Abstract: There is provided a switch with contacts comprising: movable contact members (37A, 37B) which are made of leaf springs and are arranged along fixed contact members (29A, 29B); movable contacts (39A, 39B) fixed to the tip portions of the movable contact member so as to face fixed contacts (30A, 30B) fixed to the tip portions of the fixed contact members; and movable side fixed terminal members (35A, 35B) whose base end portions are joined to the base end portions of the movable contact members, wherein projecting portions (31A, 31B) which extend to the front side are formed at the tips of the fixed contact members and the tips of the movable side fixed terminal members are extended to the front side than the contact position. A pair of magnetic pole plates (50A, 50B, 51A, 51B) which face each other are arranged on both sides of the contact position along the front to back direction, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for restraining the movement of members due to magnetic fields in which a clamp made of magnetostrictive materials is used.

Abstract: A synchronized switching system for use in a power converter. A pulse-width modulation controller is provided to alternately turn on and off a switching device and control the on/off duty cycle. When the switching device is turned off, initial commutating or flyback current from an inductor is conducted by a protective diode connected to ground. The diode is paralleled by a more efficient secondary switching device that is synchronized to conduct during the nonconduction period of a main switching device. A sense winding is added on the inductor for synchronizing the secondary switching device. A digital logic circuit controls the conduction time of the secondary switching device based on signals from a pulse-width modulation controller and from the sense winding of the inductor. After the main switching device has been conducting for the required time, the pulse-width modulation controller turns it off.

Abstract: Spaced apart conductive strips are provided in a first and third of three layers covering a semiconductor substrate. Magnetic core material is included in the second layer so as to be interposed between the conductive strips of the first and second layers. The first and second layers are joined at suitable points so that their respective conductive strips combine to form a helical electrical path which spirals about a core portion of the magnetic material in the second layer. The second layer can be patterned to define a toroidal magnetic path and/or to define a path including a magnetic gap. The armature of an electromechanical relay can be formed within the optional gap by depositing magnetic armature material to partially overlap a sacrificial support base. When the sacrificial support base is etched away, it leaves the overlying armature material free to move.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator suitable for use in combination with the mechanisms of cameras and the like. The electromagnetic actuator has a single electromagnet, and first and second armatures disposed opposite to the opposite attracting surfaces of the electromagnet, respectively. The first armature actuates a first operating lever for operating the shutter release mechanism of a camera, and the second armature actuates a second operating lever for operating the diaphragm of the camera. The first armature is separated from the attracting surface and the second armature is in contact with the attracting surface while the electromagnet is not energized. When the electromagnet is energized, the first armature is attracted to the attracting surface to actuate the first operating lever for releasing the shutter.

Abstract: A solenoid starter switch unit for garden tractors, outboard motors and the like operating in a vibrational environmental has an insulating housing with a coil chamber and an outwardly extending rectangular contact chamber. A coil unit supported in the coil chamber has a magnetic plunger with a contact pin journalled in one end and projecting into the contact chamber. The pin has an intermediate contact ledge and a contact has a flat base abutting the contact ledge. The contact is a winged-shaped strip of constant width substantially corresponding to the ledge and is symmetrically formed with a flat base on an inclined portion connected to an outer flat contact portion parallel to the base. An outer lip projects laterally and inwardly from the contact portion. A clamp nut on the pin has an outer edge engaging an outer portion of the base. Coil leads in one embodiment project through the top housing wall. Terminals are press fitted within receptacles on the top of the bobbin.

Abstract: A circuit breaker wherein a linkage transmits movements of a manual operating lever to a movable contact for moving the movable contact against a spring bias into engagement with a fixed contact. The linkage is arranged to hold the movable contact in an "ON" position and a releasable latch couples the linkage and the movable contact. A fault detector can effect release of the latch to permit the movable contact to move under the action of its spring from engagement with the fixed contact independently of movement of the linkage and the lever.

Abstract: A positive temperature coefficient current source having reduced reference current requirements. The output transistors are each buffered by another transistor in a Darlington pair configuration. The reference current required for the circuit is reduced while maintaining a positive temperature coefficient for the current source.

Abstract: An electromagnetically activated mechanism has mechanical input and output members, at least one of which cooperates with the armature of an electromagnet which is energisable to prevent or limit movement of that member. The electromagnet and its armature are located so that when the electromagnet is de-energized the armature can be urged by the aforesaid one member towards a position in which the magnetic gap between the armature and the electromagnet is a minimum.

Abstract: Prior power conversion system operable in generating and starting modes have utililzed brushless generators which are suitable for only certain applications. In order to overcome this problem, a power conversion system operable in generating and starting modes utilizes a switched reluctance motor/generator which is reliable and inexpensive and which can be used in a variety of environments.

Abstract: In an output stage, an n-FET and a p-FET are connected in series, which is interposed between a power supply line and a ground. A first serial connection circuit generates a gate potential of the n-FET, and a second serial connection circuit generates a gate potential of the p-FET. The first and the second serial connection circuits are connected in parallel to each other, each of which has its one end connected to the power supply line through a resistor, and its other end connected to the ground through a resistor. As a result, even if a resistance value of the resistor is small, currents to be consumed can be reduced.

Abstract: A non-latching relay switch assembly which includes a coil section and a switch or contact section. The coil section includes a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The respective sections are arranged in separate locations or cavities in the assembly. The switch has a "normal" position and is selectively switched by an overriding electromagnetic assembly. The switch returns to the "normal" position when the overriding electromagnetic assembly is inactive.

Abstract: A three-position actuating mechanism (10) for a transfer switch (11) is disclosed. The transfer switch is movable by the actuator (10) between a contact block (13) corresponding to a normal power source, and a contact block (14) interconnected to a standby or emergency power source. The actuator (10) has a pair of disk drives (22, 23) interconnected to solenoids (20, 21) by means of linkages (33, 34). The disk drives (22, 23) are interconnected to each other and to a driven disk (26) by means of a pin (30). Energization of the solenoids (20, 21) causes movement of the corresponding solenoid plunger (31, 32) and rotation of the disk drives (22, 23), so as to cause rotation of the contact crossbar (16) and transfer of the contacts (15, 18) between the two power sources.

Abstract: First and second MOS transistors are connected through a first resistance to each other in series between first and second potentials. Third and fourth MOS transistors are connected in series between the first and second potentials. Gates of the first and third MOS transistors are commonly connected to each other, and connected to a drain of the third MOS transistor. A diode, a Zener diode, and a second resistance are connected in series between the first and second potentials, such that cathodes of the diode and the Zener diode are connected to each other. A constant voltage generated at a connecting point between the second resistance and the serial connection of the diode and the Zener diode is applied to a gate of the fourth MOS transistor. A constant current circuit thus obtained operates with a low voltage and is adapted to be connected even to a comparator having a large dependency on the threshold voltages.

Abstract: An electrical fuse assembly has a dielectric housing and a fuse terminal which is stamped and formed from metal stock having the appropriate electrical characteristics. The fuse terminal has blade portions which are made from metal stock which has been folded over, to provide the blade portions with the strength characteristics required. Support members are also provided on the fuse terminal. The support members cooperate with cooperation surfaces to insure that the fuse terminal is properly positioned in the housing of the assembly. During the manufacture of fuse assembly a positioning bar extends between respective conductors. The positioning bar provides the structural support required to insure that the conductors are maintained in space relationship. After the conductors are partially inserted into the housing, a portion of the positioning bar is removed to provide a stop means which cooperates with the housing of the fuse assembly.

Abstract: A latching relay switch assembly which includes a coil section and a switch or contact section. The coil section includes at least one permanent magnet and at least one electromagnet. The respective sections are, generally, arranged in separate locations or cavities in the assembly. The switch is latched by a permanent magnet assembly and selectively switched by an overriding electromagnetic assembly.

Abstract: The fabrication of a flux source using magnetically rigid material is dissed for deriving a magnetic field of uniform density and enhanced magnitude within an enclosed cylindrical cavity thereof. In the preferred embodiments, segments of the magnetically rigid material are configured and arranged in the flux source to direct the magnetic field in parallel with the cyindrical axis of the cavity.

Abstract: A solid-state electrical circuit (10) includes a reference diode (D1) and multiple diodes (D3-D14) connected in electrical series to produce a substantially temperature-invariant output reference voltage. The reference diode is characterized by a forward voltage drop (V.sub.D1) that changes in accordance with a temperature coefficient. The multiple diodes, which have selected junction areas (A1 and A2) and receive one of two different forward-bias currents (I1 and I2), are electrically interconnected to establish a net voltage (.DELTA.V.sub.Di) that equals the forward voltage drop across the reference diode and changes in accordance with a net temperature coefficient of substantially equal magnitude but of opposite sign to the temperature coefficient of the reference diode. The output reference voltage equals the sum of the forward voltage drop across the reference diode and the net voltage established by the multiple diodes.

Abstract: An inverter for use with a brushless generator for operating the generator in generating and starting modes includes an interphase transformer (IPT) having first and second end terminals and a mid-tap, a first subinverter coupled between a rectifier and the first end terminal of the IPT and a second subinverter. Contactors are operable in the generating mode for coupling a main generator portion armature winding to the rectifier and the second subinverter between the rectifier and the second end terminal of the IPT. The contactors are operable in the starting mode for coupling a source of power to the rectifier, the IPT mid-tap to the main generator portion armature winding and the second subinverter between the rectifier and an exciter field winding of the geneator.

Abstract: A bridge balancing circuit includes a bridge having a resistance change type sensor, a differential amplifier for extracting a voltage difference across two central nodes of the bridge, a comparator connected to the output terminal of the differential amplifier, a D/A converter an output terminal of which is connected to one of the two central nodes, and a controller for controlling the D/A converter. The differential amplifier and the comparator automatically detect a balanced point of the bridge, and the controller maintains a balanced state of the bridge.