Patent ID: 8395374
Filing Date: 2013-03-12
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
1. A sensor for sensing the linear position of a moveable object, comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis and first and second cavities; a wall separating the first and second cavities; at least one magnet positioned within the first cavity in a relationship generally co-linear with the longitudinal axis of the housing, the magnet generating a magnetic field having a magnitude and a direction, the magnet being adapted for movement in the first cavity in response to movement of the moveable object; at least one magnetic sensor positioned within the second cavity in a relationship spaced from the magnet and the longitudinal axis of the housing, the magnetic sensor sensing the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet and generating an electrical signal that is indicative of the linear position of the magnet and the moveable object and, wherein the magnet is an elongated magnet adapted for movement in the first cavity of the housing in a variable horizontal spacing relationship relative to the sensor.