Abstract: A multichannel power distribution system for individually controlling power from a source to a plurality of loads has individual power control devices and at least one logic stage responsive to status signals to impose preselected operational characteristics on the devices. In one embodiment, isolation circuitry is provided between the power control devices and the logic stage. The isolation circuitry then includes a modulator for converting the status signal to a status pulse train of modulated pulse width, and the logic stage includes decoder logic for measuring the pulse width of the status pulse train. In another embodiment, the logic stage is programmable to alter the operational characteristics of the devices in response to external inputs.

Abstract: Power to a load is controlled by actuation of an inductive circuit from a first condition of low inductance to a second condition of higher inductance in response to a preselected overcurrent condition. In a first preferred embodiment, the inductive circuit comprises a pair of coils electrically connectible so that magnetic fields produced by current flow in the coils oppose each other in the first condition, reducing the magnetic flux and thus the effective inductance of the circuit. The magnetic fields are either neutral to each other or reinforce each other in the second condition, giving rise to a higher inductance. Alternatively, the inductive circuit may include one or more fixed value inductors interposed between a power supply and a load in response to an overcurrent condition.

Abstract: A polarized relay in which the poles of an electromagnet project toward an armature on either side of a pivot support which allows the armature to pivot toward one pole or the other. A pair of permanent magnets each share one pole respectively with the poles of the electromagnet. The other pole of each permanent magnet has a surface extending on either side of the shared pole so as to have a portion closer to the pivot and a portion further away from the pivot relative to the shared pole.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated relay in which an elongated armature is pivotally supported adjacent three pole members. One pole member has a surface adjacent one end of the armature. The second pole member has a surface adjacent the armature on the opposite side of the pivot from the first pole member. The third pole member has an elongated surface extending on either side of the second pole member between the outer end of the armature and the pivot. A permanent magnet is connected in a low reluctance magnetic path between the second and third pole members to produce a permanent field biasing the armature toward the second and third pole members. An electromagnet connected in the low reluctance magnetic path between the first and second pole members, when energized from a direct current source, increases the level of flux in the first and third pole members and decreases the level of flux in the second pole member, causing the armature to pivot toward the first pole member.

Abstract: An electrical connection for the moving contacts of a relay in which a connector pin in the header of the relay and the moving contacts are electrically connected by a cantilever spring contact supported on the connector pin, the cantilevered spring contacts extending substantially parallel to the contact blade of the relay. The free end of the spring has a curved projecting portion which presses lightly against the surface of the contact blade adjacent the pivotal axis of the blade, allowing the contact blade to pivot freely while maintaining electrical contact between the spring and blade.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing an electrical current path between a connector pin in the header of a relay and the moving contacts in which a bracket is attached to the side of the connector pin and is bifurcated so as to extend on either side of the connector pin. A U-shaped spring member has one leg bifurcated to straddle the connector pin and engage the bracket in a knife-edge contact. The other leg of the U-shaped spring member engages the moving contact support in a knife-edge connection, allowing pivoting movement of the moving contacts relative to the connector pin.

Abstract: An electromechanical relay in which an electromagnetic actuator rotates a pivotally supported armature between a first position and a second position by energizing the actuator and rotates the armature back to the first position by de-energizing the actuator. The actuator comprises an electromagnet including a core, a winding on the core, and first and second pole pieces at the respective ends of the core, the pole pieces having pole faces adjacent the same surface of the armature but on opposite sides of the pivot. A permanent magnet is arranged such that a third pole piece forms one pole of the permanent magnet and the electromagnet forms the other pole of the permanent magnet, so that the first and second pole pieces are magnetically polarized to the opposite polarity relative to the third pole piece by the permanent magnet. The pole face of the second pole piece terminates substantially adjacent the pivot, while the pole face of the first pole piece terminates substantially away from the pivot.

Abstract: In an electrical relay in which the moving contacts of a switch are actuated by the pivoting movement of an armature, the moving contacts are carried by a blade which is supported on the armature by a contact carrier in the form of an insulating block. The carrier is anchored to the armature by a pair of clamping members having cantilevered spring fingers that engage recesses in the margins of the carrier to clamp the carrier against the armature and secure the carrier against lateral movement.

Abstract: An arc barrier for a multi-pole relay switch in which the barrier is molded in a single piece having compartments for receiving each of the switch poles. The ends of the housing are clamped between parallel frame members having inwardly directed portions which engage the ends of the housing when it is inserted between the frame members. The walls extending between the clamped ends of the housing are provided with one or more open slots which permit the housing to be deformed slightly by the compressive force of the retaining frame members.