Signal-responsive apparatus having magnetic-particle-friction memory
US4011510A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 1976 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R13/04
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Signal-processing apparatus for use with industrial instrumentation systems and the like, and comprising memory means to maintain a signal level for long time periods without drift. An input signal level is translated into the positioning of a movable member, through the use of an actuator motor controlled by the input signal and a position feedback signal. A friction device is coupled to the movable member to hold it in any given position, thereby to serve as a memory for the input signal level. The friction device comprises a thin vane-like element which is secured to the movable member and disposed in the air-gap of a permanent magnet. The air-gap also includes a mass of tiny magnetizable particles which, under the influence of the magnetic field, engage the surfaces of the vane-like element to develop a frictional restraining force. This frictional restraint has the characteristic of being relatively low upon initial movement away from a start point, and thereafter increasing progressively to a plateau level, thereby providing superior dynamic performance particularly in a servo positioning system. Various applications are disclosed including process controllers and chart recor…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.