By Measuring Magnetic Properties Patents (Class 73/862.69)
  • Patent number: 11879792
    Abstract: A magnetic sensing system 10 according to the present invention is provided with a sensing device 11 that generates an electrical signal according to the strength of a magnetic field that changes in response to the action of an external force, and a detection device 12 that detects a physical quantity associated with the action of the external force from a change in the magnetic field based on the electrical signal from the sensing device 11. The sensing device 11 includes magnetic field generation means 15 and 18 that generate a desired measurement magnetic field of different strengths from a site that is displaced by the action of the external force, and a magnetic field measurement means 19 that measures the strength of a surrounding magnetic field including the measurement magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: XELA ROBOTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sophon Somlor, Alexander Schmitz, Tito Pradhono Tomo, Shigeki Sugano
  • Patent number: 11672461
    Abstract: A flexible circuit that is substantially planar may be assembled into an electrophysiologic catheter. The flexible circuit may include various location sensing portions and force sensing portions. The flexible circuit may be deformed in a manner that improves the catheter's functionality concerning force feedback and location feedback, and then further deformed to be assembled into a small volume of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Beeckler, Joseph T. Keyes, Kevin J. Herrera
  • Patent number: 11635288
    Abstract: A method of sensing wheel rotation can include: sensing magnetic force information in an environment of a wheel by a magnetometer to obtain measured magnetic force information; generating relative magnetic force information by performing mathematical operation processing in accordance with the measured magnetic force information, where the relative magnetic force information does not change with geomagnetic field and does change with a rotation angle of a wheel; and obtaining angle information related to the rotation angle of the wheel in accordance with the relative magnetic force information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Silergy Semiconductor Technology (Hangzhou) LTD
    Inventor: Chikang Liu
  • Patent number: 11616393
    Abstract: Apparatus for near-field wireless energy transfer. A first layer provides or comprises a piezoelectric phase or a material with or adapted for electromechanical coupling; and a second layer provides or comprises a magnetostrictive phase or a material with or adapted for a magnetomechanical coupling. The second layer is mechanically and/or chemically coupled to the first layer to provide a composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: San Diego State University (SDSU) Foundation
    Inventors: George Youssef, Scott Newacheck
  • Patent number: 11597469
    Abstract: A bicycle crankarm provided with an electric/electronic system, including a battery power unit, a processor having a standby mode and a running mode, and a wake unit that emits a wake signal of the processor, wherein the wake unit is completely supported by or in the crankarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Fabiano Fossato, Keith Joseph Wakeham
  • Patent number: 11287337
    Abstract: A gap compensated stress sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a stress sensor configured to generate a stress signal representing stress applied to a target based upon measurement of generated magnetic fluxes passing through the target. The system can also include a drive circuit configured to provide a current for generation of the magnetic fluxes, and to measure signals characterizing a gap between the sensor head and the target. The controller can analyze these signals to determine a gap-dependent reference signal that is relatively insensitive to electrical runout. The controller can further adjust the stress signal based upon the gap-dependent reference signal to determine an improved stress signal that has reduced sensitivity to gap changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: BENTLY NEVADA, LLC
    Inventors: Lysle R. Turnbeaugh, Daniel Lewis Farr
  • Patent number: 11040682
    Abstract: A system includes at least one sensor, an electronics module, an energy storage, and an energy harvesting module. The sensor includes a base, at least one core assembly body, a coil, and a fixed magnet. The base is displaced in accordance with an acceleration. A sensor body reacts to the acceleration. The sensor includes a magnetic circuit powered by a fixed or permanent magnet. Magnetic flux flows through the core assembly body and out of the sensor body into the base and back into the sensor body through another core assembly body. The sensor system detects the acceleration and deploys safety systems of a vehicle. Safety systems may include airbags, seatbelts, or other safety systems of the vehicle. The sensor and the system have applications in both military and civilian sectors such as landing and take of planes, protection of buildings and bridges, monitoring machinery, and harvesting energy from vibrating structures such as bridges and vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Mehmet Uras
  • Patent number: 11014417
    Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Reed, Julius Beck, Florian Burghardt, Johannes Gießibl
  • Patent number: 10687946
