Abstract: A microelectromechanical device is provided which includes a beam configured to apply an opening force on a closed switch. The opening force may be substantially independent of a force stored in the closed switch. A combination of the force applied by the beam and the force stored in the closed switch may be sufficient to open the switch after removal of a force associated with actuation of the switch. Another microelectromechanical device includes a switch beam spaced above a closing gate and a contact structure. The device may also include an additional beam configured to apply a force on the switch beam in a direction away from the contact structure. A method for opening a switch includes reducing an attractive force between a switch beam and a closing gate. The method also includes externally applying a mechanical force on the switch beam in a direction away from the closing gate.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a fixed current contact (12,14), a movable current contact (16,18), a mechanism (20,22,54,66,68) for displacing the movable current contact (16,18) between a circuit closing position and a circuit opening position, and a latching member (32,34) disposed to cooperate with the mechanism (20,22,54,66,68) and movable in response to the magnitude of current flowing through the circuit to be controlled in order to cause the mechanism (20,22,54,66,68) to move the movable contact (16,18) in a manner to open the circuit when the magnitude of current flow exceeds a certain value, movement of the latching member (32,34) being controlled by a memory metal element (40,42) which is mechanically connected to the latching member (32,34) and electrically connected in the circuit to be heated by current flowing through the circuit to cause the latching member (32,34) to release the mechanism (20,22,54,66,68) when the current flowing through the circuit exceeds a given value for a selected period of tim

Abstract: A solenoid coil is connected in series with an electric motor. The spring which urges the solenoid plunger away from the coil is of such strength that it will yield to the magnetic attraction of the coil when the motor-starting inrush current is flowing through the coil, but will not yield when the motor-running current is flowing through the coil. Thus the solenoid plunger reciprocates each time the motor is started. The solenoid plunger is formed of a flat sheet of magnetic material curled into the shape of a hollow cylindrical shell. The solenoid frame has a forked portion through which the plunger extends, the forked portion having sufficient depth to minimize side loading of the plunger. An end of the frame is also shaped to act as a spring in holding the solenoid parts in assembled relationship.