Magnetically biased eddy current sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An eddy current sensor comprising:
- a magnet; and
a first giant magnetoresistive element placed such that the magnetic field from the magnet biases the giant magnetoresistive element along its primary axis.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Eddy currents arise when a conductive material moves through a magnetic field. Eddy currents, like all electric currents, generate a magnetic field. The generated magnetic field can be detected and measured through use of one or more magnetically biased GMR elements. In general, an eddy current sensor can be configured, which includes a magnet, and a first giant magnetoresistive element placed such that the magnetic field from the magnet biases the giant magnetoresistive element along its primary axis.
52 Citations
21 Claims
-
1. An eddy current sensor comprising:
-
a magnet; and
a first giant magnetoresistive element placed such that the magnetic field from the magnet biases the giant magnetoresistive element along its primary axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. An eddy current sensor comprising:
-
a structural element;
a magnet held by the structural element; and
a first giant magnetoresistive element held by the structural element such that the magnetic field from the magnet biases the magnetoresistive element along the primary axis. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A method of sensing eddy currents comprising:
-
placing a magnet near a place that eddy currents occur; and
placing a first giant magnetoresistive element near the place that eddy currents occur and in a position that causes magnetic field created by the magnet to bias the giant magnetoresistive element along the primary axis. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
Specification