Vacuum Or Hermetically Sealed Type (e.g., Reed Switch) Patents (Class 335/151)
  • Patent number: 11649652
    Abstract: Access control for an autonomous vehicle through a door in a doorway. A magnet is attached to the autonomous vehicle and a magnetometer is located some distance from the doorway. The magnetometer outputs a magnetometer signal in response to detecting the magnet, which causes the transmitter to transmit a detection signal. A doorway device is fixed about the doorway, and includes a receiver, and a locking mechanism with a locking pin. The doorway device retracts the pin to unlock the door for a predetermined period of time in response to receipt of the detection signal, and extents the pin to lock the door after the predetermined period of time ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Robin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Crandall, Bart M. Lomont, David J. Melbourne
  • Patent number: 11075041
    Abstract: A magnetically actuated MEMS switch 100 includes a first magnetic core portion 120, a first signal line 15, a first contact point 16, a second magnetic core portion 220, a second signal line 25, a second contact point 26, and a first coil portion 111 and a second coil portion 211 serving as a magnetic field applying portion that causes a current to flow in conductor coil to apply a magnetic field to the first magnetic core portion 120 and the second magnetic core portion 220. The first contact point 16 is displaced depending on the presence or absence of a magnetic field applied by the magnetic field applying portion. Connection and disconnection between the first contact point 16 and the second contact point 26 are switched in response to displacement of the first contact point 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akifumi Kamijima, Atsushi Iijima, Kyung-Ku Choi, Katsunori Osanai, Daisuke Iwanaga
  • Patent number: 10941036
    Abstract: An approach includes a method of fabricating a switch. The approach includes forming a first cantilevered electrode, forming a second cantilevered electrode over an electrode and operable to contact the first cantilevered electrode upon an application of a voltage to the electrode, and forming an arm on the first cantilevered electrode with an extending protrusion extending upward from an upper surface of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen E. Luce, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Patent number: 10836632
    Abstract: An approach includes a method of fabricating a switch. The approach includes forming a first cantilevered electrode over a first electrode, forming a second cantilevered electrode over a second electrode and operable to directly contact the first cantilevered electrode upon an application of a voltage to at least one of the first electrode and a second electrode, and the first cantilevered electrode includes an arm with an extending protrusion which extends upward from an upper surface of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen E. Luce, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Patent number: 10767383
    Abstract: A ground wire guidance system for guiding a robotic vehicle through a doorway in a barrier. The system includes a ground wire loop arranged to pass though the doorway in two directions. Plural wires are switched as the loop passes through the doorway such that the pairs of wires conducting are spaced apart, or shielded, such that the robotic vehicle can reliably navigate through a relatively narrow doorway, while one of the wires passes through a central portion of the doorway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Robin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Crandall, Bart M. Lomont, David J. Melbourne
  • Patent number: 10043624
    Abstract: An electronic switch device with ceramic sheets includes a base having a base board, and an installation side and a connection side are respectively formed on the top and the underside thereof. A first board extends perpendicularly from the base board. Multiple terminals extend from the connection side of the base board. A device is installed to the installation side. A sheet made of isolating composite material is connected to a portion of the top of the base board and the first side of the first board. A cover is mounted to installation side of the base board and accommodate the device and the sheet. The sheet isolates a portion of the device that may generate sparks from the base board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Song Chuan Precision Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Jen Wu
  • Patent number: 10026574
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement includes a first number of loads connected in series. Each of a second number of drive units is coupled to at least one of the first number of loads, and is configured to assume a first operation state or a second operation state. A current source circuit is coupled in series with the first number of loads and is configured to control a load current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Michael Lenz, Rolf-Peter Goeser, Cristi-Stefan Zegheru
  • Patent number: 9984813
    Abstract: A reactor (2) includes a bobbin (10). The bobbin is a resin-made bobbin, and has a pair of flanges (12a, 12b) that face each other. Coils (3) are wound around the bobbin between the pair of flanges. Each of a pair of plates (20) is bridged from the flange on one side, which is one of the pair of flanges, to the flange on the other side, which is one of the pair of flanges. The pair of plates abuts on circumferences of the coils between the pair of flanges. A resin cover (40) covers one of two outer peripheries of the coils. The two outer peripheries are defined by the pair of plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOKAI KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuichi Hirata, Takeshi Okada, Yoshikazu Kamikawa
  • Patent number: 9905386
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a relay capable of preventing a chattering phenomenon, and capable of solving an unbalanced contact state occurring when contacts come in contact with each other. The relay may include: a stationary contact having a first stationary contact and a second stationary contact; a movable contact moveable to a first position to contact the first stationary contact, and a second position to be separated from the first stationary contact; a conductive connector configured to always electrically connect the movable contact with the second stationary contact; and a driving mechanism configured to provide a driving force to the movable contact such that the movable contact is moveable to the first position or the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sanghee Park
  • Patent number: 9786459
    Abstract: Normally closed (shut) micro-electro-mechanical switches (MEMS), methods of manufacture and design structures are provided. A structure includes a beam structure that includes a first end hinged on a first electrode and in electrical contact with a second electrode, in its natural state when not actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dawn D. Hall, Mark C. H. Lamorey, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Patent number: 9406471
    Abstract: A reed for a reed switch and a reed switch are provided. The reed may include a first portion having a first thickness and a first length, a second portion having a second thickness and a second length, and a hinged portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the hinged portion having a third thickness and a third length, wherein the third length is less than 150% of the first thickness and the third thickness is less than each of the first thickness and the second thickness. The reed switch may include the reed disposed in an insulating housing with a reed deformer to deform the reed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: LITTELFUSE, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Pickhard
  • Patent number: 9398701
    Abstract: A component holding structure for holding a plurality of through-hole components having an axial lead includes a pair of opposing end walls that define a cavity between them. The cavity is configured to receive the through-hole components. The through-hole components are positioned between the pair of opposing end walls in a vertically-stacked configuration. Each one of the end walls includes at least one slot that is configured to receive the axial lead of each through-hole component when the plurality of through-hole components are inserted into the component holding structure. Each one of the end walls also includes a plurality of lead guides that are configured to guide the axial lead of each through-hole component when the plurality of through-hole components are inserted into the component holding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Alan Haisler, Rick Lee Barnett, William L. Woods, Jr., James Edward Harvey
  • Patent number: 9287075
    Abstract: MEMS switches and methods of manufacturing MEMS switches is provided. The MEMS switch having at least two cantilevered electrodes having ends which overlap and which are structured and operable to contact one another upon an application of a voltage by at least one fixed electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen E. Luce, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Patent number: 8963663
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a contact switching device having high dimension accuracy and an inexpensive price, and including a small sealed space. For this, there is provided a contact switching device that drives a contact mechanical portion (30) arranged inside a sealed space (43) to perform contact switching, based on excitation and degauss of an electromagnet portion (50) arranged outside the sealed space (43). Particularly, a ceramic plate (31) holding a fixed contact terminal (33) of the contact mechanical portion (30) is bonded to and integrated with an upper opening edge portion of a metal cylindrical flange (32), while a plate-like yoke (37) is bonded to and integrated with a lower opening edge portion opposed to the upper opening edge portion to form the sealed space (43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Yano, Ryuichi Hashimoto, Yasuo Hayashida, Shingo Mori
  • Patent number: 8933357
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vacuum interrupter capable of easily installing a central arc shielding plate in alignment without biasing in a radial direction. The vacuum interrupter includes a protruding guide unit protruding from a stationary electrode seal cup in a perpendicular direction to guide the installation of the central arc shielding plate such that the central arc shielding plate can be aligned in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung Chul Kim, Sung Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 8866570
    Abstract: A reed switch apparatus utilizes one or more reed switches to communicate with one or more devices. In one configuration, the reed switch apparatus utilizes a single magnetic field to simultaneously activate two or more reed switches. In another configuration, two or more reed switches, each acting independent of one another are simultaneously activated by a single magnetic field. Additionally, a method of controlling at least two devices includes exposing a reed switch apparatus to a single magnetic field. Yet another method includes activating a device via the use of a single reed switch mounted to a portion of a warehouse structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Glendell N. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 8760246
    Abstract: A reed switch includes an envelope, a first fixed terminal piece, a second fixed terminal piece, a third fixed terminal piece, a movable reed piece, a first spring member, a second spring member, and a third spring member. The movable reed piece has a base end portion, a distal end portion, and a movable contact portion. A distal end portion of the second spring member is farther from the first spring member than a base end portion of the second spring member in a state where the movable contact portion is spaced apart from a distal end portion of the first spring member and the distal end portion of the second spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Shunjii Nakahashi, Kenjiro Hamada, Yoichi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8749191
    Abstract: A float switch includes a floater (106), a float leader (105), a reed pipe detection device and a relay (101). The floater (106) is sleeved on the float leader (105), and can slide freely. The reed pipe detection device comprises a high-level reed pipe (108), a low-level reed pipe (109) and a magnet (107). The float leader (105) is hollow. The high-level reed pipe (108) and the low-level reed pipe (109) are located in a high level and a low level inside the float leader (105) respectively. The magnet (107) is provided inside the floater (106). A motor is controlled by the relay (101) in the float switch. The motor begins to work when the relay (101) is switched on, and the motor stops working when the relay (101) is switched off. The switch has a long service life, high reliability and an excellent waterproof property. The float switch has a simple manufacture and installation process, less fraction defective and condemnation factor, thus further reduces the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: GP Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liming Wang
  • Patent number: 8659375
    Abstract: A reed switch includes an envelope. First and second fixed terminal pieces are at one end of the envelope. A third fixed terminal piece is at another end of the envelope. A movable reed piece has a base end portion facing the one end portion of the third fixed terminal piece across a magnetic gap, a distal end portion to contact the first fixed terminal piece, and a movable contact portion. A first spring member has a base end portion secured to the first fixed terminal piece and a distal end portion to contact the movable contact portion. A second spring member has a base end portion secured to the second fixed terminal piece and a distal end portion to contact the movable contact portion. A third spring member has one and another end portions respectively secured to the movable reed piece and the third fixed terminal piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Shunji Nakahashi, Kenjiro Hamada, Yoichi Wakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20140035706
    Abstract: A micro-reed switch includes a first magnetic reed and a second magnetic reed. The first magnetic reed includes a first metal electrode and a first hydrophobic area. The first metal electrode includes a liquid metal. The second magnetic reed includes a second metal electrode and a second hydrophobic area. The first magnetic reed and second magnetic reed is parallel to each other and a gap is defined there between. When a magnetic field is available, the liquid metal and the second metal electrode are engaged with one another by a magnetic force of the magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yu-Che HUANG, Fu-Ming HSU, Wei-Leun FANG
  • Patent number: 8618895
    Abstract: A vibration device includes a casing having an operating chamber formed therein, a vibration plate having an extended plate shape with one end fixed to the casing and an opposite end freely disposed in a space within the operating chamber, and a first magnet attached to the free end of the vibration plate. The vibration device further includes a second magnet fixed to an upper portion of the casing at a position above the first magnet to have a repulsive force against the top surface of the first magnet, and a third magnet fixed to a lower portion of the casing at a position below the first magnet to have a repulsive force against the underside surface of the first magnet, such that the free end of the vibration plate to which the first magnet is fixed is easily vibrated between the second magnet and the third magnet in response to external impact on the vibration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Sang Gu Kim
  • Patent number: 8549734
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sealed contact point is performed by injecting an arc extinguishing gas into an air-tight space of an electromagnetic switching device and sealing it. The method for manufacturing a sealed contactor, including: forming a driving body and coupling a housing and a plate; air-tightly fixing a detachable chamber and forming the interior of the chamber under an insulating gas atmosphere; tightly attaching the cylinder to the plate by a tight-attachment inducing member within the chamber under the insulating gas atmosphere to form a sealing structure; exhausting the chamber; disassembling the chamber from the plate; and sealing the tightly attached plate and the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Myoung Yeon
  • Publication number: 20130214883
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a contact switching device having high dimension accuracy and an inexpensive price, and including a small sealed space. For this, there is provided a contact switching device that drives a contact mechanical portion (30) arranged inside a sealed space (43) to perform contact switching, based on excitation and degauss of an electromagnet portion (50) arranged outside the sealed space (43). Particularly, a ceramic plate (31) holding a fixed contact terminal (33) of the contact mechanical portion (30) is bonded to and integrated with an upper opening edge portion of a metal cylindrical flange (32), while a plate-like yoke (37) is bonded to and integrated with a lower opening edge portion opposed to the upper opening edge portion to form the sealed space (43).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Keisuke Yano, Ryuichi Hashimoto, Yasuo Hayashida, Shingo Mori
  • Publication number: 20130214882
    Abstract: A relay includes: a pair of fixed terminals, each being arranged to have a fixed contact on a one-end face; a movable contact member arranged to have a pair of movable contacts that are correspondingly opposed to the respective fixed contacts; and a driving structure operated to move the movable contact member. In a moving direction of the movable contact member, a side where the fixed contacts are located is called a first side, and a side where the movable contacts are located is called a second side. The movable contact member includes: a center section located between the pair of movable contacts and located on the second side relative to the movable contacts; and a pair of extended sections located between the center section and the pair of movable contacts and extended in a direction including a component of the moving direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Ito, Youichi Hattori, Norihiko Nadanami, Ryuji Inoue, Takeshi Mitsuoka, Takio Kojima, Taku Hirano
  • Patent number: 8486744
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for fabricating a MEMS device including multiple bonding of substrates. In an embodiment, a method includes providing a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) substrate including a first bonding layer, providing a semiconductor substrate including a second bonding layer, and providing a cap including a third bonding layer. The method further includes bonding the MEMS substrate to the semiconductor substrate at the first and second bonding layers, and bonding the cap to the semiconductor substrate at the second and third bonding layers to hermetically seal the MEMS substrate between the cap and the semiconductor substrate. A MEMS device fabricated by the above method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Hsien Lin, Chia-Hua Chu, Li-Cheng Chu, Yuan-Chih Hsieh, Chun-Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 8486718
    Abstract: A magnetic system for biosensors is switchable between attraction force and repulsion force near the sensor surface. The magnetic system includes a magnetic source and a sensor. The sensor corresponds with the magnetic field in a way that the magnetic source creates inhomogeneous magnetic field lines that results in a magnetic force towards the magnetic system and which subsequently or adjacently exerts a magnetic force directed away from the magnetic system with all magnetic forces generated at the same magnetic source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Johannes Wilhelmus Van Lankvelt, Menno Willem Jose Prins
  • Patent number: 8446240
    Abstract: A low cost, sealed contactor comprises a hermetically sealed housing with a flat header having internal components for changing the state of said contactor. Terminals are electrically connected to the internal components for connection to internal circuitry and applying an electrical signal to control the state of the contactor. A solenoid-driven plunger with a hollow shaft is included. Power-reducing electronics located within the hermetically sealed housing are also included. Two contact springs are also included to improve electrical performance. O-rings are added to help seal the contactor and keep it hermetically sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Gigavac LLC
    Inventors: Brent J. Swartzentruber, Mike Molyneux, Daniel C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8327527
    Abstract: This invention relates to reed switches, and more particularly to micro-miniaturized reed switches and batch microfabrication techniques used to fabricate micro-miniaturized reed switches. The present invention can provide miniaturized reed switches with more consistent operating parameters, and that can be produced more efficiently than conventional reed switches. The present invention can also provide methods of making miniaturized reed switches using microfabrication techniques. The present invention can use lithographic-based fabrication to enable monolithic construction of a reed switch. Microlithography can repeatedly form micrometer dimensions with tight tolerances over large arrays of devices which, if the patterns are translated into materials appropriate for electromechanical devices, can provide for repeatable and consistent electromechanical operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: HT Microanalytical, Inc., Coto Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd R Christenson
  • Patent number: 8269586
    Abstract: A large-capacity vacuum circuit breaker that can increase a current shutdown capacity and enables its rated current to be increased includes at least two vacuum circuit breaker units placed side by side and connected in parallel. The two vacuum circuit breaker units are operated by a single common operating unit to concurrently perform current shutdown operations. Each vacuum circuit breaker unit has a vertical magnetic field generating means for generating a vertical magnetic field when an operation to shut down current is performed. The vertical magnetic field generating means is formed by vertical magnetic field electrodes provided in a vacuum container of each of the vacuum circuit breaker unit units or by an external coil provided on the outer circumference of each vacuum container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Japan AE Power Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Matsui, Mitsuyasu Shiozaki
  • Publication number: 20120139671
    Abstract: A reed switch apparatus utilizes one or more reed switches to communicate with one or more devices. In one configuration, the reed switch apparatus utilizes a single magnetic field to simultaneously activate two or more reed switches. In another configuration, two or more reed switches, each acting independent of one another are simultaneously activated by a single magnetic field. Additionally, a method of controlling at least two devices includes exposing a reed switch apparatus to a single magnetic field. Yet another method includes activating a device via the use of a single reed switch mounted to a portion of a warehouse structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Glendell N. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 8063725
    Abstract: The improved reed relay package provided a “pseudo” Form C relay that includes two Form A relays with at least one bridge filter element electrically interconnecting the signal outputs thereof to reduce stub capacitance and improve RF performance. As a result, the reed relay package can operate at very high frequencies, such as 18 GHz and higher. Also, vias can be provided through the support substrate to simulate a co-planar waveguide and RF shields profiled with cut-outs to better simulate a 50 ohm impedance environment throughout the path of the signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Coto Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis S. Ellis, Mark E. Titterington, Stephen Day, Paul Dana Wohlfarth
  • Patent number: 8027140
    Abstract: An array of reed switches (13) is assembled on a circuit board (11) having a plurality of through-apertures (12) with one reed switch (13) disposed in each aperture with the axis of the switch envelope (14) extending perpendicularly to the plane of the board. A plurality of coils (16) is provided on the board so that each switch (13) is surrounded by a respective coil, the coils being connected to conductors on the board for operation of the switches. Also disposed is a control circuit wherein the reed switch drive coils (26) are connected in series across a constant-current voltage source and a respective solid-state switch TR1, TR2 . . . connected across each coil, with divers for each solid-state switch to permit operation of a selected reed switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Pickering Interfaces Limited
    Inventors: David Paul Owen, Keith Thomas Moore, Adam Charles Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8006370
    Abstract: A method for sealing a housing includes providing a base plate of the housing with at least one opening; providing an electrical connection that extends through the base plate from an inner side to an outer side of the base plate; and applying a sealing compound into the opening from an outer side of the base plate in order to seal an interface between the base plate and the electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Hoffmann, Alexander Linke, Martin Wieberger, Titus Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20110193662
    Abstract: A low cost, sealed contactor comprises a hermetically sealed housing with a flat header having internal components for changing the state of said contactor. Terminals are electrically connected to the internal components for connection to internal circuitry and applying an electrical signal to control the state of the contactor. A solenoid-driven plunger with a hollow shaft is included. Power-reducing electronics located within the hermetically sealed housing are also included. Two contact springs are also included to improve electrical performance. O-rings are added to help seal the contactor and keep it hermetically sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: BRENT J. SWARTZENTRUBER, Mike Molyneux, Daniel C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7990240
    Abstract: A relay assembly is provided that includes an intermediate member to aid in coupling a wire to a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Victor Bush, Jeremiah Garcia Reyes
  • Patent number: 7946983
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to easily start to operate a body-insertable apparatus which is introduced into a subject and executes a predetermined function. In a capsule endoscope 3 of the invention, a magnetic switch 14 is arranged in a tubular capsule casing 16 of the capsule endoscope 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis t direction of the capsule casing 16. A movable electrode of the magnetic switch 14 is brought into contact with a fixed electrode of the magnetic switch by a magnetic induction action by a magnetic field generated by a magnet 6, which is applied to the magnetic switch 14 from the outside of the capsule endoscope 3 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis t direction of the capsule casing 16. As a result, electric power can be supplied from a power source unit to a function executing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignees: Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Fujimori, Takemitsu Honda
  • Patent number: 7924124
    Abstract: Electrical switching device, especially a high-frequency switching device, with at least one oblong electrical switching element, which is arranged with one contact end between two fixed-contact elements spaced a transverse distance from one another and can be moved by two adjustment elements forming a transverse movement drive transversely to a longitudinal direction optionally towards the one or the other fixed-contact element. The adjustment elements are disposed laterally alongside the switching element and can be moved transversely to and from the switching element. In order to improve the transverse movement drive for the switching element, the switching element-comprises magnetic material, wherein the adjustment elements are formed by magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Leipold, Helmut Hingrainer, Alexander Bayer
  • Patent number: 7920038
    Abstract: Provided is a relay that includes first and second contacts that are selectively connectable for closing an electric circuit. A coil wound around the contacts along a longitudinal axis can generate a magnetic field that connects the contacts in one of an energized or de-energized state and disconnects the contacts in the other of the energized or de-energized state. A first electrically conductive shield is provided adjacent to a first end of the relay and electrically connected to the first contact, and a second electrically conductive shield, the second electrically conductive shield being electrically connected to the second contact. The first electrically conductive shield extends at least partially around the first contact and the second electrically conductive shield extends at least partially around the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Keithley Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: William Knauer
  • Patent number: 7911303
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a vacuum valve, an electromagnet including a first coil for driving an operating shaft of the vacuum valve toward an opening direction by electromagnetic repulsion, a movable core and a permanent magnet. Further, an operating mechanism is provided which excites the first coil to close the vacuum valve, holds the vacuum valve closed by an attractive force of the permanent magnet and excites the first coil in a direction reverse to an excitation direction in closing operation to open the vacuum valve. In the circuit breaker, together with the first coil, a second coil is disposed which is excited simultaneously with an electromagnetic repulsion coil for a quick opening operation by electromagnetic repulsion is provided in the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayumu Morita, Minoru Hosoda, Yoshihiko Matsuda, Masato Suzuki, Keiichi Miyashita, Shigetoshi Oouchi, Masaaki Saitou, Akihito Yano
  • Patent number: 7868720
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed relay is provided having two circuits therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignees: Tyco Electronics Corporation India, Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Victor Bush, Naveen Samuel Jesuraj
  • Patent number: 7864007
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to readily initiate an operation of a capsule medical apparatus which is inserted into a subject and executes a predetermined function. In a capsule endoscope 3 according to the present invention, a reed switch 14 connected to a power supply unit and a function executing unit is arranged parallel to a direction of a longitudinal axis t of a capsule-like casing 16 in the substantially cylindrical capsule-like casing 16 of the capsule endoscope 3. A pair of movable electrodes of the reed switch 14 operates according to magnetic induction of a magnetic field of a magnet 6 applied substantially parallel to the direction t of the longitudinal axis of the capsule-like casing 16, and come into contact with each other. As a result, power supply from the power supply unit to the function executing unit is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignees: Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Fujimori, Koichi Shiotani
  • Patent number: 7804038
    Abstract: A control system for controlling and synchronizing a plurality of medium-voltage vacuum contactors comprises a two-level network structure. A dedicated network includes a plurality of servant control units operably coupled to the vacuum contactors and configured to ascertain a plurality of different data and conditions thereof. In addition, the dedicated network includes a master control unit in serial communication with the servant control units and configured to send and receive communications therewith. The master control unit is operably coupled to a control network including a plurality of various control devices. The master control unit is configured to send predetermined data received from the servant control units to the control network. The two-level network structure enables relatively jitter free communication on the dedicated network while not overwhelming the control network with unnecessary data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Angelo Bortolus, Reginald A. Drake, F. Michael Frayne, David S. MacLennan
  • Publication number: 20100214045
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a low current switch module, comprising the following steps: precutting a fine conductor path of several conducting circuits connected by connector tracks in the same sheet, positioning the contact relay and other optional electronic components on the precut conductor path, electrically and mechanically connecting said contact relay and the optional electronic components on the conductor track, encapsulating the unit comprising the conductor path, contact relay, the optional components, the pins and electrical connectors thereof and cutting certain connector tracks such as to separate said circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventor: Fabrice Giacomin
  • Patent number: 7760057
