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US 5,632,093 AGranted
Inductive sensor and method for detecting displacement of a body
OwnerSharon A. Eliasinventor
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OwnerSharon A. Eliasinventor
Estimating the term…
An inductive sensor is comprised of a sealed housing; at least one current path disposed in the housing; means for applying current to the current path; variable low reluctance magnetic path about the current path; and means for sensing the output from the current path as a function of variations in the magnetic flux path. Alternative current path configurations include a differential transformer, comprised of a permanent magnet or one or more primary coils in conjunction with two secondary coils, or a voltage divider, comprised of two primary coils. The variable magnetic flux path includes ferromagnetic fluid disposed in the housing to a level at which all coils are at least partially submersed. Tilt or other displacement of the sensor results in a change in the amount of fluid contacting the coils and a resultant change in current output from the current path means. The change in sensed voltage is indicative of displacement and sustained output voltage is proportional to the degree of tilt of the sensor.
A sensor for sensing displacement of a body comprising:
A method method for sensing displacement of a body with a sensor comprising current path means and variable low reluctance magnetic flux path means, said flux path means comprising ferromagnetic fluid, the level of which in relation to said current path means varies in response to displacement of said sensor, and wherein said current path means comprises two pairs of coils wound about two pairs of horizontal frame portions, said pairs of horizontal frame portions being in a common plane and perpendicular to each other and wherein said sensing means comprises two sensing circuits, one connected to each of said two pairs of coils for producing an output related to the level of said ferromagnetic fluid in relation to said current path means, comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.