Abstract: An actuator assembly is disclosed. The actuator assembly includes a driven component, a coil housing including a first coil and a second coil, and an armature housing including a first armature and a second armature. The first armature is axially fixed to the armature housing, and the second armature is slidably received within the armature housing and axially fixed to the driven component. In a first energized state, the first coil is energized, and the driven component is driven a first predetermined distance towards the coil housing. In a second energized state, the first coil and the second coil are energized, and the driven component is driven a second predetermined distance towards the coil housing.

Abstract: The pressing member is configured to move to an off-position and an on-position. When the pressing member is located at the off-position, the first contact and the second contact come into a non-contact state. When the pressing member is located at the on-position, the first contact and the second contact come into a contact state by press of the pressing member against the contact piece. The actuator moves the pressing member from the off-position to the on-position via an overshoot position located beyond the on-position. The contact piece includes a body, and a low rigidity portion having rigidity lower than rigidity of the body. The pressing member presses the low rigidity portion.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to magnetic field sensors, such as magnetic field angle sensors with generally on-axis arrangements of sensor elements relative to a rotation axis of a magnet or shaft. The shaft comprises or is coupled to an end portion that comprises a soft magnetic material, in embodiments, with the end portion having an end surface proximate the sensor that is rotationally asymmetric with respect to the rotation axis running through the length of the shaft. The sensor comprises at least three magnetic field sensing elements arranged in a plane generally perpendicular to the shaft and rotation axis. Circuitry forming part of or coupled to the sensor is configured to estimate a rotational position of the shaft by combining the signals of the at least three magnetic field sensing elements.

Abstract: A position detection device includes a magnet and a magnetic detector. The magnet includes a first pole, a second pole, a third pole and a fourth pole. The first pole and the second pole are arranged spaced apart from each other and have a same magnetic polarity. The third pole and the fourth pole are arranged spaced apart from each other and have a magnetic polarity different from the magnetic polarity of the first pole and the second pole. The first pole faces the third pole. The second pole faces the fourth pole. The magnetic detector is configured to detect magnetism of the first pole, the second pole, the third pole, and the fourth pole.

Abstract: A stepped portion is formed in an outer peripheral portion of a slide core and is stepped to reduce an outer diameter of one portion of the slide core located on one axial side of the stepped portion. A first conducting portion of a ring core covers an outer peripheral surface of the one portion of the slide core and is slidable along an outer peripheral surface of the one portion of the slide core. The first conducting portion conducts a magnetic flux between the first conducting portion and the slide core in a radial direction. A second conducting portion of the ring core is configured into a form of a flange and radially outwardly extends from the first conducting portion. The second conducting portion conducts the magnetic flux between the second conducting portion and a bottom wall portion of a yoke in an axial direction.

Abstract: Magnetic field manipulation devices and magnetic actuators are disclosed. In one embodiment, a magnetic field manipulation device includes an iron base substrate having a surface, and at least four electrically conductive loops embedded in the surface of the iron substrate. The at least four electrically conductive loops are electrically coupled to one another, and are arranged in the surface of the iron substrate such that the magnetic field manipulation device diverges magnetic flux lines of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field source positioned proximate the magnetic field manipulation device. In another embodiment, the at least four electrically conductive loops are electrically isolated such that the magnetic field manipulation device converges magnetic flux lines of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field source positioned proximate the magnetic field manipulation device.

Abstract: A solenoid valve for controlling a fluid has a first housing part (2) and an axial guide (3) facing inwards for an armature (4) that can be displaced in the axial guide (3) under the effect of a solenoid (5) that at least partially surrounds the exterior of the first housing part (2). A return spring (6) and a closing element (27) impact a valve closing element (7). A second housing part (9) is arranged coaxially to the first housing part (2). The first housing part (2) has a reduced wall portion (17) that faces inwards towards the armature (4) and the second housing part (9) and that effects a magnetic separation of the two housing parts (2, 9) to at least some extent.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve includes a valve seat, a valving element, and a solenoid part. The valve seat has an annular shape and defines a valve hole. The solenoid part includes a coil, a core guide part, a fixed core, and a movable core. The coil becomes an electromagnet upon energization thereof. The core guide part is arranged radially inward of the coil. The movable core is accommodated and reciprocated inside the core guide part in accordance with whether the electromagnet is turned on or off. The valving element moves integrally with the movable core to open or close the valve hole. The core guide part includes a magnetic unbalance part where magnetic force applied between the core guide part and the movable core is different between on one side and the other side of the core guide part in its radial direction.

Abstract: Electromagnetic devices and near field plates for three-dimensional magnetic field manipulation are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic device includes a rotor, a stator, and a magnetic field focusing device. The rotor may include a rotor body and a plurality of radially extending rotor poles. The stator may include a plurality of stator poles radially extending inwardly from a stator body toward the rotor body. Each stator pole may have a magnetic flux generating device and a stator pole tip, wherein an air gap may be located between each stator pole tip and each corresponding rotor pole. The magnetic field focusing device is coupled to at least one stator pole tip and produces a magnetic field profile having at least one concentrated magnetic flux region proximate the stator pole tip. The magnetic field focusing device twists the magnetic field profile by an angle ?.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator device has a core unit with a coil device designed to cooperate with armature units displaceably guided relative to the core unit in response to current applied to the coil device, wherein the core unit is designed to cooperate with a plurality of spatially separated plunger units of the armatures so that an electromagnetic interaction takes place with the plurality of plunger units in response to current applied to a coil of the coil device.

Abstract: Magnetic field manipulation devices and magnetic actuators are disclosed. In one embodiment, a magnetic field manipulation device includes an iron base substrate having a surface, and at least four electrically conductive loops embedded in the surface of the iron substrate. The at least four electrically conductive loops are electrically coupled to one another, and are arranged in the surface of the iron substrate such that the magnetic field manipulation device diverges magnetic flux lines of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field source positioned proximate the magnetic field manipulation device. In another embodiment, the at least four electrically conductive loops are electrically isolated such that the magnetic field manipulation device converges magnetic flux lines of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field source positioned proximate the magnetic field manipulation device.

Abstract: The magnetic force between the electromagnet and plunger of a magnetic actuator, the electromagnet including a coil generating magnetic flux when the coil is energized, can be increased by locating a near field plate on the electromagnet. The near field plate has a spatially modulated surface reactance configured to focus the magnetic flux within a region of the plunger, such as the central portion of an end portion of the plunger proximate the electromagnet, so as to increase the magnetic force between the electromagnet and plunger. Examples also include permanent magnet based actuators and the use of other magnetic field focusing devices.

Abstract: An example apparatus comprises a drive coil energizable by a drive signal, at least one permanent magnet, and at least one magnetic return path element for flux induced by the drive signal, the magnetic return path element, such as a balanced armature, being configured to provide a variable reluctance, so as to reduce nonlinearities in a displacement versus drive signal relationship. Modifying the reluctance versus flux properties of the magnetic return path of a transducer, e.g. the armature of a balanced armature device, allows compensation for nonlinearity arising in another part of the apparatus.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator comprises a core (1), a ferromagnetic component (2) movable in a gap (5) in the core, and a magnet (4) for attracting the component to one side of the gap. A flux concentrator (12) concentrates the magnetic flux on that side of the gap (5) and a solenoid (8) produces magnetic flux in the gap. A magnetic circuit of the solenoid is defined by part of the core (1), part of the gap (5) and by a further gap (6) between the ferromagnetic component (2) and the core (1). A demagnetiser (7) has a magnetic circuit defined by another part of the core (1), another part of the gap (5) and by the further gap (6). The demagnetiser is arranged to demagnetise the magnet (4) at least to the extent that the magnetic flux produced by the solenoid (8) is diverted from the flux concentrator (12) into the further gap (6) and the movable component (2) is movable away from the magnet (4) under the magnetic force of the solenoid (8).

Abstract: A flat electromagnetic actuator includes a solenoid, a shaft at the center thereof, first and second bearings, a projecting supporting part, a movable core having an annular projection, a cylindrical yoke, a coil bobbin, a coil and a cylindrical housing whose top is closed, wherein an axial dimension thereof is shorter than a radial dimension thereof, and wherein the second bearing, the projecting supporting part, the movable core, the annular projection, the cylindrical yoke, the coil bobbin, and the housing are disposed on a same surface perpendicular to a displacement direction of the shaft, and continuously provided in the radial direction.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve assembly having a dual armature solenoid for controlling two valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the solenoid may include a first pole piece, a second pole piece spaced from the first pole piece, a coil disposed about at least a portion of the first pole piece, a first armature extending laterally across the first pole piece and the second pole piece, and a second armature extending laterally across the first pole piece and the second pole piece. In one illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to the second pole piece. In another illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to the first pole piece. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to opposite pole pieces. In any case, the coil may electromagnetically actuate the first and second armatures to selectively open and/or close corresponding valves or other actuatable components.

Abstract: The main body of the actuator structure is generally formed into a “pitchfork”shape. The middle bar of the pitchfork forms a Y-bend at its forward end. The Y-bend is disposed so that each tip of the bend is adjacent to the outer bar on each side of the pitchfork. At least a coil is fixed on each bar of the main body. The forward ends of the Y-bend abut against a movable member. In the structure above, applying a current to a coil generates minute movements in each tip of the Y-bend, thereby moving the movable member.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing relative positions of mechanically coupled devices. The apparatus includes a magnetically actuated switch connected to a set of flux conductors to form a switch assembly. A permanent magnet is affixed to a set of flux conductors to form a magnet assembly. The flux conductors are positioned adjacently to conduct flux from the permanent magnet to the magnetically actuated switch. Movement of either assembly results in the reduction of flux conduction between the magnet and the magnetically actuated switch. The apparatus can be integrated into a helmet mount for night vision goggles to sense the relative position of the helmet mount for controlling the operation of the night vision goggle.

Abstract: A single coil solenoid includes a permanent magnet with bidirectional assist capabilities. The solenoid includes an armature that during de-energization of a single coil of wire is attracted to the permanent magnet thereby maintaining a hold position and during energization of the single coil has a polarity that repels the permanent magnet thereby creating a push/pull force. In this regard, the permanent magnet operates to not only hold the armature but also is used to push the armature when current is induced in the single coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator comprising an actuator member (6) connected to an armature (8) which is movable under drive from a drive member comprising at least one coil (1) for generating magnetic flux in a core (2) having a face facing a face of the armature (8), at least one of the facing faces including at least one set-back portion (10), the armature (8) and the core (2) being arranged, in a first zone (12) of the armature (8) and of the core (2) including the set-back portion, to define a first magnetic path which is interrupted by an air gap that is not less than the setback of the set-back portion (10) when the armature (8) bears against the core (2), and in a second zone (13) of the armature (8) and of the core (2) excluding the set-back portion, to define a second magnetic path which is interrupted solely by a residual air gap when the armature (8) bears against the core (2), the total area of the set-back portion being no greater than an area that would bring the magnetic fl

Abstract: An electromagnet system for a switch includes a main magnetic circuit including a magnet yoke and a magnet armature mechanically linked to a contact apparatus. At least one permanent magnet is disposed in the main magnetic circuit for generating a holding force for the magnet armature. A shunt circuit is provided parallel with the main magnetic circuit so that the permanent magnet is a magnetic energy source for the shunt circuit. The shunt circuit includes pole legs and a yoke arc of the magnet yoke. The magnet armature is capable of contacting the pole legs so as to close the shunt circuit. An excitation winding is provided for each of the pole legs for to generating a pull-in force for the magnet armature. The electromagnet system is magnetically dimensioned such that a minimum magnetomotive force of the excitation windings is sufficient for opening the electromagnet system.

