With Auxiliary Armature-movement Control Means (e.g., Manual) Patents (Class 335/238)
  • Patent number: 11976742
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electromagnetic actuation system for opening and closing pipe valves. The electromagnetic actuation systems utilizes one or more electromagnets surrounding one or more permanent magnets attached to a rotary shaft of the valve mechanism. A controller activates the one or more electromagnets such that the produced magnetic field rotates, thereby applying a force to the one or more permanent magnets and thus rotating the rotary shaft. The system does not require rotation of the one or more electromagnets relative to the one or more permanent magnets, advantageously reducing the number of moving parts within the valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: MAGDRIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Yakos, Stephen Sanford, Robert K. Burgess
  • Patent number: 11955300
    Abstract: A vacuum circuit breaker serving as a switch includes a pair of electrodes that serve as a stationary electrode and a movable electrode, a handler including a movable shaft and a housing that operate as a first mover in withdrawing the movable electrode from the stationary electrode and closing the movable electrode toward the stationary electrode, a movable shaft that is connected as a second mover to the movable electrode, a coil spring that is connected as an elastic between the first mover and the second mover to press the movable electrode against the stationary electrode, and a shock absorber that attenuates as an attenuator contraction of the elastic when the movable electrode is withdrawn from the stationary electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motohiro Sato, Kazuki Sugino, Yuji Yoshitomo
  • Patent number: 11378196
    Abstract: A valve override assembly, comprising: a housing comprising a first portion including a cavity and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion arranged along an axial direction. A core arranged at least partially within the cavity of the first portion of the housing, wherein the core is movable with respect to the housing along the axial direction and comprises a first engagement portion. An override member arranged at least partially within the second portion of the housing such that the override member is movable with respect to the housing along the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Motion Systems Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Tamelli
  • Patent number: 9296008
    Abstract: An application head for dispensing a flowable medium includes a nozzle chamber in the application head and a nozzle needle movably mounted in the nozzle chamber. A supply channel and a supply line introduce the medium into the nozzle chamber. A drive moves the movable element. A lever arm is movably fastened to the nozzle needle and connected to the drive. The lever arm extends through a membrane of a membrane suspension connect the lever arm movably to the application head and form a seal to prevent escape of the flowable medium. Alternatively, a rocker suspension has a lever arm connectable to the movable element and the drive, a plate element has an opening through which the lever arm extends, a rocker mounting device connects the lever arm movably to the application head and a sealing device prevents any escape of adhesive from the chamber through the plate element opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ROBATECH AG
    Inventors: Heinz Mueller, Christoph Kaeppeli, Felix Huembeli
  • Patent number: 8704625
    Abstract: An electromagnetic energy transducer configured to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy comprises two magnetic elements including a permanent magnetic element and a soft-magnetic element and an electrical coil. The permanent magnetic element and the soft-magnetic element are arranged to form a magnetic circuit and one of the two magnetic elements is movable in relation to the other of the two magnetic elements. The electrical coil surrounds a part of the soft magnetic element. The movable magnetic element is held in a first position by a spring force and moved into a second position by applying an external mechanical force exceeding the spring force, and at the first position the magnetic flux within the soft magnetic element is different than the flux at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: EnOcean GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130293032
    Abstract: An actuator module comprises an actuating unit comprising a solenoid which is capable, when excited, of generating an electromagnetic field, and a core movable due to the electromagnetic field generated by the solenoid with a first end and a second end so as to be able to assume a resting position and an operating position, and which is magnetic and/or able to be magnetized. The actuating unit can be controlled by activation signals and protection signals, the activation signals energizing the solenoid so as to generate a magnetic field such as to move and hold the movable core from a resting position to the operating position, and the protection signals exciting the solenoid so as to generate a magnetic field such as to return the movable core to and hold the moveable core in the resting position. The present invention concerns a locking-unlocking system and method for protecting the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Fabrizio Promutico
  • Patent number: 8570124
    Abstract: A starting switch structure including a body, plunger piston movable in the body, wherein the plunger piston has a first accommodating portion at an end of the plunger piston for accommodating an end of a guide pin moving reciprocally, the accommodating portion has a butting portion at the bottom surface, an excitation portion wound around the end of the plunger piston, and a butting part at an open end of the accommodating portion of the plunger piston, wherein a contact point is led to electrically connect the first terminal to the second in case that the plunger piston and the guide pin move in a first direction when the excitation portion excites, while a broken circuit is led between the first terminal and the second terminal in case the plunger piston and guide pin move in a second direction after the excitation portion has finished exciting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Unipoint Electric Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mu-Hsien Lee
  • Patent number: 8552822
    Abstract: A multi-phase Medium Voltage Contactor (100) comprising: for each phase, a fixed contact (103) and a movable contact (104) positionable between an open position, in which it is operatively disconnected from the fixed contact (103), and a closed position in which it is operatively connected to the fixed contact (103); an electromagnetic actuator (10) operatively connected to the movable contact (104) and positionable between a first open position corresponding to the open position of the movable contacts (104), and a second closed position corresponding to the closed position of the movable contacts (104); a manual opening device (20) operatively connected to the electromagnetic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Osvaldo Prestini
  • Patent number: 8378836
    Abstract: A magnetic field strength threshold alarm that includes sensing means responsive to a magnetic field and actuating in response to field strength above a predetermined threshold, the sensing means being configured to be operational and able to actuate without consumption of energy; and alarm means for outputting an alarm responsive to the sensing means actuation, the alarm means being configured not to consume energy prior to actuation of the sensing means and only consuming energy subsequent to actuation of the sensing means. So, energy is not consumed by the alarm means prior to actuation. The alarm may be considered to include energy storage means for providing electrical energy, wherein the sensing means, the alarm means and energy storage means being operatively connected such that the electrical energy from the energy storage means is provided only when the sensing means is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kopp Development Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Kopp, Harold Duane DeMent
  • Publication number: 20130009731
    Abstract: A magnetic actuator includes a coil bobbin that has electrical wire wound around a core. The magnetic actuator also includes a plunger located in a central portion of the magnetic actuator and configured to move within a bore located in the central portion, and at least one spring located adjacent the central portion. When electrical current is provided to the electrical wire, an electromagnetic field causes the plunger to move from a first position to a second position, and stored energy associated with the spring aids in moving the plunger to the second position. The magnetic actuator further includes a linking portion coupled to the plunger, wherein the linking portion is configured to initiate an action based on movement of the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Fong, Geoffrey Reed
  • Patent number: 8228151
    Abstract: An electromagnetic energy transducer configured to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy comprises two magnetic elements including a permanent magnetic element and a soft-magnetic element and an electrical coil. The permanent magnetic element and the soft-magnetic element are arranged to form a magnetic circuit and one of the two magnetic elements is movable in relation to the other of the two magnetic elements. The electrical coil surrounds a part of the soft magnetic element. The movable magnetic element is held in a first position by a spring force and moved into a second position by applying an external mechanical force exceeding the spring force, and at the first position the magnetic flux within the soft magnetic element is different than the flux at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Enocean GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8138870
    Abstract: A solenoid with a coil which can be current-fed, the resulting magnetic field moving an armature. The armature acts, if necessary, on an actuator. Furthermore, the solenoid has at least one pyrotechnic actuation for the armature or the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: SVM Schultz Verwaltungs-GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Claus-Peter J. Hasel, Florian J. Rauch, Peter J. Tappe
  • Patent number: 7710225
    Abstract: The present invention provides the actuator, which is capable of preventing biased abrasion by lowering a surface pressure at a contact portion of a movable element with a guide surface and increasing a movable range, in which a specified output force can be gained. Magnetic resistance of at least one of the surfaces (Y1, Y2) of first and second yoke parts (5, 6) corresponding to peripheral surfaces (P1, P2) of a plunger (7), on which magnetic flux acting surfaces are formed by energization, is unbalanced in the circumferential direction so as to act a resultant force of magnetic forces acting on the movable element in the radial direction eccentrically to a radial one end (E1) side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Shinano Kenshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Uni
  • Patent number: 7679362
    Abstract: A switch includes housing and a magnet that is mounted inside the housing. The magnet generates a magnetic field having magnetic flux. The switch further includes a flux concentration device that is located inside the housing and that selectively moves between first and second positions. An actuator assembly is located inside the housing and selects the first and second positions based on the input. A hall-effect device is located between the magnet and the flux concentration device and conducts a current having a first value when the magnetic flux is less than a predetermined magnetic flux threshold. The hall-effect device conducts current having a second current value when the magnetic flux exceeds the predetermined magnetic flux threshold. The first position communicates a first magnetic flux to the hall-effect device and the second position communicates a second magnetic flux that is different from the first magnetic flux to the hall-effect device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack P. Koski
  • Patent number: 7660083
    Abstract: An electromechanical/solid-state AC relay has an electromechanical winding coil that moves an armature to force mechanical contacts to open or close. Electrical arcing across the mechanical contacts that occur as the contacts are opening or closing can damage and severely reduce the lifetime of the relay. Contact arcing is prevented by pulsing a triac on for a short period of time just before and after the mechanical contacts make or break contact. The triac limits the voltage difference across the mechanical contacts to less than one volt to prevent arcing. The triac is turned off after the mechanical contacts finish moving, reducing the heating and average power through the triac. A zero-sampling circuit that detects when the AC input voltage switches across 0 volts and activates a control integrated circuit to switch on the triac during zero-crossings to minimize power surges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Pericom Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Li Yao, Shu Peng Chen, Yong Wei
  • Patent number: 7605680
    Abstract: A highly efficient electromagnetic actuator which can reduce leakage of the magnetic flux is provided. The electromagnetic actuator comprises a first coil 31, a movable body 2 adapted to move on the central axis of the first coil 31, a first stator 11 covering the top face, bottom face and outer peripheral face of the first coil 31, and a permanent magnet 15 adapted to firmly latch the movable body 2 at one end point of its movable range. A second stator 12 adapted to control the magnetic flux generated from the permanent magnet 15 is provided in succession with the first stator 11. By providing the second stator 12, when releasing the movable body 2 from its firmly latched state, the permanent magnet 15 is not inversely excited or demagnetized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Matsumoto, Nobutaka Kubota, Takeshi Noda, Kazuhiro Matsuo, Kenji Kato, Mitsutaka Homma, Takao Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 7557471
    Abstract: A tactile wave generating apparatus for generating amplified low frequency waves for transmission as tactile waves into a structure or a person's body. There is a housing in which is positioned a drive section that in turn comprises a magnet section that moves upwardly and downwardly as an inertial mass, two coils on opposite sides of the magnet and two flux path return plates for the coils. Each coil comprises upper and lower longitudinally aligned generally linear coil portions which drive the magnet section upwardly and downwardly. The magnet section is supported by upper and lower interconnecting sections that resiliently resist the up and down motion of the magnet section and restrain the magnet section to move up and down within close tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Renaissance Sound, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery T. Springer, James L. Kirschman, Robert M. O'Neill, Conrad P. Sandoval, Joseph B. Young
  • Patent number: 7545245
    Abstract: A manual opening device is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a synchronous circuit breaker, including a housing having an opening, a plurality of pole mechanisms each comprising separable contacts, and at least one operating mechanism including a number of actuators adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is supported by the housing and includes a corresponding pole shaft. The manual opening device comprises an operating handle, a cam assembly, and a drive assembly. A first end of the operating handle protrudes through the opening of the housing and the second end is coupled to the cam assembly. The drive assembly couples the cam assembly to the corresponding pole shaft of the operating mechanism and cooperates with the corresponding pole shaft and actuators to simultaneously open the separable contacts when the operating handle is moved from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Brad R. Leccia, Paul J. Rollmann
  • Patent number: 7402922
    Abstract: A tactile wave generating apparatus and method to generate amplified low frequency waves which are then transmitted as tactile waves into a structure and/or to a persons anatomy. There is a housing in which is positioned a drive section that in turn comprises a magnet section that moves upwardly and downwardly as an inertial mass, two coils on opposite sides of the magnet and two flux path return plates for the coils. Each coil comprises upper and lower longitudinally aligned generally linear coil portions which drive the magnet section upwardly and downwardly. The magnet section is supported by upper and lower interconnecting sections that resiliently resist the up and down motion of the magnet section and restrain the magnet section to move up and down within close tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Renaissance Sound LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery T. Springer, James L. Kirschman, Robert M. O'Neill, Conrad P. Sandoval, Joseph B. Young
  • Patent number: 7312680
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that allows an output shaft to perform axial motion and automatic locking, in particular, a manual switch-off device for a permanent magnet switch operating mechanism. A large shoe plate and a small shoe plate are fixed onto a base plate. A transmission shaft is rotatably installed onto the large shoe plate and the small shoe plate that are in parallel with each other. An eccentric wheel is fixed onto the transmission shaft between the large shoe plate and the small shoe plate. An output shaft in parallel with the large shoe plate and the small shoe plate is installed onto the base plate. One end of the output shaft is fixed with an end cap. The large shoe plate has an open slot. The eccentric wheel has a spring column fixed thereon, and the spring column connects to one end of a manual switch-off spring through the open slot. The other end of the manual switch-off spring hooks to a spring mount point on the large shoe plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: GuangShun Wang
  • Patent number: 7234482
    Abstract: The servovalve with torque motor consists of a cylindrical case (3) in which an armature (1) is arranged on one end of an arm (16) and a orifice (18) closing a nozzle (19) with working liquid (2) on the other side of the arm (16). The arm (16) is free to rotate round the pivot point of a flexible suspension (15) with a hole (21) of diameter corresponding to the maximum deflection of the arm (16). There are two magnetic pole shoes (5) and two electric pole shoes (4) located around the armature (1), equipped with sealing rings (6), and so the working liquid (2) filling the inside of the case (3) and surrounding the arm (16) and the armature (1) does not leak out of the inside space. Coils (7) are located outside the case (3). The pole shoes (4, 5) are equipped with threaded parts (12), fitting either into the outer ring (10) or the body (3). The magnetic pole shoes (5) are equipped with a non-magnetic protective housing (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Jihostroj a.s.
    Inventors: Vladimír Ryne{hacek over (s)}, Tomá{hacek over (s)} Hrachovský
  • Patent number: 6975191
    Abstract: A resettable switching device, e.g. a relay, comprises a fixed contact (18) and a movable contact (28). A solenoid (12) is fixed relative to the fixed contact and a ferromagnetic plunger (20) carries the movable contact. A spring (24) biases the plunger away from the fixed contact so the device is normally open. When the device is set a further ferromagnetic element, e.g. a plunger (22), holds the first plunger (20) in a closed-contact position by magnetic attraction against the action of the spring (24). When a predetermined current condition exists in the solenoid the magnetic attraction between the element and plunger is reduced below the level necessary to hold the plunger so that the movable contact disengages the fixed contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Tripco Limited
    Inventor: Patrick Ward
  • Patent number: 6922122
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay is simple in construction, can prevent entry of dust, etc. into an interior thereof, enables confirmation of operation, and is provided an operating lever that can be maintained in an operating state. A coil block and a contact switching mechanism are provided on a base plate, a casing covers the base plate, and a movable iron piece is turned by magnetizing and demagnetizing the coil block, and a movable contact piece is operated to make and break contacts. An operating part that is turned by directing pushing the movable iron piece is arranged on an upper surface of the casing, and covered by a cover. An operating lever is mounted on the cover in a manner to enable sliding operation. The operating lever can be positioned in a closed position, in which an operating part is covered, a first opened position, in which the operating part is exposed, and a second opened position, in which the operating part is operated, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Yojiro Saruwatari, Keisuke Yano, Shinichi Furusyo, Tetsuya Fujiwara, Ryota Minowa
  • Patent number: 6870451
    Abstract: A manual tripping device for a magnetic operating mechanism is provided with a connecting body which is connected with an operating rod of the magnetic operating mechanism at the time of manual operation for the switches, a spring compressing shaft one end of which is movably engaged to the connecting body to compress spring means, and a rotating shaft which is engaged to the other end of the spring compressing shaft with the spring compressing shaft being movable within the given range, and which is rotated with a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoaki Inoue
  • Patent number: 6344702