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for stabilising joints, comprising a receptacle (20), wherein the receptacle (20) is filled with a filling medium (30), a first body (40) for interaction with the filling medium (30), wherein the first body is arranged displaceably in the receptacle (20), a force-transmission means (50) for the transmission of an external force onto the first body (40), a second body (60) for interaction with the filling medium (30) which is arranged displaceably in the receptacle (20), wherein the second body is coupled elastically to the first body (40) via a coupling element (70), wherein at least one of the second body (60) and the first body (40) have at least one outlet opening (64) through which the filling medium (30) can flow, and wherein the first body (40) forms a valve body and the second body (60) forms a valve seat so that a flow of the filling medium (30) through the outlet opening (64) can be allowed or prevented as a function of the valve position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Betterguards Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Vinzenz Bichler, Timo Stumper, Oscar Buschinger
  • Patent number: 10473536
    Abstract: A gap compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor and a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque and proximity sensors can each sense magnetic fluxes passing through the target and a gap between the sensor head and the target. The controller can estimate torque applied to the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque sensor. The controller can determine an improved gap measurement that is independent of electromagnetic properties of the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque and proximity sensors. The estimated torque can be modified by the improved gap measurement to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variations in the gap. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Bently Nevada, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Tho Lu, Brian F. Howard, Pekka Tapani Sipila
  • Patent number: 10209147
    Abstract: A gap compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor and a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque and proximity sensors can each sense magnetic fluxes passing through the target and a gap between the sensor head and the target. The controller can estimate torque applied to the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque sensor. The controller can determine an improved gap measurement that is independent of electromagnetic properties of the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque and proximity sensors. The estimated torque can be modified by the improved gap measurement to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variations in the gap. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Bently Nevada, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Tho Lu, Brian F. Howard, Pekka Tapani Sipila
  • Patent number: 9784627
    Abstract: A load sensor includes a core having a hollow part provided therein and containing magnetic material and a coil attached to the core. A magnetic path along which a magnetic flux generated by a current flowing in the coil is formed along a circumference direction of the hollow part. The core has a load-receiving portion that receives a load at a surface of the core located in a crossing direction crossing a plane along which the magnetic path is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumitaka Saito, Masahisa Niwa
  • Publication number: 20150143923
    Abstract: A load sensor includes a core having a hollow part provided therein and containing magnetic material and a coil attached to the core. A magnetic path along which a magnetic flux generated by a current flowing in the coil is formed along a circumference direction of the hollow part. The core has a load-receiving portion that receives a load at a surface of the core located in a crossing direction crossing a plane along which the magnetic path is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Fumitaka SAITO, Masahisa NIWA
  • Patent number: 9010201
    Abstract: A measurement module that measures force being applied to a man-powered machine includes: a strain sensor that detects strain of a crank of the bicycle configured to transmit force being applied from a user through the crank and one front gear selected among one or more front gears; an MM magnetic sensor that detects the crank passing through a predetermined position; and an MM control part. The MM control part calculates a rotation angle of the crank based on an elapsed time from a time the crank passes through the predetermined position that the sensor has detected, calculates force applied to the crank based on a strain amount of the crank that the strain sensor has detected, associates the rotation angle with the force applied to the crank to calculate distribution of the force applied from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuteru Kodama, Ryujiro Fujita, Takehiko Shioda, Ryushin Kametani
  • Patent number: 9003900
    Abstract: A chain force measuring device for measuring a chain force of a bicycle includes a dropout body unit having frame and axle connecting portions which are respectively connected to a frame fork and a wheel axle to define an accommodation space therebetween, and a hall sensing unit having a sensor extending from the frame connecting portion to spacedly confront a magnetic element which is disposed on a slidable carrier. By shifting of the magnetic element with the carrier due to the chain force exerted on the wheel axle, a magnetic field generated thereby is changed so as to give off a signal indicative of the magnitude of the chain force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Hsiao, Hong-Jun Xu
  • Publication number: 20150082917
