Method for detecting the rotation and direction of rotation of a rotor

A method for detecting a rotation and a direction of a rotation of a rotor, on which at least one damping element is positioned, wherein two sensors are arranged. The sensors are damped depending on a position of the damping element. After a standardization has been performed, the measurements are taken by observing consecutive rotational angle positions and then standardization rules are applied to the measured decay times of the sensors. Then a vector, which is entered into a coordinate system, is formed from the values. The present vector angle is determined and compared to the value of a suitable prior vector angle. From the result of the comparison, it is determined whether the rotor has performed a rotation and whether the rotation was forward or backward. By repeating the measurements in the rhythm of the scanning frequency, the rotational motions of the rotor can be detected with high accuracy.

Kinematic-state encoder with magnetic sensor and target object

An apparatus ( 1000 ) comprises a first physical component ( 1004 ), a second physical component ( 1006 ) and a sensor arrangement. The first and second physical components move relative to one another in operational use of the apparatus. The sensor arrangement senses a relative kinematic state of the first and second physical components. The sensor arrangement comprises a magnet ( 110 ) and a sensor ( 112 ). The sensor senses a property of a magnetic field of the magnet at a location of the sensor. The sensor is mounted stationary with respect to the first physical component. The sensor arrangement comprises a target object ( 114 ), mounted stationary with respect to the second physical component. The target object is configured for affecting an attribute of the property in dependence on the relative kinematic state. According to the invention target object ( 114 ) comprises a plurality of interlocking, segments.

Displacement Transducer

A displacement transducer for a valve in a housing includes a cylindrical displacement transducer core, a coil, a coil housing, and a compensation element. The coil is positioned in the coil housing, and radially encloses the core. The coil housing has a first side supported by the housing, and a supporting face positioned between the first side and an axial end side of the coil housing facing away from the valve such that a length change of the coil is not limited in an axial direction facing away from the valve. The housing is axially supported on the compensation element via the supporting face. A side of the compensation element facing away from the valve is supported on one or more of (i) an adjustable cover, (ii) a standard component of a supporting chain of the core, and (iii) a component formed from a material with a suitable coefficient of thermal expansion.

Inductive Position Sensor with Improved Magnetic Shield and Plunger Core Design

The invention relates to an inductive position sensor, comprising: a first part with a cylindrical coil winding () having a longitudinal direction, a second part with a soft magnetic plunger core (). The invention also relates to the soft magnetic plunger core and a magnetic shield around said cylindrical coil winding for said inductive position sensor. According to the invention is the soft magnetic plunger core as well as the magnetic shield hollow, preferably with circular cross-section, and made from electrical steel or soft iron sheet material. 11420141114111111111111aacabab. An inductive position sensor , comprising: a first part with a cylindrical coil winding () having a longitudinal direction , a second part with a soft magnetic plunger core () arranged movable with respect to the cylindrical coil winding () in the longitudinal direction and said soft magnetic plunger core having a longitudinal extent parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical coil winding , and wherein the first part at least partly surrounds the soft magnetic plunger core , characterized in that a thin walled soft magnetic tubular shield () surrounds the cylindrical coil winding () , wherein said thin walled soft magnetic shield () is shaped to circular cross-section form with an longitudinal abutting seam () running in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical coil winding , and shaped to the circular cross-section form from a flat strip cut to a rectangle and wherein the thin walled soft magnetic shield () has a cylindrical cross section with one gable end closed by a shield hole washer element () , and wherein both the soft magnetic tubular shield () and the shield hole washer element () are made from flat strips of electrical steel.211111111aaac. An inductive position sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the thin walled soft magnetic tubular shield () is arranged inside of a tubular housing made in polymeric material claim 1 , with beveled notches ...

VARIABLE DIFFERENTIAL TRANSFORMER FOR POSITION MONITORING

An electronic sensor includes a signal generator configured to output excitation signals and a variable differential transformer connected to the signal generator to receive excitation signals. Embodiments of the variable differential transformer may include a primary coil, a first secondary coil connected to the signal generator, a second secondary coil connected to the signal generator, and a core disposed at least partially in a magnetic field generated via the first secondary coil and the second secondary coil and the first excitation signal and the second excitation signal. A phase of an output signal of the primary coil may correspond to a position of the core. 1. An electronic position sensor comprising:a signal generator configured to generate one or more excitation signals;a variable differential transformer configured to receive the one or more excitation signals from the signal generator, the variable differential transformer including:a primary coil connected to the signal generator;a plurality of secondary coils connected to a core, the core proximate the primary coil; anda phase modulator connected to the variable differential transformer;wherein the primary coil, the plurality of secondary coils, and the core are disposed at least partially in a magnetic field generated via the primary coil and the one or more excitation signals; movement of the core in the magnetic field generates a plurality of secondary signals in the secondary coils; the phase modulator is configured to output a single output signal; and a phase of the single output signal corresponds to a position of the core.2. The electronic position sensor of claim 1 , wherein the phase modulator is configured to phase shift a first secondary signal of the plurality of secondary signals.3. The electronic position sensor of claim 2 , wherein the phase modulator is configured to phase shift a second secondary signal of the plurality of secondary signals; the phase modulator is configured to ...

POSITION SENSING SYSTEM WITH AN ELECTROMAGNET

A position sensing system for measuring a position of a linearly moving object includes a high magnetic permeability material positioned on the moving object, an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and at least one magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field. A controller is configured to estimate a linear position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field. 1. A position sensing system for measuring a position of a linearly moving object , comprising:a high magnetic permeability material positioned on the moving object;an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field;at least one magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field; anda controller configured to estimate a linear position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field.2. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one magnetic sensor includes a first magnetic sensor positioned on a first side of the electromagnet and a second magnetic sensor positioned on a second side opposite the first side of the electromagnet.3. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one magnetic sensor includes first and second magnetic sensors positioned on a first side of the electromagnet and third and fourth magnetic sensors positioned on a second side opposite the first side of the electromagnet.4. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the high magnetic permeability material includes a first portion positioned on a top side of the moving object claim 1 , and a second portion positioned on a bottom side of the moving object.5. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the high magnetic permeability material is positioned on only one side of the moving object.6. The position sensing system of ...

Motion Sensing Using Hall Voltage Signals

An integrated circuit (IC) chip including an array of asymmetrically distributed magnetic field sensing elements. Additionally, an integrated circuit (IC) chip includes a substrate, a sensing coil supported by the substrate and enclosing a portion of substrate, and a Hall effect sensor supported by the portion of the substrate enclosed by the sensing coil. 142-. (canceled)43. A method comprising:vibrating a magnet relative a first coil in response to driving a current through the first coil;concurrently measuring a back electromotive force (bEMF) signal using a second coil affixed to the first coil and a Hall voltage signal using a Hall effect sensor (HES) disposed within the second coil; anddetermining a velocity of the vibrating magnet by using a sensing matrix and the concurrently measured bEMF signal and Hall voltage signal,wherein an inverse of the sensing matrix maps the concurrently measured bEMF signal and Hall voltage signal to the velocity of the vibrating magnet and a rate of the current driven through the first coil, andwherein the method further comprises determining the rate of the current concurrently with the determining of the velocity.44. (canceled)45. The method of claim 43 , further comprising:verifying that the determined rate of the current exceeds a threshold; andadjusting one or more elements of the sensing matrix in response to the verifying.46. The method of claim 43 , further comprising:measuring the current concurrently with the measuring of the bEMF signal and the Hall voltage signal;determining a rate of the measured driving current by differentiating the measured driving current;verifying that the determined rate of the current is different from the rate of the measured driving current by a threshold; andadjusting one or more elements of the sensing matrix in response to the verifying.47. The method of claim 46 , wherein the adjusting comprises applying a filter on the one or more elements of the sensing matrix.48. The method of claim ...

POSITION SENSING SYSTEM WITH AN ELECTROMAGNET

A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object includes an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field, and a magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field. A controller is configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field. 1. A position sensing system for measuring a position of a moving object , comprising:an electromagnet configured to generate an alternating magnetic field;a magnetic sensor configured to measure an intensity of a first magnetic field that is based on the alternating magnetic field; anda controller configured to estimate a position of the moving object based on the measured intensity of the first magnetic field.2. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to estimate the position of the moving object based further on a nonlinear model of a magnetic field produced by the electromagnet as a function of position around the electromagnet.3. The position sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the moving object is a piston positioned within a cylinder.4. The position sensing system of claim 3 , wherein the electromagnet is positioned on the piston claim 3 , and the magnetic sensor is positioned on the cylinder.5. The position sensing system of claim 3 , wherein the electromagnet is positioned on the cylinder claim 3 , and the magnetic sensor is positioned on the piston.6. The position sensing system of claim 5 , wherein the magnetic sensor on the piston is powered by a battery claim 5 , and wherein no wires are connected to the piston.7. The position sensing system of claim 3 , wherein the electromagnet and the magnetic sensor are positioned on the cylinder.8. The position sensing system of claim 7 , and further comprising:a permanent magnet positioned on the piston.9. The position sensing system of claim 8 , wherein the first ...

COMPOSITE MATERIAL MARKING WAVE

A position sensor for a bearing arrangement is provided. The position sensor includes at least one shaft or bearing ring, an inductive sensor, and a composite marking ring connected to the at least one shaft or bearing ring. The composite marking ring is spaced apart from and aligned with the inductive sensor and includes a ferrous material ring having a wavy surface with a plurality of projections with valleys therebetween facing the inductive sensor. The inductive sensor detects a rotational angle position of the at least one shaft or bearing ring based on a proximity of the wavy surface to the inductive sensor. An outer layer formed of a filler material is arranged at least on the wavy surface of the ferrous material ring. The filler material comprises a non-ferrous material and the outer layer provides a constant predetermined spacing between the composite marking ring and the inductive sensor. 1. A position sensor for a bearing arrangement , the position sensor comprising:at least one shaft or bearing ring;an inductive sensor;a composite marking ring connected to the at least one shaft or bearing ring, spaced apart from and aligned with the inductive sensor, the composite marking ring including a ferrous material ring having a wavy surface with a plurality of projections with valleys therebetween facing the inductive sensor, such that the inductive sensor detects a rotational angle position of the at least one shaft or bearing ring based on a proximity of the wavy surface to the inductive sensor, and an outer layer formed of a filler material arranged at least on the wavy surface of the ferrous material ring, the filler material comprises a non-ferrous material and the outer layer provides a constant predetermined spacing between the composite marking ring and the inductive sensor.2. The position sensor of claim 1 , wherein the wavy surface is formed on a radially outer surface of the ferrous material ring claim 1 , and the outer layer forms a constant outer ...

Magneto-lc resonance technology for real-time respiratory motion monitoring

A non-contact respiratory monitoring system comprises a magnetic microwire sensor coil that detects magnetic field changes due to motion of a magnet attached to a patient's chest. Field lines emanating from the magnet are parallel to a circumferential loop area of the coil and the coil is positioned at a distance to magnetically couple to the magnet. Impedance in the coil changes when the distance of the magnet to the coil changes due to the patient's breathing. An alternating voltage across coil is modified by the change in impedance. An impedance analyzer coupled to the coil applies the alternating voltage and measures the impedance changes. A computer system controls operation of impedance analyzer, receives respiratory monitoring information based on the coil's impedance changes from the impedance analyzer, and generates a graphical display of the respiratory monitoring information.

Magnetic Field Sensor Providing a Movement Detector

A magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and operates as a motion detector for sensing a rotation or other movement of a target object. 1. A magnetic field sensor for sensing a movement of a target object , the magnetic field sensor comprising:a substrate having a major planar surface;more than two magnetic field sensing elements disposed upon the major planar surface of the substrate, the more than two magnetic field sensing elements having respective major response axes, each major response axis parallel to the major planar surface of the substrate, wherein the more than two magnetic field sensing elements are configured to generate more than two magnetic field signals, respectively; and 'at least one analog or digital comparator configured to compare the more than two magnetic field signals to respective threshold values to generate more than two binary signals, respectively, wherein states of the more than two binary signals are each indicative of a position of the target object relative to the more than two magnetic field sensing elements for any movement speed of the target object including zero movement speed.', 'an electronic circuit disposed upon the substrate and coupled to the more than two magnetic field sensing elements, the electronic circuit comprising2. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the electronic circuit further comprises:a decoder coupled to the more than two binary signals, wherein the decoder is operable to decode the more than two binary signals to generate a device output signal indicative of the position of the target object.3. The magnetic field sensor of claim 2 , wherein the decoder comprises:a non-volatile memory device.2. The magnetic field sensor of claim 2 , wherein the device output signal is also indicative of a speed of the movement of the target object5. The magnetic field sensor of claim 3 , wherein the device output signal is also indicative of a direction of the movement of the ...

Rotation sensing apparatus

A rotation sensing apparatus includes a detected part, a sensor unit, and a rotation information calculation circuit. The sensor unit includes a first sensor disposed opposite to a first pattern portion, a second sensor disposed opposite to a second pattern portion, a third sensor disposed to be spaced apart from the first sensor in the rotation direction and opposite to the first pattern portion, and a fourth sensor disposed to be spaced apart from the second sensor in the rotation direction and opposite to the second pattern portion. The rotation information calculation circuit is configured to sense the rotation direction, in response to a differential signal, generated based on the first oscillation signal and the second oscillation signal, and an oscillation signal corresponding to maximum and minimum frequencies, from among the first oscillation signal, the second oscillation signal, the third oscillation signal, and the fourth oscillation signal.

Functional cylinder body and manufacturing method for same

Provided are a functional cylinder body comprising magnetic patterns and non-magnetic patterns formed on a circumferential surface and a manufacturing method therefor. The functional cylinder body comprises: a cylinder body with recesses, which has recess patterns and non-recess patterns formed by forming recesses on a circumferential surface of a cylinder main body, the circumferential surface of the cylinder main body being made of any one of a magnetic material and a non-magnetic material; and functional patterns, which are made of any one of the magnetic material and the non-magnetic material and embedded in the recess patterns, in which magnetic patterns of the magnetic material and non-magnetic patterns of the non-magnetic material are adjacently formed by embedding the non-magnetic material in the recess patterns when the circumferential surface of the cylinder main body is made of the magnetic material and by embedding the magnetic material in the recess patterns when the circumferential surface of the cylinder main body is made of the non-magnetic material.

Sensor Arrangement for an Injection Device

The disclosure relates to a sensor arrangement for an injection device to determine an axial position of at least one device component of the injection device inside a housing of the injection device. The sensor arrangement includes an elongated member located inside the housing, extending in an axial direction and having at least a first section and a second section of different magnetization. The first and second sections are separated in an axial direction. The sensor arrangement also includes at least one magnetic sensor element attached to the housing to detect the axial position of at least one of the first and second sections.

TRACKING A SENSOR THAT INCLUDES A FERROFLUID

A system comprising: one or more field generating coils configured to generate a magnetic field; a sensor comprising a shell that contains a ferrofluid, the sensor configured to be introduced in proximity to the magnetic field, wherein the ferrofluid causes distortion of the magnetic field when the ferrofluid is in proximity to the magnetic field; and one or more field measuring coils configured to: measure a characteristic of the magnetic field when the ferrofluid is in proximity to the magnetic field; and provide, to a computing device, a signal representative of the measured characteristic of the magnetic field, wherein the computing device is configured to determine one or both of a position and an orientation of the sensor based on the measured characteristic of the magnetic field. 1. A system comprising:one or more field generating coils configured to generate a magnetic field;a sensor comprising a shell that contains a ferrofluid, the sensor configured to be introduced in proximity to the magnetic field, wherein the ferrofluid causes distortion of the magnetic field when the ferrofluid is in proximity to the magnetic field; and measure a characteristic of the magnetic field when the ferrofluid is in proximity to the magnetic field; and', 'provide, to a computing device, a signal representative of the measured characteristic of the magnetic field,, 'one or more field measuring coils configured towherein the computing device is configured to determine one or both of a position and an orientation of the sensor based on the measured characteristic of the magnetic field.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more field measuring coils are further configured to:measure a characteristic of the magnetic field when the ferrofluid is not in proximity to the magnetic field; andprovide, to the computing device, a signal representative of the measured characteristic of the magnetic field.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein determining one or both of the position and ...

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING AT LEAST ONE PROPERTY OF A COIL, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE POSITION OF AN ACTUATION MEMBER, AND MOTOR VEHICLE

A method for measuring a property of a measuring coil, which is modeled as a parallel circuit including a capacitance with a series circuit including a DC voltage resistance, a frequency-dependent resistance, and an inductance, and a current-voltage converter is connected in series, by performing: applying an AC voltage, having a first frequency and having a DC voltage component differing from zero, to the coil and a voltage at the current-voltage converter is captured at a second frequency which is a multiple of the first frequency, wherein the multiple is an n-tuple, and the impedance and the phase angle at the first frequency are derived from at least n measured values captured in succession; and applying an AC voltage, having a third frequency differing from the first frequency and having a DC voltage component differing from zero, to the coil and the voltage at the current-voltage converter is captured at the second frequency or at a fourth frequency which is a multiple of the fourth frequency, wherein the multiple is an m-tuple, and the impedance and the phase angle at the third frequency are derived from m measured values captured in succession; at least one of the values for the DC voltage resistance, the frequency-dependent resistance, and the inductance being derived from the impedances and the phase angles. 117-. (canceled)18. A method for measuring at least one property of a coil , which includes a measuring coil used during measurements of other variables , wherein the coil is modeled as a parallel circuit including a capacitance with a series circuit including a DC voltage resistance , a frequency-dependent resistance , and an inductance , and a current-voltage converter is connected in series , the method comprising:a) applying an AC voltage, having a first frequency and having a DC voltage component which differs from zero, to the coil and a voltage at the current-voltage converter is captured at a second frequency which is a multiple of the first ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING LINEAR POSITION AND ROTATION OF A PISTON

A system and method to determine linear and approximate rotational position of a reciprocating and rotating hydraulic cylinder. The system uses two magnetic rings offset a distance, each ring having a continuous arc of magnetic material terminating in a blind zone, where the blind zone produces a magnetic field substantially different from the continuous arc region. The magnetic fields are used to detect location and rotation by an magnetic sensor that interacts with the magnets and blind zone. 1. A linear actuator comprising:a cylinder and a piston disposed inside the cylinder for reciprocal movement along a cylinder axis and rotational movement about the axis, the cylinder having a wall with an internal surface and an external surface, the piston having axially spaced first and second end surfaces;a magnetic sensor axially disposed adjacent to the external surface of cylinder;a rod connected to the piston;a first ring operationally coupled to the piston or rod at a first location, the first ring comprising a magnetic field generating material disposed in a substantially continuous first ring arc region, the first ring arc region located on an outer perimeter of the first ring, the magnetic field generating material in the first ring arc region has a first magnetic polarity orientation, the first ring arc region terminates in a first ring blind zone in the first ring;a second ring operationally coupled to the piston or rod at a second location, the first location axially spaced apart from the second location by a distance D, a magnetic field generating material disposed in a substantially continuous second ring arc region located on an outer perimeter of the second ring, the magnetic field generating material in the second ring arc region has the first magnetic polarity orientation, the second ring arc region terminates in a second ring blind zone, the first ring blind zone being axially aligned with the second ring arc region, the second ring blind zone being ...

INDUCTIVE SENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS BASED ON MULTIPLE FREQUENCIES

A target detection system may include a power supply and an inductor capacitor (LC) tank circuit. The LC tank circuit may include a sensing coil, a first tank capacitor, and a second tank capacitor. Further, the LC tank circuit may alternate between the first tank capacitor and the second tank capacitor, and the power supply may power the LC tank circuit. The target detection system may further include measurement circuitry to measure a first decay characteristic of a first set of free oscillations from the first tank capacitor and a second decay characteristic of a second set of free oscillations from the second tank capacitor. Additionally, the target detection system may also include processing circuitry to compare the first decay characteristic to the second decay characteristic to determine a presence and a distance of a target. 1. A target detection system , comprising:a power supply;an inductor capacitor (LC) tank circuit comprising a sensing coil, a first tank capacitor, and a second tank capacitor, wherein the LC tank circuit alternates between the first tank capacitor and the second tank capacitor, and wherein the power supply provides a power source for the LC tank circuit;measurement circuitry configured to measure a first decay characteristic of a first set of free oscillations from the first tank capacitor and a second decay characteristic of a second set of free oscillations from the second tank capacitor; andprocessing circuitry configured to compare the first decay characteristic to the second decay characteristic to determine a presence and a distance of a target.2. The target detection system of claim 1 , wherein the first tank capacitor enables a first frequency free oscillation and the second tank capacitor enables a second frequency free oscillation different from the first frequency free oscillation.3. The target detection system of claim 2 , wherein the measurement circuitry uses differences in the first frequency free oscillation and the ...

Inductive position determination

A device for inductive positioning comprises a coil, an element for influencing a magnetic field in the area of the coil, a signal generator for providing a digital signal and a delay element with an input and an output, wherein the delay element is designed on the basis of the coil and a delay period between a signal edge at the input and a corresponding signal edge at the output is dependent on the inductance of the coil. The device further comprises a comparator to provide a digital differential impulse, whose length is dependent on a time difference of corresponding signal edges at the input and the output of the delay element, an integrator to provide a voltage depending on the length of the differential impulse and an evaluator to determine the position of the coil in reference to the coil based the voltage.

Rotor apparatus with effective identification of angular position and electronic device

A rotor apparatus is provided. The rotor apparatus includes a rotor, configured to rotate around a rotational axis, an angular position identification layer configured to surround surface of the rotor, and configured to rotate with the rotor, and configured to have a width that varies based on an angular position of the rotor, and a permeability layer configured to surround the surface of the rotor, and configured to have a higher permeability than a permeability of the rotor.

Signal amplification in blade angle position feedback system

A blade angle feedback system for an aircraft-bladed rotor rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having an adjustable blade pitch angle is provided. A feedback device is coupled to rotate with the rotor and to move along the axis with adjustment of the blade angle. At least one position marker is affixed to a core of the feedback device and extends along a direction angled relative to the axis. The core is made of a first material having a first magnetic permeability and the position marker comprises a second material having a second magnetic permeability greater than the first magnetic permeability. A sensor is positioned adjacent the feedback device and produces, as the feedback device rotates about the axis, a sensor signal in response to detecting passage of the position marker. A control unit generates a feedback signal indicative of the blade angle in response to the sensor signal.

Motion Sensing by Monitoring Intensity of Light Redirected by an Intensity Pattern

Systems and techniques are described for measuring displacement of a mass by using an array of beams for scanning a binary intensity pattern disposed on a surface of the mass. Further, systems and techniques are described for measuring displacement of a moving mass by combining (i) information obtained from scanning, using a beam of light, an intensity pattern disposed on a surface of the mass, with (ii) information obtained when a coil interacts with a magnet attached to the moving mass. Furthermore, systems and techniques are described for measuring displacement of a mass by illuminating an intensity pattern disposed on a surface of the mass with an array of beams and monitoring intensity of each of the beams that is redirected by the intensity pattern. 1. A displacement measuring system comprising:a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array comprising two or more vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) distributed along a first direction;an optical pattern supported by a mass, the optical pattern having two portions that form an edge oriented along a second direction that crosses the first direction, the two portions of the optical pattern having different reflectivities, wherein the VCSEL array is spaced apart from the optical pattern and arranged such that, during operation of the displacement measuring system, the VCSEL array illuminates the optical pattern, across the edge, with VCSEL light emitted by the VCSEL array;a photodetector spaced apart from the optical pattern and arranged such that, during operation of the displacement measuring system, the photodetector integrates the VCSEL light that is redirected by the optical pattern to the photodetector and issues a photodetector signal from the integrated VCSEL light; andprocessing electronics to receive the photodetector signal and determine a displacement of the mass along the first direction based on a change in the photodetector signal caused by motion of the mass along a direction of ...

INDUCTION BASED POSITION SENSING IN AN ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATOR

The present invention relates to a method and system for determining the position of the armature of a solenoid using a controller to determine the temperature of the solenoid and to indirectly determine the position of the armature without the need of an additional sensor using current sensing pulses and a solenoid capable of staying engaged due to residual magnetism after the coil has been de-energized. 1. A method for sensing the position of an armature in a solenoid , said method comprising:providing a solenoid having a coil, a housing and an armature;applying a current to the coil to move the armature into a variety of positions including engaged and disengaged;terminating the current used to move the armature;applying a resistance-sensing voltage pulse to the coil, wherein the resistance-sensing voltage pulse is insufficient to move the armature;measuring the resistance from the resistance-sensing voltage pulse;determining the temperature of the coil from the measured resistance;applying an inductance-sensing voltage pulse to the coil, wherein the inductance-sensing voltage pulse is insufficient to move the armature;measuring the current rise/fall from the inductance-sensing voltage pulse; andcomparing the measured current rise/fall to a pre-determined value, wherein the pre-determined value is either (i) a current rise/fall of the solenoid when the armature is in engagement at the determined temperature or (ii) a current rise/fall of the solenoid when the armature is in non-engagement with the solenoid at the determined temperature to determine the position of the armature relative to the solenoid.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising applying a current to the coil in the opposite direction of the current used to move the armature to release the armature.3. The method of wherein the inductance-sensing voltage pulse is of a longer duration than the resistance-sensing voltage pulse.4. The method of wherein the duration of the resistance-sensing voltage ...

Motion Sensing Using Hall Voltage Signals

An integrated circuit (IC) chip including an array of asymmetrically distributed magnetic field sensing elements. Additionally, an integrated circuit (IC) chip includes a substrate, a sensing coil supported by the substrate and enclosing a portion of substrate, and a Hall effect sensor supported by the portion of the substrate enclosed by the sensing coil. 1. An integrated circuit (IC) chip comprising:a first magnetic field sensing element disposed at a first location of the IC chip;a second magnetic field sensing element disposed at a second location of the IC chip; anda third magnetic field sensing element disposed at a third location of the IC chip, the first location, the second location and the third location being distributed along a first direction, such that the second location is between the first location and the third location, and the second location is separated from the first location by a first distance and from the third location by a second distance different from the first distance; andsignal processing circuit configured to determine displacements of a mass, when the mass is in motion along a direction of motion having a first component along the first direction and a second component along a second direction normal to the IC chip, wherein the mass supports at least a portion of a magnetic field source, wherein the displacements of the mass are determined, at least in part, based on location-specific changes of a magnetic field emitted by the magnetic field source, the magnetic field changes being caused by the motion of the mass.2. The IC chip of claim 1 , wherein the location specific magnetic field changes comprise magnetic field changes sensed at the first location by the first magnetic field sensing element claim 1 , magnetic field changes sensed at the second location by the second magnetic field sensing element claim 1 , and magnetic field changes sensed at the third location by the third magnetic field sensing element.3. The IC chip of ...

ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED DIFFERENTIAL LOCKER

In at least some implementations, a system for a vehicle differential having multiple gears includes a coil of wire, a drive member movable in response to a magnetic field generated by application of electricity to the coil between a first position and a second position, and a lock member coupled to the drive member for movement with the drive member throughout a range of movement of the drive member. The lock member is adapted to engage a gear of the differential when the drive member is in the second position and the lock member is adapted to be disengaged from the gear when the drive member is in the first position. In this way, the differential may be selectively locked. 1. A system for a vehicle differential having multiple gears , comprising:a coil;a drive member movable in response to a magnetic field generated by application of electricity to the coil between a first position and a second position;a lock member coupled to the drive member for movement with the drive member throughout a range of movement of the drive member, the lock member is adapted to engage a gear of the differential when the drive member is in the second position and the lock member is adapted to be disengaged from the gear when the drive member is in the first position.2. The system of wherein one or both of the drive member and lock member include at least one magnet and the coupling between the drive member and the lock member is magnetic.3. The system of wherein the lock member is mechanically coupled to the drive member.4. The system of wherein the lock member and drive member include overlapping and engaged surfaces that remain engaged during movement of the drive member and lock member.5. The system of wherein at least one of the lock member or the drive member includes a catch and the other includes a stop surface engaged by the catch.6. The system of wherein the lock member is adhered to the drive member.7. The system of wherein the drive member and lock member move axially ...

Spatially Dependent Correction of Magnetic Field Sensor Readings

In an embodiment, a method comprises: obtaining, by a sensing device on a ferromagnetic surface, a first magnetometer reading of magnetic flux density modified by the ferromagnetic surface in a first direction; obtaining, by the sensing device, a second magnetometer reading of magnetic flux density modified by the ferromagnetic surface in a second direction; obtaining, by the sensing device, sensitivity terms based on the first and second magnetometer readings; and storing, by the sensing device, the sensitivity terms and a location of the sensing device on the ferromagnetic surface. 1. A method comprising:obtaining, by a sensing device on a ferromagnetic surface, a first magnetometer reading of magnetic flux density modified by the ferromagnetic surface in a first direction;obtaining, by the sensing device, a second magnetometer reading of magnetic flux density modified by the ferromagnetic surface in a second direction;obtaining, by the sensing device, sensitivity terms based on the first and second magnetometer readings; andstoring, by the sensing device, the sensitivity terms and a location of the sensing device on the ferromagnetic surface.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:obtaining, by the sensing device, a third magnetometer reading of magnetic flux density modified by the ferromagnetic surface in a third direction; andobtaining, by the sensing device, sensitivity terms based on the first, second and third magnetometer readings.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sensing device receives claim 1 , by a receiving coil embedded in the sensing device claim 1 , inductive power transfer from the ferromagnetic surface.4. A method comprising:obtaining a location of a sensing device on a ferromagnetic surface;obtaining sensitivity terms associated with the location, where the sensitivity terms provide spatial dependent correction of magnetic fields modified by the ferromagnetic surface;obtaining readings from a magnetometer of the sensing device; ...

Device For Compensating External Magnetic Stray Fields Or For Compensating The Influence Of A Magnetic Field Gradient On A Magnetic Field Sensor

A device compensates for the an influence of a magnetic field gradient which may be generated due to a component geometry of a component ( 1 ). The device includes at least two magnetic field sensors ( 17, 18 ) which are arranged outside of the magnetic balance of the ferromagnetic component ( 1 ). The at least two magnetic field sensors ( 17, 18 ) each have a differing sensitivity. One of the magnetic field sensors ( 17, 18 ) is exposed to the influence of the magnetic field gradient to a greater extent compared to the other magnetic field sensor due to its spatial arrangement relative to the ferromagnetic component ( 1 ). The one magnetic field sensor may have a sensitivity lower than the other magnetic field sensor.

Angle Sensing Using Differential Magnetic Measurement And A Back Bias Magnet

A magnetic field sensor includes a back bias magnet to generate a DC magnetic field. First and second magnetic field sensing elements of the magnetic field sensor are disposed proximate to at least one ferromagnetic surface of a ferromagnetic target object. The first and second magnetic field sensing elements generate first and second electronic signals, respectively, in response to first and second sensed magnetic fields corresponding to the DC magnetic field but influenced by the at least one ferromagnetic surface. The magnetic field sensor generates a difference signal that is a difference of amplitudes of the first and second electronic signals. The difference signal is indicative of a rotation measurement of an absolute relative rotation of the ferromagnetic target object and the magnetic field sensor about a rotation axis. 1. A magnetic field sensor , comprising:a back bias magnet configured to generate a DC magnetic field;first and second magnetic field sensing elements disposed along a sensing element line and disposed proximate to at least one ferromagnetic surface of a ferromagnetic target object, the first and second magnetic field sensing elements configured to generate first and second electronic signals, respectively, in response to first and second sensed magnetic fields corresponding to the DC magnetic field but influenced by the at least one ferromagnetic surface;wherein the magnetic field sensor is operable to generate a difference signal that is a difference of amplitudes of the first and second electronic signals, and the difference signal is indicative of a rotation measurement of an absolute relative rotation of the ferromagnetic target object and. the magnetic field sensor about a rotation axis, wherein the sensing element line is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis, wherein the ferromagnetic target object is disposed at a distal end of a rotating shaft, and the first and second magnetic field sensing elements are disposed ...

SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH AN ENCODER DISC

A sensor assembly with an inductive sensor and a marking ring that is rotatably mountable is provided. The marking ring is spaced apart from and aligned with the inductive sensor, and includes a non-ferrous body and a ferrous material ring that is located at least partially within the non-ferrous body and adapted to pass in proximity to the inductive sensor upon rotation of the marking ring. The ferrous material ring includes protrusions that vary non-uniformly in at least one of spacing, distance from the inductive sensor to a facing portion of the ferrous material ring, or mass, in a circumferential direction around the marking ring. The inductive sensor detects a rotational angle position of the marking ring based on the protrusions of the ferrous material ring as they pass the inductive sensor. 1. A sensor assembly , comprising:an inductive sensor;a marking ring rotatably mountable in a position spaced apart from and aligned with the inductive sensor, the marking ring includes a non-ferrous body and a ferrous material ring located at least partially within the non-ferrous body adapted to pass in proximity to the inductive sensor upon rotation of the marking ring; andthe ferrous material ring includes protrusions that vary non-uniformly in at least one of (a) spacing, (b) distance from the inductive sensor to a facing portion of the ferrous material ring, or (c) mass, in a circumferential direction around the marking ring,wherein the inductive sensor detects a rotational angle position of the marking ring based on the protrusions of the ferrous material ring as they pass the inductive sensor.2. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the marking ring is connected to at least one of a shaft or a bearing ring.3. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ferrous material ring is continuous.4. The sensor assembly of claim 3 , wherein a cross section of the ferrous material ring varies.5. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the non-ferrous body is made of a ...

FORCE SENSOR, PARTICULARLY FOR A TOUCH PAD

A force sensor including: a first part including a detection coil; a second part positioned opposite the first part and including: a ferromagnetic plate translationally movable relative to the first part to move towards the first part when a force is transferred to the sensor and to reduce reluctance of a magnetic circuit formed by the first and second parts in series with a variable gap; and an electronic detection circuit configured to generate a signal dependent on the reluctance of the magnetic circuit. The ferromagnetic plate is formed by an amorphous metal alloy. 112-. (canceled)13. A force sensor comprising:a first part comprising a detection coil; a ferromagnetic plate that is translationally movable relative to the first part to move towards the first part when a force is transferred to the sensor and to reduce reluctance of a magnetic circuit formed by the first and second parts in series with a variable gap;', 'an electronic detection circuit configured to generate a signal dependent on the reluctance of the magnetic circuit;, 'a second part positioned opposite the first part and comprisingwherein the ferromagnetic plate is formed by an amorphous metal alloy.14. The force sensor as claimed in claim 13 , wherein thickness of the ferromagnetic plate is between 20 and 200 micrometers.15. The force sensor as claimed in claim 13 , the first part comprising a ferrite core claim 13 , the coil being placed inside the core.16. The force sensor as claimed in claim 15 , the coil and the core being substantially flat.17. The force sensor as claimed in claim 13 , the second part comprising a base comprising suspension means rigidly connected to the ferromagnetic plate.18. The force sensor as claimed in claim 17 , the suspension means being fixed to the first part claim 17 , the ferromagnetic plate being translationally movable relative to the first part by the suspension means.19. The force sensor as claimed in claim 17 , the suspension means comprising:arms formed by ...

SENSOR SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AT LEAST ONE ROTATIONAL CHARACTERISTIC OF AN ELEMENT ROTATING ABOUT AT LEAST ONE AXIS OF ROTATION

A sensor system for determining at least one rotational characteristic of an element rotating about at least one axis of rotation; the sensor system including at least one signal-generating wheel connectable to the rotating element. The signal-generating wheel has a signal-generating wheel profile. The sensor system further includes at least one inductive position sensor; the inductive position sensor having at least one coil set-up that includes at least one operating coil and at least one receiving coil. In addition, the sensor system includes at least one phase detector; the phase detector including at least one magnetic field generator and at least one magnetic sensor element. 114-. (canceled)15. A sensor system for determining at least one rotational characteristic of an element rotating about at least one axis of rotation , the sensor system comprising:at least one signal-generating wheel connectable to the rotating element, the signal-generating wheel having a signal-generating wheel profile;at least one inductive position sensor, the inductive position sensor having at least one coil set-up that includes at least one operating coil and at least one receiving coil;at least one phase detector, the phase detector including at least one magnetic field generator and at least one magnetic sensor element.16. The sensor system as recited in claim 15 , wherein the magnetic sensor element includes at least one element selected from the group made up of a Hall-effect element and a magnetoresistive element.17. The sensor system as recited in claim 15 , wherein the coil set-up is situated on at least one circuit substrate claim 15 , the circuit substrate is positioned substantially coaxially to the axis of rotation claim 15 , and the circuit substrate surrounds the signal-generating wheel or a circular segment of the signal-generating wheel in a substantially circular manner.18. The sensor system as recited in claim 17 , wherein the circuit substrate surrounds the signal ...

Magnetic Field Sensor Providing a Movement Detector

A magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and operates as a motion detector for sensing a rotation or other movement of a target object. 1. A magnetic field sensor for measuring movement of a target object , the movement in an x-z plane within x-y-z Cartesian coordinates with x , y , and z orthogonal axes , a tangent to a direction of movement of a surface of the target object proximate to the magnetic field sensor substantially parallel to the x axis , the magnetic field sensor comprising:a substrate having a major planar surface within about twenty degrees of parallel to the x-z plane; anda plurality of magnetic field sensing elements disposed upon the major planar surface of the substrate, each one of the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements having a major response axis substantially parallel to the major planar surface of the substrate, and the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements is configured to generate a respective plurality of magnetic field signals.2. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements comprises a plurality of magnetoresistance elements.3. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , further comprising:an electronic circuit disposed upon the substrate and coupled to the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements, the electronic circuit comprising:a non-volatile memory device operable to store a value indicative of a measured operational characteristic of the magnetic field sensor.4. The magnetic field sensor of claim 3 , wherein the stored value is stored during a first time period claim 3 , and wherein the stored value is recalled and used during a second different time period after the first time period.5. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , further comprising:an electronic circuit disposed upon the substrate and coupled to the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements, the electronic circuit comprising:an output protocol module operable to use ...

CONTACTLESS RADIAL POSITION SENSOR HAVING IMPROVED RESPONSE BEHAVIOR TO TARGET DEFECTS

A contactless electromagnetic sensor () for determining a radial position of a rotor comprises a transducer () that comprises one or more coils. Excitation circuitry is connected to the transducer to energize the transducer. Processing circuitry derives at least one position signal indicative of a radial position of the rotor based on the transducer signals. In order to enable simplified compensation for disturbance signals resulting from target imperfections, the coils have a sensitivity to a target material that varies sinusoidally along the circumferential direction. 1. A contactless electromagnetic sensor for determining a radial position of a rotor configured for rotation about a longitudinal axis , the sensor comprising:a first transducer comprising one or more first coils;excitation circuitry connected to the first transducer to energize the first transducer; andprocessing circuitry for receiving transducer signals from the first transducer and for deriving at least one position signal indicative of a radial position of the rotor based on the transducer signals.2. The contactless electromagnetic sensor of claim 1 , wherein the first coils are arranged in or parallel to a curved coil surface that defines at least one normal vector having a radial component with respect to the longitudinal axis.3. The contactless electromagnetic sensor of claim 1 ,wherein the excitation circuitry is configured to energize the first transducer in such a manner that eddy currents are induced in a first target portion of the rotor, andwherein the processing circuitry is configured to take an influence of the eddy currents onto the transducer signals into account when deriving the at least one position signal.4. The contactless electromagnetic sensor of claim 1 , wherein the first transducer further comprises one or more second coils having a sensitivity to a target material that varies sinusoidally along the circumferential direction claim 1 , wherein the sensitivities of the ...

Blade angle position feedback system with embedded markers

There is provided a blade angle feedback system for an aircraft-bladed rotor rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having an adjustable blade pitch angle. A feedback device is coupled to rotate with the rotor and to move along the axis with adjustment of the blade pitch angle. The feedback device comprises a body having position marker(s) embedded therein, the body made of a first material having a first magnetic permeability and the position marker(s) comprising a second material having a second magnetic permeability greater than the first. Sensor(s) are positioned adjacent the feedback device and configured for producing, as the feedback device rotates about the axis, sensor signal(s) in response to detecting passage of the position marker(s). A control unit is communicatively coupled to the sensor(s) and configured to generate a feedback signal indicative of the blade pitch angle in response to the sensor signal(s) received from the sensor(s).

HOLLOW CORE MAGNETIC POSITION SENSOR

A position sensing system is disclosed. The position sensing system may include a hollow sensor body. A magnet may be disposed in the hollow sensor body. The magnet may be movable within the hollow sensor body. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a hollow sensor body;a magnet disposed in the hollow sensor body, the magnet movable within the hollow sensor body; anda magnetic field sensor coupled to the sensor body, the magnetic field sensor to sense a magnetic field associated with the magnet.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , the hollow sensor body includes a waveguide.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow sensor body includes a hollow core claim 1 , a conductor coupled to an exterior surface of the hollow core claim 1 , and an exterior shielding material surrounding the conductor and the hollow core.4. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the hollow core is a nonferrous material.5. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the shielding material is a permalloy material.6. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the shielding material is a material having a magnetic permeability property.7. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the conductor is a wire wound around the hollow core claim 3 , the conductor extending over an entire length of the hollow core.8. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the shielding material is a conductive material.9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the magnet is coupled to a rod claim 1 , wherein the rod is actuated to move the magnet within the hollow sensor body.10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the magnet is coupled to a float claim 1 , wherein a liquid level is measured.11. A method claim 1 , comprising:generating a first signal by a signal transceiver;communicating the first signal to a hollow sensor body;moving a magnet in close proximity to the hollow sensor body and disposed within the hollow sensor body, the magnet configured to generate a magnetic field sufficient to ...

INDUCTIVE POSITION-MEASURING DEVICE

An inductive position-measuring device for absolute position determination includes a scale having a first measuring graduation extending in a measurement direction and a second measuring graduation disposed opposite to the first measuring graduation and extending parallel thereto. A scanner is disposed in a gap between the first measuring graduation and the second measuring graduation. The scanner is displaceable relative to the scale in the measurement direction for purposes of position measurement. The scanner includes a first coil arrangement for scanning the first measuring graduation and generating a first position-dependent scanning signal, and a second coil arrangement, disposed opposite to the first coil arrangement, for scanning the second measuring graduation and generating a second position-dependent scanning signal. At least one intermediate layer of soft magnetic material disposed between the first coil arrangement and the second coil arrangement. 1. An inductive position-measuring device for absolute position determination , comprising:a scale having a first measuring graduation extending in a measurement direction and a second measuring graduation disposed opposite to the first measuring graduation and extending parallel thereto;a scanner disposed in a gap between the first measuring graduation and the second measuring graduation, the scanner being displaceable relative to the scale in the measurement direction for purposes of position measurement, the scanner including a first coil arrangement for scanning the first measuring graduation and generating a first position-dependent scanning signal, and a second coil arrangement, disposed opposite to the first coil arrangement, for scanning the second measuring graduation and generating a second position-dependent scanning signal; andat least one intermediate layer of soft magnetic material disposed between the first coil arrangement and the second coil arrangement.2. The inductive position-measuring ...

Systems and Methods for Detecting a Magnetic Target by Computing a Barycenter

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. 1. A system comprising:a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements arranged about a central point, each one of the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements configured to measure a magnetic field produced by magnetic target and provide a respective output signal that represents a respective measurement of a strength of the magnetic field; anda processor circuit 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.2. The system of wherein the magnetic field sensing elements are arranged along the circumference of a circle about the central point.3. The system of wherein the magnetic field sensing elements are equidistant from adjacent magnetic field sensing elements along the circumference of the circle.4. The system of wherein the magnetic field sensing elements are disposed in or over a surface of a die.5. The system of wherein the processor circuit is disposed on the die.6. The system of wherein the processor is configured to determine an offset angle of the magnetic target relative to a reference position.7. The system of wherein the processor is configured to determine a distance of the magnetic target to the central point.8. The system of wherein ...

Shifting Device of a Vehicle Gearbox

A shifting device () with two positive-locking shifting element halves () is described. A positive connection between the shifting element halves () is able to be established or released. The respective prevailing operating states of the shifting element halves () can be determined through a sensor device (). The surface areas () of the encoder contour () relative to a measuring device () are formed in a convex or concave manner, whereas a perpendicular gap between the surface areas () of the encoder contour () and the permanent magnet (), starting from a joint area () between the surface areas () in the direction of an end area () of the surface areas (), increases or decreases in each case. 11282222234546426789249101192786578649101178. Shifting device () of a vehicle transmission () with two positive-locking shifting element halves () that are connectable to each other in a torque-proof manner , whereas , in each case , the positive connection is able to be established or released through a relative translational movement between the shifting element halves () between a first operating state of the shifting element halves () , at which the positive connection is established , and a second operating state of the shifting element halves () , at which the positive connection is separated , whereas the respective prevailing operating states of the shifting element halves () can be determined through a sensor device () , which features a permanent magnet () and a measuring device () for sensing the magnetic field of the permanent magnet () and works together with a ferromagnetic encoder contour () that influences the magnetic field of the permanent magnet () as a function of the operating states of the shifting element halves () , whereas the encoder contour () comprises two surface areas ( , ) that adjoin each other in a joint area () , while the relative movement between the shifting element halves () is guided in an extent corresponding to this translationally ...

DEVICE FOR LOCATING ONE OR MORE MOBILE ELEMENTS IN A PREDETERMINED ZONE, AND METHOD IMPLEMENTED IN SUCH A DEVICE

A method is provided for locating at least one mobile element in a predetermined zone, including: 1. A method for locating at least one mobile element in a predetermined zone , this method comprising the following steps:supplying power to at least one on-board module in the mobile element, this on-board module comprising an electronic circuit and at least one on-board coil;generating a locating signal by the electronic circuit and transmission of this locating signal via the on-board coil;picking up the locating signal by means of receiver coils distributed on a support in proximity to the predetermined zone; each receiver coil having the function of picking up said locating signal when the mobile element is in proximity;determining the location of the mobile element in the predetermined zone by detecting, a signal level on said support which is addressed in rows and columns in the form of an array by means of a processing unit connected to this support: and the electronic circuit and the on-board coil constitute an RLC circuit that oscillates, generating the locating signal by sudden interruption of the current through the on-board coil.2. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that power supply is carried out periodically; in the supply phase claim 1 , energy is stored in each on-board module for later use in the non-supply phase.3. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the generation of a locating signal is carried out at a different time for each on-board module so as to carry out multiplexing with time-distributed multiple access (TDMA) in order to distinguish the on-board modules from one another.4. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the generation of a locating signal is carried out by generating a signal of a predetermined frequency that is different for each on-board module so as to carry out multiplexing with frequency-distributed multiple access (FDMA) in order to distinguish the on-board modules from one ...

Variable reluctance sensor interfaces with clearing and methods of their operation

The embodiments described herein include systems with a variable reluctance sensor (VRS) interface and methods of their operation. Embodiments of VRS interfaces include a clearing signal generator configured to generate a clearing signal corresponding with the timing of a noise event. The clearing signal may be configured to clear a post-processing circuit.

POSITION SENSOR

A position sensor for sensing position or motion, includes: a ferrite core, and a sensor coil configured to provide a sensor signal. The sensor coil is implemented on a printed circuit board, and the ferrite core is configured to be fitted into the printed circuit board. 112-. (canceled)14605. The sensor arrangement of claim 13 , wherein the shaft () is made of ferrite or laminated steel.15. The sensor arrangement of claim 13 , wherein ferrite cores of the x direction sensors are assembled on opposite sides of the printed circuit board of the x direction sensors to provide sensing of axial shift of the shaft in the z direction.16. The sensor arrangement of claim 13 , wherein the printed circuit board comprises one or more openings and the ferrite core comprises one or more protrusions configured to be fitted into the openings in the printed circuit board.17. The sensor arrangement of claim 13 , wherein the ferrite core is formed of more than one piece of ferrite.18. The sensor arrangement of claim 13 , wherein tracks on the printed circuit board form the sensor coil.19. The sensor arrangement of claim 13 , wherein each position sensor is configured to be used for sensing motion of the shaft. The present invention generally relates to position sensors and especially to eddy current and inductive position or proximity sensors.This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein representative of the state of the art.Eddy current or inductive sensors are suitable for non-contact measurement of position, proximity, motion, displacement and/or distance. They are suitable for measurements in industrial environments and may be used for example for sensing motion of a rotor or a shaft of an electrical machine. Motion-controlled systems require feedback and therefore position and motion control sensors are required in many systems. For example magnetically levitated systems typically require as many position or motion ...

Mud pulser with poppet valve, having linear displacement determination means

A measurement-while-drilling servo-actuator for use in mud-pulse telemetry, which determines linear position of a poppet valve therein without counting revolutions of a stepper motor which positions said poppet valve. A sensor senses a magnetic field intensity value, or an inductance value, which is proportional to the position of the poppet valve relative to the sensor. A look-up table of reference outputs corresponding to known position of the poppet valve is used to determine the position of the poppet valve. A method of determining a position of a poppet valve in a mud pulser is further disclosed.

STROKE SENSOR SYSTEM AND SHOCK ABSORBER

A stroke sensor system includes a conductor, a coil which moves relative to the conductor and is fitted to one end side of the conductor; and a ferromagnetic body which is arranged on an end position side of the coil. A position of an end portion on one end side of the conductor in a state where a fitting ratio between the conductor and the coil is maximized is defined as the end position. The ferromagnetic body is located on an opposite side to the conductor with the coil interposed therebetween. 1. A stroke sensor system , comprising:a conductor;a coil which moves relative to the conductor and is fitted to one end side of the conductor; anda ferromagnetic body which is arranged on an end position side of the coil, wherein a position of an end portion on one end side of the conductor in a state where a fitting ratio between the conductor and the coil is maximized is defined as the end position,wherein the ferromagnetic body is located on an opposite side to the conductor with the coil interposed therebetween and in an area including at least the end position, anda length of the ferromagnetic body in a direction of the movement is shorter than a length of the coil in a direction of the movement.2. The stroke sensor system according to claim 1 , whereinthe ferromagnetic body has a cylindrical shape and has an opening portion or a notch portion on a side surface of ferromagnetic body.3. The stroke sensor system according to claim 1 , whereinthe ferromagnetic body partially has a cylindrical shape and has a notch portion continuous from one end side to the other end side of the ferromagnetic body.4. The stroke sensor system according to claim 1 , whereinthe ferromagnetic body contains iron or cobalt.5. A shock absorber which includes the stroke sensor system according to claim 1 , comprising:a cylinder configured to be the conductor;a rod inserted into the cylinder from one end side of the cylinder;the coil disposed on one end side of the rod; andthe ferromagnetic body ...

Motion Sensing by Monitoring Intensity of Light Redirected by an Intensity Pattern

Systems and techniques are described for measuring displacement of a moving mass by combining (i) information obtained from scanning, using a beam of light, an intensity pattern disposed on a surface of the mass, with (ii) information obtained when a coil interacts with a magnet attached to the moving mass. 130-. (canceled)31. A displacement measuring system comprising:(i) a back electromotive force (bEMF) sensing system to acquire a first displacement signal that relates to a time dependence of a displacement of a mass, wherein the displacement is relative to a datum of the displacement measuring system;(ii) an optical sensing system comprisingan intensity pattern that is coupled with the mass and comprises two or more tiles separated from each other by corresponding one or more tile borders, wherein the tile borders are at known locations relative to each other;a light source that is at rest relative to the datum to illuminate the intensity pattern with a light beam, wherein multiple tile border crossings occur while the first displacement signal is being acquired, wherein a tile border crossing is said to occur when a tile border of the intensity pattern crosses through the light beam; anda photodetector that is at rest relative to the datum to acquire an intensity signal corresponding to intensity of the light beam redirected to the photodetector from the intensity pattern, wherein the intensity signal is indicative of the tile border crossings; and(iii) a processor tospatially resolve the tile border crossings indicated by the intensity signal, at least in part, based on whether the first displacement signal increases or decreases at a time when a tile border crossing has occurred; anddetermine the displacement of the mass based on the spatially resolved tile border crossings.32. The system of claim 31 , wherein the processor todetermine a second displacement signal using the spatially resolved tile border crossings; anddetermine the displacement of the mass by ...

Sensor for measuring a position

A sensor for measuring the position of a component that is displaceable relative to the sensor, includes a circuit board and a metal body. The circuit board includes a first region in which a detector is located, and a second region in which electronic components are located, which are electrically connected to the detector. The metal body includes a first layer having a first area as well as a second layer having a second area. The first region of the circuit board is fixed in place in the first area and the second region of the circuit board is fixed in place in the second area. The first layer and the second layer of the metal body are situated between the first region and the second region of the circuit board so that the first region is located in a first plane and the second region is located in a second plane.

DEVICE FOR PUMPING FLUID

The disclosure herein relates to device, for example a gear pump, for pumping fluid. The gear pump comprise a motor for driving a rotatable drive shaft; a drive gear configured to be driven by the drive shaft; an idler gear which meshes with the drive gear; an annular magnet disposed coaxially with the drive shaft and configured to rotate therewith; and a sensor for sensing rotation of the annular magnet and generating an output signal corresponding to a rotational position of the drive shaft. 11010. A device () for pumping a fluid , wherein the device () comprises:{'b': 20', '22, 'a motor () for driving a rotatable drive shaft ();'}{'b': 30', '22, 'a pump module () to be driven in operation by the drive shaft ();'}{'b': 40', '22', '30, 'a sensor target () operatively associated with at least one of: the drive shaft (), one or more rotatable pumping components of the pump module ();'}{'b': 50', '40', '22', '22', '30, 'a sensor () for sensing a change in property of the sensor target () as the drive shaft () rotates in operation, and for generating an output signal corresponding to a rotational position of at least one of: the drive shaft (), the one or more rotatable pumping components of the pump module (); and'}{'b': 60', '22', '30', '20, 'a controller () that is operable to calculate the rotational position of at least one of: the drive shaft (), the one or more rotatable pumping components of the pump module (), based upon the output signal and to control the motor () based upon the calculated rotational position to ensure that a controlled volume of fluid is pumped.'}2. (canceled)3. (canceled)41050306020. The device () of claim 1 , wherein the sensor () is operable to measure an angular position of an idling rotating pumping component of the pump module () for generating the output signal claim 1 , and the controller () is operable to calculate the calculated rotational position of the idling rotating pumping component for use in controlling the motor () to ...

DISPLAY DEVICE

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a housing, a display screen, a driving device, and a measuring component, wherein an opening is arranged on the housing, at least a part of the display screen is located in the housing, the display screen is connected with the driving device, the driving device is configured to drive the display screen to extend out of the housing, and/or to retract into the housing through the opening, and the measuring component is configured to measure a length of the display screen extending out of the housing. 1. A display device , comprising:a housing, comprising an opening;a display screen;a driving device; anda measuring component;wherein at least a part of the display screen is located in the housing, and the display screen is connected with the driving device; andwherein the driving device is configured to drive the display screen to extend out of the housing through the opening, and/or to drive the display screen to retract into the housing through the opening; andthe measuring component is configured to measure a length of the display screen extending out of the housing.2. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the measuring component comprises an induction coil claim 1 , a resistor claim 1 , a voltage detecting component claim 1 , and a magnetic field generator claim 1 , the induction coil is arranged on the display screen and is a closed planar coil claim 1 , the resistor is connected in series with the induction coil claim 1 , and the voltage detecting component is configured to detect voltage across the resistor; andthe magnetic field generator is arranged at the opening, and while the display screen is extending out of the housing, or retracting into the housing through the opening, at least a part of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator overlaps with an area surrounded by the induction coil, a size of an overlapping area varies gradually, and the overlapping area is such a ...

ANGLE SENSING USING DIFFERENTIAL MAGNETIC MEASUREMENT AND A BACK BIAS MAGNET

A magnetic field sensor includes a back bias magnet to generate a DC magnetic field. First and second magnetic field sensing elements of the magnetic field sensor are disposed proximate to at least one ferromagnetic surface of a ferromagnetic target object. The first and second magnetic field sensing elements generate first and second electronic signals, respectively, in response to first and second sensed magnetic fields corresponding to the DC magnetic field but influenced by the at least one ferromagnetic surface. The magnetic field sensor generates a difference signal that is a difference of amplitudes of the first and second electronic signals. The difference signal is indicative of a rotation measurement of an absolute relative rotation of the ferromagnetic target object and the magnetic field sensor about a rotation axis. 1. A magnetic field sensor , comprising:a back bias magnet configured to generate a DC magnetic field;first and second magnetic field sensing elements disposed along a sensing element line and disposed proximate to at least one ferromagnetic surface of a ferromagnetic target object, the first and second magnetic field sensing elements configured to generate first and second electronic signals, respectively, in response to first and second sensed magnetic fields corresponding to the DC magnetic field but influenced by the at least one ferromagnetic surface;wherein the magnetic field sensor is operable to generate a difference signal that is a difference of amplitudes of the first and second electronic signals, and the difference signal is indicative of a rotation measurement of an absolute relative rotation of the ferromagnetic target object and the magnetic field sensor about a rotation axis, wherein the sensing element line is substantially parallel to the rotation axis.2. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the at least one ferromagnetic surface of the ferromagnetic target object comprises a helical groove disposed on the ...

Sensor Arrangement for an Injection Device

The disclosure relates to a sensor arrangement for an injection device to determine an axial position of at least one device component of the injection device inside a housing of the injection device. The sensor arrangement includes an elongated member located inside the housing, extending in an axial direction and having at least a first section and a second section of different magnetization. The first and second sections are separated in an axial direction. The sensor arrangement also includes at least one magnetic sensor element attached to the housing to detect the axial position of at least one of the first and second sections. 115-. (canceled)16. A sensor arrangement for an injection device the sensor arrangement comprising:an elongated member arrangeable inside a housing of the injection device such that the elongated member extends in an axial direction relative to the housing, the elongated member having at least a first section of a first magnetization and a second section of a second magnetization, wherein a direction of the first magnetization differs from a direction of the second magnetization, and wherein the first section and the second section are separated in the axial direction; andat least one magnetic sensor attachable to the housing to detect an axial position of at least one of the first section and the second section of the elongated member.17. The sensor arrangement according to claim 16 , wherein the first section and the second section are separated in the axial direction in a non-overlapping manner.18. The sensor arrangement according to claim 16 , wherein the elongated member comprises a helical pattern of differently magnetized sections.19. The sensor arrangement according to claim 16 , wherein the elongated member comprises a third section of a third magnetization and a fourth section with a fourth magnetization claim 16 , wherein the second section is located axially between the first section and the third section claim 16 , and ...

TARGETS FOR COIL ACTUATED POSITION SENSORS

Apparatus includes a first portion of conductive material having varying response to a generated magnetic field along a length of the conductive material, wherein the first portion of conductive material produces a varying eddy current and a varying reflected magnetic field, in response to the generated magnetic field. The apparatus further includes one or more reference portions of conductive material having a relatively invariable response to the generated magnetic field, wherein the reference portion of conductive material produces a relatively invariable eddy current and a relatively invariable reflected magnetic field in response to the generated magnetic field. 1. Apparatus comprising:a first portion of conductive material having varying response to a generated magnetic field along a length of the conductive material, wherein the first portion of conductive material produces a varying eddy current and a varying reflected magnetic field, in response to the generated magnetic field; andone or more reference portions of conductive material having a relatively invariable response to the generated magnetic field, wherein the reference portion of conductive material produces a relatively invariable eddy current and a relatively invariable reflected magnetic field in response to the generated magnetic field.2. The apparatus of wherein the first portion of conductive material comprises a varying thickness along a length of the first portion of conductive material.3. The apparatus of wherein the first portion of conductive material comprises a varying distance along a length of the first portion of conductive material claim 1 , wherein the distance varies as function of the length of the first portion of conductive material.4. The apparatus of wherein the first portion of conductive material comprises an inclined plane.5. The apparatus of wherein the inclined plane is a spiral inclined plane.6. The apparatus of further comprising a first magnetic field sensor ...

MULTI-LAYER SENSOR CORE

A sensor may include a core and a coil. The core may include a rectangular substrate, a layer of magnetically-permeable material disposed on the substrate, and an adhesive rigidly coupling two ends of the substrate so as to form a tube with the rectangular substrate. The coil may be wound on the tube. The core may further include a layer of radiopaque material. The core may further include a flex pad for electrically coupling the coil with an external system. 120.-. (canceled)21. A core for a sensor , the core comprising:a rectangular substrate;a layer of magnetically-permeable material disposed on said substrate;adhesive for rigidly coupling two ends of said substrate with each other so as to form a hollow cylinder; anda flex pad on at least one of (a) said rectangular substrate or (b) said magnetically-permeable material, said flex pad providing an electrical connection for the sensor with an external system; andwherein said flex pad comprises:a layer of dielectric material disposed on the at least one of (a) said rectangular substrate or (b) said magnetically-permeable material; anda layer of electrically-conductive material disposed on said dielectric layer.22. The core of claim 21 , wherein the magnetically-permeable material comprises cobalt and nickel.23. The core of claim 21 , wherein said rectangular substrate includes a top surface and a bottom surface claim 21 , such that the top surface is an exterior surface of said hollow cylinder and said bottom surface is an interior surface of said hollow cylinder claim 21 , and further wherein said magnetically-permeable material is disposed on said top surface.24. The core of claim 23 , wherein said magnetically-permeable material covers all of said top surface.25. The core of claim 21 , further comprising a layer of radiopaque material disposed on at least one of (a) said rectangular substrate or (b) said magnetically-permeable material.26. The core of claim 21 , wherein said substrate comprises nitinol.27. A ...

INDUCTIVE SENSOR FOR POSITION/ORIENTATION SENSING

A sensor includes a ferromagnetic shield, at least one sensor coil disposed around an exterior of the ferromagnetic shield, and an electronics module within the ferromagnetic shield. The electronics module is configured to determine the position and/or orientation of the sensor based at least in part on a measurement of a signal induced in the at least one sensor coil. 1. A sensor comprising:a ferromagnetic shield;at least one sensor coil disposed around an exterior of the ferromagnetic shield; andan electronics module within the ferromagnetic shield, the electronics module being configured to determine the position and/or orientation of the sensor based at least in part on a measurement of a signal induced in the at least one sensor coil.2. The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor coil comprises a first sensor coil and a second sensor coil.3. The sensor of claim 2 , wherein the at least one sensor coil further comprises a third sensor coil.4. The sensor of claim 3 , wherein the first claim 3 , second and third sensor coils are mutually orthogonal.5. The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the ferromagnetic shield is comprised of two or more sheets of ferromagnetic material.6. The sensor of claim 1 , further comprising an aperture in the ferromagnetic shield that allows a conductor to pass through the ferromagnetic shield to electrically connect to the electronics module.7. The sensor of claim 6 , wherein the conductor comprises an antenna.8. The sensor of claim 6 , wherein the conductor allows one or more of the at least one sensor coil to electrically connect to the electronics module through the aperture.9. The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the electronics module includes an energy storage device.10. The sensor of claim 9 , wherein electronics module is configured to receive power wirelessly via the at least one sensor coil.11. The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a container and the ferromagnetic shield comprises a ferromagnetic material on ...

Variable Reluctance Resolve-Encoder

An angular position detector includes a cylindrical rotor having an axis of rotation and a first ring with a plurality of alternating teeth and valleys, a first first-ring magnetic sensor having a sensor surface facing the first ring, the first first-ring magnetic sensor being configured to produce a first signal in response to movement of the first ring past the first first-ring magnetic sensor, a second first-ring magnetic sensor having a sensor surface facing the first ring and being configured to produce a second signal in response to movement of the first ring past the second first-ring magnetic sensor, the second first-ring magnetic sensor being circumferentially offset from the first first-ring magnetic sensor by a first angle and a controller operatively connected to the first and second first-ring magnetic sensors and configured to produce a first output signal based on the first and second signals.

MAGNETIC SENSOR WITH BIFILAR WINDINGS

Herein provided are sensing systems, methods, sensors, and methods of manufacturing a sensor for a rotating element in an engine. A magnetic core having first and second ends is positioned with the first end proximate the rotating element. A permanent magnet is positioned proximate the second end of the magnetic core and is configured for subjecting the magnetic core and the rotating element to a magnetic field. A bifilar winding comprising a first wire and a second wire electrically insulated from one another is wrapped around at least a portion of the magnetic core, the bifilar winding configured to generate a first signal in the first wire and a second signal in the second wire in response to rotation of the rotating element relative to the sensor. 1. A sensing system for a rotating element in an engine , comprising:a magnetic core having a first end and a second end, the magnetic core positioned with the first end proximate to the rotating element;a permanent magnet positioned proximate the second end of the magnetic core and configured for subjecting the magnetic core and the rotating element to a magnetic field;a bifilar winding comprising a first wire and a second wire electrically insulated from one another and wrapped around at least a portion of the magnetic core, the bifilar winding configured to generate a first signal in the first wire and a second signal in the second wire in response to rotation of the rotating element relative to the sensing system; anda control unit configured for using at least the first signal and the second signal to determine an angular displacement of the rotating element.2. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the bifilar winding is wrapped around a portion of the magnetic core.3. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the bifilar winding is wrapped around substantially the entire magnetic core.4. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic core is cylindrical.5. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the ...

VARIABLE RELUCTANCE SENSOR INTERFACE WITH INTEGRATION BASED ARMING THRESHOLD

An interface for processing a variable reluctance sensor signal provided by a variable reluctance sensor including an integrator, an arming comparator and a detect circuit. The integrator includes an input for receiving the variable reluctance sensor signal and an output providing an integrated signal indicative of total flux change of the variable reluctance sensor. The arming comparator compares the integrated signal with a predetermined arming threshold and provides an armed signal indicative thereof. The detect circuit provides a reset signal after the armed signal is provided to reset the integrator. A corresponding method of processing the variable reluctance sensor signal is also described. 1. A method of processing a variable reluctance sensor signal provided by a variable reluctance sensor , comprising:integrating the variable reluctance sensor signal and providing a corresponding integrated signal indicative of a total flux change of the variable reluctance sensor;comparing the integrated signal with a predetermined arming threshold and providing a corresponding armed signal;comparing the variable reluctance sensor signal with a reference signal and providing a zero detect signal indicative thereof;clearing the integrated signal after the armed signal is provided; andproviding a crossing signal when the zero detect signal is provided after the armed signal is provided.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said integrating the variable reluctance sensor signal comprises integrating a pulse of the variable reluctance sensor signal indicative of an electromagnetic force generated by the variable reluctance sensor.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said comparing the integrated signal with a predetermined arming threshold comprises comparing the integrated signal with a predetermined arming threshold having a value sufficient to minimize false arming.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said integrating the variable reluctance sensor signal comprises charging a ...

