Abstract: A bistable solenoid valve for a hydraulic brake system has a guide sleeve in which an upper immovable pole core is fixedly arranged and a closing element is displaceably arranged. The closing element is forced into a valve seat during a closing movement and lifts off from the valve seat during an opening movement, and is fixedly connected to a magnet assembly. An actuation of the movement of the closing element is performed by the magnet assembly via a coil positioned around and substantially surrounding the guide sleeve. A lower immovable pole core is fixedly arranged in the guide sleeve and the magnet assembly is positioned between the lower and the upper pole core.

Abstract: A yoke assembly for an electromagnetic switching device is disclosed. The yoke assembly comprises a yoke and an elastic deceleration element. The yoke has a support face supporting an abutment face of an actuating assembly in a position of the switching device. The elastic deceleration element is mounted on the yoke and has a deceleration face disposed at a distance from the support face.

Abstract: An engaging module is suitable for first and second objects adapted to be combined or separated along a first axial direction. The engaging module includes an engaging component, an elastic component and an electromagnet. The engaging component is movably disposed on the first object. When the first object and the second object are combined, the engaging component is adapted to move to a first position along a plane to be engaged with the second object, and is adapted to move to a second position along the plane to separate from the second object. The first axial direction is not parallel to the plane. The engaging component is positioned at the first position through an elastic force of the elastic component, and is adapted to resist the elastic force of the elastic component to be positioned at the second position through a magnetic force generated by the electromagnet.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device includes: a fixed iron core; a movable iron core which is disposed to face the fixed iron core and which is displaceable in an axis line direction of the drive shaft; an electromagnetic coil; a permanent magnet which retains the movable iron core at the advanced position; supporting posts which are provided parallel to the axis line direction on both side surfaces of the fixed iron core and support the fixed iron core; an opening-side plate which is provided at one end portion of the supporting post; and a closing-side plate which is provided at the other end portion of the supporting post, wherein the advanced position of the movable iron core is restricted by the fixed iron core and the retreated position is restricted by the opening-side plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator comprising a wire coil, an armature and a catch, wherein the armature can be moved in an actuation direction, and wherein the catch secures the armature within the electromagnetic actuator. In order to secure an armature of the electromagnetic actuator, extra parts are mounted to the electromagnetic actuator or the armature is attached via a spring. This results in bigger sizes or insufficient stopping characteristics. The present invention overcomes these disadvantages by locating a catch inside the electromagnetic actuator.

Abstract: An electromagnetic control mechanism (1) with an actuating element (15) which can move longitudinally and can be retained in three stable positions. By way of two coils (3, 4), the actuating element (15) can be switched to a first or to a second stable position, namely, the two opposed end positions. The actuating element (15) comprises an actuator rod (7) with a permanent magnet (8) arranged on the actuator rod (7), such that the actuating element (15) can be retained magnetically in the third stable position by the permanent magnet (8).

Abstract: A solenoid device includes a solenoid assembly (30) including a stator (42, 32, 38) and a coil (36) for generating a magnetic field. An armature structure (14, 16) can move with respect to the solenoid assembly from a closed position, defining a working gap area (62) between the coil and a portion of the armature structure, to an open position in response to the magnetic field generated by the coil. Seal structure (22) is coupled with a proximal end of the armature structure and has a sealing edge (28) to seal with a component when the armature structure is in the closed position thereof. A spring (44) biases the armature structure to the closed position. Under certain operating conditions of the device, pressure is balanced between the working gap area and an area defined adjacent to 1) the sealing edge, and 2) a distal end of the armature structure.

Abstract: A solenoid device includes a solenoid assembly (30) including a stator (42, 32, 38), a coil (36) for generating a magnetic field, and first retention structure (64). Armature and seal assembly includes armature structure (14, 16) that moves with respect to the solenoid assembly from a closed position to an open position in response to the magnetic field generated by the coil, seal structure (22) that is coupled with a proximal end of the armature structure and has a sealing edge (28) to seal with a component when the armature structure is in the closed position thereof, and second retention structure (68). A spring (44) biases the armature structure to the closed position. The first and second retention structures engage and retain the armature and seal assembly with respect to the stafor assembly prior to installation of the device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a pole face of a metal closing elements of a solenoid, especially for electromechanical switchgear. In at least one embodiment, the method includes machining the surface of a crude stamped part of the closing element to give the pole face. A corresponding armature, yoke, solenoid and switchgear are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solenoid assembly for use in connection with a housing and valve body is provided. The assembly includes a magnetic coil, a magnetic pole piece, an operating rod, a magnetic armature, and at least two bearings positioned between a portion of the magnetic pole piece and a portion of the operating rod. The operating rod is slidably disposed along the bearings. The magnetic armature is at least in part centered relative to the pole piece. Activation of the coil provides an attraction between the armature and the pole piece.

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.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve assembly having a dual armature solenoid for controlling two valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the solenoid may include a first pole piece, a second pole piece spaced from the first pole piece, a coil disposed about at least a portion of the first pole piece, a first armature extending laterally across the first pole piece and the second pole piece, and a second armature extending laterally across the first pole piece and the second pole piece. In one illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to the second pole piece. In another illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to the first pole piece. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to opposite pole pieces. In any case, the coil may electromagnetically actuate the first and second armatures to selectively open and/or close corresponding valves or other actuatable components.

Abstract: A solenoid actuator includes an electrical circuit with a first power input terminal, a second power input terminal, a first coil wound around a first axis and configured to generate a first magnetic field while electrical current flows through the first coil, and a second coil wound around a second axis configured to generate a second magnetic field while electrical current flows through the second coil. An electric switch connects or disconnects the first coil and second coil in series. Thus, the electric switch can energize or de-energize the second coil. A movable member, such as a rod, bar, spool, or hollow tube, influenced by the magnetic fields generated by the first and second coils is configured to move with respect to the first and second coils from a first position to a second position in response to the magnetic field generated by the first coil.

Abstract: A fast engage, slow release electrical actuator combines an electromagnetic actuator with a thermal actuator, the latter which retains the electromagnetic actuator after the former has been actuated to delay the release thereof.

Abstract: A power saving electromagnetic switch, which is developed to reduce power consumption and implemented using low trouble mechanical parts compared to a conventional electromagnetic switch in which a fixed iron core is electrified to fasten a movable iron core and then a continuous current passes through the fixed iron core during the operation thereof. The power saving electromagnetic switch includes a fixed iron core, a movable iron core and a fastening bar. The fixed iron core includes a guide hole vertically formed from a top thereof, and a through hole formed to penetrate through a side of the fixed iron core and to communicate with the guide hole. The movable iron core moves upward or downward to come into contact with the top of the fixed iron core, and includes a guide rod mounted on a bottom thereof so as to be inserted into the guide hole, the guide rod having a fastening hole formed at an end thereof.

Abstract: Power tool (10) may include solenoid coil (1) that functions as a drive source for plunger (5). Battery (3) may be connected with solenoid coil (1), battery (3) supplying a current to solenoid coil (1). Solenoid coil (1) may store magnetic energy while current from battery (3) flows through solenoid coil (1). The magnetic energy stored in solenoid coil (1) may be transformed into kinetic energy of plunger (5), whereby plunger (5) being moved from a first position to a second position. The magnetic energy stored in solenoid coil (1) is determined by the current flowing through solenoid coil (1) and has no relationship with the voltage of battery (3). Consequently, sufficient power can be conveyed to plunger (5) even if the voltage of battery (3) is low.

Abstract: Under electric control of a motor by a CPU, before the rotation angle of a rotary knob reaches a predetermined angle (20°, 40°, 60°, . . . 360°), a torque in the same direction as a rotational direction is provided from the motor to the rotary knob, and the torque is decreased from a maximum value to zero. When the rotation angle of the rotary knob reaches a predetermined angle, a torque product is provided to the rotary knob depending upon an angular velocity of the rotary knob. After the rotation angle of the rotary knob exceeds a predetermined rotation angle, a torque in the reverse direction to a rotational direction is provided to the rotary knob, and the torque is increased from zero to a maximum value.

Abstract: A thrust producer of a moving-magnet type includes a rod supported for upward and downward movements by an apparatus main body through an air hydrostatic bearing and a thrust producer for moving the rod up and down, the thrust producer has a magnet mounted to the rod to be displaced with the rod and a coil provided to the apparatus main body to generate magnetic force when the coil is energized, and the thrust producer produces thrust by an interaction of the magnet and the magnetic force generated by the coil.

Abstract: A ball actuator 10 comprises a case 12 supporting a striker 14 with an energy storage spring 16, a control rod 18 movable in translation in a direction parallel to a geometric axis 19, detent balls 20 and control balls 22. When the rod is moved in translation by an electromagnetic relay 100, the control balls 22 escape and enable the detent balls 20 to be freed so that the striker 14 is released. Each control ball 22 is in contact with two detent balls 20 and with the rod 18 so that the forces applied to the rod 18 by the control balls 20 are much lower than the forces exerted by the striker 14 on the detent balls 22. A high-efficiency actuator is thus achieved requiring a low operating energy and with small overall dimensions.

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 autosecuring solenoid utilizes an interposing device that restrains the solenoid plunger when the solenoid is de-energized and/or energized, effectively preventing undesired movement of the plunger. When a voltage is applied across the coil, the flowing current creates an magnetic field. This field causes the plunger to slide within the solenoid cavity, unless restrained. This field also causes displacement of a movable magnet in the interposing device. The direction of motion of the movable magnet will depend on the magnetic field orientation of the movable magnet with respect to the magnetic field. Thus, the interposing device may move either toward or away from the plunger. Additionally, if using two interposing devices, one device could move away from the plunger and the second device could move toward the plunger. The second interposing device could even permit the plunger to move until the second interposing device engaged a recess or notch in the plunger.

Abstract: A universal solenoid actuator for use with either a fail-safe or a fail-secure lock mechanism or a push-type or pull-type mechanism comprises a reversible coil assembly, at least one plunger and a module for receiving electricity from a power supply and delivering the electricity to the coil assembly. The coil assembly includes a housing which defines a bore extending through the coil assembly, at least one coil surrounding the bore and first and second fittings at opposed ends of the bore. The plunger is received within the bore and is actuated upon application of an electrical potential to the coil assembly. When used with a fail-safe lock, the first fitting is affixed to the lock. When used with a fail-secure lock, the coil assembly is reversed to affix the second fitting to the lock. Variations of the preferred embodiment of the inventive universal solenoid actuator are disclosed.

Abstract: A permanent magnet armature solenoid has a tip formed of a non-magnetic material operably connected to a ferromagnetic insert which is firmly held to the end of the magnetic armature by the magnetic attraction between the insert and armature. The magnetic field of the armature holds the armature and the insert together as a single unit, even under high acceleration, deceleration and rapid movement of the armature. The insert is relatively small compared to the armature and the addition of the insert to the solenoid does not significantly adversely affect the performance of the solenoid. The insert is preferably formed of a magnetically susceptible metal such as iron, steel or stainless steel. Desirably, the tip is formed of a polymeric material and preferably of an elastomer so that the tip may be molded directly to the insert by conventional molding techniques to facilitate molding the non-magnetic tip onto the insert.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for an electrical power switch apparatus, the actuator assembly having a housing and a plunger positioned within the housing where the plunger is movable between a set position and an actuated position. The plunger includes a compression spring to provide a pre-load thereto that biases the plunger away from the set position and toward the actuated position. A magnet contained in the housing and positioned proximate to the plunger establishes a magnetic force which overcomes the pre-load of the compression spring and maintains the plunger in a set position. A coil assembly, that when energized, produces an electromagnetic force which bucks the magnetic force established by the magnet allowing the plunger to be propelled by the compression spring to the actuated position. A screw extends through an opening in the plunger for engagement with the compression spring so that rotation of the screw results in the adjustment or calibration of the pre-load of the compression spring.

Abstract: A solenoid actuator, adapted for use in a fuel injector, has a pole member, an armature associated therewith, and an energizable winding associated with the pole member. The solenoid actuator is latchable by residual magnetism between the pole member and the armature without the aid of a permanent magnet. The pole member and the armature are composed of steel having a carbon content of between 0.8% and 1.2% and an RC hardness of between 40 and 60. The armature is reciprocable between a first position in which the armature makes physical contact with the pole member and a second position in which the armature is spaced from the pole member. The armature occupies the first position when the winding is energized and the second position when the winding is deenergized. The armature is held in the first position by residual magnetism between the pole member and the armature when the winding is deenergized after being initially energized.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated latch for a linearly movable shaft such as a shift lever shaft of a vehicle transmission includes an L-shaped armature that forms a latch plate and a magnetic arm. The shaft extends along the solenoid axis and through a clearance hole in the latch plate. Energization of the solenoid draws the magnetic arm toward a planar pole piece at one end of the solenoid winding. The latch plate swings from a position normal to the shaft axis to a tilted condition acutely angled to the shaft axis so that edge areas of the clearance hole grip the shaft surface.

Abstract: A bistable electromagnet is moved from one operating position into the other by a short direct-current pulse, the next pulse following in each case having the opposite current direction. The essential factor in this is a permanent magnet which is arranged in the core area and which holds the armature against the action of an armature spring in one operating position. An electromagnet constructed in this manner can be produced without tolerance calibration and requires less control power when the permanent magnet is carried freely movably between two end positions in the direction of armature movement in a hollow space of the coil core. The coil core can be constructed as a pot, at the bottom of which the permanent magnet is magnetically held whilst the permanent magnet is held in the other end position by a stop in such a manner that its side facing the armature is approximately flush with the edge of the pot.

Abstract: A solenoid actuator, adapted for use in a fuel injector, has a pole member, an armature associated therewith, and an energizable winding associated with the pole member. The solenoid actuator is latchable by residual magnetism between the pole member and the armature without the aid of a permanent magnet. The pole member and the armature are composed of steel having a carbon content of between 0.8% and 1.2% and an RC hardness of between 40 and 60. The armature is reciprocable between a first position in which the armature makes physical contact with the pole member and a second position in which the armature is spaced from the pole member. The armature occupies the first position when the winding is energized and the second position when the winding is deenergized. The armature is held in the first position by residual magnetism between the pole member and the armature when the winding is deenergized after being initially energized.

Abstract: A solenoid comprising a first coil positioned within a frame from which a magnetizable armature, having a coil end and a free end, extends, the coil end of the armature having a section of non-magnetizable material secured to it, and a second coil, which coil is energizable in a manner independent from that of the first coil, the second coil being secured to the other end of the non-magnetizable material so as to move with the armature from a position adjacent the first coil when the armature is in extended position to a position spaced therefrom when the armature is in retracted position, whereby when the first coil is energized to move the armature along its throw into retracted position, the second coil is simultaneously energized so as produce a repulsive magnetic force with respect to that of the first coil.

Abstract: An actuator is provided with a position sensing system which comprises a permanent magnet, a saddle plate, a sole plate and the magnetically sensitive component. The magnet and the magnetically sensitive component are disposed between the saddle plate and the sole plate which are spaced apart for these purposes. A moveable plunger is arranged to move along an axis relative to a stationary stop member. A first magnetic circuit is provide which comprises the permanent magnet, the saddle plate, the sole plate, the stop member and the moveable plunger. A second magnetic circuit is provided which comprises the magnet, the saddle plate, the sole plate and a magnetically sensitive component such as a Hall effect element. In addition, an adjustment means can be provided within the second magnetic circuit to change the reluctance of that circuit for adjustment purposes.

Abstract: A magnetic latch includes a coil, a frame receiving magnetic flux from the coil when energized, a latching member mounted in the frame and rotatably movable between first and second positions with the latching member providing a magnetic flux bridge between flux carrying means of the frame by contacting the flux carrying means with the latching member is in a first position, a magnet providing magnetic flux carried by the flux carrying means and a portion of the latching member for magnetically retaining the latching member is a first position with the coil is deenergized and a spring biasing the latching member towards a second position with force sufficient to overcome magnetic retention of the latching member at the first position when the coil is providing magnetic flux to the flux carrying members of the frame in the direction opposite of that of flux provided by the magnet.

Abstract: A sub-miniature circuit breaker particularly suited for use with aircraft simulators is shown which has the same look and feel of circuit breakers used in aircraft. The circuit breaker has a push-pull/actuator and ball latch mechanism and a solenoid operated trip mechanism.

Abstract: A magnetic valve which is closed when current is absent includes an electromagnet driver having a U-shaped magnetizable yoke carrying a winding; a pivotally attached armature including a soft magnetic material; a permanent magnet disposed on the armature; and a pole plate disposed between the permanent magnet and a part of the yoke which carries the winding. The yoke part and the pole plate define a separating plane therebetween. The mangetic valve further has a valve cone disposed on the armature below the separating plane.

Abstract: A linear motor provides stepwise, incremental advance of a movable member. A linear motor includes an electric coil surrounded by a magnetic core. A co-axially aligned magnetic movable pole member and a magnetic plunger extend through the core and coil. Opposed faces of the movable pole member and the plunger are separated by an air gap. A biasing spring is connected between the plunger and the pole member to bias the pole member away from the plunger when electric current has been removed from the coil to re-establish the air gap between the pole member and the plunger. Latches act on the pole member and the plunger to provide unidirectional movement of the pole member and plunger when a magnetic field induced in the core when current is applied to the coil causes advance of the plunger into contact with the pole member.

Abstract: A system for setting in particular the rotor (2) of a coaxial or waveguide switch in n possible locking positions S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3, . . . has an axially staggered drive on one side and on the opposite side a locking means (6, 7, 8/9, 10/11, 12). On the side facing the stator, the drive (3, 4, 5) has a drive winding composed of the drive coils (5) connected to only one pair of conductors by means of which a current of a determined polarity is supplied to the drive winding (5) and which turns the rotor (2) in the direction of the n locking positions S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3, . . . by means of magnetic forces. The main purpose of the locking means (6, 7, 8/9, 10/11, 12) is to turn the rotor (2) into the exact locking position and to maintain it in that position.

Abstract: Device for setting the rotor of a rotary switch in one of three possible switching positions (positions 1 to 3). Such rotary switches can be for example wave guide or coaxial switches. The excitation of windings in this device for a rotary direction is effected by a pair of conductors with a current pulse. This current pulse, via an initial drive system and by means of a drive torque produced by the windings of the latter, moves the rotor from an initial end position (position 1) in the direction of a mid-position (position 3) and to an intermediate position. After the current pulse has been switched off, a permanently imprinted magnetic detent torque brings about the further rotation of the rotor to the mid-position (position 3), where the rotor is centered by the shape of the detent torque. A further current pulse on the same pair of conductors produces a drive moment which moves the rotor from the mid-position (position 3) to the other end position (position 2).

Abstract: A lagged type solenoid capable of carrying out the plunger advancing operation at a speed lower than the plunger retreating operation. For this purpose, the solenoid includes a plunger lagging mechanism, which includes an air discharge passage for discharging air in a plunger moving space to an ambient atmosphere during the plunger advancing operation and an air supply passage for supplying air from the ambient atmosphere to the plunger moving space during the plunger retreating operation which is formed into a sectional area larger than the air discharge passage. The air supply passage is closed by a check valve during the plunger advancing operation. Thus, the plunger advancing operation takes place at a speed lower than the plunger retreating operation.

Abstract: A linear electromechanical actuator has a spring-loaded plunger disposed in a housing. When a solenoid in the housing is energized, the armature of the solenoid moves linearly and, after some initial "lost" motion, engages and releases the latch mechanism holding the plunger in the housing. The spring associated with the plunger is then free to extend the plunger from the housing. The actuator can be designed so that it is highly immune from unintended actuation due to acceleration of the actuator. The condition of the actuator (e.g., fully cocked or released) can be monitored by switches disposed in the actuator. The actuator can also be constructed to allow manual release as an alternative to release by energization of the solenoid.

Abstract: A linear motor provides stepwise, incremental advance of a movable member. The linear motor includes an electric coil surrounded by a magnetic core. A magnetic movable pole member is coaxially aligned with a magnetic plunger member and extends through the core and coil. Opposed faces of the movable pole member and the plunger are separated by an air gap. An incremental advance member is fixedly attached to the plunger and extends outward from the movable pole member. A biasing spring is connected between the incremental advance member and the pole member to bias the pole member away from the plunger when electric current has been removed from the coil to re-establish the air gap between the pole member and the plunger.

Abstract: A solenoid device is provided which includes a bobbin having an armature bore through its center; a plunger partially extending into the bore and serving as an armature of the solenoid; and a coil wound around the bobbin for generating magnetic flux to move the plunger axially in the bore. The plunger includes a first segment which moves axially in the bore of the bobbin in response to magnetic flux generated by the coil. The plunger also includes a second segment which serves as the latching device for the locking mechanism. Finally, the plunger includes a linkage connecting the first and second segments together and mounting devices for mounting the linkage to the first and second segments. This linkage pivots in response to a compressive force applied to the plunger and engages a stop disposed proximate the plunger, preventing the second segment from moving out of a latching position.

Abstract: A latching solenoid is provided which has first and second coils having a central axial opening arranged to produce oppositely polarized first and second magnetic fields along the axial opening. A paramagnetic path is provided from the central opening around the outside of the coils and back to the central opening, with this path having a first gap within the central opening. A plunger is spring biased within this central opening to close the first gap upon activation of the first coil in opposition to the spring.

Abstract: An electromagnetic linearly indexing actuator in which a shaft is mounted for linear motion in the direction of its axis. A pair of electromagnetic stator assemblies are carried in fixed position coaxially spaced from each other in the direction of the shaft axis. Each stator assembly has an associated armature which is slidably carried by the shaft, and a spring for urging each armature away from its associated stator. A latch is pivotally mounted at one end to each armature eccentrically of the shaft axis and has a central aperture which embraces the shaft. The stator assemblies are sequentially and alternately energized, so that the latches alternately grip and move the shaft during motion of the associated armatures. The shaft is returned to its initial position by a return spring, or by an opposing pair of armature and stator assemblies.

Abstract: A rotary control having a variable detent is disclosed. The control, for electrical instruments and the like, includes a manually rotatable shaft to which a plate is coaxially mounted. The plate includes magnetizable flutes extending radially therefrom, each flute corresponding to a rotational stop position of the rotary control. Spaced adjacent the plate is a switchable electromagnet that forms a detent. A control switch in communication with the electromagnet selectably energizes it to engage magnetically the flutes successively as the shaft is manually rotated, stopping the rotary control at each rotational stop position. The switch also de-energizes the electromagnet so that the shaft may be continuously variable. A plurality of electromagnets can be positioned about a plate to vary the locations of the rotational stop positions. In a separate embodiment, a plurality of plates, each with an associated electromagnet, is mounted coaxially on the shaft.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator has a ferrous alloy armature movably mounted within a body chamber. Two axially-spaced permanent magnets are arranged radially inwardly of the chamber and partially define the chamber at the ends thereof. A coil surrounds the chamber. The body is formed of a magnetically-permeable material. Because of the high reluctance of the magnets, each magnet forms a short magnetic loop which passes through the adjacent air gap, and forms a long magnetic loop which encircles the coil and passes through the distant air gap. The armature has a bistable toggle-like movement, and may be latched proximate either end wall. If springs are added between the armature and the body, the improved actuator may be used as a proportional position of force transducer within an operating range of armature movement.

Abstract: A latching relay includes a housing and a coil secured to the housing. An armature is electromagnetically coupled to the coil such that current to the coil biases the armature to a first position. A spring is coupled to the armature to bias the armature to a second position. The relay includes a switch which includes a movable contact coupled to the armature such that the switch is in a first state when the armature is in the first position and the switch is in a second state when the armature is in the second position. A magnet is movable in the housing between a blocking position, in which the magnet acts as a mechanical block to prevent the armature from moving to the second position, and an unblocking position, in which the magnet allows the armature to move to the second position.

Abstract: An internal latching mechanism for a solenoid comprises a cylindrical ball race on the main solenoid plunger with a plurality of balls disposed in aligned apertures in the ball race. First and second axially displaced fixed retainers, interconnected by a shoulder, define the limits of ball movement in one radial direction for the unactuated and actuated positions of the main plunger, and third and fourth axially displaced retainers perform the same function for the opposite radial direction; the fourth retainer is a movable retainer connected to a latch release plunger. When the main solenoid coil is energized to drive the main plunger to its actuated position, the balls displace the fourth retainer enough to allow the balls to move into engagement with the second and fourth retainers; when the main coil is de-energized the balls engage the shoulder between the first and second retainers to latch the main plunger in actuated position.

Abstract: A magnetically driven and latched actuator includes an armature, at least a part of which is of a ferromagnetic material, mounted for reciprocating travel between two spaced apart limit positions. An electrical coil is operative upon the ferromagnetic material to drive the armature alternately back and forth between the limit positions, and a pair of auxiliary ferromagnetic bodies are fixed, each adjacent to a respective one of the limit positions. The auxiliary bodies and the ferromagnetic portion of the armature are mutually magnetically attracted to each other so that the armature becomes magnetically latched at the limit position to which it is last driven by the coil.

Abstract: A detent mechanism for a manually activated transducer is disclosed in which the transducer element is movable along a predetermined path by means of a handle and includes a sensor for scanning markings on the transducer element and includes first and second components that determine the magnetic field in an air gap. These magnetic components have spaced, adjacent grooves directed in the direction of movement of the rotating transducer element. The magnetic forces created between these first and second components serve to hold the transducer element in one of a plurality of definite positions.

Abstract: An internal latching mechanism for a solenoid comprises a cylindrical ball race on the main solenoid plunger with a plurality of balls disposed in aligned apertures in the ball race. First and second axially displaced fixed retainers, interconnected by a shoulder, define the limits of ball movement in one radial direction for the unactuated and actuated positions of the main plunger, and third and fourth axially displaced retainers perform the same function for the opposite radial direction; the fourth retainer is a movable retainer connected to a latch release plunger. When the main solenoid coil is energized to drive the main plunger to its actuated position, the balls displace the fourth retainer enough to allow the balls to move into engagement with the second and fourth retainers; when the main coil is de-energized the balls engage the shoulder between the first and second retainers to latch the main plunger in actuated position.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator has a ferrous alloy armature movably mounted within a body chamber. Two axially-spaced permanent magnets are arranged radially inwardly of the chamber and partially define the chamber at the ends thereof. A coil surrounds the chamber. The body is formed of a magnetically-permeable material. Because of the high reluctance of the magnets, each magnet forms a short magnetic loop which passes through the adjacent air gap, and forms a long magnetic loop which encircles the coil and passes through the distant air gap. The armature has a bistable toggle-like movement, and may be latched proximate either end wall. If springs are added between the armature and the body, the improved actuator may be used as a proportional position of force transducer within an operating range of armature movement.