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a strain sensing element includes a film unit, and a sensing unit. The film unit has a film surface and is capable of being deformed. The sensing unit includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element is provided between a part of the film unit and the second sensing element. The first sensing element includes a first magnetic layer having a changeable magnetization with a deformation of the film unit, a second magnetic layer provided apart from the first magnetic layer, and a first spacer layer provided between the first and second magnetic layers. The second sensing element includes a third magnetic layer having a changeable magnetization with the deformation of the film unit, a fourth magnetic layer provided apart from the third magnetic layer, and a second spacer layer provided between the third and fourth magnetic layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshihiko FUJI, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Tomohiko Nagata, Akio Hori, Yoshihiro Higashi
  • Publication number: 20150082918
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a strain sensing element is provided on a film unit configured to be deformed. The strain sensing element includes a functional layer, a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a spacer layer. The functional layer includes at least one of an oxide and a nitride. The second magnetic layer is provided between the functional layer and the first magnetic layer. A magnetization of the second magnetic layer is variable in accordance with a deformation of the film unit. The spacer layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. At least a part of the second magnetic layer is amorphous and includes boron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshihiko FUJI, Hideaki FUKUZAWA, Shiori KAJI, Akio HORI, Tomohiko NAGATA, Michiko HARA, Yoshihiro HIGASHI, Akiko YUZAWA
  • Publication number: 20150082919
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a strain sensor includes: a base; a strain sensing element; a magnetic field sensing element; and a processing unit. The strain sensing element includes a first magnetic layer having a first magnetization; a second magnetic layer having a second magnetization; and a first intermediate layer. In the strain sensing element an angle between a direction of the first magnetization and a direction of the second magnetization changes in accordance with a strain. The magnetic field sensing element includes a third magnetic layer having a third magnetization; a fourth magnetic layer having a fourth magnetization; and a second intermediate layer. In the magnetic field sensing an angle between a direction of the third magnetization and a direction of the fourth magnetization changes in accordance with a magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshihiro HIGASHI, Hideaki FUKUZAWA, Yoshihiko FUJI, Michiko HARA, Masayuki KII, Akio HORI, Tomohiko NAGATA
  • Patent number: 8978488
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic force sensor that can precisely detect and correct variations in a magnetic field generated by a magnetic flux generating source. Therefore, a displacement magneto-electric transducer, which detects a change in the magnetic field caused by an external force, and a fixed magneto-electric transducer, where the change in the magnetic field caused by the external force does not occur, are provided to face end sides of magnetic poles of the magnetic flux generating source. The fixed magneto-electric transducer detects a variation of the magnetic field caused by, for example, changes with time and environmental variations such as a temperature rise in the interior of the sensor. On the basis of a detection amount thereof, an operational section performs a correction operation, so that a sensitivity coefficient or an offset of the displacement magneto-electric transducer is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kiasha
    Inventor: Shuuichi Sato
  • Publication number: 20150068326
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic force sensor that can precisely detect and correct variations in a magnetic field generated by a magnetic flux generating source. Therefore, a displacement magneto-electric transducer, which detects a change in the magnetic field caused by an external force, and a fixed magneto-electric transducer, where the change in the magnetic field caused by the external force does not occur, are provided to face end sides of magnetic poles of the magnetic flux generating source. The fixed magneto-electric transducer detects a variation of the magnetic field caused by, for example, changes with time and environmental variations such as a temperature rise in the interior of the sensor. On the basis of a detection amount thereof, an operational section performs a correction operation, so that a sensitivity coefficient or an offset of the displacement magneto-electric transducer is corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Shuuichi Sato
  • Publication number: 20150059455
    Abstract: A force sensor can include a magnetic field generator, a magnetic flux return, and a magneto-elastic layer. The magnetic flux return can extend along a first portion of at least one pathway of magnetic flux generated by the magnetic field generator. The magneto-elastic layer can be operable to be in contact with a surface subjected to force and thereby strained. The magneto-elastic layer can extend along a second portion of the at least one pathway of magnetic flux distinct from the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Allan Juds, John Albert Kovacich
  • Publication number: 20150006054
    Abstract: A component of a machine. The component has a measuring fixture for measuring forces and at least one metallic, magnetic portion. The measuring fixture includes at least one field-generating member for producing an electromagnetic alternating field and at least one detection member for detecting changes of the magnetic field produced. The field-generating member and the detection members are arranged on the metallic, magnetic portion and are designed to interact with the metallic, magnetic portion in such manner that by way of the measuring fixture, as a function of measurement signals from the detection member, forces acting on and/or deformations of the component can be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Peter Hofmann, Frank Nachbar, Rainer Haevescher
  • Patent number: 8857277
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure detecting circuit, which is electrically connected to a coil to receive an induced electromotive force from the coil, including a movement detecting unit electrically connected to the coil to receive the induced electromotive force from the coil and find a distance of the movement of the magnetic device according to the induced electromotive force; and a converting unit electrically connected to the movement detecting unit to generate the voltage signal to indicate the distance. In addition, the present invention further provides a pressure gauge incorporated with the pressure detecting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Grand Mate Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chin Huang, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang, Kuan-Chou Lin, Yen-Jen Yen, Chiang-Wen Lai
  • Publication number: 20140283635
    Abstract: A magnetic load sensor unit for use in a linear motion actuator is provided which is less likely to suffer from hysteresis errors during use while being mounted in the linear motion actuator, and which can reduce the axial length of the linear motion actuator. The magnetic load sensor unit is configured to detect the magnitude of an axial load applied to an object from the linear motion actuator. The sensor unit includes a flange member configured to be deflected when a reaction force to the axial load is received through a thrust bearing, a magnetic target which generates magnetic fields; and a magnetic sensor arranged such that its position relative to the magnetic target changes when the flange member is deflected. The flange member has an axial end surface in which a groove is formed with which rolling elements of the thrust bearing are in rolling contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yui Masuda, Tatsuya Yamasaki, Makoto Muramatsu
  • Publication number: 20140260681
    Abstract: A manual manipulation apparatus including a frame assembly, at least one handle associated with frame assembly, a mounting structure configured for mounting of a computer device relative to the frame assembly and an optional glide base connected to the frame assembly, the glide base defining an area of reduced friction. The handle can be configured as a grip handle which allows a gripping force to be applied and indicated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: William Craelius, Nicki Ann Newby
  • Patent number: 8813581
    Abstract: A force measuring system is provided for measuring forces on a rotating body that includes, but is not limited to a force measuring device, which is mounted on the rotating body, as well as a position sensing unit for detecting the rotation of the rotating body and an evaluation unit, which is connected to the force measuring device and the position sensing unit. The evaluation unit is configured for recording a force value measured by the force measuring device depending on the detected position of the rotating body. The force measuring system allows the forces and torques on a rotating body to be determined precisely and as flexibly as possible, independently of the prevailing rotation speed of the rotating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Huhnd, Erik Goldhahn, Stephan Zipp, Alberto Villa
  • Publication number: 20140224038
    Abstract: A magnetic load sensor unit is provided which can detect a load with a minute movement of its part, and which is durable and less likely to be influenced by temperature. The sensor unit includes a flange member (1) deflectable when an axial load is applied, a support member (2) supporting the flange member (1), a magnetic target (3) which generates a magnetic field, and a magnetic sensor (4) for detecting the magnetic field generated by the magnetic target (3). The magnetic target (3) and the magnetic sensor (4) are fixed to the flange member (1) and the support member (2), respectively, such that when the flange member (1) is deflected, the magnetic target (3) and the magnetic sensor (4) move relative to each other, whereby magnitude of the load can be detected based on the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yui Masuda, Makoto Yasui, Toru Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20140165742
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for a capacitive force sensor utilizing a magnetic spring. The force is applied across a body and a moveable element that are coupled by the magnetic spring. The moveable element is configured to vary the capacitance of a variable capacitor. A sensing circuit, electrically coupled to the variable capacitor, provides a force signal characteristic of the applied force. In application to a stylus pointing device, the moveable element is coupled to a moveable tip of the stylus. The force signal, which is characteristic of the force applied to the tip of the stylus, may be used to control an application executed on a host electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Ashraf FERGUSSON, Iouri Petrovitch BESPERSTOV
  • Publication number: 20140137668
