Plural Or Combined (e.g., Manual With Other) Patents (Class 335/186)
  • Patent number: 11264194
    Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch comprises first and second stationary contacts and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism having a movable contact member and a temperature-dependent snap-action part, which transitions between geometric low- and high-temperature configurations based on a temperature of the switch. Switching the snap-action part from its geometric low- to high-temperature configuration moves the switching mechanism from a first to a second switching position and thereby opens the switch. A closing lock prevents the switch once having opened from closing again by keeping it in its second switching position. The closing lock comprises a fusible medium which melts when a melting temperature of the medium is exceeded, contacts, in a molten state, a part of the switching mechanism when it is in its second switching position, and solidifies again and thereby locks it in its second switching position when the temperature of the switch falls below the melting temperature of the medium again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Marcel P. Hofsaess
  • Patent number: 11217409
    Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch which comprises a first and a second stationary counter contact and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism having a current transfer member. The switching mechanism, depending on its temperature, either closes the switch by pressing the current transfer member against the first and the second counter contact and thereby establishing an electrically conductive connection between the two counter contacts via the current transfer member, or opens the switch by keeping the current transfer member at a distance from the first and the second counter contact and thereby interrupting the electrically conductive connection. A closing lock is provided, which keeps the switch open when it has been opened for the first time. The closing lock comprises a spring washer which directly interacts with the current transfer member and mechanically locks the latter permanently when the switch has been opened for the first time so that the switch remains permanently open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Marcel P. Hofsaess
  • Patent number: 10861662
    Abstract: A temperature-dependent switch has a first and a second stationary counter contact and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism with a contact member. The switching mechanism, in its first switching position, presses the contact member against the first counter contact and, in this case, produces an electrically conducting connection between the two counter contacts via the contact member. The switching mechanism, in its second switching position, holds the contact member at a spacing from the first counter contact. A closing lock is provided, which prevents the switch, once opened, from closing again. The closing lock locks the temperature-dependent switching mechanism permanently in the second switching position thereof in a mechanical manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Marcel P. Hofsaess
  • Patent number: 10707040
    Abstract: An apparatus and method managing a circuit breaker in a power distribution system unit. The power distribution system unit can include a housing with an internal bus structure, a door assembly which includes at least one plug received in a socket. A snubber plate is positioned at the socket and includes an aperture through which the plug can be received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Lewis Hughes, Adrian John Hughes, John Michael Brett
  • Patent number: 9263215
    Abstract: A tool and method for switching an electromagnetic relay may be provided, whereby the tool comprises a switching member capable of moving between a first position and a second position along a path oriented to the relay; wherein movement of the switching member from the first position to the second position is capable of switching a switch state of the electromagnetic relay via a magnetic force exerted by the switching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventor: Lim Kean Lai
  • Patent number: 9158529
    Abstract: A firmware updating method for a digital protective relay having a plurality of modules includes receiving firmware update related information from a master device, notifying necessity of firmware update to a target module having a firmware to be updated based on the firmware update related information, receiving a firmware update ready message from the target module, and downloading a firmware from the master device into the target module and installing the downloaded firmware. According to the method, without opening a distributing board or removing an enclosure of a digital protective relay for updating a firmware of the digital protective relay, reduction of time and costs for on-site engineering and maintenance can be expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung Joon Jeon
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8890639
    Abstract: An auxiliary contact mechanism of a magnetic contactor includes: a contact support member having an axial recess portion formed in the center in a vertical direction; a stationary contact; a movable contact; a permanent magnet position-fixed to the contact support member and applying magnetic attractive force to restrain the movable contact so that the circuit closing position that the movable contact is in contact with the stationary contact is maintained; and a slide movable supporter having a pressing projection portion formed at a position separated apart by a predetermined distance from the movable contact when in the circuit closing position and pushing the movable contact to release the movable contact from a restrained state after a predetermined delay time has passed, when the slide movable supporter is moved downwardly upon receiving downward pressing force by the main contact slide support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gwan Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 8410875
    Abstract: The disclosed concept relates to an overload relay and, more specifically, to an overload relay switch having a reduced number of components and less complex components. The reduced number of components includes the lack of a return spring on the manual actuators. Further, the relay switch member, which was typically a snap switch conducting member structured to change its configuration, is a substantially flat blade. Further, a circuit is used to detect an over-current condition and a solenoid actuates the relay switch assembly, thereby eliminating the need for a mechanical over-current detection and switch actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Patrick Heckenkamp
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110221549
    Abstract: A contact switch structure has a touch piece, a movable contact disposed on the touch piece, a fixed contact disposed opposite the movable contact, and a guide unit that is provided in a side region with respect to an operating range of the movable touch piece to control an air flow. The movable contact is opened and closed with respect to the fixed contact by operating the movable touch piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Tsutsui, Jun Sasaki, Yoshiaki Mimura
  • Publication number: 20100117770
    Abstract: A button system for industrial AC/DC relays comprising a casing (10), a button (5), a driving block (7), an indication board (8) and a core propelling block (6), wherein the cover board (1) and the housing (2) fixed with each other, and at least an opening (11) for pulling the button (5) is arranged on the cover board; the button (5) is pivoted on the top of the casing (10) by the transverse shaft (51); the driving block (7) mounted in the casing (10), the end of the driving block (7) abut against the toughing portion (53) of the button (5); the indicator board (8) is pivoted in the casing (10), the upper portion of the indicator board (8) abut against the front end of the strip driving arm (71) of the driving block (7), and the lower portion is match with the core propelling block (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: XIAMEN HONGFA ELECTROACOUSTIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhonghua Tan
  • Publication number: 20100052829
    Abstract: A circuit breaker closing actuator and a method of operation is provided. The closing actuator is disposed to communicate and receive signals from a trip unit. The trip unit includes a communications to transmit and receive data and signals from a remote location. The trip unit transmits a signal to the closing actuator in response to receiving a closing signal from the remote location. The closing actuator validates the signal and activates a driving circuit if the signal is validated. The driving circuit enables power to a solenoid that closes the circuit breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pradeep Kumar Anand, Geoffrey Freeman Butland, Rajani Karra
  • Patent number: 7671711
    Abstract: A remote operation includes an electromagnetic linear actuator that has a moving part linked to a handle of a circuit breaker, and drives the handle according to a remote operation command to perform change-over operations on the handle to ON, OFF, and RESET positions. The electromagnetic linear actuator is composed of permanent magnet type linear pulse motors each including a field section having a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in a row and a coil section having a three-leg type magnetic yoke and actuation coils wound around the legs of the magnetic yoke and opposing the field section. Electric current in the actuation coils is controlled by sequentially changing-over excitation patterns during the operation process, and the moving part is driven in a stepwise motion to drive the handle of the circuit breaker to the end position of the changeover operation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7549685
    Abstract: A lock for a household appliance, such as a tumble drier, a washing machine, a dishwasher or the like, has a movable retaining element. The movable retaining element is configured in the style of a slider for interaction with a locking bar located on a door, a lid, a hinged opening or the like of the household appliance. The lock has a two-state locking mechanism for the retaining element, such that the locking mechanism in a first state blocks the movement of the retaining element and in a second state frees the movement of the retaining element. The locking mechanism can be electromagnetically controlled between the two states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Mueller, Manfred Lonau
  • Patent number: 7545245
