Patent ID: 6111741
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: F01L,H01F

Abstract:
A process for recognizing motions, comprising the following steps:(a) providing an electromagnet having a pole face;(b) providing an armature movable into a first switching position remote from said pole face and into a second switching position in contact with said pole face;(c) providing a current supply for energizing said electromagnet with a controllable current for generating a magnetic field to move said armature into said second switching position;(d) providing a first air gap zone between the armature and the pole face; said first air gap zone having a first width defined by a distance between said armature and said pole face;(e) providing a second air gap zone between the armature and the pole face; said second air gap zone having a second width defined by a distance between said armature and said pole face; said first and second widths simultaneously decreasing as the armature approaches the pole face, and, viewed simultaneously, said second width being at all times greater than said first width;(f) positioning a sensor at said pole face within said second air gap zone;(g) detecting, by said sensor, an attenuation of the magnetic field in said second air gap zone upon approach of said armature into said second position; and(h) generating a signal representing magnitudes detected by said sensor.