Delayed-start grid responsive load

A smart responsive electrical load (10) is operatively connectable to an electricity supply network (20). The said smart responsive electrical load (10) comprises an electrical power-consuming device (30) and a control arrangement (40) for controlling a supply of electrical power from the network (20) to the device (30). The control arrangement (60, 110, 150, 160, 170) is operable to impose a variable time delay (tp) before supplying electrical power to the device (30) after a request for power to be provided to the device (30). The variable time delay (tn) is a function of a state of the network (20), for example its frequency (t) and/or its voltage amplitude (V). Optionally, the device (30) is a battery charger, for example for use with a rechargeable electric vehicle. Beneficially, the smart responsive load (10) is supplied with electrical power from a population of micro-generation devices (500) operable to provide supply network response.

Position encoder

Vehicle power coupling apparatus

Vehicle power coupling apparatus

Smart responsive electrical load

System including a micro-generation device and a smart responsive load

Articles employing a magnetic security feature

Electric roadway having safety element

An electrical roadway apparatus is operable to provide inductively coupled power to one or more vehicles 30 equipped to receive the power. The apparatus includes one or more drive coil arrangements 40 disposed along a roadway 20 which are excitable to generate magnetic fields for being inductively received by the vehicles. The apparatus includes safety elements for monitoring operation of the drive coil arrangements and/or the vehicles and for preventing excitation of the drive coil arrangements in an event of a fault condition or an unsafe condition being detected. The safety elements may include a measuring arrangement to measure the leakage current through insulation of cables implementing the drive coil arrangements when subject to a test potential difference applied across the insulation. The safety element may include a measuring arrangement for measuring Q-factors of the drive coils to detect an unsafe or fault condition. The safety elements may include an arrangement to prevent ...

Inductive power coupling systems for roadways

Vehicle for receiving inductively coupled power having a power pickup arrangement pivotally attached to the vehicle

A vehicle power coupling apparatus 60, 80, 100 for a vehicle 30 includes a pickup coil arrangement 60 for receiving inductively coupled power, wherein the pickup arrangement 60 is supported by a plurality of pivotally-attached members 80 to the vehicle 30, such that the pickup coil arrangement 60 is operable to swing backwards in response to unevenness and/or debris 200 present upon and/or at an upper surface of a roadway 20 along which the vehicle 30 is operable to travel. An idle wheel or roller 90 may be provided at the front, middle or rear of a supporting frame. A shield 100 for the coil arrangement may be provided, which may have an outer and/or inner peripheral lip. The shield and/or support frame may have at least one hole in a central region thereof (fig 6).

Electrical roadway having theft prevention system

A theft prevention system 230 for an electrical roadway apparatus is provided. The electrical roadway apparatus provides inductive power coupling to one or more vehicles travelling on the roadway . The electrical roadway apparatus includes one or more drive units for exciting one or more drive coil arrangements 40 disposed in the roadway 220. The theft prevention system includes a sensing arrangement for detecting abrupt changes in one or more electrical characteristics of cables 310 employed to implement the drive coil arrangements, and a theft detection and notification arrangement for receiving signals from the sensing arrangement for detecting and notifying an event of theft to a security facility 100 for summoning assistance. Low frequency signal interrogation of the cables may be used to determine the electrical characteristics. The antitheft arrangement may comprise a conductor 320 running spatially concurrent with the drive coil conductors. The sensing arrangement may sense the ...

Monitoring and/or control system

Smart responsive electrical load

Electrical roadway apparatus

Catheter Device

Smart responsive electrical load

Network stabilisation using a micro-generation device

A system includes a micro generation device 500 and a smart responsive electrical load 10. The system generates electricity for supplying to an electrical supply network 20, wherein the micro-generation device 500 is adapted for functioning to supply energy to the smart responsive electrical load 10. The micro-generation device 500 is operable with a population of other micro-generation devices to provide stabilization of the supply network 20 in response to a physical parameter of the supply network 20. The stabilization is dependent upon a heat output and/or electrical power output of the micro-generation device 500. The smart responsive electrical load 10 is connected to the electricity supply network 20. The smart responsive electrical load 10 comprises an electrical power-consuming device (30, figure 1) and a control arrangement (40) for controlling a supply of electrical power from the network (20) to the power-consuming device (30). The control arrangement (60, 110, 150, 160, 170 ...

Electrical roadway with cables disposed in transverse slots

An electrical roadway apparatus 400 provides inductively coupled power to one or more vehicles. The apparatus includes drive unit modules 50 disposed along a peripheral edge of the roadway 20 and/or along a central reservation. Coil arrangements are coupled to the drive unit modules and implemented as cables 210 disposed in slots formed transversely across at least one lane of the roadway. The slots may be outwardly tapered with increasing depth into the roadway and filled with flexible polymeric plastics for retaining the cables within the slots (see fig. 4). The drive unit modules may be arranged end-on-end and coupled together 105. The cables may be arranged as a plurality of overlapping loops to provide continuous power transfer (see fig. 2A). The drive unit modules and/or the cables may be manufactured in factory premises remote from the roadway and transported to the roadway for installation.

Pick-up coil for vehicle having exposed exhaust pipe

A vehicle power coupling apparatus for a vehicle includes a pickup coil arrangement for receiving an alternating magnetic field applied to the vehicle for generating power to operate the vehicle. The apparatus further includes a shielding arrangement 70 for shielding a region including the pickup coil arrangement from an interior of the vehicle. The pickup coil arrangement includes one or more coils 180A, 180B whose magnetic axes 360 are substantially orthogonal to an elongate axis 370 of an exhaust pipe 300 of the vehicle. The exhaust pipe of the vehicle is substantially fully exposed, or substantially fully exposable, at an underside of the vehicle, thereby allowing for enhanced cooling when in operation and/or easier access for repair and/or maintenance. The shield may be provided with a peripheral lip 310 having a hole or slot 320 to accommodate the exhaust pipe. The shielding may be omitted in the vicinity of the exhaust pipe to improve cooling. The exhaust pipe may be associated with ...

An electricity meter and a method of manufacturing an electricity meter

Pick-up coil for electric vehicle having shield with access hole

A vehicle power coupling apparatus for a vehicle includes a pickup coil arrangement 210, 220, 160A, 160B for receiving alternating magnetic fields applied to the vehicle for generating power to operate the vehicle. The apparatus further includes a shield 70 for shielding a region including the pickup coil arrangement from an interior of the vehicle wherein a user of the vehicle is present when the vehicle is in operation. The shield includes at least one hole 300 therein for providing access to one or more components of the vehicle for working on the one or more components for example, an exhaust system of the vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric or hybrid electric vehicle. The shield may include downwardly directed peripheral lips 310, 320. The shield may be fabricated from a non-ferromagnetic electrically conductive material, and may be fabricated from metal sheet and/or metal mesh.

Inductive power coupling for rail-guided electric vehicles

A transport system 110 for transporting passengers and/or freight includes a guide rail arrangement 70 for guiding one or more vehicles 20A, 20B. The system includes an inductive power coupling arrangement 120, 130 for coupling power in a non-contact inductive manner to the one or more vehicles. One or more stationary inductive power coupling apparatus 130 is disposed along at least one side of a lane of the guide rail arrangement, extending upwardly for projecting an alternating magnetic field towards one or more side regions of the vehicles. One or more vehicle inductive power coupling apparatus 120 is disposed along one or more sides of the vehicles for receiving power from the stationary inductive power coupling apparatus. The stationary power coupling apparatus my be disposed in a manner akin to a fence arrangement along at least one side of the guide rail arrangement.

Magnetic latching actuator

A magnetic latching actuator operable to control the movement of at least a first contact and second contact between a closed position in which the contacts physically engage each other and an open position in which the contacts are spaced from each other. The magnetic latching actuator includes first and second stationary permanent magnets oriented such that the first magnetic field created by the first magnet and the second magnetic field created by the second magnet are in opposite directions. An actuation coil surrounds both the first and second magnets. Current is supplied to the actuation coil in a first direction to create a first magnetic field or a second direction to create a second actuation magnetic field opposite the first actuation magnetic field. A yoke is movable relative to the first and second magnets to cause the first and second contacts to move between the open and closed positions.

Antipilferage markers

Optical switch

An electricity meter and an insulating carrier for a sensor component of an electricity meter

An electricity meter comprises a conductor (17, 18) having a substantially planar surface; and a carrier (24-1) for carrying a sensor component (20, 22) for enabling detection of current flowing in the conductor, wherein the carrier is spaced from the planar surface of the conductor by an arrangement of at least three spacing elements (42-1, 42-2, 42-3). The spacing elements may project from the carrier or from the substantially planar surface of the conductor.

Shielded inductive power coupling for an electric vehicle

An electrical vehicle power coupling apparatus receives and converts an alternating magnetic field into electrical power for recharging and/or for providing motive power to a vehicle 30. A pickup coil 100, 110 receives the alternating magnetic field and is implemented as a plurality of elongate cable bunches (fig 4, 160). Shield 70 shields a region above the shield 70, remote from the at least one pickup coil 100, from the alternating magnetic field. The cable bunches can have axes that are elongate in the direction of the vehicle travel; be identical; and be coupled together by disconnectable connectors (fig 4, 230, 260) to enable them to be replaced when damaged. The pickup coil 100, 110 can resonate at its fundamental frequency and have a capacitor (fig 2, 110) in series with each turn. The coils can be planar; inclined having a greater height at the vehicle front; and supported by a deformable support (fig 3, 150) to withstand impact. The support can be retractable to retract the coil ...

Inductive power transfer for roadways

An inductive power transfer system 10 includes at least one drive unit 50 coupled to at least one drive coil 40 disposed along a roadway 20 for generating a magnetic field extending upwardly from the roadway. At least one vehicle 30 includes a corresponding pickup coil 60 coupled to a power conditioning circuit 80 for receiving the extending magnetic field to provide power to the vehicle. The drive unit excites, for example at resonance, the drive coil at a fundamental frequency of at least 30kHz. The drive coil is substantially devoid of ferromagnetic components for providing a path for the extending magnetic field. The drive unit may employ a balanced class-E amplifier for exciting the drive coil at the fundamental frequency. The drive unit may employ one or more Silicon Carbide semiconductor devices for switching the currents provided to the corresponding drive coils. A passive and/or active suppression arrangement may be provided for suppressing harmonic magnetic field components generated ...

Machine readable and visually verifiable security threads an d security papers employing same

Position encoder

ANTIPILFERAGE MARKERS

Verifier device for a magnetic security thread

METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR SURVEILLANCE AND DETECTION USING MAGNETIC MARKERS

Bio-assay technique

Verifier device for magnetic security thread

ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW SENSOR

Articles employing magnetic security feature

ENGINE THROTTLE CONTROL WITH BRAKE BOOSTER

Methods and systems are provided for reducing variability in air-fuel control due to variations in brake booster vacuum levels at an engine start. A throttle position is adjusted during an engine start based on the vacuum availability in the brake booster to control a rate of intake aircharge flow. By allowing aircharge to enter the intake manifold at a more consistent rate, air-fuel control is improved and exhaust emissions are reduced. 1. A method for starting an engine , comprising:positioning a throttle based on a vacuum reservoir pressure during a start.2. The method of wherein the vacuum reservoir pressure includes a brake booster pressure.3. The method of wherein the brake booster pressure includes a brake booster pressure level while the engine is at rest claim 2 , and wherein the throttle is further positioned based on barometric pressure.4. The method of wherein the brake booster pressure includes a brake booster pressure level before fuel injection for the start commences.5. The method of wherein the throttle is positioned more closed for higher absolute brake booster pressure levels.6. The method of wherein the brake booster is in pneumatic communication with the intake manifold solely via a single check valve.7. The method of wherein the throttle is positioned more closed for higher initial absolute pressures in the reservoir before the start claim 1 , and is positioned more open for lower initial absolute pressures in the reservoir before the start.8. The method of further comprising adjusting cam timing during an engine start responsive to the brake booster pressure before the start.9. The method of further comprising temporarily holding the throttle fully closed during the start before positioning the throttle to at least partially open claim 2 , a degree of the opening based on the brake booster pressure.10. The method of further comprising adjusting an ignition timing for each of a plurality of combustion events counted from the first combustion ...

CURRENT SENSOR ARRANGEMENT

A current sensor arrangement comprises plural sensor elements arranged around a centre point, each of the sensor elements having a plane of zero sensitivity to uniform magnetic fields. A first one () of the sensor elements has a first angular separation (X) relative to the centre point from a second, adjacent sensor element () and a second angular separation (X) relative to the centre point from a third, adjacent sensor element (). The first angular separation is less than the second angular separation. An intercept (I) of the planes of the first and third sensor elements is located outside a triangle formed by the centre point and the first and third sensor elements and an intercept (I) of the planes of the first and second sensor elements is located inside a triangle formed by the centre point and the first and second sensor elements. 15.-. (canceled)6. A sensor arrangement comprising plural sensor elements arranged around a centre point , each of the sensor elements having a plane of zero sensitivity to uniform magnetic fields , a first angular separation between a position of a dipole provided by a first one of the sensor elements and a position of a dipole provided by a second , adjacent sensor element being less than a second angular separation between the position of the dipole provided by the first one of the sensor elements and a position of a dipole provided by a third , adjacent sensor element , the first and second angular separations being relative to the centre point of the arrangement ,wherein an intercept of the planes of the first and third sensor elements is located outside a triangle formed by the centre point and the first and third sensor elements and wherein an intercept of the planes of the first and second sensor elements is located inside a triangle formed by the centre point and the first and second sensor elements.7. The sensor arrangement of claim 6 , wherein the first to third sensor elements are provided such that each exactly meets the ...

MAGNETIC SENSOR

A magnetic sensor for discriminating between high and low coercivity magnets is disclosed. The sensor comprises a first magnetic field operable to orient high and low coercivity magnets in a first magnetic orientation. The sensor also comprises a second magnetic field, lower in strength than the first magnetic field, and operable to orient only the low coercivity magnets in a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation. The sensor further comprises a sensor for ascertaining the magnetic orientation of each of the magnets and thereby identifying if a magnet is a high coercivity magnet or a low coercivity magnet. 1. A magnetic sensor for discriminating between high and low coercivity magnets , the sensor comprising:(i) a first magnetic field operable to orient high and low coercivity magnets in a first magnetic orientation;(ii) a second magnetic field, lower in strength than the first magnetic field, and operable to orient only the low coercivity magnets in a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation; and(iii) a sensor for ascertaining the magnetic orientation of each of the magnets and thereby identifying if a magnet is a high coercivity magnet or a low coercivity magnet.2. A magnetic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor for ascertaining the magnetic orientation of each of the magnets comprises a fluxgate sensor.3. A magnetic sensor according to claim 2 , wherein the fluxgate sensor comprises a printed circuit board (pcb) having a plurality of track layers.4. A magnetic sensor according to claim 3 , wherein the pcb also defines a plurality of vias extending therethrough claim 3 , and a plurality of tracks claim 3 , each track spiralling around a via to provide a coil.5. A magnetic sensor according to claim 4 , wherein the fluxgate sensor also comprises a plurality of microwires claim 4 , each microwire located in a via and oriented normal to the pcb track layers.6. A magnetic sensor according to ...

SOLENOID ACTUATOR

A short travel solenoid actuator () is disclosed which comprises at least one pole piece (), an armature (), an electromagnet coil () arranged, in response to energisation, to actuate the armature between first and second positions. A permanent magnet () is positioned and orientated so as to latch the armature in the first and second positions when the armature is in the first and second positions respectively. A spring () is arranged to bias the armature. 1. A short travel solenoid actuator comprising:at least one pole piece;an armature;an electromagnet coil arranged, in response to energisation, to cause travel of the armature between first and second positions;a permanent magnet positioned and orientated so as to latch the armature in the first and second positions when the armature is in the first and second positions respectively; anda spring arranged to bias the armature and configured to provide sufficient force so as to prevent the armature from latching in second position.2. An actuator according to claim 1 , wherein the spring has a spring constant claim 1 , k (N/μm) claim 1 , of at least 20 Ncm×A/t claim 1 , where A is the active area of a pole piece in cmand t is the gap length in μm between the armature and a pole piece.3. An actuator according to claim 2 , wherein the spring has a spring constant claim 2 , k claim 2 , of at least 40 Ncm×A/t.4. An actuator according to claim 2 , wherein the active area A is between 0.2 cmand 5 cm.5. An actuator according to claim 1 , wherein the spring delivers a spring force having a direction which reverses with travel.6. An actuator according to claim 1 , wherein the spring comprises a flexure or a set of flexures.7. An actuator according to claim 6 , wherein the or each flexure is flat sheet flexure having a length claim 6 , width and a thickness claim 6 , wherein the length is greater than the thickness and wherein direction of travel lies along the length of the flexure.8. An actuator according to claim 1 , ...

ENGINE THROTTLE CONTROL WITH BRAKE BOOSTER

Methods and systems are provided for reducing variability in air-fuel control due to variations in brake booster vacuum levels at an engine start. A throttle position is adjusted during an engine start based on the vacuum availability in the brake booster to control a rate of intake aircharge flow. By allowing aircharge to enter the intake manifold at a more consistent rate, air-fuel control is improved and exhaust emissions are reduced. 122-. (canceled)23. A method for starting an engine , comprising:positioning a throttle based on a brake booster vacuum reservoir pressure during a start, the pressure including a brake booster pressure level while the engine is at rest, the throttle being further positioned based on barometric pressure.24. The method of wherein the brake booster pressure includes a brake booster pressure level before fuel injection for the start commences.25. The method of wherein the throttle is positioned more closed for higher absolute brake booster pressure levels.26. The method of wherein the brake booster is in pneumatic communication with the intake manifold solely via a single check valve.27. The method of wherein the throttle is positioned more closed for higher initial absolute pressures in the reservoir before the start claim 23 , and is positioned more open for lower initial absolute pressures in the reservoir before the start.28. The method of further comprising adjusting cam timing during an engine start responsive to the brake booster pressure before the start.29. The method of further comprising temporarily holding the throttle fully closed during the start before positioning the throttle to at least partially open claim 23 , a degree of the opening based on the brake booster pressure.30. The method of further comprising adjusting an ignition timing for each of a plurality of combustion events counted from the first combustion event of the start claim 23 , the ignition timing adjusted based on the brake booster pressure identified ...

Mutual Inductance-Type Current Sensing

Mutual inductance-type current sensing apparatus () is described which includes a mutual inductance current sensor () having a first transfer function. The apparatus () also includes a low-pass filter () which receives a signal from the current sensor (). The low-pass filter () has a second transfer function configured to attenuate one or more harmonic components of the signal. The apparatus () also includes an analogue-to-digital converter () which receives and digitises a filtered signal output from the low-pass filter. The apparatus () also includes a controller () configured to process a digitised signal from the analogue-to-digital converter () using a digital processing chain configured to compensate for the frequency and phase responses of the first transfer function and the second transfer function. 1. Apparatus comprising:a mutual inductance current sensor having a first transfer function;a low-pass filter which receives a signal from the current sensor, the low-pass filter having a second transfer function configured to attenuate one or more harmonic components of the signal;an analogue-to-digital converter which receives and digitises a filtered signal output from the low-pass filter;a controller configured to process a digitised signal from the analogue-to-digital converter using a digital processing chain configured to compensate for the frequency and phase responses of the first transfer function and the second transfer function;wherein the apparatus is for measuring a signal corresponding to an alternating current having a fundamental frequency and wherein the apparatus is configured to measure up to a predetermined harmonic of the fundamental frequency;wherein the second transfer function of the low-pass filter has a −3 dB corner frequency which lies between the fundamental frequency and the predetermined harmonic.2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the digital processing chain comprises a first digital filter stage having a third transfer ...

Electricity Meter

An electricity meter () is described which includes a conductor () for transferring energy from a supply () to a load (). The electricity meter () also includes a multi-layer printed circuit board () mechanically attached to the conductor (). The multi-layer printed circuit board () includes two or more insulating layers (). The two or more insulating layers () include a first insulating layer () having an attachment surface () facing the conductor (). The multi-layer printed circuit board () also includes a first conductive layer () including a first planar sensor coil (). The first insulating layer () is between the first conductive layer () and the conductor (). The multi-layer printed circuit board () also includes a second conductive layer () including a second planar sensor coil (). The multi-layer printed circuit board () also includes a second insulating layer () between the first () and second () conductive layers. The first planar sensor coil () and the second planar sensor coil () are electrically connected to one another by a buried via (), or the first planar sensor coil () and the second planar sensor coil () are electrically connected to one another by a blind via () extending inwards from a back surface () of the multi-layer printed circuit board (), the back surface () being opposed to the attachment surface (). 1. An electricity meter comprising:a conductor for transferring energy from a supply to a load;a multi-layer printed circuit board mechanically attached to the conductor, the multi-layer printed circuit board comprising:two or more insulating layers, the two or more insulating layers comprising a first insulating layer having an attachment surface facing the conductor, wherein the attachment surface is mechanically attached to the conductor directly or indirectly;a first conductive layer comprising a first planar sensor coil, wherein the first insulating layer is between the first conductive layer and the conductor;a second conductive layer ...

SOLENOID-BASED FUEL INJECTOR

A solenoid-based fuel injector is described. The fuel injector comprises a tubular body () comprising a magnetic material and an armature () disposed inside the tubular body. The tubular body has an integrally-formed, inwardly-projecting shelf () configured to provide a pole piece. 234-. (canceled)35. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein higher valve opening forces are available due to stretching of the rod or needle.36. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein the rod or needle has a diameter of about 0.5 mm.37. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein the rod or needle is a needle which is hollow with a thin wall thickness.38. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein the rod or needle is sufficiently thin so as to be stretchable during operation.39. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein the rod or needle comprises a high-tensile steel.40. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein the rod or needle has a length between 20 and 70 mm.41. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein the armature and the rod or needle are fixed together.42. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein the rod or needle is configured such that the armature accelerates before the valve opens.43. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein the rod or needle is configured such that the armature applies force within 100 μsec before the valve opens.44. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein the rod or needle is configured such that the armature applies force in less than a quarter claim 1 , less than a half claim 1 , less than a third of the spring mass system's natural period before the valve opens.45. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein damping is provided for the valve sealing element.46. The solenoid-based fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein damping is provided for the valve sealing element by a closely-fitting sleeve.47. The solenoid-based fuel ...

Solenoid Actuator

A solenoid actuator is described. The solenoid actuator comprises an armature, pole piece(s), electromagnet coil(s) arranged, in response to energisation, to cause travel of the armature between first and second positions along a direction of travel, permanent magnet(s) positioned and orientated for latching the armature in at least the first position when the armature is in the first position and spring(s) arranged to bias the armature. The solenoid actuator can be operated to provide partial lift.

Centrifugal pump unit

A centrifugal pump unit ( 1 ) is disclosed having a body ( 4 ) that includes a suction connection ( 5 ), a pressure connection ( 6 ) and a pump chamber ( 7 ) connecting the suction and pressure connections. The centrifugal pump unit further includes an impeller ( 8 ) disposed in the pump chamber and at least one electromagnetic flow sensor ( 3 ) arranged to measure flow in at least a part of the suction connection and/or pressure connection and/or pump chamber for determining a flow rate of a fluid through the centrifugal pump unit or for determining a control signal equivalent of the flow rate for control purposes.

Electrical Connection for Transferring Signals Wile Reducing Interference

Apparatus () is described including one or more signal sources (). The apparatus () also includes a measurement front end () having at least first (+V)) and second (−V) inputs. The apparatus () also includes a substantially planar connector () having a length (L) between first () and second () ends and supporting a number of conductors () spanning between the first () and second () ends. At each point between the first () and second () ends the conductors () are substantially equi-spaced from one another within the substantially planar connector (). The conductors () include at least one signal conductor () connecting the signal sources () to the first input (+V). The conductors () also include at least two further conductors () connecting to the one or more signal sources (). One or both of the two further conductors () also connect to the second input (−V). Each of the at least one signal conductor () and the at least two further conductors () belongs to one or more closed loops. The one or more closed loops have areas and impedances configured such that in response to a uniform time-varying external magnetic field being applied to the apparatus, a first unwanted electromotive force induced at the first input (+V) will be substantially equal to a second unwanted electromotive force induced at the second input (−V). 1. Apparatus comprising:one or more signal sources;a measurement front end having at least first and second inputs;a substantially planar connector having a length between first and second ends and supporting a plurality of conductors spanning between the first and second ends, wherein at each point between the first and second ends the conductors are substantially equi-spaced from one another within the substantially planar connector, wherein the plurality of conductors comprises:at least one signal conductor connecting the signal sources to the first input;at least two further conductors connecting to the one or more signal sources, wherein one or ...

Sensors

A current sensor comprises a first component comprising plural coils. Each coil comprises one or more turns printed on at least one planar surface of a respective substrate, and the planes of the coils are parallel to one another and are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first component. A second component comprises soft magnetic material and has first and second planar faces that are at opposite ends of the first component and are arranged perpendicularly to and are intersected by the longitudinal axis of the first component. 1. A sensor comprising: each coil comprises one or more turns printed on at least one planar surface of a respective substrate, and', 'the planes of the coils are parallel to one another and are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first component; and', 'a second component comprising soft magnetic material and having first and second planar faces that are at opposite ends of the first component and are arranged perpendicularly to and are intersected by the longitudinal axis of the first component., 'a first component comprising plural coils, wherein2. A sensor as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a separation between adjacent coils is approximately the same for all coils of the first component.3. A sensor as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the coils of the first component each include the same number of turns and have the same area on the substrate.4. A sensor as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the second component comprises a U-shaped soft magnetic component and wherein the first and second faces are parallel faces within the mouth of the U.5. A sensor as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the second component is separable from the first component so as to allow a conductor to be introduced into the U before the second component is placed within the mouth of the U of the second component.6. A sensor as claimed in claim 4 , wherein a separation between adjacent coils is approximately the same for all coils of the first component and wherein a ...

ULTRASONIC FLOW RATE METERING

A method for an ultrasonic time-of-flight flow meter () includes driving an ultrasonic transducer () using a first waveform (V(t)) for a first duration (Δt), the first waveform (V(t)) configured to cause oscillation () of the ultrasonic transducer (). The method also includes driving the ultrasonic transducer () using a second waveform (V(t)) for a second duration (Δt). There is a discontinuity between the first waveform (V(t)) and the second waveform (V(t)). The second waveform (V(t)) and the second duration (Δt) are configured to maintain a voltage (V(t)) across the ultrasonic transducer () within a predetermined range (V, V). 1. A method for an ultrasonic time-of-flight flow meter , comprising:driving an ultrasonic transducer using a first waveform for a first duration, the first waveform configured to cause oscillation of the ultrasonic transducer;driving the ultrasonic transducer using a second waveform for a second duration, wherein there is a discontinuity between the first waveform and the second waveform, and wherein the second waveform and the second duration are configured to maintain a voltage across the ultrasonic transducer within a predetermined range.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the second duration is configured to be sufficiently long to allow an oscillation energy of the transducer to reduce to a level whereby the voltage across the ultrasonic transducer will remain within the predetermined range after the end of the second duration.3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined range is a designed for driving voltage range of the ultrasonic transducer claim 1 , or the designed for driving voltage range of the ultrasonic transducer plus an overvoltage tolerance.4. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined range is a rail-to-rail voltage of a further component which is connected to the ultrasonic transducer claim 1 , or the rail-to-rail voltage of the further component plus an overvoltage tolerance.5. A ...

Electricity meter

An electricity meter includes a converter configured to synchronously modulate current and voltage measurement signals and output synchronously-modulated current and voltage measurement signals and also includes a measurement module configured to receive the synchronously-modulated current and voltage measurement signals from the converter and to process the synchronously-modulated current and voltage measurement signals 1. An electricity meter comprising:a converter configured to synchronously modulate current and voltage measurement signals and output synchronously-modulated current and voltage measurement signals wherein the converter comprises current and voltage measurement signals, respectively, and to output the synchronously-modulated current and voltage measurement signals. respectively; anda measurement module configured to receive the synchronously-modulated current and voltage measurement signals from the converter and to process the synchronously-modulated current and voltage measurement signals, wherein the measurement module comprises: first and second analog-to-digital converters for digitizing the synchronously-modulated current and voltage measurement signals. respectively and outputting digitized, synchronously-modulated current and voltage measurement signals.2. The electricity meter of claim 1 , wherein the converter comprises:a source of a time-varying signal used for synchronously modulating the current and voltage measurement signals.3. The electricity meter of claim 2 , wherein the time-varying signal has at least one component that is fixed in frequency claim 2 , or at least one component that varies in frequency claim 2 , or at least one component that is fixed in frequency and at least one component that varies in frequency.4. (canceled)5. (canceled)6. The electricity meter . wherein the converter is configured not to modulate or to modulate on average less than 10% of time at a fundamental frequency or a harmonic frequency of 50 claim 1 ...

An Electricity Meter and an Insulating Carrier for a Sensor Component of an Electricity Meter

An electricity meter comprises a conductor having a substantially planar surface; and a carrier for carrying a sensor component for enabling detection of current flowing in the conductor, wherein the carrier is spaced from the planar surface of the conductor by an arrangement of at least three spacing elements. The spacing elements may project from the carrier or from the substantially planar surface of the conductor. 1. An electricity meter comprising:a conductor comprising a circulation part having a substantially planar surface, the circulation part causing current flowing therein to travel a substantially circular path;a sensor component for enabling detection of current flowing in the conductor; anda connection arrangement configured to mechanically secure the sensor component relative to the circulation part and to urge the sensor component towards the conductor, the connection arrangement comprising an insulating carrier for carrying the sensor component, the insulating carrier being positioned adjacent to the planar surface of the circulation part,wherein the insulating carrier is spaced from the planar surface of the circulation part by an arrangement of at least three spacing elements, the connection arrangement and the spacing elements being configured to maintain a constant separation between the insulating carrier and the circulation part at the locations of the spacing elements in an event of flexing of the conductor.2. (canceled)3. The electricity meter of claim 1 , wherein the spacing elements project from the substantially planar surface of the circulation part.4. The electricity meter of claim 1 , wherein the sensor component comprises a conductive track provided on a printed circuit board.5. The electricity meter of claim 1 , wherein the carrier comprises a printed circuit board having the sensor component provided thereon.6. (canceled)7. The electricity meter of claim 1 , wherein the circulation part comprises an elongate aperture extending from ...

SENSOR AND/OR POWER HARVESTING APPARATUS HAVING A WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE FOR RESPONDING TO A DRIVING ROTATIONAL INPUT

Sensor and/or power-harvesting apparatus are provided for sensing and/or harvesting energy across a relatively wide dynamic range of a driving rotational input. The apparatus may include a rotor magnet () responsive to a driving rotational input (). Utilization of a togging effect or a magnetic spring effect results in certain rapid-rotation events where the rotor magnet can rapidly rotate regardless of a low rate of rotation of the driving rotational input. A coil assembly () is magnetically coupled to the rotor magnet to generate a signal in response to rotation of the rotor magnet during the rapid-rotation events. This signal may be used to harvest electrical energy and/or may be processed to determine characteristics of the driving rotational input. 1. A sensor apparatus comprising:a rotor assembly comprising a rotor magnet responsive to a driving rotational input;a pole-piece assembly magnetically coupled to the rotor magnet and having a pole-piece configured to effect a respective detent torque in at least two detent locations, wherein, as the driving rotational input rotates beyond a threshold angle said detent torque is overcome, which causes the rotor magnet to angularly accelerate towards the other one of said at least two detent locations irrespective of a relatively low rate of rotation of the driving rotational input;a coil assembly magnetically coupled to the rotor magnet and the pole-piece assembly to generate a signal in response to rotation of the rotor magnet between said at least two detent locations; anda processor responsive to the signal from the coil assembly to determine data indicative of at least one characteristic of the rotational input.2. The sensor apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the driving rotational input is effected by a fluid flow and said at least one characteristic of the rotational input comprises one or more of the following: a flow rate of the fluid flow claim 1 , a quantity of flow over a period of time and a direction of the ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A STOP/START ENGINE

Systems and methods for improving operation of a vehicle are presented. In one example, automatic engine stopping is inhibited in response to a driver communicating a desire to not automatically stop an engine. The driver communicates intentions to allow or inhibit automatic engine stopping via a brake pedal. 1. A method for operating an engine , comprising:inhibiting automatic engine stopping in response to a secondary application of vehicle brakes following an initial application of vehicle brakes, the secondary application of vehicle brakes occurring after the initial application of vehicle brakes and without vehicle brakes being fully released.2. The method of claim 1 , where inhibiting automatic engine stopping causes the engine to continue combusting air and fuel mixtures during conditions where automatic engine stopping is otherwise allowed.3. The method of claim 1 , where the secondary application of vehicle brakes following the initial application of vehicle brakes includes changing a brake pedal position by more than a threshold amount.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising not inhibiting automatic engine stopping when changing the brake pedal position by less than the threshold amount.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising inhibiting automatic engine stopping in response to a plurality of brake applications of vehicle brakes while the vehicle brakes are activated.6. The method of claim 5 , where the plurality of brake applications comprises depressing a brake pedal a plurality of times.7. The method of claim 1 , where vehicle brakes are fully released when the brake pedal is fully released.8. A method for operating an engine claim 1 , comprising:inhibiting automatic engine stopping in response to a secondary application of vehicle brakes following an initial application of vehicle brakes, the secondary application of vehicle brakes occurring after the initial application of vehicle brakes and without vehicle brakes being fully released; ...

INSERT-TYPE ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW METER

An insert-type electromagnetic flow sensor is disclosed. The flow sensor comprises an insert (), first and second electrodes () supported on opposite sides of the insert and a drive coil () housed in the insert. The drive coil is offset from a midpoint () between the first and second electrodes and/or a width of the drive coil between the first and second opposite sides at least partially overlaps with respective inner portions of the first and second electrodes. The drive coil includes at least five turns. 2. The flow sensor of claim 1 , wherein the insert has a width between the opposite sides greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm claim 1 , greater than 2 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm or greater than 3 mm and less than or equal to 4.5 mm.3. The flow sensor of claim 1 , wherein the first and second electrodes comprise first and second stubs respectively claim 1 , each stub comprising a disc having a centre and a shaft extending away claim 1 , perpendicularly claim 1 , from the centre of the disc.4. The flow sensor of claim 3 , wherein the first and second electrodes are each seated in a respective stepped hole in the insert claim 3 , each step hole having an annular step.5. (canceled)7. The flow sensor of claim 1 , wherein the insert has a length less than or equal to 25 mm and/or between 8 mm and 25 mm and/or between 9 mm and 17 mm.8. The flow sensor of claim 1 , wherein the insert is insertable through a hole having a diameter less than or equal to 15 mm and/or between 5 mm and 15 mm or less than or equal to 10.7 mm and/or between 5 mm and 10.7 mm.9. The flow sensor of claim 1 , wherein the insert is elongate along a longitudinal axis and the drive coil is wound around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.10. (canceled)11. The flow sensor of claim 1 , wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged to be co-axial on a centre line claim 1 , the flow sensor arranged so that when inserted into a flow claim 1 , the centre line is ...

Solenoid actuator

A short travel solenoid actuator () is disclosed which comprises at least one pole piece (), an armature (), an electromagnet coil () arranged, in response to energisation, to actuate the armature between first and second positions. A permanent magnet () is positioned and orientated so as to latch the armature in the first and second positions when the armature is in the first and second positions respectively. A spring () is arranged to bias the armature. 1. (canceled)2. A method of operating a fuel injector which comprises a solenoid actuator comprising at least one pole piece , an armature , an electromagnet coil arranged , in response to energisation , to cause travel of the armature from a first , closed position towards a second , fully-open position , a permanent magnet positioned and orientated so as to magnetically latch the armature in the first and second positions when the armature is in the first and second positions respectively and a spring arranged to bias the armature and configured to provide sufficient force so as to prevent the armature from latching in the second position , the method comprising:using closed-loop control.3. A method according to claim 2 , wherein using the closed-loop control comprises:using closed-loop position control.4. A method according to claim 2 , wherein using the closed loop control is used to control partial opening of the fuel injector.5. A method according to claim 2 , wherein using the closed-loop position control comprises:using a flux measurement loop.6. A method according to claim 2 , wherein the closed loop control is usable to supress bounce by slowing the armature before contact with at least one end stop.7. A method according to claim 2 , wherein current is passable in the electromagnet coil in either of two directions.8. A method according to claim 3 , wherein using the closed loop position control is used to control a variable valve lift of the fuel injector. This application is a continuation of U.S. ...

MAGNETIC SENSOR

A magnetic sensor for discriminating between high and low coercivity magnets is disclosed. The sensor comprises a first magnetic field operable to orient high and low coercivity magnets in a first magnetic orientation. The sensor also comprises a second magnetic field, lower in strength than the first magnetic field, and operable to orient only the low coercivity magnets in a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation. The sensor further comprises a sensor for ascertaining the magnetic orientation of each of the magnets and thereby identifying if a magnet is a high coercivity magnet or a low coercivity magnet. 1. A magnetic sensor for discriminating between high and low coercivity magnets , the sensor comprising:(i) a first magnetic field operable to orient high and low coercivity magnets in a first magnetic orientation;(ii) a second magnetic field, lower in strength than the first magnetic field, and operable to orient only the low coercivity magnets in a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation; and(iii) a sensor for ascertaining the magnetic orientation of each of the magnets and thereby identifying if a magnet is a high coercivity magnet or a low coercivity magnet.2. A magnetic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor for ascertaining the magnetic orientation of each of the magnets comprises a fluxgate sensor.3. A magnetic sensor according to claim 2 , wherein the fluxgate sensor comprises a printed circuit board (pcb) having a plurality of track layers.4. A magnetic sensor according to claim 3 , wherein the pcb also defines a plurality of vias extending therethrough claim 3 , and a plurality of tracks claim 3 , each track spiraling around a via to provide a coil.5. A magnetic sensor according to claim 4 , wherein the fluxgate sensor also comprises a plurality of microwires claim 4 , each microwire located in a via and oriented normal to the pcb track layers.6. A magnetic sensor according to claim ...

INDUCTIVE POWER COUPLING SYSTEMS FOR ROADWAYS

This invention relates to a wireless vehicle recharging apparatus for an energy storage element of a vehicle. The apparatus has at least one drive unit arrangement coupled to at least one drive coil arrangement disposed for generating a magnetic field extending from the drive coil arrangement, and includes a corresponding vehicle-mounted pickup coil arrangement coupled to a power conditioning circuit arrangement for receiving the extending magnetic field. The drive unit arrangement is operable to excite the drive coil arrangement at a fundamental frequency and the drive coil arrangement is implemented to be substantially devoid of ferromagnetic components for providing a path for the extending magnetic field. Additional aspects of the invention relate to vehicle power coupling apparatus including pickup coil arrangements. 1. A wireless vehicle recharging apparatus for providing recharging power to an energy storage element of a vehicle , the apparatus comprising at least one drive unit arrangement coupled to at least one drive coil arrangement disposed for generating a magnetic field extending from the at least one drive coil arrangement , and includes a corresponding vehicle-mounted pickup coil arrangement coupled to a power conditioning circuit arrangement for receiving the extending magnetic field for providing power to recharge the energy storage element , and wherein:{'sub': '0', '(i) the at least one drive unit arrangement is operable to excite the at least one drive coil arrangement at a fundamental frequency (f) of at least 30 kHz; and'}(ii) the at least one drive coil arrangement is implemented to be substantially devoid of ferromagnetic components for providing a path for the extending magnetic field.2. A wireless vehicle recharging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one drive unit arrangement is operable to excite the at least one drive coil arrangement at a fundamental frequency (f) of at least 50 kHz.3. A wireless vehicle recharging ...

Electromagnetic flow sensor

An electromagnetic flow sensor for an electromagnetic flow meter ( 201 ) is disclosed. The sensor comprises a body ( 204 ) or frame, a flow passage ( 252 ) through the body or frame, a part of a magnetic circuit ( 248, 295 ) supported by the body or frame for applying a magnetic field across the flow passage, and at least first and second electrodes ( 298 ) supported by the body or frame, the at least first and second electrodes arranged to sense a voltage in response to a conductive fluid flowing through the flow passage. At least a portion of the body supporting the magnetic circuit part and the at least first and second electrodes is configured to be insertable into a flow tube ( 206 ) through a single aperture in the flow tube.

INDUCTIVE POWER COUPLING SYSTEMS FOR ROADWAYS

An inductive power transfer system () for roadways includes at least one drive unit arrangement () coupled to at least one drive coil arrangement () disposed along a roadway () for generating a magnetic field extending upwardly from the roadway (), and at least one vehicle () including a corresponding pickup coil arrangement () coupled to a power conditioning circuit arrangement () for receiving the extending magnetic field for providing power to operate the at least one vehicle (). The at least one drive unit arrangement () is operable to excite, for example at resonance, the at least one drive coil arrangement () at a fundamental frequency (f) of at least 30 kHz, preferably at least 50 kHz, more preferably at least 100 kHz, and most preferably at least 140 kHz. The at least one drive coil arrangement () is implemented to be substantially devoid of ferromagnetic components for providing a path for the extending magnetic field. Optionally, the at least one drive unit arrangement () is operable to employ a balanced class-E amplifier arrangement for exciting the at least one drive coil arrangement () at the fundamental frequency (f). Optionally, the at least one drive unit arrangement () is operable to employ one or more Silicon Carbide semiconductor devices for switching the currents provided to the corresponding at least one drive coil arrangement (). Optionally, there is further included a passive and/or active suppression arrangement () for suppressing harmonic magnetic field components generated by the system () at multiples of the fundamental frequency (f) when in operation. 1. An inductive power transfer system for roadways , the system comprising at least one drive unit arrangement coupled to at least one drive coil arrangement disposed along a roadway for generating a magnetic field extending upwardly from the roadway , and at least one vehicle including a corresponding pickup coil arrangement coupled to a power conditioning circuit arrangement for receiving ...

Flexible Current Sensor Arrangement

A flexible current sensor arrangement comprises a plurality of discrete current sensing elements distributed along an elongate flexible carrier. An elongate flexible member for a current sensor arrangement comprises a plurality of carrying portions linked to one another by hinge portions, each carrying portion being configured for receiving a discrete current sensing element. A method of manufacturing a flexible current sensor arrangement comprises providing an elongate flexible carrier, and distributing a plurality of discrete sensing elements along the elongate flexible carrier. 1. A flexible current sensor arrangement comprising a plurality of discrete current sensing elements distributed along an elongate flexible carrier.2. The flexible current sensor arrangement of claim 1 , wherein a cross-section of each sensing element has an uneven aspect ratio.3. The flexible current sensor arrangement of or claim 1 , wherein the elongate flexible carrier is configured such that it has a preferred axis of flexure.4. The flexible current sensor arrangement of claim 3 , wherein the elongate flexible carrier is configured such that is has a single axis of flexure.5. The flexible current sensor arrangement of claim 3 , wherein the flexibility of the elongate flexible carrier in the preferred axis of flexure is asymmetric.6. The flexible current sensor arrangement of any preceding claim claim 3 , the flexible current sensor arrangement being configurable into an openable loop.7. The flexible current sensor arrangement of claim 6 , wherein when the arrangement is configured in a loop claim 6 , opposing ends of the flexible carrier lie in the same plane as the remainder of the carrier.8. The flexible current sensor arrangement of claim any preceding claim claim 6 , wherein the discrete sensing elements are substantially equidistantly spaced along the elongate flexible carrier9. The flexible current sensor arrangement of any preceding claim claim 6 , comprising:a first connector ...

CONTROL UNIT FOR A FUEL INJECTOR

A control unit () for a fuel injector () comprising a solenoid actuator () having an armature (), the control unit configured to drive a current through an electromagnet coil () of the solenoid actuator in a voltage mode during at least a portion of an injection cycle. 182-. (canceled)83. A control unit for a fuel injector which comprises a solenoid actuator , the control unit configured to drive current through an electromagnet coil of the solenoid actuator , wherein the control unit is configured to apply a drive waveform such that any residual magnetic fields decay quickly at the end of the injection.84. A control unit according to claim 83 , wherein the control unit is configured to apply a drive waveform such that the injection results in substantially zero net magnetic flux in the solenoid actuator at the end of the injection.85. A control unit according to claim 83 , wherein the waveform comprises positive pulse(s) and negative pulse(s).86. A control unit according to claim 83 , wherein the control unit is configured to apply a drive waveform which results in a negative current.87. A control unit according to claim 83 , wherein the drive waveform is a first drive waveform and the injection is a first injection claim 83 , wherein the control unit is configured to apply a second waveform for a second claim 83 , next injection and to trim the second drive waveform so as to take account of residual magnetic flux in the solenoid actuator arising from the first injection.88. A control unit according to claim 83 , comprising:a waveform source having an output;an adder having first and second inputs and an output, wherein the output of the waveform source is coupled to the first input of the adder;a drive amplifier having an input and a rectified output, wherein the output of the adder is coupled to the input of the drive amplifier;an error amplifier having first and second inputs and an output, wherein the output of the waveform source is coupled to the first input ...

Solenoid Actuator

A solenoid actuator is described. The solenoid actuator comprises an armature, pole piece(s), electromagnet coil(s) arranged, in response to energisation, to cause travel of the armature between first and second positions along a direction of travel, permanent magnet(s) positioned and orientated for latching the armature in at least the first position when the armature is in the first position and spring(s) arranged to bias the armature. The solenoid actuator can be operated to provide partial lift. 187-. (canceled)88. A fuel injector comprising a solenoid actuator comprising:an armature, pole piece(s), electromagnet coil(s) arranged, in response to energization, to cause travel of the armature between first and second positions along a direction of travel, and spring(s) arranged to bias the armature, wherein in the first position the fuel injector is closed and wherein quasi-static position of the armature is at least monotonic with the coil current over all or some of length of travel of the armature.89. The fuel injector of claim 88 , configured such that the armature is stably positionable at more than one position between the first and second positions dependent upon current(s) through the electromagnet coil(s).90. The fuel injector of claim 88 , wherein the solenoid actuator further comprises: a pintle which is disengageably coupled to the armature.91. The fuel injector of claim 88 , wherein the solenoid actuator further comprises: a pintle which is fixed to the armature.92. The fuel injector of claim 88 , configured as an inward-opening injector.93. The fuel injector of claim 88 , configured as an outward-opening injector.94. The fuel injector of claim 88 , wherein permanent magnet(s) are positioned and orientated for latching the armature in at least the first position.95. The fuel injector of claim 88 , comprising:at least two linked armatures arranged in a stack along the direction of travel, wherein each armature comprises first and second opposite shaped ...

ELECTRICITY METER WITH ELECTRICALLY- CONTROLLED ELECTROMECHANICAL SWITCH

An electricity meter comprising an electrically-controlled electromechanical switch is disclosed. The electromechanical switch comprises a rotary actuator comprising a generally-cylindrical permanent magnet rotor having a central axis, a stator comprising a closed stator core and first and second opposite stator poles inwardly-projecting from the closed stator core towards the rotor and first and second coils wound around the first and second stator poles respectively. The electromechanical switch comprises a switch comprising at least one pair of first and second contacts wherein the first contact is movable. The electromechanical switch comprises mechanical linkage between the rotary actuator and the movable contact(s) configured such that rotation of the rotor from a first angular position to a second angular position causes the switch to be opened, and rotation from the second angular position to the first angular position causes the switch to be closed. 1. An electricity meter comprising an electrically-controlled electromechanical switch comprising: a permanent magnet rotor having a central axis;', 'a stator comprising a closed stator core around the central axis and first and second opposite stator poles inwardly-projecting from the closed stator core towards the rotor defining first and second airgaps;', 'end stops including an end stop provided by an electrical contact; and', 'first and second coils wound around the first and second stator poles respectively; and, 'a two-airgap, bi-stable rotary actuator comprisinga switch comprising at least one pair of first and second contacts, wherein a first contact is movable; anda mechanical linkage between the rotary actuator and the movable contact(s) configured such that rotation of the rotor from a first angular position to a second angular position causes the switch to be opened, and rotation from the second angular position to the first angular position causes the switch to be closed;wherein the rotor is ...

Magnetic sensing and reading devices

MAGNETIC READERS

ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY

An electrode assembly for an electromagnetic flow meter ( FIG. ) is disclosed. The electrode assembly comprises a housing, which may be a flow tube ( FIG. ) of the electromagnetic flow meter, having a passage () between first and second ends (), an electrode () comprising a plug of porous material, for example formed of porous graphite, at least partially disposed within the passage proximate the first end, and an electrically-conductive polymer connector () at least partially disposed within the passage and in direct contact with the electrode. 1. An electrode assembly for an electromagnetic flow meter , the electrode assembly comprising:a housing having a passage between first and second ends;an electrode comprising a plug of porous material at least partially disposed within the passage proximate the first end; andan electrically-conductive polymer connector at least partially disposed within the passage and in direct contact with the electrode.2. The electrode assembly of claim 1 , wherein the electrode comprises or is formed from graphite.3. The electrode assembly of claim 1 , wherein the electrically-conductive polymer connector is an electrically-conductive polymer seal disposed within the passage claim 1 , interposed between the electrode and a further connector claim 1 , and is arranged to electrically connect the electrode and the further connector and to provide a fluid-tight seal in the passage between the electrode and the further connector.4. The electrode assembly of claim 3 , wherein the further connector comprises or is predominantly formed of electrically-conductive polymer or a non-noble metal claim 3 , for example claim 3 , copper claim 3 , or an alloy comprising a non-noble metal claim 3 , such as brass.5. (canceled)6. The electrode assembly of claim 1 , wherein the electrically-conductive polymer connector is at least partially disposed within the passage in direct electrical contact with the electrode claim 1 , wherein the assembly further ...

Sensors

Improvements relating to magnetic tags or markers

A magnetic tag or marker is described which is capable of func-tioning as a multi-bit information carrying tag. The tag may be at-tached to an article and then used as a means of identifying that article, generally as it enters or is positioned within an interrogation zone. The tag comprises (a) a first magnetic material characterised by high permeability, low coercivity and a non-linear B-H characteristic; and (b) a second magnetic material which is capable of being per-manently magnetised, the second magnetic material being magnetised with a non-uniform field pattern (A, B, C). Detection systems for use with such tags, and write/read system using them, are also disclosed.

Spatial magnetic interrogation

Signal processing apparatus and method

Processing circuitry is provided for processing signals received from, for example, sense coils forming part of a position encoder used to encode the relative positions of two relatively moveable members. The position encoder is such that each of the plurality of signals from the sense coils varies sinusoidally with the relative position of the members but out of phase with respect to each other. The processing circuitry comprises mixers for multiplying each of the received signals with one of a corresponding plurality of periodic time varying signals, each having the same predetermined period and a different predetermined phase, and an adder for adding the signals from the mixers. The phase of the mixing signals are chosen so that the output signals from the adder contains a single periodic component having the predetermined period whose phase varies with the relative position of the two members. Preferably, a reference channel is provided in order to allow for compensation of common phase errors in both channels. The period time varying signals multiplied with each of the signals from the position encoder preferably comprise a two or three level square wave signal having a number of transitions designed to reduce the low order harmonic content of the mixing signals.

Angular position encoder

In an apparatus for indicating the angular position of a rotatable member, a drive coil (51) is provided with its axis corresponding to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member. A coil (65) is wound around the rotatable member, and a capacitor (66) is provided in the coil (65) to form an LC resonant circuit. The coil (65) on the rotatable member is wound so that application of an alternating magnetic field to the drive coil (51) induces a resonance in the LC circuit which is constant for all angular positions of the rotatable member. Pick-up coils (53, 55) ace provided such that the planes of these coils and the drive coil (51) are orthogonal. The resonance of the LC circuit produces signals in the output coils (53, 55) which depend upon the angular position of the rotatable member. The signals may be processed to determine that angular position, and the processing is simplified with this arrangement of output coils since the signals produced therein are quadrature signals.

Detecting relative position and orientation

Spatial magnetic interrogation, especially in connection with labels

Antipilferage markers

An antipilferage tag is disclosed which includes a resonant circuit adapted to receive an RF signal and to transmit a response signal when interrogated by said RF signal. The tag includes circuit components constituted by or fabricated from a metallised layer supported by a dielectric material.

Motor control system

An electric motor is described in which a position sensor is provided which generates a plurality of output signals each dependent upon the relative position of the rotor and the stator. These signals are processed to generate a set of commutation control signals for controlling the commutation of the drive current to the stator coils. In one embodiment, a phase shift can be electronically applied to each of the position sensor coils to adjust the timing of the switching in accordance with the motor's current speed and load demands. In another embodiment, these signals are also used in a servo-control loop, in order to control, for example, the speed and/or output torque of the motor.

Angular position encoder

In an apparatus for indicating the angular position of a rotatable member, a drive coil (51) is provided with its axis corresponding to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member. A coil (65) is wound around the rotatable member, and a capacitor (66) is provided in the coil (65) to form an LC resonant circuit. The coil (65) on the rotatable member is wound so that application of an alternating magnetic field to the drive coil (51) induces a resonance in the LC circuit which is constant for all angular positions of the rotatable member. Pick-up coils (53, 55) ace provided such that the planes of these coils and the drive coil (51) are orthogonal. The resonance of the LC circuit produces signals in the output coils (53, 55) which depend upon the angular position of the rotatable member. The signals may be processed to determine that angular position, and the processing is simplified with this arrangement of output coils since the signals produced therein are quadrature signals.

