Adam P Whittingham

US Patent:

59229535, Jul 13, 1999

Filed:

Sep 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/938953

Inventors:

Donald W. Payne - Anaheim CA
Seved Ahmad Mojahed Gomnam - Irvine CA
Adam Whittingham - Orange CA
Joseph L. Jonke - Anaheim CA

Assignee:

Magnetic Sensors Corporation - Anaheim CA

International Classification:

H02K 1924

US Classification:

73494

Abstract:

An apparatus useful for detecting the speed and/or position of an object moving along a defined path and more particularly to such an apparatus configured to minimize the spacing between a sensing face of the apparatus and a target surface on the object. Embodiments of the invention are particularly suited for sensing the speed of a rotating member, e. g. , a gear, by utilizing a sensor, such as a Hall-effect sensor, to detect the movement of each gear tooth past the sensor. An apparatus in accordance with the invention is configured to mount the sensor for adjustable positioning along a sensor path between an initial position and a final operational position. Movement of the sensor along the sensor path is restricted, e. g. , by frictional engagement, but can be overcome by contact with the target surface so as to move the sensor to its final position with the spacing, i. e. , airgap between the sensing face and the target surface, minimized.