Abstract: Electromagnetic actuator with rotary core, comprising, housed in a casing: a magnetic yoke, a pair of fixed adjacent coils alternately energized, and a rotating element with a magnetic core; the yoke, the coils and the core having a common axis coinciding with that of the actuator, and the core being positioned between and/or within said coils, so as to close alternative circuits of magnetic flux, generated in the yoke by either one of the coils, between opposite axial pole pieces and central radial pole pieces of the yoke. In the actuator: the yoke (2) comprises a single radial pole piece (11) common to both coils (3, 4) and two sets of axial end pole pieces (13, 14).

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a coil arrangement for actuating an armature to open the breaker. To prevent false tripping during high transient currents drawn by a load, the coil arrangement has first and second coils, electrically connected in series. The second coil is interposed between the first coil and the armature and is wound in an opposite direction from the first coil to produce an opposing field.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic operating device 10 for a circuit breaker includes a coil 12 defining a cavity 14. A stator frame 20 which includes a pole piece 18 is arranged about the coil 12. A tube, which is closed off at one end by an end wall and at an opposed end by the pole piece 18 is arranged in the cavity 14. The tube 24 carries a core 22 therein. The plunger 22 is urged away from the pole piece 18 by a coil spring 28 arranged in the tube 26. The spring 28 is selected so that, when a load current of 100% is carried in the coil 12, the electro-magnetic force imparted to the core 18 exceeds the spring force imparted by the spring 28 to the core 22.

Abstract: A field-installable circuit breaker trip unit conversion kit in the form of a flux shifter unit that interfaces with the circuit breaker operating mechanism is installable without dismantling the circuit breaker components. The flux shifter unit responds to an electronic trip unit to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism and separate the circuit breaker contacts upon occurrence of an overcurrent condition. Expansion springs achieve tolerance take-up for different operating mechanism assemblies to correctly interface with the associated electronic trip unit.

Abstract: A contactor device includes a magnetic latch apparatus to reduce bounce between contact pads on closing. The magnetic latch apparatus includes a first magnet assembly and a second magnet assembly disposed so as to magnetically latch the first contact pad and second contact pad in the closed position. The first and second magnet assemblies typically are disposed respectively on the first contact pad carrier and second contact pad carrier such that the distance between the first and second magnet assemblies corresponds to the distance between the first and second contact pads. The magnet assemblies have a latch element that is a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a magnetically attracted material.

Abstract: A latching circuit breaker is provided that is small and switches with a small amount of current. A battery switch incorporating the circuit breaker mounts on a battery top and is easily added as an accessory to control all of a battery's power. A convenient battery protection device uses the battery switch and a control system to automatically control a battery, prevent overdischarge, and reserve starting power. A manually resetting battery protection device is also provided. The battery protection device is adaptable to be incorporated into the design of a battery resulting in a trouble free, long-life battery.

Abstract: A magnetic type power switch includes a base, a battery received in the base, a body detachably covering the base and the battery, a slider movably received in the body, and a magnetic element. The body has a first hollow pin which has a wire soldered therein and is in contact with a negative end of the battery, a contact ring coupled to the body by a second hollow pin having another wire soldered therein, a spring disposed on the ring and in contact with the slider. When the magnetic element approaches the base of the power switch, the slider is induced to move downward to contact a positive end of the battery thereby turning on the power. When the magnetic element is moved away, the slider is biased to move upward to disconnect the battery and thereby turning off the power.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with an input side and an output side for connecting and disconnecting conductors in an electrical circuit comprising a magnetic breaker device which acts on a latching mechanism unit for opening a contacting device in case of overload, an arc-quenching means being connected to said magnetic breaker device, whereat said magnetic breaker device comprises two parallel connected coils.

Abstract: An energy efficient electromagnetic latching relay circuit. A permananet magnet having an attached electrical contact is free to move between two positions a second electrical contact is situated so that it engages the first contact only when the permanent magnet is in one of the two positions, thus completing the relay circuit. The electromagnet includes a magnetizable core disposed within a current conducting coil situated so that the magnetic field resulting from current within the coil can move the permanent magnet between the two positions. The magnetic field also induces a residual magnetism with the core which either attracts or repels the permanent magnet, thus latching the relay. The current is provided by a current source. Further provided is a switch for selecting the direction of current flow through the coil.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic operating device 10 for a circuit breaker includes a coil 12 which defines a cavity 14. A pair of elements 34, 44 are slidably arranged within the cavity 14, a first element 34 being operable to cause a time delay tripping of the circuit breaker and a second element 34 being operable to cause a substantially instantaneous tripping of the circuit breaker. A first pole piece 22 is associated with the first element. A linkage 64 is carried by the second element 44 for linking the second element to a moving contact carrier 66 of the circuit breaker. A frame 18, which defines a magnetic path, is arranged about at least a part of the coil 12, the magnetic frame 18 defining a second pole piece 40 which is aligned with the first pole piece 22. The first pole piece 22 and the elements 34, 44 are displaceable towards the second pole piece 40 to effect tripping of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A switch has a carrier sheet with electrodes formed on an internal side thereof to form switch contacts. An armature is held in slidable contact with the internal side of the carrier and the electrodes by a magnet disposed on the external surface of the carrier. The magnet is carried in a knob mounted on the external side of the membrane carrier for rotary, linear or complex motion. When a user manipulates the knob the magnet drags the armature either into or out of shorting relation with the electrodes. A magnetic detent gear can be incorporated to provide tactile feedback. A pushbutton version of the switch can be made with a pivotable armature normally held spaced from electrodes on the substrate by a magnet. A membrane and spacer may be added to protect and seal the electrodes and armature.

Abstract: A compact coil assembly is provided for protecting electrical components from transient voltage surges. The assembly includes a bobbin having a cylindrical core with two ends. A first and second flange are each perpendicularly mounted and extended outwardly from one of the ends. A lead pin is perpendicularly upstanding on the top surface of the first flange. The first flange has a parallel outer and inner wall defining a channel therebetween. The inner wall has a slot therethrough. The slot is open at one end to the top surface of the first flange and extends downward to the core. The slot is positioned on the top surface of the first flange opposite the lead pin. The channel extends from the lead pin across to the end of the slot near the core. The width of the channel and the slot are adapted for guiding a winding wire therethrough.

Abstract: Linear control apparatus for a circuit-breaker, the apparatus including a slidably-mounted tubular arm actuated by a solenoid, and a "disengagement" first slide which presses against the tubular arm, the first slide being subjected to a first spring assembly. The control end of the drive rod is coupled to the tubular arm via at least one projecting portion passing through a respective longitudinal slot provided along the tubular arm. The control apparatus includes an "engagement" second slide to which the drive rod is fixed via its projecting portion, the engagement second slide being subjected to an "engagement" second spring assembly which displaces it from the circuit-breaker disengaged position to the circuit-breaker engaged position under the action of second control means.

Abstract: A micromachined electromagnetic switch, including two soft magnets situated in fixed positions above and below a permanent magnet, toggles between two fixed positions by the application of current in an actuator coil for a brief period. The permanent magnet is attached to a micromachined hinge or spring which moves under the action of a net force, thereby opening or closing the switch. Current in the actuator coil changes the relative strength of the magnetic forces due to the soft magnets. In the absence of current in the actuator coil, the switch is kept in the open or closed position by the attractive magnetic force between the permanent magnet and either the upper or lower soft magnet, whereby the stronger force is exercised between the permanent magnet and the nearest soft magnet.

Abstract: A flux shifter unit with increased magnetic susceptibility for use with a combined bell alarm and lock-out accessory is connected with the electronic trip unit that controls a high ampere rated circuit breaker. The flux shifter unit is configured to eliminate nuisance tripping due to the vibration of the associated electrical equipment.

Abstract: A shunt trip device includes an armature 18 pivotally mounted on a frame 12 of a ferro-magnetic material. A "U"-shaped member 20 is mounted on the frame 12 via a spacer 30 of a non-magnetic material. The member 20 and a portion of a post 16 of the frame 12 and the armature 18 define a first magnetic circuit. A limb 22 and a bridge portion 26 of the member 20 together with a part 14.1 and the post 16 of the frame and the armature 18 define a second magnetic circuit. A limb 24 and the bridge 26 of the member 20 together with the part 14.1 and the post 16 of the frame 12 and that portion of the armature 18 between the post 16 and the limb 24 define a third magnetic circuit. A coil 34 is carried on the limb 22 of the member 20 and permanent magnetic 22 is sandwiched between the portion 26 of the member 20 and the part 14.1 of the frame 12.

Abstract: A magnet is fixed to the inner surface of the ceiling of a cylinder-like yoke which is closed at the top, and a holding plate is attached to the yoke through a slider. A coil and collet are unitedly attached to the holding plate. When a current is passed through the coil, a force proportional to the current acts on the coil so that a constant load is applied to the collet.