Improvements relating to surgical devices and their location

Controlling inductive power transfer systems

An inductive power transfer system ( 1 ) comprises a primary unit ( 10 ) operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device ( 30 ), separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.

Magnetic sensing and reading devices

Sensors

A density sensor comprises a cavity arranged to receive the gas whose density is to be sensed. The cavity is divided into two chambers by a flexibly mounted diaphragm. A piezoelectric excitation device at one end of the cavity is used to excite the gas in the cavity into resonant vibration in a mode having an anti-node at the diaphragm, which causes the diaphragm to vibrate with the gas. Another piezoelectric device senses the vibration, whose frequency is a function of the known mass of the diaphragm and the density of and speed of sound in the gas. This last parameter can be sensed by exciting the gas in the cavity into resonant vibration in a second mode having a node at the diaphragm, so that the diaphragm does not take part in the vibration. Alternatively, it can be sensed by providing a second cavity, also arranged to receive the gas but not having a diaphragm, and resonantly vibrating the gas in the second cavity.

Current sensor arrangement

A current sensor arrangement comprises plural sensor elements arranged around a center point, each of the sensor elements having a plane of zero sensitivity to uniform magnetic fields. A first one ( 202 ) of the sensor elements has a first angular separation (X 1 ) relative to the center point from a second, adjacent sensor element ( 204 ) and a second angular separation (X 2 ) relative to the center point from a third, adjacent sensor element ( 206 ). The first angular separation is less than the second angular separation. An intercept (I 13 ) of the planes of the first and third sensor elements is located outside a triangle formed by the center point and the first and third sensor elements and an intercept (I 12 ) of the planes of the first and second sensor elements is located inside a triangle formed by the center point and the first and second sensor elements.

Magnetic markers or tags

A magnetic marker or tag which is characterised by a substrate carrying a plurality of discrete magnetically active regions disposed in one or more linear arrays, the magnetically active regions being formed of a thin film or spin-melt material having a preferential axis of magnetisation, and the preferential axes of magnetisation being aligned within the (or each) linear aray.

DATA STORAGE DEVICE, PROCEDURE FOR MANUFACTURING IT AND IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM USING SUCH DEVICE

Optical switching using optical fiber connector

An optical switching device, comprises an optical switch and an optical connector receiving means mateable with a connector., means for effectuating switching by engaging a connector in said receiving means, characterised in that said switching effectuating means acts or is acted upon once a connector is sufficiently engaged in the receiving means for optical communication with the connector to occur.

Magnetic latching actuator

A magnetic latching actuator operable to control the movement of at least a first contact and second contact between a closed position in which the contacts physically engage each other and an open position in which the contacts are spaced from each other. The magnetic latching actuator includes first and second stationary permanent magnets oriented such that the first magnetic field created by the first magnet and the second magnetic field created by the second magnet are in opposite directions. An actuation coil surrounds both the first and second magnets. Current is supplied to the actuation coil in a first direction to create a first magnetic field or a second direction to create a second actuation magnetic field opposite the first actuation magnetic field. A yoke is movable relative to the first and second magnets to cause the first and second contacts to move between the open and closed positions.

An improved beam steering optical switch

An optical switch (11), comprises a first array of moveable beam steering arrangements, each of which includes an optical input port; a second array of moveable beam steering arrangements, each of which includes an optical output port; a space being provided between said first and second arrays; each beam steering arrangement of said first array being configured to point the beam from any input port of said first array to any selected output port of said second array; and said beam steering arrangements incorporating rod collimators which are configured to swing to direct the beam; characterised in that said switch further comprises a passive array in the form of a lenslet array (9) of optical elements optically located between said first and second arrays of moveable beam steering arrangements and being further located in said space between said first and second arrays of moveable beam steering arrangements; said lenslets being each located at points where the paths of transmission between the arrangements of the first and second arrays cross; the distance between the centre axes of adjacent optical elements being inferior to the corresponding distance between the centre axes of adjacent beam steering arrangements. Figure 2 best illustrates the invention.

Programmable magnetic data tag

A magnetic data tag has a plurality of magnetic layers or elements 44, 46 each exhibiting a directional response 45, 47 to an applied magnetic field. The relative orientations of the directional responses defines the data stored in the tag. A reference gap between directional response of two adjacent layers defines a starting point for the data sequence. The layers may be overlapped to form a stack or placed on separate regions of a substrate. The angular orientations between adjacent layers may form a predetermined progression such as a logarithmic progression. The tag may have one or more hard magnetic layers to allow programming by application and removal of a large d.c. magnetic field of defined orientation. The hard magnetic layer provides a bias field permitting storing of one or more additional data bits. A number of 2D and 3D magnetic readers are described in detail which generate a rotating interrogating field, with balanced coil pairs, transmit coils configured as thin flat solenoids and which determine the orientation of the tag.

Improvements relating to magnetic tags or markers

Removable storage devices

POSITION CODING

EN UN CODIFICADOR DE POSICION LINEAL, SE PROPORCIONA UN SOPORTE SOBRE EL QUE SE MONTAN UN PAR DE BOBINADORAS DE CUADRATURA DE FASES (13 Y 15). LAS BOBINADORAS ESTAN COLOCADAS PARA QUE TENGAN UNA SENSIBILIDAD MAGNETICA SINUSOIDAL CARACTERISTICA A LO LARGO DE LA LONGITUD DEL SOPORTE (5). SOBRE UN ELEMENTO MOVIL (NO MOSTRADO) SE ENCUENTRA MONTADO UN CIRCUITO RESONANTE (10) QUE COMPRENDE UNA BOBINA (14) Y UN CAPACITADOR (17) QUE SE PUEDEN UNIR MAGNETICAMENTE CON LAS BOBINADORAS (13 Y 15). CUANDO EL CIRCUITO (10) ES ENCENDIDO, ESTE INDUCE CORRIENTES EN LAS BOBINADORAS (13 Y 15) QUE DEPENDEN DE LA POSICION DEL CIRCUITO (10) EN UN PERIODO T{SUB,S} DE LAS BOBINADORAS (13 Y 15). SE PROPORCIONA UNA UNIDAD DE PROCESAMIENTO Y DE ENCENDIDO (11) PARA SUMINISTRAR ENERGIA AL CIRCUITO (10) Y PARA PROCESAR LAS SEÑALES INDUCIDAS EN LAS BOBINADORAS (13 Y 15). EN OTROS MODELOS, EL CODIFICADOR PUEDE MEDIR LA POSICION RADIAL O ROTACIONAL EN LUGAR DE LA TRASLACION. IN A LINEAR POSITION ENCODER, A SUPPORT IS PROVIDED ON WHICH A PAIR OF PHASE SQUARE WINDERS IS MOUNTED (13 AND 15). THE COILERS ARE PLACED TO HAVE A CHARACTERISTIC MAGNETIC SENSITIVITY THROUGH THE LENGTH OF THE SUPPORT (5). ON A MOBILE ELEMENT (NOT SHOWN) A RESONANT CIRCUIT IS FOUND (10) THAT INCLUDES A COIL (14) AND A TRAINER (17) THAT CAN BE MAGNETICALLY JOINED WITH THE WINDERS (13 AND 15). WHEN THE CIRCUIT (10) IS ON, THIS INDUCES CURRENTS IN THE WINDERS (13 AND 15) THAT DEPEND ON THE POSITION OF THE CIRCUIT (10) IN A PERIOD T {SUB, S} OF THE WINDERS (13 AND 15). A PROCESSING AND IGNITION UNIT IS PROVIDED (11) TO SUPPLY ENERGY TO THE CIRCUIT (10) AND TO PROCESS THE INDUCED SIGNALS IN THE COILERS (13 AND 15). IN OTHER MODELS, THE ENCODER CAN MEASURE THE RADIAL OR ROTATIONAL POSITION INSTEAD OF THE TRANSFER.

Bio-assay technique

The present invention relates to a system for carrying out parallel bioassays. Microfabricated labels (7) are made to each carry a biochemical test, many different labels are mixed together with an analyte sample (8). A device that reads the individual labels isolates the results of the individual tests. The microfabricated labels have a surface layer of anodised metal and are produced by anodising, lithographic patterning and etching steps. Aluminum is the preferred metal.

Current sensor arrangement

A current sensor arrangement comprises plural sensor elements arranged around a centre point, each of the sensor elements having a plane of zero sensitivity to uniform magnetic fields. A first one (202) of the sensor elements has a first angular separation (X1) relative to the centre point from a second, adjacent sensor element (204) and a second angular separation (X2) relative to the centre point from a third, adjacent sensor element (206). The first angular separation is less than the second angular separation. An intercept (I13) of the planes of the first and third sensor elements is located outside a triangle formed by the centre point and the first and third sensor elements and an intercept (I12) of the planes of the first and second sensor elements is located inside a triangle formed by the centre point and the first and second sensor elements.

Näpistelynestomerkitsimet

Controlling inductive power transfer systems

An inductive power transfer system ( 1 ) comprises a primary unit ( 10 ) operable to generate an electromagnetic field and at least one secondary device ( 30 ), separable from the primary unit, and adapted to couple with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit so that power can be received inductively by the secondary device from the primary unit without direct electrical conductive contacts therebetween. The system detects if there is a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a power drawn from the primary unit and, on the other hand, a power required by the secondary device or, if there is more than one secondary device, a combined power required by the secondary devices. Following such detection, the system restricts or stops the inductive power supply from the primary unit. Such a system can detect the presence of unwanted parasitic loads in the vicinity of the primary unit reliably.

Current sensor

A sensor for use in detecting a time-varying current in a conductor (106) comprises plural sets of two oppositely-configured sensor elements (104-1....104-6) arranged around a sensing volume having a central axis, the sensor elements (104-1A, 104-1B) of each set being provided substantially in a common plane that does not intersect the central axis, and each set having a different common plane, the sensor elements of each set being arranged such that a normal (N) of their common plane at a point between central parts of sensor elements lies on a plane (P) that is radial to the central axis of the sensing volume.

Remotely readable data storage devices and apparatus

A magnetostrictive element, which may be of rectangular shape, is positioned next to a hard magnetic biasing element field patterns recorded therein which bias the magnetostrictive element to resonate at selected frequencies, particularly harmonics of the fundamental frequency, in response to an alternating interrogating magnetic field at the same frequencies. Data may thus be encoded by selecting the frequencies at which the element will resonate. In addition to resonance at different harmonics, resonance in different modes, particularly longitudinal, transverse or flexural modes may be produced. The device may be applied to article identity systems, such as security systems but also has many other applications.

Spatial magnetic interrogation

Magnetic tags or markers are disclosed, together with a variety of techniques by means of which such tags may be interrogated. In one aspect, the magnetic marker or tag which is characterised by carrying a plurality of discrete magnetically active regions in a linear array. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of interrogating a magnetic tag or marker within a predetermined interrogation zone, the tag comprising a high permeability magnetic material, for example to read data stored magnetically in the tag or to use the response of the tag to detect its presence and/or to determine its position within the interrogation zone, characterized in that the interrogation process includes the step of subjecting the tag sequentially to: (1) a magnetic field sufficient in field strength to saturate the high permeability magnetic material, and (2) a magnetic null as herein defined. Applications of such techniques are described, inter alia, in relation to (a) identifying articles to which tags are attached; (b) accurate determination of position, as in the location of surgical probes; and (c) totalisation of purchases, where each item carries a tag coded with data representing its nature and its price.

