Patent ID: 7262595

Claim:
An inductive proximity sensor for sensing at least the presence of a target adjacent to the sensor based on a change of inductance in the sensor relative to the absence of a target adjacent the sensor, said sensor comprising: at least one coil capable of being electrically driven to generate a magnetic field and; a core formed of a permeable material so as to form an electromagnetic field when the coil is electrically driven, the core defining, a base, a central post extending distally from the base and through the coil and defining a distal end, an outer wall extending distally from the base and around the coil and defining a distal end, and at least one slot in the permeable material for enhancing the performance of the sensor by reducing eddy current losses in the core, wherein each slot extends at least partially along a path defined from the distal end of the outer wall to the base and partially from the base to the distal end of the central post.