Abstract: In one of its aspects the technology disclosed herein concerns a process of making a rotary solenoid. In a generic mode, the process comprises fitting together two mating core half members (22A, 22B) of a stator until two respective pole faces (32A, 32B) of the two mating core half members (22A, 22B) press to a positive stop against a precision diameter pin positioned between the two mating core half members and so that the two mating core half members interlock at the positive stop. The process further comprises removing the precision diameter pin to provide an axially extending space comprising a predetermined distance between the two respective pole faces (32A, 32B). The process further comprises inserting a rotor (26) within the axially extending space. The process further comprises fitting the two mating core half members (22A, 22B) and the rotor (26) between the two opposing end caps (20, 30).

Abstract: In one of its aspects the technology disclosed herein concerns a process of making a rotary solenoid. In a generic mode, the process comprises fitting together two mating core half members (22A, 22B) of a stator until two respective pole faces (32A, 32B) of the two mating core half members (22A, 22B) press to a positive stop against a precision diameter pin positioned between the two mating core half members and so that the two mating core half members interlock at the positive stop. The process further comprises removing the precision diameter pin to provide an axially extending space comprising a predetermined distance between the two respective pole faces (32A, 32B). The process further comprises inserting a rotor (26) within the axially extending space. The process further comprises fitting the two mating core half members (22A, 22B) and the rotor (26) between the two opposing end caps (20, 30).

Abstract: A magnetic latching solenoid comprises a housing, a moveable magnetically permeable member, a stationary magnetic assembly, a counter flux generator; and, a spring. A substantially equal extent of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly along results in an air gap interface being essentially mid-way between the opposite axial extremities of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly, thereby enhancing an attracting force of a permanent magnet that comprises the stationary magnetic assembly. In an example embodiment, the stationary magnetic assembly comprises a pole member which is adjustably positionable to minimize air gaps.

Abstract: A magnetic latching solenoid comprises a housing, a moveable magnetically permeable member, a stationary magnetic assembly, a counter flux generator; and, a spring. A substantially equal extent of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly along results in an air gap interface being essentially mid-way between the opposite axial extremities of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly, thereby enhancing an attracting force of a permanent magnet that comprises the stationary magnetic assembly. In an example embodiment, the stationary magnetic assembly comprises a pole member which is adjustably positionable to minimize air gaps.

Abstract: A magnetic latching solenoid comprises a housing, a moveable magnetically permeable member, a stationary magnetic assembly, a counter flux generator; and, a spring. A substantially equal extent of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly along results in an air gap interface being essentially mid-way between the opposite axial extremities of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly, thereby enhancing an attracting force of a permanent magnet that comprises the stationary magnetic assembly. In an example embodiment, the stationary magnetic assembly comprises a pole member which is adjustably positionable to minimize air gaps.

Abstract: A magnetic latching solenoid comprises a housing, a moveable magnetically permeable member, a stationary magnetic assembly, a counter flux generator; and, a spring. A substantially equal extent of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly along results in an air gap interface being essentially mid-way between the opposite axial extremities of the moveable magnetically permeable member and stationary magnetic assembly, thereby enhancing an attracting force of a permanent magnet that comprises the stationary magnetic assembly. In an example embodiment, the stationary magnetic assembly comprises a pole member which is adjustably positionable to minimize air gaps.

Abstract: A latch assembly having at least one control element having one path of motion in which a ratchet is moved to an unlatched position and another path of motion in which the ratchet is not so moved, the path of motion taken by the control element dependent upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the control element or disengaged therefrom. Preferably, the control element moves the ratchet by contact with a pawl which itself can be engaged with the ratchet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two or more unlatching inputs are capable of unlatching the latch assembly. However, two or more of these inputs are in series rather than in parallel so that the number of paths ending at the element or device holding the latch in its latched state is preferably fewer than the number of unlatching inputs to the latch assembly.

Abstract: A latch assembly having at least one control element having one path of motion in which a ratchet is moved to an unlatched position and another path of motion in which the ratchet is not so moved, the path of motion taken by the control element dependent upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the control element or disengaged therefrom. Preferably, the control element moves the ratchet by contact with a pawl which itself can be engaged with the ratchet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two or more unlatching inputs are capable of unlatching the latch assembly. However, two or more of these inputs are in series rather than in parallel so that the number of paths ending at the element or device holding the latch in its latched state is preferably fewer than the number of unlatching inputs to the latch assembly.

