Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solenoid for providing linear actuation. The outer polepiece of the solenoid is provided with a plurality of radially-dispersed labyrinthine passageways in communication between the exterior of the solenoid and an interior region including the armature and the interior of the windings. The polepiece is further provided with at least one passageway in communication between the exterior of the solenoid and an outer periphery of the windings within the housing. The two sets of passageways impede particles and droplets of moisture from entering the solenoid, while simultaneously permitting moisture such as condensation within the solenoid to evaporate and escape.

Abstract: A solenoid includes an armature movable relative to a pole member between a first position and second and third positions, a bias structure maintaining the armature at the first position, and a dual coil assembly driving the armature from the first position to the second and third positions The armature is maintained in the second or third position by permanent magnet latching, residual magnetism latching or a holding current. A magnetic structure for the armature comprises first and second magnet segments and a spacer member for directing magnetic flux produced near ends of the magnetic segments to the armature. A drive circuit for the solenoid includes a delatch circuit for allowing the armature to be returned to the first position by the bias structure in response to loss of power. The axial position of an armature can be determined using comparative inductance test procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and applying seamless wear bands to a cylinder, such as a solenoid plunger. The apparatus consists principally of an expanding diameter pushing tool and mating conical mandrel. The pushing tool contacts and moves a flat washer type disc along the sides of the mandrel. As the disc travels along the mandrel it is transformed into a band configuration and snapped into a pre-formed undercut groove on the cylinder.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for an automotive internal combustion engine is provided which has a stator, the weight of which is reduced. The electromagnetic actuator has a pair of electromagnets each made up of a stator and a coil, an armature disposed between the pair of electromagnets so as to be reciprocable therebetween, and a first stem provided on one side of the armature for transmitting the movement of the armature to external. The stator is formed by powder molding.

Abstract: A solenoid valve comprising a coil surrounding a guide for an armature, the armature being movable in the guide through magnetising of the coil or by means of a return mechanism, and a valve seat co-operating with a closing member for selective opening or closing of a valve opening through the valve seat controlled by the armature movement. As the closing member is a separate device in relation to the armature, which closing member is activated by the armature movement to a rocking movement around a contact point with the valve seat, an normally open or normally closed solenoid is obtained.

Abstract: A proportional actuator for proportional control includes a saturation tip formed on the movable armature the solenoid coil is a step-wound coil, providing clearance for the saturation tip, allowing the coaxial diameters the magnetic pole piece and of the armature to be increased for an actuator of a given size so that the amount of force which can be produced by this type of magnetic circuit is related to the coaxial diameters of the magnetic pole piece and the armature, the configuration of the armature provides significantly higher magnetic force attraction between the magnetic pole piece and the armature because of the increased coaxial diameters of the armature and the pole piece. In addition, because of the increased diameter of the armature, the surface area of the armature that is exposed to the saturation tip is increased, thereby increasing the amount of flux that is coupled to the magnetic pole piece by the saturation tip.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is provided and includes upper and lower electromagnets. Each electromagnet includes a lamination core assembly comprising a plurality of individual stacked laminations. Upper and lower housings are provided, each having opposing end walls. The core assembly of the upper electromagnet is disposed between the end walls of the upper housing and the core assembly of the lower electromagnet is disposed between the end walls of the lower housing. An armature is mounted for movement between the core assemblies. Spacer structure is disposed between the core assemblies and contacts each of the core assemblies to prevent the core assemblies from moving towards each other. A pin provides a connection between a lamination core assembly and the end walls of an associated housing. Each housing has a contact surface between the end walls and each of the core assemblies includes a solid core member defining a central portion of each core assembly.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for the operation of a gas change valve has two electromagnets placed opposite to one another and an armature acting on the gas change valve that can be moved against the force of at least one valve spring. In an actuator of this kind, fluctuations of operational system parameters can lead to incorrect functioning and to increased wear of the actuator. With a new method for driving an actuator, the acceleration curve of the gas change valve is measured with an acceleration sensor and the energy supplied to the electromagnet capturing the armature is controlled according to the acceleration curve of the gas change valve. In this way, kinetic energy losses due to disturbances can be compensated so that the armature impacts the capturing electromagnet with a predetermined velocity.

Abstract: A magnetic coupler for magnetically or inductively coupling a pair of conductors. The coupler includes a first magnetic core member having prongs and at least one slot between the prongs for receiving the conductors, and a second magnetic core member. The coupler further includes a base for retaining the first core member and a shuttle for retaining the second core member. The shuttle is slidably mounted within the base such that the shuttle slides across and in contact with the prongs from an open position in which the slot is exposed to a closed position in which the slot is covered by the second core member, and the conductors are thereby contained within the slot. The sliding action of the cores cleans debris off the mating surfaces of the core elements to provide good mating contact between the core members for efficient coupling.

Abstract: A magnetism-sensitive lifter rotatable intermittently and dividing angles by a computer includes many permanent magnets and many induction silicon steel magnets to attract and repel one another, possible to rotate intermittently, divide angles equal and unequal and move up and down vertically by control of a computer.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator 10 includes first and second electromagnets 12 and 18, respectively. The second electromagnet 18 is in spaced relation with respect to the first electromagnet 12. An armature 24 is mounted for movement between the first and second electromagnets. An engaged position of the armature 24 is defined when the armature contacts one of the electromagnets 12 or 18 with an electrical signal to the contacted electromagnet being turned-off. Spring structure 30 is operatively associated with the armature 24 to bias the armature 24 away from the engaged position thereof. A piezoelectric device 34 is operatively associated with the armature 24 so that when the armature is in the engaged position and a force of the spring structure 30 is insufficient to move the armature from contact with the contacted electromagnet, the piezoelectric device 34 may be energized so as to move the armature 24 from contact with the contacted electromagnet.

Abstract: A magnet valve having a rod-like base body for insertion into a stepped bore of a hydraulic block through which a valve tappet reaches a valve closing ball and on whose face end remote to an armature a cup-shaped sleeve is mounted. A valve seat of the magnet valve is embodied on the bottom of the cup-shaped sleeve. In order to make a large flow cross section available for a flow through the magnet valve in one flow direction, a check valve is integrated with the magnet valve and that to this end flow openings are disposed on an imaginary circle in the bottom of the cup-shaped sleeve. The openings are closed by an annular valve closing body of the check valve. The magnet valve of the invention is intended particularly for use as a brake pressure buildup valve for a wheel brake cylinder of a slip-controlled vehicle brake system.

Abstract: A bistable permanent-magnet actuator is disclosed having a tailored switching/position force characteristic, with an adequate, modifiable holding force in the end positions. The actuator is characterized in that the yoke is formed by two parts that are mounted so as to face each other and are separated by two gaps. The dimensions of the air gaps may be tailored to obtain intended characteristics.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for operating a setting member includes an electromagnet which has a housing provided with a recess having an opening; a yoke body having a surface constituting a pole face of the electromagnet; and a solenoid surrounding the yoke body. The yoke body and the solenoid are accommodated in the housing recess. An armature, to which the setting member is coupled, is guided for motions towards and away from the pole face in a space adjoining the electromagnet. The opening of the housing recess faces the space. A resetting spring exerts a force opposing a motion of the armature towards the pole face.

Abstract: The load section switch is connected between a pole post (4) and a main circuit (8) with a contact arrangement (14, 15, 36). Via a manually actuated switch arm (45), the contact arrangement can be locked in its closed condition, whereby the locking ensues via a switch pawl (39). This switch pawl (39), on the other hand, is coupled to the armature (28) of an electromagnet system (26, 27). In this way, the contact arrangement can be unlocked and the circuit can be interrupted via the electromagnet system given the occurrence of a malfunction condition. Given an accident or a short, the on-board network of a motor vehicle can be quickly disconnected from the current with this section switch in order to reduce the risk of fire or to prevent a discharge of the battery given some other malfunction condition.

Abstract: A core assembly for an electromagnet includes a plurality of stacked laminations extending along a stacking axis. The laminations each having generally the same thickness in a direction along the stacking axis. A solid core member has opposing ends. The core member is disposed generally centrally with respect to the plurality of stacked laminations such that each end of the core member contacts a lamination of the plurality of laminations. The core member has a thickness in a direction along the stacking axis substantially greater than the thickness of a lamination. The core member also has an aperture therethrough disposed generally perpendicular to the stacking axis for receiving a shaft of an armature assembly.

Abstract: The battery section switch is switched between a terminal post and a main circuit using a contact arrangement. The contact arrangement can be locked in its closed position via a toggle spring device that acts directly on a free end of a contact spring. The toggle spring device is also coupled to the armature of an electromagnet system which, given excitation, releases the interlock and opens the contact arrangement. Given this battery section switch, the on-board network of a vehicle can be quickly switched current-free, given a collision or given a short-circuit, in order to reduce the risk of fire or in order to prevent a discharge of the battery given some other malfunction.

Abstract: A monophase electromagnetic actuator including at least a ferromagnetic part integral with a member movable along a direction Y, a fixed stator part made of soft magnetic material and including at least on electrical coil, and a thin transversely magnetized permanent magnet. The fixed stator part and the ferromagnetic part define between each other at least two air gaps arranged symmetrically with respect to the medial plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement of the movable member and passing through the middle of the permanent magnet. The length of the ferromagnetic part is approximately equal to the length of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic valve which includes a retaining member (2) that is pressure-tightly connected to a valve sleeve (3), a magnetic armature (8) which is axially movable in the valve sleeve, a valve closure member (9) corresponding with a valve seat member (16) being mounted on the magnetic armature, and a magnetic core (12) fixed in the retaining member (2) to transmit the magnetic flux of an electric valve coil (10) from the magnetic armature (8) to the retaining member (2) and to a yoke ring (11) which abuts on the valve sleeve (3) and the retaining member (2). The valve seat member (16) is attached directly to the end surface of the magnetic core (12) which is remote from the magnetic armature (8).

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator device converts electrical energy to mechanical energy by the interaction of two types of closed magnetic circuits. A first closed magnetic circuit functions to generate high magnetic intensity in a portion of a ferromagnetic core. A second substantially-closed magnetic circuit contains a movable permanent magnet which injects flux into the high-field region of the first magnetic circuit. Interaction of these two fields, in closed magnetic circuits, results in efficient and controllable electromechanical energy conversion.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator assembly is described which comprises a stator housing having a slot extending across the diameter thereof. A stator core is located within the slot, the core carrying a coil. The core is conveniently shaped to permit the use of an increased diameter coil and to increase the area of the pole faces of the core.

Abstract: An electrical actuator for a throttle device has a stator and a rotor, the rotor being coupled to the throttle device and comprising a permanent main magnet. The stator includes in axially extending slots therein auxiliary permanent magnets which interact with the rotor magnet to exert a magnetostatic torque (T.sub.MS) on the rotor which tends to rotate it to a pre-set rest position. The stator also has an energizing coil which when actuated results in an electromagnetic torque (T.sub.EM) on the rotor which is opposed to the magnetostatic torque and causes the rotor to pivot through a limited angle of rotation. The thickness and width of the auxiliary permanent magnets are selected so that the cross-sectional area thereof provides a maximum value of the magnetostatic torque (T.sub.MS) per unit volume thereof, thus minimizing the necessary volume and weight of the auxiliary permanent magnets.

Abstract: An improved tactile feedback device for a remote control robot using a repulsive force of a magnet, which is capable of achieving a more accurate operation and productive work of the robot by transmitting the tactile information of a work object positioned between grippers of robot hands to a robot operator in a central control room, which includes a computer for receiving a tactile information and for outputting a tactile feedback signal in accordance with the tactile information; a driving circuit unit for converting a tactile feedback signal outputted from the computer into a current; and a tactile feedback device for transferring a predetermined pressure to an operator in cooperation with a repulsive force between an electromagnet and a permanent magnet when the electromagnet is driven in accordance with a current applied thereto from the tactile feedback device driving unit.

Abstract: A constant-torque single-phase electromagnetic actuator including a stationary device including a first magnetic stator circuit made of a high-permeability material and excited by at least one field coil (10), and a movable device (1) including an axially magnetized disc (3) having 2N pairs of magnetic poles magnetized in alternate directions, wherein the magnetization is substantially uniform. The magnetized disc (3) is attached to a second magnetic circuit (6) made of a high-permeability material, and the movable device is provided with a coupling shaft (7). The connection between the stationary device (1) and the movable device (2) allows at least some axial play of the coupling shaft (7) away from the stationary stator device (2), and the diameter of the magnetized disc (3) is substantially identical to that of the poles of the stator circuits. Play between the stationary (2) and Movable (1) devices is compensated by the magnetic attraction exerted by the stationary device on the movable one.

Abstract: A linear motor having a magnetic circuit and a moving coil, the magnetic circuit comprising a linear yoke provided at the center of the circuit and a pair of linear magnets, the linear yoke and the pair of linear magnets forming a pair of linear gaps with the linear yoke interposed therebetween, the magnetic circuit applying a magnetic field to the linear gaps, the movable coil mounted on the linear yoke of the magnetic circuit being moved along the linear yoke by an electromagnetic action to the magnetic circuit when the movable coil is powered, wherein the linear magnet has a larger magnetic force at opposite end portions in the longitudinal direction of the linear magnet than at an intermediate area, the magnetic reluctance of the magnetic circuit is made large to obtain a driving current of the movable coil corresponding to the magnetic reluctance when the moving coil moves at the intermediate area of the linear magnet, or the magnetic circuit is mounted on a plate made of material having the same magneti

Abstract: A force generating apparatus having spacings through which magnetic fluxes are traveled, a magnetic circuit including two permanent magnets supplying magnetic fluxes to the spacings and a conductor disposed in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic fluxes in the spacings is comprised of two pair of permanent magnets of the same size, and a member for disposing the two pair of permanent magnets such that magnetic axes thereof are opposed in parallel to each other, wherein a total sum of magnetic moments caused by the two pair of permanent magnets is cancelled out. Therefore, the force generating apparatus can be prevented from producing a harmful torque even if an external magnetic field acts thereon.

Abstract: A programmable computer user input/output (I/O) system having a multiple degree-of-freedom magnetic levitation (maglev) device with a matched electrodynamically levitated flotor and stator combination and an electrodynamic forcer means for receiving coil currents for applying controlled magnetic forces mutual to the flotor and stator. A sensing means measures the relative position and orientation of the flotor and stator. The I/O system includes a maglev I/O device control software module for measuring the relative movement of the flotor-stator combination of the maglev device and for controlling the coil currents provided to the electrodynamic forcer means. At least one active device model module, comprising a software representation of a mechanical I/O device, controls the maglev I/O device control software module to generate signals which emulate the mechanical I/O device represented by the active device model.

Abstract: A magnetically levitated apparatus and method for controlling the motion of robotic manipulators. The magnetic levitation system comprises freely mobile manipulators, with attached magnetically active components, such as permanent magnets or superconducting magnets. Linear and rotational forces are imposed on the manipulator by means of externally generated magnetic fields, such as electromagnets. The arrangements of magnetic components on the manipulators, and the magnetic field sources in the environment of the manipulators determine the precision of control and degrees of freedom that the manipulators possess at any given location in the system. The manipulators may function with more than one degree of freedom with high precision at one or more locations with the system, with low precision and limited degrees of freedom in other locations in the system. Various methods are applied to provide stability and damping of the individual manipulators without requiring constant feedback.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coupling device is proposed to obviate drawbacks in the conventional coupling devices, namely, expensive production cost brought about by such step as caulking with rivet or by screw setting in making armature and spring assembly. The proposed electromagnetic coupling devices uses an armature and spring assembly which composed of a ring shaped flat spring formed with a plurality of axially extending protrusions instead of a leaf spring, and an armature having a radially extending projections for effecting spring action to the armature. The ring shaped flat spring in the modified armature/spring assembly can be fabricated with less procuction cost and can be readily fitted to to the armature with less man hours, thereby the production cost can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch is disclosed which includes a first rotatable member rotatably supported on a first bearing. The first rotatable member is provided with at least one annular groove along an outer surface thereof for receiving a belt rotatably connecting the first rotatable member to an external driving source. The first rotatable member further has a magnetic axial end plate. The magnetic axial end plate has at least one arcuate slit. A second rotatable member is rotatably supported on a second bearing. An annular magnetic member is supported on the second rotatable member so as to be capable of limited axial movement and faces the axial end plate of the first rotatable member with an axial gap therebetween. An electromagnet is associated with one of the rotatable members and the annular magnetic member for attracting the other of the rotatable members and the annular magnetic member.

Abstract: An antitheft device for a car stereo mounted in the dashboard of a motor vehicle having bores extending through the front panel of its cabinet, the device comprising (i) release pins insertable through the respective bores, (ii) a latch plate movably attached to a side face of the cabinet to engage with a portion of the dashboard and disengageable therefrom be being moved by contact with the release pins when the release pins are inserted through the respective bores to thereby render the car stereo removable from the dashboard, (iii) a blocking plate for openably blocking a space between the latch plate and the bores, (iv) electromagnet form opening the blocking plate with an electromagnetic force, and (v) control circuit for controlling the operation of the electromagnet to hold the circuit out of operation at least while the engine key of the motor vehicle is not turned to "ON" position.

