Method for adjusting ferrous article proximity detector
First Claim
1. A method of adjusting a magnetic proximity detector incorporating a magnet, the magnetic proximity detector being responsive to an externally induced magnetic field gradient normal to a face of the magnetic proximity detector, comprising the steps of:
- measuring an operational gradient of a magnetic field normal to said face of said magnetic proximity detector;
determining a modification field that, when applied to said magnetic proximity detector, will adjust a magnetic field axis of said magnet in a predetermined manner;
applying said modification field to said magnetic proximity detector; and
removing said modification field from said magnetic proximity detector,whereby said adjusted magnet effects said operational gradient of said magnetic proximity detector.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved proximity detector comprising a hall effect sensor affixed to a permanent magnet, where the improvement comprises tuning the operational gradient of the magnetic field normal to the face of the detector. An apparatus and method for tuning the operational gradient of the magnetic field normal to the face of the detector is also discloses and utilizes means for generating magnetic fields parallel and perpendicular to the face of the magnetic proximity detector. The tuning apparatus changes the gradient through the application of magnetic tuning fields to the sensor magnetic, thereby changing the operational gradient axis, the operational gradient strength or both.
109 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of adjusting a magnetic proximity detector incorporating a magnet, the magnetic proximity detector being responsive to an externally induced magnetic field gradient normal to a face of the magnetic proximity detector, comprising the steps of:
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measuring an operational gradient of a magnetic field normal to said face of said magnetic proximity detector; determining a modification field that, when applied to said magnetic proximity detector, will adjust a magnetic field axis of said magnet in a predetermined manner; applying said modification field to said magnetic proximity detector; and removing said modification field from said magnetic proximity detector, whereby said adjusted magnet effects said operational gradient of said magnetic proximity detector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for adjusting the magnetic field of a magnetic proximity detector responsive to an externally induced magnetic field gradient normal to a face of the magnetic proximity detector comprising:
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a fixture for securing said magnetic proximity detector, said fixture having an axis substantially perpendicular to a face of said magnetic proximity detector; actuating means for actuating said magnetic proximity detector, said actuating means mounted in said fixture and having an axis substantially perpendicular to said face of said magnetic proximity detector; first means for generating a first magnetic field, said first means being arranged relative to said fixture and oriented such that said first magnetic field is substantially perpendicular to said axis; and second means for generating a second magnetic field, said second means being arranged relative to said fixture and oriented such that said second magnetic field is substantially parallel to said axis. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. In a magnetic proximity detector incorporating a magnet, the magnetic proximity detector being responsive to an externally induced magnetic field gradient normal to a face of the magnetic proximity detector, the improvement comprising adjusting an operational gradient of a magnetic field normal to said face of said magnetic proximity detector in a magnetic field that alters a magnetic field axis of said magnet in a predetermined manner, said magnetic field being applied to said magnetic proximity detector for a predetermined period of time, whereby said altered magnet effects said operational gradient of said magnetic proximity detector.
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16. An improved magnetic proximity detector incorporating magnet, the magnetic proximity detector being responsive to an externally induced magnetic field gradient normal to a face of the magnetic proximity detector, produced by a method comprising the steps of:
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measuring an operational gradient of a magnetic field normal to a face of said magnetic proximity detector; determining a modification field that, when applied for a predetermined period of time to said magnetic proximity detector, will adjust a magnetic field axis of said magnet in a predetermined manner; and applying said modification field to said magnetic proximity detector for said predetermined period of time, whereby said adjusted magnet effects said operational gradient of said magnetic proximity detector. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification