With Vibration-, Bounce- Or Chatter-prevention Means Patents (Class 335/193)
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Patent number: 12033822Abstract: A relay includes an electromagnetic drive unit with a rotatable armature and a yoke. The rotatable armature includes a first magnetic contact region and the yoke includes a second magnetic contact region. The first magnetic contact region is in touch with the second magnetic contact region in a first state of the relay. The relay further includes at least one immovable first electric contact and a moveable contact arm with at least one second electric contact. The first electric contact contacts the second electric contact in the first state. The rotatable armature and the moveable contact arm are positioned together on a shaft and the shaft is embodied as a torsional element.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Matthias Katzensteiner, Aloysius Hemmer
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Patent number: 11984283Abstract: A relay includes an electromagnetic drive unit with a rotatable armature and a yoke. The rotatable armature includes a first magnetic contact region and the yoke includes a second magnetic contact region. The first magnetic contact region is in touch with the second magnetic contact region in a first state of the relay. The relay further includes at least one immovable first electric contact and a moveable contact arm with at least one second electric contact. The first electric contact contacts the second electric contact in the first state. The rotatable armature and the moveable contact arm are positioned together on a shaft and the shaft is embodied as a torsional element.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Matthias Katzensteiner, Aloysius Hemmer
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Publication number: 20150042426Abstract: Disclosed is an electric contactor, in particular to be used in roadways, with the stator and an armature, the armature being connected with a contact region and being movable, during a switching-on operation and/or a switching-off operation of the contactor, from a first to a second position, the contact region being connected in at least one of these positions with a counter-contact region for closing an electric circuit, wherein a pushing device is connected with the armature which is rotational relative to the armature, wherein the pushing device at least temporarily pushes the armature supportively in the movement from the first to the second position of the switching-on and/or switching-off operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: Schaltbau GmbHInventors: Andrej Ignatov, Robert Kralik
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Publication number: 20150022295Abstract: The electromagnetic contactor includes a contact mechanism including a pair of fixed contacts disposed to maintain a predetermined interval and a movable contact disposed so as to connect to and separate from the pair of fixed contacts, and an electromagnet unit that drives the movable contact. The electromagnet unit includes a magnetic yoke enclosing a plunger drive portion, a movable plunger, a leading end thereof protruding through an aperture formed in the magnetic yoke and a peripheral flange portion being formed on a protruding end side, movement regulating portions that regulate movement of the peripheral flange portion of the movable plunger in an engaged position and released position of the contact mechanism, and a contact noise suppression member that suppresses contact noise when the peripheral flange portion of the movable plunger contacts the movement regulating portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Kouetsu TAKAYA, Yasuhiro NAKA, Kenji SUZUKI, Masayoshi SAKATA
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Patent number: 8502627Abstract: In an electromechanical relay the core of the relay coil and a corresponding zone of the armature are each provided with a pole face of zig-zag or stair-step configuration. A succession of corresponding edges of the core and armature pole faces concentrate the magnetic flux to increase the initial force on the armature and to limit the closing force as the armature reaches the closed position. The armature bearing is shaped to create a longitudinal wipe motion. The relay exhibits faster and quieter action with less bounce and reduced contact chatter.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: International Controls and Measurements CorporationInventors: Ayham Ahmad, Hassan B. Kadah, Andrew S. Kadah
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Publication number: 20130076464Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a contact switching device that produces minimal hitting sound at the time of return. In the contact switching device, a movable iron core (42) provided at one end portion of a movable shaft (45) is attracted to a fixed iron core (38), based on excitation and degauss of an electromagnet portion (50), by which the movable shaft (45) reciprocates in a shaft center direction, and a movable contact (48a) of a movable contact piece (48) arranged at another end portion of the movable shaft (45) contacts and departs from a fixed contact (33a). Particularly, at the time of return, an annular flange portion (45a) provided at an intermediate portion of the movable shaft (45) abuts on an annular receiving portion (35c) of the magnet holder (35) to thereby restrict a position of the movable iron core (42).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Keisuke Yano, Ryuichi Hashimoto, Yasuo Hayashida, Shingo Morl
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Patent number: 8354905Abstract: A noise decreasing type electromagnetic switch includes a buffer disposed between an end of a stationary core and an end of a movable core facing the end of the stationary core so as to allow the movable core 150 to be elastically supported with respect to the stationary core. Accordingly, when the movable core contacts the stationary core, the buffer can be pressed and transformed to decrease impact and noise. Also, when the final operation is completed, the stationary core and the movable core are closely adhered, a performance of an actuator can be maintained.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young Hwan Eum
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Publication number: 20120092102Abstract: A noise decreasing type electromagnetic switch includes a buffer disposed between a stationary core and a contact spring to electrically support a shaft and the stationary core. The buffer includes a buffering space therein. Accordingly, impact caused at the stationary core and the shaft can be effectively absorbed even by the buffering space as well as an elastic force of the buffer. The buffer is inserted in the stationary core for coupling so as to be prevented from being separated during operations, resulting in maintaining long-term durability. Also, the buffer may support the stationary core and a metal plate, whereby an assembly process can be simplified.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: Young Hwan EUM
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Publication number: 20120092101Abstract: A noise decreasing type electromagnetic switch includes a buffer disposed between an end of a stationary core and an end of a movable core facing the end of the stationary core so as to allow the movable core 150 to be elastically supported with respect to the stationary core. Accordingly, when the movable core contacts the stationary core, the buffer can be pressed and transformed to decrease impact and noise. Also, when the final operation is completed, the stationary core and the movable core are closely adhered, a performance of an actuator can be maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: Young Hwan EUM
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Patent number: 8138440Abstract: A fast acting switching mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a drive rod articulated to a drive module and supporting at an end thereof a contact bridge having at opposite ends thereof respective moveable contacts for switchably engaging a pair of fixed contacts of the circuit breaker. A contact spring unit is operatively coupled to the drive module for applying closing pressure in the order of 200 Kg; and a latch latches the drive rod in an open or closed position after operation of the circuit breaker and prevents rebounds. The contact bridge includes a pair of side conductors supporting on upper edges thereof an armature having an exposed upper surface that supports the moveable contacts at opposite ends of the armature; and a reinforcing element inserted between the side conductors.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Arcoline Ltd.Inventors: Yuriy Onufriyenko, Eduard Ulanovsky, Dov Yeger, Yefim Gofman
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Patent number: 7646270Abstract: A spring assembly is provided for a yoke assembly of an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The yoke assembly is coupled to the pole shaft and is movable among first and second positions corresponding to the separable contacts being closed and open, respectively. The spring assembly includes a number of first springs having a first spring rate and being coupled to the yoke assembly, and a number of second springs having a second spring rate and being coupled to the yoke assembly. The second spring rate is different than the first spring rate. The number of first springs and the number of second springs bias the yoke assembly toward the second position.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Yuri Spitsberg, Robert M. Slepian, Perry R. Gibson, David A. Parks, Douglas C. Marks, Paul R. Rakus, Nathan J. Weister, Henry A. Wehrli, III
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Publication number: 20090243771Abstract: This electromagnetic switching device comprises an electromagnetic device 1 in which a movable core 15 comes into contact with or separates from a fixed core 14 in response to energization of an excitation coil 11 wound around a coil bobbin 10, a contact device 2 with a fixed contact 21 and a movable contact which comes into contact with or separates from the fixed contact in conjunction with a movement of the movable core 15 of the electromagnetic device, and a boxy case 3 configured to house the electromagnetic device and the contact device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2006Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS, LTDInventors: Katsuya Uruma, Masahiro Itou, Motoharu Kubo, Ritsu Yamamoto, Riichi Uotome
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Patent number: 7551049Abstract: An electromagnetic switch for use in actuating a starter for automotive vehicles is provided. The switch includes fixed contacts, a moving contact, and a plunger shaft. The moving contact is joined to a plunger shaft through an insulator. The plunger shaft is to be moved magnetically to bring the moving contact into abutment with the fixed contact to establish electric communication between the fixed contact. The switch also includes a rotation holder working to hold the moving contact and the insulator from rotating relative to each other. Use of the rotation holder results in a decrease in wear of the insulator. This eliminates the need for the insulator to have an additional thickness which would be worn down, thus permitting the insulator to be reduced in thickness to shorten the overall length of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Takashi Hirabayashi, Tadahiro Kurasawa
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Patent number: 7535328Abstract: In an electromagnet switch, a stationary iron core is composed mainly of a base part and a disk part. The base part is faced to a plunger and the disk part is forcedly inserted and fixed to a boss part formed in the base part. The disk part is composed of a metal plate of ferromagnetic substance (iron plate) and another substance plate (made of resin or rubber and the like, for example,) of a smaller spring constant or a larger damping coefficient than that of the metal plate. The metal plate and another substance plate are laminated. Another substance plate absorbs or reduces the impact force when the plunger is electromagnetically attracted toward and collides with the base part. The propagation of a large impact noise or crashing sound is thereby suppressed, and as a result the impact noise can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Tadahiro Kurasawa, Shinji Usami, Tomohiro Teramachi
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Patent number: 7504916Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a solenoid switch which includes a pair of fixed contacts spaced away from each other, a solenoid, a contact pressure applier, and a moving contact. The moving contact is configured to be moved by the solenoid to strike the fixed contacts and keep contact with the fixed contacts under pressure applied by the contact pressure applier, thereby bridging the fixed contacts. The moving contact is also configured to have, when striking the fixed contacts, a flexural rigidity lower than or equal to 1000 N/mm, thereby preventing contact bounce from occurring in the solenoid switch.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Kazuo Masaki
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Patent number: 7474179Abstract: A contact spring assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a movable contact assembly and a stationary contact assembly having stationary electrical contacts. The movable contact assembly includes a carrier assembly, and movable contact arms pivotably coupled to the carrier assembly and carrying movable electrical contacts. The contact spring assembly includes a first contact spring housing member, a second contact spring housing member coupled to and disposed opposite from the first contact spring housing member, a spring guide disposed between and coupled to at least one of the first and second contact spring housing members and including spring holes, springs received in the spring holes, and sliders coupled to the springs. The springs and sliders individually bias the movable contact arms and movable electrical contacts toward engagement with corresponding stationary electrical contacts. A movable contact assembly and an electrical switching apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorportionInventors: Nathan J. Weister, William C. Pollitt, John J. Shea, Douglas C. Marks
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Patent number: 7199687Abstract: A solenoid type device as a magnetic switch of a starter 10 comprises an exciting coil 3f that is energized and generates magnetic force, a plunger 3a that is a moving core which is a part of the magnetic circuit, and a fixed core 3j that faces the moving core and is also a part of the magnetic circuit. The moving core plunger 3a is divided into concentrically the first plunger 31 and the second plunger 32a. This configuration allows the second plunger 32a to be attracted first and then the first plunger 31a to be attracted. Thereby, it is possible to make a small and light magnetic switch while ensuring that the magnetic switch maintains sufficient attraction force as well as to increase reliability of operations of the magnetic switch even when battery voltage is low.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiko Maruhashi, Rikio Goto
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Patent number: 6798322Abstract: In order to reduce acoustic noise, an electromagnetic relay (2) includes an insert or bump (20) located between the relay armature (4) and the relay core (8). The insert is flexible and can be mounted on the armature. The insert (20) reduces noise by decelerating the armature (4) at impact with the core (8). The armature (4) can be tilted relative to a surface of the core (8) so that the insert or bump (20) can be positioned away from the primary impact between the core and the armature.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: Charles D. Copper, Charles D. Fry, Henry O. Herrmann, Jr., Robert D. Irlbeck
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Patent number: 6590172Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided wherein the circuit breaker comprises a contact arm movable between a closed position, an open position and a blown open position wherein the contact arm is disposed in the circuit breaker. A bumper disposed to contact the contact arm when the contact arm is in the blown open position. In addition, a stop member disposed to be in contact with a linkage assembly so as to create a gap between the bumper and the contact arm when the contact arm is disposed in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Aniruddha Dattatraya Gadre, Hemant Kumar Mody
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Patent number: 6246021Abstract: A switching device has an openable contact arrangement including at least one movable contact member disposed on a movable contact arm and at least one stationary contact member. At least one movable braking body is provided for limiting the movement of the contact arm in opening the contact arrangement. The inertias of the contact arm with the movable contact member and the braking body are designed so that the contact arm is braked and the braking body is moved upon an impact of the contact arm with the braking body.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Moeller GmbHInventors: Lutz Thilker, Albert Zacharias
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Patent number: 5874875Abstract: An electromagnetic relay structure having a plate spring and a yoke secured to a base by forming a vibration damping portion integral with a terminal and by securing the terminal to the base by insertion molding. The vibration damping portion is disposed between an L-shaped yoke, an end of which is secured to the base, and the terminal, which is also fixed to the base. The vibration damping portion is spot welded to a plate spring, which is secured to the yoke. A spot welding machine is provided for fixing the plate spring to the vibration damping portion. The spot welding machine has electrodes that are rotated by motors while effecting spot welding of the material.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Niles Parts Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Kobayashi, Kazuo Ohtsuka, Nobuo Ishibashi
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Patent number: 5869934Abstract: The present invention is directed to a barricade light control switch apparatus for operating a battery powered barricade light unit. The apparatus comprises a light unit housing, light source, battery, and circuit means for controlling operation of the light source, and a reed switch. A magnet retained by a magnet carrier is positionable in either of two positions and controls operation of the reed switch. When the magnet carrier is in a first position the magnet is positioned in proximity to and closes the reed switch. When the magnet carrier is in a second position the magnet is positioned away from and opens the reed switch. Retention means preclude unintended movement of the magnet carrier. A method for controlling a barricade light unit is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1996Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: WLI Industries Inc.Inventor: LeRoy L. Goff
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Patent number: 5192841Abstract: A circuit breaker having a chassis, an electrical contact structure, and a shock absorber mechanism. The contact structure includes a movable first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The first contact has a first movement range. The shock absorbing mechanism, which absorbs energy from the movement of the first contact, includes a metallic bar pivotally mounted on the chassis, and first and second limit members fixed to the chassis. The first and second limit members define a second movement range which overlaps the first movement range. A spring weakly biases the metallic bar towards the second limit member. The first contact, during movement thereof to an open position, strikes the metallic bar. Kinetic energy is removed from the first electrical contact by the metallic bar without bounce of the electrical contact, and the metallic bar pivots against the first limit member, transferring the shock of stopping the first contact to the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1991Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Stanislaw A. Milianowicz, Edward J. Klimek, Robert N. Krevokuch
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Patent number: 5089795Abstract: A compact molded case circuit breaker with increased ampere rating employs a latch assembly for maintaining the circuit breaker operating mechanism in a closed condition against a pair of powerful operating springs. To increase the mechanical advantage required to move the operating handle against the springs, a retractable handle extender is attached to the handle. For higher-rated circuit applications, a lug cover extension is added to the line end of the breaker to assist in extinguishing the intense arc that occurs during circuit interruption and to protect the line lugs from inter-phasal circuit faults. A visual access slot is arranged next to the circuit breaker handle to ascertain and verify the condition of the circuit breaker contacts. A rebound cushion is inserted on the interior surface of the circuit breaker cover to deter the return of the movable contact arm during contact separation under extreme overcurrent conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1990Date of Patent: February 18, 1992Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roger J. Morgan, Irenaeus S. Panus, Ronald G. Pekrul, Thomas F. Papallo, Jr., Robert A. Morris, Henry J. Tucholski, Hamon L. Craft
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Patent number: 4987397Abstract: An electromagnetic switching device having a magnet system with a magnet yoke and armature, this armature being connected to a contact carrier, which is movably guided in the housing of the switching device and has switching contacts lying one behind the other at right angles to the actuating direction. Together with stationary contacts, these switching contacts form make or break contacts, with supporting or locking stops being provided for switching contacts in the contact carrier. The contact carriers are guided with clearance in the housing, so that a tilting is possible. With regard to this tilting motion, the free path, that is the path which is required from the point where all break contacts are disengaged up to the point where all make contact are brought into contact, must be cut off at the last disengaging break contact. To keep this free path relatively long, the stops are arranged in the contact bridge carrier in a staggered manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1989Date of Patent: January 22, 1991Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Kurt Held
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Patent number: 4933655Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mounting structure of a reed switch in an eddy-current-type indicator which can realize to lessen an operation vibration sound of the reed switch. The mounting structure comprises a housing, a magnet rotatably provided in the housing, a pair of terminals mounted on the housing, a reed switch for detecting the number of the rotation of the magnet by generating pulse corresponding to the rotation of the magnet, the reed switch having a pair of leg portions electrically connected to the terminals, respectively, and cushion members for preventing vibration generated in the reed switch when it is operated from being transmitted to the housing and terminals. The cushion members elastically contact with the leg portions of the reed switch, so that the operation vibration is absorbed by the cushion members.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1989Date of Patent: June 12, 1990Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Yukio Matsubara
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Patent number: 4876522Abstract: An electromagnetic switchgear having a housing top and a bottom plate is constructed such that the bottom plate is resiliently held relative to the housing top to avoid damaging the housing top and bottom plate during operation. Elastic damping elements are interposed between the bottom plate and the housing top by screwing the bottom plate to the housing top. The bottom plate suspension is especially suitable for electromagnetic switchgear, such as contactors.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1988Date of Patent: October 24, 1989Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Norbert Mitlmeier, Bardo Koppmann
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Patent number: 4816793Abstract: A solenoid is fitted with three dampers, two located on opposite sides of a flange in the solenoid and the third within the cell bore. The dampers allow movement of a plunger that supplies mechanical energy from electrical energy passed through the solenoid. The dampers absorb vibrational energy that would otherwise break apart the solenoid. In addition, a current path is provided between a positive electrical contact and a flange of the plunger, so arcing therebetween is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1987Date of Patent: March 28, 1989Assignee: R.P.M. Industries, Inc.Inventor: John F. Lulich
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Patent number: 4799037Abstract: A circuit interrupter comprises, in a housing, a movable contact assembly having a movable contact carrier and a contact arm supporting the movable contact carrier, and a cross bar secured to the movable contact assembly for allowing the movable contact assembly to rotate thereabout. The circuit interrupter also comprises a bearing assembly secured to the housing for rotatably supporting the cross bar, and the bearing assembly has a stop surface capable of being engaged by the movable contact assembly for determining the OFF position of the movable contact assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1987Date of Patent: January 17, 1989Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsukasa Iio, Yoshinori Mochizuki, Hiroshi Fujii, Yasusi Genba, Hideaki Moriwaki
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Patent number: 4757293Abstract: A solenoid is fitted with three dampers, two located on opposite sides of a flange in the solenoid and the third within the cell bore. The dampers allow movement of a plunger that supplies mechanical energy from electrical energy passed through the solenoid. The dampers absorb vibrational energy that would otherwise break apart the solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1987Date of Patent: July 12, 1988Assignee: R.P.M. Industries, Inc.Inventor: John F. Lulich
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Patent number: 4706037Abstract: A solenoid contactor arrangement facilitates soft contact between the movable and stationary contacts and provides for overtravel of an armature in a manner which ensures that good and consistent electrical contact is maintained between the movable and the stationary contacts. The movable contacts are carried on an axially reciprocable armature assembly and are afforded limited axial displacement relative thereto. The movable contacts are biased by a coil spring to a first position on the armature assembly in preparation for engagement with the stationary contacts. When that engagement occurs, the movable contacts stop, the spring yields, and further displacement of the armature assembly occurs until a stop on it firmly contacts and is stopped by a corresponding stop on the movable contacts. The spring is formed and positioned such that it does not dimensionally interfere with the firm contact between the movable contacts and the armature assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1986Date of Patent: November 10, 1987Assignee: Hamilton Standard Controls, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Prouty, S. Michael Cunningham
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Patent number: 4698470Abstract: The kinetic energy generated by the rapidly moving contact and coupled operating mechanism of a tripped circuit breaker or similar apparatus is dissipated by a compressible shock-absorbing assembly comprising a loose stack of freely-movable magnetized metal plates which is mounted in laterally-extending position on a stationary upstanding part of the breaker and is struck by a lever fastened to the main operating shaft of the breaker operating mechanism. The metal plates are freely movable toward and away from one another and are so magnetized that adjacent plates repel one another. The plates are accordingly normally spaced from each other and produce a series of sequentially-occurring impacts and collisions between the plates and the advancing striker lever when the breaker is tripped.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1986Date of Patent: October 6, 1987Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventor: Stanislaw A. Milianowicz
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Patent number: 4638279Abstract: The electromagnet comprises a fixed magnetic circuit, a mobile magnetic circuit forming, with the fixed magnetic circuit, at least one air gap and a coil. The distance over which the mobile magnetic circuit travels with respect to the fixed magnetic circuit is limited by at least one working position stop determining the working position, this stop being provided with at least one working position damper.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1985Date of Patent: January 20, 1987Assignee: La Telemecanique ElectriqueInventors: Alain Brisson, Jean R. Clement
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Patent number: 4626811Abstract: The gap distance separating the contacts of a low-voltage circuit breaker in the tripped position is increased by utilizing resilient stop means which is located at the bottom wall of the breaker housing rather than at the top wall (or on the handle of the breaker) in accordance with prior art practice. The movable contact arm is pivotally mounted and structured to strike the stop means as the contacts are separated and being blown open during short circuit conditions and, after the circuit breaker is tripped, the collapsed toggle assembly of the operating mechanism shifts the movable contact arm away from the stop means and allows the arm to move an additional distance away from the fixed contact and thus increase the gap distance between the opened contacts.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1985Date of Patent: December 2, 1986Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Jere L. McKee, William I. Stephenson, Donald E. Schlosser
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Patent number: 4625194Abstract: An a.c. contactor with an armature activated by a magnetic system, which is effectively connected to a return spring-loaded contactor onto which the movable contact component of the contact system is mounted. The contact carrier is herein fitted with an auxiliary mass and placed in effective contact with the armature by a coupling spring, wherein the auxiliary mass is movable in relationship to the contact carrier and an additional spacer bar component, with which the armature is coupled. The coupling spring supported on one end by the contact carrier, can on the other end connect to an offset end of the spacer component which is pressed against the auxiliary mass, whereby the auxiliary mass connects with a catch of a contact carrier or else is spring-loaded against the direction of motion of the contact carrier towards a stop on the contact carrier via a separate auxiliary spring. These improvements dampen and delay the recoil of the contact carrier experienced during switching of the a.c. contactor.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1985Date of Patent: November 25, 1986Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Kurt Held
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Patent number: 4521757Abstract: A high speed electromagnetically actuated electromechanical switch is provided by a bistable electric snap blade operated by an electromagnetic actuator. A magnetically permeable yoke directs the flux paths of a pair of coaxial coils. An armature plunger shuttles axially reciprocally in the coils between first and second positions. The snap blade has a pair of cantilever arms extending towards each other to engage the armature plunger in the gap therebetween for lateral flexing actuation. Energization of a given coil provides a primary flux path around that coil through the yoke and the armature plunger, and provides a secondary flux path around both coils through the yoke and the armature plunger. The primary flux path force around either coil is always stronger than the secondary path.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1982Date of Patent: June 4, 1985Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Jerome K. Hastings, James H. Bigelow, Robert L. Pearson
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Patent number: 4472697Abstract: A low cost electromagnet assembly for a relay. The assembly includes an I-shaped stationary magnet that extends through a passage in a magnet coil and a U-shaped armature assembly with the armature assembly. The armature assembly includes a molded armature guide having projections on a rear wall of the guide arranged to actuate a plurality of switch plungers, side walls extending from the rear wall defining a cavity and an opening in the rear wall exposing a portion of the cavity at the rear wall side of the guide. The assembly also includes the U-shaped armature having a body portion positioned in the cavity and an elastomeric pad position between the armature body portion and the rear wall and a conical spring between the body and guide for absorbing shock created when the electromagnet is deenergized.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1982Date of Patent: September 18, 1984Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Winfred R. Lemke, James T. Tucker, Kenneth H. Marien, Joseph J. Gribble
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Patent number: 4460881Abstract: An electro-mechanical relay, particularly for automotive use, characterized by quietness of operation in which the armature coil, spring arm and contact elements are so arranged that the mating surfaces of the contact elements lie substantially in a single plane when in open position and are closed without audible noise by relative sliding movement in said plane.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1982Date of Patent: July 17, 1984Inventors: Jack B. Meister, Stephen P. Beard, Robert H. Andrews
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Patent number: 4424501Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor having an improved contact structure comprising a cantilever mounted contact leaf spring with the free end portion thereof longitudinally slotted into three tongues, the center one of which is bent at an obtuse angle to serve as an overtravel spring. The free end of the contact leaf spring is engaged with a linearly reciprocating actuator which flexes the center tongue toward the outer tongues upon engagement of a fixed contact by a movable contact carried by the contact leaf spring to damp contact bounce.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1982Date of Patent: January 3, 1984Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.Inventor: Ronald W. Goodrich
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Patent number: 4286243Abstract: A switch construction having a support carrying switch contacts and an electrical coil that has an armature operatively associated with the switch contacts to cause a switching operation therewith when the coil is energized to attract the armature from a first position thereof to a second position thereof relative to the coil. A mechanical spring arrangement is operatively associated with the armature to continuously resist the movement thereof from the first position thereof to the second position thereof with an increasing force that overcomes the increasing pull in force of the energized coil on the armature before the armature reaches its zero gap with the energized coil whereby the spring arrangement prevents the armature from reaching its zero gap and thereby causes the switch construction to be relatively noiseless in the operation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1979Date of Patent: August 25, 1981Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventor: Werner R. Bauer
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Patent number: 4267419Abstract: A multiphase circuit breaker structure characterized by stationary and movable contact means for each phase, a cross bar operatively connected to the movable contact means, a stop plate for stopping movement of the cross bar during opening of the contacts, and shock absorbing means on one of the stop plate and cross bar for absorbing energy released when the cross bar moves to the open position of the contacts.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1979Date of Patent: May 12, 1981Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Alfred E. Maier, Walter V. Bratkowski
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Patent number: 4255732Abstract: A molded case current limiting circuit interrupter includes a pair of pivoting contact arms each supporting a contact and being connected to wiring terminals such that current flows through the contact arms in opposite directions. One of the contact arms has a movable pivot point. A magnetic drive slot motor device is provided to generate electrodynamic contact opening force upon the contact arms during short circuit conditions. A high-speed magnetic trip device releases the operating mechanism under short circuit conditions to move the arm pivot point before the contact arms reclose. A spring latch may be provided to latch the upper contact arm in a contact-separated position during short circuit conditions until such time as the overcurrent flow through the breaker operates a thermal and magnetic trip mechanism to move an operating mechanism to the tripped position.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1978Date of Patent: March 10, 1981Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: John A. Wafer, Walter V. Bratkowski, Walter W. Lang
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Patent number: 4251788Abstract: To reliably hold a movable contact bridge carrier on a longitudinally slidable contact stem in position, even though subjected to severe vibration and shock, while still permitting free longitudinal movement of the stem carrying the contact carrier, the stem is passed through an opening formed in the magnetic yoke of the operating solenoid, and a clamping bushing, for example of tough, elastically deformable plastic, such as nylon, is placed in position to surround the stem where it passes through the opening, the bushing having spreader elements which extend radially outwardly to resiliently bear against the inner surface of the opening, the spreader elements merging into a cylindrical portion of the bushing surrounding the stem to hold the stem in centered, vibration and shock-absorbing position within the opening in which it is longitudinally movable.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1979Date of Patent: February 17, 1981Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Otto Barthruff, Martin Mayer, Martin Sprenger
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Patent number: 4236132Abstract: An electromagnetic switch which comprises an armature pivotally movable between first and second pivotal positions about a fulcrum positioned between its ends. Magnet means are positioned adjacent each of the armature ends and present opposite polarities outwardly from each end of the armature. Electromagnet core means define arms positioned adjacent the magnet means at each armature end, with the magnet means being each respectively movable toward and away from an arm when pivoting between the first and second pivotal positions. The armature can be moved between the first and second positions by changing the polarity of the electromagnet core means. In accordance with this invention, restraining means engagable with the armature for preventing the armature from pivoting into contact with the electromagnet core means are provided for prevention of noise and for preservation of the life of the magnet means.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1979Date of Patent: November 25, 1980Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas Zissimopoulos
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Patent number: 4149129Abstract: The following specification describes a magnetic assembly for use in controlling the main contacts of a circuit breaker. The magnetic assembly includes a yoke, an armature for attraction to the yoke to move an operating lever and a pivotable adjustment arm. The lever operates the trip crossbar, which opens the main contacts and is in turn pivotably carried by the adjustment arm. One end of the operating lever is held against longitudinal movement relative the trip crossbar, when the adjustment arm is pivoted to calibrate the circuit breaker. The lever therefore pivots on the adjustment arm to move the armature towards or from the yoke to control the armature air gap without altering the lever travel distance to the crossbar. The armature is also mounted on the lever for relatively linear movement in relationship to the yoke.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1977Date of Patent: April 10, 1979Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Paul R. Andersen, Rodney C. Kramer
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Patent number: 4135135Abstract: A single pole molded case circuit breaker having a spring powered trip free contact operating mechanism including an extendable toggle connected at one end to a releasable cradle and connected at the other end to a movable contact, a latch for holding the cradle in reset position, and an automatic trip means for operating the latch to release the cradle upon the occurrence of predetermined overload conditions, is provided with anti-rebound means which prevents the movable contact from moving toward closed circuit position except under the influence of the operating mechanism. The anti-rebound means includes a single resilient member which is positioned to block the toggle from being extended unless the cradle is in its reset position.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1977Date of Patent: January 16, 1979Assignee: Gould Inc.Inventor: Tadeusz Rys
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Patent number: 4095200Abstract: A DC contactor providing increased magnetic efficiency, reduced contact bounce, and shorter arc time has a movable contact carrier bar pivotally mounted relative to a clapper armature so as to prevent tilting about its longitudinal axis and eliminate rotational bounce; a pre-loaded contact pressure spring which resiliently urges the contact carrier bar against the armature; an armature retainer spring which resiliently urges the pivoted end of the armature backward and downward against the yoke so as to displace dirt accumulated in the pivot area and prevent jamming of the armature; a generally hyperbolic magnetic pull characteristic with the knee at approximately the one-half armature travel position and the magnetic pull at the two-thirds armature travel position being approximately twice the magnetic pull at the knee to thus provide relatively high magnetic pull per ampere in the region above the knee; the magnet gap between armature and core at the point of contact engagement being less than that at the kType: GrantFiled: December 22, 1976Date of Patent: June 13, 1978Assignee: Allis-Chalmers CorporationInventor: Paul M. Gallatin
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Patent number: 4081772Abstract: An arrangement for providing an electrical current path between a connector pin in the header of a relay and the moving contacts in which a bracket is attached to the side of the connector pin and is bifurcated so as to extend on either side of the connector pin. A U-shaped spring member has one leg bifurcated to straddle the connector pin and engage the bracket in a knife-edge contact. The other leg of the U-shaped spring member engages the moving contact support in a knife-edge connection, allowing pivoting movement of the moving contacts relative to the connector pin.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1976Date of Patent: March 28, 1978Assignee: Leach CorporationInventors: John C. Schuessler, David J. Tapp
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Patent number: 4063204Abstract: An energy absorbing and contact pressure applying arrangement which minimizes bounce of a movable electrical contact upon engagement with a stationary or fixed electrical contact. In an illustrated embodiment, an armature member is attracted by an electromagnet means to draw the movable contact into engagement with the fixed contact. The movable contact engages the fixed contact before the armature has completed its travel into magnetically sealed engagement with the core of the electromagnet means. During the additional increment of travel necessary for the armature to move into magnetically sealed relation to the core of the electromagnet means, means connected to the moving armature causes compression of an energy absorbing and contact pressure applying device against the carrier arm on which the movable contact is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1977Date of Patent: December 13, 1977Assignee: Allis-Chalmers CorporationInventor: William B. McFarlin
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Patent number: 4048601Abstract: In an electrical relay in which the moving contacts of a switch are actuated by the pivoting movement of an armature, the moving contacts are carried by a blade which is supported on the armature by a contact carrier in the form of an insulating block. The carrier is anchored to the armature by a pair of clamping members having cantilevered spring fingers that engage recesses in the margins of the carrier to clamp the carrier against the armature and secure the carrier against lateral movement.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1976Date of Patent: September 13, 1977Assignee: Leach CorporationInventors: John C. Schuessler, David J. Tapp