    Abstract: An electrical switching device, especially a high-frequency switching device, comprising an elongate electrical switching element, a contact end of which is disposed between two opposite contact elements that are transversally spaced apart from each other. The switching element can be selectively moved perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction thereof towards one or the other opposite contact element by two adjusting elements that are located on both sides next to the switching element. In order to eliminate or at least reduce frictional processes and the risk of the electrical contact being damaged by abrasion, the switching element is made at least in part of magnetic material while the adjusting elements are formed by two magnet assemblies, the magnetic force of one magnet assembly or the other magnet assembly being selectively reducible or increasable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Leipold, Helmut Hingrainer, Alexander Bayer
  • Patent number: 7675394
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to readily initiate an operation of a capsule medical apparatus which is inserted into a subject and executes a predetermined function. In a capsule endoscope 3 according to the present invention, a reed switch 14 connected to a power supply unit and a function executing unit is arranged parallel to a direction of a longitudinal axis t of a capsule-like casing 16 in the substantially cylindrical capsule-like casing 16 of the capsule endoscope 3. A pair of movable electrodes of the reed switch 14 operates according to magnetic induction of a magnetic field of a magnet 6 applied substantially parallel to the direction t of the longitudinal axis of the capsule-like casing 16, and come into contact with each other. As a result, power supply from the power supply unit to the function executing unit is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignees: Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Fujimori, Koichi Shiotani
  • Publication number: 20100044163
    Abstract: An equalizing tank for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, with a housing including a housing upper part and a housing lower part, and with a device for monitoring the fluid level in the equalizing tank, the device including a switching unit which is fastened to the housing and has a plug-in connector and a contact carrier, a portion of which projects into a guide pipe which extends into an interior space of the tank, and a sensor element or switching element which is arranged on the contact carrier in the region of the guide pipe and which can be switched by a transmitter in a switching point at which the switching unit generates a signal for an electronic control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Johann Ludwig, Han-Jürgen Neumann, Swen Ottmann, Christoph Schiel, Peter Tandler, Werner Krebs, Barbara Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7663457
    Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Bela Peter Szeifert, Michael Peter Dunk
  • Patent number: 7616082
    Abstract: The electromagnetic relay of the present invention comprises a base (10), an electromagnet (20) disposed on the base, an armature (30) supported rotatably by the base, a movable spring (40) whose one end has a movable contact (41) and the opposite end is secured to the base, a fixed contact (51) disposed opposite to the movable contact, and a card (60). The card has a coupling part (61) to be coupled to the armature and an insertion hole (62) to which the one end of the movable spring is inserted, and it deforms the movable spring elastically in conjunction with a swing motion of the armature to selectively open or close a connection between the movable contact and the fixed contact. The movable spring has a U-shaped hook formed by bending the one end of the movable spring toward the opposite end side, and the hook can pass through the insertion hole while being pushed by an inner surface of the insertion hole and being deformed elastically, and an end of the hook is engaged with the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Katou
  • Publication number: 20090256662
    Abstract: The improved reed relay package provided a “pseudo” Form C relay that includes two Form A relays with at least one bridge filter element electrically interconnecting the signal outputs thereof to reduce stub capacitance and improve RF performance. As a result, the reed relay package can operate at very high frequencies, such as 18 GHz and higher. Also, vias can be provided through the support substrate to simulate a co-planar waveguide and RF shields profiled with cut-outs to better simulate a 50 ohm impedance environment throughout the path of the signal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: COTO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Travis S. Ellis, Mark E. Titterington, Stephen Day
  • Publication number: 20090237188
    Abstract: This invention relates to reed switches, and more particularly to micro-miniaturized reed switches and batch microfabrication techniques used to fabricate micro-miniaturized reed switches. The present invention can provide miniaturized reed switches with more consistent operating parameters, and that can be produced more efficiently than conventional reed switches. The present invention can also provide methods of making miniaturized reed switches using microfabrication techniques. The present invention can use lithographic-based fabrication to enable monolithic construction of a reed switch. Microlithography can repeatedly form micrometer dimensions with tight tolerances over large arrays of devices which, if the patterns are translated into materials appropriate for electromechanical devices, can provide for repeatable and consistent electromechanical operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Todd R. Christenson