Atoma International Corporation

Invotronics Manufacturing

C-mac Invotronics

Walter H Peter

An improved capacitive sensor for detecting the presence of objects in a sensing region. The sensor is a multilayer structure with alternating layer of condutive and insulating materials. The sensor structure has three electrodes: a touch plate, a guard layer, a ground plane, each of which are separated from each other by insulating layers. The sensor is operated by detection electronic circuitry which function in a either a self excited mode or an externally excited mode. This sensor is capable of detecting objects in a sensing region several feet away from the sensing surface and is particularly suitable for automobile applications, such as detecting potentially jamming objects in power (auto-closing) windows, doors, and the like.

Proximity sensor

A transducer and tone generator embodying the same and method of assembling the transducer components with the use of an assembly fixture. The transducer components include a rigid annular structure, a pole piece, an electromagnetic coil assembly, and a diaphragm. The method of assembly includes the steps of engaging (1) a diaphragm-engaging surface of the rigid annular structure and (2) an end surface of the pole piece with (1) an outer annular fixture surface and (2) a central fixture surface respectively while a pole piece end portion is engaged with a pole piece engaging surface of the rigid annular structure so as to establish a predetermined axial space between the diaphragm-engaging surface and the end surface, securing the pole piece and rigid annular structure together against relative axial movement with respect to one another and the electromagnetic coil assembly in aligned relation thereto within a central space of the rigid annular structure and in surrounding relation to the pole piece, and mounting the diaphragm in assembled relation within the transducer solely by engaging a marginal edge portion thereof with the diaphragm engaging surface to be retained therein solely by the magnetic attraction of a permanent magnet of the rigid annular structure.

Growing community of inventors

Hobart, NY, United States of America

Walter H Peter