Patent ID: 7463023

Claim:
A non-contacting sensor comprising: a galvanomagnetic sensing element for sensing magnetic flux passing therethrough; an assembly including (i) a first magnetic flux concentrator comprising ferromagnetic material having opposing first magnet ends; (ii) a second magnetic flux concentrator comprising ferromagnetic material having opposing second magnet ends, said second concentrator being spaced apart from said first concentrator by a pair of magnets to define a slot in which said sensing element is disposed, said concentrators each having magnet surfaces proximate said first and second magnet ends configured to engage said pair of magnets, said magnet surfaces having respective magnet areas configured to cover said magnets, said concentrators being configured to have a reduced cross-sectional area compared to said respective magnet areas taken at points intermediate said magnet ends, said assembly and said sensing element being movable with respect to each other such that said sensing element sweeps through said slot; and said sensing element being configured to provide an output signal indicative of a position of said assembly as said assembly moves, said reduced cross-sectional area being configured to cause said output signal to be substantially linear as said sensing element sweeps through said slot.