Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an electromechanical relay may be described. The relay can be constructed using printed circuit board (PCB) construction, and can have at least a pair of coils, for example one on the top of or above the PCB, the other on the bottom of or below the PCB, at least two ferromagnetic cores, one of which can be set at the center of each coil, at least a set of contacts which can be on the surface of the printed circuit board, a spacer which can be set between the coils, and a magnet which can be set within the spacer.

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.

Abstract: A solenoid includes a solenoid housing defining a solenoid centerline; and an ignition magnetic switch including an ignition magnetic switch coil disposed at least partially within the housing, the ignition magnetic switch coil having a magnetic field that encompasses the solenoid centerline.

Abstract: An actuator comprising: a fixed part comprising a ferromagnetic yoke and a magnetized assembly mounted on a face of the yoke and extending substantially over the whole dimension of said face parallel to the axis of movement of a moving part, the moving part comprising a ferromagnetic element comprising a first air-gap surface to form a magnetic air-gap of variable thickness and a second air-gap surface parallel to the axis of movement to form a residual magnetic air-gap of constant thickness with a corresponding air-gap surface of the magnetized assembly. an excitation coil. An electric switch apparatus equipped with the actuator.

Abstract: A first coil constitutes a first coil unit by placing an iron core plate between the first coil and an auxiliary yokes and engaging stopping parts provided in two holding members to an end surface in an axial direction of the auxiliary yoke. A second coil constitutes a second coil unit by forming magnetic path members by insertion to a resin member provided in a second bobbin unitarily, and fixing two terminals to the resin member. The first and the second coil units are united by connecting one terminal lead line of the first coil taken out from holding members to the first terminal, and connecting another terminal lead line to a surface of the magnetic path member.

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.

Abstract: An electromechanical switch may be actuated in a plurality of modes. A base portion of the electromechanical switch includes first and second electrical ports adapted to be electrically coupled in a plurality of modes. A first electromagnetic coil defines a longitudinal axis and is adapted to receive a first energizing current. A second electromagnetic coil extends along the longitudinal axis in spaced apart relationship with the first electromagnetic coil. The second electromagnetic coil is adapted to receive a second energizing current. The first and second ports are selectively coupled in any one of open-terminated mode, attenuation mode, and a short circuit mode based on the energy state of the first and second electromagnetic coils.

Abstract: Magnetic attractive force of a magnet exerted on a movable contact in a sealing case through yokes changes as a result of movement of a magnetic shunt element induced by movement of a movable element located outside the sealing case. As a result, the movable contact can be brought into or out of contact with a stationary contact without involvement of entry of the movable element into the sealing case.

Abstract: In order to simplify and reduce the production costs of a push-button switch, especially a push switch or a rocker switch, the switch has a time function, which is manually operated and can be reset by an electric pulse. The electromechanical rocker or push-button switch can be combined to form a device block switch with other rocker or push-button switches as usually used in exhauster hoods. As a result, time-controlled intensive and follow-up steps can be carried out.

Abstract: A self-powered sensor detects or measures an event by converting one form of energy into another form. The converted energy may be conditioned and regulated to drive a wireless transmitter and encoder. A receiver may detect and validate a received message. If validated, the message may be processed or decrypted and processed to determine what has been identified or requested.

Abstract: An electromechanical switch may be actuated in a plurality of modes. A base portion of the electromechanical switch includes first and second electrical ports adapted to be electrically coupled in a plurality of modes. A first electromagnetic coil defines a longitudinal axis and is adapted to receive a first energizing current. A second electromagnetic coil extends along the longitudinal axis in spaced apart relationship with the first electromagnetic coil. The second electromagnetic coil is adapted to receive a second energizing current. The first and second ports are selectively coupled in any one of open-terminated mode, attenuation mode, and a short circuit mode based on the energy state of the first and second electromagnetic coils.

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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for rapidly moving a filter into and out of an optical beam. A shuttle carries the filter at a first end and first and second spaced apart pieces of magnetic material near the other end. A low friction guide-way supports the shuttle. A base supports the guide-way and a third magnetic piece and coil between the first and second pieces. When the shuttle is IN the first and third pieces form a first magnetic latch to releasably hold it IN and when the shuttle is OUT the second and third pieces form a second magnetic latch to releasably hold it OUT. Spring(s) between the shuttle and the base store energy when the shuttle is IN or OUT. Activating the coil weakens the magnetic attraction between the latch pieces, freeing the shuttle to move, driven by the spring(s) to the opposite OUT or IN position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for monitoring the state of a protective device (2) of a machine (4), in particular a safety switch for monitoring the closed state of a protective door or the like, wherein the apparatus (1) has a switch housing (22) with a switch head (24) and an actuator (8), which in the closed state of the protective device (2) interacts with the switch head (24) and, as a result, the closed state of the protective device (2) can be signalled, and wherein the apparatus (1) has a tumbler device (20) with a tumbler element (30), which is mounted movably in the apparatus (1) and by means of which the closed state of the protective device (2) can be locked releasably, characterized in that the tumbler device (20) has at least one permanent magnet (34), by means of whose magnetic force the tumbler element (30) can be fixed in a first position when the power supply to the apparatus (1) is switched off, in which first position the tumbler device (20) locks the closed state of the protec

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing relative positions of mechanically coupled devices. The apparatus includes a magnetically actuated switch connected to a set of flux conductors to form a switch assembly. A permanent magnet is affixed to a set of flux conductors to form a magnet assembly. The flux conductors are positioned adjacently to conduct flux from the permanent magnet to the magnetically actuated switch. Movement of either assembly results in the reduction of flux conduction between the magnet and the magnetically actuated switch. The apparatus can be integrated into a helmet mount for night vision goggles to sense the relative position of the helmet mount for controlling the operation of the night vision goggle.

Abstract: A circuit breaker electromagnetic tripping device in which the contact between the movable contacts and the stationary contacts is stable and well, and the tripping does not tend to fail is disclosed. In one embodiment, the circuit breaker device comprises a casing, a tripping armature and a tripping armature spring which are disposed transversely within the casing, and a tripping coil fitted over the casing corresponding to tripping armature. The device also includes a moveable support which is disposed longitudinally within the casing and moveable inside the casing and a lower end of the moveable support can be engaged with or disengaged from a front end of the tripping armature, and an attracting armature and an attracting armature spring which are disposed longitudinally at a center of the moveable support.

Abstract: A medium voltage vacuum contactor comprising for each pole, a vacuum envelope which contains a fixed contact and a corresponding movable contact; and actuating means providing the energy required to move the movable contacts, characterized in that said actuating means comprise an electromagnetic actuator having: a magnetic yoke which has an inner cavity communicating with the outside through at least a first opening; at least one coil accommodated in the cavity; a movable armature which is operatively connected to at least one movable contact through coupling means, and is mounted axially displaceable in the cavity with at least one end protruding from the first opening; at least one permanent magnet devoted to directly hold the movable armature in two stable positions. Further, there are provided means for guiding the movement of the movable armature which are positioned outside the yoke in correspondence of at least the first opening.

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.

Abstract: An actuator is described having two fixed magnetic structures, and a mobile magnetic part able to move towards either one of the two ends of the magnetic structures. The actuator can be in the form of a microactuator, and can be used in the fabrication of microrelays, microvalves, and micropumps.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a power output stage including at least one half bridge with upper and lower semiconductor switches connected in series, wherein the semiconductor switches are controllable alternately to a switched-on state and a switched-off state by pulse-width modulated pulses, includes measuring a first voltage across the lower semiconductor switch when the upper semiconductor switch is switched on and measuring a second voltage across the lower semiconductor switch when the lower semiconductor switch is switched on, comparing a difference between the operating voltage and the first voltage to a predetermined voltage and comparing the second voltage with the predetermined voltage, which is the maximum permissible voltage across a semiconductor switch when it is switched on, and determining that the power output stage or the output of the at least one half bridge is faulty when at least one of the difference and the second voltage is greater than the predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A switching device of low power consumption type, in which magnetic pole portions 37c of a pair of iron cores 37 constructing an electromagnet block 30 are individually arranged on the bottom face of a sealing case 41. The other end portions of the paired iron cores 37 are connected to each other by a yoke 39. As the electromagnet block 30 is magnetized and demagnetized, the two end portions of a moving iron member 63 of a contact mechanism block 50 are attracted by and leave the paired magnetic pole portions 37c of the iron cores 37.

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).

Abstract: A bistable contactor comprises at least two concentrically arranged coils, an armature that is movable relative to the coils, a permanent magnet that is stationary relative to the coils, and a spring element. The armature includes contacts for opening and closing a circuit. The coils move the armature and contacts between a first stable position and a second stable position. In the first stable position, the armature is held in position by the permanent magnet, and in the second stable position, the armature is biased into position by the spring element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic switch having a yoke which has the shape of a rotationally symmetrical cup on the base of which is arranged a permanent magnet. The flux of the permanent magnet is conducted via a core, which has a radial core flange, to the plate-shaped armature. For the operational air gap effective between the armature and the core and the yoke and the magnetic resistance WA thereof, the following relation applies in relation to the marginal air gap formed between the core flange and the yoke: WA<WR. As a result of the rotational symmetry with a yoke having the shape of a cup, it is possible to generate a high holding force for the armature with a small structural volume.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved position sensor for a latching solenoid (15). In the preferred embodiment, the solenoid has a permanent magnet (16), a coil (18) adapted to be selectively energized by either a positive or negative current, a first pole-piece (19) and a second pole-piece (20), a first armature (21) positioned between the pole pieces, a first air-gap (22) and a second air-gap (23) between the armature and the first and second pole pieces, respectively, and a first magnetic flux path (24) and second magnetic flux path (25) associated with the first and second pole pieces, respectively, the armature being movable between an alternate first position (26) and second position (28) wherein flux from the magnet will hold the armature in either of the positions, the armature, magnet and air-gaps being so configured and arranged that selective energization of the coil produces a coil flux to cause the armature to move to and latch in one of the positions.

Abstract: Electromagnetic actuator for moving a contact into a switched-on or switched-off state, comprising a contact-actuating rod which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction between a first position, corresponding to the switched-off state, and a second position, corresponding to the switched-on state. A core which is made of magnetizable material and interacts with a switch-on coil is attached to the contact-actuating rod. Also present is a pole piece which is made of magnetizable material and of which that face which is directed towards the core, in the first position of the contact-actuating rod, is arranged at an air-gap distance from that surface of the core which is directed perpendicular to the direction of displacement, and in the second position bears as closely as possible against the said core surface. The actuator furthermore comprises a yoke made of magnetizable material for closing the magnetic flux circuit of the switch-on coil through the pole piece and the core.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switchgear unit has an electromagnetic drive appliance which acts as an auxiliary magnet system and by means of which the contact force is first increased on the occurrence of a short-circuit current, before the contacts are abruptly torn apart. For this purpose, the drive appliance actuates a lever rotatably supported on the contact bridge carrier, which lever displaces the contact bridge carrier and, by this means, compresses a contact compression spring and a further compression spring.

Abstract: An armature retainer for a magnetic switch retains an armature adjacent an internal surface of a carrier sheet with electrodes thereon forming switch contacts. The retainer includes a polishing pad, a backing layer and openings for the armature to reside therein. Both the armature and the retainer are adhered to the carrier surface by a magnet attraction. One or more magnets are carried in a rotor mounted on the external side of the carrier surface for rotary, linear or complex motion. When a user manipulates a knob attached to the rotor, the magnets rotate the armature and the armature retainer. The polishing pad cleans particles from the carrier surface as the retainer rotates. A shaft receiving opening may be used to tend to keep the armature retainer centered. Grooves embedded in the polishing pad surface are used to collect larger deposits.

Abstract: A magnetic flux concentrator shield is disclosed for use with magnetic flux sensors in an overload relay for multiple pole electromagnetic contactor applications. The magnetic flux concentrating shield has slotted layers of laminated members. The layers have a series of pole shielding slots which concentrate magnetic flux generated by conductors carrying current through conductor apertures in each layer. Magnetic flux sensors are positioned within air gaps within each pole of the shield. By shielding the generated magnetic flux from reaching the magnetic flux sensor of another pole, the pole shielding slots minimize cross pole magnetic flux sensor interference.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first switch 4a, a second switch 4b and a capacitor 4d. The first switch 4a normally in a closed state is connected in series between a power source 1 and load, and opens when an accident builds up. The second switch 4b normally in an open state closes almost simultaneously with the opening of the first switch 4a. The capacity 4d normally charged by an arbitrary voltage has predetermined electrically capacity. The serial connected circuit consists of the second switch 4b and capacitor 4d, it is connected in parallel to the first switch 4a.

Abstract: Planar magnetic motor (100), characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of magnetic poles (111, 121) made of a ferromagnetic material placed at the center of planar coils (110, 120) constituted by at least one layer of turns produced on the surface of a substrate (150) made of a ferromagnetic material, the turns being wound and connected to each other so as to combine the magnetic fluxes generated by the magnetic poles (111, 121). The invention can be used to produced magnetic motors and microactuators.

Abstract: The battery section switch is switched between a terminal post and a main circuit using a contact arrangement. The contact arrangement can be locked in its closed position via a toggle spring device that acts directly on a free end of a contact spring. The toggle spring device is also coupled to the armature of an electromagnet system which, given excitation, releases the interlock and opens the contact arrangement. Given this battery section switch, the on-board network of a vehicle can be quickly switched current-free, given a collision or given a short-circuit, in order to reduce the risk of fire or in order to prevent a discharge of the battery given some other malfunction.

Abstract: A switching device providing highly-reliable, frictionless, adjustment-free operation is described. Comprised of a comparatively small number of moving parts, the various aspects of the invention offer compact, cost-effective, reliable alternatives to their complex electromagnetic and costly solid-state counterparts. The main parts of the invention rely upon the principles of magnetic attraction and repulsion for the switching of a plurality of electrical contacts contained within the switching device. The flexibility inherent in the design of the invention permits the switching device to be configured in a variety of aspects, including the failsafe and latching designs described herein.

Abstract: An electrical switching device prevents moving contacts from welding to stationary contacts in a switching device. This is achieved using an auxiliary magnet system in the main current path, which system produces a contact pressure force corresponding to the excitation current so that no arcs are produce between the contacts when overcurrents and short-circuit currents occur. The moving iron core of the auxiliary magnet system is for this purpose connected to the contact link mounting via which the contacts are switched on and off.

Abstract: A contactor comprises first and second armatures which are urged towards contact-making positions by first and second windings, respectively. Each of the armatures displaces the other armature from its contact-making position when moving towards its own contact-making position. A controller actuates each of the windings before deactuating the other of the windings.

Abstract: A push button residual current device employs a single push button to perform setting and testing operations. Over a first part of the down stroke of the push button a test trip is initiated which causes the device to trip if it is properly functioning. When the push button is pushed further, and then released, the device goes into a state allowing current to pass provided no trip condition is detected. Once the device is operative for allowing current to pass, any fault condition results in a trip for disconnecting the power supply.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter has a pair of stationary contacts and a pair of movable contacts mounted in a housing. Also included is an electromagnetic coil mounted in the housing for generating an electromagnetic field. The interrupter also has a plunger and an armature, each slidably mounted at least partially within the electromagnetic coil. The armature can be magnetically driven by the coil against the plunger. A latch means is included for releasably holding the pair of movable contacts against the pair of stationary contacts. A fault detector can detect a fault in an electrical distribution system in order to actuate the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator and an automatic recloser incorporating such actuator are disclosed. The actuator is shown to include a housing, a permanent magnet member, a coil, an armature, mounted to move axially within the housing between first and second positions, and a non-magnetic spacer. The armature, when in the second position, is spaced a distance from the housing by the spacer. The spacer is mounted to stop movement of the armature in the second position. In the preferred embodiment, the permanent magnet member includes a core and a number of magnet segments attached thereto. It is especially preferred for each of the permanent magnet segments to be arcuate shaped and that each segment be polarized substantially radially or in a direction parallel to the center radius of each segment.

Abstract: A safety switch includes a spring-biased locking pin which is displaceable axially inside a switch housing by a lifting magnet against the biasing force of the spring to switch a switching element between a blocking position and a release position, and a retention magnet which holds the locking pin in the release position when the lifting magnet is de-energized.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay and methods for its manufacture are provided. The relay has a coil body with flanges and with at least one winding disposed between the flanges. A rod-shaped core is respectively arranged axially inside each winding. The yoke is secured against motion in the longitudinal direction and against pivotal movement in a coil flange by mounting elements. In addition, the first end of the core is connected on the side surface of the first yoke leg by welding or soldering. A double relay with first yoke legs disposed next to each other in parallel fashion is preferably created, whereby the core-yoke connection is produced in a simple manner and a good magnetic transition is ensured.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having superior shock and vibration resistance is provided. The circuit breaker has a handle pivoted from an off position to an on position. The circuit is closed by bringing a movable contact point into contact with a fixed contact point via lever mechanisms. The circuit breaker has an electromagnetic coil which holds the movable iron piece in a non-attraction position away from an electromagnetic trip coil until power is applied to the electromagnetic trip coil. When the movable iron piece is attracted to the electromagnetic trip coil, the lever mechanisms are released from the constrained state, and the movable contact point is separated from the fixed contact point to thereby open the circuit, and the handle returns to the off position in conjunction with the lever mechanisms.

Abstract: A magnetically latching solenoid apparatus is characterized by a non-magnetic armature carrying a permanent magnet having poles aligned with the throw axis of the device. The poles of the magnet are substantially aligned with corresponding pole pieces and define respective variable air gaps therebetween. The apparatus assumes one of two bistable magnetically latched states according to the one of the air gaps across which the magnetic attractive force exceeds the magnetic attractive force across the other of the air gaps. Single or dual winding coils temporally excitable unidirectionally or bidirectionally and, in the case of dual winding coils mutually exclusively or contemporaneously, to cause the latch state to change.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay, having ON and OFF states, for connecting a source of electrical current to a load, said relay comprising: an armature movable between ON and OFF positions corresponding, respectively, to said ON and OFF states of said relay; a magnetic core surrounded by first windings forming a holding coil to magnetize said core when a first portion of electrical current is passed through said holding coil and consequently to cause said armature to move from said OFF position to said ON position as a result of a magnetic attraction produced between said magnetic core and said armature, resulting in causing a second portion of electrical current to flow through said load; said magnetic core additionally surrounded by second windings forming a load coil through which said second portion of said electrical current flows when said armature is in said ON position, said load coil producing a magnetic field which counteracts a magnetic field produced by said holding coil; and parameters of said load coil

Abstract: A polarized bistable electromagnetic relay arrangement comprising at least two monostable instantaneous electromagnetic relay devices with a L-shaped yoke, a permanent magnet disposed between both relay devices so that one magnetic pole be magnetically connected by polar masses to both yokes of the relay devices and polar masses magnetically connect the other pole of the magnet to both blades whereas the magnetic circuits of both relay devices are designed so that the magnetic flux produced by one energized coil passes in series through both blades while superposing themselves to the magnetic flux produced by the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A field-installable circuit breaker trip actuator unit includes a flux shifter unit that interfaces with the circuit breaker operating mechanism and is installable without dismantling the circuit breaker components. The flux shifter unit responds to an electronic trip unit to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism and separate the circuit breaker contacts upon occurrence of an overcurrent condition. A reset arrangement allows the trip actuator unit to be automatically reset upon completion of the contact separation process.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switching arrangement for operating a control device, with the arrangement having two electromagnets (1, 2) which are formed respectively from a coil (3.1, 3.2) and a magnetic yoke (4.1, 4.2), are connected to an actuatable direct-current supply (9), and are spaced from one another, with the pole faces (5) of the two magnet yokes (4.1. 4.2) facing one another. An armature (6) is disposed between the two electromagnets so that the armature can move back and forth between the pole faces (5) of the two electromagnets. The armature (6) is connected to the control device to be operated and is held by spring elements (8.1, 8.2) in an inoperative or neutral position between the two electromagnets (1, 2) when both electromagnets are currentless. At least the armature (6) is made of a material that contains a residual magnetization.

Abstract: A field-installable circuit breaker trip actuator unit includes a flux shifter unit that interfaces with the circuit breaker operating mechanism and is installable without dismantling the circuit breaker components. The flux shifter unit responds to an electronic trip unit to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism and separate the circuit breaker contacts upon occurrence of an overcurrent condition. A reset arrangement allows the trip actuator unit to be automatically reset upon completion of the contact separation process.

Abstract: A single-point magnetic contact latch assembly for "parking" a read/write head of a memory storage device over a data-free landing zone during off-power conditions has one or more permanent magnets, a core having a curvilinear shape on one end and an annular flange formed on the opposing end, and a casing, having an open end and a partially closed end, covering the magnet(s). The core is disposed adjacent the magnet(s) and lies within the flux paths thereof. The casing covers the core and magnet(s) so that the curvilinear end of the core extends through the partially open end of the casing. The casing abuts an outer periphery surface of the flange with a press-fit so that the casing is outwardly radially deformed at the point of abutment securely anchoring the casing, and magnet(s) in position relative to the core.

Abstract: A field-installable circuit breaker trip actuator unit includes a flux shifter unit that interfaces with the circuit breaker operating mechanism and is installable without dismantling the circuit breaker components. The flux shifter unit responds to an electronic trip unit to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism and separate the circuit breaker contacts upon occurrence of an overcurrent condition. A reset arrangement allows the trip actuator unit to be automatically reset upon completion of the contact separation process.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay, said relay comprising: an armature movable between ON and OFF positions A magnetic core surrounded by first windings forming a holding coil to magnetize said core when a first portion of alternating electrical current is passed through said holding coil and consequently to cause said armature to move from said OFF position to said ON position, resulting in causing a second portion of alternating electrical current to flow through said load; said magnetic core additionally surrounded by second windings forming a load coil through which said second portion of said alternating electrical current flows when said armature is in said ON position, said load coil producing a magnetic field which counteracts a magnetic field produced by said holding coil.