Displacement apparatus using a magnetic optic sensor and position dependent magnetic field
OwnerLisa Brackenbury Maurice, Robert Downing LaClairinventors
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Abstract
Apparatus for detecting relative displacement includes a first magnet for producing a first magnetic field along an axis; a second magnet for producing a second magnetic field along the axis; the first and second magnetic fields interacting to produce a position-dependent magnetic field along the axis; a sensor disposed for detecting the position-dependent magnetic field; and a movable element for causing relative displacement between the position-dependent magnetic field and the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is a magneto-optic sensor.
Claims14
Apparatus for detecting relative displacement comprising:
- first magnetic means for producing a first magnetic field;
- second magnetic means for producing a second magnetic field;
- said first and second magnetic fields interacting to produce a position-dependent magnetic field;
- a magneto-optic sensor disposed for detecting said position-dependent magnetic field by Faraday effect and for producing a polarized light output indicative of said detected magnetic field in accordance with said Faraday effect;
- and means for causing a relative displacement between said position-dependent magnetic field and said sensor.
Apparatus for detecting position comprising:
- a sensor housing;
- a permanent magnet disposed in said housing for producing a magnetic field;
- a magneto-optic sensor disposed in said housing for detecting by Faraday effect variations in said magnetic field across a gap between said sensor housing and a ferromagnetic target;
- and means for varying said gap in relation to linear position of the target.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.