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:
Dec. 21, 2004
Filed:
Sep. 11, 2002
Kent E. Van Ostrand, Freeport, IL (US);
Edward L. Stern, Lanark, IL (US);
Robert E. Bicking, Freeport, IL (US);
Honeywell International Inc., Morristown, NJ (US);
Abstract
A method and system for sensing linear position utilizing a magnetoresistive bridge circuit. A permanent magnet is provided having a gap formed therein. The magnetoresistive bridge circuit is generally located within the gap of the permanent magnet. The magnetoresistive bridge circuit includes a plurality of magnetoresistors. The magnet can be positioned in proximity to the ferrous target, which is associated with a slider that moves along a shaft. The magnetoresistive bridge circuit is generally biased by a magnetic field of the magnet. The magnetic field can saturate the magnetoresistive bridge circuit and a response of the magnetoresistors thereof. An output signal of the magnetoresistive bridge circuit can then be detected such that the output signal is produced by a change in an angle of the magnetic bias field. The output signal determines a target position with respect to a torque applied to the shaft.