Abstract: Solenoid actuators comprising an armature mounted along its planar edge by ball bearing elements within a stator frame assembly. The armature and stator frame include opposing grooves at the plane of the armature in which the ball bearing elements are captured. The stator comprises multiple pole pieces having conductive ribbon stock wound therearound for connection to a source of electrical power to move the armature on the ball bearing elements within the frame. Fixed axis, variable position linear actuators, variable axis linear actuators and rotary actuators are disclosed as preferred embodiments. Modified embodiments include a stator assembly wherein opposed stator poles are staggered laterally of the actuator centerline so as to be positioned between adjacent pairs of opposed poles. The armature may be flat or may comprise a juxtaposed spaced pair of armature plates which have internested undulations which project between adjacent pairs of the opposing stator poles.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an actuator which is particularly adapted among many other possible uses, or use in adjusting the configuration of deformable mirrors.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device comprises an annular armature an inner stator structure defining outwardly extending pole pieces and an outer stator structure defining inwardly extending pole pieces, the armature being of generally tapering form. The stator structures each carry windings whereby when the winding on the outer stator structure is energized the armature will move in one direction and when the winding on the inner stator structure is energized the armature will move in the other direction. The stator structures are so disposed that the magnetic circuits in the armature for the flux produced by the inner and outer stator structures when the respective windings are energized, are displaced relative to each other.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device comprises an inner member having a pair of helical ribs on its peripheral surface, and windings whereby the ribs can be polarized so that the ribs assume opposite magnetic polarity. An outer member formed from magnetic material surrounds the inner member in spaced relationship and a further member is located in the annular space between the inner and outer members. The inner member comprises a pair of helical elements which when current flows through the windings are attracted to the ribs. The helical elements each have the characteristic of a spring and can deform to provide a progressive increase in the force available at one end of the further member.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic actuator includes a pair of magnetizable members, the one member being hollow and surrounding the other member. The other member defines a plurality of axially spaced circumferentially extending first ribs which are of reducing diameter towards one end of the member. The one member is generally of tapering construction and defines second ribs complementary to the first ribs. Recesses are defined between adjacent pairs of first ribs and accommodate windings. When electric current is applied to the windings the members move axially relative to each other to reduce the reluctance of the magnetic paths defined by the two members.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic device comprises a first annular member and a second member having a cylindrical surface, the two members being interengaged. The presented surfaces of the two members are each provided with a two start or a multiple of a two start, thread formation thereby defining helical ribs on the two members. A winding is wound on the second member the winding arrangement being such that in the grooves or adjacent grooves the direction of current flow will be in the opposite direction when the winding is energized whereby the two members will move relative to each other to align the ribs on the members.

Abstract: A control mechanism for providing four separate linear control positions. Included is a lever having two ends, one end being free to register the four linear positions. First and second stationary solenoids both being located on one side of the lever are provided and the first solenoid plunger is pivotally secured to the lever at the end opposite the free end. The plunger of the second solenoid is pivotally secured to the lever between the ends of the lever. A stationary assembly including a spring is positioned and arranged to exert force on the lever between the first and second solenoids in a direction opposite the direction of solenoid plunger movement upon solenoid actuation. The spring force exerted on the lever is less than the combined force of the plungers of the first and second solenoids upon their common actuation. Separate spring force is exerted on the lever so that the lever is perpendicular to the plungers of the solenoids when both the first and second solenoids are deactuated.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device comprises an annular stator and a movable armature having a cylindrical outer surface, located within the stator, the stator having a thread formation consisting of a pair of helical grooves and the armature having at least two thread formations each consisting of a pair of helical grooves of the thread formations being of the same helix angle, the thread formation on the stator having a winding set comprising windings in each of the grooves of the formation, the direction of current flow in the windings being in the opposite direction whereby when electric current is past through the windings relative movement of the stator and armature will take place to reduce the reluctance of the magnetic paths between the parts.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device comprises an annular member and a core member the latter having formed in its slots and the annular member having projections located in said slots. The projections and the adjacent wall of the slot define attraction faces which when a winding located in the slot is energized, are attracted towards each other thereby to produce relative movement between the members. The other faces of the projection are provided in accordance with the invention, with a coating of an electrically conductive material so that when the windings are energized eddy currents flow in the conductive material which act to assist the relative movement of the members.

Abstract: An electro magnetic device comprises a pair of relatively movable magnetizable members which have surfaces disposed in face to face relationship. One of the members is provided with spaced projections which locate in spaced slots formed in the other member, the projections having a smaller width than the slots so as to permit limited relative movement between the members. Some or all of the slots accommodate an electrical winding, the connection of the winding or windings being such that any two slots in which the flow of current in the windings therein is in the same direction are separated by a slot with either no winding or with a winding in which the flow of current is in the opposite direction. When the winding or windings are energized and when the projections are not centrally disposed in the slots, the members will be urged relative to each other to reduce the size of the smaller gap between each projection and the side face of the associated slot.

Abstract: An electro-magnet includes a pole-piece having a portion of reduced cross-section. The shape of the reduced portion provides a restriction in the magnetic circuit such that the distance moved, against a biasing force, by an armature of the electro-magnet is proportional to the current in the electro-magnet winding. The pole piece comprises aligned parts of nickel-iron alloy joined by a soft iron part whose cross-section is less than that of the nickel-iron alloy parts.