Particular Relay Or Solenoid Patents (Class 361/206)
  • Patent number: 11342147
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electromagnetic relay that comprises a yoke and an armature. The armature may be swivellably arranged on the yoke, have an open position and a contact position in relation to the yoke, and configured to be attracted by a magnetic field out of the open position into the contact position. The armature may include a first branch circuit having a first capacitor and a first exciter coil connected in series with the first capacitor, a second branch circuit having a second capacitor and a second exciter coil connected in series with the second capacitor, and a switch element arranged between the first branch circuit and the second branch circuit and having a first switch state and a second switch state. The first exciter coil and the second exciter coil may provide the magnetic field for attracting and retaining the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Benk, Christian Adam, Ralf Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 11160884
    Abstract: The present system relates to a mains-powerable, compact and customizable alternating current magnetic field plate for magnet-assisted transfection of genes to target cells. Magnet plate is based on at least one alternating current electromagnet comprising a laminated steel stack core and a multi-layer, multi-turn coil wound longitudinally therearound. The system includes a voltage rating adjustment controller, as well as a current adjuster for selective control of magnetic force applied to genetic material for delivery. Rapid magnetic field polarity switching exacts lateral motion efficiently and uniformly, thus improving the distribution of means, such as SPIONS, used to transfect cells with genes of interest, and in turn enhancing gene delivery and tissue localization, especially for hard-to-transfect genes, compared to DC magnet plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: SABANCI UNIVERSITESI
    Inventor: Murat Kaya Yapici
  • Patent number: 11050333
    Abstract: A torque motor assembly comprising two or more pole piece pairs, each pair comprising two opposing pole pieces each having an end facing an end of the opposite pole piece, the ends separated by a gap; and a magnetic plate extending between the pole piece pairs and located in the gap, the magnetic plate having surface portions facing the respective pole piece ends; wherein the surface portions of the magnetic plate and the respective pole piece ends are non-parallel with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jakub Sarafin, MichaƂ Zgorecki
  • Patent number: 10937618
    Abstract: A latching device for an operating mechanism for an electrical switching apparatus. The device has a locking member movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the locking member is arranged to lock a drive member of the operating mechanism in a locked position, and a force of the drive member being applied to a contact portion of the locking member. In the second position the locking member is arranged to release the drive member from the locked position. At least in the first position the locking member is arranged to bear against the counter roller. A tripping member is movable between a first position locking the locking member and a second position releasing the locking member. The locking member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is rotatable connected to a first link around a first pivot axis, which first pivot axis is movable perpendicular to its direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: ABB Power Grids Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Daniel Staffas, Johannes Tredoux
  • Patent number: 9384655
    Abstract: A control panel is used to monitor events within a security system or other automation system. In the event an intruder enters a physical location, the intruder may attempt to damage the control panel to disrupt its operation. One or more sensors of the control panel may detect disruption in the operation of the control panel. Example sensors may detect an impact force, sudden acceleration, removal from a mounted location, or disruption of communication with an input/output element, such as a display device. When an event is detected at the control panel itself, the control panel can send a signal to a remote service provider, and the remote service provider can follow-up with the customer. The control panel and/or remote service provider may also determine when the control panel loses partial or complete power loss to identify the disruption as a potential crash-and-smash entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Nye, Jungtaik Hwang
  • Patent number: 9343258
    Abstract: An exemplary magnetic actuator for a circuit breaker arrangement includes a coil, a core with a groove for accommodating a section of the coil, and a movable plate configured to be attracted by the core. When a magnetic field is generated by the coil, the movable plate actuates the circuit breaker arrangement based on the attraction to the core. The magnetic actuator also includes a position locker for locking the coil in the groove. The position locker having a locking part protruding away from the core and over a section of the coil not accommodated in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: Christian Reuber