Abstract: There is provided an electromagnetic actuator which includes a coil disposed about a tube bearing a movable armature, the coil being electrically connectable to a circuit configured to provide a current to the coil to generate a magnetic field and magnetic flux in at least one direction. The movable armature is magnetically coupleable with the coil. A flux adjustment element is also provide and is configured for movement within a magnetic flux output by the coil so as to increase a magnetic flux input to the armature upon movement of the flux adjustment element in a first direction and to decrease a magnetic flux input to the armature upon movement of the flux adjustment element in a second direction, wherein the flux adjustment element is externally disposed about a distal end of the tube.

Abstract: An electromagnetically energized actuator featuring low friction, low wear, low impact and low noise attributes. The actuator includes a polymer tube, a stop fixedly disposed in the tube and composed of a highly permeable material, a plunger reciprocably disposed within the tube and composed of a highly permeable material, a spring assembly including a spring which is formed at the facing ends the stop and the plunger which spring serves to bias the plunger away from the stop, a first plate composed of a highly permeable material which is connected to a first end of the tube, and a second plate composed of a highly permeable material which is connected to a second end of the tube. The tube is composed of a polymer which (relative to a conventional brass tube) allows tighter tolerances between the plunger and the tube resulting in lower wear, less sliding noise, reduction in corrosion, and elimination of thinned end of the tube. The preferred tube polymer is VESPEL® with TEFLON® mixture.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuable device has a magnetic core proximate an armature and a coil selectively energized to draw the armature to the magnetic core. The armature and magnetic core are of laminated magnetic steel and have mating surfaces. At least one of the armature and magnetic core includes conductive weld or braze lines for integrally securing laminations together to define a conductive path proximate the mating surface to provide a shading coil.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body defining a chamber with a controlled outlet. A stop and seat are spaced from each other and are supported within the chamber in axial alignment with the controlled outlet. A plunger reciprocably moves between the stop and the seat to open and close the controlled outlet through the operation of a solenoid assembly. The solenoid assembly includes a spool supported between two plates. An electrical coil is disposed around the spool for receiving electrical current and generating a magnetic flux. A primary magnetic flux loop forms a path around the spool, through the two plates, the plunger and the stop to move the plunger away from the controlled outlet. An annular magnetic flux regulator made of magnetic conductive material is disposed in the spool to provide a secondary bypass magnetic flux flow path for a portion of the generated magnetic flux during high amp-turn operating conditions.

Abstract: A transfer switch that includes output contacts, primary input contacts, secondary input contacts and a switch stack. The switch stack alternately connects the output contacts to the primary input contacts and the secondary input contacts via at least one conductive path. The transfer switch further includes at least one flux barrier that is at least partially positioned near the conductive path to minimize magnetic interaction with the conductive path as current travels through the switch stack.

Abstract: In a magnetic driving device, a fixed core has a housing portion, in which a plunger is housed to reciprocatingly move, and an attracting portion toward which the plunger is attracted upon energizing a coil. The housing portion is provided with a ring portion, which is formed by machining an outer circumference wall thereof and whose thickness is thinner than that of a part of the housing portion adjacent to the ring portion to an extent that mechanical strength of the housing portion is not damaged. The ring portion is provided with a plurality of through-holes penetrating radially the wall thereof. A magnetic flux area of the ring portion is limited due to the thin wall and the through-holes so that magnetic resistance is enlarged.

Abstract: A method of testing whether a magnetic lifting device may safely lift a particular load where the magnetic lifting device is placed adjacent to the load, some or all of the magnetic elements of the magnetic lifting device are spaced such that the lifting ability of the magnetic lifting device is reduced by a predetermined amount. An attempt is then made to lift the load by a small safe distance. If this attempt is successful, the user can be sure use of the magnetic lifting device, when the lifting ability is restored, is safe. Conveniently, the spacing is achieved by the introduction of a substantially planar member between the magnetic lifting device and the load. The planar member has a similar footprint to that of the magnetic lifting device. The planar member may be made of stainless steel.

