US3774128A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetic type sensor
Assignee: GEC DETROIT
•
Filing: 1972-07-10
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Granted: 1973-11-20
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Expires: 1992-07-10
Abstract
Abstract A magnetic type sensor includes an elongated housing having upper and lower spaced planar walls interconnected by arcuate end walls and side walls. A transverse wall includes a pair of angularly related wall portions each having a free end engaging a respective integral rib of one of the side walls. An axial pole magnet has one pole face engaged by the juncture of the wall portions to seat the other pole face thereof on a flat of one of the end walls. A plurality of deflectable contact fingers are mounted on the other end wall and a ball is received between the upper and lower walls for movement on the lower wall between an unactuated position, wherein the ball engages a ball seat provided by the juncture of the transverse wall, and an actuated position, wherein the ball engages one or more of the contact fingers. The ball is held in engagement with the ball seat by the flux of the magnet and moves into engagement with the contact fingers when subjected to a planar impulse of predetermined amplitude and time directed within the included angle d amplitude and time directed within the included angle of the transverse wall. An external bracket includes a first U-shaped portion having one leg portion extending from an upper diametrical side of the ball to the other end wall, a bight portion extending around the other end wall of the housing and the contact fingers, and a lower leg portion extending from the bight portion to a lower diametrical side of the ball. A second portion of the bracket extends from the lower diametrical side of the ball under the magnet and then upwardly along the one end wall of the housing opposite the other pole face of the magnet. The second portion of the bracket includes an opening or air gap underneath the one pole face of the magnet. The bight portion of the first portion of the bracket includes a selectively energizable DC electromagnet for selectively moving the ball into engagement with the contact fingers for test purposes, with the flux path being provided by the first portion of the bracket and by the ball. The magnet and the second portion of the bracket provide a parallel flux path through the ball. The opening or air gap reduces magnetic fringing from the one pole face of the magnet and directs the flux from this pole face through the ball to the second portion of the bracket rather than directly to the second portion of the bracket to thereby resist bounce of the ball between the upper and lower walls of the housing.
Inventors
- 👤 V Orlando
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 14:20
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/14; H01H2300/00; H01H2300/052
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a support including a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable relative to the support between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, a magnet having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of magnetic flux to hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means independent of the support providing a flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet, and means in the flux path providing an air gap adjacent the one pole of the magnet to reduce magnetic fringing and direct the flux between the one pole of the magnet and the ball rather than between the one pole of the magnet and the flux path to thereby hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat and resist ball bounce relative to the one side of the wall.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a support including a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable relative to the support between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, a magnet having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of magnetic flux to hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means independent of the support providing a flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet, and means in the flux path providing an air gap adjacent the one pole of the magnet to reduce magnetic fringing and direct the flux between the one pole of the magnet and the ball rather than between the one pole of the magnet and the flux path to thereby hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat and resist ball bounce relative to the one side of the wall.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
145 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a support including a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable relative to the support between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, a magnet having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of magnetic flux to hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means independent of the support providing a first flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet, a selectively energizable coil mounted on the support in spaced relationship to the magnet and ball seat, and means independent of the support providing a second flux path through the ball and the coil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
145 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a support including a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable relative to the support between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, a magnet having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of magnetic flux to hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means independent of the support providing a first flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet, a selectively energizable coil mounted on the support in spaced relationship to the magnet and ball seat, and means independent of the support providing a second flux path through the ball and the coil.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
216 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a support including a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable relative to the support between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, a magnet to one side of the seat and having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat, the magnet providing a source of magnetic flux to hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means independent of the support providing a first flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet, means in the first flux path providing an air gap adjacent the one pole of the magnet to reduce magnetic fringing and direct the flux between the one pole of the magnet and the ball rather than between the one pole of the magnet and the flux path to hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat and resist ball bounce relative to the support, a selectively energizable coil to an opposite side of the ball seat and spaced therefrom, and means independent of the support providing a second flux path through the ball and coil.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
216 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a support including a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable relative to the support between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, a magnet to one side of the seat and having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat, the magnet providing a source of magnetic flux to hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means independent of the support providing a first flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet, means in the first flux path providing an air gap adjacent the one pole of the magnet to reduce magnetic fringing and direct the flux between the one pole of the magnet and the ball rather than between the one pole of the magnet and the flux path to hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat and resist ball bounce relative to the support, a selectively energizable coil to an opposite side of the ball seat and spaced therefrom, and means independent of the support providing a second flux path through the ball and coil.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
198 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a support including a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable relative to the support between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, contact means engageable by the ball upon movement thereof to actuated position, a magnet having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of magnetic flux to hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat against movement to acTuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means independent of the support providing a flux path extending from the other pole of the magnet along the magnet, past one diametrical side of the ball to the contact means and from the contact means to an opposite diametrical side of the ball, the one portion of the flux path between the other pole of the magnet and the one diametrical side of the ball serving the flux of the magnet, and a selectively energizable coil in the other portion of the flux path for moving the ball to actuated position when selectively energized.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
198 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a support including a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable relative to the support between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, contact means engageable by the ball upon movement thereof to actuated position, a magnet having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of magnetic flux to hold the ball in engagement with the ball seat against movement to acTuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means independent of the support providing a flux path extending from the other pole of the magnet along the magnet, past one diametrical side of the ball to the contact means and from the contact means to an opposite diametrical side of the ball, the one portion of the flux path between the other pole of the magnet and the one diametrical side of the ball serving the flux of the magnet, and a selectively energizable coil in the other portion of the flux path for moving the ball to actuated position when selectively energized.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
