公开(公告)号：US06559636B1

公开(公告)日：2003-05-06

申请号：US10180285

申请日：2002-06-26

申请人： Arwed Brunsch ,  Ernst Ehling ,  Martin Kurz ,  Jürgen Petrik

发明人： Arwed Brunsch ,  Ernst Ehling ,  Martin Kurz ,  Jürgen Petrik

IPC分类号： G01B730

CPC分类号： G01P3/486 ,  G01D5/485

摘要： A modular waveguide assembly for use in a position sensor promotes efficient manufacturing, and can be tested and handled separately from the electronics module of the sensor. The waveguide assembly includes a channel having an opening extending along its length, a waveguide located within the channel, a conductor located within the channel, and a mode converter, such as a coil, located within the channel and positioned to generate an electrical signal from a signal traveling along the waveguide. A damping material can be inserted into the channel opening and around a portion of the waveguide such that the material adheres to the waveguide. Preferably, the damping material is at least initially partially flowable, and is then cured. A support sleeve for locating the waveguide can also be included in the assembly, and includes an elongated tubular member comprising an integral piece of flexible material and a plurality of constrictions spaced along its length for locating the waveguide and protecting it from shock and vibration. The assembly can also include a support element for connecting the coil to the electronics module of the sensor. The element can include terminals electrically connected to the coil ends and a bore for receiving the waveguide and conductor. In addition, the waveguide assembly can be pre-calibrated for use with any electronics module by connecting a gain unit, such as a resistor, to the assembly. The gain unit is selected according to the characteristics of the waveguide, such as its length and/or magnetostrictive sensitivity, and can be easily connected to the electronics module for control of the amplification circuitry in the module.

摘要翻译： 用于位置传感器的模块化波导组件可促进高效制造，并可与传感器的电子模块分开测试和处理。 波导组件包括具有沿其长度延伸的开口的通道，位于通道内的波导，位于通道内的导体，以及位于通道内的模式转换器，例如线圈，并定位成从通道中产生电信号 沿着波导传播的信号。 阻尼材料可以插入到通道开口中并围绕波导的一部分，使得材料粘附到波导上。 优选地，阻尼材料至少是初始部分可流动的，然后固化。 用于定位波导的支撑套筒也可以包括在组件中，并且包括细长的管状构件，其包括一体的柔性材料片和沿其长度间隔开的多个收缩部，用于定位波导并保护其免受冲击和振动。 组件还可以包括用于将线圈连接到传感器的电子模块的支撑元件。 元件可以包括电连接到线圈端的端子和用于接收波导和导体的孔。 此外，波导组件可以通过将增益单元（例如电阻器）连接到组件而被预校准用于与任何电子模块一起使用。 根据波导的特性，例如其长度和/或磁致伸缩灵敏度来选择增益单元，并且可以容易地连接到电子模块以控制模块中的放大电路。

公开(公告)号：US06441608B1

公开(公告)日：2002-08-27

申请号：US09802598

申请日：2001-03-09

申请人： Arwed Brunsch ,  Ernst Ehling ,  Martin Kurz ,  Jürgen Petrik

发明人： Arwed Brunsch ,  Ernst Ehling ,  Martin Kurz ,  Jürgen Petrik

IPC分类号： G01B714

摘要： A modular waveguide assembly for use in a position sensor promotes efficient manufacturing, and can be tested and handled separately from the electronics module of the sensor. The waveguide assembly includes a channel having an opening extending along its length, a waveguide located within the channel, a conductor located within the channel, and a mode converter, such as a coil, located within the channel and positioned to generate an electrical signal from a signal traveling along the waveguide. A damping material can be inserted into the channel opening and around a portion of the waveguide such that the material adheres to the waveguide. Preferably, the damping material is at least initially partially flowable, and is then cured. A support sleeve for locating the waveguide can also be included in the assembly, and includes an elongated tubular member comprising an integral piece of flexible material and a plurality of constrictions spaced along its length for locating the waveguide and protecting it from shock and vibration. The assembly can also include a support element for connecting the coil to the electronics module of the sensor. The element can include terminals electrically connected to the coil ends and a bore for receiving the waveguide and conductor. In addition, the waveguide assembly can be pre-calibrated for use with any electronics module by connecting a gain unit, such as a resistor, to the assembly. The gain unit is selected according to the characteristics of the waveguide, such as its length and/or magnetostrictive sensitivity, and can be easily connected to the electronics module for control of the amplification circuitry in the module.