Abstract: A brake-shift interlock unit includes a pair of coils which are disposed in a coaxial relationship. A plunger is movable in a passage which extends through the coils. Upon actuation of a vehicle ignition switch, while a brake switch remains in an unactuated condition, a plunger pull coil is energized to move the plunger from the extended position to the partially retracted position. At this time, the plunger engages a stop member. Upon actuation of the vehicle brake, a stopper hold coil is de-energized to enable a shift lever to move.

Abstract: A brake-shift lever interlock unit (14) includes a pair of coils (24, 26) which are disposed in a coaxial relationship. A plunger (50) is movable in a passage (72) which extends through the coils (24, 26). When the plunger (50) is in a extended position, it is effective to block movement of a force transmitting member (52) connected with a vehicle shift lever (10) Upon actuation of the vehicle ignition switch (18), while the brake switch (20) remains in an unactuated condition, a plunger pull coil (24) is energized to move the plunger (50) from the extended position to the partially retracted position. A cam surface (68) on the plunger (50) then engages the force transmitting member (52) to continue to prevent movement of the vehicle shift lever (10) out of the park position. At this time, the plunger (50) engages a stop member (60).

Abstract: An electrical park latch actuator for the automatic transmission selector lever of a road vehicle, the actuator including a support member, first and second electromagnet windings carried by a common electromagnet core of the support member, and first and second plungers moveable relative to the support member, and responsive to energization of the first and second electromagnet windings respectively, said first and second plungers being positioned with their movement axes parallel and part of said second plunger being slidably received within said first plunger.

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for use with a power door lock actuator. The centrifugal clutch includes an independently rotatable pinion cup having an integral pinion gear which meshes with a jack screw, and a driver rotatably secured to an output shaft of a drive motor. The driver has at least one radially outwardly opening recess formed therein with at least one slider slidably retained within the recess. The slider is biased in a radially inward direction by magnetic lines of force which are provided by a permanent magnet mounted within the driver. Alternatively, a number of sliders can be formed of magnetic material such that the magnetic sliders are mutually attracted to one another in a radially inward direction. A centrifugal force is generated when the driver is rotated. The centrifugal force overcomes the magnetic attractive force to throw the sliders radially outwardly into positive driving engagement with the pinion cup.

Abstract: A linear actuator powered by a Lorentz force. The force is generated by passing an electrical current through an armature spanning a space across a magnetic field established between two permanent magnets. The armature is mounted upon a slider extending between a pair of electrically conductive rails. Reversible linear motion is achieved by switching the polarity of an electrical potential applied across the two rails.

Abstract: A superlock assembly includes a motor having a pinion mounted on its output shaft and meshed to an output gear. A blocking arm is secured to the output gear. To engage the superlock assembly when the arm of the locking actuator is extended, the motor is powered to move the blocking arm into the path of the retractable arm. In this position, the arm cannot be retracted either through manual force or electric operation of the actuator, thereby preventing a door latch from being unlocked.

Abstract: A very low inductance, very low resistance, command operated repetitive high current opening switch is described which uses a Lorentz force to move a conductive liquid between a conducting region and an insulated region between two electrodes. In a specific embodiment, a cylindrical outer electrode coaxially surrounds in a spaced relationship a generally cylindrical inner electrode. The annular space between the inner and outer electrodes is divided into first and second sections along the length of the electrodes. Intermeshing continuous spiral fins are defined on the facing surfaces of the inner and outer electrodes along the first section of the length of the opening switch. Insulation covers the surfaces of the inner and outer electrodes surrounding the second section.

Abstract: A very low inductance, high current, repetitive opening switch for railguns. A specific embodiment has a circular rotor positioned behind the rails with its rotational axis coaxial with the railgun projectile path defined by the rails. The face of the rotor facing the rails has at least one conducting and at least one insulating region, each symmetric about a diameter of the rotor. A pair of current collectors, or brushes, are positioned against the rotor face so that the rotor, when rotating, will alternately conduct and insulate current between the current collectors as conducting or insulating rotor regions sweep past the brushes, thereby communicating current between the switch and the rails. A specific embodiment of the invention has the conducting region the shape of a diametric strip, or shorting bar, and each current collector substantially the shape of an annular segment. The current collectors are made as a plurality of conductive fingers.