Abstract: A solenoid includes a pole member of a magnetic material, the pole member including a pole end portion having a pole surface, an armature adapted for movement relative to the pole member between first and second positions and a coil assembly for positioning the armature relative to the pole member. A magnetic shunt structure, which is located adjacent to a pole surface of the pole member, includes at least one magnetic shunt member of a magnetically permeable material, bridging at least a portion of the air gap between the pole face and the armature face, when the armature is spaced apart from the pole member, to provide a low reluctance magnetic flux path between the pole member and the armature, increasing the attractive force between the armature and the pole member. The shunt member can be configured as a ring, as a washer, or as a combination of both a ring and a washer.

Abstract: A magnetic trip with a fixed magnetic circuit polarised by a permanent magnet. The magnetic circuit includes two preferably identical parallel wafers each defining a main branch and a deflection tab with the presence of a coil on each branch. At their ends opposite to the mobile pallet, the wafers have in cross-section an L shape. The insulation structure carrying the coils is formed of two half-shells tightly holding the wafers. The trip can be used in circuit breakers.

Abstract: Electromagnetic actuator for moving a contact into a switched-on or switched-off state, comprising a contact-actuating rod which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction between a first position, corresponding to the switched-off state, and a second position, corresponding to the switched-on state. A core which is made of magnetizable material and interacts with a switch-on coil is attached to the contact-actuating rod. Also present is a pole piece which is made of magnetizable material and of which that face which is directed towards the core, in the first position of the contact-actuating rod, is arranged at an air-gap distance from that surface of the core which is directed perpendicular to the direction of displacement, and in the second position bears as closely as possible against the said core surface. The actuator furthermore comprises a yoke made of magnetizable material for closing the magnetic flux circuit of the switch-on coil through the pole piece and the core.

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: An electromagnetic solenoid includes a housing enclosing an electromagnetic coil assembly. An armature is disposed within the electromagnetic coil assembly. An end of the housing is provided with an annular groove. A nut is selectively received by the groove for varying the magnetic path of the coil assembly. Adjustment of the nut thereby sets the solenoid at a predetermined armature activation force accounting for manufacturing tolerances of the solenoid components as well as variations in the electric current supplied to the coil assembly.

Abstract: A drive device with an electric motor with permanent magnets and a pole top more particularly for use with servo drives in motor vehicles. A relay is provided for switching the motor current with at least one electromagnet, which contains a relay coil and a relay armature, and with at least one relay contact. The relay is mounted in the pole top of the electric motor and the magnetic field lines of the electromagnets are closed through the permanent magnets and the pole top of the electric motor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved electromagnetic force motor (10) with internal eddy current damping. In the preferred embodiment, the motor is comprised of a body (11), a pair of permanent magnets (15.sub.L, 15.sub.R), an electromagnetic coil (20), and an armature (13). The armature is positioned with respect to the body so as to define two variable-reluctance working air gaps (30, 31) and a constant-reluctance non-working air gap (29). The permanent magnets face one another and are mounted on the body. The body and armature are both adapted to conduct magnetic flux. Each working air gap contains a magnetic flux that is the algebraic sum of a flux attributable to the permanent magnets and a flux attributable to the coil. The non-working air gap contains flux attributable only to the permanent magnets. A current-conducting member (14) is attached to the armature and positioned within the non-working air gap.

Abstract: A magnet switch for a starter device includes a plunger on which a sufficient pull force can be exerted. The plunger drives a movable contact, and is guided by a sleeve so as to move therealong. An excited coil wound on a bobbin is provided around an outer periphery of the sleeve. The exciting coil is covered by a cylindrical frame of a magnetic material, and a bottom plate portion of the frame has an opening fitted on the outer periphery of the sleeve. A cushion spring is interposed between the bottom plate portion of the frame and the bobbin to hold the exciting coil in a predetermined position. The cushion spring has an annular portion disposed in contact with the bottom plate portion and the outer periphery of the sleeve, and a magnetic path can be formed between the annular portion and the plunger.

Abstract: A rectilinear motion proportional solenoid assembly includes a cylindrical housing containing an electromagnetic coil having a longitudinal coaxial bore. The housing contains magnetic material for providing a flux path for the magnetic field produced by the coil. A generally cylindrical magnetic pole piece element is inserted into the bore and a movable armature assembly of magnetic material is supported within the bore for movement along the longitudinal axis of the coil by a pair of thin, flexible suspension springs. One of the springs is located within the bore adjacent to one end of the magnetic pole piece whereat an axial gap between the pole piece and the armature is formed. A second spring is located within the housing within the vicinity of a radial air gap between the armature and the housing.

Abstract: A solenoid comprising a first coil positioned within a frame from which a magnetizable armature, having a coil end and a free end, extends, the coil end of the armature having a section of non-magnetizable material secured to it, and a second coil, which coil is energizable in a manner independent from that of the first coil, the second coil being secured to the other end of the non-magnetizable material so as to move with the armature from a position adjacent the first coil when the armature is in extended position to a position spaced therefrom when the armature is in retracted position, whereby when the first coil is energized to move the armature along its throw into retracted position, the second coil is simultaneously energized so as produce a repulsive magnetic force with respect to that of the first coil.

Abstract: A rectilinear motion proportional solenoid assembly includes a cylindrical housing containing an electromagnetic coil having a longitudinal coaxial bore. The housing contains magnetic material for providing a flux path for the magnetic field produced by the coil. A generally cylindrical magnetic pole piece element is inserted into the bore and a movable armature assembly of magnetic material is supported within the bore for movement along the longitudinal axis of the coil by a pair of thin, flexible suspension springs. One of the springs is located within the bore adjacent to one end of the magnetic pole piece whereat an axial gap between the pole piece and the armature is formed. A second spring is located within the housing within the vicinity of a radial air gap between the armature and the housing.

Abstract: A high-speed impact hammer type solenoid capable of operating at high speed such as 500 to 1000 strokes per second and with a relatively long stroke length. It is housed in a cylindrical shell and includes two separate coils and magnetic circuits operating on a single short plunger. The plunger is driven magnetically in both directions. The short plunger has reduced mass. This is made possible by elongated backstops extending through the coils to the plunger and by a flux washer extending from the shell to the plunger. Close control of the plunger stroke is achieved by a non-magnetic sleeve surrounding the plunger and spacing the backstops which are screw threaded into the shell. Resilient anti-residual pads on each side of the plunger absorb the impact of the plunger with the backstop, start the plunger in the opposite direction and speed up the decay of the magnetic field.

Abstract: An improved trip device for an electric switch comprises a yoke, a permanent magnet immovably positioned with respect to the yoke and a movably supported armature forming a first magnetic circuit, in which the armature is able to assume a first position under the influence of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. A magnet winding and spring are provided for causing the armature to assume a second position in response to the magnetic field generated by an electric current, flowing during operation in the magnet winding. For adjusting the threshold value at which the armature is moved to its second position, a second magnetic circuit in the form of shunt interacting with the yoke and the permanent magnet is provided. The magnetically effective surface area of the shunt is smaller in the vicinity of the section thereof which interacts with the yoke than in the vicinity of the section which interacts with the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A rectilinear motion proportional solenoid assembly includes a cylindrical housing containing an electromagnetic coil having a longitudinal coaxial bore. The housing contains maagnetic material for providing a flux path for the magnetic field produced by the coil. A generally cylindrical magnetic pole piece element is inserted into the bore and a movable armature assembly of magnetic material is supported within the bore for movement along the longitudinal axis of the coil by a pair of thin, flexible suspension springs. One of the springs is located within the bore adjacent to one end of the magnetic pole piece whereat an axial gap between the pole piece and the armature is formed. A second spring is located within the housing within the vicinity of a radial air gap between the armature and the housing.

Abstract: The polarized electromagnetic apparatus consists of a stationary core assembly and a movable core assembly. The movable core assembly is made up of a movable core spindle and one movable core plate attached to one end surface thereof. Since the movable core assembly has only one movable core plate as opposed to two movable core plates in the conventional apparatus, the complete movable core assembly can be installed into the electromagnetic coil, facilitating the assembly work. A pole piece is mounted to the inner surface of the stationary cores on the side of the other end surface of the movable core spindle. The second end surface of the movable core spindle is inserted into the pole piece, so that an additional attractive force can be obtained. This construction makes the overall attractive force greater than can be obtained with the conventional apparatus.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for use in a disc drive rotary actuator and like magnetic device includes a selectively energizable electromagnet mounted to the actuator and spaced from the magnets, and a ferrous arm pivotally attached between the magnets and the electromagnet whereby the latch arm can assume two stable positions of low magnetic reluctance for stray flux from the magnets. In one position the latch arm pivots towards the magnets and engages the rotary actuator. In the other position, the latch arm pivots towards the electromagnet and disengages the rotary actuator. Positioning of the latch arm is dependent on momentary energization and polarity of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A magnetic trip unit for molded case circuit breakers includes a pair of U-shaped magnets opposedly arranged around a part of the circuit breaker load strap and the armature strap. Circuit current in excess of a threshold value displaces the armature strap, causing it to articulate the circuit breaker operating mechanism to interrupt the circuit current.

Abstract: A circuit breaker structure having a faster trip unit characterized by a circuit breaker operator and a trip unit comprising a coil, a core, and an armature, a flux concentrating plate spaced from and on the side of the armature opposite the core and for concentrating the magnetic field between the core and the armature, and a hold-back bracket having extending from and retaining the armature in a spaced position from the core so as to cause the magnetic field lines to flow through the bracket and the armature.

Abstract: A magnet piece and armature are arranged around a circuit breaker load strap having a bimetal strip attached thereto. The magnet piece is formed in a U-shaped configuration and is attached to the load strap. A corresponding U-shaped armature is pivotally mounted to the magnet piece in a partially overlapping relation. The U-shape armature presents a larger magnet pole surface to the magnet piece for enhanced magnetic interaction.

Abstract: A polarized electromagnetic actuator device advantageous for single-stable armature operation comprises an armature pivotally supported for movement between two different angularly displaced positions about a pivot axis and an electromagnet with a pair of opposed pole members extending toward the ends of the armature on either side of the pivot axis. Disposed between the free ends of the opposite pole members is a bar-shaped three-pole magnetized permanent magnet which is magnetized to have end poles of the same polarity at the longitudinal ends and a center pole of the opposite polarity intermediate the ends, producing first and second flux paths opposing to each other and extending between the respective end portions of the permanent magnet and the adjacent end portions of the armature.

Abstract: A combined trip actuator and accessory module for molded case circuit breakers is accessible in the field for user selected accessory options. The trip actuator includes a U-shaped stator with a permanent magnet at the end of one leg. A spring-loaded armature member extends across both legs to form a closed-loop magnetic circuit. The over-current trip coil and shunt trip coil are arranged on one leg with the undervoltage coil arranged on the other leg. The accessory module is accessible from the top surface of the breaker cover for field installation of the undervoltage and shunt trip coils to provide the corresponding undervoltage and shunt trip functions.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a tripping device in which a magnetic core is contained in a vessel of viscous fluid in a magnetic frame. An armature is disposed adjacent the core and is connected to a toggle mechanism. Under conditions of moderate overloads, the armature and the core ineract and the tripping device provides a time delay before it operates. Under severe fault conditions the armature is activated directly and the effect of the core is of less significance. The core or the armature are tapered, to provide a desired balance between the delayed and instantaneous operating characteristics.