公开(公告)号：US06232769B1

公开(公告)日：2001-05-15

申请号：US09097693

申请日：1998-06-16

申请人： Arwed Brunsch ,  Ernst Ehling ,  Martin Kurz ,  Jürgen Petrik

发明人： Arwed Brunsch ,  Ernst Ehling ,  Martin Kurz ,  Jürgen Petrik

IPC分类号： G01B714

CPC分类号： G01P3/486 ,  G01D5/485

摘要： A modular waveguide assembly for use in a position sensor promotes efficient manufacturing, and can be tested and handled separately from the electronics module of the sensor. The waveguide assembly includes a channel having an opening extending along its length, a waveguide located within the channel, a conductor located within the channel, and a mode converter, such as a coil, located within the channel and positioned to generate an electrical signal from a signal traveling along the waveguide. A damping material can be inserted into the channel opening and around a portion of the waveguide such that the material adheres to the waveguide. In one embodiment, the damping material is at least initially partially flowable, and is then cured. A support sleeve for locating the waveguide can also be included in the assembly, and includes an elongated tubular member comprising an integral piece of flexible material and a plurality of constrictions spaced along its length for locating the waveguide and protecting it from shock and vibration. The assembly can also include a support element for connecting the coil to the electronics module of the sensor. The element can include terminals electrically connected to the coil ends and a bore for receiving the waveguide and conductor. In addition, the waveguide assembly can be pre-calibrated for use with any electronics module by connecting a gain unit, such as a resistor, to the assembly. The gain unit is selected according to the characteristics of the waveguide, such as its length and/or magnetostrictive sensitivity, and can be easily connected to the electronics module for control of the amplification circuitry in the module.

摘要翻译： 用于位置传感器的模块化波导组件可促进高效制造，并可与传感器的电子模块分开测试和处理。 波导组件包括具有沿其长度延伸的开口的通道，位于通道内的波导，位于通道内的导体，以及位于通道内的模式转换器，例如线圈，并定位成从通道中产生电信号 沿着波导传播的信号。 阻尼材料可以插入到通道开口中并围绕波导的一部分，使得材料粘附到波导上。 在一个实施例中，阻尼材料至少是初始部分可流动的，然后固化。 用于定位波导的支撑套筒也可以包括在组件中，并且包括细长的管状构件，其包括一体的柔性材料片和沿其长度间隔开的多个收缩部，用于定位波导并保护其免受冲击和振动。 组件还可以包括用于将线圈连接到传感器的电子模块的支撑元件。 元件可以包括电连接到线圈端的端子和用于接收波导和导体的孔。 此外，波导组件可以通过将增益单元（例如电阻器）连接到组件而被预校准用于与任何电子模块一起使用。 根据波导的特性，例如其长度和/或磁致伸缩灵敏度来选择增益单元，并且可以容易地连接到电子模块以控制模块中的放大电路。

