Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.

Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh

Martin Osterfeld

Anton Grabmaier

Werner Philipps

Reinhard Stumpe

Jurgen Benz

Timo Brandt

The invention pertains to an angle of rotation sensor, wherein a magnet that is arranged such that it can be turned relative to a sensor that is sensitive to magnetic fields is coupled with a rotatable body, the angle of rotation (&agr;) of which needs to be measured. The invention aims to significantly broaden the measuring range of such an angle of rotation sensor. The invention proposes to utilize an asymmetric magnetic field such that the maximum and the minimum of the magnetic field measured by the probe are spaced apart by an angular range in excess of 270&deg;. Advantageous additional developments pertain to other options for adapting the magnetic field to the desired shape. These options include an air gap that changes over the angle of rotation and the utilization of asymmetric pole shoes.

Angle of rotation sensor with an asymmetrically positioned permanent magnet

A device for monitoring the state of a window pane includes an optical emitter which emits a light beam on to the window pane. The device also contains an optical receiver which detects light of the light beam modulated by the window pane and, as a result, generates a received signal. The emitter and the receiver are arranged at a distance from the window pane. An evaluation circuit evaluates the received signal in order to determine the state of the window pane.

Device for monitoring the state of a window pane

A process for determining the distance between a distance sensor and an object, wherein an analog input signal is directed to a transmitter of the distance sensor. The transmitter emits a wave which is reflected by the object. A receiver of the distance sensor receives the reflected wave and thereupon emits an analog output signal whose level is dependent upon the distance and/or the type of object. The output signal is amplified by a subsequently added amplifier. The amplifier signal is directed to an analog/digital converter and is converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is directed to an evaluation circuit for the computation of a distance value. The signal amplification of the amplifier is controlled in an adaptively dependent manner on the level of the output signal and/or in a manner dependent on the signal value of an amplification signal made available by the evaluation circuit which is characteristic of an anticipated distance range.

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Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany

Martin Osterfeld