Abstract: A flexible electromagnet and a method for producing such are disclosed, the flexible electromagnet having a flexible magnetic core which permits directing the magnetic flux as desired. The core is constructed from a sufficiently flexible material such as cold rolled steel annealed to increase its flexiblity. A wire winding is wound on the core which is configured to be straight. Once the winding is complete, the core may be configured and reconfigured as desired. Particularly advantageous uses are in status indicators, especially miniature status indicators.
Abstract: An electromagnetic indicator capable of binary indication including a rotatably mounted semicircular flag assembly which can rotate between a first position ("set") and a second position ("fault") upon the receipt by the indicator of an electrical signal. A portion of the flag assembly is permanently magnetized and is magnetically latched in either the "set" or "fault" position by a magnetic latch which is preferably comprised of a bracket and core bar. The bracket has two ends which are positioned so that they are adjacent the magnetized portion of the flag assembly. The core bar is magnetically connected to an electromagnet and is also positioned adjacent a magnetized portion of the flag assembly. When the electromagnet is connected to the appropriate terminal of an electrical power source, the electromagnet generates a magnetic field, magnetizes the two ends of the bracket means and the core bar, and causes the flag assembly to flip from the "set" position to the "fault" position, or vice versa.
Abstract: A binary indicator for providing an indication of a normal or malfunction condition of equipment being monitored, the indicator having a magnetic latching and damping arrangement which ensures that the indicator functions properly under typical random high vibrational operating conditions. The latching and damping arrangement includes three auxiliary magnets which are located in close proximity to a rotating bar magnet to which a rotatable disc shaped indicator member is attached. The auxiliary magnets are positioned so that they prevent the rotating bar magnet from slipping out of the normal or "set" position into the malfunction or "fault" position or from slipping out of the "fault" position into the "set" position. Additionally, the auxiliary magnets dampen the movement of the rotating bar magnet when the bar magnet is reset to the "set" position from the "fault" position. The first auxiliary magnet is positioned in close proximity to a first end of the bar magnet when it is in the "set" position.
Abstract: An indicator for monitoring a channel fault is located in each channel of a multichannel system. An interface is located between each indicator and channel being monitored to assure a response of the indicator under circumstances that a fault signal in the channel could not have otherwise activated the indicator.