  • Publication number: 20150109713
    Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic contactor. The magnetic contactor includes a frame, a holder, a movable core, a bobbin, a fixed core coupled to a side of the bobbin and configured to absorb the movable core with a magnetic force, an elastic member provided between the holder and the bobbin, a b-contact switch configured to sense a closing completion time of the movable contact by using a mechanical mechanism relationship with the movable core, an electronic circuit part configured to receive a sensing signal from the b-contact switch and limit a current applied to the coil, and a switch manipulation member provided at one end of the movable core and configured to operate the b-contact switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ho Jun LEE
  • Patent number: 8503152
    Abstract: An infinitely variable multi-directional linear motion solenoid actuator (10) for use on printed circuit boards (12). The solenoid actuator includes wire coils (14) wound onto a bobbin (16) and a moveable magnetic armature (18) passing through a central bore (20) of the body. The armature is responsive to current passing through the coils to produce infinitely variable and reversible motion. Support posts (22) passing through the bobbin are used for electrical connection between the coils and the circuit board, as well as for mounting the actuator to the circuit board. The support posts may have solder heads on one end for surface mounting to the board, and may have plain heads on an opposed end for alternative through-hole mounting. A vacuum pick area (56) may be formed on one or both sides of the bobbin body to facilitate automated handling of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: American Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad S. Feltz, Walter F. Wike, Jr., Kevin R. Heffler
  • Publication number: 20130141831
    Abstract: An electronic relay includes: a housing having an interior space therein and a lateral side and a lower side of which are opened, a board installation part being formed along a periphery of the opened side of the housing; a printed circuit board a periphery of which is inserted into and installed in the board installation part of the housing, for shielding the opened side of the housing and performing a switching function; a lower cover for shielding a lower side of the housing, one side edge of the printed circuit board being fixed to the lower cover; and terminals ends of which are electrically connected to the printed circuit board and opposite ends of which pass through the lower cover to protrude to the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA ELECTRIC TERMINAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-Min Lee, Gil-Su Kim, Chul-Jin Jang
  • Publication number: 20130027833
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator operating like a holding magnet includes an anisotropic permanent magnet connected with a ferromagnetic yoke, an electromagnet and a ferromagnetic armature that is movable relative to the electromagnet. The yoke is cup-shaped and has a circular, elliptical or polygonal cross-section to reduce magnetic stray flux. All the aforementioned components are arranged coaxially with respect to a column-shaped core. The periphery of the yoke includes at least one opening configured for passage of the electrical conductors controlling the electromagnet. The opening also enables pressure equalization and vapor diffusion between the interior space of the actuator and the environment. The opening is oriented in the magnetic flux direction and is constructed to reduce eddy currents. The actuator also includes components forming an electrical freewheel circuit or an electrical energy store circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Rabe, Kathrin Steinhuber
  • Publication number: 20120162847
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay for starting a motor of a starter includes a resistor to reduce an activation current that flows through the motor from a battery for activation of the motor, a relay contact that causes the starting current to flow while bypassing the resistor, a relay coil that forms an electromagnet when excited by energization, and a control circuit that controls an excited state of the relay coil for activation of the motor to open or close the relay contact, thus controlling energization of the motor from the battery via the resistor. The electromagnetic relay incorporates therein the control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Suzuki, Mitsuhiro Murata
  • Publication number: 20120092803
    Abstract: An infinitely variable multi-directional linear motion solenoid actuator (10) for use on printed circuit boards (12). The solenoid actuator includes wire coils (14) wound onto a bobbin (16) and a moveable magnetic armature (18) passing through a central bore (20) of the body. The armature is responsive to current passing through the coils to produce infinitely variable and reversible motion. Support posts (22) passing through the bobbin are used for electrical connection between the coils and the circuit board, as well as for mounting the actuator to the circuit board. The support posts may have solder heads on one end for surface mounting to the board, and may have plain heads on an opposed end for alternative through-hole mounting. A vacuum pick area (56) may be formed on one or both sides of the bobbin body to facilitate automated handling of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Brad F. Feltz, Walter F. Wike, JR., Kevin R. Heffler
  • Publication number: 20110304947
    Abstract: An electromagnetic switch is provided which includes: a coil generating magnetomotive force; a frame accommodating the coil and generating a flux path; a resin cover covering an opening of the frame; and a current-supply terminal member energizing the coil. The current-supply terminal member includes: a blade-shaped terminal whose end is connected to the coil and whose another end is drawn out of the resin cover in the axial direction of the electromagnetic switch; and a plate-shaped external connection terminal whose end is joined to an end of the blade-shaped terminal and whose another end is drawn out in the direction intersecting the axial direction. A portion between the ends of the external connection terminal is insert-molded in a terminal anchor block provided with the resin cover. A female terminal of a power supply connector provided at an electric supply line is fitted and electrically connected to the external connection terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masami NIIMI, Mitsuhiro MURATA, Kiyokazu HARUNO
  • Patent number: 7706152
    Abstract: A power conversion unit and method for converting DC power. The power conversion unit includes a self-oscillating device configured to convert a DC voltage into a self-oscillating alternating current AC signal, a transformer connected to the self-oscillating device and configured to transform the self-oscillating AC signal into a transformed AC signal, and an AC-to-DC converter configured to convert the transformed AC signal into a DC signal. The method generates a self-oscillating current, transforms the self-oscillating current into a transformed AC signal, and converts the transformed AC signal into a DC signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventors: Bing Shen, Robert Hendry, Cynthia Watkins, Rama Venkatasubramanian
  • Patent number: 7706118
    Abstract: An operative control circuit of multiple electromagnetic actuating devices in series and parallel connections, wherein individually installed driving coils of two or more than two electromagnetic actuating devices being operatively controlled by a switching device to appear lower impedance in parallel connection or series and parallel connection for electrification thereby producing a larger electromagnetic actuating power is switched to appear relatively higher impedance in series connection or series and parallel connection thereby reducing currents passing through driving coils while required operating characteristics for individual electromagnetic actuating devices after electrification are still satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 7679881
    Abstract: There is described an electrical system including a device which features a load current circuit and connection terminals for connection of the load current circuit. In the supply line to the connection terminals, separation contacts are present for separating the load current circuit during operation of the device. Means for explosion protection are provided in connection with the separation contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael BrÀunlich, Ralf Lohse
  • Patent number: 7660083
    Abstract: An electromechanical/solid-state AC relay has an electromechanical winding coil that moves an armature to force mechanical contacts to open or close. Electrical arcing across the mechanical contacts that occur as the contacts are opening or closing can damage and severely reduce the lifetime of the relay. Contact arcing is prevented by pulsing a triac on for a short period of time just before and after the mechanical contacts make or break contact. The triac limits the voltage difference across the mechanical contacts to less than one volt to prevent arcing. The triac is turned off after the mechanical contacts finish moving, reducing the heating and average power through the triac. A zero-sampling circuit that detects when the AC input voltage switches across 0 volts and activates a control integrated circuit to switch on the triac during zero-crossings to minimize power surges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Pericom Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Li Yao, Shu Peng Chen, Yong Wei
  • Patent number: 7652859
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a new pushbutton incorporated into new circuit configurations of an improved intelligent electronic device (“IED”), for use in power substation control systems. The new pushbutton is non-mechanical and configured to control a breaker, or other type of substation equipment, after an IED associated with the circuit breaker, or other type of substation equipment, fails to operate. In an embodiment, the new pushbutton may be a low-energy, membrane-type pushbutton. During normal operation, a microprocessor within the IED operates a solid-state device to control the operation of substation equipment. When the IED fails, manually depressing the new pushbutton bypasses the IED microprocessor and manually controls the substation equipment associated with the failed IED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Dale Finney
  • Patent number: 7456714
    Abstract: A method for reducing a temperature rise of a magnetic material is provided. The method includes applying force to the magnetic material to reduce a dimensional change of the magnetic material during a first part of an operation cycle, such as due to magnetostriction. The force is removed from the magnetic material during a second part of an operation cycle, allowing magnetostrictive dimensional changes to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: IGO, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Wayne McCoy, Jason Walter Swanson
  • Patent number: 6924966
    Abstract: A MEMS switch assembly comprising a substrate and a resilient switching member is provided. The resilient switching member comprises a transverse torsion member having a flexible portion, and a leaf spring and cantilever that extend from the flexible portion of the torsion member. The switching assembly further comprises a first anchoring member mounting the torsion member to the stable structure, and a second anchoring member mounting the leaf spring to the stable structure. In this manner, the leaf spring has a flexible portion between the first and second anchors that can be alternately flexed in opposing directions to deflect the cantilever end in the respective opposing directions. The leaf spring can exhibit a first stable geometry (e.g., a convex geometry) when flexed in one of the opposite directions, and a second stable geometry (e.g., a concave geometry) when flexed in another of the opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Prophet
  • Patent number: 6876756
    Abstract: A container security system comprising a container with a first section and a second section; a touch pad for fingerprint identification attached to the outside of the first section; a sensor with at least one pre-stored fingerprint operatively coupled to the touch pad; a solenoid coupled to the sensor and having a plunger reciprocable from a rest position to a withdrawn position in response to a signal from the sensor; a latch attached to the remote end of the plunger having a recess therein; and a release assembly coupled to the second section with a finger removably positionable in the recess to maintain the container locked in a closed orientation but with the finger being readily removable from the recess to allow the container to assume an open orientation when the latch and plunger are reciprocated in response to a fingerprint of a user on the touch pad matching a pre-stored fingerprint in the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Vieweg
  • Patent number: 6845300
    Abstract: An electromagnetically operated valve assembly (28) has a first solenoid (58) and a second solenoid (60). An armature (56) having a valve stem (54) coupled thereto is positioned between the first solenoid (58) and second solenoid (60). A controller (12) is coupled to the first solenoid (58), the second solenoid (60). A current sensor (49) is coupled to the first solenoid and generated a signal corresponding to the induced current in the first solenoid. The controller (12) changes a voltage applied to the first solenoid from a first polarity to a second polarity. The controller (12) is further configured to hold the voltage at the second polarity for a predetermined time period and a predetermined amplitude to decrease the induced current. The predetermined time period or the predetermined amplitude is determined based on the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Haghgooie, Thomas William Megli, Yan Wang
  • Publication number: 20040240140
    Abstract: An integrated solenoid system including a single housing containing a solenoid, a controller and one or more electrical connections. The controller includes temperature compensating means and/or voltage compensating means thereby providing predetermined, substantially constant currents to said solenoid. The housing includes an integral two-part end cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Trombetta, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis A. Maller, Todd McMahon
  • Patent number: 6760211
    Abstract: Remote activation mechanism for equipment hold down and release, composed of a fixed base (1); a disk with capacity to rotate (2); a ring (3) subdivided in independent segments; a helical torsion spring (4) mounted around the segmented, being in one end joined to the fixed base (1) and the other end to the disk (2); a retainer (5) to attach the hardware, that passes through the fixed base (1) and has means to be blocked by the segmented ring (3); a disk blocking system; and a disk liberation system (2). The disk (2) can potentially rotate from a position in which the helical torsion spring (4) is loaded hugging radially the segmented ring (3), up to a position in which the helical torsion spring (4) is unloaded, allowing the ring segments move radially away to release the retainer (5). The disk blocking system can be based on rollers or balls (12) with possibility of being inserted partially in disk grooves or in crown grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sener, Ingenieria Y Sistemas, S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Ignacio Bueno Ruiz, Javier Vazquez Mato
  • Patent number: 6687553
    Abstract: A method for controlling a solenoid using a single coil solenoid for both course and fine adjustment. A resistor or series of resistors may be used in parallel/for current controlled solenoids or in series for voltage controlled solenoids for allowing course or finite control of the solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Erickson, Garrett R. Holmes, Steven J. Roskowski
  • Patent number: 6597558
    Abstract: A solenoid assembly including, in order, a circuit breaker side plate, a solenoid, a clamp bracket, and a bridge diode rectifier assembly, all which mechanically and electrically and engage into a precise configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: MTR, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Luetzow, Richard L. Luetzow
  • Patent number: 6400549
    Abstract: A dual cantilevered electromagnet-based gripping mechanism has a reduced number of parts and operates with low power demand properties for use in micro-tool applications. Juxtaposed, cantilever-supported electromagnets, to which object engagement elements, such as gripping pincers, are attached, have their cores made of a low permeability material, such as stainless steel, that does not retain an induced magnetic field once the energizing current is terminated. By controlling the energizing current through the coils of the electromagnets, the magnitude of mutual magnetic attraction against the spring forces of their supporting cantilever arms is defined. This allows mutual separation between the electromagnets and object engagement force to be controlled, for seizure, retention, and release of an object. The displacement vs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Laurance H. Davis, III, Lane R. Smith, Dennis A. Green, Ralph Trosa
  • Patent number: 6392866
    Abstract: A low-profile, short signal path relay assembly implementing several relays for use in an integrated circuit tester, a digitizer or other equipment requiring multiple relays, includes a chassis and a signal board mounted within the chassis. Each relay includes a control rod slideably mounted within the chassis above the signal board, a resilient contact arm mounted on the signal board below the control arm, and a coil assembly mounted adjacent to a magnetic end of the control rod. A spring is positioned between the control rod and the chassis so that it normally forces the control rod to slide in a direction away from the coil assembly. However when a current is applied to the coil assembly it produces a magnetic flux attracting the magnetic end of the control rod toward the coil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Credence Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan J. Dinteman
  • Patent number: 6326898
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing whether a solenoid in an image forming system is functioning properly is disclosed. An actuating current is sent to a particular solenoid while a current waveform and elapsed time such as pull-in time value are noted for instances when the solenoid is in a first position and a second position. The first position can be one in which a solenoid plunger is extended and the second position can be one in which the solenoid plunger is retracted, or vice versa. Based at least partially on the measured actuating current values prior to the beginning and after the ending of solenoid movement, and measured time values, a determination can be made as to whether the solenoid is functioning properly by comparing these values to predetermined values for a properly functioning solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. O'Leyar, Robert P. Siegel
  • Patent number: 6292345
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electromechanical actuator includes providing an actuator having an actuating element and an actuating drive. The actuating drive has at least one electromagnet with a coil, a movable armature plate, a regulator having current through the coil as a controlled variable, and at least one resetter prestressing the armature plate into a predetermined rest position with the actuating drive. A first capture value is predetermined as a set value of the current through the first or second coil. A second capture value is predetermined as a set value when a first condition is satisfied. A holding value (I_H) is predetermined as a set value when a second condition is satisfied. The second capture value is greater than the holding value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Nikolaus MĂŒller, Achim Koch
  • Patent number: 6169651
    Abstract: A modular control panel for a protective relay. The control panel is removably attached to the housing of the protective relay, and the control panel has a frame which can be arranged to receive a plurality of independently replaceable control panel modules in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. The control panel can be removed from the protective relay housing and remotely mounted, while remaining operatively connected to the protective relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Clive Dias
  • Patent number: 5991144
    Abstract: An apparatus for tripping a circuit breaker having a trip coil. A trip circuit is coupled at a first node to a first power supply and at a second node to the trip coil. The trip circuit comprises a switch for closing in response to a control signal, a coil coupled to the switch so that current is allowed to flow through the coil when the switch closes, relay contacts operatively coupled to the coil so that the relay contacts close when current flows through the coil, and a zener diode for providing a low impedance path after the relay contacts close and for applying a holding voltage across the coil sufficient to keep the relay contacts closed while current flows through the low impedance path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert P. DePuy
  • Patent number: 5933019
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical reed relay in-circuit test fixture switch is inserted onto a wrapped wire pin extending from the bottom of a socket holding a spring-loaded nail inside a bed-of-nails or equivalent testing fixture. The switch is located at the circuit board being tested and is connected between the pin under test and a remote testing unit. Only the switches required to contact specific nodes for a specific test are actuated, i.e. moving the subject pin's reed relay switch to a closed position, during the actual test sequence. All remaining test wires are turned off, i.e. opened, releasing the electrical connection of long test wires from each of the nodes. Alternatively, all switches can be NC and individual switches, or groups of switches, can be opened to disconnect the electrical connections of the long test wires. Additional testing is performed in a similar method by repeating the steps above for various test sequences and nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Clayton S. Depue
  • Patent number: 5894397
    Abstract: A switching device has a housing containing a magnetic latching relay that operates a set of contacts to respective closed and open conditions. Plural terminals provide for connection of the switching device with controlling circuitry that operates the relay and with controlled circuitry that utilizes the condition of the set of contacts for a control purpose. A thin-line fuse separably mounts on the exterior of the switching device to form a series circuit with the set of contacts between a pair of the terminals that provide connection with the controlled circuitry. The controlling circuitry provides pulse signals to other terminals to operate the relay. The housing further contains a capacitor and LED connected in parallel with the fuse and in series with a resistor so that the LED lights when the fuse is removed or blown. A mechanical override having an external actuator can operate the contacts in the event that they are not operated by the controlling circuitry operating the latching relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp.
    Inventor: Keith B. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5828565
    Abstract: A solenoid driving apparatus for a compact disc player (CDP) for use in cars which enables the CDP to operate effectively and to continue to a following operation smoothly utilizing a latch type solenoid. The apparatus includes a disc detecting section for detecting an insertion state of a compact disc into the CDP to produce first and second detection signals, a microcomputer for receiving the first and second detection signals from the disc detecting section and producing first and second control signals in accordance with the first and second detection signals, a motor driving section for providing a driving force to a driving mechanism of the CDP in accordance with the first control signal of the microcomputer, and a solenoid driving section for driving the latch type solenoid for a predetermined time when the second control signal of the microcomputer is supplied to the solenoid driving section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electro Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Hwa Park
  • Patent number: 5818680
    Abstract: An electromagnetic circuit for controlling armature movement includes a holding magnet having a magnet yoke provided with a pole face; a solenoid connected to the magnet yoke; a movably supported armature arranged for reciprocating motion toward and away from the pole face along a motion path; an energizing arrangement for passing a current through the solenoid; a measuring pole leg attached to the magnet yoke; and a measuring pole carried by the measuring pole leg. The measuring pole is situated along the motion path of the armature and generates a signal upon passage of the armature by the measuring pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Schmitz, Martin Pischinger, Hans Kemper
  • Patent number: 5610794
    Abstract: A doorholder for retaining a door in an open position by magnetic interaction with an armature secured to the door has an electromagnetic flux generator which includes a core having a face confronting the armature and a coil of wire surrounding the core. A cup having an inside diameter somewhat greater than the coil outside diameter receives the coil, the core extending from the face to the cup bottom. A power control circuit including a resistor circuit controls electrical power supplied to the coil, the power control circuit being mounted on a circuit board situated between the coil rear surface and the cup bottom. The resistor circuit being situated in sufficiently close proximity to the cup bottom for transfer of heat from the resistor circuit to the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Dye, Paul J. Hoggard
  • Patent number: 5566376
    Abstract: An electromagnetic coil for use in a doorholder for retaining a door in an open position by magnetic interaction with an armature secured to the door includes a coil of wire for surrounding a core within a cup. A power control circuit including a resistor circuit, controls electrical power supplied to the coil, the power control circuit being mounted on a circuit board situated between the coil rear surface and the cup bottom. The resistor circuit being situated in sufficiently close proximity to the cup bottom for transfer of heat from the resistor circuit to the cup. The power control circuit also includes a low resistance circuit coupled to the resistor circuit, the low resistance circuit including a fusible link, the fusible link being selected to carry current when the power input terminals are coupled to a lower voltage power source and to stop carrying current when the power input terminals are coupled to a higher voltage power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Dye, Paul J. Hoggard
  • Patent number: 5561583
    Abstract: For dislodging of particulate material from precipitator plates, high voltage electrodes, hoppers, conveyance ductwork, etc., an electro-mechanical rapper module is removably combined with an electronic controller module in a single cylindrical unit that can be controlled and operated independently of any central controller. The rapper is preferably of the type that utilizes a spring-loaded hammer upstroke: being largely independent of gravity it can operate in any orientation. The controller drives the rapper in repetitive bursts at a rate of about 3 impacts per second, and provides selection of impact amplitude, on time and on delay. The unit can be controlled from a remote switch closure, and can be actuated manually by a pushbutton test switch on a control panel inside a top cover. The controller and rapper can be readily separated by removing a clamp, and can be operated as separate electrically-connected units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas J. Shideler
  • Patent number: 5555484
    Abstract: An electromagnetic doorholder for retaining a door in an open position by magnetic interaction with an armature secured to the door. The doorholder includes a core having a face confronting the armature and a coil of wire surrounding the core. A cup having an inside diameter somewhat greater than the coil outside diameter receives the coil, the core extending from the face to the cup bottom. A power control circuit including a resistor circuit controls electrical power supplied to the coil, the power control circuit being mounted on a circuit board situated between the coil rear surface and the cup bottom. The resistor circuit being situated in sufficiently close proximity to the cup bottom for transfer of heat from the resistor circuit to the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Dye, Paul J. Hoggard
  • Patent number: 5467246
    Abstract: An H-5 relay air valve emulating circuit for use in an electropneumatic railway brake control equipment including an operational amplifier comparator and a solenoid relay. The operational amplifier comparator includes a positive and a negative input and an output. The positive input is connected to an automatic brake cylinder request terminal, while the negative input is connected to a reference signal terminal. The output of the operational amplifier comparator is connected to the electrical coil of the solenoid relay which has a movable heel contact as well as a front and a back contact. The front contact is connected to an independent brake cylinder request terminal, while the back contact is connected to a zero reference terminal. The movable heel contact of the solenoid relay is connected to an independent contact point of a J-relay emulating circuit which is conditioned to either produce 160% of the simulated control pressure signal or to produce 100% of the simulated control pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventor: Vincent Ferri
  • Patent number: 5428497
    Abstract: A device for driving a rotary solenoid in which the two transistors on one side of an H-bridge circuit that drives the rotary solenoid are not simultaneously rendered conductive in order to prevent the burning. An instruction signal from the CPU is made up of a first instruction signal which instructs the rotation in either the forward direction or the reverse direction and a second instruction signal which instructs either the rotation or the holding. Depending upon the combinations of the first and second instruction signals, the output of the logic circuit renders the first to fourth transistors of the H-bridge circuit conductive or non-conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventor: Fujio Ono
  • Patent number: 4810952
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling power delivered to a fastening machine solenoid comprises a half wave rectifier, a filter network, an adjustable frequency generator and a pulse conditioning circuit. The frequency of the frequency generator is varied in accordance with fluctuations in peak AC line voltage and is input to driving circuitry which engages a solenoid at a predetermined time and for a specific amount of time. By increasing or decreasing the solenoids on time in accordance with power line voltage fluctuations, a pulse of constant power will be received by the solenoid, regardless of fluctuations in power line voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Swingline Inc.
    Inventor: Burton E. Cohen
  • Patent number: 4602309
    Abstract: The control circuit according to the invention consists firstly of two control terminals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2) to which drive pulses of at least two different types can be applied, i.e. a first pulse type (S) designed to obtain one position (S) of the solenoid and which present a first level of amplitude, and a second pulse type (R) designed to obtain a second position (R) of the solenoid and which present a second level of amplitude different from that of the pulses (S) of the first type and with the same polarity and secondly, a discrimination circuit (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, A) for the pulses (R, S) of these two types according to their level of amplitude, this discrimination circuit (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, A) being connected to a switching circuit (CS, CS', CR, CR') controlling supply of the solenoid (B). The invention is also applicable to solenoids comprising one coil as well as to solenoids having two separate coils or with a common intermediate connecting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: La Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventor: Maurice Gaude
  • Patent number: 4481555
    Abstract: An electromagnetic contact device performs on-off operations for opening and closing an electrical path, without causing the hunting phenomenon between the two contact points in the device not only during closure of a fixed contact point and a movable contact point therein, but also when a voltage to be applied to an operating coil has lowered. An operating coil generates a predetermined energizing force in combination with a fixed iron core, a starting circuit rectifies a large capacity electric current from an AC power source when attracting a movable iron core and supplies the rectified current to the operating coil. A holding circuit supplies the large capacity current from the AC power source to the operating coil through means of converting the large capacity current to a small capacity current at the time of holding the movable iron core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Yoshida, Fumio Matsumoto, Shigeharu Otsuka
  • Patent number: 4481473
    Abstract: Electromagnetic actuator release characteristics are evaluated by sampling at high frequency the voltage waveform resulting when the magnet coil is deenergized. The samples are converted to a digitally coded form and stored in sequence. The stored values are then examined in reverse sequence to identify the first examined sampling interval in which the sample value exceeds a predetermined characteristic release level for the electromagnetic actuator. Finally, the release time is determined by calculating the time after energization corresponding to the sampling interval that has been identified as the release interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: John I. Compton
  • Patent number: 4246559
    Abstract: A latching relay employing an electro-magnetic relay coil having associated therewith opposite end armatures. This relay coil receives operating power by way of an input contact member. One of the armatures carries a manually operated switch which also includes an end for actuating the closure contact. The opposite armature functions to assist in the manual switching and in its inactive state blocks operation of the primary armature. Another contact is associated with one of the armatures for providing high power transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Inventor: Charles R. Budrose
  • Patent number: 4038584
    Abstract: This invention comprises a fusible resistor in a solid state relay comprising two solid state switches connected in parallel with each other, but in series with a load and a source of current. When the first of the two switches is switched on, the second switch also switches on, and conducts, supplying sufficient current to the load, thus reducing the voltage across both switches to that of the voltage drop across the second switch. Should the second switch fail to become turned on when the first switch is turned on, there will be a higher voltage across the first switch (and the components in series with it, if any) causing excessive current to flow through the first switch, resulting in its overheating and possibly fire, particularly if the switch is encapsulated. By providing a fusible resistor in the circuit of the first switch, the fusible resistor will open at such time and disconnect the first switch from the circuit, preventing a possible fire or possible damage to adjacent equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Assignee: Heinemann Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward Tarchalski, John C. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 4037183
    Abstract: A molded case multi-pole circuit breaker is provided with a removable and replaceable solid state trip unit constructed with all fault current detecting elements within a common housing. For each circuit breaker pole the trip unit includes an input and an output transformer feeding circuitry mounted on a board disposed within the common housing. The circuitry output is connected to operate a permanent magnet latch for release of a mechanical latch that normally holds the contact operating mechanism in a reset position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Assignee: I-T-E Imperial Corporation
    Inventor: George Gaskill
  • Patent number: 4013931
    Abstract: A system of electromagnetic relays supplied by a substantially d.c. input voltage, comprising a unijunction transistor, whereof, between the electrodes, the connection of the two bases and the connection of the emitter and one of the bases are connected in series to one of the terminals of the winding of the relay for supplying the said winding by energizing the transistor, the voltage at the terminals of the assembly of the bases of the unijunction transistor and the winding being stabilized, while the emitter of the unijunction transistor is connected to a point in a resistive network of the system in such a way as to at least ensure a supply to the said winding which ensures the making of the relay for a clearly defined value of the d.c. input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1977
    Inventors: Wladimir DE Fligue, Claude Henri Mottet