Sensing device with magnet for extended sensing distance
OwnerGary W. Winelandinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device that will increase an inductive proximity sensor's detection distance and detection position is disclosed. The device uses a housing in combination with a sensor and axially magnetized magnet and a target magnet to achieve the increased detection distance and position. The device can be defined as universal because it allows different manufacturers and sizes of sensors to be used and calibrated. An optional threaded end section of the device allows connection of standard conduit fittings.
Claims19
A proximity sensing device comprising:
- a housing comprising a first hole and a second hole, wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis;
- an inductive proximity sensor contained within the first hole;
- and
- an axially magnetized magnet mounted within the second hole,
- wherein:
- the first hole and the second hole are parallel to each other, and parallel lengthwise along the longitudinal axis of the housing, along each hole's longitudinal axis, and
- the inductive proximity sensor and the axially magnetized magnet are also are positioned parallel to each other along each other's longitudinal axis.
A proximity sensing device comprising:
- a housing comprising a first hole and a second hole;
- an inductive proximity sensor contained within the first hole, wherein the inductive proximity sensor is a two wire inductive proximity sensor;
- and
- an axially magnetized magnet mounted within the second hole.
A proximity sensing device comprising:
- a housing comprising a first hole and a second hole;
- an inductive proximity sensor contained within the first hole;
- and
- an axially magnetized magnet mounted within the second hole,
- wherein:
- the first hole is centrally located within the housing, and
- the second hole is located within a sidewall of the housing and is not centrally located within the housing.
A proximity sensing device comprising:
- a housing comprising a first hole and a second hole;
- an inductive proximity sensor contained within the first hole;
- and
- an axially magnetized magnet mounted within the second hole,
- wherein:
- the second hole has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the axially magnetized magnet, and
- the axially magnetized magnet is press-fit within the second hole.
A proximity sensing device comprising:
- a housing comprising a first hole and a second hole;
- an inductive proximity sensor contained within the first hole;
- and
- an axially magnetized magnet mounted within the second hole,
- wherein:
- the first hole is a threaded bore, and
- the inductive proximity sensor includes threads that meet threads of the threaded bore.
A proximity sensing device comprising:
- a housing comprising a first hole and a second hole, wherein the first hole and the second hole are positioned in the housing to be close to each other without interfering with each other;
- an inductive proximity sensor contained within the first hole;
- and
- an axially magnetized magnet mounted within the second hole,
- wherein, during operation, the inductive proximity sensor is capable of becoming active when a target magnet is within a detection distance from the sensor, wherein the detection distance includes distances that are greater than 1 inch and that are in a range of 3 to 4 inches.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.