US3865043A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for detecting and controlling the spacing between two juxtaposed bodies
Assignee: Mannesmann Demag Krauss Maffei GmbH
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Filing: 1972-10-04
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Granted: 1975-02-11
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Expires: 1992-10-04
Abstract
Abstract A device for detecting and controlling the spacing between two juxtaposed bodies, e.g. a magnetically suspended vehicle and a support track therefor, comprises a parallel-resonant network having a coil bridged by a capacitor and juxtaposed with a conductive plate of one of the members, the detector being provided on the other. A fixed-frequency oscillator, advantageously operating at the resonant frequency of the network, energizes the latter through an ohmic resistor while a voltage detector is connected across the parallel-resonant network between the latter and the resistor. The output of the detector can be used to control either the suspension-gap spacing or a lateral-guide gap spacing of the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Schwarzler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 20:52
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B7/00; G01B7/02; B; B60; B60L; B60L13/00; B60L13/04; B60L13/06; B60L2200/00; B60L2200/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
The combination of a vehicle track, a vehicle displaceable along said track, and magnet means suspending said vehicle and guiding same along said track with a gap spacing therebetween, with a contactless device for detecting the spacing and controlling said magnet means, said device comprising: a first member extending along said track; a second member on said vehicle juxtaposed with said first member; a parallel resonant network on one of said members including a capacitor and a coil confronting an electrically conductive portion of the other member and having magnetic characteristics influenced by the proximity of said conductive portion, said capacitor being connected across said coil; a constant-frequency oscillator connected in circuit with said resonant network; output-circuit means connected to said resonant network and responsive to an electrical parameter thereof for producing an output in dependence upon the mutual spacing of said members; control means for operating said magnet means to maintain said gap spacing substantially constant; and an ohmic resistance in series with said oscillator and said parallel-resonant network, said output-circuit means including a voltage detector responsive to the voltage across said network, said output-circuit means being connected across said network between said resistance and the network.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
The combination of a vehicle track, a vehicle displaceable along said track, and magnet means suspending said vehicle and guiding same along said track with a gap spacing therebetween, with a contactless device for detecting the spacing and controlling said magnet means, said device comprising: a first member extending along said track; a second member on said vehicle juxtaposed with said first member; a parallel resonant network on one of said members including a capacitor and a coil confronting an electrically conductive portion of the other member and having magnetic characteristics influenced by the proximity of said conductive portion, said capacitor being connected across said coil; a constant-frequency oscillator connected in circuit with said resonant network; output-circuit means connected to said resonant network and responsive to an electrical parameter thereof for producing an output in dependence upon the mutual spacing of said members; control means for operating said magnet means to maintain said gap spacing substantially constant; and an ohmic resistance in series with said oscillator and said parallel-resonant network, said output-circuit means including a voltage detector responsive to the voltage across said network, said output-circuit means being connected across said network between said resistance and the network.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said oscillator has an output frequency substantially identical to the natural oscillation frequency of said parallel-resonant network in the absence of said conductive portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination defined in claim 2 wherein said conductive portion is a metal plate extending continuously along and fixed to said track.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
75 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said magnet means includes a first electromagnet means suspending said vehicle and a second electromagnet means for laterally guiding said vehicle with respect to said track, said coil responding to a suspension gap, said combination further comprising a second coil, parallel-resonant network and output-circuit means for energization by said oscillator to detect a lateral gap width and control said second electromagnet means and maintain a lateral gap spacing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said magnet means includes electromagnet means on said vehicle for maintaining a lateral guide gap with said track, said control means being connected to said output-circuit means for energizing said electromagnet means with a current determined by said output.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein a plurality of coils juxtaposed with respective conductive portions are provided to detect the gap spacing of respective but independent gaps, each of said coils forming a respective tuned network and being connected to respective output-circuit means as defined, all of said parallel-resonant networks being energized in common by said oscillator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination defined in claim 6, further comprising respective coaxial cables connecting each of said parallel-resonant networks to said oscillator and to the respective output-circuit means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination defined in claim 7 wherein each of said output-circuit means includes a storage condenser connected across the respective parallel-resonant networks in series with a diode, a drain resistor connected across each condenser and a respective electronic switch connected across each condenser.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-10 | 1978-08-12 | 1979-02-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-10 | 1982-08-12 | 1983-02-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-10 | 1986-08-12 | 1987-02-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |