Magnetic encoder with composite magnet
OwnerElmer C. Allwine, Jr.inventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The composite magnet of the present invention comprises two pieces of permanent magnet material formed into a complementary pattern of holes and projections. The two pieces are magnetized in opposite axial directions. The two pieces, magnetized in this manner, when placed together form an interlocking single element which exhibits a magnetic pattern of north-south poles which matches the pattern of holes and projections. In this manner, the composite magnet appears as a single permanent magnet, exhibiting a sharp, strong, and well-defined magnetic pattern. In accordance with the present invention, the composite magnet may be used in many applications including, but not limited to encoders, one of which is described in detail.
Claims32
A magnetic encoder for detecting a movement or a position of an object comprising:
- a composite magnet for coupling to said object, said composite magnet including:
- a first piece of magnetized material having a projection thereon;
- and
- a second piece of magnetized material with an aperture formed therein, said first and second pieces being magnetized in opposite axial directions along a common axis such that after said projection on said first piece is mated to said aperture of said second piece, a pattern of north-south poles is formed on one surface of said composite magnet, said pattern determined by said aperture and said projection;
- and
- means for detecting a movement or a position of said composite magnet, wherein said means for detecting is placed in operative relation to said composite magnet.
A magnetic encoder for detecting a movement or a position of an object comprising:
- a composite magnet for coupling to said object, said composite magnet comprising:
- a first piece of magnetized material including a first projection and a first aperture;
- and
- a second piece of magnetized material including a second projection and a second aperture, said first and second pieces of magnetized material being magnetized in opposite axial directions along a common axis such that after said first projection mates with said second aperture and said second projection mates with said first aperture a first pattern of north-south poles is formed on one surface of said composite magnet, said first pattern determined by said first projection and said second aperture, and a second pattern of north-south poles is formed on another surface of said composite magnet, said second pattern determined by said second projection and said first aperture;
- and
- means for detecting a movement or a position of said composite magnet, wherein said means for detecting is placed in operative relation to said composite magnet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.