Polarity-responsive Patents (Class 335/78)
  • Patent number: 8169280
    Abstract: A relay includes a permanent magnet and a magnetic circuit. The permanent magnet is disposed between a pair of electromagnets. The pair of the electromagnets is formed by winding coils around body portions of spools. Each spool has flanges integrally formed on both upper and lower end portions thereof. The magnetic circuit is formed by a yoke spanning the spools and the permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is held by the upper and lower flanges of a pair of the spools that are juxtaposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yojiro Saruwatari, Masanori Nakamura, Tatsuo Shinoura, Akira Ota
  • Patent number: 8164404
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a resin case, a coil, a movable contact; a fixed contact, a flat recess, a ventilation hole, a cooling member and a flat passage. The resin case has a housing space therein. The movable contact is within the housing space and is actuated by the coil. The fixed contact is within the housing space. The flat recess is formed at the case to communicate with the housing space. The ventilation hole is formed at the case to provide communication between the recess and an exterior of the case. The cooling member is within the recess to cool flame that passes through the recess. The flat passage is formed between the cooling member and an internal wall surface of the recess and has a clearance dimension such that flame is extinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: ANDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Kamiya, Manabu Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8164232
    Abstract: The present invention provides meta-materials with an actively controllable mechanical property. The meta-material includes a deformable structure and a set of activation elements. The activation elements are controllable between multiple states. The meta-material includes a first value for a mechanical property when one or more of the activation elements is in the first activation state and includes a second value for the mechanical property when the activation elements have been activated to the second activation state. In one aspect, the meta-material resembles a composite material where the connectivity between the component materials or shape and arrangement of the component materials is dynamically controllable so as to affect a mechanical property of the meta-material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha E. Prahlad, Scott E. Stanford
  • Publication number: 20120092094
    Abstract: A magnetic switch comprises a first frame and a second frame, a stationary contact to face the second frame, a movable contact contactable with or separated from the stationary contact, a coil assembly that generates a magnetic force in accordance with a flow of an electric current, a movable unit that makes the movable contact to be contactable with or separated from the stationary contact, a contact spring that applies an elastic force to the movable contact in a direction that the movable contact moves toward the stationary contact, a movable distance limiting unit limiting a movable distance of the movable unit to determine a contact pressure distance that the movable contact contacts the stationary contact and the contact spring is pressed, and a return spring to apply an elastic force to the movable unit in a direction that the movable contact is separated from the stationary contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Sang Jin LEE
  • Patent number: 8159320
    Abstract: A micro-machined magnetic latching relay has a moveable cantilever comprising a soft magnetic material and having a first end and a second end. The cantilever has a rotational axis which is a flexure supported by a substrate. A first permanent and a second permanent magnet are disposed near the first end and the second end of the cantilever respectively. Each of the two magnets produces a magnetic force and a torque on the cantilever. The first permanent magnet, second permanent magnet and the substrate are arranged to provide two stable positions for the cantilever. An electromagnet provides a temporary switching magnetic field to adjust the local magnetizations across the magnetic cantilever, causing changes of magnetic forces and torques on the cantilever. As a result, the direction of a sum of torque on the cantilever is reversed. Therefore, the cantilever is switched from one stable position to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Meichun Ruan, Qunying Wei
  • Patent number: 8154365
    Abstract: A micro-machined switching system for equalizing an electrical property, such as charge due to parasitic capacitance formed at an input and an output of a micro-machined switching device. The micro-machined switching device may be a MEMS relay or a MEMS switch. In addition to the micro-machined switching device, the switching system also includes a balancing module for equalizing the electrical property between the input and the output of the micro-machined switching device. In certain embodiments, the balancing module includes a switch operable in a first state causing charge due to the parasitic capacitance on the input and the output of the micro-machined switching device to substantially balance. The switch is also operable in a second state wherein parasitic capacitance can separately accumulate at the input and the output of the micro-machined switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Cammen Chan, Geoffrey T. Haigh
  • Patent number: 8149076
    Abstract: The present invention relates to MEMS device that comprises a first electrode, and a second electrode suspended with a distance to the first electrode with the aid of a suspension structure. The MEMS device further comprises at least one deformation electrode. The second electrode or the suspension structure or both are plastically deformable upon application of an electrostatic deformation force via the deformation electrode. This way, variations in the off-state position of the second electrode that occur during fabrication of different devices or during operation of a single device can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Peter G. Steeneken
  • Patent number: 8143978
    Abstract: An electromechanical relay employing a movable first magnet and a nearby switching electromagnet is disclosed. The movable first magnet is permanently magnetized with a magnetic moment and has at least a first end. The switching electromagnet, when energized, produces a switching magnetic field which is primarily perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first movable magnet and exerts a magnetic torque on the first magnet to force the first magnet to rotate and closes an electrical conduction path at the first end. Changing the direction of the electrical current in the switching electromagnet changes the direction of the switching magnetic field and thus the direction of the magnetic torque on the first magnet, and causes the first magnet to rotate in an opposite direction and opens the electrical conduction path at the first end. Multiple magnetic layers can be arranged to form closed magnetic circuits to facilitate switching and maintaining switched states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Magvention (Suzhou), Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Shen
  • Patent number: 8138863
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay has a movable contact arranged at one end of a drive shaft that reciprocates in an axis center direction based on excitation and demagnetization of an electromagnet block, and a pair of adjacently arranged fixed contacts with which the movable contact is operable to contact and separate. A first electromagnetic iron piece, a second electromagnetic iron piece and the movable contact are inserted to the drive shaft so that the first electromagnetic iron piece and the second electromagnetic iron piece sandwich the movable contact. The second electromagnetic iron piece is biased to one end side of the drive shaft with a coil spring inserted to the drive shaft. When the movable contact contacts to the pair of fixed contacts, the second electromagnetic iron piece forming a magnetic circuit with the first electromagnetic iron piece pushes the movable contact to the pair of fixed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Tanaka, Ikuhiro Yoshihara, Ryuichi Hashimoto, Kazuchika Hiroki, Hideaki Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8138859
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switching methods and apparatus having improved performance and lifetime as compared to conventional MEMS switches. In some embodiments, a MEMS switch may include a resilient contact element comprising a beam and a tip configured to wipe a contact surface; and a MEMS actuator having an open position that maintains the tip and the contact surface in a spaced apart relation and a closed position that brings the tip into contact with the contact surface, wherein the resilient contact element and the MEMS actuator are disposed on a substrate and are movable in a plane substantially parallel to the substrate. In some embodiments, various contact elements are provided for the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, various actuators are provided for control of the operation of the MEMS switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Gritters, Eric D. Hobbs, Sangtae Park, Jun Jason Yao
  • Patent number: 8136890
    Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing shock from a high voltage power source. In one embodiment, a device for preventing an electric shock, comprises output terminals for connecting to an external load, a low voltage circuit for carrying a first current (IL) to the output terminals, the low voltage circuit comprising a first coil disposed about a magnetic core, and a high voltage circuit for carrying a second current (IH) to the output terminals, the high voltage circuit comprising a second coil disposed about the magnetic core, and a control relay configured to electrically connect one of the high voltage circuit and the low voltage circuit to the output terminals based at least partly on the first current (IL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: International Safety & Development, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Cruz
  • Patent number: 8138860
    Abstract: Magnetically-activated contactless potentiometers with a resistive trace and a conductive trace contained within a channel formed of non-conductive material are described. A gap between the resistive trace and the conductive trace is provided, and the conductive trace is either magnetic/ferromagnetic or is provided with a magnetic/ferromagnetic material. In use, a magnetic force is applied to the potentiometer opposite the resistive trace from the conductive trace, thus attracting the conductive trace to physically and electrically connect with the resistive trace at the location of the magnetic force. This magnetically-induced contact between the conductive trace and the resistive trace produces a resistive feedback from the point of contact and allows for changing the resistance of the potentiometer by laterally moving the magnetic force along the length of the potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Spectra Symbol, Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Marriott, Justin Whiting, Sasha Rajcevich
  • Patent number: 8130064
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a switch assembly which can be used in situation in which the switch accommodates the flow of high voltage current. An actuator assembly with moveable contacts is moved by a motor driven armature. The moveable contacts are in electrical engagement with the stationary contacts when the armature is in the first position, and the moveable contacts are spaced from the stationary contacts when the armature is in the second position. By angling the stationary contacts and moveable contacts, the linear motion of the armature causes the moveable contacts to move across the surface of the stationary contacts as the armature approaches the first position. As all of the movements of the assembly are in a direction parallel to the axis of the armature, the assembly can be manufactured and operated reliably in a relatively small space. In addition, the linear movement on the angled contact provides for a positive electrical connection even in adverse environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Len Moeller, David Glen Parker, Kurt Thomas Zarbock
  • Patent number: 8120451
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) and, more particularly, to an electrostatic actuator, and a driving method thereof and an application device thereof. The electrostatic actuator in accordance with the present invention comprises a fixed electrode, an electric charge charging unit electrically insulated from the fixed electrode, and a moving electrode spaced apart from the fixed electrode and the electric charge charging unit. In accordance with the present invention, the electrostatic actuator with a very low driving voltage and an arbitrarily controllable driving voltage when compared with a conventional electrostatic actuator is provided. In addition, the electrostatic actuator having durability against external noise and enabling a reliable consecutive operation is provided. Further, in accordance with the present invention, non-volatile mechanical memory, a logic circuit and a switch employing the electrostatic actuator are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jun-Bo Yoon, Hyun-Ho Yang, Dong-Hoon Choi
  • Patent number: 8115578
    Abstract: An electromechanical relay includes a case and a relay module, in which the case has terminals to enable a connection into the circuit to be protected and connectors which cooperate with complementary connectors on the relay module to enable the relay to readily be connected to the external circuit. The relay also has an arrangement in which the fixed contacts are directly associated with the connectors on the module and the movable contacts are associated therewith, and can be provided as either normally open or normally closed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Alan R Fancke
  • Patent number: 8115576
    Abstract: MEMS structures employing movable conductive member and a number of current-carrying stationary contact terminals which advantageously permit higher current carrying capability that prior art devices in which currents flowed through movable conductive members. Current carrying capability in excess of 1.0 amp without the need for additional current limiting devices is realized thereby lowering overall system manufacturing costs for systems employing our structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Réseaux MEMS, Société en Commandite
    Inventors: Jun Lu, Stephane Menard
  • Patent number: 8115579
    Abstract: The micro-electromechanical (MEMS) actuator comprises a hot arm member and a cold arm member. The cold arm member comprises at least two longitudinally spaced-apart flexors. The actuators may also be constructed with at least one among the hot arm member and the cold arm member comprising at least one spring section. The stress in this improved MEMS actuator is more uniformly distributed, thereby reducing the mechanical creep and improving its reliability as well as its operation life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Reseaux MEMS, societe en commandite
    Inventors: Stéphane Mènard, Nicolas Gonon
  • Patent number: 8115577
    Abstract: An electromechanical switch includes a first beam, a second beam arranged in parallel with the first beam and connected to the first beam through a connecting portion, a first electrode formed so as to have a first gap with respect to the first beam, a voltage applying portion which applies a voltage between the first beam and the first electrode, and a second electrode formed so as to have a second gap with respect to the second beam. The second gap is greater than the first gap. The first beam is displaced when the voltage applying portion applies the voltage between the first beam and the first electrode, so that switching between the second beam and the second electrode is performed in a state that the first beam is not electrically connected to the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakatsuka, Yasuyuki Naito, Keiji Onishi
  • Patent number: 8111117
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes an electromagnetic block formed by winding a coil around an iron core and a frame shaped card. One end portion of the frame-shaped card is engaged with a movable iron piece that is rotated by being attracted to and separated from a magnetic pole portion of the iron core based on excitation and non-excitation of the electromagnetic block. The electromagnetic relay also includes a contact mechanism portion configured to be driven by the other end portion of the frame-shaped card that makes a reciprocating movement so as to open/close contacts and a pair of protrusions protrusively provided on the same shaft center inside of the one end portion of the frame-shaped card. Both side edge portions of the movable iron piece are held by the one end portion of the card and the protrusions. An adjustment opening is provided between the pair of protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Ryota Minowa, Hironori Sanada, Norio Fukui
  • Patent number: 8110761
    Abstract: A switching device includes a stationary portion, a movable portion having a movable land portion, and a first beam portion and a second beam portion that couple the movable land portion and the stationary portion with each other. A first signal line extends over the movable land portion, the first beam portion, and the stationary portion, and has a movable contact portion on the movable land portion, a second signal line faces the movable contact portion, a first driving line extends over the movable land portion, the second beam portion, and the stationary portion, and has a movable driving electrode portion on the movable land portion, and a second driving line having a stationary driving electrode portion faces the movable driving electrode portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tadashi Nakatani, Satoshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 8111118
    Abstract: A micro electromechanical (MEMS) switch suitable for use in medical devices is provided, along with methods of producing and using MEMS switches. In one aspect, a micro electromechanical switch including a moveable member configured to electrically cooperate with a receiving terminal is formed on a substrate. The moveable member and the receiving terminal each include an insulating layer proximate to the substrate and a conducting layer proximate to the insulating layer opposite the substrate. In various embodiments, the conducting layers of the moveable member and/or receiving terminal include a protruding region that extends outward from the substrate to switchably couple the conducting layers of the moveable member and the receiving terminal to thereby form a switch. The switch may be actuated using, for example, electrostatic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Rogier Receveur, Philippe Habets, Ralph B. Danzl, Richard P. M. Houben, Michael F. Mattes
  • Patent number: 8106732
    Abstract: A relay includes a base and a switch built into the base. A first terminal that is built into the base, is connected to one end of the switch, and is provided on a bottom of the base, a second terminal that is built into the base, is connected to the other end of the switch, and is provided on the bottom, and a third terminal that is connected to the first terminal in the base, is provided on a top of the base. No other terminal is provided on the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventor: Satoshi Takano
  • Patent number: 8106730
    Abstract: A microswitching device includes a base, a fixed portion joined to the base, a movable portion extending along the base and having a fixed end fixed to the fixed portion, a movable contact electrode film provided on a side of the movable portion opposite the base, a pair of fixed contact electrodes joined to the fixed portion and having a region opposing the movable contact electrode film, a movable driving electrode film provided on a side of the movable portion opposite the base, and a fixed driving electrode having a region opposing the movable driving electrode film. The movable driving electrode film is thinner than the movable contact electrode film. The fixed driving electrode is joined to the fixed portion joined to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Anh Tuan Nguyen, Tadashi Nakatani, Satoshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 8102227
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic relay that can achieve desired operation characteristics by simple and inexpensive construction even if it has a small thickness. Therefore, a movable iron piece 20 is rotated by excitation or non-excitation of an electromagnet, a movable contact piece 43 is elastically deformed through a card 21, and a movable contact 46 opens and closes fixed contacts of fixed contact pieces. The movable iron piece 20 is provided with a card pressing portion 36 capable of pressing the card 21. The card 21 is provided with a contact piece pressing portion 37 capable of pressing the movable contact piece 43 by being rotated around a fulcrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Fujiwara, Yasusuke Takahashi, Hiroshi Matsumoto, Kazuchika Hiroki, Masahiko Tashiro
  • Patent number: 8098120
    Abstract: A MEM device has a movable element (30), a pair of electrodes (e1, e2) to move the movable element, one electrode having an independently movable section (e3), resiliently coupled to the rest of the respective electrode to provide additional resistance to a pull in of the electrodes. This can enable a higher release voltage Vrel, and thus reduced risk of stiction. Also, a ratio of Vpi to Vrel can be reduced, and so a greater range of voltage is available for movement of the movable element. This enables faster switching. The area of the independently movable section is smaller than the rest of the electrode, and the spring constant of the resilient coupling is greater than that of the flexible support. Alternatively, the movable element can have a movable stamp section resiliently coupled and protruding towards the substrate to provide an additional resistance to pull in when it contacts the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Peter G. Steeneken, Jozef Thomas Martinus Van Beek, Theo Rijks
  • Patent number: 8098121
    Abstract: A MEMS magnetic flux switch is fabricated as a ferromagnetic core. The core includes a center cantilever that is fabricated as a free beam that can oscillate at a resonant frequency that is determined by its mechanical and material properties. The center cantilever is moved by impulses applied by an associated motion oscillator, which can be magnetic or electric actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: National Semiconductor
    Inventors: Peter J Hopper, Trevor Niblock, Peter Johnson, Vladislav Vashchenko
  • Patent number: 8093968
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical element of a hydrophobic surface structure with a long life and high reliability and an electromechanical switch using the microelectromechanical element are provided. The surface of an electrode has a composite surface structure of a first area made of a first material forming the electrode and a second area made of a second material at least having hydrophobicity. The surface structure is the composite surface structure of the electrode material and a monolayer, whereby physical compression of the monolayer is avoided. A structure wherein the monolayer is not formed on the propagation path of a radio frequency signal is adopted, so that an increase in an insertion loss and electric field damage are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Naito
  • Patent number: 8093970
    Abstract: A relay including a coil or solenoid, at least one fixed substrate and a moving substrate, a plurality of braided electrical contact element contacts making contact with pads on the fixed and moving substrates, returning springs mounted on alignment pins, and an optional cover for hermetical sealing. A further embodiment presents a horizontally-moving armature actuated by one or more solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Montara Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Che-Yu Li
  • Patent number: 8093969
    Abstract: The invention deals with a kind of switchboards, especially involving contactors, cores and driving circuits. The invention has solved three problems of high driving power, high consumption and short service life in current contactors, and has provided a LCDC contactor inlaid with driving circuit and controlling port. LCDC contactor in this invention consists of field coils, movable and fixed cores. The fixed core is folded with silicon-steel sheets, and the permanent magnet laid in the fixed core. LCDC contactor includes driving circuit inside, the field coils are connected with driving circuit and the circuit connecting external power is used to control signal of driving coils. This invention provides a controlling system constituted of the LCDC contactors. Low power consumption, effortless driving, long service life are the main beneficial effects. The LCDC contactor can directly employ nominal voltage DC 24V switching power with a remarkably energy-saving effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Jinping Liu, Ronggao Chen
  • Patent number: 8093971
    Abstract: A micro electromechanical system switch having an electrical pathway is presented. The switch includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is offset to a zero overlap position with respect to the first portion when the switch is in open position (or in the closed position depending on the switch architecture). The switch further includes an actuator for moving the first portion and the second portion into contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xuefeng Wang, Alex David Corwin, Bo Li, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Kuna Venkat Satya Rama Kishore
  • Patent number: 8093972
    Abstract: When a high power signal is input to an electromechanical device, electrostatic force can automatically and unintentionally drive the movable electrode. A high reliability electromechanical device that prevents this is achieved. The electromechanical device of the invention is an electromechanical device formed on a substrate, and having a signal electrode and a drive electrode formed across a gap from a movable electrode. Applying an attraction force between the movable electrode and the drive electrode enables the movable electrode to contact the signal electrode. A high electrostatic capacitance is formed by disposing the movable electrode and drive electrode in opposition with a dielectric layer therebetween on the RF signal input port side. As a result, the potential difference between the movable electrode and drive electrode is reduced even when a high power signal is input, and a high reliability electromechanical device can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Naito
  • Patent number: 8093967
    Abstract: The present invention provides a DC high voltage converter having an oscillator driver, main switch array and topological enhanced capacitors. The switch array utilizes MEM cantilevers and topological capacitors for charge storages for the generation of a high voltage output from a low voltage input utilizing the chattering motion of the cantilever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Weidong Wang, Shinzo Onishi
  • Patent number: 8093974
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a housing having an accommodating space therein, a magnet coil in the accommodating space to generate electromagnetic force when energized, a moving contact disposed in the accommodating space and driven by the coil, a fixed contact in the accommodating space, the moving contact engaged with or disengaged from the fixed contact as a result of whether the moving contact is driven or not, a breathing hole formed in the housing to communicate between the accommodating space and an exterior space of the housing, and a flame propagation route along which a flame of flammable gas ignited by arc generated between the moving contact and the fixed contact propagates toward the breathing hole. The route includes a flame extinguishment clearance that is set to have such a gap size that the flame is extinguished when passing through the clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Anden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagura, Takashi Ito, Masaki Takeyama
  • Patent number: 8072300
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay has a movable block, hinge portions protruding from both sides of the movable block on an axis, having a wide connection portion and a shaft portion, a base block having common contact terminals disposed thereon, and an electromagnetic block mounted on the base block. The connection portions are welded to be integrated with the common contact terminals to provide welded portions. Based on excitation and non-excitation of the electromagnetic block, the movable block rotates, with the shaft portions as a rotation axis to open and close contacts. The welded portion is provided in an inside edge portion of the connection portion. A reference line connects a point of action located between the welded portion and the rotation axis, and a center of the welded portion. The reference line intersects a boundary between the connection portion and the welded portion, which are welded so as to be integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumi Sako, Hideki Kuboyama, Toshiyuki Furukawa, Tatsuhiro Yasutake, Takeo Okuda
  • Patent number: 8068002
    Abstract: An electromechanical relay employing a movable first permanent magnet and a nearby third electromagnet is disclosed. The movable first magnet is permanently magnetized and has at least a first end. The third electromagnet, when energized, produces a third magnetic field which is primarily perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the first movable magnet and exerts a magnetic torque on the first magnet to force the first magnet to rotate and closes an electrical conduction path at the first end. Changing the direction of the electrical current in the third electromagnet changes the direction of the third magnetic field and thus the direction of the magnetic torque on the first magnet, and causes the first magnet to rotate in an opposite direction and opens the electrical conduction path at the first end. Multiple magnets can be stacked together to form multi-pole-multi-throw relays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Magvention (Suzhou), Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Shen
  • Publication number: 20110267157
    Abstract: On a bistable relay, in particular for the high-current range, having a coil arrangement and a movable armature, which armature is attracted or repelled by the magnetic flux that can be generated in the coil arrangement and in the process opens or closes contacts, and in the relay, at least one retention element is provided, with which the armature is fixable in its position, an electric reservoir is provided, with the energy of which the armature is movable into an OFF position of the relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Simon Kalmbach, Karl Steimle, Gunter Kaiser
  • Patent number: 8035468
    Abstract: A relay has a magnet system with a core partially enclosed by a coil. A yoke has a first yoke leg attached to a first end of the core and a second yoke leg extending parallel to the core. The second yoke leg has an armature mounting portion formed on an upper side of the second yoke leg remote from the coil. A pole has a first pole leg connected to a second end of the core and a second pole leg extending parallel to the core. The second pole leg has an upper surface substantially aligned with the armature mounting portion. A fixed contact is arranged on a fixed contact carrier substantially aligned with the second pole leg. The arrangement of the magnet system ensures precise positional alignment during extrusion coating with a plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Hoffmann, Heinz Stadler
  • Patent number: 8026782
    Abstract: A magnet system for an electrical actuator includes a substantially U-shaped magnet yoke having substantially parallel first and second pole legs connected by a yoke web. The first pole leg has a longitudinal end section bent out of a plane of the first pole leg. A longitudinal side of the longitudinal end section forms a first magnet pole. The second pole leg has an end face forming a second magnet pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Mikl
  • Patent number: 8018307
    Abstract: The MEMS element of the invention has a first, a second and an intermediate third electrode. It is given an increased dynamic range in that the switchable capacitor constituted by the second and the third electrode is provided in the signal path between input and output, and that the switchable capacitor constituted by the first and third electrode is provided between the signal path and ground. The MEMS element of the invention is very suitable for integration in a network of passive components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Jozef Thomas Martinus Van Beek, Peter Gerard Steeneken
  • Patent number: 8018308
    Abstract: A downward type micro electro mechanical system (EMS) switch and a method of fabricating the same is provided. The downward type MEMS switch includes first and second cavities formed in a substrate, first and second actuators formed on upper portions of the first and second cavities, first and second fixing lines formed on an upper surface of the substrate and not overlapped with the first and second cavities, and a contact pad which is spaced apart at a predetermined distance from surfaces of the first fixing line and the second fixing line but which can be contacted with the first fixing line and the second fixing line when the first actuator and the second actuator are driven. The contact pad, which is actuated downward by piezoelectricity, is fabricated as it shares a layer with a RF signal line, after the RF signal line is fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-wook Kwon, Jong-seok Kim, In-sang Song, Sang-hun Lee, Dong-kyun Kim, Jung-han Choi, Young-tack Houng, Che-heung Kim
  • Patent number: 8013695
    Abstract: A magnetic circuit includes a stationary iron core, a permanent magnet, and an armature, in a circular pattern. A contact mechanism spring separates the armature from the stationary iron core to open the magnetic circuit to switch a contact mechanism to a reset position. A coil on the magnetic circuit generates a magnetic flux in a direction same as that of the permanent magnet when an overload is detected and in an opposite direction when a predetermined time is elapsed after detecting the overload. A reset bar switches a movable stopper between an engaging position and a non-engaging position with the contact mechanism against a biasing force of the contact mechanism spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichirou Suzuki, Sadaaki Baba, Tomoyuki Kamiyama, Tsuyoshi Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 8008999
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay including an electromagnet, an armature driven by the electromagnet, a movable spring member carrying a movable contact, a fixed member carrying a fixed contact, an actuator arranged between the armature and the movable spring member. The actuator pivots about a pivot axis by an operation of the electromagnet to make the movable contact brought into contact with or separated from the fixed contact. The actuator includes a generally L-shaped body, the pivot axis being defined at a first end of a first arm of the L-shaped body. The armature is attached to the actuator at a second end of a second arm of the L-shaped body opposite to the first end. The movable spring member is engaged with the actuator at a point defined in the second arm of the L-shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventor: Masato Morimura
  • Patent number: 8003906
    Abstract: Embodiments of crossbar devices constructed with Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) switches are disclosed herein. A crossbar device may comprise m input terminals, n output terminals, n control lines and m×n MEMS switches coupled to the n control lines to selectively couple the m input terminals to the n output terminal. Each of the MEMS switches may comprise a contact node coupled to one of the m input terminals, a cantilever coupled to one of the n output terminals, a control node coupled to one of the n control lines to electrostatically control the cantilever to contact the contact node or be away from the contact node using electrostatic attractive or repulsive force respectively. The cantilever and the contact node are configured to remain in contact by molecular adhesion force, after the cantilever has been electrostatically controlled to contact the contact node, and the electrostatic attractive force has been removed. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Meta Systems
    Inventors: Carl Ebeling, Frederic Reblewski, Olivier V. Lepape, Jean Barbier
  • Patent number: 7999642
    Abstract: The present invention provides a switch suitable for efficient microfabrication. The switch elements are disposed in several layers. Various embodiments provide various switching capabilities and operational characteristics. The switches can be protected by suitable packaging, and can be efficiently fabricated in groups or arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: HT MicroAnalytical, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Christenson
  • Patent number: 7999643
    Abstract: The present invention relates to providing a uniform operating environment for each of multiple devices by providing a common environment to the devices. The common environment is provided by multiple cavities, which are interconnected by at least one environmental pathway, which may be provided by at least one tunnel. The common environment may help provide uniform operating pressure, which may be a partial or near vacuum, a surrounding gas of uniform contents, such as an inert gas or mixture of inert gases, or both. The devices may include micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) devices, such as MEMS switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Dening, Tony Ivanov, Julio Costa
  • Patent number: 7994885
    Abstract: A switch module consists of a build-up multi-layer structure and some passive devices. The build-up multi-layer structure has multitudes of conductive layers and dielectric layers laminated upon each another. At least one dielectric layer is interfered between any two conductive layers. Any one passive device is a portion of at least one conductive layer and electrically connects multitudes of conductive pads on the surface of the build-up multi-layer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chang-Lin Wei, Ching-Liang Weng, Uei-Ming Jow, Ying-Jiunn Lai, Syun Yu, Chang-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 7994884
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes: a casing formed with an opening; a relay core member adapted for generating an electromagnetic field and inserted into the casing through the opening; an actuating set that is inserted into the relay core member, that is exposed from the casing, and that can be driven by a magnetic attraction force attributed to the electromagnetic field; a terminal set disposed on the casing and adapted to be actuated by the actuating set to thereby act as a switch mechanism; and a housing accommodating the casing, the relay core member, the actuating set and the terminal set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Good Sky Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chang Kuo
  • Patent number: 7994883
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a casing, and a relay core member sealed in the casing and including an electromagnetic unit and a terminal unit. The electromagnetic unit includes a spool frame set having an engagement portion, a coil unit wound on the spool frame set, and a pair of coil winding pins. Each of the coil winding pins has a conductive portion exposed from one of opposite first sides of the spool frame set, and a coil winding portion extending along one of opposite second sides of the spool frame set. The terminal unit includes an engaging block having an engagement portion connected to the engagement portion of the spool frame set for preventing separation of the terminal unit from the electromagnetic unit, a terminal set, and an armature component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Ming-Chang Kuo
  • Patent number: 7990240
    Abstract: A relay assembly is provided that includes an intermediate member to aid in coupling a wire to a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Victor Bush, Jeremiah Garcia Reyes
  • Patent number: 7990238
    Abstract: A button system for industrial AC/DC relays comprising a casing (10), a button (5), a driving block (7), an indication board (8) and a core propelling block (6), wherein the cover board (1) and the housing (2) fixed with each other, and at least an opening (11) for pulling the button (5) is arranged on the cover board; the button (5) is pivoted on the top of the casing (10) by the transverse shaft (51); the driving block (7) mounted in the casing (10), the end of the driving block (7) abut against the toughing portion (53) of the button (5); the indicator board (8) is pivoted in the casing (10), the upper portion of the indicator board (8) abut against the front end of the strip driving arm (71) of the driving block (7), and the lower portion is match with the core propelling block (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Xiamen Hongfa Electroacoustic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhonghua Tan