Linear positioning system utilizing helically polarized magnet
First Claim
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1. A system, comprising:
- helically polarized magnets rotationally positioned with respect to neighboring magnets to form a circumferentially and helically arranged pattern of north and south poles along a linear axis, wherein magnetic flux varies at different positions along a linear path in a direction aligned with the linear axis; and
a magnetometer configured with at least one magnetic flux sensor to detect the position of the helically polarized magnets by sensing the magnetic flux variations at the different positions along the linear path.
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Abstract
A system includes a helically polarized magnet having a plurality of north and south poles circumferentially and helically patterned along a linear axis. Magnetic flux varies at different positions along a linear path in a direction aligned with the linear axis. A multi-axis magnetometer and/or magnetometer array is configured with at least two sensing coils to detect the position of the helically polarized magnet by sensing the magnetic flux variations at the different positions along the linear path.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system, comprising:
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helically polarized magnets rotationally positioned with respect to neighboring magnets to form a circumferentially and helically arranged pattern of north and south poles along a linear axis, wherein magnetic flux varies at different positions along a linear path in a direction aligned with the linear axis; and a magnetometer configured with at least one magnetic flux sensor to detect the position of the helically polarized magnets by sensing the magnetic flux variations at the different positions along the linear path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A system, comprising:
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helically polarized magnets rotationally positioned with respect to neighboring magnets to form a circumferentially and helically arranged pattern of north and south poles along a linear axis, wherein magnetic flux varies at different positions along a linear path in a direction aligned with the linear axis; and a sensor array configured with a plurality of magnetometers, each magnetometer in the sensor array configured with at least one magnetic flux sensor to detect the position of the helically polarized magnets by sensing the magnetic flux variations at the different positions along the linear path. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A system, comprising:
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helically polarized magnets (HPMs) rotationally positioned with respect to neighboring magnets to form a circumferentially and helically arranged pattern of north and south poles along a linear axis, wherein magnetic flux varies at different positions along a linear path in a direction aligned with the linear axis; a connecting rod coupled to the HPMs to move the HPMs along the linear path; a control rod coupled to the connecting rod to control a reaction in a nuclear reactor; and a sensor array configured with a plurality of magnetometers, each magnetometer in the sensor array configured with at least one magnetic flux sensor to detect the position of the HPMs by sensing the magnetic flux variations at the different positions along the linear path. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification