Parker-hannifin Corporation

Parker-hannifan Plc

Eric B Chapman

Sandra L Harper

William R Schley

William L Hassler, Jr

Michael E Nolan

Dan Thanh Nguyen

Curtis Edgar Stevens

Joseph A Kovach

Matthew Herman Simon

Bruce D Larkin

Lawrence P Flesch

A system and method for measuring the position of at least one field producing element (e.g., a magnet) without a direct electrical or physical connection between the field producing element and one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the output from an array of sensors (e.g., Hall Effect sensors) is curve fit using an algorithm having a characteristic bell curve (e.g., curve fit tracking algorithm, center of gravity algorithm, etc.) to determine at least one of an absolute or relative position associated with the field producing element and/or a property associated with the field producing element (e.g., magnetic flux). Another embodiment is directed to detecting errors in one or more of the sensors and excluding the output of the faulty sensors in determining the position associated with the field producing element.

Through-wall position sensor

In a variable displacement type hydraulic pump/motor assembly including at least one internally movable component, such as a yoke, a swashplate, and the means for moving the swashplate, the improvement includes imparting on this component absolute location indicia markings and the addition of an optical/electronic sensor unit capable of reading such indicia markings fixedly located on a housing of the pump/motor assembly and including an optical read head extending into the housing interior and located at a spaced distance from the indicia markings for reading same, relative to a reference location, and producing a signal indicative of the absolute position of the movable component. The signal can then, in turn, be used for controlling the displacement of the pump/motor assembly. A method for determining the absolute component position is also set forth.

Optical position sensing and method

A fiber optic signal collection system and method for position sensing or sensing other parameters indicated by light distinctive patterns. The system is particularly suitable for use in aircraft flight control. The system includes a set of fiber optic fibers with first and second ends. The first ends are disposed adjacent a light distinctive pattern indicating a particular pattern such as a relative position. A portion of the second ends are positioned adjacent a light source and a portion of the second ends are disposed adjacent a light sensing electrical device such that light from the light source can be conveyed through the fibers, reflected from the light distinctive pattern, and conveyed through the fibers to the light sensing electrical device in order to detect the pattern in the electrical device. By this means the parameter indicated by the light distinctive pattern can be detected, and the right indication of which can be remotely conveyed through the fiber optic fibers to a conveniently located light sensing electrical device. Multiple parameters can be sensed with a single light sensing electrical device by alternate routing of light from different light distinctive patterns indicating different parameters to the light sensing electrical device.

Method and device for continuous pattern sensing using fiber optics

A fiber optic signal collection system and method for position sensing or sensing other parameters indicated by light distinctive patterns. The system is particularly suitable for use in aircraft flight control. The system includes a set of fiber optic fibers with first and second ends. The first ends are disposed adjacent a light distinctive pattern indicating a particular pattern such as a relative position. A portion of the second ends are positioned adjacent a light source and a portion of the second ends are disposed adjacent a light sensing electrical device such that light from the light source can be conveyed through the fibers, reflected from the light distinctive pattern, and conveyed through the fibers to the light sensing electrical device in order to detect the pattern in the electrical device. By this means the parameter indicated by the light distinctive pattern can be detected, and the light indication of which can be remotely conveyed through the fiber optic fibers to a conveniently located light sensing electrical device. Multiple parameters can be sensed with a single light sensing electrical device by alternate routing of light from different light distinctive patterns indicating different parameters to the light sensing electrical device.

Growing community of inventors

Brea, CA, United States of America

Eric B Chapman