With Armature-biasing Means Or Bias-adjustment Means Patents (Class 335/274)
  • Patent number: 11715976
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coil component that includes a first coil pattern wound in a planar spiral shape. At least one turn constituting the first coil pattern is divided into a plurality of lines by a spiral slit, and a space width between the plurality of lines differs depending on a planar position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noritaka Chiyo, Toshio Tomonari, Shigeru Kaneko, Shigenori Hirata, Akihito Watanabe, Hirohumi Asou, Junpei Hayama, Shigeki Ohtsuka, Takahiro Ohishi, Takaaki Imai, Tomohiro Moriki, Takakazu Maruyama
  • Patent number: 11488757
    Abstract: Levitation and Propulsion Unit-2 (LPU-2) is a thrust generating device able to generate resultant force to create motion without mass flow and/or momentum exchange. The technology primarily uses electromagnetic energy, permanent magnetic repulsive energy and kinetic energy, to generate internal resultant thrust or motion. This thrust generating device comprises of one or two rapid action enable and high driving force electromagnet moving magnet linear actuators with minimum moving parts. The technology mainly leverages on compression and expansion of compressed repulsive magnetic flux. Through regulation and systematic control of current to each electromagnet, the device is able to generate resultant force or motion without external interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: Sin Soon Seng
  • Patent number: 11417482
    Abstract: A system may include a relay device. The relay device may include an armature that moves between a first position that electrically couples a first contact to a second contact and a second position that electrically uncouples the first contact from the second contact. The relay device may also include a relay coil that receives a voltage configured to magnetize a relay coil, thereby causing the armature to move from the first position to the second position. The system also includes a control system that receives an indication that the armature is in the second position and sends a signal to an actuator in response to receiving the indication. The signal causes an arm associated with the actuator to move the armature to achieve a gap distance between the first contact and the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Elmiger, Patrick K. Duffy, Kyle B. Adkins
  • Patent number: 11335527
    Abstract: A method is for controlling an electromagnetic relay comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact that comes in contact with and separated from the fixed contact, an electromagnet that includes a coil for generating magnetic field, and an actuator that moves the movable contact. The method includes: when separating the movable contact that is in contact with the fixed contact, supplying a first current to the coil to generate a first magnetomotive force that drives the actuator in a direction to move the movable contact toward the fixed contact, supplying a second current to the coil, while the first current is supplied to the coil, to generate a second magnetomotive force that drives the actuator in a direction to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact, and stop supplying the first current while the second current is supplied to the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Masato Morimura
  • Patent number: 11328887
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a fixed contact; a movable contact movable between a first position at which the movable contact contacts the fixed contact to form a closed state, and a second position at which the movable contact does not contact the fixed contact to form a opened state; an electromagnet that includes a coil, a magnetic core, and a yoke coupled to the magnetic core, and generates magnetic field; and an actuator that includes a pair of armatures, and a permanent magnet sandwiched by the pair of armatures, and moves the movable contact by the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet, wherein a magnetic circuit formed by the magnetic core, the yoke and the pair of armatures is closed at the opened state, and is opened at the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Masato Morimura
  • Patent number: 11251062
    Abstract: Provided is a component-manufacturing film that includes a first region S1 and a second region S2 disposed so as to surround the region S1; the region S1 is formed of a base layer and an adhesive layer provided on one surface side of the base layer; the region S2 is formed of the base layer, the adhesive layer, and an additional layer affixed onto the layer. In the temperature range of 190° C. or lower, a tensile elastic modulus of the additional layer is equal to or greater than the tensile elastic modulus of the base layer. Further provided are a component-manufacturing tool and method, the latter including a component fixing step; a film placement step of performing placement so that the boundary between the region S1 and the region S2 is located inside with respect to an edge of the chuck table; a chucking step; and a heating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUI CHEMICALS TOHCELLO, INC.
    Inventors: Eiji Hayashishita, Hirokazu Takahashi, Kazuhide Fukura
  • Patent number: 10510225
    Abstract: A flexible haptic actuator and corresponding method. The flexible haptic actuator comprises a core formed with a flexible material. The core defines a volume and is bendable. An electrical conductor is coiled around the core and is bendable. A casing surrounds the electrical conductor and at least a part of the core. The casing includes a plurality of flexible sections and a plurality of stiff sections. The casing is bendable. A haptic mass is suspended in the volume, the haptic mass being at least partially formed with a magnetic material. The haptic mass is movable in the volume in response to the electrical conductor generating a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vahid Khoshkava, Mansoor Alghooneh
  • Patent number: 10115550
    Abstract: An arrangement for an electrical switching device is disclosed. The arrangement for an electrical switching device comprises a contact spring and a component attached to the contact spring. The component has an edge running in an inclined manner with respect to a longitudinal direction of the contact spring. The component also has at least two switching state positions and a transition phase between the switching state positions, and abuts the contact spring along the edge in the transition phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Katrin Schertler, Andreas Hendler, Uwe Kramer, Matthias Kroeker, Harry Koch, Bernd Rahn, Gerd Marquardt
  • Patent number: 8963665
    Abstract: A haptic solenoid comprises a base member, a fixed pole which is fixed in place on the base member and which has a coil. A mobile pole is arranged facing the fixed pole with a gap therebetween and which moves by way of being attracted to the fixed pole when power is supplied to the coil. Elastic members which are made from a metallic material and which bias the mobile pole in a direction that distances the mobile pole from the fixed pole when power is not supplied to the coil and guide mechanisms, which guide the movement of the mobile pole. The guide mechanisms are configured so as to guide the movement of the mobile pole so that the mobile pole can only move in a direction facing the fixed pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Parts Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takami Sawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8928438
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay has a fixed touch piece having a fixed contact; a movable touch piece, having a movable contact contactably and separably opposed to the fixed contact, and configured to elastically deform, an electromagnet, an intermediate member that rotates based on magnetization and demagnetization of the electromagnet and elastically deforms the movable touch piece, and an energization unit that energizes the movable touch piece to the fixed contact piece side via the intermediate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Masui, Toshiyuki Kakimoto, Tsukasa Yamashita, Keisuke Yano
  • Patent number: 8928436
    Abstract: An electromagnetic switch for a starter. The electromagnetic switch includes a cylindrical slidable member that is separate from a plunger, loosely encompasses an outer circumferential periphery of a plunger rod, and is axially movable integrally with the plunger. Whether the solenoid is in its active or inactive state, the slidable member is at least partially axially inserted into an inner circumferential periphery of a cylindrical bore and an outer circumferential periphery of the slidable member is entirely circumferentially in sliding contact with the inner circumferential periphery of the cylindrical bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 8786387
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Fong, Geoffrey Reed
  • Publication number: 20140132375
    Abstract: A haptic solenoid comprises a base member, a fixed pole which is fixed in place on the base member and which has a coil. A mobile pole is arranged facing the fixed pole with a gap therebetween and which moves by way of being attracted to the fixed pole when power is supplied to the coil. Elastic members which are made from a metallic material and which bias the mobile pole in a direction that distances the mobile pole from the fixed pole when power is not supplied to the coil and guide mechanisms, which guide the movement of the mobile pole. The guide mechanisms are configured so as to guide the movement of the mobile pole so that the mobile pole can only move in a direction facing the fixed pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Tokyo Parts Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takami SAWAGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8641153
    Abstract: A valve assembly, which houses a valve closing member that co-operates with an armature to connect or separate pressure medium channels in a valve housing, the member being directed towards a valve seat which is situated on a valve seat body fixed in the valve housing. The valve assembly includes a solenoid for actuating the armature which is pushed onto a non-magnetisable sleeve section of the valve housing and a magnetic core that is diametrically opposed to the armature in the valve housing. Various valve functions can be achieved by using identical valve components in a modular manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventor: Christoph Voss
  • Patent number: 8502629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic contactor including a stationary armature which includes a housing enclosure for a coil for generating a magnetic field, the enclosure having an opening, a closing cover for the opening of the enclosure, the closing cover having an aperture, and a movable armature passing through the aperture of the closing cover for the opening of the enclosure, further including a guide ring made from non-magnetic material which is arranged in the aperture of the closing cover so as to have, between a first wall in contact with the wall of the aperture of the cover and a second wall facing towards the movable armature, a thickness corresponding to the minimal radial gap between the movable armature and the stationary armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ABB France
    Inventor: Jacques Dumoux
  • Patent number: 8242866
    Abstract: A sealed cased magnetic switch includes: a first contact pressure spring having one end supported by the movable contactor and applying an elastic force to the movable contactor to provide a contact pressure in a direction in which the movable contactor is brought into contact with the fixed electrode; a spring seat member supporting the other end of the first contact pressure spring and fixedly installed on the driving shaft; and a second contact pressure spring having a diameter larger than that of the first contact pressure spring and applying an elastic force at an outer position in a radial direction compared with the first contact pressure spring to the movable contactor in a direction in which the movable contactor is brought into contact with the fixed electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Hwan Eum
  • Patent number: 8237526
    Abstract: Apparatus for inductive braking of a projectile are disclosed. Embodiments include a receiver that has a unidirectional conductor having a closed conductive pathway that encircles a passageway for a moving projectile. The unidirectional conductor permits current to flow through it in substantially only one direction around the passageway. As the projectile and its associated magnetic field move past the unidirectional conductor, the moving magnetic field induces a current flow through the closed conductive pathway, which in turn generates a magnetic field behind the projectile having the same polarity as the projectile's field. The two fields attract one another, which both exerts a braking force on the projectile and tends to align the two fields. Alignment of these fields centers the projectile away from the passageway wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sierra Lobo, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Travis Putman, Kamel Salama
  • Patent number: 8129870
    Abstract: An asymmetric folded spring flexure suspension system can enable an ultra-compact linear reciprocative device wherein a reciprocative mass suspended from a base by a single folded flexure assembly extends in a single generally radial direction perpendicular to the intended travel path. The folded flexure assembly can be configured as three side-by-side stacks of flexure strips of spring material, tied together at a “yoke-idler” end; at the opposite “working” end, a central stack of nominal width is tied to the mass, and, flanking the central stack, a pair of half-width stacks are tied to opposite sides of the base. In an embodiment for active vibration control, a cylindrical enclosure, of magnetically-permeable material and attached to the working end of the flexure assembly, contains a driver system including an internally-mounted pair of permanent magnets that provide a magnetic flux gap and also constitute the main portion of the mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Pusl
  • Patent number: 7944333
    Abstract: A low cost, sealed contactor comprises a hermetically sealed housing with a flat header having internal components for changing the state of said contactor. Terminals are electrically connected to the internal components for connection to internal circuitry and applying an electrical signal to control the state of the contactor. A solenoid-driven plunger with a hollow shaft is included. Power-reducing electronics located within the hermetically sealed housing are also included. Two contact springs are also included to improve electrical performance. O-rings are added to help seal the contactor and keep it hermetically sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Gigavac LLC
    Inventors: Brent J. Swartzentruber, Mike Molyneux, Daniel C. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20100164662
    Abstract: A monostable permanent magnetic actuator using a laminated steel core, comprises: lamination cores formed as a plurality of metallic thin plates are laminated to each other; a coil disposed to be adjacent to the lamination cores, and configured to apply a magnetic force to the lamination cores by an external power; a mover mounted in the lamination cores so as to be movable in upper and lower directions; permanent magnets installed at the lamination cores, and configured to apply an upward and downward magnetic force to the mover; and an elastic means configured to apply an elastic force to the mover in an opposite direction to the permanent magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: LS INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jong-Mahn Sohn
  • Patent number: 7746202
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic actuating device containing a reference element and an adjusting element which is movably disposed between first and second end positions with respect to the reference element. The reference and/or adjusting elements contain a magnetizable material. A drive coil is provided for generating a magnetic field that moves the adjusting element from the first to the second end position. A mechanical clamping device is provided for producing mechanical forces that move the adjusting element from the second to the first end position. A fixing device is provided with a permanent magnet for generating a holding force fixing the adjusting element in the second end position with respect to the reference element. The fixing device contains a fixing unit separated from the adjusting element and provided with the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Hagen, Carsten Protze
  • Patent number: 7741941
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Buezis, Glenn R. Bergum, Douglas D. Bird, Timothy J. Smith
  • 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: 7579935
    Abstract: An actuator has a resilient shape memory member 1 with superelasticity, a magnetic body 2, and a magnetic field generator 3. At least one of the magnetic body 2 and the magnetic field generator 3 is fixed to the resilient shape memory member 1 such that one of the magnetic body 2 and the magnetic field generator 3 is stationary while the other is movable, whereby the movable member is moved by a magnetic field provided from the magnetic field generator 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Ohta, Toru Sukigara
  • Patent number: 7541907
    Abstract: An auto-aligning and connecting structure used to connect and align an electronic device and an accessory, wherein a plurality of first magnetic bodies are disposed on a first surface of the electrical device and a plurality of second magnetic bodies are disposed on a second surface of the accessory. The magnetic pole of the first magnetic bodies and the second magnetic bodies are appropriately arranged so the first magnetic bodies and the second magnetic bodies can attract each other when the first surface and the second surface approach each other. Then, the electronic device and the accessories are connected to each other when the first surface and the second surface connect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: High Tech Computer Corp.
    Inventors: Yi-Shen Wang, John C. Wang
  • Patent number: 7423505
    Abstract: An actuator has a resilient shape memory member 1 with superelasticity, a magnetic body 2, and a magnetic field generator 3. At least one of the magnetic body 2 and the magnetic field generator 3 is fixed to the resilient shape memory member 1 such that one of the magnetic body 2 and the magnetic field generator 3 is stationary while the other is movable, whereby the movable member is moved by a magnetic field provided from the magnetic field generator 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogya Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Ohta, Toru Sukigara
  • Patent number: 7315230
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide solenoid plungers, solenoid actuators, and solenoid-actuated mechanisms, that provide for an adjustable stroke, adjustable rated force, and adjustable plunger extension that overcome the problems and issues associated with non-adjustable solenoid actuators. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable solenoid plunger is provided that comprises a stem and an armature including an axial armature bore. The stem engages the armature bore and is adapted for advancement of the armature along at least a portion of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: The Hoffman Group, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • 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: 6918571
    Abstract: A soleniod operated valve has an operating rod attached to the armature with one end of the rod contacting the end of a valve member for effecting movement thereof upon coil energization. A lower bearing is disposed in a lower flux collector adjacent one end of the rod. An upper bearing surface is disposed on an adjustment member threadedly engaging an upper flux collector with the armature return spring between the armature and upper bearing for maximizing bearing separation and improving armature alignment and reducing hysteresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Rose
  • Patent number: 6838965
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes two electromagnets spaced apart from one another, an armature that is movable back and forth by magnetic force between the electromagnets against the force of two respectively counteracting springs, and setting means for adjusting the actuator to have a low energy requirement. To this end, the springs are pre-stressed such that the same energy is stored in both springs in connection with a maximum compression of the springs corresponding to the maximum stroke travel distance of the armature. The actuator is useful for actuating a valve to control the gas exchange in an internal combustion machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Alexander Von Gaisberg, Dirk Strubel
  • Patent number: 6833778
    Abstract: An electromagnetic switch includes a contact holding member connected to a plunger in order to hold a first movable contact. The contact holding member is disposed outside a switch case covering a periphery of an excitation coil. A return spring pushes the plunger back in the opposite direction to a fixed iron core through the contact holding member when electric power supply to the excitation coil is stopped. The return spring is disposed outside the switch case. In this structure, a spring holding portion does not need to be disposed in the fixed iron core and the plunger. Therefore, an area where the fixed iron core attracts the plunger can be increased, so that an attraction force can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Ohmi, Tsutomu Shiga, Masami Niimi, Tadahiro Kurasawa
  • Patent number: 6831539
    Abstract: A microactuator design and fabrication method for an improved magnetic microactuator incorporating mechanical stroke limiters and integrated connections between the flex on suspension and slider. The stroke limiters, also referred to as bumper system, and integrated connections enable low power, mechanically robust operation of the microactuator during high seek operations. In addition, improved head gimbal assembly yield results due to the integrated head connections formed on the microactuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Roger Lee Hipwell, Jr., Andrew David White, Zine-Eddine Boutaghou, Wayne Allen Bonin
  • Patent number: 6778049
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in components such as servo-valves, regulators and injectors for stabilizing system oscillations. The apparatus includes an armature having at least one groove formed on an exterior surface thereof; a sleeve, the armature being movably disposed in the sleeve; and a spring member disposed in the at least one groove in the armature and in sliding contact with the sleeve wherein the spring member exerts a radially outwardly directed spring force against the sleeve. A method of stabilizing an electromagnetically operated actuator comprises providing an armature having at least one groove formed on an exterior surface thereof; providing a sleeve wherein the armature is movably disposed in the sleeve; and disposing a spring member in the at least one groove in the armature and in sliding contact with the sleeve whereby the spring member exerts a radially outwardly directed spring force against the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Mehmet Zeki Alyanak
  • Patent number: 6674352
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator, particularly for a valve for controlling the injection of fuel or fuel oil is described and comprises: a fixed permanent magnetic core, and an electrical control winding which is disposed in the magnetic field generated by the core and is movable relative to the core when an electrical current flows through the winding, in which the winding is intended to be connected to a movable member actuable by the device, in a manner such as to bring about movement of the movable member between a rest position and at least one operative position. The winding is also arranged to act on the movable member by exerting a resilient force which can hold the member in the rest position or return the member to the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Montuschi, Eugenio Faggioli
  • Patent number: 6667675
    Abstract: An adjustable magnetic trip unit for a circuit breaker includes a torsion spring which applies a bias force to the plunger of a trip solenoid. The torsion spring is mounted on a driven bevel gear and wound by an adjustment knob coupled to a driving bevel gear to adjust the current at which the solenoid is activated. An indexer having peripheral flats which engage a seat in the circuit breaker housing provides a plurality of discrete positions of the adjustment knob. Depressing the adjustment knob against a second spring unseats the indexer for rotation of the adjustment knob between settings. In addition, a slide with an inclined surface bearing against the plunger and coupled to the driven bevel gear, provides simultaneous adjustment of plunger gap with adjustment of the torsion spring force to increase the range of adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Gibson, Craig Allen Rodgers, Erik Stephen Lake
  • Patent number: 6608542
    Abstract: An armature for a switching relay having an armature plate and an armature spring. The armature plate is pivotally mounted on the switching relay between an open and closed position. The armature spring is attached to the switching relay by a suspension and has a spring contact region connected to the armature plate. A first web is attached to the spring contact region, and a tension rod is connected to the first web so that minimal torsional forces are transmitted to the tension rod when the armature plate pivots between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Pietsch, Thomas Haehnel
  • Patent number: 6590483
    Abstract: An electromagnetic solenoid actuator comprising a cylindrical casing, an electromagnetic coil arranged in the casing, a fixed iron core arranged in the electromagnetic coil, a moving iron core arranged to come in contact with, and separate away from, the fixed iron core, and an operation rod mounted in the moving iron core, wherein provision is made of a position-limiting mechanism for limiting the operation rod to a plurality of operation positions according to a thrust produced by the operation rod in compliance with the amount of electric power fed to the electromagnetic coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Michinobu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6556113
    Abstract: An electromagnetic adjusting device for automatic transmissions of motor vehicles has an electromagnet having a magnetic coil, a substantially cup-shaped housing which surrounds the magnetic coil and is composed of a ferromagnetic material, the housing having a housing bottom, a ferromagnetic central part which extends from the housing bottom and supports the magnetic coil, and a movable armature located before the central part and leaving a working air gap so as to form with the housing and the central part a magnetic circuit which has a magnetic resistance for a magnetic flux, and means for changing the magnetic resistance, the means for changing the magnetic resistance including an axial depression provided in the central part and an axially displaceable ferromagnetic filling member inserted in the depression and limiting with a bottom of the depression an auxiliary air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christiane Ketschau, Markus Deeg, Lothar Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 6448673
    Abstract: A reciprocating rotary action actuator consisting of a rotor and stator that can be added to a bi-directional rotary motor or galvanometer scanner, where the stator has a ring magnet and a pair of soft iron pole pieces that concentrate the flux of the ring magnet into a concentric set of narrow, uniformly spaced, axially oriented, magnetic flux fields intersecting the rotor's field of travel. The rotor has small permanent magnets embedded in the periphery of a nonconductive, nonmagnetic rotor core. The rotor magnets have the same number and spacing as the stator's magnetic flux fields. The magnet poles are oriented opposite the flux fields of the stator pole pieces, so that upon rotation, the rotor magnets encounter the stator flux fields at each end of rotor travel, creating an opposing force that reverses the angular direction of the rotor with minimal requirement for actuator current and generation of thermal losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: GSI Lumonics, Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Brown, Michael B. Nussbaum, Felix Stukalin
  • Patent number: 6377145
    Abstract: A vibration actuator includes an electromechanical transducer having a magnetic circuit (1-4) and a driving coil (5), a support frame (9), and a damper (270) elastically supporting the magnetic circuit onto the support frame to flexibly damp the vibration of the magnetic circuit when a driving AC current is supplied to the coil (5). The damper (270) comprises inner and outer ring portions (271, 272) and a plurality of spiral spring portions (273) determined by a plurality of spiral slits (274, 275) formed in the damper. In order to reduce the spiral spring portion determined by the adjacent two spiral slits in its compliance, each of the spiral spring portions has an effective spring length determined by an effective angle (&thgr;) which is determined as an angle (by angular degree) from an inner end of the inner spiral slit to an outer end of the outer spiral slit defining each respective spiral spring portion around a center of the damper. The effective angle is 55 angular degree or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Tokin Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Kumagai
  • Patent number: 6351201
    Abstract: A micromechanical switch having a plurality of stable positions, which can be driven between the stable positions with a minimum of residual oscillation. The low oscillation results from the application of a braking force of specific magnitude and duration to exactly cancel the excess energy imparted to the switch during actuation. The braking algorithm results in a faster settling time, thereby improving the performance of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventor: John Stuart Foster
  • Patent number: 6320487
    Abstract: A control switch assembly includes a variable and selectively activatable feedback unit. The feedback unit provides tactile feedback to a user of the system depending upon a particular adjustment to be made by manipulating the control switch. In the preferred embodiment, the feedback unit includes an electromagnetic arrangement that is selectively energized to provide tactile feedback under preselected conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Mihekun Miller, Hollister A. Hartman
  • Patent number: 6265958
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay has an iron core, an armature, a coil wound around the iron core, a yoke, a hinge spring, and a joining structure. The yoke is fastened rigidly to the iron core and has an engaging hole and a fitting portion. The hinge spring is used to support the armature rotatably on the yoke, and the joining structure is used to join the hinge spring to the yoke in the electromagnetic relay. The hinge spring has a tongue and a dish-shaped portion, and the yoke has an engaging hole and a fitting portion for engaging with the tongue and the dish-shaped portion. The hinge spring is joined to the yoke by inserting and fitting the hinge spring into the yoke. This structure serves to simplify the process of assembling the hinge spring to the yoke and drastically reduce the number of assembling steps required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Takamisawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosei Yoshino, Takahiro Nakabayashi, Satoshi Takano
  • Patent number: 6262498
    Abstract: An electromagnetic drive is described that exhibits two electromagnets (2, 3) situated opposite one another and an armature (10) between them that can be moved back and forth. The armature (10) is held in an intermediate position by elastic forces and brought into a terminal position by the power of the electromagnets (2, 3). The armature (10) is mounted using a torsion spring (6) and at least one drive together with its bearings forms a single structural unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Heinz Leiber
  • Patent number: 6133813
    Abstract: A relay has a leaf spring that is secured to a planar seating section of a yoke leg and/or to the planar seating section of the armature and has an unsecured spring section extending beyond the free end of the yoke leg or, respectively, the armature. In order to avoid a plastic deformation of the leaf spring given impacts, the planar seating section respectively merges into a convexly curved roll-off section of which the leaf spring rolls off given a blow without being bent permanently. The end of the roll-off motion is expediently limited by a detent and, in this way, it is assured that the relay does not suffer any permanent modifications of its characteristics, even given heavy blows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Electromechanical Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Hanke, Thomas Buescher
  • Patent number: 6067000
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator 10 includes housing structure 12, first and second electromagnets 14 and 16 disposed in spaced relation in the housing structure, an armature 24 mounted for reciprocal movement between the electromagnets, and a spring assembly 11 operatively associated with the armature 24. The spring assembly includes a coil spring 30, a spring retainer 32 carrying the coil spring and being constructed and arranged to contact the armature 24, a spring adjusting member 38 engaged with a bore in the housing structure 12 and engaging the spring 30 so as to control compression of the spring associated with a set position of the armature 24 between the electromagnets. At least one cap screw 50 extends from a surface of the housing structure generally adjacent to the bore. A locking member 56 is engaged with the spring adjusting member 38 and with the cap screw 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Bulgatz, Timothy S. Roach
  • Patent number: 6040750
    Abstract: A switching device is provided which includes a magnet system having a yoke which is elastically mounted by means of a volute spring. The volute spring permits the yoke to be displaced as far as closure of the magnet system. As a result, it is possible to prevent current overloading of the magnet system coil in the case of a welded break contact of the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans Pfab
  • Patent number: 6037852
    Abstract: An inexpensive and simple magnet damping arrangement, in particular for contactors with a.c. solenoids, is to be created. The non-switching magnet yoke of an electromagnet system with magnet coil is damped by a single damping compression spring which is supported on the bobbin of the magnet coil at one end and directly on the magnet yoke at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventor: Hans Pfab
  • Patent number: 6028499
    Abstract: A monophase electromagnetic actuator including at least a ferromagnetic part integral with a member movable along a direction Y, a fixed stator part made of soft magnetic material and including at least on electrical coil, and a thin transversely magnetized permanent magnet. The fixed stator part and the ferromagnetic part define between each other at least two air gaps arranged symmetrically with respect to the medial plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement of the movable member and passing through the middle of the permanent magnet. The length of the ferromagnetic part is approximately equal to the length of the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Moving Magnet Technologies S.A.
    Inventors: Claude Oudet, Pierre Gandel