149 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a substantially closed housing including a generally planar base wall and a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable along the inside of the base wall between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, a magnet within the housing having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of flux to hold the ball in unactuated position against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, and means below the base wall providing a flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet to direct the flux from the one pole of the magnet downwardly through the ball and thereby resist bounce of the ball relative upwardly of the base wall.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
149 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a substantially closed housing including a generally planar base wall and a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable along the inside of the base wall between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, a magnet within the housing having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of flux to hold the ball in unactuated position against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, and means below the base wall providing a flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet to direct the flux from the one pole of the magnet downwardly through the ball and thereby resist bounce of the ball relative upwardly of the base wall.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
188 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a substantially closed housing including a generally planar base wall and a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable along the inside of the base wall between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, a magnet within the housing having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of flux to hold the ball in unactuated position against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means below the base wall providing a flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet externally of the housing to hold the ball in unactuated position, and means providing an air gap in the flux path in the area thereof adjacent the one end of the magnet to reduce magnetic fringing and direct the flux from the one pole of the magnet through the ball rather than to the flux path and thereby resist bounce of the ball relative to the base wall.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
188 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a substantially closed housing including a generally planar base wall and a ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable along the inside of the base wall between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote therefrom, a magnet within the housing having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of flux to hold the ball in unactuated position against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means below the base wall providing a flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet externally of the housing to hold the ball in unactuated position, and means providing an air gap in the flux path in the area thereof adjacent the one end of the magnet to reduce magnetic fringing and direct the flux from the one pole of the magnet through the ball rather than to the flux path and thereby resist bounce of the ball relative to the base wall.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
163 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a substantially closed housing including a generally planar base wall and a ball seat, contact means spaced from the ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable along the inside of the base wall between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position in engagement with the contact means, a magnet within the housing having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of flux to hold the ball in unactuated position against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means externally of the housing providing a first flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet and a second flux path between the ball and the contact means, and means in the second flux path for selectively providing a flux to move the ball to actuated position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
163 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a substantially closed housing including a generally planar base wall and a ball seat, contact means spaced from the ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable along the inside of the base wall between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position in engagement with the contact means, a magnet within the housing having one pole thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of flux to hold the ball in unactuated position against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means externally of the housing providing a first flux path between the ball and the other pole of the magnet and a second flux path between the ball and the contact means, and means in the second flux path for selectively providing a flux to move the ball to actuated position.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
208 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a generally closed elongated housing including planar spaced walls, an axial pole magnet coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the housing, a transverse wall including a pair of angularly related wall portions having their free ends secured to the side walls of the housing and their apical ends providing a ball seat and engaging one pole face of the magnet to hold the other pole face thereof in engagement with an end wall of the housing, contacT means adjacent the other end wall of the housing, a ball responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable along one planar wall of the housing between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat under the influence of the flux of the magnet and an actuated position in engagement with the contact means when subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means externally of the housing providing a first flux path between the ball and the other pole face of the magnet, means externally of the housing providing a second flux path around the housing and through the ball, and a selectively energizable coil in the second flux path to provide selective movement of the ball from unactuated position to actuated position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
208 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a generally closed elongated housing including planar spaced walls, an axial pole magnet coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the housing, a transverse wall including a pair of angularly related wall portions having their free ends secured to the side walls of the housing and their apical ends providing a ball seat and engaging one pole face of the magnet to hold the other pole face thereof in engagement with an end wall of the housing, contacT means adjacent the other end wall of the housing, a ball responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable along one planar wall of the housing between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat under the influence of the flux of the magnet and an actuated position in engagement with the contact means when subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means externally of the housing providing a first flux path between the ball and the other pole face of the magnet, means externally of the housing providing a second flux path around the housing and through the ball, and a selectively energizable coil in the second flux path to provide selective movement of the ball from unactuated position to actuated position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
146 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a support, a ball seat on the support, contact means on the support spaced from the ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable relative to the support between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote in engagement with the contact means, a magnet having one pole face thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of flux to hold the ball in unactuated position against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means providing a first flux path between the ball and the other pole face of the magnet, means providing a second parallel flux path through the ball and an electromagnet in the second path for moving the ball to actuated position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
146 words
A sensor comprising, in combination, a support, a ball seat on the support, contact means on the support spaced from the ball seat, a ball of predetermined mass and responsive to magnetic flux, said ball being movable relative to the support between an unactuated position in engagement with the ball seat and an actuated position remote in engagement with the contact means, a magnet having one pole face thereof located adjacent the ball seat and providing a source of flux to hold the ball in unactuated position against movement to actuated position unless the ball is subjected to a pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, means providing a first flux path between the ball and the other pole face of the magnet, means providing a second parallel flux path through the ball and an electromagnet in the second path for moving the ball to actuated position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2997557A
Cited
US3619524A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-19 | 1977-05-21 | 1977-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-19 | 1981-05-21 | 1981-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-19 | 1985-05-21 | 1985-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |