Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
A pressure sensor comprising: a casing defining an inner space; a movable body which divides the inner space of said casing into a first space and a second space, a pneumatic pressure to be determined being introduced into the first space; a spring for urging the movable body in a direction opposite to the pneumatic pressure; a ferromagnetic member coupled to the movable body; a permanent magnet for producing a magnetic field; core means of a magnetically soft material both disposed adjacent to a region of movement of the ferromagnetic member for forming a magnetic circuit therewith; at least one electrical coil disposed on the core; and detection means for detecting a change of intensity of magnetic flux produced in said core by the magnetic field of said permanent magnet means in response to a displacement of said ferromagnetic member, comprising means for applying a pulse voltage to said electrical coil, and means for measuring the time delay occurring from the application of said pulse voltage until saturation of said core.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
A pressure sensor comprising: a casing defining an inner space; a movable body which divides the inner space of said casing into a first space and a second space, a pneumatic pressure to be determined being introduced into the first space; a spring for urging the movable body in a direction opposite to the pneumatic pressure; a ferromagnetic member coupled to the movable body; a permanent magnet for producing a magnetic field; core means of a magnetically soft material both disposed adjacent to a region of movement of the ferromagnetic member for forming a magnetic circuit therewith; at least one electrical coil disposed on the core; and detection means for detecting a change of intensity of magnetic flux produced in said core by the magnetic field of said permanent magnet means in response to a displacement of said ferromagnetic member, comprising means for applying a pulse voltage to said electrical coil, and means for measuring the time delay occurring from the application of said pulse voltage until saturation of said core.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A pressure sensor according to claim 1 in which the movable body comprises: a diaphragm, and a holder secured to said diaphragm, the ferromagnetic member being fixedly mounted on the holder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A pressure sensor according to claim 1 in which the core comprises: an amorphous, magnetic material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A pressure sensor according to claim 1 in which the ferromagnetic member comprises: an amorphous magnetic material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A pressure sensor according to claim 1 in which the core comprises: a pair of magnetically soft members disposed on opposite sides of the permanent magnet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
A pressure sensor according to claim 1 wherein said detection means comprises: constant current source means for producing a constant current through said coil upon application of said pulse voltage thereto; wherein said pulse voltage applying means and said constant current source means product at a terminal of said coil a voltage signal delayed after application of said pulse voltage in relation to the pressure being measured.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
A pressure sensor according to claim 1, further comprising: said ferromagnetic member having one end pivotally mounted in said second space and a pivotally movable portion disposed adjacent said core, wherein said ferromagnetic member undergoes pivotable movement in relation to the pressure being measured, thereby correspondingly changing the magnetic flux produced in said core.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
123 words
A pressure sensor according to claim 1, further comprising: said core means comprising first and second core members laterally disposed adjacent said ferromagnetic member; first and second electrical coils disposed on respective of said first and second core members; said detection means comprising, means for alternately applying pulse voltages to said first and second coils, means for producing first and second voltage signals indicative of the time delays until saturation of said first and second core members occurring as as result of alternate application of said first and second pulse voltages to said first, and second coils, respectively, and means for producing a difference signal based on said first and second voltage signals, said difference signal being related to the pressure being measured.