US4450427A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Contactor with flux sensor
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1981-12-21
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Granted: 1984-05-22
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Expires: 2001-12-21
Abstract
Abstract An electromagnetic contactor is provided with a flux sensing device, preferably a Hall effect sensor, mounted in its magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit includes an air gap within which the flux sensing device is mounted. The air gap can be adjusted to control the percent of magnetic flux impinging on the flux sensing device whereby a signal can be taken from the device indicative of the magnitude of flux in the magnetic circuit. The signal can be used to control electrical excitation of the contactor at a predetermined flux level.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald E. Gareis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 05:32
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05F; G05F7/00; H; H01; H01F; H01F7/00; H01F7/06; H01F7/08; H01F7/16; H01F7/18; H01F7/1805; H01H; H01H47/00; H01H47/22; H01H47/32; H01H47/02; H01H47/04; H01H2047/046
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
An electromagnetic contactor assembly comprising: a magnetic circuit including a fixed core member, a moveable armature, a variable air gap between said fixed core member and said moveable armature and a fixed air gap in said core member; an electrically energizable actuating coil arranged for establishing an operating magnetic flux in said core member; a spring member arranged for biasing said armature in a position wherein said variable air gap is at a maximum; and a magnetic flux sensor mounted in said fixed air gap for providing an output signal representative of the magnitude of flux in said core member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
An electromagnetic contactor assembly comprising: a magnetic circuit including a fixed core member, a moveable armature, a variable air gap between said fixed core member and said moveable armature and a fixed air gap in said core member; an electrically energizable actuating coil arranged for establishing an operating magnetic flux in said core member; a spring member arranged for biasing said armature in a position wherein said variable air gap is at a maximum; and a magnetic flux sensor mounted in said fixed air gap for providing an output signal representative of the magnitude of flux in said core member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The contactor assembly of claim 1 wherein said flux sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
The contactor assemply of claim 2 wherein said core member comprises an inner section extending into said coil and an outer section extending around an outer surface of said coil, said fixed air gap being located in said outer section and said armature completing said magnetic circuit between said inner and outer sections of said core member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
105 words
The contactor assembly of claim 3 wherein said outer section comprises a substantially flat base member and a U-shaped upper member, said inner section being centrally located on said base member in an upwardly extending position, said coil being seated on said base member and having a central opening into which said inner section extends, said U-shaped member being placed over said coil with opposing legs extending downward toward said base member, an opening being provided in said U-shaped member to provide a passageway for said armature, and said fixed air gap being formed between one leg of said U-shaped member and said base member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
The contactor assembly of claim 4 wherein said fixed air gap is formed by spacing said one leg of said U-shaped member a predetermined distance from said base member along their full juncture, an enlarged air gap being formed centrally of said fixed air gap and said Hall device being positioned in said enlarged air gap.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The contactor assembly of claim 5 wherein said armature has a conical shaped face and said inner section has a mating face at said variable air gap.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-05-22 | 1987-11-21 | 1988-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-05-22 | 1991-11-21 | 1992-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-05-22 | 1995-11-21 | 1996-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |