Magnetically Operated Patents (Class 335/170)
  • Patent number: 11626262
    Abstract: A relay (1) includes a motor (20) and a primary electrical switch assembly (132). Primary electrical switching attachment points (113) are switched by a moveable switching link (101) which is moved in and out of the switch on an switched off position axially by the motor (20) in response to electrical signals delivered to the coil (26) via the flexible leads (32, 33). The switching link (101) includes a mercury reservoir (119). A piezoelectric disk bender (105) displaces mercury to close the gaps between the attachment points (113).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: ZONIT STRUCTURED SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
  • Patent number: 11322320
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a switch, including a control system, first and second manipulating mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: ANHUI ONESKY ELECTRIC TECH. CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Lina Cheng
  • Patent number: 10804045
    Abstract: A circuit breaker is disclosed for interrupting an electrical circuit when current limit values are exceeded. The circuit-breaker includes a current sensor for determining the electrical current flow and a control device. When current limit values are exceeded, the electrical circuit is interrupted. A first current limit value, when exceeded, results in an immediate interruption and a second current limit value, when exceeded, results in a time-delayed interruption, such that the second interruption time reduces as the current increases. Only one control element is included for setting a current limit value. The element defining the second current limit value is included for the time-delayed interruption of the electrical circuit. The other parameters are either set in a fixed manner and/or are related to the settable second current limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Henry Franke, Bernd Schwinn, Michael Strassburger
  • Patent number: 10043627
    Abstract: A device for monitoring a current in a primary conductor with respect to a predetermined current threshold, comprising: a magnetic circuit associable to the primary conductor and comprising a fixed part and an element which can rotate about a rotation axis; at least one spring operatively connected to the rotating element for keeping it in a first position, the spring being elastically deformable along a linear axis; and sensing means operatively associated to the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit is configured in such a way that the rotating element rotates from the first position to a second position when the current in the primary conductor exceeds the predetermined current threshold, so as to at least reduce one or more air gaps between the rotating element and the fixed part and to elongate the spring from a first length to a second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: ABB S.P.A.
    Inventors: Emanuele Dorella, Tatiana Escallada Casas, Sergio Toscani
  • Patent number: 9991039
    Abstract: A linear actuator (20, 20?, 20?) comprises a plunger receptacle (22); a coil (24); a magnetic plunger (26); a magnetic base (28); a return spring (30); and a lock spring (32, 32?). The coil (24) is wound about at least a portion of an exterior surface of the plunger receptacle (22). The magnetic plunger (26) is at least partially disposed within a cavity at least partially formed by an interior surface of the plunger receptacle (22) for linear motion along a plunger axis (34). The magnetic base (28) is radially disposed relative to the plunger (26). The return spring (30) is disposed to bias the plunger (26) to a plunger extended position. The lock spring (32, 32?) is configured and oriented to lock the plunger (26) in the plunger extended position when power is not applied to the coil (24) but to be attracted to the magnetic base (28) and thereby permit movement of the plunger (26) to a plunger retracted position when the power is applied to the coil (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC S.A.
    Inventor: James Irwin
  • Patent number: 9837197
    Abstract: A linear actuator (20, 20?, 20?) comprises a plunger receptacle (22); a coil (24); a magnetic plunger (26); a magnetic base (28); a return spring (30); and a lock spring (32, 32?). The coil (24) is wound about at least a portion of an exterior surface of the plunger receptacle (22). The magnetic plunger (26) is at least partially disposed within a cavity at least partially formed by an interior surface of the plunger receptacle (22) for linear motion along a plunger axis (34). The magnetic base (28) is radially disposed relative to the plunger (26). The return spring (30) is disposed to bias the plunger (26) to a plunger extended position. The lock spring (32, 32?) is configured and oriented to lock the plunger (26) in the plunger extended position when power is not applied to the coil (24) but to be attracted to the magnetic base (28) and thereby permit movement of the plunger (26) to a plunger retracted position when the power is applied to the coil (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC S.A.
    Inventor: James Irwin
  • Patent number: 9806459
    Abstract: A plug connector part fix a plug connector includes a housing part; a plug portion which is arranged on the housing part for plug-in connection to another plug connector part; a latching element which is arranged in a movable manner on the housing part and has a latching portion that locks to the other plug connector part, the latching element being movable between a first, locking position for establishing locking between the plug connector part and the other plug connector part and a second, unlocking, position for unlocking the plug connector part from the other plug connector part; and a fixing device to fix the latching element in the first, locking position. The fixing device releases a fixing provided by the fixing device in the first, locking position by applying a force to the latching element that is greater than a predetermined fixing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT E-MOBILITY GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Fuehrer, Robert Babezki
  • Patent number: 9704634
    Abstract: A linear actuator (20, 20?, 20?) comprises a plunger receptacle (22); a coil (24); a magnetic plunger (26); a magnetic base (28); a return spring (30); and a lock spring (32, 32?). The coil (24) is wound about at least a portion of an exterior surface of the plunger receptacle (22). The magnetic plunger (26) is at least partially disposed within a cavity at least partially formed by an interior surface of the plunger receptacle (22) for linear motion along a plunger axis (34). The magnetic base (28) is radially disposed relative to the plunger (26). The return spring (30) is disposed to bias the plunger (26) to a plunger extended position. The lock spring (32, 32?) is configured and oriented to lock the plunger (26) in the plunger extended position when power is not applied to the coil (24) but to be attracted to the magnetic base (28) and thereby permit movement of the plunger (26) to a plunger retracted position when the power is applied to the coil (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRONIC S.A.
    Inventor: James Irwin
  • Patent number: 9270090
    Abstract: A circuit breaker module is provided. The circuit breaker module includes: a frame assembly, a faceplate assembly, and a number of circuit breakers, the circuit breakers having an electrically conductive surface and an extending handle, the frame assembly having a front member and a back member, the frame assembly front member and the frame assembly back member being spaced from each other and defining an enclosed space, the frame assembly front member being electrically conductive, the faceplate assembly having an electrically conductive faceplate, the faceplate being a planar member with a number of openings therein, the faceplate coupled to the frame assembly front member, the circuit breaker disposed in the frame assembly enclosed space, and wherein the circuit breaker is in electrical communication with the faceplate and the frame assembly front member, whereby a current may pass from the circuit breaker to the frame assembly front member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Labinal, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Wellington Mills, Kevin Francis Hanley, James Michael McCormick, Richard George Benshoff
  • Patent number: 9070519
    Abstract: The circuit opening operation section of an embodiment of switchgear operation mechanism comprises: a circuit opening electromagnetic solenoid having a fitting structure that is provided with a step; and a solenoid spacer for adjusting the distance between a circuit opening trigger mechanism and the circuit opening electromagnetic solenoid. The circuit opening solenoid has: a solenoid housing fixed in position by way of the solenoid spacer; a plunger; and a stopper fitted to the solenoid housing so as to limit the sliding motion of the plunger in the plunger returning direction when the coil is not supplied with electric power. The limiting position of the stopper is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Satoshi Marushima, Yoshiaki Ohda, Masaharu Shimizu, Tooru Inoue, Yoshikata Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8952771
    Abstract: This invention provides a switch in which the switch components are separately arranged at the portion where the switch components tend to be arranged in a concentrated manner in the housing without being collectively arranged in one region in the housing to achieve miniaturization and slimming, and in which the welding avoiding performance at the contact is enhanced to extend the lifespan, and an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kiyono, Toshihiro Naruo
  • Patent number: 8925414
    Abstract: A device for inputting command signals to a marine vessel control system includes a lever that is selectively operable in a joystick mode and a lever mode. In the lever mode, the lever is confined to pivoting about a horizontal axis to thereby input throttle and shift commands to the control system. In the joystick mode, the lever is freely pivotable in all directions away from a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis to thereby input throttle, shift, and directional commands to the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: John I. S. Park, Steven J. Gonring
  • Patent number: 8912871
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator comprising a core moving between a latched position and an open position, a permanent magnet, a coil designed to generate a first magnetic control flux to move the core from an open position to a latched position, and a second magnetic control flux designed to facilitate movement of the moving core from the latched position to the open position. The permanent magnet is positioned on the moving core so as to be at least partly outside the fixed magnetic circuit in which the first magnetic control flux flows in the open position, and to be at least partly inside the fixed magnetic circuit used for flow of a magnetic polarization flux of the magnet in the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Michel Lauraire, Jean Pierre Kersusan, Bernard Loiacono
  • Patent number: 8912870
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, when a switchgear operating state is shifted from a close state to a cutoff state, a solenoid lever is pushed and rotated by a plunger of an electromagnetic solenoid for cutoff so that the solenoid lever rotates in a direction opposite from the direction of the urging of a solenoid-lever return spring. A trigger roller pin and the solenoid lever become disengaged from each other, an eccentric pin and a trigger lever are rotated by the urging force from a latch leading end become disengaged from each other, whereby a latch lever is rotated by the released energy of a cutoff spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Satoshi Marushima, Yoshikata Kobayashi, Yoshiaki Ohda, Masaharu Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20140300345
    Abstract: This invention discloses a type of intelligent magnetic-hold miniature circuit breaker, comprising a casing, a magnetic-hold relay, and a drive circuit, wherein said drive circuit receives control signal and then drives operation of said magnetic-hold relay; said magnetic-hold relay comprises a dynamic spring assembly, a static spring assembly, a deflector rod, a pushing piece, and a magnetic steel assembly. Said miniature circuit breaker also includes a central processor, a communication chip, and a metering module. Said metering module is used to measure power, voltage, and current, and transmit the data to said central processor. This invention breaks through traditional miniature circuit breaker design concept and integrates magnetic-hold relay, central processor, current transformer, metering chip, and communication chip in the casing so that this miniature circuit breaker features protection, metering, control, and communication functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Zhenyang LIU
  • Publication number: 20140210576
    Abstract: An electromagnetic drive for an electrical switch such as a circuit breaker, has at least one movable armature that can implement a lifting movement along a pushing direction for moving a movable switching contact of the switch. In a closed armature position, the armature closes a magnetic circuit through first and second magnetically conductive yoke parts. A permanent magnet produces a magnetic field for the magnetic circuit and a holding force for holding the armature in the closed position. A coil is disposed to generate a magnetic flux in the same or opposite direction as the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet. The electromagnetic drive can be readjusted after installation, where the first and second yoke parts are moved relative to one another by the permanent magnet into the adjusted state, whereupon they are fixed in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Martin Böttcher, Marcus Kampf
  • Publication number: 20140167889
    Abstract: A drive for a switching device having a contact system with a fixed contact and a moving contact, includes a force initiation element for initiating a drive force, an actuator for actuating the moving contact to close or open the contact system and a transmission disposed between the force initiation element and the actuator. The transmission allows both transferring the contact system from the closed to the open state and transferring the contact system from the open to the closed state to be triggered by a drive force in the same direction, making the drive cost-effective and compact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jürgen Einschenk, Karsten Freundt, Unni Suresh
  • Patent number: 8736406
    Abstract: A latch for a washing machine or other appliance provides two interengaging elements on a lid and housing each having a magnet oriented for mutual repulsion. Proper repulsion of the magnets is necessary to signal that the lid is properly closed such as may be used to determine if the appliance may be locked and safely operated, for example, in a clothes spinning mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenyon A Hapke, Joel C Bragg, Michael K Hintz, Randy S McDonald, Mark R Heckenkamp, Jonathan H Olson, Adrian J. Tengler, Jarod M Sulik
  • Publication number: 20140132373
    Abstract: An electromagnetically operated device includes: a moving member of the electromagnetically operated device; a drive coil that is energized to generate magnetic flux for driving the moving member; a permanent magnet provided between a stationary member and the moving member for holding the moving member; and a holding force adjusting member for adjusting the holding force applied to the moving member by the permanent magnet, wherein the holding force adjusting member is placed at a position that will not be included in the main magnetic path of the magnetic flux caused by the drive coil so as to be removable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuki Takahashi, Mitsuru Tsukima, Tomoko Tanabe, Taehyun Kim, Toru Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140022033
    Abstract: The utility model discloses a mini high-power magnetic latching relay, comprising a magnetic circuit, a contact part and a thrust disk; the magnetic circuit comprises a coil former, a coil, a magnetic enclosure, an iron core and a yoke; the magnetic enclosure comprises an alnico and an armature, characterized in that the coil former comprises a hollowed cylindrical shaft, a 1st mounting base and a 2nd mounting base; the 1st and 2nd mounting bases are horizontally arranged and integrated on the end of the cylindrical shaft; the magnetic enclosure is mounted on the thrust disk as installed on the 1st mounting base for coordinated sliding; whereas the contact part is mounted inside the 2nd mounting base for connection with the thrust disk; the utility model is characterized in that the magnetic enclosure and the contact part are on the same end of the coil former, which can reserve more expansion space for the coil, and thus improve loading capacity of the magnetic latching relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: NINGBO FORWARD RELAY CORP. LTD
    Inventors: Xiaoxia Yang, Quanwei Hu, Shuijun Wang
  • Patent number: 8587393
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic protection device, in particular for an automatic circuit breaker or a disconnecting switch, preferably for use in low voltage systems. The invention also relates to an automatic circuit breaker comprising this device. The protection device (1) according to the invention comprises a low voltage circuit breaker comprising an air gap magnetic circuit (T), provided with a first portion (10) forming a first surface (11) of said air gap (T) and a second portion (20) forming a second surface (21) of the air gap (T). The first portion (10) constitutes a fixed section of the magnetic circuit, while the second portion (20) constitutes a moving section of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit also comprises a flexible portion (30) that connects the first portion (10) to the second portion (20) with continuity, forming an intermediate section of magnetic circuit interposed between the fixed section and the moving section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: ABB S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lucio Azzola, Federico Gamba
  • Patent number: 8573092
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotating actuator with a variable latching profile, the rotating actuator having a housing, a rotary knob and a rotary shaft connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotary knob, and also at least two latching contours connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotary shaft, one support per latching contour, on which support at least one latching element is arranged, the latching element engaging in the latching contour assigned to the support, and which support is mounted rotatably about the rotary shaft, and at least one locking device per support, by means of which the support can be locked relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Preh GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Kramlich
  • Patent number: 8471654
    Abstract: A flux shifter for a circuit protection device including a trip mechanism includes a trip arm and a pin assembly. The pin assembly includes a pin, a biasing member positioned proximate to the pin, and a latch coupled to the pin and to the biasing member. The pin assembly is configured to enable the trip arm to rotate into an engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter enters a trip state and to prevent the trip arm from rotating into the engagement with the trip mechanism when the flux shifter is in one of an operational state and a reset state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Umashankar Shanmugaraj, Lars Pommerencke, Amit Bose
  • Patent number: 8410876
    Abstract: The disclosed concept provides for an operating mechanism in a overload relay assembly having a solenoid with a permanent magnet. The solenoid includes a ferrous output member. The solenoid moves the output member between a first retracted position and a second extended position. When the output member is in the first retracted position, the permanent magnet maintains the output member in the first retracted position. Thus, in a system wherein the overload relay assembly interrupts power to its own operating mechanism solenoid, the permanent magnet maintains the output member in the first retracted position even when the solenoid is de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Heckenkamp, Matthew Wilbur Naiva, Thomas Francis Kurland
  • Patent number: 8350648
    Abstract: A power control apparatus in the form of a standard, toggle, wall-mounted light switch for remote actuation of an electrical load or local manual override. A switch housing supports and retains a latching relay that includes power terminals, a switching terminal for remote actuation by a control signal, and a manual override. A switch lever extends from the body of the switch housing for manual actuation to override the state of the relay. The switch lever engages the manual override of the latching relay upon manual actuation by a person. A centering structure maintains the switch lever in a centered position to allow unimpeded movement of the manual override. The latching relay can be remotely actuated by a signal at its switching terminal to switch a power load connected to the power terminals on or off, or the relay can be manually overridden by actuation of the switch lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Gus Cueto
  • Patent number: 8314669
    Abstract: An electromechanical connection system having a current supply device connectable to a current source through current supply contacts. The current supply device has with switching magnets on a magnet carriage. A current collection device has a release magnet and can be electrically connected to a load is connectable to the current supply device. A safety magnet is restored to a rest position by a retaining magnet or a ferromagnetic retaining part if the magnet carriage remains in a live state even if the current collection device is removed to effect short circuit. A non-conducting short-circuit part movably arranged in the current supply device between two short-circuit line parts, holds the safety magnet a distance from the short-circuit line under normal conditions. The non-conducting short-circuit part connects the short-circuit line parts if the magnet carriage does not return responsive to removal of the current collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Axel Botsch
  • Patent number: 8169282
