Device for magnetically sensing current in plate structure
US6107806A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2329/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A device (16) for sensing current flowing in a generally flat plate structure (10) contains a magnetic head (18) and signal processing circuitry (20). The magnetic head (a) senses changes in current-induced magnetic flux as the head is positioned over the plate structure and (b) provides a head output signal. The signal processing circuitry processes the head output signal to produce a data signal indicative of how much current appears to flow in the plate structure below the head. A driving voltage, which typically varies in a periodic manner to produce a characteristic signature, is applied to a primary conductor in the plate structure. A location sensor, typically formed with a light source (100) and a light sensor (102), detects the position of the magnetic head relative to the plate structure. A gas-cushion mechanism (80-98) controls the height of the head above the plate structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.