Abstract: A compound mounting bracket for attaching a solenoid to a structure is disclosed. The compound mounting bracket comprises a first and second plate, each having a first edge and a second distal edge. The second distal edge of the first plate is connectable to a first mounting point on a solenoid. The second distal edge of the second plate extends in a direction generally transverse to the first edge of the second plate, thereby defining a dihedral angle between the first plate and the second plate. The second plate is connectable at its second distal edge to a second mounting point on the solenoid.

Abstract: A solenoid is provided having a housing with a housing bore with a central axis. The housing bore opens at an opening in the housing at a first end. The solenoid further has an actuator extending from the opening, and which is sized to movably slide within the housing bore and within the opening along the central axis. A biasing member is provided in the solenoid for cooperating with the actuator and for biasing the actuator in a direction along the central axis. The solenoid also has an indicator positioned within the housing. The indicator cooperates with the actuator for relative movement therewith, and has an indicator path. An indication receiver is positioned within the housing, and located adjacent the indicator and the indicator path, for generating a signal that is representative of the position of the indicator and the position of the actuator. A method of manufacturing the solenoid is also provided, and includes the step of aligning the indication receiver within a recess in the housing.

Abstract: A solenoid actuator for controlling the flow of fuel used by an engine is provided. The solenoid actuator includes a solenoid housing, timing circuit housing and a solenoid connector. The solenoid housing contains a pull coil and a hold coil. First side and second side pull coil conductors are electrically connected to a first side and a second side of the pull coil, respectively. Similarly, first side and second side hold coil conductors are electrically connected to a first side and second side of the hold coil. The first and second side, pull and hold coil conductors all exit from the solenoid housing. A timing circuit housing containing a timing circuit receives the first and second side, pull and hold coil conductors. The second side pull coil conductor is connected to the timing circuit. A ground conductor extends from the timing circuit housing and is electrically connected to the timing circuit and the second side hold coil conductor.

Abstract: A manual actuation mechanism for a solenoid having a plunger with one end connected to an external apparatus, such as a diesel engine fuel pump energization of the solenoid coil drives the plunger axially from an initial position to an actuation position. The manual actuation mechanism comprises a retraction rod that extends axially through the solenoid and is movable from a normal position disengaged from the plunger to a retraction position; in moving to its retraction position the rod drives the plunger to its actuated position, simulating energization of the coil. The manual actuation mechanism further includes a retainer comprising a spring clamp mounted on the housing and projecting into firm, resilient gripping engagement with the rotary actuator to preclude vibrational or other incidental rotation of the actuator regardless of its position. The spring clamp also serves as a strain relief for electrical connections to the solenoid.

Abstract: An emergency manual actuation mechanism for a conventional solenoid having a plunger with one end connected to an external apparatus, such as a diesel engine fuel pump, in which energization of the solenoid coil retracts the plunger axially; the mechanism comprises a non-magnetic retraction rod that extends into the solenoid housing in alignment with the solenoid plunger and is axially movable from a normal position disengaged from the plunger to an intermediate position at which a mechanical connection is completed between the rod and the plunger. Further axial or rotary movement of the retraction rod to a retraction position drives the plunger to its retracted position, simulating energization of the solenoid coil. Retainer means hold the retraction rod and the solenoid plunger at their retracted 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: A protective boot of resilient elastomer material comprising a fixed end sealable around a housing opening through which the reciprocal shaft of a solenoid or like device extends and having a movable end sealed to the shaft includes a fluid chamber interconnecting the fixed and movable ends of the boot; the fluid chamber has an unstressed length exceeding the length of the shaft stroke and is formed by a plurality of concave wall portions each extending axially of the shaft, the concave wall portions being forced outwardly of the shaft during retraction movement so that the volume in the fluid chamber remains generally constant.

Abstract: A speed switch control comprising a subfractional permanent magnet AC generator generating an AC signal varying in amplitude with saft speed variations; the AC signal is rectified and compared with a regulated DC reference to generate first and second threshold signals indicative of shaft speeds over and under a critical value. A switch actuator circuit develops "on" and "off" switch actuator signals, from the threshold signals to actuate a two-terminal solid state switch between on and off conditions; the "off" signal is continuous but the "on" signal is a high-duty-cycle semi-continuous signal including brief recurring "off" intervals. A power storage/supply circuit, connected in parallel with the switch terminals, which recharges during switch "off" intervals, affords the power supply for the threshold and switch actuator circuits.

Abstract: A speed-switch control comprising a multi-pole sub-fractional permanent magnet A.C. generator driven by a shaft; the generator develops an initial A.C. signal having an amplitude representative of the shaft speed, and that signal is applied to a threshold circuit where it is rectified and compared with a threshold amplitude correlated with a critical shaft speed range to generate a D.C. switch actuation signal. The D.C. switch actuation signal actuates a solid-state switching circuit to switch a controlled load, such as a safety interlock or alarm, into and out of an external operating circuit.

Abstract: A sub-fractional A.C. signal generator incorporating a stator assembly comprising a coil wound upon an annular bobbin of molded insulator material, a pair of annular magnetically premeable stator members having alignment apertures snap-fit onto integral bosses projecting from the bobbin, in concentric relation in a stator sub-assembly, the two stator members affording a multiplicity of individual pole pieces interleaved one-for-one around the outer periphery of the coil. The sub-assembly and an insulator barrier are press fit onto opposite ends of a cylindrical stator support member within which a sleeve bearing is mounted to provide a complete stator assembly. A drive shaft is journalled in the stator bearing and carries an annular permanent magnet which encompasses the stator members but is spaced therefrom by a uniform radial air gap. A housing affixed to the insulator barrier encompasses rotor and stator assemblies.

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.