公开(公告)号：US06208133B1

公开(公告)日：2001-03-27

申请号：US09164896

申请日：1998-10-01

申请人： Ernst Ehling ,  Ernst Gass ,  Andreas Ullrich ,  Martin Kurz

发明人： Ernst Ehling ,  Ernst Gass ,  Andreas Ullrich ,  Martin Kurz

IPC分类号： G01R3500

CPC分类号： G01B7/023 ,  G01B7/003 ,  G01B7/14

摘要： A method and apparatus for calibrating the output signal of a linear position detector without accessing the interior of the detector housing is provided. According to one exemplary embodiment, a magnet is selectively movable toward and away from the exterior of the electronics housing, and a sensor is provided within the housing for sensing the presence of the magnet. According to this embodiment, the linear position detector is calibrated by setting a movable marker at the desired position and pushing the magnet toward the housing. The sensor then detects the presence of the magnet, and a processor saves the position of the marker as a reference point. All future positions of the marker can then be scaled based upon the reference point. Thus, the linear position detector can be calibrated without the need for opening the electronics housing and potentially exposing the electronics components to moisture, contaminants, and/or static electricity. Preferably, the magnet is connected to a push button on a base, and the base includes an attachment mechanism, such as a clip for example, to attach the base to the position detector.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种用于在不访问检测器壳体的内部的情况下校准线性位置检测器的输出信号的方法和装置。 根据一个示例性实施例，磁体可选择性地朝向和远离电子设备壳体的外部移动，并且传感器设置在壳体内以感测磁体的存在。 根据该实施例，通过将可移动标记设置在期望位置并将磁体推向壳体来校准线性位置检测器。 然后，传感器检测磁体的存在，并且处理器将标记的位置保存为参考点。 然后可以基于参考点来缩放标记的所有未来位置。 因此，可以校准线性位置检测器，而不需要打开电子器件外壳并且可能将电子部件暴露于湿气，污染物和/或静电。 优选地，磁体连接到基座上的按钮，并且基座包括诸如夹子的附接机构，以将基座附接到位置检测器。

公开(公告)号：US06351117B1

公开(公告)日：2002-02-26

申请号：US09399644

申请日：1999-09-20

申请人： Ernst Ehling

发明人： Ernst Ehling

IPC分类号： G01B714

CPC分类号： G01B7/003 ,  G01B17/00 ,  G01D3/022 ,  G01D5/485

摘要： A measurement transducer and method is provided which provides a pair of pulses as an output, the measured condition being represented by the time between the pulses, and which includes internal compensation such that the pair of pulses are adjusted to mimic the output of a predetermined ideal transducer. In one embodiment, correction factors are calculated for a magnetostrictive linear position transducer by comparing the transducer output with a position measurement taken by a separate measuring device. These correction factors are stored in a non-volatile memory. Then, during operation of the transducer, a correction factor is selected for each uncorrected measurement and added to the uncorrected measurement to provide a compensated measurement. The compensated measurement is then used to generate a time value using a calculation which includes a predetermined standard waveguide propagation velocity value. The output pulses are then generated based upon this time value, such that the pulses represent a measurement as it would appear if output from an perfectly linear waveguide having the predetermined standard waveguide propagation velocity. Accordingly, the output pulses are linearized and standardized to the predetermined propagation velocity. Thus, the control system (or other electronic circuit) which receives the output pulses need not be re-programed with the propagation velocity of the actual waveguide used in the transducer when the transducer is replaced or otherwise modified. Rather, the control system (or other electronic circuit) can be programmed permanently with the predetermined standard waveguide propagation velocity, and then used with any transducer having such a standardized output.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种测量传感器和方法，其提供一对脉冲作为输出，测量条件由脉冲之间的时间表示，并且其包括内部补偿，使得该对脉冲被调整以模拟预定理想的输出 传感器。 在一个实施例中，通过将换能器输出与由单独的测量装置进行的位置测量进行比较来计算用于磁致伸缩线性位置传感器的校正因子。 这些校正因子存储在非易失性存储器中。 然后，在换能器的操作期间，对于每个未校正的测量选择校正因子，并将其加到未校正的测量中以提供补偿测量。 补偿后的测量然后用于使用包括预定的标准波导传播速度值的计算来产生时间值。 然后基于该时间值产生输出脉冲，使得脉冲表示如果从具有预定标准波导传播速度的完美线性波导的输出将出现的测量。 因此，输出脉冲被线性化并且被标准化为预定的传播速度。 因此，接收输出脉冲的控制系统（或其他电子电路）不需要在换能器被更换或以其它方式修改时用传感器中使用的实际波导的传播速度进行重新编程。 相反，控制系统（或其他电子电路）可以用预定的标准波导传播速度永久地编程，然后与具有这种标准化输出的任何换能器一起使用。

