A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of the proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The control circuitry monitors the signal responsive to the activation field, determines a rate of change in signal amplitude for each signal, and generates an adaptive time delay based on the control circuitry. The control circuitry further detects a peak amplitude of the signal and determines activation of the switch after expiration of the time delay following the peak amplitude detection.

Proximity switch assembly and method having adaptive time delay

A system for monitoring fuel consumption and optimizing refueling of a vehicle. The system includes a fuel level sensor designed to be mounted on a fuel tank. The fuel sensor has a transducer, such as an ultrasonic transducer, for generating a distance signal that represents the distance between the sensor and the surface of the fuel in the fuel tank. A processor coupled to the transducer is programmed to convert the distance signal to a percentage of capacity signal, calculate the volume of fuel within the fuel tank, and create a message that includes information regarding the volume of fuel in the fuel tank. The processor of the fuel level sensor is coupled to a network that may include a dispatch terminal, a fuel optimization server, and a fuel-price-by-location service. The network calculates an optimal location for refilling the fuel tank and a route to travel to the location. It broadcasts a message containing the refueling and route information to the vehicle information system, and devices coupled to the vehicle information system then display the message to inform the driver of the vehicle when and where to refuel.

Fuel optimization system with improved fuel level sensor

Apparatus for dispensing paper from rolls which feeds continuously, roll to roll, and does not require extra procedure to bring stub roll into position. The apparatus has means for holding and positioning at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other; means for dispensing paper from the first roll; means for dispensing paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper, means for positioning the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll; and means for dispensing from the second and replacement rolls simultaneously when the second roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper. The apparatus also has a proximity sensor, which senses when a hand is placed near the dispenser, and thereupon dispenses a set amount of towel. The proximity sensor incorporates "static" and noise immunity circuitry.

Minimizing paper waste carousel-style dispenser apparatus, sensor, method and system with proximity sensor

Ein Ventil zum Steuern von Flussigkeiten ist mit einem piezoelektrischen Aktor (3) zur Betatigung eines Ventilglieds (2), das an einem Ende einen ein Ventilschliesglied bildenden Ventilkopf (7) aufweist, der mit einem an einem Ventilkorper (6) vorgesehenen Sitz (8) zum Offnen und Schliesen des Ventils (1) zusammenwirkt, ausgebildet. Auf einer dem Ventilglied (2) abgewandten Seite des piezoelektrischen Aktors (3) ist eine Hydraulikkammer (21) vorgesehen, die uber wenigstens eine Hydraulikleitung (23) mit einer gegenuber dem piezoelektrischen Aktor (3) abgedichteten Bohrung (5) des Ventilglieds (2) verbunden ist und in die ein mit dem piezoelektrischen Aktor (3) verbundener Kolben (20) eintauchbar ist, wobei die Hydraulikkammer (21) als hydraulische Feder ausgebildet ist, welche mit ihrer Federkraft auf den mit dem piezoelektrischen Aktor (3) verbundenen Kolben (20) das Vorspannelement und das Toleranzausgleichselement darstellt. Das Ventil ist insbesondere als Bestandteil eines Kraftstoffeinspritzventils vorgesehen.

Ventil zum steuern von flüssigkeiten

Apparatus for dispensing paper from rolls which feeds continuously, roll to roll, and does not require extra procedure to bring stub roll into position. The apparatus holds and positions at least first and second rolls of paper with respect to each other; dispenses paper from the first roll; dispenses paper from the first and second rolls simultaneously when the first roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper, positions the depleted first roll for replacement without the necessity of removing the second roll; and dispenses from the second and replacement rolls simultaneously when the second roll reduces to a predetermined diameter of paper. The apparatus also has a proximity sensor, which senses when a hand is placed near the dispenser, and thereupon dispenses a set amount of towel. The proximity sensor incorporates “static” and noise immunity circuitry.

Proximity detection circuit and method of detecting capacitance changes

A method and apparatus for sensing proximity of an object using near-field effects or magnetic effects. The sensor chips are designed to accommodate numerous sensing elements. In the electromagnetic sensor, radio frequency energy is fed to an antenna. The antenna radiates this radio frequency energy to charge the surface of an object. When the position of the object changes, the impedance of the antenna due to near-field effects changes. This impedance change is detected to provide an indication of the object's movement. In the magnetic sensor, the sensing element is placed at a right angle to the sensor electronics to provide a smaller surface area across the diameter of the sensor. The magnet that charges the object to be detected is manufactured as a part of the sensor encapsulant. The sensing device may be packaged to be inserted into a wall to provide a sensor having a leak-free seal.

Method and apparatus for sensing proximity or position of an object using near-field effects

An apparatus and methods are provided for sensing movement of a fuel injector valve of a fuel injection system. The apparatus preferably includes a fuel pump for pumping fuel to flow to a combustion chamber of an engine and a first valve positioned in fluid communication with the fuel pump for allowing fuel to flow directly into the combustion chamber when in an open position. A second valve is positioned in fluid communication with the first valve and the fuel pump for allowing fuel to flow to the first valve when in an open position. A second valve actuator is positioned responsive to desired fuel injection for actuating the second valve. A sensor is positioned to sense movement of the first and second valves and the actuation of the second valve actuator. A movement differentiator is preferably positioned responsive to the sensor for differentiating a time of moving of the first valve from the time of moving of the second valve and the actuation of the second valve actuator.

Apparatus and method for sensing movement of fuel injector valve

A compact sensing apparatus having reduced cross section and methods are provided for sensing the magnitude and direction of an electrical or magnetic field. The compact sensing apparatus and method preferably provide one of two transducer orientations in relation to the direction of the field arranged in the sensor apparatus to provide the smallest possible cross section. The compact sensing apparatus preferably includes a plurality of mounting pins. Each of the plurality of mounting pins preferably includes a first pin portion and a second pin portion connected to the first pin portion at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is preferably less than 180 degrees and more preferably in the range of about 70-110 degrees. A transducer formed from a semiconductor wafer is preferably mounted to the first pin portion for generating a transducer signal, and a signal conditioner also preferably formed from the same semiconductor wafer is mounted to the second pin portion for conditioning the transducer signal.

Compact sensing apparatus having reduced cross section and methods of mounting same

A position sensor 100 monitors relatively fast moving objects with signal conditioning for reduced power and reduced wiring. A transducer 104 and related circuitry generate a dynamic signal proportional to a position of a moving object and also generate one or more low frequency or static (DC or zero frequency) error signals. The low or zero frequency error signals are removed and a position signal is generated using only two connections to a remote sensor monitor 202, thus allowing ease in multiplexing and reduced wiring.

Offset compensated position sensor and method

A sensing apparatus having a sensor formed in a monolithic semiconductor substrate and oriented orthogonally to a signal conditioner is provided. The sensor generates a sensing signal in response to a predetermined physical stimulus. A signal conditioner electrically connected and responsive to the sensor conditions the sensing signal. The sensor and signal conditioner are formed on wafer surfaces of a single semiconductor substrate cut from a semiconductor wafer. The substrate is separated, one portion having the sensor formed on therein and the other having formed therein the signal conditioner. The portions are oriented and rejoined to form a monolithic semiconductor substrate. The resulting monolithic substrate has, then, a sensor and signal conditioner formed therein and angled relative to each other at a predetermined angle.

Marshall E. Smith

Papers

Method and apparatus for sensing proximity or position of an object using near-field effects

Apparatus and method for sensing movement of fuel injector valve

Compact sensing apparatus having reduced cross section and methods of mounting same

Offset compensated position sensor and method

Compact sensing apparatus