Special Armature Construction Or Mounting Means (e.g., To Assure Positive Seating Of Armature) Patents (Class 335/249)
  • Patent number: 8729984
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide a magnetic actuator having more than one air gap. After the trip unit is triggered, a first armature is accelerated to quickly close a first air gap and then mate with a second armature. The first and second armature then move toward a core to close a second air gap and reach the final combined armature position, causing a contact to open. A faster reaction time is provided, yet without increasing the number of turns of the trip coil winding, and provides a more efficient actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Willy Feller, Beat Villiger
  • Patent number: 8416041
    Abstract: A solenoid may include a core having a junction surface; a plunger having a junction surface and located adjacent to the core; a shading ring located proximate to an interface between the core junction surface and the plunger junction surface, the shading ring having an outside diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the core, and operable to produce a concentration of magnetic attraction within an annular range of the interface between a center of the interface and a location of the shading ring; wherein a contact region between the core junction surface and the plunger junction surface is substantially smaller than the respective junction surfaces and located proximate to the annular range of the concentration of magnetic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Freakes
  • Patent number: 8143984
    Abstract: A linear solenoid has a first magnetic pulling portion for attracting a forward end of a plunger in a forward direction. The linear solenoid further has a second magnetic pulling portion at a rear end of the solenoid. A magnetic path portion is formed at the rear end of the solenoid and composed of a constant overlapping area and a temporal overlapping area. A plunger side-gap portion is formed at a rear end of the plunger so as to face to the overlapping areas in a radial direction. A first radial gap, which is formed between the constant overlapping area and the plunger side-gap portion, is made larger than a second radial gap, which is formed between the temporal overlapping area and the plunger side-gap portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kanehisa Nagasaki
  • Publication number: 20110298570
    Abstract: A solenoid may include a core having a junction surface; a plunger having a junction surface and located adjacent to the core; a shading ring located proximate to an interface between the core junction surface and the plunger junction surface, the shading ring having an outside diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the core, and operable to produce a concentration of magnetic attraction within an annular range of the interface between a center of the interface and a location of the shading ring; wherein a contact region between the core junction surface and the plunger junction surface is substantially smaller than the respective junction surfaces and located proximate to the annular range of the concentration of magnetic attraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony FREAKES
  • Patent number: 8026781
    Abstract: A solenoid may include a core having a junction surface; a plunger having a junction surface and located adjacent to the core; a shading ring located proximate to an interface between the core junction surface and the plunger junction surface, the shading ring having an outside diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the core, and operable to produce a concentration of magnetic attraction within an annular range of the interface between a center of the interface and a location of the shading ring; wherein a contact region between the core junction surface and the plunger junction surface is substantially smaller than the respective junction surfaces and located proximate to the annular range of the concentration of magnetic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony Freakes
  • Patent number: 7876186
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having an annular pole piece and an annular armature with surfaces formed thereon through which a magnetic flux passes. The armature is axially movable relative to the pole piece between a first position and a second position. Magnetic flux is efficiently transmitted between the pole piece and the armature and the pole piece can be employed to guide the armature for movement thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Michael York, Andrew Frank Pinkos
  • Patent number: 7825759
    Abstract: An actuator having a linear motor and a plunger that is movable by the linear motor along an axis. The plunger includes an annular flange and a rim that is coupled to an outer periphery of the flange. The annular flange is oriented generally perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of apertures is formed through at least one of the flange and the rim. A locking differential and an axle assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. York, Andrew F. Pinkos
  • Patent number: 7825758
    Abstract: A solenoid assembly for use in connection with a housing and valve body is provided. The assembly includes a magnetic coil, a magnetic pole piece, an operating rod, a magnetic armature, and at least two bearings positioned between a portion of the magnetic pole piece and a portion of the operating rod. The operating rod is slidably disposed along the bearings. The magnetic armature is at least in part centered relative to the pole piece. Activation of the coil provides an attraction between the armature and the pole piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Bamber
  • Patent number: 7785224
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having an annular pole piece and an annular armature with surfaces formed thereon through which a magnetic flux passes. One of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is axially movable relative to the other between a first position, in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a minimum distance, and a second position in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a maximum distance. The surfaces axially overlap one another but do not touch when the one of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is positioned in the first position and in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. York, Andrew F. Pinkos
  • Patent number: 7764154
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having an annular pole piece and an annular armature with surfaces formed thereon through which a magnetic flux passes. The armature is axially movable relative to the pole piece between a first position and a second position. Magnetic flux is efficiently transmitted between the pole piece and the armature and the pole piece can be employed to guide the armature for movement thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Michael York, Andrew Frank Pinkos
  • Patent number: 7750772
    Abstract: An electromagnetic drive system contains an armature that can be displaced along an axis. The armature contains a piston-shaped section. The piston-shaped section is guided in a cylindrical section of the stator. A recess extends through the piston-shaped section substantially in the direction of the axis. The incorporation of the recess results in that a fluid cushion that builds up in front of the piston-shaped section during rapid movement can be relieved through the piston-shaped section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Hagen, Carsten Protze
  • 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: 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: 7602271