SHAFT-INTEGRATED ANGLE SENSING DEVICE FOR E-BIKE AND E-BIKE COMPRISING SUCH DEVICE

A sensor arrangement and an e-bike that includes the sensor arrangement are provided. The sensor arrangement includes a rotatable driving shaft for an e-bike extending along a rotation axis and includes a bore extending from a first end face of the rotatable driving shaft along the rotation axis, a magnet module arranged within the bore and coupled to the rotatable driving shaft, the magnet module configured to generate a magnetic field within the bore, and at least one sensing element configured to sense a rotation of the magnetic field in response to rotation of the rotatable driving shaft. 1. A sensor arrangement comprising:a rotatable driving shaft for an e-bike extending along a rotation axis and comprising a bore extending from a first end face of the rotatable driving shaft along the rotation axis;a magnet module arranged within the bore and coupled to the rotatable driving shaft, the magnet module configured to generate a magnetic field within the bore; andat least one sensing element configured to sense a rotation of the magnetic field in response to rotation of the rotatable driving shaft.2. The sensor arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the sensing element includes a sensitive spot claim 1 , the sensitive spot being arranged within the bore and exposed to the rotating magnetic field.3. The sensor arrangement according to claim 1 , further comprising:a sealing member coupled to the rotatable driving shaft to cover the bore,wherein the sealing member separates the sensing element arranged inside the bore from an outside of the bore.4. The sensor arrangement of claim 3 , wherein the sealing member is coupled to a circumferential face of an end portion of the rotatable driving shaft.5. The sensor arrangement of claim 3 , wherein the sealing member is coupled to the first end face of the rotatable driving shaft.6. The sensor arrangement of claim 3 , wherein the sealing member comprises a sealed bearing.7. The sensor arrangement of claim 3 , wherein the sealing ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETIC SENSOR PRODUCING A CHANGING MAGNETIC FIELD

Methods and apparatus for detecting a magnetic field include a semiconductor substrate, a coil configured to provide a changing magnetic field in response to a changing current in the coil; and a magnetic field sensing element supported by the substrate. The coil receives the changing current and, in response, generates a changing magnetic field. The magnetic field sensing element detects the presence of a magnetic target by detecting changes to the magnetic field caused by the target and comparing them to an expected value. 1. A magnetic field sensor comprising:a lead frame having a die attach area;a semiconductor substrate attached to the die attach area of the lead frame;a coil configured to provide a changing magnetic field in response to a changing current in the coil;a magnetic field sensing element supported by the substrate to detect a target by detecting variations in the changing magnetic field caused by the target; anda mold encapsulating the substrate and at least a portion of the lead frame.2. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the coil is adjacent to the mold.3. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the coil is attached to the mold.4. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the mold encapsulates the coil.5. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic field sensing element is closer to the target than the coil.6. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the coil is positioned above or below the substrate.7. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the coil is a separately formed element included in a same package with the substrate.8. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the lead frame is between the substrate and the coil.9. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the mold is a non-conductive mold material.10. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the mold is a first mold claim 1 , and further comprising a second mold claim 1 ,wherein the second mold encapsulates the coil ...

MAGNETIC SENSOR, SENSOR ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE POSITION OF A MAGNETICALLY ACTIVE ELEMENT

A magnetic sensor, a sensor arrangement including a magnetic sensor of this type, and a method for determining the position of a magnetically active element. In the sensor, multiple measuring coils are connected in series along a path, such that the position of a magnetically active element along the path can be measured. 1. A magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetically active element , comprising:which has a multiplicity of measuring coils,wherein each measuring coil has a magnetic core assigned to it,wherein the measuring coils are disposed along a path,wherein the measuring coils are connected electrically in series along the path, andwherein the measuring coils have respective inductances, which increase in one direction along the path.2. The magnetic sensor as claimed in claim 1 ,which is configured to produce a common output signal depending on a position of the magnetically active element along the path.3. The magnetic sensor as claimed in claim 2 ,wherein the magnetically active element isa ferromagnetic highly permeable body,an electrically conductive body, ora permanent magnet.4. The magnetic sensor as claimed in claim 1 ,wherein the respective magnetic cores have no remnant magnetization.5. The magnetic sensor as claimed in claim 1 ,wherein the measuring coils are disposed on a printed circuit board, a leadframe, or a molded interconnected devices carrier.6. The magnetic sensor as claimed in claim 1 ,wherein each measuring coil is constructed of deposited and structured and/or laminated layers of a metal, in particular a light metal, copper, or an alloy with nickel and/or palladium, and a ferromagnetic material.7. The magnetic sensor as claimed in claim 1 ,wherein the measuring coils are spaced so closely apart from one another that during movement of a magnetically active element along the path a characteristic curve of the total inductance is obtained, which is monotonically increasing or decreasing at least over half of the path.8. A sensor ...

VARIABLE DIFFERENTIAL TRANSFORMER FOR POSITION MONITORING

An electronic sensor includes a signal generator configured to output a first excitation signal and a second excitation signal and a variable differential transformer connected to the signal generator to receive the first excitation signal and the second excitation signal. The variable differential transformer may include a primary coil, a first secondary coil connected to the signal generator, a second secondary coil connected to the signal generator, and a core disposed at least partially in a magnetic field generated via the first secondary coil and the second secondary coil and the first excitation signal and the second excitation signal. A phase of an output signal of the primary coil corresponds to a position of the core. 1. An electronic sensor comprising:a signal generator configured to output a first excitation signal and a second excitation signal; and a primary coil;', 'a first secondary coil connected to the signal generator;, 'a variable differential transformer connected to the signal generator to receive the first excitation signal and the second excitation signal, the variable differential transformer including 'a core disposed at least partially in a magnetic field generated via the first secondary coil and the second secondary coil and the first excitation signal and the second excitation signal;', 'a second secondary coil connected to the signal generator; and'}wherein a phase of an output signal of the primary coil corresponds to a position of the core.2. The electronic sensor of claim 1 , comprising a first load circuit connected between the signal generator and a first secondary coil; and a second load circuit connected between the signal generator and the second secondary coil.3. (canceled)4. The electronic sensor of claim 1 , wherein the first excitation signal includes a first phase and the second excitation signal includes a second phase; and a difference between the first phase and the second phase is not equal to about 0 degrees or a ...

STATE SENSOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Sensor systems comprising a magnetic circuit comprising a coil, a magnet, at least one of a ferromagnetic armature plate and a conductive armature plate, wherein the at least one of the ferromagnetic armature plate and the conductive armature plate is configured to move axially in response to at least one of the magnet and the coil, and a controller configured to apply a known first voltage across the coil and monitor a current through the coil are provided. Methods are also provided. 1. A sensor system comprising:a magnetic circuit comprising a coil;a magnet;at least one of a ferromagnetic armature plate and a conductive armature plate, wherein the at least one of the ferromagnetic armature plate and the conductive armature plate is configured to move axially in response to at least one of the magnet and the coil; anda controller configured to apply a known first voltage across the coil and monitor a current through the coil.2. The sensor system of claim 1 , further comprising:an inner pole; and wherein the coil is in proximity to at least one of the inner pole and the outer pole, and', 'the magnet is disposed between a first portion of the inner pole and a first portion of the outer pole, and', 'the at least one of the ferromagnetic armature plate and the conductive armature plate is disposed in axial proximity to a second portion of the inner pole and a second portion of the outer pole, forming the magnetic circuit, wherein the ferromagnetic armature plate is configured to move axially., 'an outer pole,'}3. The sensor system of claim 1 , wherein the known first voltage has a frequency between about 500 Hz and 15 kHz.4. The sensor system of claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to provide the known first voltage via pulse-width modulation.5. The sensor system of claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to apply a known second voltage claim 3 , wherein the known second voltage comprises a frequency that is different than the known first voltage.6. ...

STATOR STRUCTURE AND RESOLVER

A stator structure includes a stator core including a plurality of tooth sections, coils wound around the respective plurality of tooth sections via an insulator, and a first coil cover and a second coil cover that cover the coils from both sides in an axial direction of the stator core. The first coil cover and the second coil cover being coupled via the insulator. 1. A stator structure comprising:a stator core including a plurality of tooth sections;coils wound around the respective plurality of tooth sections via an insulator; anda first coil cover and a second coil cover that cover the coils from both sides in an axial direction of the stator core, whereinthe first coil cover and the second coil cover being coupled via the insulator.2. The stator structure according to claim 1 , whereinthe insulator includes a first insulator and a second insulator that cover the plurality of tooth sections from both the sides in the axial direction of the stator core,the first coil cover is coupled to the first insulator, andthe second coil cover is coupled to the second insulator.3. The stator structure according to claim 2 , whereinpins formed in the first insulator are inserted through holes formed in the first coil cover, the first coil cover and the first insulator are coupled via the pins formed in the first insulator,pins formed in the second insulator are inserted through holes formed in the second coil cover, the second coil cover and the second insulator are coupled via the pins formed in the second insulator.4. The stator structure according to claim 1 , whereinthe first coil cover and the second coil cover respectively include protrusion sections disposed in spaces among distal ends of the plurality of tooth sections, andstep sections forming steps opposed to each other are formed at distal ends of the protrusion sections of the first coil cover and distal ends of the protrusion sections of the second coil cover.5. The stator structure according to claim 4 , wherein ...

Electronic magnetic bearing controller with an automatic reactive power compensation device

An electronic magnetic bearing controller for controlling the position of a rotor of an electrical machine supported by an active magnetic bearing the position of which being measured by at least one inductive position sensor having an inductive coil, comprising an automatic reactive power compensation device for automatically compensating the reactive power consumed by the inductive position sensor.

SUBSEA SENSOR ASSEMBLIES

Sensor assemblies and methods of assembling and using the sensor assemblies are provided for monitoring operational characteristics of subsea rotating devices such as subsea motors and pumps. Pressure-compensated proximity sensor tip assemblies configured to withstand subsea pressures are mounted adjacent a subsea rotating shaft for directly monitoring a position of the rotating shaft during dynamic operation thereof. An end of a sensor housing opposite a sensor tip assembly is mounted to a wall of the device housing. The sensor housing defines a fluid reservoir containing a substantially incompressible fluid therein that is in fluid communication with the interior portions of the proximity sensor tip assembly. A length of the sensor housing is adjusted to accommodate a distance between the wall of the device housing and the rotating shaft. 1. A method of assembling and using pressure-compensated proximity sensors for monitoring the condition of a subsea rotating device , the method comprising the steps of:mounting a pressure-compensated proximity sensor tip assembly within a device housing of the subsea rotating device, to include disposing a sensing element within interior portions of the proximity sensor tip assembly, the sensing element configured to detect a rotating shaft of the subsea rotating device and produce a signal indicative of a distance between a reference point on the proximity sensor tip assembly and a portion of the rotating shaft;mounting an end of a sensor housing connected to the proximity sensor tip assembly to a wall of the device housing, the sensor housing defining a fluid reservoir containing a substantially incompressible fluid therein that is in fluid communication with the interior portions of the proximity sensor tip assembly, andadjusting a length of the sensor housing to accommodate a distance between the wall of the device housing and the rotating shaft.2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: a ...

Eddy current sensor assembly

Methods and systems are provided for a sensor assembly for a differential apparatus. In one example, the sensor assembly includes a microcontroller and an eddy current sensor communicatively coupled to the microcontroller and configured to detect a distance between an axially slidable and an axially stationary component of a differential apparatus.

Sensor Arrangement for Sensing Rotation Angles on a Rotating Component in a Vehicle

A sensor arrangement for sensing a rotation angle on a rotating component in a vehicle includes a first measurement transmitter. The first measurement transmitter is coupled at a periphery with a predefined first transmission ratio to the rotating component. The sensor arrangement includes a second measurement transmitter coupled at the periphery with a predefined second transmission ratio to the rotating component. The first and second measurement transmitters are mounted on a common axis of rotation. The first and second measurement transmitters generate, in conjunction with a corresponding first and second to measurement recorder, data configured to determine the current rotation angle of the rotating component. 1. A sensor arrangement for sensing a rotation angle on a rotating component in a vehicle , comprising:a first measurement transmitter coupled at a periphery with a predefined first transmission ratio to the rotating component; anda second measurement transmitter coupled at the periphery with a predefined second transmission ratio to the rotating component, the first and second measurement transmitters configured to be mounted on a common axis of rotation and generate, in conjunction with a corresponding first and second measurement recorder, data in order to determine the current rotation angle of the rotating component.2. The sensor arrangement according to claim 1 , further comprising:a sleeve coupled to the rotating component for conjoint rotation therewith, the sleeve having an entrainment structure on an inner periphery and at least one primary gear rim on a outer periphery, the first measurement transmitter comprises a first gearwheel having a first gear rim, the second measurement transmitter comprises a second gearwheel having a second gear rim, and the at least one primary gear rim configured to mesh with the first gear rim of the first measurement transmitter and with the second gear rim of the second measurement transmitter and rotate the ...

Magnetic Field Sensor Providing a Movement Detector

A magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and operates as a motion detector for sensing a rotation or other movement of a target object. 1. A magnetic field sensor for sensing a movement of a target object , the magnetic field sensor comprising:a substrate having a major planar surface;more than two magnetic field sensing elements disposed upon the major planar surface of the substrate, wherein an axis passing through any two of the more than two magnetic field sensing elements does not intersect the target object, the more than two magnetic field sensing elements having respective major response axes, each major response axis parallel to the major planar surface of the substrate, wherein the more than two magnetic field sensing elements are configured to generate more than two magnetic field signals, respectively; and 'at least one analog or digital comparator configured to compare the more than two magnetic field signals to a respective more than two different threshold values to generate more than two binary signals, respectively, wherein states of the more than two binary signals are each indicative of a position of the target object relative to the more than two magnetic field sensing elements for any movement speed of the target object including zero movement speed.', 'an electronic circuit disposed upon the substrate and coupled to the more than two magnetic field sensing elements, the electronic circuit comprising2. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the electronic circuit further comprises:a decoder coupled to the more than two binary signals, wherein the decoder is operable to decode the more than two binary signals to generate a device output signal indicative of the position of the target object.3. The magnetic field sensor of claim 2 , wherein the decoder comprises:a non-volatile memory device.4. The magnetic field sensor of claim 2 , wherein the device output signal is also indicative of a speed of the ...

VARIABLE RELUCTANCE SENSOR INTERFACES WITH CLEARING AND METHODS OF THEIR OPERATION

The embodiments described herein include systems with a variable reluctance sensor (VRS) interface and methods of their operation. Embodiments of VRS interfaces include a clearing signal generator configured to generate a clearing signal corresponding with the timing of a noise event. The clearing signal may be configured to clear a post-processing circuit. 1. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine , comprising:a variable reluctance sensor configured to sense passing of at least one tooth on a wheel in an internal combustion engine, the variable reluctance sensor configured to generate a variable reluctance sensor signal;a leading edge comparator including a first input configured to receive the variable reluctance sensor signal and including an output configured to provide a leading edge signal in response to the variable reluctance sensor signal reaching a first threshold value;a trailing edge comparator including a first input configured to receive the variable reluctance sensor signal and including an output configured to provide a trailing edge signal in response to the variable reluctance sensor signal decreasing to reach a second threshold value;a post-processing circuit configured to receive the leading edge signal and the trailing edge signal and generate a pulse in a detect signal having a width corresponding to a difference between the leading edge signal and the trailing edge signal;an ignition control unit configured to control timing of an ignition event based at least in part on the detect signal pulse; anda clearing signal generator configured to generate a clearing signal corresponding with the timing of the ignition event, the clearing signal generator coupled to the post-processing circuit and configured to clear the post-processing circuit in response to the clearing signal.2. The ignition system of wherein the clearing signal generator is configured to generate the clearing signal overlapping in time with the ignition event to ...

SENSOR ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A POSITION AND/OR A CHANGE IN THE POSITION OF A MEASUREMENT OBJECT

A sensor arrangement for determining a position and/or a change in the position of a measurement object is described, wherein the sensor arrangement has a magnet and a magnetic field sensor which can be moved relative to one another in a direction of movement. The magnet generates a magnetic field. Movements of the magnet and of the measurement object or movements of the magnetic field sensor and of the measurement object are coupled. To achieve the greatest possible measurement range with a characteristic curve which is as linear as possible at the same time, the sensor arrangement comprises a rod-shaped body which is made from a ferromagnetic material and has a considerably larger dimension in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction. A relative movement takes place between the rod-shaped body and the magnet, wherein the rod-shaped body can be connected to the magnet. The magnetic field from the magnet is at least partially directed in the direction of the magnetic field sensor. In this case, the rod-shaped body is arranged parallel to the direction of movement. The magnetic field sensor is arranged on a longitudinal side of the rod-shaped body and is configured to generate a measurement signal from a portion of the magnetic field which emerges from the rod-shaped body at the magnetic field sensor. As a result, the position and/or change in the position of the measurement object can be determined from the measurement signal. 119-. (canceled)20. Sensor arrangement for determining the position and/or the change in the position of an object to be measured , wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a magnet and a magnetic field sensor , both of which being movable relative to each other in a direction of movement (x) , wherein the magnet generates a magnetic field , wherein the movements of the magnet and the object to be measured or the movements of the magnetic field sensor and the object to be measured are coupled , wherein a rod-shaped body made ...

Method and Apparatus for Magnetic Sensor Producing a Changing Magnetic Field

Methods and apparatus for detecting a magnetic field include a semiconductor substrate, a coil configured to provide a changing magnetic field in response to a changing current in the coil; and a magnetic field sensing element supported by the substrate. The coil receives the changing current and, in response, generates a changing magnetic field. The magnetic field sensing element detects the presence of a magnetic target by detecting changes to the magnetic field caused by the target and comparing them to an expected value.

Magnetic Field Sensor Providing A Movement Detector

A magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and operates as a motion detector for sensing a rotation or other movement of a target object. 1. A magnetic field sensor for measuring movement of a target object , the movement in an x-z plane within x-y-z Cartesian coordinates with x , y , and z orthogonal axes , the magnetic field sensor comprising:a substrate having a major planar surface within about twenty degrees of parallel to the x-z plane; andtwo magnetic field sensing elements disposed upon the major planar surface of the substrate, the two magnetic field sensing elements having respective major response axes parallel to the major planar surface of the substrate, the two magnetic field sensing elements having the respective major response axes parallel to each other, a line passing through the two magnetic field sensing elements not extending in a direction toward the target object, wherein the two magnetic field sensing elements are configured to generate a respective two magnetic field signals, the electronic circuit comprising:a differential amplifier coupled to receive the two magnetic field signals and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a position of the target object relative to the two magnetic field sensing elements.2. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , further comprising:a magnet disposed proximate to the substrate, the magnet having at least two poles to generate a magnetic field parallel to the major planar surface of the substrate.3. The magnetic field sensor of claim 2 , wherein the major planar surface of the substrate overlaps the target object such that a line perpendicular to the major planar surface of the substrate and passing through at least one of the two magnetic field sensing elements intersects the target object claim 2 , and a line parallel to the major planar surface of the substrate is in a direction toward the target object.4. The magnetic field sensor of claim 1 , wherein the ...

AN APPARATUS FOR NON-CONTACT LEVEL SENSING

Provided is a sensing device used for sensing the level of the liquid in a liquid storage system. The sensing device according to the invention is a non contact type and uses a float comprising a sensing device and a magnet. According to the level of liquid, the float assembly moves upwards or downwards and creates variation in air gap between the sensing element and a ferromagnetic member thereby obtaining output variations which is used to update the level of the fluid in the liquid storage from time to time. 1. An apparatus for non-contact level sensing of liquid in a tank comprising of:a sensing element and a magnet mounted on a printed circuit board;a float arm having a first end and a second end;a holder;a ferromagnetic disc having an angular face; anda float,wherein the sensing element is fixed to back side of the magnet and located outside the tank at a pre determined location,wherein the ferromagnetic disc is coaxially mounted on the holder such that the angular face is remote from the holder and said holder is fitted to the first end of the float arm,wherein the first end of the float arm is rotatably supported about the first axis,wherein the float is connected to the second end of the float arm at the second axis,wherein movement of the float about the second axis causes rotation of the first end of the float arm about the first axis resulting in change in distance (A) between face of the sensing element and the angular face of the ferromagnetic disc and thereby magnetic field about the sensing element changes, altering signal output from the sensing element, which corresponds with amount of the liquid located within the tank, andwherein the sensing element provides variable output according to the distance (A) sensed.2. An apparatus for non-contact level sensing of liquid comprising of:a sensing element and a magnet mounted on a printed circuit board;a tank;a float arm having a first end and a second end;a pivot pin; anda float,wherein the sensing ...

WHEEL SPEED SENSOR

A wheel speed sensor may comprise a magnet; an induction coil coupled to the magnet; a rotor comprising a plurality of teeth, wherein the magnet is disposed proximate the plurality of teeth; a gear system coupled to the rotor comprising an initial gear, wherein the initial gear may be configured to be coupled to a wheel and configured to rotate at a speed equal to a wheel rotational speed of the wheel. The gear system may be configured to cause a rotor rotational speed of the rotor to be greater than the wheel rotational speed in response to the wheel rotating. 1. A wheel speed sensor , comprising:a magnet;an induction coil coupled to the magnet;a rotor comprising a plurality of teeth, wherein the magnet is disposed proximate the plurality of teeth;a gear system coupled to the rotor comprising an initial gear, wherein the initial gear is configured to be coupled to a wheel and configured to rotate at a speed equal to a wheel rotational speed of the wheel, and wherein the gear system is configured to cause a rotor rotational speed of the rotor to be greater than the wheel rotational speed in response to the wheel rotating.2. The wheel speed sensor of claim 1 , wherein the magnet comprises a magnetic pole claim 1 , and the magnetic pole is spaced from the plurality of teeth such that the magnetic pole is proximate the plurality of teeth creating an air gap defined between the plurality of teeth and the magnetic pole.3. The wheel speed sensor of claim 1 , wherein the initial gear comprises a coupling blade claim 1 , and the initial gear is configured to be coupled to the wheel by the coupling blade.4. The wheel speed sensor of claim 3 , wherein the initial gear is configured to be coupled to a hub cap coupled to the wheel.5. The wheel speed sensor of claim 1 , wherein the rotor comprises iron.6. The wheel speed sensor of claim 2 , wherein the rotor is configured to rotate claim 2 , and at least one of the magnet or the induction coil is configured to remain stationary ...

MAGNETIC ABSOLUTE POSITION SENSOR

Position sensor for determining the number of repeating courses of movement of an object and of the precise posture of the object in relation to a reference posture, wherein the position sensor has the following: a Wiegand module, which is composed of a Wiegand wire having a coil that surrounds the Wiegand wire; a magnetic temporary storage, which is in addition to the Wiegand module; a first sensor element and a second sensor element; a processing electronic circuit, which is configured to evaluate or to determine an output signal that is output by the sensor elements and an information that is stored in the magnetic temporary storage; and a permanent magnet arrangement, which is movable relatively to the Wiegand module in one direction as well as in a direction that is opposite to said one direction, wherein the permanent magnet arrangement is configured to be arranged at the object such that the permanent magnet arrangement performs the repeating courses of movement together with the object; wherein: upon movement of the permanent magnet arrangement in said one direction, the coil of the Wiegand module produces a voltage impulse, if a north pole or a south pole of the permanent magnet arrangement is located at a first position, and, upon movement of the permanent magnet arrangement in said opposite direction, the coil of the Wiegand module produces the voltage impulse, if the north pole or the south pole of the permanent magnet arrangement is located at a second position that is different from the first position; upon movement of the permanent magnet arrangement, the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet arrangement come to pass the magnetic temporary storage such that the magnetic temporary storage stores the information, which indicates, whether the north pole or the south pole of the permanent magnet arrangement has lastly come to pass the magnetic temporary storage; in an autonomous mode, in which the position sensor is not supplied with outside energy, the ...

AN ELECTRICAL ASSEMBLY

An electrical assembly comprises a device. The device includes an inductive coil and an armature. The armature is arranged to be moveable between first and second positions when the inductive coil is energized. The electrical assembly further includes a detection unit which is configured to detect an inductance of the inductive coil or a characteristic that corresponds to the inductance of the inductive coil. The detection unit is further configured to determine the position of the armature based on the detected inductance or the detected characteristic. 1. An electrical assembly comprising:a device including an inductive coil and an armature, the armature arranged to be moveable between first and second positions when the inductive coil is energized; anda detection unit configured to detect an inductance of the inductive coil or a characteristic that corresponds to the inductance of the inductive coil, the detection unit further configured to determine a position of the armature based on the detected inductance or the detected characteristic.2. The electrical assembly according to claim 1 , further including a control unit configured to selectively control a voltage across the inductive coil so as to apply a voltage step to the inductive coil claim 1 , wherein the detection unit is configured to detect the inductance of the inductive coil or the characteristic that corresponds to the inductance of the inductive coil in response to the voltage step applied to the inductive coil by the control unit.3. The electrical assembly according to claim 2 , wherein claim 2 , when the detection unit is configured to detect a characteristic that corresponds to the inductance of the inductive coil claim 2 , the detection unit is configured to monitor a rate of change of current of the inductive coil when the voltage step is applied to the inductive coil.4. The electrical assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the magnitude of the voltage ...

INDUCTIVE POSITION DETERMINATION

A device for inductive position determination comprises a coil, a positional element, a scanning device for determining an inductance of the coil and an evaluation device for determining a position of the positional element in relation to the coil, based on the inductance determined. In certain embodiments, the positional element comprises a ferromagnetic and electrically insulated material. 1. A device for inductive position determination , comprising:a coil;a positional element;a scanning device for determining an inductance of the coil; andan evaluation device for determining a position of the positional element in relation to the coil, based on the inductance determined, wherein the positional element comprises a ferromagnetic and electrically insulated material.2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the positional element has a relative permeability of more than 150.3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the positional element has an electrical conductivity of less than 10S/m.4. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the coil is a single-layer flat coil.5. The device according to claim 1 , wherein:at least two coils are provided;the positional element can be moved on a predetermined trajectory in relation to the at least two coils; andthe evaluation device configured to determine the position of the positional element on the predetermined trajectory, based on inductances of the at least two coils.6. The device according to claim 5 , wherein the positional element in the direction of the predetermined trajectory is tapered at least on one end.7. The device according to claim 5 , wherein the positional element in the direction of the predetermined trajectory is approximately twice as long as a distance of two adjacent coils.8. The device according to claim 1 , wherein a width of the positional element corresponds approximately to a width of the coil.9. The device according to claim 1 , wherein a ferromagnetic and electrically insulated element is ...

MULTI-LAYER SENSOR CORE

A sensor may include a core and a coil. The core may include a rectangular substrate, a layer of magnetically-permeable material disposed on the substrate, and an adhesive rigidly coupling two ends of the substrate so as to form a tube with the rectangular substrate. The coil may be wound on the tube. The core may further include a layer of radiopaque material. The core may further include a flex pad for electrically coupling the coil with an external system. 1. A core for a sensor , the core comprising:a rectangular substrate;a layer of magnetically-permeable material disposed on said substrate; andadhesive for rigidly coupling two ends of said substrate with each other so as to form a hollow cylinder.2. The core of claim 1 , wherein the magnetically-permeable material comprises cobalt and nickel.3. The core of claim 1 , further comprising a flex pad on at least one of (a) said rectangular substrate or (b) said magnetically-permeable material claim 1 , said flex pad providing an electrical connection for the sensor with an external system.4. The core of claim 3 , wherein said flex pad comprises:a layer of dielectric material disposed on at least one of (a) said rectangular substrate or (b) said magnetically-permeable material; anda layer of electrically-conductive material disposed on said dielectric layer.5. The core of claim 1 , wherein said rectangular substrate includes a top surface and a bottom surface claim 1 , such that the top surface is an exterior surface of said hollow cylinder and said bottom surface is an interior surface of said hollow cylinder claim 1 , further wherein said magnetically-permeable material covers at least one of (a) all of said top surface or (b) all of said bottom surface.6. The core of claim 1 , further comprising a layer of radiopaque material disposed on at least one of (a) said rectangular substrate or (b) said magnetically-permeable material.7. The core of claim 1 , wherein said substrate comprises nitinol.8. A method of ...

