Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for operating at least one movable contact of a switch into a switched-on position or a switched-off position, the actuator having: a static pole body; a movable pole body movable relative to the static pole body; a first magnetic circuit with a first coil for making the movable pole body and the fixed pole body move towards each other to a switched-on position and a second coil for making the movable pole body and the fixed pole body move away from each other to a switched-off position; and a second magnetic circuit with a permanent magnet and a retaining plate to keep the static pole body and the movable pole body in the switched-on position; first spring unit for urging the static pole body and the movable body away from each other; wherein the first and second magnetic circuit are arranged concentrically.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inductively driven electromagnetic linear actuator arrangement employing eddy currents induced by a fixed drive coil to drive its armature. Eddy current focusing fields are employed to direct the eddy currents using Lorentz forces to maximize armature speed. The armature includes a shorted driven coil in a DC magnetic field. This can be supplied by a permanent magnet. When current is applied, a force is felt by the coil in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic field. Such an actuator is well suited for electrical switching applications including transfer switching applications, circuit breaker applications, and ground fault interrupter applications.

Abstract: A microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) actuator having electrically conductive coils that create first magnetic fields that are opposed by a second magnetic field is disclosed. The actuator includes two coils having dual, interspersed Archimedean spirals. Within an actuator, one coil is arranged with spirals that proceed clockwise, while the other coil is provided with spirals that proceed counterclockwise. An electrically conductive bridge mechanically couples the two coils of each actuator to a mirror. Opposing magnetic fields are created to provide a force that urges the coils to expand so that the outermost portions of the coil extend upward, away from the substrate, and lift the bridge and mirror. Control current may then be modulated to increase and decrease the coil's magnetic field strength thereby increasing and decreasing the coil's extension to raise and lower relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A switching system for switching large electric currents such as those utilized in the electromagnetic launching of projectiles, includes a plurality of controllable switching elements such as solid state switching devices which are electrically connected in parallel with each other and are also electrically connected in parallel with a pair of mechanical switch contacts. Current flow through the solid state switching devices also flows through a series connected structure which utilizes electromagnetic forces generated by this current to close the mechanical contacts, thereby shorting across the solid state switching device circuit branches. This switching system can be utilized in an electromagnetic projectile launching system to conduct current between a pulse current source and a pair of projectile launching rails. Launch current flow is initiated by the switching system and the mechanical switch contacts remain closed until current is interrupted at a current zero following a projectile launch.

Abstract: A switching device, with a mechanism similar to that of a D'Arsonval galvanometer, acting responsive to current flow in a primary control circuit to close a switch in a secondary controlled circuit. The primary control circuit includes dual oppositely wound coils, and relative pivotal mounting is provided between the coils and permanent magnets. The pivotal movement therebetween, upon current flow, closes the switch.