Sensor inductors, sensors for monitoring movements and positioning, apparatus, systems and methods therefore

• US 20110210721A1
• Filed: 05/06/2011
• Published: 09/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/16/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Medility, LLC
• Original Assignee: Medility, LLC
• Inventors: Cochran, William T.
• Application Number:
  US13/068,276
• Publication Number:
  US 20110210721A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/207.16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1126 using a particular sensing technique
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/113 occurring during breathing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4818 Sleep apnoea
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6833 Adhesive patches
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 7/003 for measuring position, not involving coordinate determination coordinate measuring G01B7/004
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 5/003 Printed circuit coils

Abstract

A generally planar shaped inductor is disclosed that is particularly adaptable for use in motion or position sensors. One inductor can function as a signal input unit and another as a pick up unit in an arrangement wherein both inductors are placed in a generally parallel juxtaposition for flux flow there between. A movable armature is located between the inductors to control the amount of flux transmission between inductors. The position of the armature relative to the inductors controls the output signal generated by the pickup inductor that are adapted to be converted into indications of displacements.

Claims

1. A monitor circuit for use with a movement detection sensor including two substantially planar coils and a substantially planar magnetic shield movably positioned between the coils comprising:

a pulse circuit for applying excitation pulses to one of the planar coils, and

an analyzer circuit for receiving output pulses from the other planar coil that provides indication of the relative positioning between the coils and the shield.

2. A monitor circuit as defined in claim 1 wherein the monitor circuit is readily electrically and mechanically connectable to and detachable from the sensor.

3. A monitor circuit as defined in claim 1 wherein the analyzer circuit uses the amplitude of the output pulses at a predetermined time after the application of the excitation pulse to provide an indication of relative positioning between the coils and the shield.

4. A monitor circuit as defined in claim 1 wherein the analyzer circuit measures the time interval from the application of an excitation pulse to when the amplitude of the output pulse reaches a predetermined level to provide an indication of relative positioning between the coils and the shield.