Abstract: Fixed contacts (23A, 24A) are provided on the upper surface of a silicon substrate (21). Signal lines (23, 24) electrically continuous with the fixed contacts (23A, 24A) are provided so as to pass through a silicon substrate (21) from the obverse surface to the reverse surface thereof. Bumps (32, 33) electrically continuous with the signal lines (23, 24) are provided on the reverse surface of the silicon substrate (21). A fixed electrode (22) is provided on both sides of the fixed contacts (23A, 24A). Wiring conductors (30, 31) electrically continuous with the fixed electrode (22) are provided so as to pass through the silicon substrate (21) from the obverse surface to the reverse surface thereof. Bumps (34, 35) electrically continuous with the wiring conductors (30, 31) are provided on the reverse surface of the silicon substrate (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for making contact between a solenoid and an electronic control unit arranged neighboring a valve block, wherein the solenoid projects away from a side wall of the valve block by a magnetic coil and a magnetic core, contact elements being arranged in an end face region of the solenoid facing towards the valve block in such a way that the contact elements can be directly electrically connected to corresponding contact elements arranged on a wall of the electronic control unit or of the valve block.

Abstract: An electric lifting magnet includes a casing that is fabricated entirely from components such as, for example, structural steel that are welded together. In particular, the lifting magnet includes a flat top plate that is stiffened and supported by a frame that is welded to the top plate. The frame includes a plurality of stiffeners that extend from the center of the top plate to the radially outer edges of the top plate, the stiffeners being welded together at the center of the top plate. The stiffeners are shaped and arranged on the top plate so that the frame that they form can bear the entire load that the lifting magnet is designed to withstand.

Abstract: A switch is provided with the ability to diagnose its own operation and provide signals that represent the actuation of the switch and various diagnostic outputs that indicate fault conditions or potential fault conditions with regard to either the switch or related machinery. A magnetically sensitive component, such as a Hall element, is used to provide an analog output signal that is representative of the position of an actuator to which a magnet structure is rigidly attached. As the actuator moves in response to an external force, the magnet structure moves with respect to a stationary magnetically sensitive component. The analog output from the magnetically sensitive component can be used to determine the position of the switch. Based on this information, a microprocessor provides a binary output signal indicating whether the switch is actuated or deactuated.

Abstract: A dc power supply circuit connects a plurality of dc circuit breakers to a semi-conductor converter, returning again to the semi-conductor converter through a dc driving part such as an electric railcar connected to each dc circuit breaker. A second dc circuit breaker of larger capacity than the above-mentioned dc circuit breakers is provided in a return circuit and opened when a short circuit current is detected. A current decreasing means opens the second dc circuit breaker to decrease the short circuit current and includes, for example, a series-circuit of a resistor R and a reactor L. The dc power supply circuit has a large interruption capacity with low resistance loss.

Abstract: A switch device which includes a magnet movable within a passageway. A wire coil is provided about the passageway such that, as the magnet moves into the coil, a current is induced, thereby providing a signal pulse. The switch can be utilized for sensing changes in inertia, with a stopper opposing movement of the magnet unless the magnet imparts sufficient force against the spring biased stopper to allow the magnet to move along the passageway. The biasing force of the stopper can be adjusted to adjust the amount of force, acceleration or deceleration required for actuating the switch. The switch may also be utilized without the spring-biased stopper, with the magnet preloaded with a spring or weight, such that the switch automatically operates upon removal of a safety pin.

Abstract: A rolamite sensor for use in sensing deceleration of a vehicle includes two separate electrical circuits for actuating two occupant restraints such as air bags. The sensor has a molded plastic base mounted on a metal chassis and a metal cover welded to the chassis to sealingly enclose the base. One surface of the base acts as a guide surface for a roller. A pair of thin metal bands are wrapped around the roller. Each band is fixed at one end to the base and at the other end to a J-shaped tensioner underneath the base. The roller is rollable on the guide surface under an applied force to cause the band to engage firing contacts to complete the electrical circuits. An optical electromagnet may be fixed to the chassis without increasing the overall size of the sensor. The electromagnet is selectively operable to attract the roller to test the sensor by completing the electrical circuits. The electromagnet includes a ferromagnetic core and a coil wound directly on the core.

