Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
System for detecting relative positions of machine elements and the like, using magneto resistive elements (14, 16) to sense the magnetic flux of a magnetic field generator (10), characterized in that there are provided: at least one means (12) operatively connected to the magnetic field generator (10) for concentrating lines of magnetic flux produced thereby a magneto resistive element ( 1 6) operatively connected to each of the concentrating means; a reference position scale (30) comprising a transducer grid with a plurality of periodic protuberances (36); and two flux couplers (22, 24) operatively connected to each of the magneto resistive elements and disposed out of phase with one another with respect to the transducer grid for modulating flux distribution between the concentrating means and the transducer grid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
System for detecting relative positions of machine elements and the like, using magneto resistive elements (14, 16) to sense the magnetic flux of a magnetic field generator (10), characterized in that there are provided: at least one means (12) operatively connected to the magnetic field generator (10) for concentrating lines of magnetic flux produced thereby a magneto resistive element ( 1 6) operatively connected to each of the concentrating means; a reference position scale (30) comprising a transducer grid with a plurality of periodic protuberances (36); and two flux couplers (22, 24) operatively connected to each of the magneto resistive elements and disposed out of phase with one another with respect to the transducer grid for modulating flux distribution between the concentrating means and the transducer grid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the reference position scale (30) is adapted to move relative to the flux couplers (22, 2 4 ).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system in accordance with claim 1 or 2 wherein the two flux couplers associated with each concentrating means are disposed 180° out of phase with respect to one another.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
39 words
The system of one of the claims 1 to 3 wherein the pairs of flux couplers associated with each concentration means are disposed such that each pair has a different phase relationship with respect to the reference position scale.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
18 words
The system in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 4 wherein the transducer grid is linear.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
24 words
The system in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 4 wherein the transducer grid forms at least a portion of a curve.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
21 words
The system in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 6 wherein the reference position scale comprises magnetically soft material.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
52 words
The system of one of the claims 1 to 7 wherein each magneto resistive element is divided into two halves each of which is connected to one of the flux couplers and wherein an electrical tap (38) is provided at the intersection of the two halves to extract an analog position signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 8 wherein a bridge circuit (Fig. 4) is provided to compare the analog position signal of each electrical tap (38) to a reference voltage.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
29 words
The system of one of the claims 1 to 9 wherein either the magnetic field generator or the reference position scale is operatively connected to a position servo mechanism.