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator assembly that includes an annular frame, a coil assembly, an annular armature, a plunger and a sensor. The coil assembly is coupled to the frame and includes an annular core and an annular coil. The annular armature is received in the frame and abutted against the plunger. A sensor target can be coupled to the armature or the plunger and includes a radially outwardly extending sensor target. The sensor is coupled to the frame and configured to sense a position of the sensor target. A method for operating an electromagnetic actuator is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M York, Andrew F Pinkos
  • Patent number: 6794971
    Abstract: The present invention provides a formed interface there between a magnetic core proximate an armature of an electromagnetically actuable device. A coil of the electromagnetically actuable device is selectively energized to draw the armature to the magnetic core. The formed interface is adapted to provide three contact areas in a triangular configuration at the mating surfaces of the armature and magnetic core which causes a minimal magnetic air gap and a stable interface there when the coil is energized. The formed interface overcomes the surface deformations of the armature and magnetic core to reduce vibration and noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Smith
  • Patent number: 6768404
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts disposed in the housing, a latchable operating mechanism structured to separate the separable contacts, and a magnetic trip mechanism coupled to the latchable operating mechanism. The magnetic trip mechanism includes a plunger assembly support structure and a plunger assembly having a moveable core. The plunger assembly support structure includes a wall having a slot therein. The moveable core rests in the slot. A positioning member has a hook and an opening. The hook engages the wall of the plunger assembly support structure. The moveable core passes through the opening of the positioning member, which retains the moveable core relative to the plunger assembly support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Ramon J. Ojeda, Yu Wei Chou
  • Patent number: 5565832
    Abstract: A low-noise solenoid has an armature with a projecting ridge receivable within a groove in a pole piece. As the ridge enters the groove, the magnetic force which opposes a return spring decreases until there is equilibrium whereat the armature remains suspended without impacting upon the pole piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Automatic Switch Company
    Inventors: John J. Haller, Stanley B. Roedel
  • Patent number: 5546064
    Abstract: A solenoid has an axially movable plunger having a plunger rod extending from it. The plunger rod has the capability of angular deflection relative to the axial movement of the plunger within the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Faisal K. Sallam, Gilbert Gardocki
  • Patent number: 5355108
    Abstract: A compressor having an electromagnetically actuated valve is disclosed. The movement of the compressor's piston is controlled by an electromagnetically actuated valve. The valve includes an electromagnetic element having a core and a coil, and an armature. The core has a surface and an opening at the surface extending through the core. The surface also includes a continuous channel extending around the opening. The channel has a top portion of frustroconical cross-section and a bottom portion. The coil is disposed in the bottom portion. The armature element has a raised portion dimensioned to be received within the top portion of the channel. The valve shaft is disposed within the opening of the electromagnetic element and is connected to the armature. The compressor piston is connected to one end of the shaft. A support spring is disposed within the opening of the electromagnetic element, and extends from the retaining bar to the upper surface of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Aura Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando B. Morinigo, Keith O. Stuart
  • Patent number: 4658232
    Abstract: An electromagnetic device for use in, for example, the diaphragm control of a camera. The electromagnetic device includes an electromagnet, an armature, an armature shaft and a restricting member for inclining the armature with respect to the armature shaft, whereby even if the armature shaft is not parallel with the attraction face of the electromagnet, holding the armature attraction by the electromagnet is certain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ichiro Ohnuki
  • Patent number: 4601458
    Abstract: A magnetically operated valve having a resilient flat-surfaced valve member cooperating with a valve seat is disclosed. The resilient member is preferably mounted on an armature in a manner to permit relative motion therebetween to allow the armature to gain a predetermined inertia prior to engaging the resilient member so as to aid in overcoming the pressure differential across the resilient member. Additionally, the electromagnet thereof acts unevenly on the armature so as to cause tilting movement thereof and a corresponding "prying" movement of the resilient member from the valve seat. The valve may be operated in the normally-opened or the normally-closed mode. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the armature is provided with a non-magnetic covering or coating, thereby forming a non-magnetic gap thereon. In another embodiment, a non-magnetic wear plate is disposed between at least a portion of the electromagnet and the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: AVM Corporation
    Inventor: William L. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 4491816
    Abstract: The transducer comprises an armature and a core. Both pieces are E-shaped, and their geometrical dimensions are chosen so that when their central legs come into mutual contact, air gaps still exist between both pairs of outer legs where these face each other. A coil bobbin is fixed to the core and forms a straight guide for the central leg of the armature. The frontal surfaces of the outer legs are chamfered so that the limiting surfaces of the air gaps are inclined with respect to the travel direction of the armature. In order to minimize the hum, a short-circuit ring is embedded into the central leg of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Sprecher & Schuh AG
    Inventor: Alex Blum
  • Patent number: 4088975
    Abstract: A linear acting solenoid directed to energy conservation. The disclosure combines plural elements usable singly or in combination to enable in aggregate a low cost assembly, yielding values of pull-force per watt of input exceeding ten ounces. Size, cost, and temperature rise are reduced, and shading rings are avoided. Novel elements include a composite phase-splitting core, and a unitary magnetic shell forming an efficient divided-path magnetic circuit, the flux therethrough being confluent through armature and core. In valve or other fluid-barrier uses, a thin ferrous armature housing enables pull values exceeding three ounces per watt of input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1978
    Inventor: Gregor L. Lang
  • Patent number: 4048602
    Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a universal impedance element of electric power transmission and distribution use, having either fixed or controllable magnitude which, by choosing the value of one structural parameter, can be set to function as an inductor, capacitor, contactless voltage regulator or arcless circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1977
    Inventor: Nick D. Diamantides