An apparatus comprises: a first comparator configured to: receive an input proximity signal indicating a proximity of a target device, receive a second reference signal associated with a second distance, make a first comparison of the input proximity signal to the second reference signal, and provide a first output proximity signal based on the first comparison; and a second comparator configured to: receive the input proximity signal, receive the first output proximity signal, make a second comparison of the input proximity signal using the first output proximity signal, and provide a second output proximity signal based on the second comparison.

A device that will increase an inductive proximity sensor's detection distance and detection position is disclosed. The device uses a housing in combination with a sensor and axially magnetized magnet and a target magnet to achieve the increased detection distance and position. The device can be defined as universal because it allows different manufacturers and sizes of sensors to be used and calibrated. An optional threaded end section of the device allows connection of standard conduit fittings.

Systems and methods are disclosed for a sensing apparatus. An apparatus may include a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a processing unit, a positioning sensor, an environmental sensor and one or more inductive elements positioned within a region at an edge of the PCB. The one or more inductive elements may be configured to generate electrical energy for the processing unit by passing through a magnetic field. The apparatus may also include a spindle implemented through the PCB, such that the spindle protrudes through a substantially central location relative to one plane of the PCB.

An actuator includes an oscillating unit including two or more oscillation circuits each configured to output an oscillation signal including a frequency, which is changed in response to movement of a detection target, a frequency down-converting unit configured to down-convert frequencies of two or more oscillation signals respectively output from the two or more oscillation circuits, and a determining unit configured to calculate a position of the detection target in response to two or more down-converted oscillation signals output from the frequency down-converting unit.

An instrument playing apparatus has: a movable member configured to be displaced responsive to a playing operation of a user; a detection part formed from a magnetic or conductive body and disposed on the movable member; and a filter that includes a coil. The filter has a frequency response that changes depending on a distance between the detection part and the coil, and generates a detection signal from a reference signal.

The invention generally relates to a field regulator, particularly a field regulator for a resonant circuit, a transmitter including such a field regulator, a proximity detection system including such a transmitter, and a method of regulating a resonant circuit. In one aspect the invention provides a field regulator for a resonant circuit, the resonant circuit including an inductor coil around a core, the field regulator including a DC bias circuit configured to apply a DC bias current to the inductor coil for regulating an electromagnetic field generated by the inductor. The DC bias circuit can be used to selectively change the inductance of the inductor in the resonant circuit so as to maintain a consistent field strength in a changing environment, particularly to take into account the presence of large metal bodies which might otherwise adversely impact on operation. In particular, the DC bias current may be used to selectively change the natural frequency of the resonant circuit so as to shift the resonant circuit towards a desired resonance point.

This system allows the positioning of a vehicle in a recharging position with respect to a pad of a recharging station, wherein the vehicle carries a shoe gear which, once the vehicle is in the recharging position, is moved to come into contact with the pad. This system comprises: on the ground side, a generation module of a magnetic field, a characteristic quantity of which is a function of the position relative to a reference point of the generation module; and, on the onboard side, a magnetic field measuring module to measure the characteristic quantity and compare it with a reference value, in order to control the movement of the vehicle and stop it at a position relative to the reference point, wherein the relative position corresponds to the recharging position.

An apparatus for detecting a presence of an object is provided. The apparatus includes an inductive sensing coil that is configurable to generate a magnetic field, the inductive sensing coil configured to have an electrical characteristic that is detectable when generating the magnetic field. The apparatus includes an actuator configured to inducing relative motion between the inductive sensing coil and the object while the inductive sensing coil generates the magnetic field. The apparatus includes a controller configured to detect a change in the electrical characteristic, and determine a presence of the object based on the change in the electrical characteristic correlating with the relative motion between the inductive sensing coil and the object. The electrical characteristic includes one or more of an equivalent resistance, an equivalent inductance, an equivalent impedance, and an impulse response of the inductive sensing coil.

The invention relates to a Wiegand wire arrangement, with a Wiegand wire section, a winding device that defines an inner coil in which the Wiegand wire section is enclosed, and a coil carrier, which is designed as a tubular structure extending between the Wiegand wire section and the inner coil of the winding device inside the inner core, whereby the coil carrier is made of a metallic material.

A pulse-induction displacement transducer comprising at least one coil component (100,150), at least one target (112,174), and pulse induction circuitry (102,152} constructed and arranged to cause a pulse of electrical current to pass through the said at least one coil component (100,150). The pulse ends abruptly. Subsequently, the electrical current passing through the said at least one coil component (100,150), or the voltage across it, is measured at a time when any electrical current through or voltage across the said at least one coil component (100, 150) would have died away in. the absence of a target. This provides an indication of the relative position between the target (112,174) and the said at least one coil component (100, 150). The said at least one coil component (100,150) comprises a first terminal portion (108,158), a first coil part (104,152) connected directly or indirectly to the said first terminal portion (108,158) and wound in one sense. The coil component (100,150) also comprises, in series with the said first coil part (104, 152), a second coil part (164) wound in the opposite sense. The said second coil part (106,164) is connected directly or indirectly to a second terminal portion (110, 168). The said pulse induction circuitry (102,152) is connected between the said first terminal portion (108,158) and the said second terminal portion (110,168).