Abstract: A contactor includes a first actuator, a compressive element moveably coupling the first actuator to a rigid portion of the contactor, a shaft configured to move toward the rigid portion when the contactor is in an energized state and to move away from the rigid portion when the contactor is in a de-energized state, a second actuator fixedly coupled to the shaft, and a common contact extending between the first actuator and the second actuator, the common contact being moveable with respect to a first contact, wherein the compressive element is configured to press the first actuator against the common contact, and wherein the first actuator is configured to electrically connect the common contact and the first contact when the contactor is in the de-energized state, and the second actuator is configured to electrically disconnect the common contact and the first contact when the contactor is in the energized state.

Abstract: A system and method for an automatic transfer switch comprising a fixed contact (26), a first oscillating rod (16) communicatively and operatively connected to a first movable contact (25), a second oscillating rod (18) communicatively and operatively connected to a second movable contact (27), a link rod (12) communicatively and operable connected to the first and second oscillating rods (16, 18), a guide plate (20), and a permanent magnetic actuator (2) comprising a first end and a second end communicatively and operatively connected to the link rod (12) via a third oscillating rod (8), wherein the first end being energized independently of the second end. The automatic transfer switch is operable to position the guide plate (20) based at least on a permanent magnetic force applied to the first end or the second end of the permanent magnetic actuator.

Abstract: A relay apparatus incorporates at least first and second relays having respective first and second electromagnetic coils, with a single yoke partially surrounding each of the coils. When current is passed through only the first electromagnetic coil, to activate the first relay, resultant magnetic flux acting on the armature of the second relay is attenuated by passing a current through the second electromagnetic coil to produce opposing-direction magnetic flux. When current is passed in the opposite direction through the second coil, to activate the second relay, the magnetic fluxes produced by the first and second electromagnetic coils become mutually reinforced, thereby reducing the power consumption required to activate both of the relays and to maintain that activated state.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuating apparatus with a first armature arrangement axially displaced between a rest and actuating position and connected to a first actuating element. A pole core is brought into magnetic operative connection with the first armature arrangement. An axially oriented coil unit is energized, influencing the magnetic connection between the first pole core and the first armature arrangement, and a second armature arrangement is connected to a second actuating element and axially displaced between a rest and actuating position. A second pole core can be brought into magnetic operative connection with second armature arrangement, its pole core oriented axially to first pole core influencing its magnetic operative connection with second armature arrangement.

Abstract: A starter relay for a starting apparatus for an internal combustion engine has a reciprocating armature and a pull-in winding, to which current can be applied, and also a switch-on device for an electric starter motor. The switch-on device is operated by means of a switching element which is adjusted by an additional winding.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator device has a core unit with a coil device designed to cooperate with armature units displaceably guided relative to the core unit in response to current applied to the coil device, wherein the core unit is designed to cooperate with a plurality of spatially separated plunger units of the armatures so that an electromagnetic interaction takes place with the plurality of plunger units in response to current applied to a coil of the coil device.

Abstract: A starting switch structure including a body, plunger piston movable in the body, wherein the plunger piston has a first accommodating portion at an end of the plunger piston for accommodating an end of a guide pin moving reciprocally, the accommodating portion has a butting portion at the bottom surface, an excitation portion wound around the end of the plunger piston, and a butting part at an open end of the accommodating portion of the plunger piston, wherein a contact point is led to electrically connect the first terminal to the second in case that the plunger piston and the guide pin move in a first direction when the excitation portion excites, while a broken circuit is led between the first terminal and the second terminal in case the plunger piston and guide pin move in a second direction after the excitation portion has finished exciting.

Abstract: A solenoid device includes: a first electromagnetic coil; first and second plungers movable according to energization to the first electromagnetic coil; first and second fixed cores facing the first and second plungers, respectively; and a yoke. When the first electromagnetic coil is not energized, first and second gaps are formed between the first and second plungers and the first and second fixed cores, respectively. When the first electromagnetic coil is energized, the magnetic flux flows in a first magnetic circuit, provided by the first plunger, the first fixed core and the yoke, via the first gap, and a second magnetic circuit, provided by the first and second plungers, the first and second fixed cores and the yoke, via the first and second gaps, so that the first and second plungers are attracted toward the first and second fixed cores.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electromagnetic actuator (7) with a coil (8) and at least two armatures (12, 17) being movable along an axis (16) and being acted upon by a magnetic field generated by the coil (8). It is endeavoured to achieve large control opportunities by simple means. For this purpose, it is provided that one armature (12) is acted upon by a larger drive force from the magnetic field than another armature (17).

Abstract: There is an electromagnetic switch for a starter includes a first and second electromagnet and a frame and a cover. The first and second electromagnets are set alongside in the frame. The first and second electromagnets are configured to change a position with respect to the cover by rotating about the axis with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle power system includes an electrical power source, an electrical bus, and a contactor electrically connected with the electrical power source and electrical bus. The contactor includes first and second poles, dual plungers each operatively associated with one of the first and second poles, and an electromagnetic coil configured to cause at least one of the dual plungers to move if the coil is energized.

Abstract: Soft-start systems and methods for vehicle starters are provided. Embodiments provide a solenoid including: a first coil that receives power when an ignition switch is closed; a first plunger actuated when the first coil receives power; a first terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the first plunger; a second coil that receives power when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal; a second plunger actuated when the second coil receives power; and a second terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the second plunger. Such a solenoid is configured to provide power at a first level to an attached motor when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal and at a second level that is higher than the first level when the contact bar of the second plunger abuts the second terminal.

Abstract: The system contains a first planar permanent magnet having a first direction of magnetization and a first opening formed therein. A second planar permanent magnet has a second direction of magnetization and a second opening formed therein. The second opening is axially aligned with the first opening. The direction of magnetization of the first planar permanent magnet opposes the direction of magnetization of the second planar permanent magnet. A plurality of stationary coils are provided, wherein at least one of the stationary coils is located within the first opening and at least one of the stationary coils is located within the second opening. A pair of extension members traverses the first opening and the second opening. A magnetizable slug is integral with each of the extension members.

Abstract: A vehicle power system includes an electrical power source, an electrical bus, and a contactor electrically connected with the electrical power source and electrical bus. The contactor includes first and second poles, dual plungers each operatively associated with one of the first and second poles, and an electromagnetic coil configured to cause at least one of the dual plungers to move if the coil is energized.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electromagnetic actuator (7) with a coil (8) and at least two armatures (12, 17) being movable along an axis (16) and being acted upon by a magnetic field generated by the coil (8). It is endeavoured to achieve large control opportunities by simple means. For this purpose, it is provided that one armature (12) is acted upon by a larger drive force from the magnetic field than another armature (17).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable member, and first and second actuators coupled to the movable member at positions offset from a first axis that passes through a centroid of the movable member. A controller independently controls the first and second actuators to exert a first force on the movable member in a direction generally parallel to the first axis, thereby controlling both linear and rotational orientation of the movable member. The apparatus can further include third and fourth actuators coupled to the movable member at positions offset from a second axis that passes through the centroid of the movable member, and the controller can independently controlling third and fourth actuators.

Abstract: A solenoid plunger for use in solenoid driven multi-line embossing systems is constructed of magnetic steel laminations that are attached to a center block which is machined to mount a solenoid shaft and anti-rotate pins. The laminations are attached to the center block with screws and vacuum epoxy glued for a very high cycle life. The laminated steel construction dramatically reduces eddy currents, which allows the magnetic field to rise and fall much more quickly than a conventional steel plunger. It also increases the magnetic force in the solenoid. This reduction in solenoid plunger eddy currents and increase of magnetic force in the solenoid structure itself operates to increase embosser throughput. The laminated steel construction further reduces embosser solenoid heating which also contributes to improved embossing control.

Abstract: A solenoid type device as a magnetic switch of a starter 10 comprises an exciting coil 3f that is energized and generates magnetic force, a plunger 3a that is a moving core which is a part of the magnetic circuit, and a fixed core 3j that faces the moving core and is also a part of the magnetic circuit. The moving core plunger 3a is divided into concentrically the first plunger 31 and the second plunger 32a. This configuration allows the second plunger 32a to be attracted first and then the first plunger 31a to be attracted. Thereby, it is possible to make a small and light magnetic switch while ensuring that the magnetic switch maintains sufficient attraction force as well as to increase reliability of operations of the magnetic switch even when battery voltage is low.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a lifting magnet assembly for a servo valve or control valve comprising a proportional magnet which acts on a valve spool of the control valve or servo valve through a tappet. Between the spool and the proportional magnet a failsafe magnet is provided which is penetrated or encompassed by the tappet of the proportional magnet.

Abstract: A resettable switching device, e.g. a relay, comprises a fixed contact (18) and a movable contact (28). A solenoid (12) is fixed relative to the fixed contact and a ferromagnetic plunger (20) carries the movable contact. A spring (24) biases the plunger away from the fixed contact so the device is normally open. When the device is set a further ferromagnetic element, e.g. a plunger (22), holds the first plunger (20) in a closed-contact position by magnetic attraction against the action of the spring (24). When a predetermined current condition exists in the solenoid the magnetic attraction between the element and plunger is reduced below the level necessary to hold the plunger so that the movable contact disengages the fixed contact.

Abstract: A lock may be constructed with a locking mechanism that uses either a cam assembly with a cylinder plug perforated by a centrally positioned keyway or a cylinder plug. The locking mechanism may be equipped with a dual armature solenoid. With the dual action solenoid constructed with a single wire coil, the distal ends of coaxially aligned armatures engage opposite axially aligned detents to maintain the lock in its locked state, while application of a potential difference across the coil draws both armatures away from their corresponding detents and toward the bore of the coil, thereby placing the lock into its unlocked state.

Abstract: A brake-transmission shift interlock device 10 for an automatic transmission system includes a solenoid 14 secured to a support member 12 that positions the solenoid 14 so as to block movement of a transmission member 176 to prevent a transmission shifter from being moved from a park position. The solenoid 14 includes a plunger 50 having first and second portions 76 and 78. The second plunger portion 78 engages the transmission member 176 laterally on a side wall 94 if the brake pedal is not depressed and the shifter is in the park position. To prevent the plunger 50 from binding, the second plunger portion 78 is allowed to axially offset from the first plunger portion 76 thereby reducing the required lineal force to move the plunger 50 from a first to a second position when the solenoid 14 is energized.

Abstract: A quick-return electro-mechanical actuator (20) broadly includes a cocking solenoid (21) and a holding solenoid (22). Each of the solenoids has an armature (24, 31) and a rod (26, 33). The rods are adapted to contact one another when the actuator is energized. However, after the second rod has been moved to its extended position, the cocking coil is de-energized.

Abstract: A linear actuator is used to push a spring-loaded ram The loading force of the spring against a stationary workpiece is calibrated with the displacement of the ram once the load exceeds the spring preset value. At a preset loading position, an electrical contact opens, indicating that the spring load has reached or exceeded the preset value. A mechanical stop, acting in conjunction with the stall characteristics of the linear actuator, prevents the operating range from being exceeded. This device has applications where precise standoff from a surface, the application of a precise force to that surface, and a controlled rate of the application of the force is needed.

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: A solenoid has a multistage telescoping plunger which together produce a single stroke. Each plunger stage has a separate air gap individually associated therewith. As the first air gap closes responsive to movement of a first telescoping plunger stage, a portion of the stator becomes magnetically saturated; however, magnetic material has moved with the first plunger stage in order to bridge the saturated position which switches the flux path to a second air gap via a second of the telescoping plunger stages. An advantage is that the solenoid has a long stroke with a high pulling force on both the initial and the final ends of a continuous stroke formed by the separate movements of the first and second plunger stages.