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a base unit, a film unit, and a plurality of sensing elements. The plurality of sensing elements is provided on the film unit radially with respect to a centroid of the film unit. The plurality of sensing elements has a first side and a second side intersecting the first side. Each of the plurality of sensing elements includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and an intermediate layer. Each of the plurality of sensing elements has a shape anisotropy characterized by a length of the first side being longer than a length of the second side intersecting the first side. The plurality of sensing elements is provided at lines having radial configurations extending from the centroid to have a prescribed angle between the first side and the line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hideaki FUKUZAWA, Yoshihiro Higashi, Yoshihiko Fuji, Michiko Hara, Akio Hori, Shiori Kaji, Tomohiko Nagata, Akiko Yuzawa
  • Patent number: 8720285
    Abstract: A non-contact measurement signal transmission system for a wheeler device includes a detection device, a magnetic coupling device, and a pressure sensing device. The detection device is disposed on a body of the wheeler device, and is used for generating an alternating current (AC) signal. The magnetic coupling device includes a first primary side and a first secondary side. The magnetic coupling device receives the AC signal at the first secondary side and emits a magnetic coupling signal from the first primary side. The pressure sensing device disposed on a rotator receives the magnetic coupling signal, and includes a forced portion and a base. The pressure sensing device responds a feedback signal according to a relative displacement between the forced portion and the base after receiving a press of a user. The detection device outputs a forced signal according to the feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Jian-Feng Tsai
  • Publication number: 20140090486
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic, a spacer layer, a third magnetic layer. The substrate includes a first region and a second region. The first electrode is provided on the first region. The second electrode is provided on the first electrode. The first magnetic layer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second magnetic layer is provided between the first electrode and the first magnetic layer or between the first magnetic layer and the second electrode. The spacer layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer in a stacking direction of layers from the first electrode to the second electrode. The third magnetic layer is provided continuously with the second magnetic layer on the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Yoshihiko FUJI, Hideaki FUKUZAWA, Michiko HARA, Yoshihiro HIGASHI, Akio HORI, Tomohiko NAGATA, Shiori KAJI, Akiko YUZAWA
  • Patent number: 8661918
    Abstract: A force sensor of the present invention corrects the output voltages of Hall elements without using a temperature sensor in response to changes in the characteristics of a magnet and the Hall elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoichiro Ohta
  • Publication number: 20140020481
    Abstract: A contactless force measurement sensor for measuring an applied force onto an object is provided. The contactless force measurement sensor includes a first facing orientation which facing orientation defines an orientation pointing towards a surface of the object, a first magnetic field generating unit being adapted for generating a magnetic field towards the facing orientation, a first magnetic field detector unit being adapted for detecting a first magnetic field which field being generated by the first magnetic field generating unit and being influenced by an applied force to be measured, wherein the first magnetic field detector unit is further adapted for outputting a first signal being representative for the detected magnetic field, and an evaluating unit being adapted for evaluating a signal strength of the first signal and determining the applied force based on the first signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: POLYRESEARCH AG
    Inventor: POLYRESEARCH AG
  • Patent number: 8613232
    Abstract: A force sensor of the present invention corrects the output voltages of Hall elements without using a temperature sensor in response to changes in the characteristics of a magnet and the Hall elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoichiro Ohta
  • Publication number: 20130313055
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor unit having a simple sensor structure to detect intensity of force applied to a parking cable upon braking a vehicle and an electronic parking brake with the same. The disclosed sensor unit includes a sensor housing, in which a Hall IC is installed to sense variation of magnetic force caused by displacement of a magnet, a magnet housing arranged to be movable within the sensor housing, the magnet being installed in the magnet housing, and an elastic member arranged between the magnet housing and the sensor housing, to elastically support the magnet housing. The magnet housing is coupled to a power conversion unit to operate for pulling of the parking cable or release of the pulling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wook Jin CHOI, Jae Hyun LEE
  • Publication number: 20130205916
    Abstract: A measurement module that measures force being applied to a man-powered machine includes: a strain sensor that detects strain of a crank of the bicycle configured to transmit force being applied from a user through the crank and one front gear selected among one or more front gears; an MM magnetic sensor that detects the crank passing through a predetermined position; and an MM control part. The MM control part calculates a rotation angle of the crank based on an elapsed time from a time the crank passes through the predetermined position that the sensor has detected, calculates force applied to the crank based on a strain amount of the crank that the strain sensor has detected, associates the rotation angle with the force applied to the crank to calculate distribution of the force applied from the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuteru Kodama, Ryujiro Fujita, Takehiko Shioda, Ryushin Kametani
  • Patent number: 8453523
    Abstract: A magnetic force sensor includes: an action portion on which an external force acts; a sensing unit converting a force working on the action portion into an electric signal; and an outer frame having an elastic body elastically supporting the action portion and storing the sensing unit therein. The sensing unit includes a magnetic flux generation source connected with the action portion and a magnetoelectric transducer fixed on the outer frame and the magnetic flux generation source has a magnetic body therewith that controls flow of magnetic fluxes generated by the magnetic flux generation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuuichi Sato
  • Publication number: 20130091954
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing strain or stress includes a body including magnetic shape-memory alloy (MSMA) material, having a first axis. A first drive coil and first sensor coil are wound around the body about the first axis. The drive coil is coupled to a power source and configured to generate an alternating magnetic field on the body. The first sensor coil is configured to detect changes in inductance of the body due to changes in magnetic permeability of the body with deformation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
  • Publication number: 20130088216
    Abstract: A device for determining a position of a movable, magnetizable and/or conductive body relative to a stator that has at least one pole winding. Apparatuses are provided for detecting a measurement signal that depends on the inductance of the pole winding, wherein the inductance is influenced by the position of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Rolf Strothmann
  • Publication number: 20130061690
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure detecting circuit, which is electrically connected to a coil to receive an induced electromotive force from the coil, including a movement detecting unit electrically connected to the coil to receive the induced electromotive force from the coil and find a distance of the movement of the magnetic device according to the induced electromotive force; and a converting unit electrically connected to the movement detecting unit to generate the voltage signal to indicate the distance. In addition, the present invention further provides a pressure gauge incorporated with the pressure detecting circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: GRAND MATE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Chin Huang, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang, Kuan-Chou Lin, Yen-Jen Yen, Chiang-Wen Lai
  • Publication number: 20120325019
    Abstract: A force sensing device and a force sensing system are provided. The force sensing device comprises at least one magnetic material layer and a force sensing layer which can move with respect to each other. The force sensing layer comprises two sensing elements. The first sensing element, disposed along a first axis of the magnetic material layer, generates a sensing signal varying with a first lateral force applied on the force sensing device. The first lateral force enables the first sensing element to move relatively with respect to the magnetic material layer along the first axis. The second sensing element, disposed along a second axis of the magnetic material layer, generates a sensing signal varying with a second lateral force applied on the force sensing device. The second lateral force enables the second sensing element to move relatively with respect to the magnetic material layer along the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yio-Wha Shau, Arvin Huang-Te Li, Gaung-Hui Gu, Bai-Kuang Hwang, Jen-Chieh Lin
  • Patent number: 8316726
    Abstract: A method of measuring biaxial stress in an object of a ferromagnetic material in which material in a region (10) in the vicinity of a surface of the object is subjected to a conditioning method by application of a conditioning magnetic field that is at least initially at a high field strength. Values of biaxial stress within the said region are measured with an electromagnetic measuring probe (14) in at least two different orientations, the electromagnetic measuring probe (14) using an alternating measuring magnetic field that is at a field strength well below saturation. The conditioning may subject the region (10) to a low frequency alternating magnetic field (38, 58) initially at a high field strength, and gradually reducing the strength to zero over a decay time period at least equal to the time for many cycles of the low frequency magnetic field. Conditioning the material enables the stress to then be measured more accurately, and enables ambiguities in biaxial stress to be resolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Maps Technology Limited
    Inventors: David John Buttle, John McCarthy
  • Patent number: 8291776
    Abstract: A force sensor includes a magnetostrictive material and a magnetic field generator positioned in proximity thereto. A magnetic field is induced in and surrounding the magnetostrictive material such that lines of magnetic flux pass through the magnetostrictive material. A sensor positioned in the vicinity of the magnetostrictive material measures changes in one of flux angle and flux density when the magnetostrictive material experiences an applied force that is aligned with the lines of magnetic flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Herman L. Pickens, James A. Richard
