Patent ID: 6467360
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: B62D,G01L

Abstract:
A torque sensor for sensing torque applied to an elongated magnetized member having a longitudinal axis, said torque sensor comprising:a first magnetic assembly having an input and an output, said elongated magnetized first magnetic assembly positioned adjacent said member; a current source providing current to said input of said first magnetic assembly, said first magnetic assembly having a first saturation condition in response to said current, said first magnetic assembly having a second saturation condition in response to both said applied torque and said current; and a detector circuit coupled to said output of said first magnetic assembly, said detector circuit providing a signal indicative of said applied torque in response to said second saturation condition of said first magnetic assembly, said detector circuit comparing current at said input of said magnetic assembly with current at said output of said magnetic assembly to determine a change between said first and second saturation conditions of said first magnetic assembly.