Method and system for linear positioning
US7355389B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 2005 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D5/145
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods for determining linear position are disclosed. An example system includes a magnet with first and second magnetic poles. The first and second magnetic poles define an axis of the magnet. The system also includes a magnetoresistive sensor comprising a magnetoresistive sensor structure. The magnetoresistive sensor structure defines a plane that, in the system, is oriented out-of-plane with the axis of the magnet. In operation, the magnet travels, with respect to the magnetoresistive sensor, along a substantially linear path of travel that is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the sensor structure, such that the sensor operates in a saturation mode when the magnet is located along a given portion of the path of travel. When operating in the saturation mode, the magnetoresistive sensor produces an electrical signal that corresponds with a linear position of the magnet along the given portion of the path of travel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.