    Abstract: A simplified torque motor which includes a plurality of parts defining appropriate alignment slots and grooves as well as openings for properly positioning the parts with respect to each other so that after being secured by appropriate fasteners, the torque motor may function as a first stage for the control of fluid through an appropriate valve. The various parts include a base carrying an armature, upper and lower pole pieces, permanent magnets, electromagnetic coils and shims disposed between the base and the lower pole piece to adjust the air gap between the poles of the upper and lower pole pieces. The shims are provided with appropriate slits to receive a tool for easy removal of the shim for air gap adjustment purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario A. Rodriguez, Ori D. Chen-Zion
  • Patent number: 6310530
    Abstract: A device for emergency hand operation has switching magnets with an armature that can be moved in the pole pipe to a final position by the force of a spring assembly, and can be moved against the spring force to a second final position by a magnetic field excitation. The device has a tensional member which can be axially displaced and moved by a manual actuating device. A carrier interacts with the armature to move the carrier against the spring force and to the second final position. The armature, the pole core, the spring assembly, the tensional member and the actuating device are combined to form a prefabricated component which can be inserted into the pole pipe via its inner open end and which can be connected to the pole pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Hydac Electronic GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Jacobus
  • Patent number: 6023212
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay having a manual actuator wherein at an edge of the relay's housing is an opening formed in the shape of a mounting slot in which a pivot lever is mounted with a hinge segment. In an idle state, an outer lever segment of the pivot lever is lowered in a cavity of a housing wall while an inner lever arm extends along a housing wall perpendicular thereto. When the pivot lever is actuated, the inner lever arm actuates a movable relay part, in particular a bolt, up to a first operating position. When the pivot lever is rotated further, the inner lever arm can be locked with the movable relay part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: EH-Schrack Components AG
    Inventor: Leopold Mader
  • Patent number: 5932856
    Abstract: A power switch for use with a personal locator beacon (PLB), or an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), that prevents accidental activation of the beacon to prevent false alarm transmission of emergency signals. The personal locator beacon includes electronic circuitry housed in a portable hand-held housing that includes a fail safe power switch which has a lever arm that is selectively movable between first and second offset recessed cavities formed in the housing. The lever arm is rotatable about a shaft between an "off" position wherein the lever arm is received within the first cavity, and an "on" position wherein said lever arm is received within the second cavity. An edge portion formed by the offset cavities stops the lever arm from rotating from the first position to the second position unless the lever arm is manually moved laterally along the shaft to clear the edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: ACR Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaupes B. Lopes, Jody H. Akens, Mark S. Clark
  • Patent number: 5781090
    Abstract: A latching electromagnet is provided. The electromagnet (300) includes a core (305) having a pole face, a coil of windings (325), and an armature (330). Advantageously, the core has a geometry that locally increases the magnetic flux density to saturation levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: C. Nickolas Goloff, Rodney L. Rolffs
  • Patent number: 5389910
    Abstract: A solenoid apparatus compises an encasement defining a longitudinal axis. The reluctance of the encasement is variable by movement of a potion of the encasement relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Alliedsignal Inc.
    Inventor: Steve G. Abel
  • Patent number: 5365210
    Abstract: A latching solenoid device comprising an encasement, a portion of which is manually translatable in order to vary reluctance in a magnetic circuit which extends through the encasement, thereby providing the device with manual override capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall U. Hines
  • Patent number: 5241292
    Abstract: A three position electrically operated actuator has a self centering system so that if power is off for the actuator, it returns to a central position. The actuator comprises a center cavity with a first solenoid on one side and a second solenoid on the other side, a shaft extends through the center cavity and is joined to a first magnetic core of the first solenoid and a second magnetic core for the second solenoid. The shaft has a connection at least at one end for connection to a gearbox or the like. When the first solenoid is energized the shaft moves axially in one position so the connection is at a first position, when the second solenoid is energized, the shaft moves axially in the opposite direction so the connection is at a second position. A coil spring is provided in the cavity, and when neither solenoid is energized the spring moves the shaft so the connection is in a third position midway between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Prime Mover, Inc.