    Abstract: A manual opening device is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a synchronous circuit breaker, including a housing having an opening, a plurality of pole mechanisms each comprising separable contacts, and at least one operating mechanism including a number of actuators adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is supported by the housing and includes a corresponding pole shaft. The manual opening device comprises an operating handle, a cam assembly, and a drive assembly. A first end of the operating handle protrudes through the opening of the housing and the second end is coupled to the cam assembly. The drive assembly couples the cam assembly to the corresponding pole shaft of the operating mechanism and cooperates with the corresponding pole shaft and actuators to simultaneously open the separable contacts when the operating handle is moved from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Brad R. Leccia, Paul J. Rollmann
  • Patent number: 7538646
    Abstract: A relay includes a magnetic system provided with an armature and a contact system provided with a first contact and a moveable second contact. An electrically insulating base plate is arranged between the magnetic system and the contact system and has an opening therein. First and second walls extend from the base plate and are arranged between the opening and the magnetic system or the opening and the contact system. An actuator extends between the armature and the contact system through the opening and transfers movement of the armature to the second contact to move the second contact into electrical engagement with the first contact. The actuator has a third wall that extends toward the base plate and between the first and second walls. The first, second, and third walls extend a leakage path of an electrical leakage current between the contact system and the magnetic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Mikl
  • Patent number: 7417519
    Abstract: A switching apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising a relay including a relay coil and at least one normally open relay contactor that closes when the relay coil is energized, a normally closed stop contactor and a stop member moveable between a deactivated position in which the stop contactor is closed and an activated position wherein the stop member forces each of the stop contactor and the relay contactor open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Peter Miller
  • Patent number: 7280013
    Abstract: A system and method for resetting a tripped circuit breaker are provided. The system includes a monitoring mechanism for monitoring a state of at least one electrical circuit breaker and for generating at least one monitoring signal indicative of the state of the at least one electrical circuit breaker; an actuating mechanism for actuating the at least one electrical circuit breaker in a plurality of positions; and a controller for receiving the at least one monitoring signal and for generating and transmitting at least one control signal to the actuating mechanism for resetting the at least one circuit breaker. The breaker reset system is self-contained and dimensioned as an add-on component to previously installed circuit breaker enclosure or as an integrated component of a circuit breaker enclosure. Additionally, the system allows for manual over-ride of the reset function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: TDH Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Blain Lewis
  • Patent number: 7259645
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control switch system for a vehicle, using a jog shuttle, by which a driver can rapidly and correctly select and control operation of a sound system in the vehicle even during driving of the vehicle. Since the control switch system uses simple members such as springs and metal balls, the cost of the vehicle decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ji Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 6922122
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay is simple in construction, can prevent entry of dust, etc. into an interior thereof, enables confirmation of operation, and is provided an operating lever that can be maintained in an operating state. A coil block and a contact switching mechanism are provided on a base plate, a casing covers the base plate, and a movable iron piece is turned by magnetizing and demagnetizing the coil block, and a movable contact piece is operated to make and break contacts. An operating part that is turned by directing pushing the movable iron piece is arranged on an upper surface of the casing, and covered by a cover. An operating lever is mounted on the cover in a manner to enable sliding operation. The operating lever can be positioned in a closed position, in which an operating part is covered, a first opened position, in which the operating part is exposed, and a second opened position, in which the operating part is operated, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Yojiro Saruwatari, Keisuke Yano, Shinichi Furusyo, Tetsuya Fujiwara, Ryota Minowa
  • Patent number: 6714106
    Abstract: A manually operable switch has an opening handle pivotally mounted on a housing for moving a set of contacts in the housing from one position to another. A force generating arrangement is mounted outside the switch housing, and a force translation system extends between the housing and the force generating arrangement. The force translation system has a first end structure movable into and out of contact with the operating handle, and a second end structure disposed for movement in the force generating arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Neil A. Czarnecki, Francis W. Camps, Ray C. Wojtak
  • Patent number: 6714108
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing having an elongated pivot opening, a movable arm, a fixed contact and a movable contact mounted on the arm. The contacts and the arm cooperate to provide closed, pivot and open states. The pivot opening mounts a pivot end of the arm for pivotal and longitudinal movement. A solenoid includes a plunger coupled to the arm. The plunger moves between deactuating and actuating positions to provide the open and closed states, respectively. The plunger has a pivot position between the deactuating and actuating positions. The pivot end moves to a first longitudinal position in the pivot and open states, and moves to a second longitudinal position in the closed state. When the contacts are welded closed, the solenoid provides insufficient force to move the plunger to the deactuating position until after the pivot end moves at least substantially toward the first longitudinal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Anthony Simms, Jeffrey Wayne Lockhart, Michael Joseph Erb
  • Patent number: 6603377
    Abstract: Door lock switch assembly in a drum type washing machine including a switch case, a switch cover fitted to the switch case, a latch holder rotatably, and elastically mounted in one side portion of the switch case for exerting a restoring force in a door open direction, a slide fitted to one side of the latch holder, for moving up or down in a direction the same with a hinge shaft of the latch holder to arrest or release the latch holder, a solenoid assembly mounted in a central portion of the switch case, for moving up or down the slide, and a switching part located below the slide, for making a switching operation as a terminal thereof makes a seesaw action following the moving up or down of the slide, thereby simplifying a structure of the door lock switch assembly, and improving an operation reliability of door locking and unlocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ki Chul Cho, Seung Bong Choi
  • Patent number: 6424244
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Amp, GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Hendel
  • Publication number: 20020053962
    Abstract: A circuit breaker of the invention is formed of an attached switch installed in a breaker main body case and moving synchronously with an opening and closing lever of an opening and closing mechanism section to detect ON or OFF status of the circuit breaker. The attached switch has an operating lever moving vertically and placed opposite a tip of the opening and closing lever when the attached switch is installed in the main body case. The operating lever has an interlocking hook additionally provided thereon and linked with the opening and closing lever so as to hook the tip thereof, and an attached switch housing section formed in the main body case has a hook guide at a bottom thereof for guiding, in a position where the attached switch is installed, the interlocking hook to a position where the interlocking hook engages the opening and closing lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Hideto Yamagata, Naoshi Uchida, Koji Asakawa
  • 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: 6100807
    Abstract: A hardwired, fail-safe rack protection monitor utilizes electromechanical relays to respond to the detection by condition sensors of abnormal or alarm conditions (such as smoke, temperature, wind or water) that might adversely affect or damage equipment being protected. When the monitor is reset, the monitor is in a detection mode with first and second alarm relay coils energized. If one of the condition sensors detects an abnormal condition, the first alarm relay coil will be de-energized, but the second alarm relay coil will remain energized. This results in both a visual and an audible alarm being activated. If a second alarm condition is detected by another one of the condition sensors while the first condition sensor is still detecting the first alarm condition, both the first alarm relay coil and the second alarm relay coil will be de-energized. With both the first and second alarm relay coils de-energized, both a visual and an audible alarm will be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Stanley G. Orr
  • Patent number: 6023212
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay having a manual actuator wherein at an edge of the relay's housing is an opening formed in the shape of a mounting slot in which a pivot lever is mounted with a hinge segment. In an idle state, an outer lever segment of the pivot lever is lowered in a cavity of a housing wall while an inner lever arm extends along a housing wall perpendicular thereto. When the pivot lever is actuated, the inner lever arm actuates a movable relay part, in particular a bolt, up to a first operating position. When the pivot lever is rotated further, the inner lever arm can be locked with the movable relay part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: EH-Schrack Components AG
    Inventor: Leopold Mader
  • Patent number: 5861786
    Abstract: Safety switch with contacts that may be switched by means of an external actuator A. A housing 10 houses an electrical contact block B and an electromagnet E and this housing has a control head 11 attached to it that may be rotated around an axis X1 and which is fitted with a push rod 15 which may be moved parallel to this axis to act on the block. The core 20 of the electromagnet moves along an axis X3 parallel to X1 and co-operates with an element 22 which blocks the push rod by means of a two-position device which permits the push rod to be blocked when the electromagnet is either supplied with power or not supplied with power respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventor: David Laveau
  • Patent number: 5834996
    Abstract: An electric switch (1) includes a switching device (4), movable between its ON position and OFF position, for switching a current circuit. The switch (1) is combined with a magnetic circuit (28, 29) for electromagnetic undervoltage tripping. In the event of undervoltage, the magnetic circuit (28, 29), as it opens, shifts the switching device (4) to its OFF position. The switching device (4) shifted to its OFF position closes the magnetic circuit (28, 29) again. A linearly movable fixing slide (24) couples the switching device (4) with the magnet armature (28) of the magnetic circuit and fixes the magnet armature (28) on the magnet core (29) in the OFF position of the switching device (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ullermann
  • Patent number: 5293143
    Abstract: In a switch device, slide plates slide on a microswitch casing independently from each other. When one of the slide plates is slid in a left-hand side direction from its neutral position against a biasing force of a spring, a cam portion thereof depresses an actuator by a predetermined constant amount putting a corresponding microswitch mechanism into an ON state. Similarly, when the other slide plate is slid in a right-hand side direction from its neutral position against a biasing force of the spring, a cam portion thereof depresses another actuator by a predetermined constant amount to put a second microswitch mechanism into an ON state. Each slide plate is operatively, selectively held through a solenoid device at that position where its cam portion depresses the corresponding actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Sakakino, Seiki Satoh
  • Patent number: 4901046
    Abstract: In a manually actuated on-off switch with electromagnetic release, a component part (9) opening and closing the switch contacts and an actuating member, in particular a rotary control grip (2), are designed as separate parts and for being coupled, noting that the component part (9) opening and closing the switch contacts is loaded by a spring in direction out of the take-along position for the closing movement. The component part (9) and the actuating member (2,6) are at least at their mutually facing front surfaces or, respectively, engaging surfaces (7a, 8a) formed of a material being conductive for the magnetic flux and are designed for being coupled one with the other in a force-locking manner by means of the electromagnet.The coil (10) of the electromagnet is, in this case, preferably arranged for being put to voltage via auxiliary contacts (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Hubert Laurenz Naimer
    Inventor: Gottfried Alsch
  • Patent number: 4899619
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manually shifting an electronically control automated transmission. The device includes a series of mechanical linkage elements and gear transelements connected between the solenoid-operated valves of the automatic transmission and a control lever in the driver's compartment of the vehicle. One of the mechanical linkage elements is a cam shaft whose rotational position determines which subset of the solenoid operated valves will be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of Amerca as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: George Melnik, Bruce E. Amrein, Robert C. Brucksch, Curtis L. McCoy, James A. Martin
  • Patent number: 4893101
    Abstract: A resettable circuit interrupter in a ground fault detector circuit utilizes a housing which slideably retains a solenoid coil wound on a bobbin. A contact carrier is attached to the bobbin and one or more moveable contacts are provided on the carrier opposite a corresponding set of fixed contacts. A plunger slides through a central passageway in the solenoid coil. The bobbin is spring biased so that the contacts are in a normally open position. In a manually resettable version, when the solenoid coil conducts a predetermined current, manually activating the plunger causes the plunger to magnetically couple to a footplate attached to the bobbin. When a plunger spring returns the plunger to its original position, the bobbin and contact carrier move with it and the contacts are closed. When the solenoid coil conducts insufficient current to magnetically couple the plunger and footplate, the bias springs maintain the contacts in the normally open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Ericson Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James M. Robitaille
  • Patent number: 4831349
    Abstract: A switching device suitable for use on vehicles as a window regulator switch or a sunroof regulator switch. The switching device comprises a solenoid unit including a yoke, a core and a coil, a first card attached to the core so as to be pressed against a contact for supplying current to the coil of the solenoid unit and to an external load such as a motor, to keep the contact closed while the core is attracted to the yoke, a second card disposed for movement in parallel to the direction of movement of the first card, a pivotally supported operating knob having an operating arm connected to the second card, and a returning mechanism for biasing the operating knob toward the neutral position to return the operating knob to the neutral position when released. When the operating knob is turned to a manual operating position the contact is closed temporarily and is opened when the operating knob is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hisashi Hirose, Takanori Ohta, Shigeo Hara, Kazuo Iwata
  • Patent number: 4804933
    Abstract: An automatic electric load transfer switch incorporates an over-the-center spring mechanism to operate switch contacts. The spring mechanism has a first position at which the electric load is connected to one electricity source and a second position at which the load is connected to another electricity source. The spring mechanism is driven by a solenoid activated cam shaft. An apparatus is provided for halting the movement of the spring mechanism at a position intermediate the first and second positions at which the load is not connected to either electricity source. The halting apparatus is releasable so that the spring mechanism can continue its movement between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Brown Industrial Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Becker, Lawrence F. Freitag, Frank W. Kussy
  • Patent number: 4801910
    Abstract: A magnetic actuating or trip mechanism for use with a circuit breaker including an armature, a permanent magnet for biasing the armature to a biased position, a first magnetic member having an armature guide, a second magnet member, an electromagnetic coil including a first winding for urging the armature from the biased position and a second winding for urging the armature from the biased position, a compression spring for urging the armature from the biased position, a fastener for fastening the first and second members to the permanent magnet, and recesses for locating the electromagnetic coil relative to the first and second members. The coil includes an armature opening and the first and second members each include a permanent magnet mounting surface and a coil mounting surface, the permanent magnet mounting surface includes a ridge for preventing the members from rotating relative to the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Siemens Energy and Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis J. Ayers, Janerio N Morgan, William E. May
  • Patent number: 4631507
    Abstract: A variable composition switching device which comprises one basic modular component incorporating at least one controllable switching device, one direct switching control modular component and/or one indirect switching control modular component. This indirect switching control component acts on the basic modular component through a potential energy accumulation tripping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: La Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Guery, Gerald Gashet, Jacques Olifant, Raymond Plumeret
  • Patent number: 4618745
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a pair of contacts supported relative to a frame. One of the contacts is supported on a contact arm which is displaceable about a pivot to open and close the contacts. A releasable latch holds a rotatable cradle arm in latched position against the bias of an over-center spring connected between the contact arm and the cradle arm to bias the contact arm into over-center positions. An actuating link is coupled with the contact arm. When the cradle arm is held in the latched position, movement of the link from a first position to a second position displaces the contact arm pivot over center, causing the over-center spring to move the contact arm to close the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Heinemann Electric Company
    Inventor: Harry A. Thompson, III
  • Patent number: 4612523
    Abstract: An operating mechanism is provided for push-button circuit breakers. The breaker mechanism includes a frame and a pair of contacts supported relative to the frame which are displaceable relative to one another between an open and a closed position. A bell crank having a deflecting surface and a cam surface is pivotally mounted on the frame so as to pivot between a first and second stable position. A linkage assembly is coupled with the bell crank and at least one of the contacts and is displaceable so as to open and close the contacts. A push-button actuator is movably supported relative to the frame. The push-button actuator is adapted to engage the cam surface of the bell crank in its first stable position to displace the bell crank into the second stable position in order to displace the linkage assembly to close the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Heinemann Electric Company
    Inventor: James M. Mercer
  • Patent number: 4584546
    Abstract: A switch to be used for a power window of an automobile or the like is disclosed. It has a switch body. A knob is rotatably axially supported by the switch body. The knob has an accommodating chamber in its inside. A presser is accommodated within the chamber and biased downward by a spring. A pair of contact blades are positioned under the presser. Each of the contact blades is formed at its central portion with a V-shaped portion and inclined surfaces extending toward the right and left directions. The inclined surfaces are further extended to form contact portions. There is formed with a step between the inclined surfaces and the contact portions, so that a first step of operation and a second step of operation of the knob can be made without mistake. Stationary contacts are positioned corresponding to the contact portions. It also has a pair of contact holders. Each of the holders has a supporting piece folded upward from its one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masaichi Hattori, Shigeo Hara, Shunichi Manabe
  • Patent number: 4567456
    Abstract: A resettable contact closing device opens a load circuit connected to a power line protected by a ground fault interrupter circuit, if the neutral conductor is broken. The contacts are closed by a mechanical reset actuator only if a solenoid is energized by a potential proportional to the line-to-neutral voltage to hold the actuator in a contact closing position. If the neutral conductor is broken, the solenoid will not be energized and the contacts, and hence the power line to the load circuit, will be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Technology Research Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond H. Legatti
  • Patent number: 4521757
    Abstract: A high speed electromagnetically actuated electromechanical switch is provided by a bistable electric snap blade operated by an electromagnetic actuator. A magnetically permeable yoke directs the flux paths of a pair of coaxial coils. An armature plunger shuttles axially reciprocally in the coils between first and second positions. The snap blade has a pair of cantilever arms extending towards each other to engage the armature plunger in the gap therebetween for lateral flexing actuation. Energization of a given coil provides a primary flux path around that coil through the yoke and the armature plunger, and provides a secondary flux path around both coils through the yoke and the armature plunger. The primary flux path force around either coil is always stronger than the secondary path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome K. Hastings, James H. Bigelow, Robert L. Pearson
  • Patent number: 4520334
    Abstract: A solenoid (28) is mounted to a frame (26) secured to panel mounting clips (24) of a pushbutton switch for snap-on attachment to the switch housing (2). The switch has a hollow central chamber and a hole (32) is formed in the lower end (6) adjacent the solenoid (28) whereby an operator cap (10) may be removed and a headed coupling rod (34) inserted through the hollow chamber of the switch to project out the hole (32) for connection to the solenoid plunger (28b). The operator cap (10) is subsequently replaced to permit manual operation of the switch or remote operation wherein the solenoid (28) is energized to pull the pushbutton operator (4) to a depressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Stearley, Tony O. Woodard
  • Patent number: 4468977
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power drive for electric switchgear in which the driving force is elastically transmitted to an actuating member, for example, a handle. Thereby, tolerance compensation is provided to allow the drive motor to run into the end positions of the drive. A bending-type spring is disclosed as an elastic power transmitting member which is arranged transversely to the direction of motion of a slide which transmits the driving force to the switchgear. The bending-type spring can be connected to the slide. The bending-type spring can be a leaf spring, and more particularly two parallel leaf springs. In the disclosed embodiments, the two parallel leaf springs are provided as a single U-shaped leaf spring having parallel legs. The U-shaped leaf spring can either be supported at both ends thereof in the slide or the legs can be fastened in a mounting body connected to the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerd Kummerow, Werner Troebel, Bernhard Preuss, Reinhard Zeuke
  • Patent number: 4401958
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the operation of electrically operated equipment, such as power tools and the like. The apparatus includes circuit connectors, including first and second spaced terminals, in which the first terminal is connected to a source of electricity and the second terminal is connected to the equipment itself so that electricity can be supplied to the equipment by electrically connecting the spaced terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Noorigian
  • Patent number: 4393360
    Abstract: An electrical switch structure comprising a lever rotatably mounted between neutral position and actuated position, a switching element ON-OFF operated by said lever, a latching means to latch said lever in the actuated position and an unlatching means to rotate back said lever to the neutral position. In one type of the switch said latching means is accomplished by the energization of a solenoid, in other type of the switch said unlatch means being accomplished by said energization of the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: Kabushiki-Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kaneyasu Arakawa, Shigeo Mizuno
  • Patent number: 4378543
    Abstract: An improved spring biased reciprocable latch-reset member is provided for a relay of the type including an armature mounted on a support block for pivotal movement about an axis, a coil for displacing the armature from a first position to a second position when the coil is energized, a spring biasing the armature from the second position to the first position when the coil is de-energized, and an electrical contact controlled by the position of the armature. The latch-reset member is operable in response to displacement of the armature to the second position by energization of the coil to hold the armature in the second position, and is displaceable thereafter to release the armature for movement back to the first position by the armature biasing spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: Gulf & Western Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Craig H. Melter, Donald R. Ritzenthaler