BISTABLE SOLENOID VALVE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN ARMATURE POSITION OF A BISTABLE SOLENOID VALVE

A bistable solenoid valve device for a fluid system includes a bistable solenoid valve and a detection device. The bistable solenoid valve has a permanent magnet yoke, an armature configured to be displaced between a first armature position for contact against a first core to form an air gap with a second core and a second armature position for contact against the second core to form an air gap with the first core. The bistable solenoid valve device further includes a detection device configured to evaluate and/or measure a first inductance of the first armature coil, and evaluate and/or measure a second inductance of the second armature coil without displacement of the armature, to compare the inductance of the first armature coil and the inductance of the second armature coil, and to output a state signal that indicates the armature position. 1. A bistable solenoid valve device for a fluid system , the bistable solenoid valve device comprising: a permanent magnet yoke with a first pole base and a second pole base for the formation of a first ferromagnetic circuit and a second ferromagnetic circuit,', 'an armature consisting of a magnetically conductive material, configured to be displaced between a first armature position for contact against the first core to form an air gap with the second core and a second armature position for contact against the second core to form an air gap with the first core,', 'a first armature coil for supplying current for a displacement into the first armature position,', 'a second armature coil for supplying current for a displacement into the second armature position, and', 'a final stage for supplying current to in each case one of the armature coils for a displacement of the armature; and, 'a bistable solenoid valve having evaluate and/or measure a first inductance of the first armature coil, and evaluate and/or measure a second inductance of the second armature coil without displacement of the armature,', 'to compare the ...

Inductive Position Sensing Apparatus Including A Screening Layer And Method For The Same

An inductive position sensor may be configured to detect relative position between a first member and a second member. The inductive position sensor may include an inductive sensor element configured to be coupled to the first member and a screening layer formed over a screened portion of a member surface of the second member such that an exposed portion of the member surface is free of the screening layer. The screening layer may be configured to reduce an effect on induced signals in the inductive sensor element caused by the screened portion of the second member. 1. An inductive position sensor system configured to detect relative position between a first member and a second member , the inductive position sensor comprising:an inductive sensor element configured to be coupled to the first member; anda screening layer formed over a screened portion of a member surface of the second member such that an exposed portion of the member surface is free of the screening layer, and wherein the screening layer is configured to reduce an effect on induced signals in the inductive sensor element caused by the screened portion of the second member.2. The inductive position sensor of claim 1 , further comprising processing circuitry configured to provide one or more signals indicative of the position of the first member relative to the second member based on differences in respective electromagnetic properties of the exposed portion of the member surface of the second member and the screened portion of the member surface of the second member.3. The inductive position sensor of claim 1 , wherein the screening layer comprises ferrite.4. The inductive position sensor of claim 1 , wherein the screening layer has a magnetic permeability that is greater than 10.5. The inductive position sensor of claim 1 , wherein the screening layer has a magnetic permeability that is less than 10.6. The inductive position sensor of claim 1 , wherein the second member is elongated along an axis ...

A SENSOR DEVICE FOR ATTACHMENT TO AN INJECTION DEVICE

A supplementary device is configured to be releasably attached to an auto injector type device. The supplementary device is suitable for use with disposable one-shot auto injectors and re-usable one-shot auto injectors. The supplementary device has at least one inductive proximity sensor which outputs signals indicative of the position moveable components within the auto injector. The supplementary device is configured to determine based on the outputted signals the moment at which the auto injector changes from a pre-ejection state to a post-ejection state. In response to determining that the auto injector has changed from the pre-ejection state to the post ejection state, the supplementary device displays a visual indication that a user should hold the auto injector in its current position for a predetermined period of time. 115-. (canceled)16. A supplementary device configured to be releasably attached to a drug delivery device , the supplementary device comprising:a first non-contact sensor configured to output signals indicative of a position of a first moveable component within the drug delivery device; and receive the signals output from the first non-contact sensor;', 'determine based on the signals a moment at which the drug delivery device changes from a pre-ejection state to a post-ejection state;', 'in response to determining that the drug delivery device has changed from the pre-ejection state to the post ejection state, cause a display of the supplementary device to visually indicate that a user should hold the drug delivery device in its current position for a predetermined period of time., 'a processor configured to17. The supplementary device according to claim 16 , wherein the first non-contact sensor is a Hall effect sensor or an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor; and wherein the first moveable component comprises a ferromagnetic material claim 16 , and wherein the Hall effect sensor or anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor is configured to output ...

Variable reluctance angle detector using iron core winding and method of manufacturing the iron core winding

Magnetically induced pulse generator, especially for measuring the speed of a shaft rotating inside a housing

The pulse emitter produces pulses which are dependent on the movement of ferromagnetic parts (5), in the magnetic field of a magnet (1). A partition wall (4) is located between the magnet and a magnetic sensor (2). The distance (D1) between the ferromagnetic parts and magnet is smaller than the distance (D2) between the magnet and the magnetic sensor. The teeth of the gear wheel (3) rotate in a non-ferromagnetic housing, themselves acting as the ferromagnetic parts. The magnet is fixed at the inner wall and the magnetic sensor is fixed at the outer wall of the housing.

Magnetic sensor and circuit for detecting the edge of a target as it passes the centerline of the sensor

A magnetic sensor for detecting the leading edge of a ferrous target as it passes the centerline of the sensor. The magnetic sensor includes a coil output representing the rate of change of magnetic flux as the target passes the sensor. The coil output is differentiated to provide a signal having a zero crossover point corresponding to the time at which the leading edge of the target passes the centerline of the sensor. The differentiated signal is applied to a zero crossover threshold detector to provide a first pulse, the trailing edge of which corresponds to the time at which the target's leading edge is coincident with the sensor centerline. Additional means provide a second pulse whose leading edge corresponds to the time at which the leading edge of the target is coincident with the centerline of the sensor.

Magnetic field sensor providing a movement detector

A magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and operates as a motion detector for sensing a rotation or other movement of a target object.

Method and apparatus for magnetic sensor producing a changing magnetic field

Methods and apparatus for detecting a magnetic field include a semiconductor substrate, a coil configured to provide a changing magnetic field in response to a changing current in the coil; and a magnetic field sensing element supported by the substrate. The coil receives the changing current and, in response, generates a changing magnetic field. The magnetic field sensing element detects the presence of a magnetic target by detecting changes to the magnetic field caused by the target and comparing them to an expected value.

Targets for coil actuated position sensors

An apparatus comprises a conductive material having varying thickness along its length, the varying thickness providing varying response along a length of the conductive material to a magnetic field having a non-zero frequency; wherein the magnetic field produces an eddy current in the conductive material which generates a reflected magnetic field, wherein the varying response causes the reflected magnetic field to vary in strength along the length of the conductive material. The apparatus may include one or more reference portions of conductive material.

Stray field immune coil-activated sensor

A magnetic field sensor includes: a substrate; a transmission coil formed on the substrate, the transmission coil being configured to generate a direct magnetic field; a sensing bridge that is formed on the substrate, the sensing bridge being configured to detect the direct magnetic field and a reflected magnetic field that is generated by a target, the reflected magnetic field being generated in response to eddy currents that are induced in the target by the direct magnetic field; a processing circuitry being configured to generate an output signal that is indicative of a position of the target, the output signal being generated by normalizing a first signal with respect to a second signal, the first signal being generated at least in part by using the sensing bridge, and the second signal being generated at least in part by using the sensing bridge, wherein the second signal is based on the detected direct magnetic field.

Method and apparatus for magnetic sensor producing a changing magnetic field

Methods and apparatus for detecting a magnetic field include a semiconductor substrate, a coil configured to provide a changing magnetic field in response to a changing current in the coil; and a magnetic field sensing element supported by the substrate. The coil receives the changing current and, in response, generates a changing magnetic field. The magnetic field sensing element detects the presence of a magnetic target by detecting changes to the magnetic field caused by the target and comparing them to an expected value.

Method and apparatus for magnetic sensor producing a changing magnetic field

Methods and apparatus for detecting a magnetic field include a semiconductor substrate, a coil configured to provide a changing magnetic field in response to a changing current in the coil; and a magnetic field sensing element supported by the substrate. The coil receives the changing current and, in response, generates a changing magnetic field. The magnetic field sensing element detects the presence of a magnetic target by detecting changes to the magnetic field caused by the target and comparing them to an expected value.

Magnetic field sensor providing a movement detector

A magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and operates as a motion detector for sensing a rotation or other movement of a target object.

Magnetic field sensor providing a movement detector

A magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and operates as a motion detector for sensing a rotation or other movement of a target object.

Magnetic field sensor providing a movement detector

A magnetic field sensor has a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements and operates as a motion detector for sensing a rotation or other movement of a target object.

Targets for coil actuated position sensors

Apparatus includes a first portion of conductive material having varying response to a generated magnetic field along a length of the conductive material, wherein the first portion of conductive material produces a varying eddy current and a varying reflected magnetic field, in response to the generated magnetic field. The apparatus further includes one or more reference portions of conductive material having a relatively invariable response to the generated magnetic field, wherein the reference portion of conductive material produces a relatively invariable eddy current and a relatively invariable reflected magnetic field in response to the generated magnetic field.

Reluctance type linear position detection device

This detection device comprises a coil section and a rod section which is capable of linear displacement relative to the coil section. The rod section has a magnetic substance portion changing reluctance of a magnetic circuit passing through the coil section in accordance with the linear displacement and a conductive substance portion provided in part of the rod section where the reluctance is caused to increase relatively in such a manner that an eddy current path will be formed relative to flux. By this arrangement, in places where reluctance increases due to absence of the magnetic substance, reluctance is caused to further increase by the eddy current loss produced by presence of the conductive substance portion whereby the secondary side induced voltage level is further attenuated and the accuracy of detection can be improved. The rod section may be so constructed as to produce only the reluctance change due to the conductive substance portion. This detection device is applicable to detection of a piston rod position of a fluid powered cylinder.

STAR INDUCTIVE SENSORS FOR DETECTION OF THE RADIAL POSITION OF A ROTOR IN A STATOR

In a rotary assembly comprising a rotor mounted in rotation in a stator about a mean axis or rotation, a radial position sensor comprises three induction sensors distributed in the stator substantially at 120° from one another around the rotor and equidistant from the mans axis of ration. The induction sensors are cabled in star connection with a common connection point, and are powered by a balanced three-phase sinusoidal voltage source with neutral point. The output voltage, present between the common connection point and the neutral point of the balanced three-phase sinusoidal voltage source, is processed by signal processing means which determine its amplitude and its phase relative to the voltage delivered by the balanced three-phase sinusoidal voltage source. Thus, from only three sensors, two signals are obtained constituting the amplitude image and the angular position of the radial displacement of the rotor gravity axis in the stator.

Star-connected sensor

In a rotary assembly comprising a rotor mounted in rotation in a stator about a mean axis of rotation, a radial position sensor comprises three induction sensors distributed in the stator substantially at 120° from one another around the rotor and equidistant from the mans axis of ration. The induction sensors are cabled in star connection with a common connection point, and are powered by a balanced three-phase sinusoidal voltage source with a neutral point. The output voltage, present between the common connection point and the neutral point of the balanced three-phase sinusoidal voltage source, is processed by signal processing means which determine its amplitude and its phase relative to the voltage delivered by the balanced three-phase sinusoidal voltage source. Thus, from only three sensors, two signals are obtained constituting the amplitude image and the angular position of the radial displacement of the rotor gravity axis in the stator.

平面电机动子位移测量装置及方法

一种平面电机动子位移测量装置及方法，所述方法是在平面电机动子上处于定子磁钢阵列形成的正弦磁场区域沿磁场两个互相垂直的运动方向在一个磁场极距τ内分别均匀布置两组磁通密度传感器，将四组传感器的采样信号分别经过信号处理电路作倍频运算，得到四个细分信号，再检测四个细分信号的过零点，生成两组正交脉冲信号，分别对两组正交脉冲信号的脉冲进行计数，并分别检测两组正交脉冲信号的相位差。本发明根据平面电机自身的磁场信息，将磁场空间周期τ细分，实现大行程高精度平面电机动子的位移测量。本发明可解决由于位移测量大行程高精度要求带来的计算方法复杂或硬件安装不便和测量装置总费用昂贵的问题。

SYNCHRONOUS MACHINE EQUIPPED WITH ANGULAR POSITION SENSOR

Induktiver Meßwertwandler für Längen- oder WinkelmeBwerte

Magnetic crash sensor

At least one time-varying signal (24) is applied to a plurality of coil elements (14) in cooperative relationship with and spanning different portions (18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.k) of a vehicle (12). The coil elements (14) generate an associated plurality of magnetic field components (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4, 30.k) that interact with the vehicle (12). At least one detection circuit (32, 32.1, 32.2) generates a detected signal (38) responsive to signal components from the coil elements (14) so as to provide for detecting a change in a magnetic condition of the vehicle (12).

Arrangement for using induction motor as a sensor to sense its own rotation when electrical power is not being supplied to it

In order to determine the angular movement of an induction motor, it is generally necessary to connect some kind of sensor in the form of a tachogernerator, resolver or encoder. Some variable-speed drives determine the angular movement with the help of the distortion in the waveshape generated by the drive when approaching a pole inside the induction motor. This new method of sensing is different in two ways: One, it uses the hardware of induction motor itself as a low-power alternator producing alternating-current output of frequency and voltage proportional to the rpm of the induction motor. Two, this method only works when the mains supply to the motor is removed either in a planned manner or accidentally. The method of self tachogeneration by an induction motor has been successfully utilized in the implementation of an uninterrupted power supply to keep supplying oil to a hydrostatic bearing in the case of sudden power failure. The use of this method ensured that the UPS only started inverting when receiving a signal from the induction motor rotating the large grinding wheels mounted on the bearing. In the case of the grinding wheels at a standstill the inverter of the UPS would not start in the case of a sudden rower failure. This property of an induction motor acting as a low-power alternator is due to some residual magnetism left in the ferromegnetic circuit of the squirrel-cage rotor. To implement this method, a changeover switch is required so that the low-power self tachogeneration by the induction motor does not get sunk in the lowf-impedence of the power mains. By using this new method, the direction of rotation and the amount of angular movement can be determined of any induction motor coming to a standstill after a mains holdup or rotating due to some external mechanical force on the rotor. An induction motor when not running can double up as a tachogenerator to sense some other movement in many machine-tool and industrial applications.