Patent ID: 7323868
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
1. A temperature-independent method of determining a standoff distance using an eddy current sensor, the method comprising: receiving a signal from the eddy current sensor in response to a conductive element moving past the eddy current sensor; generating a waveform from the signal, the waveform having a first point corresponding to a first voltage and second point corresponding to a second voltage; determining at least one waveform parameter from the waveform, the at least one waveform parameter being substantially independent of an eddy current sensor temperature; and determining the standoff distance based on the at least one waveform parameter, the standoff distance defining a distance between the eddy current sensor and conductive element, wherein the step of determining the standoff distance includes determining the standoff distance from the time interval between the first point and the second point.