Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is provided that comprises a housing, a solenoid coil, and an armature. The armature can move between a first position proximate a portion of the housing and a second position distal of the portion of the housing. The armature and the portion of the housing define a first gap and an extension member extends in an axial direction into the first gap, thereby defining a second gap. The width of the second gap is less than the width of the first gap. The length and shape of the extension member may be varied to produce increased initial magnetic force from the solenoid coil on the armature. The length and shape of the extension member may also be varied to produce a desired armature force-displacement curve over the stroke of the actuator.

Abstract: A presently-preferred process for bending a workpiece includes placing a first portion of the workpiece on a substantially flat surface so that a second portion of the workpiece overhangs an edge of the substantially flat surface, and securing the first portion of the workpiece on the substantially flat surface by clamping the workpiece between the substantially flat surface and a substantially v-shaped end portion of a male die. The presently-preferred process also includes causing the second portion of the workpiece to pivot around a tip of the substantially v-shaped end portion by rotating a bending die around the tip while the bending die contacts the second portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A presently-preferred process for bending a workpiece comprises placing a first portion of the workpiece on a substantially flat surface so that a second portion of the workpiece overhangs an edge of the substantially flat surface, and securing the first portion of the workpiece on the substantially flat surface by clamping the workpiece between the substantially flat surface and a substantially v-shaped end portion of a male die. The presently-preferred process also comprises causing the second portion of the workpiece to pivot around a tip of the substantially v-shaped end portion by rotating a bending die around the tip while the bending die contacts the second portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A presently-preferred die set for bending a workpiece having a marking at a predetermined location thereon comprises a male die having a substantially v-shaped end portion, a female die having a substantially v-shaped groove formed therein, and a sensor mounted on one of the male and female dies. The sensor is responsive to the marking when the marking is located at a predetermined position in relation to the sensor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of making transformer core laminates with bent corners from magnetic strip material having a predetermined thickness and power loss in the manufacture of a low-stress polyhedral core for a power transformer. The method includes mechanically bending corners in each laminate about predetermined bending lines while limiting the zone in each corner where the laminate is subject to plastic deformation to <5 times laminate thickness so that the specific power loss in the transformer core will equal that of the magnetic strip material except within the distance from the bending lines, where the power loss is higher due to plastic deformation of the magnetic strip material.

Abstract: A reduced-cost core for an electrical-power transformer comprises at least a first magnetic loop and a second magnetic loop. The first and the second magnetic loops are positioned substantially side by side to form a winding leg for a phase winding. The first magnetic loop includes a first plurality of laminae each having a first thickness, and the second magnetic loop includes a second plurality of laminae each having a second thickness, where the second thickness is less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for monitoring vacuum integrity in a vacuum interrupter. The method includes injecting sonic signals into a body and detecting sonic signals reflected from the body. A composite value is calculated from the reflected sonic signals and a determination made based on the composite value as to whether the vacuum is acceptable. The system includes the following components: a transducer for sending sonic signals into a body; a receiver for receiving sonic signals reflected from the body; a signal processor for calculating a composite value from the sonic signals reflected from the body; and a processing unit for determining from the composite value whether the body has an acceptable vacuum therein.