Abstract: The position of an armature 22 located within a sealed glass envelope 12 of a sealed contact switch 11 is adjusted to meet a gap width requirement between the armature and an electrical contact 23. The glass envelope 12 is placed into a holer 48 adjacent a magnetic pole face of a magnetizing apparatus. The holder 48 supports the envelope in a position wherein the armature 22 becomes oriented perpendicular to a magnetic force field and the path of movement of the armature in closing or opening the contact extends in the same direction as that of the field. Under the influence of the applied magnetic field, the armature 22 is yieldably pulled beyond its normal path of movement toward the pole face. When the envelope is removed from the field, the armature remains in an adjusted rest position within the envelope, different from its initial rest position. The adjustment of the armature is useful in the manufacture of mercury-wetted sealed contact switches.

Abstract: Reed switches, contact sections of the reed of which bear with a predetermined positive force against inside surfaces of an elongated envelope, are made by forming combs, each including a header web and, integral with the web and projecting therefrom, a plurality of reed elements. The reed elements are parallel with one another and spaced from one another along the web. A plurality of elongated glass envelopes are mounted in a fixture, parallel with one another and spaced the same centerline-to-centerline distance as the reed elements. The reed elements of a first comb are inserted into one end of the envelopes and the reed elements of a second comb into the other end of the envelopes until the inner ends of the opposite reeds are in the desired positions lengthwise with respect to one another.

Abstract: A movable magnetic armature of a size to nest within stepped faces on a fixed magnetic pole piece and on the armature support, respectively, is attached to the armature support by a conductive spring member which normally biases the armature away from the nested position in which it contacts a contact and stop member on the fixed pole. Imposition of the magnetic field causes the armature to move into closed contact position. The position of the armature even when in open contact position is close to the steps of the fixed pole piece as well as the armature support providing a low reluctance, short throw, quick action switch.

Abstract: The magnetic elements of a mercury reed switch are supported within their non-magnetic capsule so that, instead of coming into contact in initially overlapping relationship, under the influence of a magnetic field they become essentially aligned with one another. The reeds are so constructed that by selection of the size or shape of their respective opposed ends, the magnetic flux pattern is modified to maintain desired relative alignment to achieve desired spacing between solid contacts. In a preferred form at least one of the magnetic elements carries a substantially non-magnetic conductive extension means, conductively affixed to its supporting element in position to complete an electrical circuit from its supporting element through intermediate conductive liquid and the other reed element in some switch condition.

Abstract: A fiber optic reed switch is disclosed. A pair of fiber optic cables are mounted to the ends of cantilever reed arms by means of supports providing coaxial alignment of the cables upon closure of the reed arms to complete an optical circuit.

Abstract: An overcurrent switch is described, comprising a reed switch for series connection in an electric circuit to break the flow of an overcurrent therethrough. A magnetizing element applies a magnetic field to the reed switch, and a setting device controls the magnetic field so that at least two levels of magnetic field intensity are selectively applied to the reed switch.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed relay of the reed-type in which an elongated switching control rod is angularly displaced in operation. The extreme positions include internal stops, which may be contacts, in which case the switch is a single-pole-double-throw device. An attached actuator for the switch device provides tolerance-absorbing overtravel by means of uniquely arranged resilient means, such that switch-gap tolerances are effectively absorbed. The device may be of the magnetically latching type or may, in simplest form, include a single controlling electromagnet and only one fixed contact. Two embodiments are described.

Abstract: The magnetic elements of a reed switch are supported within their non-magnetic capsule so that, instead of coming into contact in initially overlapping relationship, under the influence of a magnetic field they become essentially aligned with one another. The reeds may be so constructed that by selection of the size or shape of their respective opposed ends, the magnetic flux pattern is modified to maintain desired relative alignment to achieve desired contact. The invention relates to a mercury wetted switch which employs mercury to complete electrical contact between the non-contacting ends of the reeds.

Abstract: A reed relay of the type having a pair of parallel reed switches aligned so that opposite ends of one switch are adjacent opposite ends of the other switch, the adjacent ends of said switches being in thermally conductive but electrically insulated relation with each other whereby the thermal EMF of the relay is eliminated or reduced to minimal levels.

Abstract: In a reed switch comprising an envelope, first and second stationary terminals, and an armature supported elastically on the second stationary terminals in such a manner that the innermost end portion of the second stationary terminal and one end portion of the armature are opposite to each other with a magnetic gap, each of the one end portion of the armature and the innermost end portion of the second stationary terminal is larger in sectional area than the other portion thereof, thereby to decrease the magnetic resistance of the magnetic gap and to increase the closing power of the switch. According to another aspect of the invention, the reed switch has a back stop for detaining the armature when the switch is opened.

Abstract: Reed switches, contact sections of the reed of which bear with a predetermined positive force against inside surfaces of an elongated envelope, are made by forming combs, each including a header web and, integral with the web and projecting therefrom, a plurality of reed elements. The reed elements are parallel with one another and spaced from one another along the web. A plurality of elongated glass envelopes are mounted in a fixture, parallel with one another and spaced the same centerline-to-centerline distance as the reed elements. The reed elements of a first comb are inserted into one end of the envelopes and the reed elements of a second comb into the other end of the envelopes until the inner ends of the opposite reeds are in the desired positions lengthwise with respect to one another.

Abstract: Contact springs are damped against resilient bouncing in that thin plastic foil covers one or both sides of the spring. The foil, when extending into the zone of clamping one end of the spring, is used to maintain specific tolerances in contact positioning. The foil should have low cold flow characteristics and high reversible elasticity, such as folacron or polysulphonic plastic.

Abstract: A reed switch comprising a first reed of conductive magnetic material and a second reed of conductive non-magnetic material mounted in cooperating spaced relation to said first reed and a cooperating pair of magnetic operators mounted in spaced relation to said first and second reeds and said reeds being positioned between said pair of operators, and including a third operator cooperating with the pair of operators to influence one or the other of said operators to shift said first reed into a first mode or a second mode and latch said first reed in said mode.

Abstract: A sealed reed spring switch in which a single pair of contacting springs carries two or more electrically insulated conducting paths. The electrically conductive, magnetically responsive springs are coated with an insulating material at least on opposing surfaces over which two or more distinct conductive coatings are formed. Two circuits such as a telephone tip and ring circuit, for example, may be simultaneously controlled by a single sealed two-path switch unit.

Abstract: A sealed switch includes C-shaped control and follower magnets disposed along an axis with poles thereof in facing relationship, a set of electrical switch contacts coupled to be selectively opened or closed in dependence upon the position of the follower magnet, and a housing enclosing the set of electrical contacts and the follower magnet, the housing having a nonmagnetic wall extending between the facing poles of the control and follower magnets to provide hermetic isolation of the contacts. In accordance with particularly selected configurations, the control magnet may be mounted for alternatively pushbutton type axial motion or rotational motion within different selected limits and the follower magnet may be mounted for either axial or rotational motion within predetermined limits or both. The magnets may be resiliently biased toward predetermined position limits in some configurations.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed relay of the reed-type in which an elongated switching control rod is angularly displaced in operation. The extreme positions include internal stops, which may be contacts, in which case the switch is a single-pole-throw device. An attached actuator for the switch device provides tolerance-absorbing overtravel by means of uniquely arranged resilient means, such that switch-gap tolerances are effectively absorbed. The device may be of the magnetically latching type or may, in simplest form, include a single controlling electromagnet and only one fixed contact.

Abstract: A sealed switch includes C-shaped control and follower magnets disposed along an axis with poles thereof in facing relationship, a set of electrical switch contacts coupled to be selectively opened or closed in dependence upon the position of the follower magnet, and a housing enclosing the set of electrical contacts and the follower magnet, the housing having a nonmagnetic wall extending between the facing poles of the control and follower magnets to provide hermetic isolation of the contacts. In accordance with particularly selected configurations, the control magnet may be mounted for alternatively pushbutton type axial motion or rotational motion within different selected limits and the follower magnet may be mounted for either axial or rotational motion within predetermined limits or both. The magnets may be resiliently biased toward predetermined position limits in some configurations.

Abstract: The reed contact unit comprises a pair of aligned members of magnetizable and electrically conductive material spaced apart endwise from each other with a fillet of non-magnetic electrically conductive material inserted between the spaced ends of the members. The upper surfaces of the members and the fillet are coplanar. An electrically conductive cantilever carries an electrically conductive and magnetizable armature at its free end overlying the fillet and the adjacent ends of the members. Upon magnetization of the members, a contact surface of the armature contacts the members to complete an electric circuit between the cantilever and the members. The members and the cantilever are mounted within a hermetically sealed enclosure.

Abstract: An encapsulated electromechanical relay provides both make and break contact functions by utilizing a movable diaphragm for connecting between inner and outer concentric conductors. In a non-energized state the diaphragm provides electrical continuity between one pair of contact members, and in a magnetically energized state the movable diaphragm contact then povides electrical continuity between a second pair of contact members by moving away from the central contact of the first pair and moving into contact with the central contact of the second pair.

Abstract: In a magnetically actuated switch such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,586,809, the armature stop against which the armature engages in its switch-open position has a pair of vibratile members attached to its tip, in vibration transmitting relation to it and extending lengthwise from it. The two vibratile members are tuned to different frequencies, both lower than that of the armature stop. They so control vibration of the armature stop as to quickly stop the armature at its switch open position. Similar vibratile members on a relatively stationary contact member eliminate contact rebound upon switch closure.

Abstract: A position indicating pulse latching solenoid has a plunger of paramagnetic steel, movable between two stops of similar material, and fixed permanent magnets which impart a flux to the plunger causing it to adhere to the stop to which it is moved, movement being accomplished by a respective winding about each stop which when excited by an electrical pulse momentarily exerts an attractive force on the plunger. A reed switch senses the momentary flux generated by the excited winding at a leakage gap near one of the stops and also determines whether the flux imparted to the plunger by the permanent magnets has shifted with the plunger to or away from the gap to indicate plunger position.

Abstract: A glass having a softening temperature (E.sub.W) between 596.degree. and 634.degree. C. and a working temperature (V.sub.A) between 792.degree. and 863.degree. C., said glass being produced from a melt having a composition expressed in percentages by weight as follows:______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 50.9 to 60.4, B.sub.2 O.sub.3 1.5 to 11.5, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 2.5 to 5.3, Li.sub.2 O 0.75 to 3.0, Na.sub.2 O 6.0 to 15.0, K.sub.2 O 0 to 3.8, Li.sub.2 O + Na.sub.2 O 8.0 to 17.3, Li.sub.2 O + Na.sub.2 O + K.sub.2 O 11.0 to 19.7, CaO 0 to 1.5, BaO 0 to 12.9, ZnO 0 to 7.3, PbO 0 to 17.5, BaO + PbO 7.0 to 17.8, Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 3.3 to 5.0, F.sub.2 0 to 0.7, Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 0.05 to 0.1, Sugar 0.05 to 0.1.

Abstract: A miniature memory bit holder which is provided with a movable armature having two sharp prongs mounted on opposite sides of the armature in opposition to one or a pair of fixed contacts. When the armature is moved the sharp prongs are adapted to pierce the fixed contact and remain embedded therein.An electromagnet is employed to move the armature. The armature and fixed contact may be housed in a container.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switching device comprises a bobbin with a coil mounted thereon, the bobbin forming a protective tube with a contact chamber at each end. Embedded in the bobbin are a plurality of terminals connected to the coil, pole shoes, and contact terminals connected to the pole shoes. An armature is disposed in the tube and has two free end portions coated with contact material facing end portions of the pole shoes that extend from opposite walls of a respective one of the contact chambers. At least one permanent magnet is mounted between flanges of the bobbin at each end of the tube, these magnets and the pole shoes being disposed symmetrically in relation to the longitudinal axis of the tube and at least one further axis perpendicular to such longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The reed contact unit comprises a pair of aligned members of magnetizable and electrically conductive material spaced apart endwise from each other. A fillet of non-magnetic electrically conductive material may be inserted between the spaced ends of the members. A flat electrically conductive resilient member supported at its opposite ends carries, at its mid-region, a magnetizable and electrically conductive armature and suspends it over the fillet and the adjacent end portions of the magnetizable members. Upon magnetization of the members, a lower contact surface of the armature engages the ends of the magnetizable members and completes an electric circuit from at least one of the magnetizable members through the resilient member to its support. The magnetizable members and the resilient member are mounted within a sealed enclosure.

Abstract: An electromagnet comprises a coil core of ferro-magnetic material having a coil wound around the core. The coil is supported by a bobbin. The coil core is elongated, and the winding of the coil surrounds the core in its longitudinal direction, so that a homogeneous magnetic field extending between the longitudinally running end surfaces of the coil core is obtained along the length of the whole coil core. A touch free influence of magnetic field controlled means, such as reed switches, positioned along the length of the coil at one of its long sides provided with a winding being obtained, so that for influencing, said means can take a position relative to the magnet within a considerable margin determined by the length of the long sides of the magnet.

Abstract: A hold-in type of automotive relay which when actuated by a first switch controlled exciting current closes its normally open relay contacts and a second switch magnetically connected to said relay and the source of current. The contacts of the second switch remain closed even after the first switch is opened and until such time as the current passing through the second switch is interrupted.

Abstract: Contact carriers for relays are produced by electrochemically plating sheets of electrically conductive nonmagnetic metal with iron. The sheets have a width corresponding to the intended length of the contact carriers. The sheets are then cut in strips across the width of the sheets to form the contact carriers. The sheets can be plated on one or both sides. Following the plating step and before cutting the strips from the sheet, the sheet can be mechanically treated, as by rolling, to increase the resiliency of the sheet. The sheet can be masked during the plating operation to produce contact carriers with unplated portions on the plated sides of the carriers. A contact element can be mounted on the plated or unplated portion of the contact carrier and more than one contact element can be mounted on each carrier. The contact carriers and contact elements can be arranged in relays in many combinations utilizing the forces of attraction and repulsion.

Abstract: A small size high voltage relay package for low voltage control of high voltage lines. The relay package includes a reed switch surrounded by a polytetrafluroethylene tube around which is wound a coil for operating the reed relay. The entire structure is positioned within a casing which is potted with a polyurethane potting material which also extends over the coils and into the space between the sleeve and relay to provide complete encapsulation. The system is capable of handling voltages in the vicinity of 20kv utilizing a 24 volt switching source.

Abstract: The invention relates to hermetically sealed contacts, electromagnetic devices using such contacts, as well as method and means for controlling such electromagnetic devices.

Abstract: A reed switch construction is described embodying magnetic metal reeds and an improved glass envelope. The envelope is drawn from an infrared absorbing glass having a steep viscosity curve which permits forming a seal between the metal reeds and the glass envelope with infrared heating at a temperature sufficiently low to avoid damaging the reeds.

Abstract: A reed for a reed switch which comprises a body of conductive material having a contact section, an intermediate spring section, and a support section with the intermediate section being foil-thin and a contact section being substantially rigid and non-flexible and thicker than the intermediate section, and the intermediate section comprises a leaf spring having a flexibility permitting one end of the leaf spring to flex a substantial distance through an arc with respect to the other end of the leaf spring without exceeding the elastic limits of the spring, and the intermediate section being cold-worked to a point where said conductive material assumes a substantial change in physical characteristics, and said intermediate section is substantially harder, less ductile, and more dense than the contact section, and the body of said reed being of magnetic material.

Abstract: A reed switch is made by forming an envelope tube, non-circular in cross-section, with a known internal heightwise dimension, forming a reed element with two end-bearing portions at least one of which is part of a contact section of the reed element and an intermediate sealing-bearing section between and entirely out of a plane defined by the end-bearing portions of the reed, the distance between the plane and a bearing surface of the sealing-bearing section being greater than the internal heightwise dimension of the envelope tube; inserting the reed element into an open end of the envelope tube sufficiently far to cause both of the end-bearing portions and the bearing surface of the sealing-bearing section to bear against the inside wall of the envelope tube, the end-bearing portion of the contact section of the reed element bearing with a force greater than the force ultimately to be exerted by that portion in the finished switch; sealing at least a part of the sealing section in the envelope tube to seal s

Abstract: A sealed contact includes a capsule enclosing a pair of magnetic reeds. Each reed has a fixed end sealed in the capsule and a flat movable portion with side edges substantially parallel to one another for a predetermined length and tapered toward one another from the end of the predetermined length to the tip of the movable portion. The reeds are positioned so that the movable portions overlap one another by an overlap length and define an overlap area which is less sensitive to variation in overlap length than a conventional sealed contact having reeds cut substantially normal to the parallel side edges.

Abstract: A high voltage magnetic relay assembly has a double pole, double throw contact assembly enclosed within a housing containing gas, such as sulfur hexafluoride. Terminals surrounded by insulators project from the housing, the terminals and insulators being sealed with respect to the housing to prevent gas leakage therefrom. The contact mechanism includes an operating yoke acting on pivoted contact arms electrically connected to some of the terminals and shiftable to and from contact with other of the terminals.