Linear position sensor
First Claim
1. A sensor for sensing movement of an attached movable object, comprising:
- a) a first and second tapered magnets positioned adjacent each other and attached to the movable object, each magnet having a central portion that is thinner than both ends of the first and second magnets;
b) a first and second pole piece, each having a first end and a second end, the first ends located spaced apart in parallel relationship about the central portion, the second ends located spaced apart;
c) a first and second air gap formed between the first ends and the magnets; and
d) a magnetic flux sensor positioned between the second ends for sensing a variable magnetic field representative of the position of the attached movable object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A non-contacting linear position sensor having bipolar tapered magnets. A pair of magnets are positioned adjacent each other and attached to a movable object. Each magnet has a central portion that is thinner than both ends of the magnets. A pair of pole pieces has ends that are arranged spaced apart in parallel relationship about the central portion. The other ends of the pole pieces are located spaced apart with a magnetic flux sensor located between. The magnetic flux sensor senses a variable magnetic field representative of the position of the attached movable object as the magnets move. The magnets have opposite polarities on either sides of the central portion.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A sensor for sensing movement of an attached movable object, comprising:
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a) a first and second tapered magnets positioned adjacent each other and attached to the movable object, each magnet having a central portion that is thinner than both ends of the first and second magnets;
b) a first and second pole piece, each having a first end and a second end, the first ends located spaced apart in parallel relationship about the central portion, the second ends located spaced apart;
c) a first and second air gap formed between the first ends and the magnets; and
d) a magnetic flux sensor positioned between the second ends for sensing a variable magnetic field representative of the position of the attached movable object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A non-contacting position sensor comprising:
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a) a first and second magnetically polarized magnet disposed adjacent each other and each having a pair of thick ends and a thin central portion, the thickness of each magnet increases substantially linearly from the central portion to the thick ends, one of the thick ends having a first polarity and the other thick end having a second polarity, the magnets attached to a movable object;
b) a first and second pole piece, each having a first end and a second end, the first ends located spaced apart in parallel relationship about the central portion, the second ends located spaced apart; and
c) a magnetic flux sensor positioned between the second ends for sensing a variable magnetic field representative of the position of the attached movable object. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A sensor for sensing movement of an attached movable object, comprising:
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a) a bowtie shaped magnet having a pair of thick ends and a thinner central portion;
b) a first and second pole piece, each having a first end and a second end, the first ends located spaced apart in parallel relationship about the central portion, the second ends located spaced apart, the first and second pole pieces attached to the moveable object;
c) a magnetic flux sensor positioned between the second ends for sensing a variable magnetic field representative of the position of the attached movable object as the moveable object moves. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification