The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 13, 2000
Filed:
Jun. 12, 1998
Takamasa Kitamura, Nagoya, JP;
Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota, JP;
Abstract
A linear position sensor has first and second output signal generators each of which outputs an output signal in accordance with the position of a detection object. As the detection object moves from an initial position, the output signal of the first output signal generator linearly increases from an output value corresponding to the initial position of the detection object. The output signal of the second output signal generator linearly increases from an output value that is greater than the output value corresponding to the initial position of the detection object. After reaching a maximum value, the output signal of the second output signal generator remains at the maximum value when the detection object further moves to a maximum displacement position. Thereby, output signal characteristics are achieved such that there always occurs a difference between the positions of the detection object indicated by the output signals from the first and second output signal generators if there occurs an abnormality such as a decrease in the supply voltage of the sensor, an increase in the ground voltage, a short circuit between the outputs of the first and second output signal generators, and the like. Based on this difference, an abnormality of the linear position sensor can be detected.