  • Publication number: 20120227513
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic force sensor that can precisely detect and correct variations in a magnetic field generated by a magnetic flux generating source. Therefore, a displacement magneto-electric transducer, which detects a change in the magnetic field caused by an external force, and a fixed magneto-electric transducer, where the change in the magnetic field caused by the external force does not occur, are provided to face end sides of magnetic poles of the magnetic flux generating source. The fixed magneto-electric transducer detects a variation of the magnetic field caused by, for example, changes with time and environmental variations such as a temperature rise in the interior of the sensor. On the basis of a detection amount thereof, an operational section performs a correction operation, so that a sensitivity coefficient or an offset of the displacement magneto-electric transducer is corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shuuichi Sato
  • Publication number: 20120216631
    Abstract: A force measuring system is provided for measuring forces on a rotating body that includes, but is not limited to a force measuring device, which is mounted on the rotating body, as well as a position sensing unit for detecting the rotation of the rotating body and an evaluation unit, which is connected to the force measuring device and the position sensing unit. The evaluation unit is configured for recording a force value measured by the force measuring device depending on the detected position of the rotating body. The force measuring system allows the forces and torques on a rotating body to be determined precisely and as flexibly as possible, independently of the prevailing rotation speed of the rotating body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Michael HUHND, Erik GOLDHAHN, Stephan ZIPP, Alberto VILLA
  • Publication number: 20120152033
    Abstract: A chain force measuring device for measuring a chain force of a bicycle includes a dropout body unit having frame and axle connecting portions which are respectively connected to a frame fork and a wheel axle to define an accommodation space therebetween, and a hall sensing unit having a sensor extending from the frame connecting portion to spacedly confront a magnetic element which is disposed on a slidable carrier. By shifting of the magnetic element with the carrier due to the chain force exerted on the wheel axle, a magnetic field generated thereby is changed so as to give off a signal indicative of the magnitude of the chain force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Yun-Lung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8082805
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for measuring or detecting a magnetic field, torsion, or mechanical tension has a magnetic or magnetizable electrically conductive conductor having a first section and thereadjacent a second section in which a helical anisotropy is or can be generated. A dynamical helical magnetization is generated in the first conductor section a dynamic helical magnetization and is transferred to the second conductor section. A voltage in the second conductor section that is generated by the transfer of magnetization from the first conductor section is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Erhard Kisker
  • Publication number: 20110308330
    Abstract: A magnetic based force measuring sensor and a magnetic based force measuring method allowing force measuring without the need of pre-processing the sensing object, being realized with a magnetic field generating unit, a magnetic field sensing unit, and an magnetic field coupling element. The inductive coupling element couples the magnetic field generating unit and the magnetic field sensitive unit. The magnetic field coupling element comprises a force input section and a force output section. The magnetic field coupling element comprises a material section between the force input section and the force output section, the material section having a permeability depending on a force impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Lutz MAY
  • Publication number: 20110167929
    Abstract: A sensor for measuring stresses induced by a force applied to a load-carrying member, including a layer of a magnetoelastic material formed on the load-carrying member is provided. The layer comprises a first phase with an average grain size below 100 nm and a first chemical composition, and a second phase of a distinctly different chemical composition, the first phase being divided by the second phase into regions having an average size in the range of 100-10,000 nm. A method for producing such a layer, including accelerating particles of a soft magnetic and magnetoelastic material having an average size in the range of 10-50 ?m towards the surface of the load-carrying member at a velocity of at least 300 m/s such that the average temperature of the accelerated particles is not higher than 500° C. above the melting temperature of the magnetoelastic material, but not lower than 500° C. below the melting temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Hans Ling, Andrius Miniotas
  • Patent number: 7913570
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus for measuring environmental degradation of a structures making use of exposed sacrificial material coupons mounted in the immediate vicinity of magnetic sensor elements in the environment of the monitored structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: David Sean Forsyth