Current sensor

A fiscal electricity meter is described for measuring the energy supplied to a load. The load current flows through the primary winding of a transformer and induces an EMF indicative of the current flowing in the secondary winding. The secondary winding comprises a sense coil, arranged to couple more strongly to the primary, and a cancellation coil which have equal and opposite turns area products so as to provide a null response to extraneous magnetic fields. The coils are arranged so that their magnetic axis are co-located and aligned together so that they also provide a null response to extraneous magnetic fields having a field gradient.

Electromagnetic flow sensor

An electromagnetic flow sensor for an electromagnetic flow meter (201) is disclosed. The sensor comprises a body (204) or frame, a flow passage (252) through the body or frame, a part of a magnetic circuit (248, 295) supported by the body or frame for applying a magnetic field across the flow passage, and at least first and second electrodes (298) supported by the body or frame, the at least first and second electrodes arranged to sense a voltage in response to a conductive fluid flowing through the flow passage. At least a portion of the body supporting the magnetic circuit part and the at least first and second electrodes is configured to be insertable into a flow tube (206) through a single aperture in the flow tube.

Beam steering arrangements and optical switches

To steer a beam in an optical switch, a collimator joined to an optical fibre along a Z-axis is mounted in a gimbal for rocking movement about X and Y axes. A piezoelectric actuator extends alongthe Z-axis and is symmetric about the fibre. An angular position sensor on the collimator provides feedback for use in steering the beam.

LABEL AGAINST THEFT

Magnetic coding of articles

A method of identifying individual articles within a predetermined set of articles be means of data characteristics of the articles, e.g. article price and/or the nature of the goods constituting the articles, which method is characterised by applying to each article a magnetic tag or maker carrying a predetermined arrangement of magnetic elements unique to that article or to that article and others sharing the same characteristic, e.g. article price and/or the nature of the goods constituting the article, the magnetic tag or marker being susceptible to interrogation by the steps of: (1) applying a magnetic field to an interrogation zone where the magnetic element(s) is or are located, or is or are expected to be located, such that there exists within the interrogation zone a magnetic field comprising a first region at which the component of the magnetic field resolved in a first direction is zero, and being characterised in that within regions contiguous with the first region the component of the magnetic field resolved in the first direction is sufficient to saturate the, or a part of the element(s); (2) causing relative movement between the magnetic field and the magnetic elements(s); and (3) detecting the magnetic response of the magnetic elements(s) during the relative movement to generate a response indicative of the magnetic properties of the tag or marker and hence indicative of the price and/or the nature of the article carrying the magnetic tag or marker.

Inductive power coupling systems for roadways

This invention relates to a wireless vehicle recharging apparatus for an energy storage element of a vehicle. The apparatus has at least one drive unit arrangement coupled to at least one drive coil arrangement disposed for generating a magnetic field extending from the drive coil arrangement, and includes a corresponding vehicle-mounted pickup coil arrangement coupled to a power conditioning circuit arrangement for receiving the extending magnetic field. The drive unit arrangement is operable to excite the drive coil arrangement at a fundamental frequency and the drive coil arrangement is implemented to be substantially devoid of ferromagnetic components for providing a path for the extending magnetic field. Additional aspects of the invention relate to vehicle power coupling apparatus including pickup coil arrangements.

Sensors

A current sensor comprises a first component comprising plural coils. Each coil comprises one or more turns printed on at least one planar surface of a respective substrate, and the planes of the coils are parallel to one another and are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first component. A second component comprises soft magnetic material and has first and second planar faces that are at opposite ends of the first component and are arranged perpendicularly to and are intersected by the longitudinal axis of the first component.

Solenoid actuator

Optical switch

An optical switch comprises a plurality of input ports and a plurality of out port ports; a plurality of displaceable optical elements for directing beams from a selected input to a selected output; wherein the number of displaceable elements substantially corresponds to either the number of input ports or the number of output ports.

Apparatus and method for processing signals obtained from a position encoder

Processing circuitry is provided for processing a plurality of signals received from sense coils (21, 23 and 25) forming part of a position encoder used to encode the relative positions of two relatively movable members. The position encoder is such that each of the plurality of signals from the sense coils varies sinusoidally with the relative position of the members but out of phase with respect to each other. The processing apparatus comprises mixers (71, 73 and 75) for multiplying each of the received signals with one of a corresponding plurality of periodic time varying signals, each having the same predetermined period and a different predetermined phase, and an adder (93) for adding the signals from the mixers. The phase of the mixing signals are chosen so that the output signal from the adder contains a single periodic component having the predetermined period whose phase varies with the relative position of the two members.

Beam steering arrangements and optical switches

To steer a beam in an optical switch, a collimator joined to an optical fibre along a Z-axis is mounted in a gimbal for rocking movement about X and Y axes. A piezoelectric actuator extends alongthe Z-axis and is symmetric about the fibre. An angular position sensor on the collimator provides feedback for use in steering the beam.

Anti-theft label and method for making an anti-theft label

Electromagnetic flow sensor

An electromagnetic flow sensor suitable for low cost manufacturing is disclosed. The sensor comprises planar or thin film electrodes (5) formed on one or both sides of an insulating substrate (4), the substrate being located between the pole pieces of a magnetic circuit in a region where fluid flows. The electrodes are patterned conductive traces on the surface(s) of the substrate, covered where necessary with an insulator except for specific electrode regions which are to be exposed to the fluid to sense the emf resulting from the fluid flow. The insulated portions of the conductive traces may extend beyond the primary sensing area, either on the surface or internally within the substrate, bringing the connections from the exposed electrode regions out from the fluid-filled part of the sensor to a portion of the sensor which is dry or potted where electrical connections to the sensing circuitry can be made.

Magnetic interrogation techniques

A reader for interrogating a magnetic tag, e.g. for reading data stored in the tag, is described. The reader comprises a field generating device the magnetic field produced by which defines an interrogation zone, wherein said field generating device comprises: (a) means for generating a magnetic field: (b) a transmit coil for transmitting an interrogating electromagnetic signal into the interrogation zone so as to interact with a magnetic tag, when present in said interrogation zone; and (c) at least one receive coil for receiving an electromagnetic signal generated by a tag in response to said interrogating signal and the magnetic field produced by said magnetic field generating means. The field generating means can take the form of a pair of hollow cylinders, giving rise to a “loop” reader, or it can be a flat magnet, giving rise to a “side pass” reader.

Angular position encoder

Inductive power coupling systems for roadways

An inductive power transfer system (10) for roadways includes at least one drive unit arrangement (50) coupled to at least one drive coil arrangement (40) disposed along a roadway (20) for generating a magnetic field extending upwardly from the roadway (20), and at least one vehicle (30) including a corresponding pickup coil arrangement (60) coupled to a power conditioning circuit arrangement (80, 200) for receiving the extending magnetic field for providing power to operate the at least one vehicle (30). The at least one drive unit arrangement (50) is operable to excite, for example at resonance, the at least one drive coil arrangement (40) at a fundamental frequency (f 0 ) of at least 30 kHz, preferably at least 50 kHz, more preferably at least 100 kHz, and most preferably at least 140 kHz. The at least one drive coil arrangement (40) is implemented to be substantially devoid of ferromagnetic components for providing a path for the extending magnetic field. Optionally, the at least one drive unit arrangement (50) is operable to employ a balanced class-E amplifier arrangement for exciting the at least one drive coil arrangement (40) at the fundamental frequency (f 0 ). Optionally, the at least one drive unit arrangement (50) is operable to employ one or more Silicon Carbide semiconductor devices for switching the currents provided to the corresponding at least one drive coil arrangement (40). Optionally, there is further included a passive and/or active suppression arrangement (100, 110, 120, 130, 140) for suppressing harmonic magnetic field components generated by the system (10) at multiples of the fundamental frequency (f 0 ) when in operation.

Electromagnetic flow sensor

<p>SENSOR DE FLUJO ELECTROMAGNÉTICO QUE COMPRENDE UN CUERPO O BASTIDOR, UN PASAJE A TRAVÉS DEL CUERPO O BASTIDOR, UNA PARTE DE UN CIRCUITO MAGNÉTICO SOPORTADA POR EL CUERPO O BASTIDOR, Y AL MENOS UN PRIMER BASTIDOR Y SEGUNDO ELECTRODOS SOPORTADOS POR EL CUERPO O BASTIDOR, EN DONDE AL MENOS UNA PORCIÓN DEL CUERPO O BASTIDOR QUE SOPORTA LA PARTE DEL CIRCUITO MAGNÉTICO Y AL MENOS EL PRIMER Y SEGUNDO ELECTRODOS ESTÁN CONFIGURADOS PARA SER INSERTADOS EN UN TUBO DE FLUJO A TRAVÉS DE UNA APERTURA ÚNICA EN EL TUBO DE FLUJO; SUBMONTAJE; MEDIDOR DE FLUJO ELECTROMAGNÉTICO.</p> <p> ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW SENSOR THAT INCLUDES A BODY OR FRAME, A PASSAGE THROUGH THE BODY OR FRAME, A PART OF A MAGNETIC CIRCUIT SUPPORTED BY THE BODY OR FRAME, AND AT LEAST A FIRST FRAME AND SECOND ELECTRO FRAME, WHERE AT LEAST A PORTION OF THE BODY OR FRAME THAT SUPPORTS THE PART OF THE MAGNETIC CIRCUIT AND AT LEAST THE FIRST AND SECOND ELECTRODES ARE CONFIGURED TO BE INSERTED IN A FLOW PIPE THROUGH A UNIQUE OPENING IN THE FLOW TUBE; SUBMONTAGE; ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW METER. </p>

Solenoid actuator

A short travel solenoid actuator is disclosed. The solenoid actuator comprises a tube (130), an armature (138) disposed inside the tube, first and second inner pole pieces (139, 140) disposed inside the tube and an outer pole piece (135) which lies outside the tube. The solenoid actuator also comprise an electromagnet coil (133, 134) which lies outside the tube and which is arranged, in response to energisation, to cause travel of the armature between first and second positions. A permanent magnet (136) lies outside the tube and is positioned and orientated so as to latch the armature in the first and second positions when the armature is in the first and second positions respectively. A spring (143) is arranged to bias the armature and is configured to provide sufficient force so as to prevent the armature from latching in second position.

