US Patent 10014966 Magnetic linear fader

A linear fader includes a slider that is configured to slide along a rail. The slider includes a magnet. The linear fader also includes a plurality of coils spaced along a length of the rail, one or more sensors configured to detect a position of the slider along the rail, and control circuitry operatively coupled to the plurality of coils and the one or more sensors. The control circuitry is configured to receive a signal corresponding to a first location of the slider from at least one of the one or more sensors, receive a desired location of the slider, and cause a first electrical current to pass through the plurality of coils, thereby generating a force on the slider in a direction toward the desired location.