Abstract: An electro-magnetically operable device 12 for a circuit breaker 10 comprises a coil 13 that defines a cavity. A first plunger 14 and a second plunger 16 are located within the cavity, adjacent one another. The first plunger 14 is housed in a sealed canister 18 which is filled with a damping liquid. The plunger 14 is displaceable within the canister 18 in a damped manner. The second plunger 16 is also displaceable within the cavity and movement thereof is guided by an open tube 20. The first plunger 14 and the second plunger 16 are urged away from a pole piece 30 of the device 12 via helical springs 32 and 34, respectively.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit breaker comprising an external coil which is arranged outside a vacuum interrupter, and a power supply circuit which causes current to flow through the external coil. An overcurrent flowing through the main circuit of the circuit breaker, which leads to a load, is detected by an overcurrent tripping device so as to separate the movable electrode of the vacuum interrupter from the fixed electrode thereof and to subject a striking electric arc to a magnetic flux generated axially of the vacuum interrupter by the electrodes themselves. Thereafter, a trigger gap is ignited by a signal delivered from the overcurrent tripping device, so as to introduce a reverse current into the vacuum interrupter. Herein, the trigger gap is ignited by a signal delivered from the overcurrent tripping device, in order that the zero point of currents may be formed at the point of time at which the axial magnetic flux has been canceled by the resulting current of the external coil.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having an integral capacitor and secondary coil for reducing opening and closing response times without the need for switching circuits. The secondary coil produces a magnetic field during energization which aids the primary coil in opening the actuator. A capacitor progressively reduces the current flow through the secondary coil as it charges up. During deenergization, the capacitor discharges through the secondary coil, producing a magnetic field which opposes the primary coil's residual magnetic field and aids the closing of the actuator.

Abstract: A single-point magnetic contact latch assembly for "parking" a read/write head of a memory storage device over a data-free landing zone during off-power conditions has one or more permanent magnets, a core having a curvilinear shape on one end and an annular flange formed on the opposing end, and a casing, having an open end and a partially closed end, covering the magnet(s). The core is disposed adjacent the magnet(s) and lies within the flux paths thereof. The casing covers the core and magnet(s) so that the curvilinear end of the core extends through the partially open end of the casing. The casing abuts an outer periphery surface of the flange with a press-fit so that the casing is outwardly radially deformed at the point of abutment securely anchoring the casing, and magnet(s) in position relative to the core.

Abstract: A battery charge monitor for automotive vehicles that includes electronic circuitry for connection to the vehicle battery and responsive to battery voltage to provide a first electrical signal when battery voltage decreases to a selected threshold level. A latching relay includes relay contacts for connection between the vehicle battery and vehicle battery loads, including the starter. A first relay coil is operatively coupled to the relay contacts and responsive to the first signal from the electronic circuitry to open the relay contacts and disconnect the battery from the battery loads including the starter. A second relay coil is operatively coupled to the relay contacts and responsive to a second electrical signal from an operator reset switch for reclosing the relay contacts and connecting the battery to the loads. Thus, when battery charge reaches a level below which starting may be difficult, the electronic circuitry cooperates with the latching relay to disconnect the battery from the loads.

Abstract: An electromagnetic selector device comprising a single permanent magnet and a plurality of electromagnets, which are excited in contrast or in agreement with the permanent magnet, to form a plurality of selection positions on two fronts along which run the elements to be selected.

Abstract: An elevator brake is provided with a redundant means to release the brake to allow an elevator cab to move when a primary releasing means, such as a coil, does not release when desired. When the coil is deenergized or defective, an auxiliary coil is used to release the brake and enable the cab to move.

Abstract: A residual current circuit breaker 1 has a partition wall 3 which separates an over-current protection device 4 from a residual current detection circuit 5. A plunger rod 24 extends through a bore 23 in the armature 21 of a coil 20 and is moved independently through the coil 20 to trip the breaker if a residual current is detected by the circuit 5. The plunger rod 24 is moved by a drive rod 31, the operation of which is controlled by a permanent magnet which retains the drive rod 31 retracted and an electromagnet which allows the drive rod 31 to drive forwardly under the action of a spring 32 in the event of a residual current being detected. The plunger rod 30 is reset by a reset lever 40 which is moved when an operating handle 18 of the breaker moves from a non-tripped to a tripped position upon tripping of the breaker.

Abstract: A seesaw electromagnetic switch for controlling a chain/forward/reverse current system includes a seesaw assembly and an exciter set. Springs are provided and disposed between the seesaw assembly and the exciter set to balance the seesaw assembly. Because of this balanced position, even if two coils parallelly disposed in the exciter set are incidently provided with current at the same time and thereby cause the seesaw assembly to swing, no current will flow through the main circuit and no short-circuit will occur in either the forward rotation circuit or the reverse rotation circuit, protecting the motor in use from burning out.

Abstract: A power control relay has a pair of solenoids one of which is briefly energized to open a pair of contacts and the other is opened briefly to close the contacts. A mechanical linkage maintains the contacts in their closed and open positions in the absence of solenoid energization. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the solenoids drive a cam back and forth between two stable positions. The cam toggles an arm which opens and closes the power switch contacts.

Abstract: An electromagnetic circuit breaker has a housing that includes a separately defined arc chamber in which the moving contact travels as the breaker is tripped, and the chamber has a divergent shape to facilitate exhausting the hot gases from the arc chamber through a metal screen and through vent openings in the end wall of the breaker housing. The housing is made in two half sections that are held together by rivets and the location of one of these rivets is isolated from the fixed contact at the lower end of the arc chamber by the unique arc chamber configuration. The lower wall of the circuit breaker housing is adapted to receive either a molded switch subassembly or to receive a terminal strip that is held in place by the primary terminals of the breaker and is adapted also to support auxiliary terminals that operate a shunt coil. The shunt coil itself is fitted on a bobbin that is selectively mounted on the bobbin that contains the primary electromagnetic coil for the breaker.

Abstract: A switching mechanism actuated into first and second positions by application of current through appropriate respective electromagnets includes a switch structure which insures that current is cut off to the actuating electromagnet upon switching having taken place to a chosen state.

Abstract: A bi-stable magnetically latched electromagnetic device has an E-shaped frame, a rocker-type armature spanning the distal ends of the two outer legs of the frame, with the mid-region of the armature being pivotally supported on the distal end of the center leg for reciprocal movement between alternative stable positions, and first and second electrically interconnected helical coils each encircling a magnetizable core in a different one of the two interleg spaces of the frame. First and second permanent magnets are disposed between the base of the frame and the first and second coils, respectively, and first and second magnetic flux diverters are interposed between the respectively associated coils and magnets. The coils are connected to relatively positive and negative control power terminals via selectively operative means for providing alternative first and second current paths.

Abstract: A bistable electrical contactor employs a one-piece permanent magnet plunger operating in conjunction with an aligned pole piece and a pair of oppositely-wound coils to afford pulse-operated bistable operation of the associated contacts. The coils are wound in opposition to provide respective opposite electromagnetic fields, one "aiding" and one "opposing" the inherent magnetic flux of the plunger. The plunger may be spring-biased toward one of its two bistable positions, typically the one in which the plunger is most remote from the pole piece. When an appropriate coil is briefly energized, the respective "aiding" or "opposing" force is respectively added to or subtracted from the inherent magnetic force of the plunger to cause the appropriate change of state. The pole piece is structured and positioned to facilitate interaction with the plunger. An adjustable stop arrangement minimizes bounce of resiliently-mounted contacts.

Abstract: An electromechanical T-switch is achieved by connecting a bistable reed switch between each of the four ports of the T-switch to form a coaxial transmission line between ports. Each electromechanical reed switch is realized by a pair of contacts constituting the input and output ports of the switch, a reed conductor bridging the gap between the two contacts, a first permanent magnet for holding the reed conductor against the contacts, a second permanent magnet for holding the reed conductor away from the contacts, and electromagnetic coils around each of the first and second permanent magnets for changing the state of the switch.

Abstract: A pair of pancake-like coils have a coil axis substantially colinear with one coil mounted to a framework and the other coil mounted on a movable member. The coils are wound such that when electrically energized simultaneously the resulting magnetic fields are in opposition, thereby producing a repelling force therebetween. A spring is disposed between the framework and the movable member to urge the movable member in a sense opposite to the repelling force. A power supply is connected to the coil pair providing for a high initial energy transfer and a lower sustaining energy transfer. A shock absorber is mounted on the framework to arrest the moving member which is set in motion by the repelling force. An armature is attached to the moving member which enters the field of a holding coil as the moving member is displaced by the repelling force. When the holding coil is energized with the armature situated therein, the moving member is held against the spring force.

Abstract: There is provided an indicator and a pair of cooperating vehicular lamps including a first lamp and a second lamp. An arrangement for activating the indicator when only one of the lamps is operating includes at least one cylindrical coil unit having a winding comprised of two wires including a first wire and a second wire. The first wire is connected to the first lamp in such a manner that when the first lamp is operating the first wire carries the first current producing a first magnetic field. The second wire is connected to the second lamp in such a manner that when the second lamp is operating the second wire carries a second current producing a second magnetic field which opposes and at least partly cancels out the first magnetic field.

Abstract: A remarkably compact reed-switch relay having a U-shaped core comprised of two separate areas of remanent magnetic material and controlled by a first coil encircling the bight of the core and by a second coil encircling both legs of the core. Reed switches are positioned within the second coil and in proximity to the legs of the core, the switches being disposed with their magnetic axes substantially parallel to the core legs so that energization of the first coil causes orientation of the remanent core flux in a manner opening the switches and latching them open, while energization of the second coil closes the switches and orients the remanent core flux to latch them closed.