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Abstract

A magnetic position detector including a magnetic field generating element and a magnetic field detector that are arranged together so that a field generating element can be longitudinally positioned relative to the detector. The magnetic field generating element includes first, second and third longitudinally axially lined magnets. The second and third magnets are located adjacent the opposed ends of the first magnet and are spaced apart from the first magnet. The magnets are arranged so that the first magnet has a first polarity and the second and third magnets have an opposed polarity. The magnets are spaced apart to define inter-magnet gaps. The magnetic field detector includes a Hall element sensitive to the magnetic flux generated by the magnets. A power supply supplies a small bias voltage to produce an offset Hall effect output signal. The bias voltage is adjusted so that the Hall element output signal switches polarity as the Hall element passes over the inter-magnet gaps.

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First Claim