    Abstract: A switch and an electronic device maintain a power supply ON state until data processing is completed, and automatically turn OFF the power supply after the data processing is completed. The switch includes a rotation operating body that does not receive an operation force from an operating element when OFF operated is arranged inside the operating element. The rotation operating body includes a switch operating portion for turning ON a power supply switch mechanism and a return spring regulating piece for biasing a return spring in an anti-biasing direction. A regulating state of the return spring regulated by the return spring regulating piece is held, where the ON state of the power supply switch mechanism is held with a permanent magnet, and the ON state of the power supply switch mechanism is released by applying a release force on the permanent magnet when the power supply is reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kiyono, Toshihiro Naruo
  • Patent number: 8143980
    Abstract: A switching device, for example a circuit breaker, has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. A disconnect device is provided for disconnecting the two switching contacts. For triggering the disconnect device, an overcurrent trigger device and/or a short-circuit trigger device are in mechanical operative connection with the disconnect device by way of a reversing lever. The reversing lever includes a first lever arm with a trigger extension that can be actuated by the overcurrent trigger device and/or by the short-circuit trigger device, and a second lever arm with an actuating extension for triggering the disconnect device. To ensure safe operation, the actuating extension is configured to be resiliently compliant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: MOELLER Gebäudeautomation GmbH
    Inventor: Adolf Tetik
  • Patent number: 8134428
    Abstract: A circuit breaker and method includes a mechanical pole moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position to open an electrical connection between a pair of electrical contacts. An electronic tripping device is configured to respond to a sensor signal. The sensor signal is output from a condition sensor wherein upon receiving the sensor signal the electronic tripping device trips the mechanical pole into the unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell T. Watford, Kevin Miller
  • Patent number: 7924124
    Abstract: Electrical switching device, especially a high-frequency switching device, with at least one oblong electrical switching element, which is arranged with one contact end between two fixed-contact elements spaced a transverse distance from one another and can be moved by two adjustment elements forming a transverse movement drive transversely to a longitudinal direction optionally towards the one or the other fixed-contact element. The adjustment elements are disposed laterally alongside the switching element and can be moved transversely to and from the switching element. In order to improve the transverse movement drive for the switching element, the switching element-comprises magnetic material, wherein the adjustment elements are formed by magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Leipold, Helmut Hingrainer, Alexander Bayer
  • Patent number: 7834725
    Abstract: A circuit (10) comprising a latching device (20) operatively arranged to change from a first output state to a second output state as a function of a magnetic field (40) applied in a first direction, to maintain the second output state when the magnetic field is either no longer applied in the first direction or applied again in the first direction, and to change from the second output state to the first output state as a function of a magnetic field applied in a second direction, a power switching device (30) coupled to a power source (15), a load (35) and the latching device and operatively arranged such that the power switching device connects the power source and the load when the latching device is in the second state and disconnects the power source and the load when the latching device is in the first state, a magnetic switching device (25) coupled between the latching device and the power source and having an open default disconnected state and operatively arranged to change from the open default stat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The SmartPill Corporation
    Inventor: Charles M. Pizzuto
  • Publication number: 20100265017
    Abstract: A power control apparatus in the form of a standard, toggle, wall-mounted light switch for remote actuation of an electrical load or local manual override. A switch housing supports and retains a latching relay that includes power terminals, a switching terminal for remote actuation by a control signal, and a manual override. A switch lever extends from the body of the switch housing for manual actuation to override the state of the relay. The switch lever engages the manual override of the latching relay upon manual actuation by a person. A centering structure maintains the switch lever in a centered position to allow unimpeded movement of the manual override. The latching relay can be remotely actuated by a signal at its switching terminal to switch a power load connected to the power terminals on or off, or the relay can be manually overridden by actuation of the switch lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Gus Cueto
  • Publication number: 20100118453
    Abstract: A device (1) has a series circuit of submodules with a power semiconductor circuit and an energy accumulator connected in parallel with the power semiconductor circuit. Each submodule is associated with a short circuit device for shorting the submodule. The short circuit device is a vacuum switching tube. The device is cost-effective and at the same time enables safe bridging of a defective submodule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jörg Dorn, Werner Hartmann
  • Patent number: 7663457
    Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Bela Peter Szeifert, Michael Peter Dunk
  • Publication number: 20090278636
    Abstract: A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Brusky, Kurt Lawrence Lindsey
  • Patent number: 7595710