公开(公告)号：US5903426A

公开(公告)日：1999-05-11

申请号：US732125

申请日：1996-10-18

申请人： Ernst Ehling

发明人： Ernst Ehling

IPC分类号： H02H9/04 ,  H02H3/06 ,  H02H1/04

CPC分类号： H02H9/042

摘要： An overvoltage protection apparatus for use with a data transmission interface, having at least one data transmission line associated therewith, for protecting the interface from power spikes, transients, and/or the continuous application of an excessive voltage. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one voltage limiting device associated with each data line. Each voltage limiting device being connected at one end to the associated data line, and at a second end to a current sensing and switching structure, which is in turn connected to ground. The current sensing and switching structure monitors the current through the voltage limiting device. In the event an excessive voltage is applied to a pin or data line of the interface, the voltage limiting device briefly absorbs the excess power and generates an increased current. This increased current is sensed by the current sensing and switching structure, which responds by opening a switch which disconnects the interface from ground. The current sensing and switching structure automatically reconnects the switch after a preselected time period. The switching structure continues to monitor the current from the voltage limiting device, and open and close the switch, for an indefinite period of time until the excessive voltage condition is removed.

摘要翻译： 一种与数据传输接口一起使用的过电压保护装置，具有与其相关联的至少一个数据传输线，用于保护接口免受电源尖峰，瞬变和/或持续施加过大的电压。 在优选实施例中，该装置包括与每个数据线相关联的至少一个电压限制装置。 每个电压限制装置的一端连接到相关的数据线，并且在第二端连接到电流感测和开关结构，电流感测和开关结构依次连接到地。 电流检测和开关结构通过电压限制装置监测电流。 在接口的引脚或数据线施加过大的电压的情况下，电压限制装置短暂吸收多余的电力并产生增加的电流。 这种增加的电流由电流感测和开关结构感测到，其通过打开将接口与地面断开的开关来响应。 电流检测和开关结构在预选时间段后自动重新连接开关。 开关结构继续监视来自电压限制装置的电流，并且无限期地打开和闭合开关，直到去除过大的电压状况。

公开(公告)号：US06906512B2

公开(公告)日：2005-06-14

申请号：US10325843

申请日：2002-12-23

申请人： Ernst Ehling

发明人： Ernst Ehling

IPC分类号： G01D5/48 ,  G01B7/14 ,  G01R33/02

CPC分类号： G01D5/485

摘要： A magnetostrictive position measuring system is provided with a waveguide and which is allocated with a magnet movable along the waveguide. An impulse generator for generating an excitation pulse and a conductive wire for guiding the excitation pulse through the waveguide to the magnet are provided, whereby a torsion wave arises in the waveguide when the excitation pulse reaches the magnet. A reel for generating a reply pulse as a function of the torsion wave and a position calculation unit for ascertaining the position of the magnet as a function of the excitation pulse and the reply pulse are provided. A processor is provided in which a table is present in which a large number of positions and excitation pulse correction values are allocated to one another. The duration of the next excitation pulse is altered as a function of the position of the magnet ascertained and the associated excitation pulse correction value from the table.