    Inventors: John I. Bjorknas, Peter J. Druet
  • Patent number: 5204652
    Abstract: A solenoid valve comprising with a plunger which is readily and accurately adjustable to various heights whereby the solenoid is able to function with virtually all fluid flow control systems. The solenoid includes an elongated base which may have multiple threads to accommodate a variety of connectors and a bleed screw formed to be minimally disruptive to the electromagnetic field. A measurement standard, in the form of a cylinder and piston combination, is shaped to fit within the solenoid body and accurately determine the desired length of the specific plunger. The piston is mounted to move in the cylinder and, in conjunction with the cylinder, to assume the exact length required for the plunger within the solenoid to function correctly in operating the valve. The plunger is adjustable which allows the height thereof to be precisely and securely set to the height determined by the measurement standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: National Irrigation Specialists, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Baker, Ronald C. Jess
  • Patent number: 5010911
    Abstract: A bi-stable electromagnet operator having an armature plate which is held in a first position by a permanent magnet and in a second position by a spring. An electromagnet is provided to enable the armature plate to move from the first position to the second position. The magnet has high coercivity and therefore the permanent magnet and core of the electromagnet can be in close magnetic contact both when the armature is in the first position and in the second position. The high coercivity of the permanent magnet provides for sufficient flux flow to maintain magnetization when the armature plate is in the second position away from the permanent magnet. Typically, the permanent magnet comprises neodymium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Wormald U.S., Inc.
    Inventor: Dale A. Grant
  • Patent number: 4683452
    Abstract: An improved bi-stable electromagnetic actuator is provided having an armature linkage moveable between two stable positions either manually or through the application of an appropriate electrical pulse. The actuator includes a permanent magnet which maintains the actuator armature in a first stable position. It also includes a coil which reduces the magnetic flux used to restrain the armature and allows a compression spring to advance the armature to a second stabled position. In moving from the first to the second positions, the armature engages a stop on the linkage and drives the linkage in the same direction. The linkage, thus, transmits the mechanical action of the armature. The user may manually advance the linkage from the first to the second stable position. This linkage includes a rod of magnetically impermeable material in sliding engagement with the armature and a sleeve disposed around this rod at one end of the rod. This sleeve is made from soft magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Regdon Solenoid, Inc.
    Inventor: Lester P. Henley
  • Patent number: 4644311
    Abstract: A symmetrical monostable polarized electromagnet is provided in which a fixed permanent magnetic structure and a mobile magnetizable structure passing through the coil are dimensioned so that the starting movement from the rest position of said mobile structure for given ampere turns may be produced with certainty through adjustment of air gaps, whereas return from the working position is provided by the presence of second air gaps and/or by the action of a variable slope recall spring.The invention reduces particularly the remanent holding effects appearing in the working position as well as the power required for supplying the coil for causing a change of state thereof when the coil is at rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: La Telemechanique Electrique
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Guery, Jacques Olifant
  • Patent number: 4322152
    Abstract: An electromagnetic release mechanism for a camera in which a release member is returned to an energized and locked position through a spring which is energized and deenergized in response to rotation of a cam which is rotated upon performing a film winding operation. A rotatable release locking member has a forked end in which is engaged a first end of a release member and a cut in which an end of a slidable release drive member is lockably engaged. A movable member is mounted on the other end of the release member at a position to be attracted by an electromagnet the force of which is reduced by a coil wound thereon when a current is passed through the coil upon the start of a release operation. A spring joins the release member to one end of an arm which is rotated at its center and which has its other end riding upon the cam surface. With this construction, it is unnecessary to provide a separate mechanism for forcibly returning the release member after a release operation has been accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mituo Satoh, Koji Sato, Toru Kando
  • Patent number: 3967551
    Abstract: A typewriting device comprising a type-carrying drum continuously driven from a drive source, a ratchet wheel continuously driven from said drive source in synchronization with said drum and having a pawl thereon, at least one rocking lever pivoted to a shaft, at least one armature pivoted to said shaft, at least one electromagnet disposed adjacent to said armature adapted to be energized to attract said armature thereto, at least one operation lever supported on a second shaft for rotation about and movement vertically along said second shaft, and at least one hammer lever pivoted to a third shaft for striking said drum to effect a typewriting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1976
    Assignee: Tokyo Juki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Matsubara, Toshikazu Nakano