Abstract: A motion producing device in the form of a linear actuator, circular pump, or a robotic or prosthetic limb which functions to produce many kinds of work is provided. The device includes a linear series of alternately spaced fixed and polarity reversible magnets. The fixed and polarity reversible magnets may have more than one magnet assembled as a force unit of magnets of fixed polarity or reversible polarity which is surrounded by a rigid electrically insulating material and that carries rigid electrical conductors in the form of tubes. Between each magnetic force unit is an elastic electrically insulating material allowing expanding or shrinking of the distance between the magnetic force units in accordance with the polarity reversal of the reversible magnetic force units. The elastic expansion or contraction material carries flexible elastic tubes that connect with the rigid tubes to hold a current carrying electrolyte to carry electrical current from a D.C.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bistable magnetic drive with an assembled armature 3, 4 consisting of a high-grade, disk-shaped permanent magnet 3 with two appropriately shaped pole pieces 4,4' and displaceable sideways off the coil 1 transversely to its axis inside an electromagnetic annular pole-piece Rp between two electromagnetic stop pole-pieces 5, 5'. The invention describes illustrative embodiments and applications of this drive as an excursion and oscillating magnet, further a circuit for DC operation. A capacitor circuit furthermore allows mono-stable operation. The advantages are a lightweight armature, high efficiency, bilateral operation, versatility and simplicity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solenoid having a central and a peripheral air gap between the armature and the pole piece. The energizating coil is located in the space between the central core and the peripheral portions of the pole piece and armature. In one embodiment, an output shaft is received in an aperture in the central core of the pole piece and connected to the armature. In preferred embodiments, a longitudinally and radially extending slot is provide to produced eddy current losses. Additionally, mass is removed from non-critical portions of the armature to reduce its weight and increase its acceleration during energization of the solenoid. By utilizing stepped changes in the pole piece and armatures, peripheral portions and central core portions as well as variations in the central and peripheral gaps, the force/distance curve of the solenoid can be tailored to the specific application.

Abstract: A magnetic core (3) surrounded by a coil (1, 2) bears a first pole shoe (4) forming a large-surface air-gap with two zones (5a, 6a) of two armatures (5, 6) fixed to one another and disposed magnetically in parallel.The core (3) is continued beyond the coil and at this end bears a second pole shoe (9) which together with two other zones (5c, 6c) of the armatures forms a second large-surface air-gap disposed magnetically in series with the first.

Abstract: An electromagnet assembly is provided. It has a first movable core and a second movable core provided in association with a coil. The first movable core is energized toward the second movable core by a first spring while the second movable core is urged in the direction away from the first movable core by a second spring which has larger biasing force than that of the first spring. When the second movable core is attracted by magnetic excitation of the coil, the first movable core is pressed downwards by the second movable core.

Abstract: A high-speed reciprocating actuator, of the type used as a print hammer in high-speed printers or for operating valves or the like, is made more compact and efficient by the arrangement of a stator yoke. The stator yoke provides a series of aligned magnetic gaps that cooperate with armature bars contained in a reciprocating ram member. These gaps are made part of a plurality of independent flux conducting loops. One or more activating coils pass through each of the loops to induce magnetic flux when ram actuation is desired.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve which can control a fluid flow in dual mode, i.e. a small amount of fluid at a first step and a large amount of fluid at a second step, which adopts a bypass means of magnetic flux for obtaining the first step and a resistance means that does not allow the magnetic flux to flow in the first step while it allows it to flow in the second step for obtaining the second step.

Abstract: Actuating apparatus for an optical fiber switch in which a single fiber array (19) retained in a retaining block (20, 21) is movable within a housing (17) to align the single array (19) with one (10) or the other (11) of two fixed fiber arrays. A shuttle element (25) slidably extending through the housing (17) has provided at each end a disc (30, 31) the inner surfaces of which control the movement of a pair of push-rods (42, 43), also extending through the housing (17), which push-rods (42, 43) are bearable on opposite sides of the retaining blocks (20, 21). Reciprocal movement of the shuttle element (25) causes the same movement of the push-rods (42, 43) to move the movable fiber array (19) between its two switch positions. Movement of the shuttle element (25) is caused by the selective energization of two electromagnets (50, 51) mounted in opposite walls (40, 41) of an hermetically sealed outer housing (18).

Abstract: A solenoid-operated plunger device comprising a frame and a solenoid coil contained within the frame. Two or more movable plungers, separated by a barrier, are located within the solenoid coil. The plungers project the ends of the solenoid coil, and are slidable within the solenoid coil on parallel axes. A return spring is connected to each plunger for controlling the movement of the plunger.

Abstract: An electromagnetic ram actuator, the electromagnet of which consists of two symmetrically designed magnetizable yoke halves. The facing pole ends of the yoke halves are in each case essentially semicircularly recessed, forming two aligned essentially circular operating gaps. Between the operating gaps a ram is arranged which is shiftable in the direction of their line of alignment and whose cross-section is adapted to the area of the operating gaps. The ram comprises two armature disks of magnetizable material and a spacer element arranged therebetween consisting of predominantly non-magnetizable material. One armature disk is associated with each operating gap. The armature disks are geometrically designed in such a manner that their volume is of the order of the operating gap volume. In the starting position of the ram the armature disks are positioned in front of the operating gaps of the electromagnet in its non-excited state.

