Patents Assigned to Trombetta, LLC
  • Patent number: 8154366
    Abstract: Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schmidt, Paul D. Lindsay, Dennis A. Maller
  • Patent number: 7728704
    Abstract: Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen M. Schmidt, Paul D. Lindsay, Dennis A. Maller
  • Patent number: 6943655
    Abstract: A direct current contactor having at least one low current terminal and at least two high current terminals is disclosed. The low current terminal is connected to a spring, which is nested in a chimney-shaped receptacle, where it is coupled to the contactor's coil. The chimney shaped receptacle also has a slot that receives a terminal blade that electrically connects the spring to the coil. The housing of the solenoid is designed with longitudinally extending channels that receive the receptacles, which prevents the assembly from rotating within the housing unit. Each terminal is provided with ribbed and knurled areas to restrict rotation of the terminal in the housing and the mating connection while tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventors: Todd McMahon, Dennis A. Maller
  • Patent number: 6873514
    Abstract: An integrated solenoid system including a single housing containing a solenoid, a controller and one or more electrical connections. The controller includes temperature compensating means and/or voltage compensating means thereby providing predetermined, substantially constant currents to said solenoid. The housing includes an integral two-part end cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis A. Maller, Todd McMahon
  • Publication number: 20040240140
    Abstract: An integrated solenoid system including a single housing containing a solenoid, a controller and one or more electrical connections. The controller includes temperature compensating means and/or voltage compensating means thereby providing predetermined, substantially constant currents to said solenoid. The housing includes an integral two-part end cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis A. Maller, Todd McMahon
  • Patent number: 6791442
    Abstract: A magnetic latching solenoid including a solenoid operating mechanism, and further comprising a magnetic latching subassembly cooperating with, but positioned independently of the solenoid operating mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the solenoid operating system may be of a bi-directionally operated structure arranged for alternative magnetically latching function. Independently operated, magnetic latching subassemblies are spaced apart from one another and from opposite ends of the bi-directionally operated solenoid operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen M. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6598824
    Abstract: A coil bobbin structure comprising a series of axially spaced bobbin members including integrally formed tubular base portions supported on a tubular support member. The base portions each have edges facing one another and including stepped edged portions cooperating to provide interlocking structure for resisting relative rotation of the bobbin members and the tubular support member. The bobbin members each include radially extending flanges arranged to receive entering and exiting coil lead wires and to route the lead wires along a longitudinal path extending across a coil wound on the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen M. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20030094535
    Abstract: A coil bobbin structure comprising a series of axially spaced bobbin members including integrally formed tubular base portions supported on a tubular support member. The base portions each have edges facing one another and including stepped edged portions cooperating to provide interlocking means for resisting relative rotation of the bobbin members and the tubular support member. The bobbin members each include radially extending flanges arranged to receive entering and exiting coil lead wires and to route the lead wires along a longitudinal path extending across a coil wound on the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen M. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6538345
    Abstract: An electrical control module, including a control circuit, and voltage rectifier for controlling a solenoid. The control circuit is adapted for use in a transfer switch receiving power from two power sources and sending power to a single load, such as a commercial building or hospital. The control circuit and solenoid are designed to work over a broad range of voltages to quickly and efficiently transfer power from the first power source to the second. The circuit is particularly well suited for use in a closed transition transfer switch where the second source is connected before the first source is disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis A. Maller
  • Publication number: 20010010486
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and applying seamless wear bands to a cylinder, such as a solenoid plunger. The apparatus consists principally of an expanding diameter pushing tool and mating conical mandrel. The pushing tool contacts and moves a flat washer type disc along the sides of the mandrel. As the disc travels along the mandrel it is transformed into a band configuration and snapped into a pre-formed undercut groove on the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen M. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6256185
    Abstract: An electrical control module and circuit for controlling a solenoid. The control circuit provides a constant voltage to a solenoid for a predetermined time period after which a pulse width modulated voltage is supplied. The circuit further includes components for reverse polarity protection, transient voltage protection, low gate drive voltage protection, reduced heat dissipation and improved magnetic drive under low input voltage conditions during application of the pulse width modulated voltage. The module may be used in conjunction with a single coil or a dual coil solenoid. The circuit may be utilized on a 12 volt or a 24 volt electrical system without adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis A. Maller