摘要翻译： 磁致伸缩位置测量系统设置有波导，并且分配有沿着波导可移动的磁体。 提供了用于产生激励脉冲的脉冲发生器和用于将激励脉冲引导通过波导到磁体的导线，由此当激励脉冲到达磁体时，在波导中产生扭转波。 提供了用于产生作为扭转波的函数的应答脉冲的卷轴和用于确定作为激励脉冲和应答脉冲的函数的磁体位置的位置计算单元。 提供了一种处理器，其中存在其中大量位置和激励脉冲校正值彼此分配的表。 下一激励脉冲的持续时间根据确定的磁体的位置和来自该表的相关激励脉冲校正值而改变。

公开(公告)号：US06864680B2

公开(公告)日：2005-03-08

申请号：US10327067

申请日：2002-12-24

申请人： Ernst Ehling

发明人： Ernst Ehling

IPC分类号： G01D5/247 ,  G01D5/48 ,  H03G3/00 ,  G01B7/14

CPC分类号： H03G3/001 ,  G01D5/247 ,  G01D5/485

摘要： A method of tuning an input signal (S) is described. The method comprises the steps of amplifying the input signal (S) by a gain element (14) having a variable impedance (22) associated therewith and thereby generating an output signal (C), comparing the output signal (C) with a reference voltage (V), tuning the variable impedance (22) such that the impedance is increased if the amplitude of the output signal (C) is smaller than the reference voltage (V), and that the impedance is decreased if the amplitude of the output signal (C) is greater than the reference voltage (V).

摘要翻译： 描述了对输入信号（S）进行调谐的方法。 该方法包括以下步骤：通过与其相关联的具有可变阻抗（22）的增益元件（14）来放大输入信号（S），从而产生输出信号（C），将输出信号（C）与参考电压 （V），调谐可变阻抗（22），使得如果输出信号（C）的幅度小于参考电压（V），则阻抗增加，并且如果输出信号的幅度 （C）大于参考电压（V）。

公开(公告)号：US5923164A

公开(公告)日：1999-07-13

申请号：US730755

申请日：1996-10-15

申请人： Ernst Ehling ,  Ernst Gass ,  Joszef Geisz

发明人： Ernst Ehling ,  Ernst Gass ,  Joszef Geisz

IPC分类号： G01B7/02 ,  G01F23/296 ,  H03G3/00 ,  G01B7/14 ,  G01F23/30 ,  H03G3/10

CPC分类号： G01F23/2963 ,  G01B7/02 ,  H03G3/001

摘要： An apparatus and method for automatically and periodically tuning a signal having a gain element, a variable impedance associated with the gain element, and a control device. The gain element has an input for receiving the signal and an output for providing an output signal and is preferably an operational amplifier with a feedback path extending from the output to the input. The variable impedance is preferably connected in series in the feedback path and includes a plurality of resistors connected in series and a plurality of switches, each switch being connected in parallel with one of the resistors. The control device receives the gain element output signal and generates a control signal in response to the amplitude of the gain element output signal. The control signal is transmitted to the variable impedance for regulating the setting of the impedance. Preferably, the control device also includes a pair of comparators for evaluating the gain element output signal and a field programmable gate array for receiving the outputs of the comparators and generating the control signal. The control signal preferably comprises a plurality of switching signals, each signal being connected to one of the switches for controlling the state of the switch.

摘要翻译： 一种用于自动和周期性地调谐具有增益元件的信号，与增益元件相关联的可变阻抗和控制装置的装置和方法。 增益元件具有用于接收信号的输入和用于提供输出信号的输出，并且优选地是具有从输出到输入的反馈路径的运算放大器。 可变阻抗优选地串联在反馈路径中并且包括串联连接的多个电阻器和多个开关，每个开关与电阻器之一并联连接。 控制装置接收增益元件输出信号，并根据增益元件输出信号的振幅产生控制信号。 控制信号被传送到可变阻抗以调节阻抗的设置。 优选地，控制装置还包括用于评估增益元件输出信号的一对比较器和用于接收比较器的输出并产生控制信号的现场可编程门阵列。 控制信号优选地包括多个切换信号，每个信号连接到一个开关以控制开关的状态。