Magnetic reading devices

A detector for sensing the presence of a magnetic tag having an axis of easy magnetisation, which comprises (1) either (i) a magnet or (ii) a pair of magnets arranged in magnetic opposition, the magnet or magnets being disposed so as to define a spatial region through or across which the magnetic tag is, in use, passed, the disposition of said magnet(s) and the resultant magnetic field pattern being such as to cause a change in polarity of the magnetisation of said magnetic tag in the course of its passage through a magnetic null within said spatial region; and (2) a receiver coil or coils positioned above and in proximity to one pole of said magnet (where a single magnet is employed), or positioned between said pair of magnets (where two magnets are employed) and arranged to detect magnetic dipole radiation emitted by a magnetic tag as it passes through said magnetic null with the easy axis of magnetisation of the tag oriented in the direction of travel. The receiver coils are preferably constructed as an assembly of printed circuit boards whose conductive tracks are interconnected to form a three dimensional coil having windings in the various layers.

Anti-theft markers

Labels to prevent smattering

Optical switch

An optical switch, comprises: a plurality of N input ports (2) ; a plurality of M output ports (24); and a plurality of displaceable beam steering arrangements (1) which, during switching, displace; N being greater or equal to 3 whilst M is greater or equal to 2; the plural number of displaceable arrangements substantially corresponding to either N or M; wherein said displaceable arrangements displace to and from positions of interception of substantially entire beams originating from said input ports and direct said beam on a path to said output port.

Apparatus for interrogating magnetic tags

Apparatus for interrogating a magnetically coded tag, which apparatus is characterised by: a) means for generating a magnetic field, the magnetic field comprising a first region at which the component of the magnetic field resolved in a first direction is zero, and being characterised in that within regions contiguous with the first region the component of the magnetic field resolved in the first direction is sufficient to saturate the, or a part of the, tag; (b) an electrical circuit which comprises a signal source at frequency 2f and output means for providing an electrical output, the source being coupled to the output means by (i) means for halving the frequency of the source signal; (ii) first filter means arranged substantially to reject signal at frequency 2f; (iii) tuned circuit means tuned to energy at frequency f and including a transmitter coil adapted to radiate energy towards a magnetically coded tag positioned so as to be influenced by said radiated energy and a receiver coil (which may be the same coil as the transmitter coil) for receiving energy radiated by the tag in response to the received energy; and (iv) second filter means arranged substantially to reject energy at frequency f and to pass energy at frequency 2f, and wherein the output means is arranged to provide an output which is a function of the amplitude of the output of the second filter means and the phase difference between the source and the output of the second filter means; wherein the magnetic field generating means is associated with said transmitter and receiver coils such that, in use, a magnetically coded tag moving through the first region will also interact with the transmitter and receiver coils.

Optical switches and actuators

An optical switch comprises one or more input ports for directing an optical beam into the switch; dispersive means configured to receive said optical beam and which spatially separate the optical beam into individual wavelength components which are routed to an actuator; wherein the actuator is in the form of an array of elongate movable fingers for selectively interfering with individual wavelength components and means are provided to direct optical beams to selected one or more output ports.

Ultrasonic flow rate metering

Beam steering flexure arrangements

A flexure arrangement, suitable for use with or as part of e.g. an optical beam steering arrangement, and intended for supporting and transmitting movement to any appropriate element, the arrangement comprises a first flexure means to which movement is applied, a second flexure means which attaches the arrangement to any appropriate supporting structure, means linking said first flexure to said second flexure and means for receiving any appropriate element, the first and second flexure being appropriately spaced so that any movement applied to said first flexure means is amplified by the flexure arrangement.

Coding articles

Magnetic tags or markers are disclosed, together with a variety of techniques by means of which such tags may be interrogated. In one aspect, the magnetic marker or tag which is characterised by carrying a plurality of discrete magnetically active regions in a linear array. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of interrogating a magnetic tag or marker within a predetermined interrogation zone, the tag comprising a high permeability magnetic material, for example to read data stored magnetically in the tag or to use the response of the tag to detect its presence and/or to determine its position within the interrogation zone, characterized in that the interrogation process includes the step of subjecting the tag sequentially to: (1) a magnetic field sufficient in field strength to saturate the high permeability magnetic material, and (2) a magnetic null as herein defined. Applications of such techniques are described, inter alia, in relation to (a) identifying articles to which tags are attached; (b) accurate determination of position, as in the location of surgical probes; and (c) totalisation of purchases, where each item carries a tag coded with data representing its nature and its price.

PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR

Signal processing apparatus and method

Processing circuitry is provided for processing signals received from, for example, sense coils forming part of a position encoder used to encode the relative positions of two relatively movable members. The position encoder is such that each of the plurality of signals from the sense coils varies sinusoidally with the relative position of the members but out of phase with respect to each other. The processing circuitry comprises mixers for multiplying each of the received signals with one of a corresponding plurality of periodic time varying signals, each having the same predetermined period and a different predetermined phase, and an adder for adding the signals from the mixers. The phase of the mixing signals are chosen so that the output signals from the adder contains a single periodic component having the predetermined period whose phase varies with the relative position of the two members. Preferably, a reference channel is provided in order to allow for compensation of common phase errors in both channels. The period time varying signals multiplied with each of the signals from the position encoder preferably comprise a two or three level square wave signal having a number of transitions designed to reduce the low order harmonic content of the mixing signals.

Optical switches & actuators

An optical switch comprises one or more input ports for directing an optical beam into the switch; dispersive means configured to receive said optical beam and which spatially separate the optical beam into individual wavelength components which are routed to an actuator; wherein the actuator is in the form of an array of elongate movable fingers for selectively interfering with individual wavelength components and means are provided to direct optical beams to selected one or more output ports.

Magnetic data tagging

Spatial magnetic interrogation

Magnetic tags or markers are disclosed, together with a variety of techniques by means of which such tags may be interrogated. In one aspect, the magnetic marker or tag which is characterised by carrying a plurality of discrete magnetically active regions in a linear array. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of interrogating a magnetic tag or marker within a predetermined interrogation zone, the tag comprising a high permeability magnetic material, for example to read data stored magnetically in the tag or to use the response of the tag to detect its presence and/or to determine its position within the interrogation zone, characterized in that the interrogation process includes the step of subjecting the tag sequentially to: (1) a magnetic field sufficient in field strength to saturate the high permeability magnetic material, and (2) a magnetic null as herein defined. Applications of such techniques are described, inter alia, in relation to (a) identifying articles to which tags are attached; (b) accurate determination of position, as in the location of surgical probes; and (c) totalisation of purchases, where each item carries a tag coded with data representing its nature and its price.

METHODS OF ANALYSIS / SEPARATION.

LAS PARTICULAS SE SEPARAN DE ACUERDO CON SUS CARACTERISTICAS DIELECTROFORETICAS Y DE ACUERDO CON SUS CARACTERISTICAS DE ELECTRORROTACION MEDIANTE EL USO DE UNA SEPARACION DE ONDAS EN MOVIMIENTO EN LA CUAL FLUYEN DESDE UN PUNTO DE SALIDA EN UNA ENTRADA (18) HACIA AL MENOS DOS PUNTOS DE DESTINO EN SALIDAS (16, 20) Y SE DESVIAN HACIA UNA U OTRA SALIDA DE ACUERDO CON LAS CARACTERISTICAS MEDIANTE UN CAMPO DE ONDAS EN MOVIMIENTO CREADO SOBRE UNA MATRIZ DE ELECTRODOS, CADA ELECTRODO SE EXTIENDE GENERALMENTE EN LA DIRECCION DEL FLUJO. THE PARTICLES ARE SEPARATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR DIELECTROPHORETIC CHARACTERISTICS AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR ELECTRORROTATION CHARACTERISTICS THROUGH THE USE OF A SEPARATION OF MOVING WAVES IN WHICH THEY FLOW FROM AN OUTPUT POINT IN AN ENTRY LESS THAN TWO DOWN IN OUTPUTS (16, 20) AND DEVICE TOWARDS ONE OR ANOTHER DEPARTURE ACCORDING TO THE CHARACTERISTICS THROUGH A MOVEMENT WAVE FIELD CREATED ON AN ELECTRODE MATRIX, EACH ELECTRODE EXTENDS GENERALLY IN THE DIRECTION OF THE FLOW.

Rotary transformer

A display system comprises an array of spinning LEDs or other light sources comprises a rotary transformer for transferring data signals. A rotary transformer has first and second coils formed on a first planar circuit board and a second coil formed on a second planar circuit board, the second planar circuit board being rotatable with respect to the first. The first and second coils are arranged to be substantially coaxial and separated from one another by a gap.

An electricity meter and an insulating carrier for a sensor component of an electricity meter

An electricity meter comprises a conductor (17, 18) having a substantially planar surface; and a carrier (24-1) for carrying a sensor component (20, 22) for enabling detection of current flowing in the conductor, wherein the carrier is spaced from the planar surface of the conductor by an arrangement of at least three spacing elements (42-1, 42-2, 42-3). The spacing elements may project from the carrier or from the substantially planar surface of the conductor.

Control unit for a fuel injector

A control unit (2) for a fuel injector (3) comprising a solenoid actuator (31) having an armature (33), the control unit configured to drive a current through an electromagnet coil (34) of the solenoid actuator in a voltage mode during at least a portion of an injection cycle.

Sensors

A current sensor comprises a first component comprising plural coils. Each coil comprises one or more turns printed on at least one planar surface of a respective substrate, and the planes of the coils are parallel to one another and are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first component. A second component comprises soft magnetic material and has first and second planar faces that are at opposite ends of the first component and are arranged perpendicularly to and are intersected by the longitudinal axis of the first component.

Position encoder

In a linear position encoder, a support is provided upon which a pair of pha se quadrature windings (13 and 15) are mounted. The windings are arranged to ha ve a sinusoidal magnetic sensitivity characteristic along the length of the support (5). Mounted on a movable element (not shown) there is a resonant circuit (10) comprising a coil (14) and capacitor (17) that can magnetically couple with the windings (13 and 15). When the circuit (10) is excited it induces currents in the windings (13 and 15) that are dependent upon the position of the circuit (10) within a period Ts of the windings (13 and 15). An excitation and processing unit (11) is provided to energise the circuit (10) and to process the signals induced in the windings (13 and 15). The encoder may in a variation, measure rotational or radial position instead of translation.

Indicating devices and apparatus

PCT No. PCT/GB92/00014 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 15, 1993 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 15, 1993 PCT Filed Jan. 3, 1992 PCT Pub. No. WO92/12402 PCT Pub. Date Jul. 23, 1992.A magnetostrictive element, which may be of rectangular shape, is positioned next to a hard magnetic biasing element field with patterns recorded therein which bias the magnetostrictive element to resonate at selected frequencies, particularly harmonics of the fundamental frequency, in response to an alternating interrogating magnetic field at the same frequencies. Data may thus be encoded by selecting the frequencies at which the element will resonate. In addition to resonance at different harmonics, resonance in different modes, particularly longitudinal, transverse or flexural modes may be produced. The device may be applied to article identity systems, such as security systems but also has many other applications.