Abstract: A solenoid having a linear pull stroke includes a coil operated plunger (16) having a lost motion coupling (20,28,32,38,40) adapted to be connected with a load in order to allow the plunger (16) to retract a predefined distance during the initial part of the stroke thereby to develop a higher level of pulling force before substantial force is actually imparted to the load. The plunger (16) comprises an elongate body (18) having a piston-like link (28) slidably mounted in a cavity (20) at one end of the body (18) and adapted to be coupled with the load. A spring (36) trapped between the link (28) and the body (18) resets the link (28) relative to the body (18) before the pull stroke is completed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic solenoid is adapted to open and close an associated valve or to reciprocally engage a slideable member. The solenoid includes an electromagnetic and multi-piece armature enclosed within a protective housing. The armature comprises an inner pole piece operatively connected to an outer pole piece to initially provide a multi-level air gap with respect to the electromagnet. The inner pole piece is telescopically received within the outer pole piece and may over-travel the outer pole piece once the motion of the outer pole piece has ceased.

Abstract: A compact arrangement of electromagnetically operated valves utilized for controlling the flow of deflecting air in a dye jet printing apparatus, and wherein the valves are mounted on a plurality of supporting cards and are positioned in a geometric lattice thereon so that the magnetic field created in each valve during its operation intersects the magnetic axis of its adjacent valves at a generally right angle thereby minimizing interference between valves during their operation.

Abstract: An actuating device is disclosed which is modular in construction. The device employs a modular head having a rotatable output shaft for controlling valves, etc. One or more force motors are arranged to actuate the output shaft according to the required application. The force motors are electromagnetic and can accurately position the output shaft as a function of applied current.

Abstract: A compact arrangement of electromagnetically operated valves utilized for controlling the flow of deflecting air in a dye jet printing apparatus, and wherein the valves are mounted on a plurality of supporting cards and are positioned in a geometric lattice thereon so that the magnetic field created in each valve during its operation intersects the magnetic axis of its adjacent valves at a generally right angle thereby minimizing interference between valves during their operation.

Abstract: A fast-action solenoid actuating mechanism operable against high opposing loads and wherein the load being moved is connected to the solenoid armature by energy storing means effective to store increasing amounts of energy as the armature moves toward its retracted position. The energy storing means typically comprises a plurality of springs having very substantially differing spring rates and so arranged that initial movement of the armature is opposed primarily by the lower rate spring means and thereafter by the higher rate spring means until the accumulated stored energy together with the magnetic energy exceeds a required load operating force as the armature moves into its fully retracted position. All stored energy is automatically released during the final approach to retracted position and the armature is free to return to its extended position when the solenoid is de-energized. The mechanism may be utilized to operate a wide variety of devices such as switches, relays, valves, etc.

Abstract: A solenoid is provided in which the armature unit includes a primary plunger and a secondary plunger arranged in telescopic association one with the other and disposed so that the secondary plunger, having both a smaller mass and a smaller air gap than the primary plunger, initially draws in the primary plunger against the anvil without altering the stroke of the primary plunger. The coaction between the two plungers materially reduces the electric energy required to operate the solenoid. While not limited in its application to any particular form of magnetic circuit or to any particular size of magnet, the invention is especially useful in connection with mechanism in which a miniature solenoid is required, and also when it is required to employ a solenoid in which the armature stroke is relatively large and the power requirement must be small.

Abstract: A coupling is provided for holding and releasing a safety and a safety-and-control rod in a nuclear reactor which coupling comprises three pairs of electromagnets, said electromagnets being arranged in a circular row and act upon a single armature attached to the rod; the electromagnets of each pair being disposed at diametrically opposed position with respect the the rod axis. The signal from each sensor of a set of multiple sensors of each relevant parameter of the reactor operation is supplied to a meter of the parameter. The signals from one of each set of meters are conjointly supplied to a logic circuit which is connected to an amplifier. Finally the power from each amplifier is separately supplied to each pair of electromagnets for controlling the hold and release of the rod. The electromagnets of the coupling are arranged in a circular row and act upon a single armature attached to the rod.