    Abstract: An electrical contact assembly includes a magnetic latch solenoid for actuating a moveable contact of a contact pair. The magnetic latch solenoid includes a magnet that latches the contact assembly in an open position, and a coil that moves an armature to the latched position under current in one polarity, and disrupts the permanent magnet field to release the armature from the latched position under current in a reverse polarity. A spring biases the contacts to the closed position. The spring is separate from the magnetic latch solenoid. The contact assembly may also include a printed circuit board for providing pulses to the coil to operate the assembly. The contact assembly is part of a remote operated circuit breaker assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John DeBoer, Brian Timothy McCoy
  • Publication number: 20090167470
    Abstract: Electric switch which comprises a general structure (11), in which there is use of coils (1) enabled with alternated and rectified DC current, which are combined with the permanent magnets (2), being that the coils (1) and magnets (2) are set up in parallel in a fixed core (3), made of steel or ferrite plates, which is made up of a crown (4), on which the coils (1) are set up, legs (5) through which circulate the magnetic flows induced by the coils (1) as well as the magnetic flows from the permanent magnets (2); the coils (1) being supplied through a supply line (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Oscar Rolando Avila Cusicanqui, Jose Carlos Tinoco Soares, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080284549
    Abstract: A contactless switch module, which is actuatable between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position, a plurality of magnetic field sensing sensors, and a plurality of magnets. The switch also includes a multi-channel switch controller. Each one of the plurality of magnetic field sensing sensors is communicatively coupled to an input channel of the multi-channel switch controller. The multi-channel switch controller is configured to determine a switch state based at least upon the respective states of its input channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: KORRY ELECTRONICS CO.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Clark Bedell
  • Publication number: 20080224804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic actuating device containing a reference element and an adjusting element which is movably disposed between first and second end positions with respect to the reference element. The reference and/or adjusting elements contain a magnetizable material. A drive coil is provided for generating a magnetic field that moves the adjusting element from the first to the second end position. A mechanical clamping device is provided for producing mechanical forces that move the adjusting element from the second to the first end position. A fixing device is provided with a permanent magnet for generating a holding force fixing the adjusting element in the second end position with respect to the reference element. The fixing device contains a fixing unit separated from the adjusting element and provided with the permanent magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jorg Hagen, Carsten Protze
  • Patent number: 7350285
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a movable contact unit includes manufacturing a movable contact, sticking the movable contact to a base sheet made of insulating resin, and applying demagnetization to the movable contact so that the residual magnetic flux density is smaller than the operation magnetic flux density of the magnetic sensor. In manufacturing the movable contact, elastic metal plate material is processed into a downwardly opening dome shape to form the movable contact. In a method of manufacturing a switch panel, the movable contact unit is overlaid on a wiring board having a contact, including pair an outer fixed contact and a central fixed contact, that corresponds to the movable contact so that the lower end of the outer periphery of the movable contact is mounted on the outer fixed contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Mitsuoka, Hiromichi Koyama
  • Publication number: 20080012664
    Abstract: An electrical contact assembly includes a magnetic latch solenoid for actuating a moveable contact of a contact pair. The magnetic latch solenoid includes a magnet that latches the contact assembly in an open position, and a coil that moves an armature to the latched position under current in one polarity, and disrupts the permanent magnet field to release the armature from the latched position under current in a reverse polarity. A spring biases the contacts to the closed position. The spring is separate from the magnetic latch solenoid. The contact assembly may also include a printed circuit board for providing pulses to the coil to operate the assembly. The contact assembly is part of a remote operated circuit breaker assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: John DeBoer, Brian Timothy McCoy
  • Patent number: 7178223
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a movable contact unit includes manufacturing a movable contact, sticking the movable contact to a base sheet made of insulating resin, and applying demagnetization to the movable contact so that the residual magnetic flux density is smaller than the operation magnetic flux density of the magnetic sensor. In manufacturing the movable contact, elastic metal plate material is processed into a downwardly opening dome shape to form the movable contact. In a method of manufacturing a switch panel, the movable contact unit is overlaid on a wiring board having a contact, including pair an outer fixed contact and a central fixed contact, that corresponds to the movable contact so that the lower end of the outer periphery of the movable contact is mounted on the outer fixed contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Mitsuoka, Hiromichi Koyama
  • Patent number: 7170375
    Abstract: A permanent-magnet ground fault circuit interrupter plug with self-diagnosing function having an enclosure and a permanent-magnet mechanism encased in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: General Protecht Group Inc.
    Inventors: Wusheng Chen, Yong Dai, Xiaoyong Li
  • Patent number: 6975191
    Abstract: A resettable switching device, e.g. a relay, comprises a fixed contact (18) and a movable contact (28). A solenoid (12) is fixed relative to the fixed contact and a ferromagnetic plunger (20) carries the movable contact. A spring (24) biases the plunger away from the fixed contact so the device is normally open. When the device is set a further ferromagnetic element, e.g. a plunger (22), holds the first plunger (20) in a closed-contact position by magnetic attraction against the action of the spring (24). When a predetermined current condition exists in the solenoid the magnetic attraction between the element and plunger is reduced below the level necessary to hold the plunger so that the movable contact disengages the fixed contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Tripco Limited
    Inventor: Patrick Ward
  • Patent number: 6924446
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing and an operating mechanism having a cross bar supported by a first housing surface and moving in an arcuate path between open/tripped and closed positions, a pivotally mounted cradle including a latch, and pivotally mounted primary and secondary latches. The primary latch includes a pivot, an opening and a free end. The cradle latch rests within the opening when the contacts are not tripped open. The secondary latch includes a pivot and a surface. The latches are between a second housing surface and the cross bar in a first position. The cross bar is offset from the latches in a second position. The secondary latch surface and pivot are between the second housing surface and the primary latch pivot. The secondary latch surface engages the primary latch free end when the contacts are not tripped open and maintain the cradle latch within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas C. Marks, David A. Parks, Robert M. Slepian, Amelia M. Stay, David E. Little
  • Patent number: 6922573
    Abstract: A portable cellular phone is provided which is capable of surely detecting a state of folding of phone bodies by detection of a weak magnetic field produced by a receiver. A first phone body has a Hall integrated circuit (IC) adapted to detect a magnetic flux formed by a receiver. When the first phone body and a second phone body are folded closed, a magnetic flux density of the magnetic flux that is formed by the receiver and passes through the Hall IC is changed by a magnetic material placed in the second phone body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Hijii
  • Patent number: 6677842
    Abstract: A load-disconnecting switch has a permanent-magnetic holding circuit. A coil (5), upon excitation thereof, generates a magnetic flux that is opposite to the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet (9). The armature (6) is biassed to an open position by an armature spring (10), so that the armature spring (10), when a defined operational excitation is exceeded, detaches the armature (6) from the core (7) of the magnet system, allowing said armature to open and thereby disconnecting a switching contact (15) and a fixed contact (16). The load-disconnecting switch can be switched on again by means of a spring clip (12) acting on said armature (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Logistics AG
    Inventors: Martin Hanke, Bernd Saffian, Thomas Hähnel, Rainer Vogel, Karsten Pietsch
  • Patent number: 6586693
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for a circuit breaker operating mechanism includes a primary latch with a cross bar and a first pair of elongated leg members flexibly mounted to the cross bar. A secondary latch is pivotally mountable to the circuit breaker operating mechanism, with the first pair of elongated leg members being in removable engagement with the secondary latch. In one embodiment, the cross bar is flexible and deflects at a point along a longitudinal axis thereof. In another embodiment, the cross bar is flexible and twists about its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Roger Neil Castonguay
  • Patent number: 6380733
    Abstract: So that a device for producing selector positions is easy to operate, the stop positions of which can be taken in securely and largely free of mechanical wear, and so that it is easily adaptable, in particular to the respective operating conditions, a position transmitter unit (1) is provided which is movable along a longitudinal axis, and thereby its position transmitter teeth can be fixed with respect to the teeth of a first position detector element (6.1., . . . 6.n). The position transmitter unit (1) can be shifted with a finger body along the longitudinal axis into a recess, and thereby a second rotation body can be placed on a second position selector unit, and this position can be detected by a second position detector element (57). The position transmitter unit (1) can be moved with a moving device (32.1, . . . 32.n) via a second position selector unit two dimensionally with respect to a base body (4), and this position can be detected by third position detector elements (8.1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: AB Elektronik GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Apel, Klaus Fallak
  • Patent number: 6300852
    Abstract: In a stalk switch, a control lever is rotatably supported on a housing, and a driving member is slidably held on the base end of the control lever via a first spring. A sectionally V-shaped cam surface is provided inside the housing, and an end of the driving member is pressed into contact with a cam surface, whereby the control lever can be rotated between the neutral position and the left and right operating positions. A stopper member is slidably supported on the housing, and the stopper member is urged by a second spring having an urging force smaller than that of the first spring so as to project from the valley of the cam surface. An attraction member is attached to a rotating member rotating operatively associated with the slide of the stopper member, and an electromagnet is attached to the housing so as to oppose the attraction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hironori Kato