Speed sensor for rotatable shaft using shaft mounted antenna
First Claim
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1. A speed sensor for a rotatable shaft comprising antenna means for transmitting electromagnetic energy into the shaft, means for detecting at least a portion of electromagnetic energy that exits the shaft, and means disposed for rotation with the shaft for modulating said electromagnetic energy in relation to the shaft rotation speed.
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Abstract
Apparatus and method for detecting rotation of a shaft include a first antenna for transmitting electromagnetic energy into the shaft, a second antenna disposed for rotation with the shaft for modulating electromagnetic energy passing through the shaft in relation to the shaft rotational speed, and a detector for detecting the modulated electromagnetic energy that passes through the shaft.
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Citations
21 Claims
- 1. A speed sensor for a rotatable shaft comprising antenna means for transmitting electromagnetic energy into the shaft, means for detecting at least a portion of electromagnetic energy that exits the shaft, and means disposed for rotation with the shaft for modulating said electromagnetic energy in relation to the shaft rotation speed.
- 11. In combination, a rotatable shaft and a rotation sensor therefor, the sensor comprising an antenna for transmitting electromagnetic energy through a portion of the shaft, a modulator disposed for rotation with the shaft and that modulates the electromagnetic energy in relation to the shaft rotation, and a detector for detecting the modulated electromagnetic energy.
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17. A method for detecting rotation of a shaft comprising the following steps:
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a. transmitting electromagnetic energy from an antenna into the shaft; b. detecting electromagnetic energy that exits the shaft; and c. modulating the amount of electromagnetic energy that exits the shaft in relation to rotation of the shaft. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A sensor for a rotatable shaft comprising a transmitting antenna that radiates electromagnetic energy at a predetermined frequency into the shaft, a receiver antenna for detecting the electromagnetic energy that exits the shaft, and a resonating antenna tuned to said frequency and disposed for rotation with the shaft;
- the resonating antenna modulating the electromagnetic energy in relation to shaft rotation.
Specification