposed within a bushing to allow for easy removal of the measuring assembly. Furthermore, the machining assembly allows for access and maintenance of the measuring assembly with little or no disassembly of the machining assembly. Therefore, increased longevity and reduced maintenance of the measuring assembly is required during operation of the machining assembly.

Abstract: A sliding seat position detection system includes a sensor provided on a seat that can slide on a floor of a vehicle, and a magnetic shielding member provided on the floor. The detection system detects that the seat is at a front end position when the shielding member provides a shield between a permanent magnet and a magnetism detection part of the sensor. A non-magnetic cover member is attached to the shielding member. When the seat is at a position other than the front end position, the cover member is positioned between the permanent magnet and the magnetism detection part of the sensor, thereby preventing erroneous detection due to magnetic foreign matter and other magnetic substances caught in or attached to the sensor.

Abstract: In a magnetically passive position sensor, a mechanical axis (11) and a magnetic axis (12) of a magnet (2) point toward the same contact spring element from two or more contact spring elements (5, 6). This results, in particular, in the end regions of the position sensor achieving a particularly high accuracy. The magnet (2) has a guide polygon (8) which is used to hold the magnet (2) in a holder (10) such that it cannot rotate.

Abstract: A magnetic switch hardly affected by an external magnetic field even if a cheap magnet is used and capable of performing magnetic detection for a long period of time is provided. A first magnetic path L1 and a second magnetic path L2 in which a stationary rail 13 and a movable rail 14 lead magnetic fluxes are formed in a non-shielding state where magnetism shielding 18 is not interposed in a gap G between a magnet M and a Hall element H to secure the number of magnetic fluxes that pass through the Hall element H. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a costly rare earth magnet having a large number of generated magnetic fluxes. In n shielding state where the magnetism shielding 18 is interposed in the gap G, the first magnetic path L1 is shielded. As a result, the number of magnetic fluxes that pass through the Hall element H is almost zero.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor system and a method for installing magnetic sensors for detecting metal objects that allows ease of manipulation, control and access. A carrier conduit is used to position a magnetic sensor in an outer conduit. The outer conduit may be disposed beneath a surface where objects to be detected may be positioned. Alternatively, a conduit having multiple channels may be placed in a pathway. Magnetic sensors may be placed in the channels and a top placed over the conduit. Multiple embodiments for orienting the magnetic sensor systems are provided.

Abstract: Detector circuitry for detecting magnetic field disturbances resulting from the movement of equipment through a pipe of magnetic material, the detector circuitry comprising a difference circuit fed with the outputs of two longitudinally spaced sensor means via respective DC blocking means, a saturating difference amplifier feeding an integrator and fed with the outputs of the difference circuit and the integrator, and indicating means fed from the integrator. The detector circuitry may also including level setting means and a comparator fed with the outputs of the integrator and the level setting means and feeding the indicating means. A second comparator may be connected in parallel with the first comparator and fed with the inverse of the output of the level setting means and the output of the integrator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic sensor with a simple configuration which detects a magnetic field strength of both polarities and which consumes a small amount of power.

Abstract: A door position sensing system includes a door claw having first and second magnets mounted thereon, and a Hall sensor mounted so as to sense the magnetic fields of the first and second magnets. The first magnet is mounted in a door half-latch position, and the second magnet is mounted in a door full-latch position. A processor is responsive to the Hall sensor to provide outputs indicating the half-latch and full-latch positions of a door. The processor may also be arranged to indicate a door open position when neither magnet is near the sensor.

Abstract: A planar induction sensor for sensing of security features of documents having changing magnetic and (or) conducting properties is of a multilayer printed circuit board design. The sensor comprises a planar current transformer with a spiral-type primary coils and one or several turns of secondary coil in an adjacent layer of the printed circuit board. The secondary coil of the current transformer is connected to an operating coil, which is situated at a sensing edge of the sensor. The operating coil can be formed by external wires or can be incorporated in the circuit board of the current transformer. When a security element, made from the magnetic or conductive material moves past the sensing edge of the sensor, a change in inductance of the induction sensor occurs. In a preferred embodiment, two induction sensors with individual associated electronic circuits were located on opposite sides of validator channel.

Abstract: A winding type magnetic sensor device includes a sensor core facing an object to be detected, an excitation coil wound around the sensor core, and a detection coil wound around the sensor core that defects a variation of magnetic flux corresponding to the object to obtain a detection signal for the object. A constant current drive circuit is provided that supplies a constant current to the excitation coil.

Abstract: An impact-induced pulse sensor comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis and a guiding element arranged on the housing. A sensor element is adapted to be displaced within the housing along the guiding element when an essentially pulse-shaped impact of a given duration is exerted on the housing. The sensor element is displaced with a predetermined speed and along a predetermined distance. The guiding element is configured such as to affect the speed. The sensor element is made of a magnetic material. A pickup element is rigidly connected to the housing for magnetically generating a measuring signal derived from the displacing of the sensor element caused by the impact. The sensor element, when displaced, generates in the pickup element a measuring voltage depending from the distance. The guiding element affects the speed such that for impacts with like pulse areas the measuring voltage vs distance is independent from the duration of the pulse-shaped impact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a position or displacement sensor comprising a detection circuit and a rider (2), the position of which is detected by the detection circuit, this rider (2) comprising a support (20) consisting of a material inert to the detection circuit, and an influencing member (21) carried by the support (20) and comprising a material that is active to the detection circuit. The influencing member (21) is produced in the form of particles (P) of the active material which are embedded in a mass (M) of the inert material to measurement of the displacement or position of a motor vehicle braking system piston.

Abstract: A detector unit for detecting the position and/or the state of movement of movable elements containing ferromagnetic material and relating especially to locking arrangements, said detector unit comprising a reed-relay (2) and permanent magnetic means (1). The reed-relay (2) is fixed to the permanent magnetic means (1) to a position, in which the magnetic flux provided by the permanent magnetic means (1) includes an essential deviation so that the reed-relay (2) is not normally switched on.

Abstract: A contactless latch engagement detector for a mechanical fastening system operating on the principle of magnetosensitivity. A magnetosensitive switch composed of a magnetosensitive device and at least one biasing magnet adjacent the magnetosensitive device are located in a buckle. Within or external to the buckle is an electronic circuit for driving the magnetosensitive device, and a flux bar composed of a ferromagnetic material having a high magnetic permeability is associated with a movable component of the system. In operation, the electronic circuit drives the magnetosensitive device, wherein its output is responsive to position of the flux bar relative to the magnetosensitive device. The flux bar moves responsive to position of a tongue within the buckle, whereby the fastened state of the mechanical (ie., seat belt) fastening system is detected when a predetermined output occurs.

Abstract: A coil is operatively associated with a magnetic circuit of a vehicle body, and is adapted to cooperate with a time-varying magnetic flux in the vehicle body that is responsive to a condition of the vehicle body sensed by the magnetic sensor. An electrical circuit is operatively coupled to the coil, and the coil in cooperation therewith exhibits a resonant or near-resonant condition in association with the time-varying magnetic flux for at least one condition of the vehicle body. In one embodiment, a signal from an oscillator is applied to the series combination of a capacitor and the coil, which generates an oscillatory magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. In another embodiment, a second capacitor is connected in parallel with a second coil which operates in a resonant or near-resonant condition responsive to the oscillatory magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a less expensive, highly reliable mobile detection system that can be maintained easily.

Abstract: A tunable magnetic device which includes a permanent magnet in the shape of a ring, an inner aperture, a tuning member, and a field sensor secured to the permanent magnet. The tuning member may be a ferrous or magnetic material and may be secured to a non-magnetic tuning device. The inner aperture is preferably small compared to the permanent magnet. The magnetic device provides a magnetic field that is sensitive to the proximity of a ferrous object and provides a tunable mechanism to locally balance the magnetic field where the field sensor is located.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring changes in pressure, temperature, speed, acceleration, vibration, or volume by detecting variations in one or more electrical circuits as the distance among a plurality of electrically conductive and magnetically permeable components changes. The invention utilizes changes in properties of electrical circuits induced by the variations in the intensity of a magnetic flux field resulting from spatial movements or displacement of the components. The components that make up the sensor may be electrically insulated from the electrical circuit that is the source of the magnetic flux field and detects the change and analyzes it as a measured change in pressure, temperature, speed, acceleration, vibration, volume, etc.

Abstract: An improved proximity sensing circuit and method is provided. In particular, the proximity sensing system includes an improved controller comprising a programmable logic device (“PLD”). In one particular aspect of the invention, the controller includes a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) controller. In general, the proximity sensing system measures the AC and DC resistances of a proximity sensor and a precision resistor and, from these measured values, calculates a compensated resistance. The compensated resistance may be used to determine the gap. The measured AC and DC resistances of the proximity sensor may be used to perform a self diagnostic on the sensing system and aid in determining a system fault.

Abstract: A preamplifier portion 2 is arranged between a head portion 1 containing a detecting coil and an amplifier portion 3. wherein a detecting circuit and a controlling circuit and the like are arranged. The preamplifier portion 2 is connected to the head portion 1 via a shielded cable 5 of fixed length, while connected to the amplifier portion 3 via multi core cables 6a and 6b having connectors 7a and 7b. In the preamplifier portion 2, in addition to an oscillating circuit, an EEPROM containing a compensating table for compensating the relation between the oscillation output of the oscillating circuit and a detected distance is arranged. This EEPROM is connected to the controlling circuit at the side of the amplifier portion 3.

Abstract: A displacement sensor comprising a board-like magnet 20 mounted on an object 10 to be measured and magnetized in a thickness direction, a first Hall element 21, arranged opposite near the center of the pole face 20a as an XY plane of the magnet 20, for detecting a component parallel to the Z axial direction which is the thickness direction of the magnet 20 of a magnetic field from the magnet 20, and a second Hall element 22, arranged on a side opposite to the magnet 20 of the first Hall element 21, for detecting a component parallel to the X axial direction of the magnetic field from the magnet 20 so that it can detect displacements in two axial directions (X axis and Y axis) of the object 10 to be measured at the same time efficiently and accurately.

Abstract: The seat position sensor includes a housing, a magnetoelectric converting element which performs changeover of an output at a given magnetic field intensity, and a magnet which is held by the housing at a position where the magnet faces the magnetoelectric converting element in an opposed manner. A shielding plate is capable of entering into or exiting from a space defined between the magnetoelectric converting element and the magnet. An inverse bias magnet which applies a magnetic field of an inverse direction to the magnet is provided to a side opposite to the magnet side while sandwiching the magnetoelectric converting element therebetween.

Abstract: The proximity sensor includes a magnetic field source (first object) configured to generate a magnetic field, a switch plate (second object) made from a ferrous material, and a magnetic field sensor (detector). The magnetic field source and the switch plate are moveable relative to each another. The magnetic field sensor is disposed close enough to the magnetic field source to detect the magnetic field. In use, when the magnetic field source and the switch plate come into proximity of each another, the magnetic field flows from the magnetic field source to the switch plate, thereby disabling detection of the magnetic field and signaling the proximity.

Abstract: A digital eddy current proximity system including a digital impedance measuring device for digitally measuring the proximity probes impedance correlative to displacement motion and position of a metallic target object being monitored. The system further including a cable-length calibration method, an automatic material identification and calibration method, a material insensitive method, an inductive ratio method and advanced sensing characteristics.

Abstract: An inductive proximity switch includes an electrical resonant circuit and an energy source coupled therewith to compensate for losses in the resonant circuit. The energy source is fully differentially coupled with the resonant circuit at the input side.

Abstract: A monitoring system for measuring the gap between a turbine blade and a stationery component of a turbine, includes an insertion probe having a sensor which is moved radially within the gap to a pre-selected distance from the turbine blade as measured by the sensor's output. The distance the sensor moved from a reference point to arrive at the pre-selected distance from the blade is also monitored and the gap between the fixed turbine component and the blade is determined from these measurements.

Abstract: A monitoring system for measuring the gap between a turbine blade and a stationery component of a turbine, includes an insertion probe having a sensor which is moved radially within the gap to a pre-selected distance from the turbine blade as measured by the sensor's output. The distance the sensor moved from a reference point to arrive at the pre-selected distance from the blade is also monitored and the gap between the fixed turbine component and the blade is determined from these measurements.

Abstract: In a machine which is provided with a stator and an opposite rotor, a sensor of magnetic type, arranged in the stator, for determining the distance between the stator and the rotor can be calibrated by the sensor first being moved relative to the stator into contact with the rotor for zeroing. The sensor is then reversed a predetermined distance, after which the sensor signal can be used for determining the distance between the stator and the rotor. In an arrangement suitable for the purpose, the stator has at least one sensor of magnetic type, which is intended to interact with an opposite surface on the rotor. The sensor is mounted displaceably in the axial direction of the rotor and can be brought into contact with the rotor.

Abstract: A proximity sensor has a transducer coil that is part of an oscillator circuit. The oscillating signal varies as a function of the presence or absence of a metallic object adjacent the transducer coil. By analyzing selected characteristics of that oscillating signal, the presence of and object and the distance to the object can be determined. Other analysis techniques enable the sensor to distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous materials. A mechanism also is provided to automatically configure operation of the proximity to avoid interference from another adjacent proximity sensor.

Abstract: Method of making a proximity probe including providing a preform having an interior cavity accessible by an opened rearward end; coupling a coil to the preform proximate a forward most end of the preform for defining an assembly; locating a single support pin through the rearward end such that the support pin extends within the interior cavity while having an end emanating from the rearward end; cantilevering the emanating end between an upper and a lower mold plate defining a mold cavity for supporting the assembly; injecting moldable material into the mold cavity for molding an encapsulation of material over the assembly for defining an encapsulated probe tip, allowing the encapsulated probe tip to cure; removing the encapsulated probe tip from the mold cavity; removing the support pin from the assembly, and coupling a cable to the encapsulated probe tip for forming the proximity probe.