Abstract: A joystick controller apparatus comprises a lever mounted for pivotal motion in at least two directions, a guide defining a preselected shift pattern for the lever, and an indicating arrangement for producing a digital logic representation of the position of the lever relative to the shift pattern. The indicating arrangement comprises energy actuated members positioned at predetermined locations relative to the shift pattern, energy producing members positioned in registry with the energy actuated members for normally actuating the same and shield members interposed between the energy producing members and energy actuated members and movable in response to movement of the lever into positions for respectively permitting and preventing actuation of the energy actuated members by the energy producing members in a predetermined fashion such that said energy actuated members collectively form a representation of the location of the lever relative to the shift pattern.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled communications port includes a switch for providing an enable signal upon coupling of a detachable magnetic coupler assembly to a fixed coupler assembly. The switch is magnetically activated and is positioned on the fixed coupler assembly in proximity to one end of a cylindrical slug of a magnetically conductive material. The opposite end of the cylindrical slug is positioned co-planar with an external face portion of the fixed coupler assembly. When the detachable magnetic coupler assembly mates with the fixed coupler assembly, contacting the face portion and the co-planar surface of the cylindrical slug, magnetic flux from the detachable magnetic coupler is concentrated through the slug causing the magnetically activated switch to switch from an inactivated position to an activated position.

Abstract: An add-on fault indicator comprising a magnetic reed switch (22) and a lamp (24) connected in series across relay contacts (10, 12, 14) with the reed switch mounted by a clamp (34) contiguous to the outer surface of the metal coil shell (6) so as to be closed by the magnetic field when the coil (2) is energized. A normal operation indicator lamp (26) is connected in series with the relay contacts to indicate closure of the latter to energize a load (20). Fault indicator lamp (24) lights if the contacts do not close when the coil is energized but is shunted by the contacts to remain unlighted when the contacts close properly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination relay, suppression resistor and end of cycle bell in a compact unitary assembly intended for use in a microwave oven. The size of the relay is reduced by employing a bifurcated contact strip which has legs surrounding the relay coil pole piece and a contact actuator which is U-shaped to move within a plane which intersects the coil and bobbin. A plastic housing encloses these components and provides a support for the bell. The surge suppression resistor can be a few turns of magnet wire wrapped around the protective covering on the relay coil core.

Abstract: An annunciator for a solenoid includes a conductive probe which projects into the pathway of the solenoid core piece. Upon actuation of the core piece, the probe is engaged by the core piece to partially complete an electrical circuit to an external signalling device. The probe includes a lost motion contact to insure proper making and breaking of a circuit upon further movement of the core piece into engagement with the field piece.

Abstract: An automotive electrical master circuit breaker which upon command opens the battery power circuit instantly and harmlessly at the battery cable (equivalent to removing cable at the battery terminal) and which upon command can be closed again instantly, and which disconnects battery power to all accessories except for a fuse protected small gage wire circuit that powers the master switch, and thus the master circuit breaker eliminates all risk of electrical fire, the significance of the design being that a battery cable cannot physically be removed in time to prevent destruction of the electrical system or to prevent fire, which function the master switch accomplishes. The invention uses technology long established in the identical functional arrangement, however never before applied to the present circuit breaker function.

Abstract: A portable ground fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) device includes a housing equipped with two sets of back mounted contact blades or prongs for insertion in a conventional duplex wall receptacle. One set of contact blades conveys current from one socket of the wall receptacle to a known GFCI receptacle via a relay, both mounted within the housing. The other set of blades are dummy blades frictionally engaged in the other wall receptacle socket to reliably retain the portable GFCI device in place. The GFCI receptacle is accessible through a front opening in the housing for plug connection with circuits for which ground fault protection is afforded.

Abstract: A contactless linear motion switch has a housing and a Hall effect sensing circuit positioned within the housing. A plunger carrying a permanent magnet moves within the housing toward and away from the Hall effect sensing circuit. A concentrator is positioned within the housing and has a portion positioned adjacent the Hall effect sensing circuit and a further portion positioned in contact with the permanent magnet when the magnet is positioned away from the Hall effect sensing circuit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a liquid-level sensor utilizing a ferromagnetic fluid. The magnetic characteristics of the fluid are utilized in a magnetic circuit which generates the output signal and are also useful in the mechanical operation of the sensor. The magnetic characteristics of the ferromagnetic fluid, therefore, serve a twofold purpose in the inventive sensor.