US2767280A - Relay structure - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 16, 1956 D. L. HALL ET AL 2,767,280

RELAY STRUCTURE Filed April 29, 1952 3 Sheets-5heet l D IJZjVENTORS.

0% YA/DWM @M/ D. L. HALL ET AL RELAY STRUCTURE Filed April 29, 1952 .3 Sheets-Sheet 2 m m m m Oct; 16, 1956 D. HALL ET AL 2,767,280

RELAY STRUCTURE Filed April 29, 1952 3 Shee'ts-Sheet s United States Patent RELAY STRUCTURE Donivan L. Hall and Howard C. Stanley, Galion, Ohio, assignors to The North Electric Company, Gallon, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application April 20, 1952, Serial No. 284,972

18 Claims. (Cl. 200-87) This invention relates generally to a new and novel relay construction and in particular to a relay construction which is especially adapted for use with equipment which may in operation be subjected to severe accelerative and decelerative forces along one or more of its coordinate axes.

With the constant advancement of the var ous industrial fields, numerous new problems have arisen which have rendered the use of known types of relay structures somewhat impractical. in free flight equipment, such as aircraft, guided missiles, etc., the equipment s frequently exposed to shock and translational accelerauve forces in the order of at least 50 gravities. Proper operation of the equipment under these conditions is dependent at least in part, upon the ability of the relay units forming a part thereof to withstand such forces withoutmechanical damage and without causing improper operation of their control contacts, i. e., opening break contacts w th the coils deenergized and opening make contacts with the coils energized. Further, the structure must be such that static and dynamic balance on all three coordinate axes of the relay are provided; that is, the relay contacts must be protected against opening in response to translational acceleration along any of the coordinate axes; in any of the three planes determined by the three CO-OIdll'lfile axes; and accordingly in any direction. The arrangement must also provide means for protecting against improper contact opening in response to rotary acceleration in two of the three planes of acceleration.

Since the available space for equipment used in aircraft is normally extremely limited, the relay units must be comparatively small in structure and in many cases must be adapted to fit Within a space of approximately one cubic inch. The relays must further be of the type which lends itself to ready hermetic sealing, for failing such construction, a relay is short lived in most aircraft applications. As a result of the extremely limited space available for the relay unit a heat dissipation problem created which must be dealt with in order to insure long relay life when used under these extremely adverse conditions.

Other conditions to which the relay must necessarily lend itself are: temperature compensation in constant voltage applications; mechanical functioning of the relay over temperatures ranging from minus 55 C. to plus 85 C. in some applications and to plus 110 C. in other applications; a range of operating characteristics in the lower wattage operating supersensitive type to the higher wattage operating less sensitive type; ability to withstand 10 to 60 cycles per second vibration at .060" excursion without mechanical damage and without affecting operating characteristics; adaptability for use with one or a plurality of transfer contacts, the contacts being able to carry three amperes interrupting current at 30 volts; and ability to withstand a potential to frame of 1000 volts R. M. S. and a minimum potential of 500 volts R. M. S. between separated contacts.

2,767,280 Patented Oct. 16, 1956 While certain types of known relays are such as to permit modification thereof sufiiciently to satisfy certain of these foregoing requirements, the inherent design of the basic structure of the relays known heretofore has been such as to negative the possibility of providing a relay that would satisfactorily operate under the adverse and severe conditions set forth. It is a primary object of this invention to provide a new basic armature, contact and contact actuator arrangement which lends itself to ready inclusion in relay structures of all types and which inherently permits the provision of relay structures which are adapted to meet the most exacting of specifications and conditions of operation.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a plurality of new relay structures including the new basic armature, contact and contact actuating arrangement, which fulfill the answers to the problems existing in many fields. It is a further object of the invention to provide improved relays of comparatively small size which are adapted to resist acceleration and shock forces in the order of at least 50 gravity units.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent hereinafter.

In order to acquaint those skilled in the art with our invention, we shall describe, in connection with the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of our invention and preferred modes of constructing the same.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts:

Figure l is a side elevation of one embodiment of the relay of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an end elevation of the relay;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the relay, with portions broken away to reveal the armature and the means operatively connecting the armature and the pileups;

Figure 4 is a partial vertical section, on an enlarged scale, of the armature mounting, the view being taken substantially on line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a side view, partly in elevation and partly in section, of a coil spool and core;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the coil spool and core shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the novel basic armature, contact, and actuator arrangement of the present rnventlon;

Figure 8 is a top plan view of a modified embodiment of the relay of the present invention, the relay including four movable contact carrying levers, a portion of the upper members of the relay being broken away to show the mounting of the levers;

Figure 9 is a side elevation of a still further embodiment of the invention, including adjustable means for calibrating or adjusting the relay;

Figure 10 is a top plan view, on a reduced scale, of the relay of Figures 1 to 6, mounted in a casing, the casing being shown in section;

Figure 11 is a side view of the relay structure of Figure 10, the casing being shown in section;

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 10 of a second embodiment of a casing for the relay shown in Figures 1 to 6; and 1 Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 8 of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 12.

Referring now to the drawings, the basic arrangement of armature, contacts and actuator is shown in Figure 7 as including an armature member 54 mounted in a given plane for rotational or oscillatory movement about its central axis on a pivot pin 5256 with the application of given forces to the armature at points on opposite sides of the central axis of the armature, which points are equidistant from the central axis of the armature,

a contact carrying blade or lever 74 disposed on either side of the armature plane and equidistant therefrom, and contact actuator means in the form of a pair of levers 190 terminating in finger portions 106 engaging the contact levers 74 for operating or moving the levers 74 upon movement of the armature 54, the actuator means wit-106 being mounted with the armature 54 and the contact carrying levers 74 in a static and dynamically balanced manner. As pointed out, given forces are applied to the armature 54 at points on opposite sides of the central axis of the armature. In one direction of pivotal or oscillatory movement, the armature 54 is magnetically attracted to the pole faces 38 of a pair of coil cores 24 and 26. The pole faces 38 of the cores 24 and 26 are disposed in substantially parallel relation to the faces of the armature 54 and the cores 24 and 26 exert equal magnetic forces on the armature 54 to maintain the static and dynamic balance referred to hereinbefore. In the other direction of pivotal or oscillatory movement, the armature 54 is biased away from the pole faces 33 of the coil cores 24 and 26 by means of a pair of springs 66, each of which is confined between the juxtaposed faces of the armature and the cores 24 and 26 respectively. The springs 60 exert equal forces on the opposite ends of the armature 54 so that the same maintain the static and dynamic balance of the relay. Since force is applied to the armature at points spaced equidistant from the pivotal axis of the armature, since the contact carrying levers 74 are spaced equidistant from the pivotal axis of the armature and since the lever arms tilt) of the actuating means are of the same length and have the same disposition with respect to the pivotal axis of the armature 54, it will be appreciated that the armature 54 and the contact carrying levers 74 are statically and dynamically balanced in all three axes of movement, that is, of movement externally imparted to the relay arrangement. Accordingly, the contact levers 74 and the armature 54 will not he accidentally or unintentionally actuated in response to extreme acceleration and shock forces.

As is shown in Figure 7, the levers 74 have overtravel with respect to the stationary contacts of each contact set or pile up. This is a very important feature of the present invention in that the overtravel insures pressure engagement of the contacts and the maintenance of contact engagement despite external application of force to the relay. Due to the balanced relationship of the movable components of the relay, the possibility of accidental movement thereof is substantially minimized. However, should acceleration and/or shock forces of such magnitude as to impart movement to the armature 54, the levers 1M and the contact levers 74 be suffered by the relay, the overtravel of the levers 74 will accommodate slight movement of the levers and associated components to absorb the shock and minimize the possibility of disengagement of the contacts, or accidental or unintentional actuation of the relay. As will be described in detail hereinafter, contact lever overtravel may be provided in both positions or limits of armature actuation to maintain at all times the advantages stated.

As was pointed out hereinbefore, the basic relay armature, contact and actuator arrangement provided by the present invention is adapted for utilization in a wide variety of types of relay structures and while we will disclose hereinafter certain preferred embodiments of complete relays in accordance with the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited in application to the specific embodiments disclosed herein.

Referring now particularly to Figures 1 to 6, one embodiment of the relay of the present invention is shown as including a pair of coils and 22, each provided with a core 24 and 26 respectively. Basically, the coils 20 and 22 are conventional spool type coils having a central core including portions projecting to either side of the spool. The cores 24 and 26 are formed of a permeable iron and, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, each comprises a generally cylindrical central portion 23 carrying a pair of spaced discs or spool heads 3% formed of an insulating or plastic material, such as Bakelite. Disposed on the inner side of each of the spool heads 39 is a spool head washer 32 suitably formed of cellulose acetate or the like. The central cylindrical portion 28 of the cores 24 and 26 is suitably covered by an insulator, also preferably formed of cellulose acetate or like material. At the lower end thereof, the core is provided with a reduced extension 36 and adjacent the upper end thereof, the core is slabbed off, as at 33, to provide a flat pole face. Preferably, the core is cut away at the portion thereof extending upwardly from the upper surface of the top spool head 39 so as to present a substantially semicircular pole piece. The pole piece is reduced at its upper end, as at 46, to provide a mounting stud, as Will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

The pole portion of each core is provided with a bore 42 therein adapted for the reception of a spring or the like, as will be explained hereinafter. If desired, a residual member 44 may be associated with the pole portion of each of the coil cores. The residual 44 preferably comprises a generally U-shaped clip adapted to he slipped over the semi-cylindrical portion of the coil core and is formed of non-magnetic or non-permeable material, so as to establish a minimtun air gap to enable the predetermination of the release current of the relay by other means, as will be described. It should be understood that plating of the armature 54 and the pole piece portions 38 of the cores 24 and 26 prevents sticking of the armature to the pole pieces independently of the residuals 44. The residual 44 is provided with an aperture in the central portion thereof which coincides with the bore 42 provided in the pole piece portion of each core.

The coil spools, formed in accordance with the foregoing, may be suitably wound with either conventional or heat resistant insulated type of wire according to stand ard procedure to provide coils adapted for various particular purposes.

The reduced extension 36 at the lower end of each coil core is suitably press-fitted or staked into an aperture provided adjacent each end of a crossbar or bottom strap 46 formed of magnetic or permeable iron. The crossbar 46 physically and magnetically connects the lower ends of the coil cores 24 and 26 and retains the cores and coils in spaced parallel relation, with the axes of the cores being substantially coextensive and lying in a common plane. At the upper end of the coils 2t) and 22, the coil cores 24 and 26 are connected together by means of a pivot yoke 48 comprising a U-shaped strap having a semi-circular aperture provided adjacent each end thereof adapted for the reception of the upper slabbed off portion of the coil cores. Preferably, the pivot yoke 43 is press-fitted onto the pole portions of the coil cores so as to be maintained in intimate engagement with the upper surfaces of the spool heads 30. The pivot yoke 48 is preferably formed of a non-magnetic or non-permeable material such as nickel silver or brass, and is provided with integral depending side walls 50 straddling the coils 20 and 22. The side walls 50 of the pivot yoke 48 extend in spaced parallel relation to the common plane of the coil core axes. Each side wall 50 of the pivot yoke 48 is adapted for the reception of a contact assembly or pile-up, as will be described in detail hereinafter.

The crossbar 46 and the pivot yoke 43 mount the coils 2t) and 22 with their axes in spaced parallel relation, as pointed out hereinbefore. Intermediate its length, and centrally between the axes of the cores 24 and 26, the pivot yoke 48 is provided with an aperture adapted for the reception of a pivot pin or axle rivet 52. The pivot pin 52 is preferably formed of nickel silver and is spotwelded or staked to the pivot yoke 48. The pivot pin 52 is adapted for reception within an aperture provided in an armature 54. The armature 54 comprises a generally rectangular block or slab of magnetic iron and is provided at the upper edge thereof with an aperture adapted for the reception of a pivot pin or axle rivet 56 which may be suitably spot welded or staked to a top binder or strap 58. The pivot pin 56, like the pivot pin 52, is preferably formed of nickel silver or the like. If desired, the pivot pins may be secured to the armature rather than to the yoke and binder. As is shown in the drawings, the pivot pins 52 and 56 are disposed on the vertical central axis of the armature so that the armature is balanced about its pivotal mounting. References herein to the central axis of the armature are to be considered as referring to the pivotal axis thereof wherein the balanced relationship stated is maintained. The top binder strap 58, like the pivot yoke 43, is preferably formed of a non magnetic or non-permeable material, such as nickel silver or brass. The top binder strap 58 is provided adjacent the ends thereof with substantially semi-circular apertures adapted for the reception of the mounting studs 4!) on the coil cores so that the straps may be press-fitted onto the upper ends of the pole portions of the cores 24 and 26 to connect the upper ends of the cores and to provide a pivotal mounting for the armature 54.

The armature S4 is preferably disposed at an angle to the plane of the axes of the cores of the coils and 22, and the pole faces 33 of the cores 24 and 26 are preferably disposed at approximately the same inclination in juxtaposition to the end portion of the armature 54. Resilient means in the form of a spring 60 is received within the bore in each of the pole pieces and is confined between the pole piece and the adjacent face of the armature 54 so as to normally bias the armature 54 away from the pole pieces of the cores 24 and 26.

On the opposite sides of the plane of the coil axes, the side walls 5b of the pivot yoke 48 are adapted for the reception of a pair of contact assemblies or pileups, indicated generally at 62. The pile-ups 62 each comprise a generally rectangular side plate 64, formed of Bakelite, glass silicon, or suitable like insulating material, mounted or secured to the side walls 50 of the pivot yoke 48 by means of suitable fasteners, in the form of rivets 66. Each side plate 64 carries a first stationary contact support 68, a contact 69 carried thereby, a second stationary contact support 7t), a contact 71 carried thereby, a pair of movable contacts 72 mounted on opposite sides of a lever 74, including an integral mounting tab 76, and a coil terminal 78. The stationary contact supports 63 and 70 preferably comprise generally L-shaped plates formed of phosphorous bronze or the like having one leg thereof secured to the side plate 64 and adjacent the upper end thereof by means of suitaoie rivets 80. An apertured tab is formed integrally with each of the one legs, the tabs being adapted for the reception of suitable leads 82 and 84, respectively. The second legs of the plates extend outwardly of the plate 64 in spaced parallel relation to one another, and whereby the upper contact bearing end of lever 74 may extend therebetween. The contact bearing lever 74 is preferably formed of an alloy known as Berylco and is secured to the side or mounting plate 64 by means of suitable rivets 36 extending through the tab 76. The tab 76 preferably includes an apertured end portion adapted for the reception of a suitable lead 88. The contact lever 74 carries a pair of contacts suitably welded or otherwise secured to opposite sides of the blade and disposed adjacent to but spaced from the upper end thereof. Insulating material 90, which may comprise a strip of a glass base tape, a glassy surface, or the like, is attached to the upper end of the blade to insulate the lever blade 74 from an associated operating arm 1430. As shown in Figure 9, the insulating members may be an integral part of the operating arm 100, this modification being set forth in more detail hereinafter. Adjacent the upper end thereof, the blades 74 are preferably notched, as at 92, so that the two legs of the insulating tape 90 may be suitably glued or otherwise secured to one another.

The coil terminal 78 is preferably formed of ph0sph0rous bronze or like material and may be suitably secured to the lower end of the side or mounting plate 64, in spaced relation to the mounting tab 76 of the contact blade 74, by means of a plurality of rivets 94. The coil terminal 78 is preferably provided with an integral tab portion having an aperture therein adapted for the reception of a suitable lead 96. The rivets 94, and the remainder of the rivets utilized in the construction as described, are preferably annular in form, and the rivets 94 are adapted for the passage therethrough of a suitable lead 98 for one of the coils 20 and 22. The coils 20 and 22 are preferably series connected.

The axes of the coils 20 and 22 are disposed in a common plane, which plane comprises one major dimension of the relay of the present invention. The pile-up 62 are mounted in spaced parallel relation to opposite sides of the common plane of the axes of the coils 20 and 22 and each include a contact blade 74 disposed in spaced parallel relation to one another, to the axes of the coil cores 24 and 26 and to the plane of the axes of the coil cores 24 and 26. The contact blades 74 are disposed in a common plane which extends transversely of and generally normal to the plane of the coil core axes and intersects that plane substantially intermediate or centrally of the coil core axes. This second plane, namely, the plane of the contact blades 74, comprises the other major horizontal dimension of the relay, as will be apparent from a consideration of Figure 3. The axis (horizontal) of each set of contacts, 69, 71, and 72, extends generally parallel to the plane of the coil cores 24 and 26 and generally normal to the piane of the contact blades 74. As will be apparent, the principle axis of each of the pile-ups 62 comprises the longitudinal axis of the movable contact blades 74, and accordingly, as utilized hereinafter, the axis of each pile-up 62 is to be considered as the longitudinal axis of the movable contact blade or lever 74.

As will be apparent from a consideration of Figure 3, the armature 54 is pivoted upon an axis defined by the line of intersection of the planes of the coil core axes and the pile-up axes, which line of intersection lies intermediate or centrally of the two coils and the two contact assemblies or pile-ups. As is also shown in Figure 3, the armature 54 has a longitudinal axis inclined to both of the hereinbefore defined planes and the end portions of the armatures are juxtaposed to the pole faces 38 of the coil cores are disposed at approximately the same angle of inclination as is the armature 54.

Adjacent the central portion thereof, the armature 54 suitably carries a pair of levers 100, each extending transversely and outwardly thereof. The levers 100 may be disposed as desired with respect of the armature 54. but same preferably extend to the opposite sides of the armature and substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the armature. The length of each lever 100 is preferably approximately equal to one-half the length of the armature 54. The levers 100 are preferably formed integrally in a unitary steel stamping consisting of the levers 100 and a central portion 102, including a pair of tabs 104. The tabs 104 are adapted to be turned over and engage the opposite sides of the armature 54 and may suitably be spot welded thereto as shown in Figure 3, each of the levers 100 may be suitably spaced from the pivot axis of the armature S4 and the central portion 102 of the lever stamping is provided with an aperture adapted for the passage of the pivot pin 56. At the outer end thereof, each lever arm 100 includes a generally 0- shaped finger portion 106 adapted to engage the extending upper portion or end of the respective contact blade 74. As will be apparent from a consideration of Figures 1 and 2, the contact blades or levers 74 each extend upwardly beyond the upper end of the coils 20 and 22 and beyond the upper end of the stationary contacts 69 and 71 and their mountings 68 and 70 so as to be adapted for engagement by the finger portions 106 of the levers 100. The finger portions 106 of the levers 100 engage the op- 7 posite sides of the contact blades 74 in substantially intimate relation so as to insure responsiveness of movement of the contact blades, the levers and the armature.

While the finger portions 106 of the lever arms 1% are referred to herein as generally C-shaped, it will be appreciated as the description proceeds that any actuator means presenting juxtaposed portions adapted for the intimate reception therebetween of a contact carrying blade in an interlocking manner is to be considered as the equivalent structure.

The stationary contact supports 68 and 7t consist of relatively short pieces of stiff material to provide a substantially rigid mounting for the contacts 69 and 71. The springs 60 confined between the coil poles and the armature normally exert bias forces at the ends of the lever blades 74 of su fiicient magnitude to cause the lever ends to travel beyond the position where contacts 69 and 72 are engaged. Contacts 69 and 72 are thereby engaged with one another under substantial pressure to insure good electrical contact therebetween and with lever end overtravel to provide shock and acceleration resistance, since slight motion tending to open the contacts 69 and 72 is permissable within the limits of said overtravel.

Upon energization of the coils 20 and 22, the armature 54 is attracted toward the pole faces 38 of the coil cores 24 and 26 and is moved into engagement or contact therewith against the normal urge of the springs 60. Upon movement of the armature 54, the levers 10%, due to their disposition with respect to the pivotal axis of the armature, move the contact blades 74 toward the stationary contacts 71, the motion of the armature 54 being transmitted by the levers 100 so that the ends of the blades 74 are moved to an extent greater than that required to merely effect engagement, whereby overtravel of the blade ends is accomplished. Contacts 71 and 72 are thereby engaged with one another under substantial pressure to insure good electrical contact therebetween and with lever end overtravel to provide shock and acceleration resistance, since slight motion tending to open the contacts 71 and 72 is permissable within the limits of said overtravel.

Upon energization of the coils and 22, the magnetic path through the relay is established through the cores 24 and 26 of the coils 20 and 22, respectively through the bottom strap 46, through the armature 54 and through air gaps between the ends of the armature and the pole faces. The remainder of the structural elements of the relay are preferably formed, as stated hereinbefore, of non-magnetic or non-permeable materials so that there is a high degree of flux concentration between the pole faces 38 of the cores 24 and 26 and the armature 54. To be able to control the release current of the relay, it may be desirable in many instances to employ the residuals 44.

The spacing or contact gap between contacts 71 and 72 in the non-operated position in the pileups 62 is approximately .008". The mounting members for the stationary contacts are preferably of a substantially rigid nature so that there is no movement of the contacts from their normal disposition despite extreme acceleration and deceleration.

It will be clear that upon deenergization of the coils 20 and 22, the springs 60 will return the armature 54, the levers 100 and the contact blades 74 to their original or normal positions and that there will be no tendency of the armature to become magnetically locked or otherwise stuck.

The complete relay assemblies of the present invention include the basic arrangement described hereinbefore with respect to Figure 7. Generally speaking, this basic relay arrangement or relationship may be stated in another manner as was described with reference to Figure l to 6, as comprising a pair of poles having spaced parallel axes lying in a common plane, a pair of pileups having spaced parallel axes lying in a common plane, the two planes bisecting one another and being preferably substantially normal to one another, an armature mounted on an axis defined by the line of intersection between the two planes so that force will be applied to the armature at points equidistant from the pivotal axis thereof, and a pair of lever arms for connecting the armature and the pileups, the movable contact carrying blades of each pileup having overtravel with respect to the stationary contacts thereof. As will be appreciated from the foregoing description, the pole faces of the coil cores are preferably disposed parallel to the armature faces. In the preferred construction of the relay of the present invention, the axes of the coil cores and the axes of the pileups, that is, the axes of the movable members of the pileups, are all disposed equidistant from the pivotal axis of the armature so that optimum static and dynamic balance will be obtained. However, it will be appreciated that since the planes of the pileup axes and the coil cores axes bisect one another that the relay will be balanced even through the axes of the pileups are not disposed the same distance from the pivotal axis of the armature as are the axes of the coil cores.

Referring now to Figure 8, another embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein the pileups are of a somewhat different construction and each include four stationary contacts and a pair of movable contact carrying levers or blades. In the relay construction shown in Figure 8, the pileup mounting side plates 64 are omitted and a horizontal mounting plate 264 is substituted therefor.

A pair of slots 266 are formed in the mounting plate 264 from opposite sides thereof to accommodate the passage therethrough of the contact carrying lever assemblies 275 of the respective pileups. If desired, the mounting plate 264 may be provided in halves, in which case the halves are spaced apart to provide the slots 266 for the passage of the lever assemblies 275. For purposes of description hereinafter, the mounting means of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 8 will be referred to as a single mounting plate 264 provided with slots 266, as is preferable. The plate 264 is secured in position by means of a suitable strap or hinder 267 press-fitted on th cores 2? 26 of the relay coils. The mounting piate 26 like the mounting plates 64 of the embodiment of the invention previously described, may be formed of Bakelite, glass silicon, or like insulating material. and is adapted for supporting a plurality of stationary contact supports. As shown in Figure 8, each pileup includes a first pair of stationary contact supports 268, each carrying a stationary contact 269, disposed to one side of the slot 266 in the mount ing plate and a second pair of contact supports 270, each carrying a contact 271, disposed to the opposite side of the slot 266 in the mounting plate. Each of the stationary contacts 269 is aligned with one of the stationary contacts 271 and the movable lever assembly 275 includes a pair of contact carrying levers 274, each carrying a pair of contacts 272 adapted to engage respectively with the stationary contacts 269 and 271 of each set of stationary contacts. The levers 274 of each lever assembly 275 are connected to one another for conjoint actuation by means of suitable insulating strips 277. At the lower end thereof, the contact carrying levers 274 are each provided with an integral tab 276 by means of which electrical connection may be established. Adjacent the lower end thereof, the levers of each assembly are secured to a mounting strip 279, formed of insulating material, which mounting strip is secured to a bar 279, suitably secured to, or formed integrally with, and extending transversely of the bottom cross bar of the relay.

While the pileup arrangement of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 8 is somewhat different from the pileup arrangement previously described, it will be apparent from the foregoing that the principal axis of each pileup comprises the longitudinal axis of the lever assembly 275 and that the axes of the lever assemblies 275 are disposed in spaced parallel relation to one another and to the axes of the coil cores 24 and 26, with the coil core axes lying in a common plane and the axes of the lever assemblies 275 lying in a common plane, which planes bisect one another and define at their line of intersection the pivotal axis for the armature 54. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the basic arrangement described hereinbefore is the basis of design for the relay shown in Figure 8. The embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 8 discloses the provision of multiple contact unit pileup assemblies utilized in relays having the basic arrangement of the present invention. While two contact sets have been shown in each pileup in Figure 8, it will be appreciated that the number of contact sets in each pileup assembly may be varied as required or desired for various installations.

The actuator means for operatively connecting the pileups and the armature 54 of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 8 may be the same as the lever assembly or stamping described hereinbefore, in which case, the finger portions of the lever stamping would intimately engage the opposite sides of the strips 277 interconnecting the two levers 274 of each lever assembly 2'75. However, a modified actuator lever assembly has been shown in Figure 8 wherein the assembly includes a pair of lever arms 300, each terminating in a finger portion 366 engaging the insulating strips 277 in tr e manner described. As shown, the lever as sembly comprises a unitary member with the axes of the two lever arms 360 being aligned and disposed at an angle of inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis of the armature 54. This arrangement does not affect the statically and dynamically balanced relationship described hereinbefore, since the longitudinal axes of the pileups are still disposed equidistance from the pivotal axis of the armature 54 and th lever arms 300 are identical in length and relative disposition with respect to the armature. In respects other than those referred to specifically hereinbefore, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 8 is substantially identical to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 6, and enjoys the same advantages as the previously described embodiment of the invention and in addition thereto provides a greater number of contact sets. It wil be appreciated, however, that, if desired, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 8 may be employed with a single contact set and a single contact lever in each of the pileups.

As has been previously pointed out herein, the basic relay arrangement provided by the present invention lends itself to ready utilization in the provision of many forms and types of relay embodiments. For example, the basic structural arrangement has been utilized in relay units having a range of sensitivity in operation extending from the lower wattage (.005 watt at 20 C.) operating supersensitive type to the higher wattage (.375 at 20 C.) operating less sensitive type. It is noted that in the provision of relays of greater sensitivity, the make and break contacts of the relay structure must be set with extremely close tolerances. To meet these conditions, the present invention contemplates the provision of adjustable means for effecting the ready accomplishment of the settings.

Referring now to Figure 9, an embodiment of the invention is shown wherein provision is made for fine adjustment of the tolerances involved in (a) the makecontact follow and (b) the air gap between contacts. It is of course apparent that from the standpoint of minimizing possible inaccurate relay operation the foregoing two factors should be as large as possible. On the other hand, the greater the make-contact follow, the higher the release current will be because of the greater tension imposed upon the lever spring. Also, as the make follow is increased, the operating current must be increased because of the greater opening of the armature air gap. Finally, increasing the contact gap will necessarily increase the opening of the armature air gap and result in a higher operating current. Since limits are necessarily placed upon the operating and release current of the relay, extremely close tolerances must be maintained in the mechanical setting of the make and break contacts whereby a compromise between relay reliability and electrical characteristics may be readily accomplished. As is shown in Figure 9, wherein the relationship of the various relay parts and elements is substantially the same as that shown in Figure l, the stationary contacts 69 and 71 of each pileup are each mounted upon a set screw 369 and 371, respectively, which set screws are each mounted for threaded adjustment on contact support members 368 and 37% respectively. The contact supporting members 368 and 37% are each fixedly secured to the mounting plate 64 in much the same manner as the supporting members 68 and 76 described hereinbefore, and each includes a leg portion extending outwardly of the plate 64 with the said leg portions of the contact supports disposed in spaced parallel relation. Adjacent the outer end thereof, the extending leg portions of the contact supports 36% and 579 are each provided with a tapped bore adapted for the threaded reception of the set screws 369 and 371, respectively. To prevent accidental or unintentional movement of the set screws with respect to their supports, which would result in maladjustment of the relay, the supports 363 and 37% are each provided at the outer edge thereof with a slot extending through the body thereof into communication with the bore therein so as to provide flexible fingers engaging the respective set screw to exert a load thereon and lock the set screws in adjusted position. The slots are indicated at 375 and 377, respectively. In addition to the locking fingers, the screws are cemented in place with an appropriate heat resistant, non-aging and non-flaking cement after final adjustment. As is shown, each of the set screws 369 and 371 is provided with a suitable kerf to accommodate the insertion of a screw driver or a like tool for effecting adjustment of the stationary contacts 69 and 71 carried by the screws 369 and 371, respectively. As will be apparent, the relationship of the movable contacts 72 and the movable contact carrying lever 74 is the same as that described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 1 to 6. However, whereas the movable contact carrying lever 74 was described hereinbefore as provided with insulating means at the upper end thereof adapted to insulate between the contact lever and the finger portion of the actuating lever assembly, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 9 differs somewhat from that previously described. In particular, the finger portion 106 of the lever assembly terminates in a pair of juxtaposed fingers and a suitable bead 380 of insulating material is formed at the end of each of the fingers to provide an insulated connection between the levers of the actuating lever assembly and the movable contact carrying lever 74 of each pileup. The head 380 preferably comprises a head of ceramic material or glass fused to the tips of each finger, but as will be appreciated, the beads may be formed in various other manners, such as by dipping the lever ends in a molten bath of ceramic material or the like. As will be apparent from a consideration of Figure 9, the upper end of the contact lever 74 is intimately received within the space defined between the beads 380 provided on the fingers of the lever assembly so that the armature and pileups are operatively connected without lost motion therebetween.

Due to the strict tolerances which are rendered necessary by reason of the magnetic factors of the structure, means must be provided for compensating for variations in spring tension. To this end, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 9 includes means for varying the force exertion of the springs 60, which bias the arma- 11 ture 54 away from the coil cores 24 and 26, by varying the depth of the spring housing holes provided in the coil cores. To accomplish this variation in spring tension, the housing holes 42 provided in the coil cores are formed as continuous bores extending entirely through the semicylindrical portion of the coil cores and substantially normal to the pole faces 38 defined by the cores. These bores are then tapped so as to be adapted for the reception of a set screw from the side of the coil core opposite the pole face 38 thereof, one such set screw being indicated at 385 in Figure 9. As will be appreciated, adjustment of the set screw 385 will vary the tension of the springs 69 so as to provide for the proper adjustment and calibration of the relay. In addition to providing means for compensating for variation of spring tension, the provision of continuous bores in the coil cores for the reception of the springs 6 and the provision of the set screws 385 for closing the bores accommodates a more ready and convenient assembly of the relay. In particular, the armature assembly may be ac 'complished before the springs are inserted in the holes or bores provided in the coil cores so that the assembly of the armature on the pivot yoke 48 and the assembly of the top strap 58 to the coil cores may be readily effected. Thereafter, the springs 60 may be conveniently and readily inserted in the bores provided in the coil cores and the set screws 385 may thereafter be inserted and threaded into the bores of the coil cores to confine the springs 60 between the set screws and the armature 54. Thereafter, the set screws 385 may be adjusted to provide for proper setting and calibration of the springs 69, after which the set screws are cemented in place, as was described hereinbefore with respect to the contact set screws.

A particular manner of effecting adjustment of the set screws for the back tension springs and the contacts is as follows: the power source is connected to the relay to effect energization of the coils and the operation of the armature to its operated position. The contact screw 37-1 is then adjusted until the contact 71 just touches the lever spring contact 72. The make contact screw 371 is then advanced .003 inchi.0005 inch and the break con tact screw 369 is then adjusted so that the distance between the break contact 69 and its associated lever spring contact 72 is .008 inchi.0005 inch. The pole core screws are then adjusted to vary the armature spring ten sion to a point where the relay operates within specified limits such, for example, as 2.0 to 2.3 ma. in one embodiment of the invention. Upon attaining the proper adjustment for the energizing operation, the relay is released to determine whether the current is within certain predetermined limits, for example 1.0 to 1.3 ma. in the said one embodiment. If the value of the release current is too low, the make follow is increased or the actuator lever assembly 106 is bent downward slightly so as to move the glass beads 380 to a lower position on the movable contact carrying lever 74. If the release current is too high, the make follow is decreased or the glass beads 38!) are raised.

The air gap distance between the pole piece and the armature effects the operating current value. Furthermore, the amount of make follow effects both the release current value by the tension placed on the lever spring and it also effects the operate current value by affecting the air gap distance between the pole piece and the armature.

Lever spring overtravel is provided on both make and break contacts. On break contacts the lever spring overtravel is accomplished by auxiliary springs between the pole pieces and the armature, and made possible by the combination of solidly positioned fixed break contacts and a flexible lever spring. On make contacts, the lever spring overtravel is actuated by the magnetic force exerted by the coil on the armature upon energization of the coil and is made possible by the combination of solidly positioned 12 fixed make contacts and a flexible lever spring. The following ratio is maintained:

From lever spring support to contacts From lever spring support to other end of lever 3 Due to the relative disposition of the coils, the armature, the levers 109 and the pileups 62, the relay of the present invention is highly resistant, or nonresponsive, to continuous acceleration or sharp changes in velocity. In particular, the relationship of parts described hereinbefore renders the relay of the present invention insensitive or nonresponsive to accelerations :of the order of at least fifty gravity units.

In addition to the advantages pointed out hereinbefore, the relay of the present invention readily lends itself to fabrications in extremely small sizes. Generally, it may be stated that the major horizontal axes, namely the axis along which the coil core centers lie and the axis upon which the contact blades lie, may be maintained fairly constant or uniform for many various installations for which the relay of the present invention is adapted. However, the length of the coils in these instances may vary within quite substantial limits to accommodate the winding of coils adapted for energization from various sources and power supplies. Normally, variations in the physical dimensions and structure of the relay may be required in adapting the same for various installations, but the basic arrangement provided by the invention will be adhered to. Despite these variations, the adaptability of the relay of the present invention may cover a wide variety :of installations, while the physical dimensions of the relay may vary only slightly, with the exception of the length of the coils, which may be varied within relatively large limits. In particular, preferable dimensions for the relay of the present invention are: in the plane of the axes of the coils 2t) and 22, the overall dimension of the relay is preferably from M; inch to 1% inches; in the plane 'of the contact blades 74, the overall dimension of the relay is preferably from inch to 1% inches; and the height or length of the coils may be varied between inch and 1% inches. it is to be appreciated however, that the foregoing dimensions are only exemplary and preferred dimensions and should not be considered as necessarily restrictive of the present invention.

The relay of the present invention is adapted for utilization in a wide variety of installations and may be mounted within any suitable container or casing for the particular installation for which adapted. However, in accordance with the present invention, it is preferred that the relay be mounted in a particular manner, and for preferred embodiments of the mountings or casings for the relay of the present invention, reference is made to Figures 10 to 13.

In Figures 10 and ll, the relay of the present invention is shown as mounted within a generally box-like casing comprising a rectangular base plate 110, preferably formed of steel or the like, and a can-like body portion 1L2, preferably formed of brass, copper or aluminum hot tin dipped. The casing of the embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, is preferably substantially cubic, although the dimensions thereof may be varied within any necessary limitations. The base plate 112 is preferably square and the two major axes of the relay are preferably so disposed with respect to the base that same extend along the diagonals of the base so that the casing may be as small as possible.

The base plate 110 is preferably spaced from the bottom strap 46 of the relay by means of a pair of studs I 114 which are preferably formed of brass to physically face or top of the can 112 preferably engages the top binder 58 of the relay and the lower free edges of the can are preferably turned over the base plate and suitably soldered, welded or otherwise secured to the base plate so as to effect intimate engagement of the casing with the opposite ends of the relay. The soldering or welding between the base plate 110 and the can 112 is preferably effected so that the relay may be hermetically sealed within the casing in a conventional manner.

As is shown in Figures 1 to 3, the top binder 58 for the relay may in many installations comprise a generally rectangular strap or the like. When mounted in the can 112, the relay is confined against endwise movement due to the engagement of the top binder 58 with the top wall of the can and the engagement of the bottom strap 46 with the studs 114. Sidewise movement of the relay is restrained by engagement of the coil spools with the side walls of the can. However, in installations wherein substantial side thrust is to be imparted to the relay, it is desirable to provide means for positively resisting sidewise movement of the relay in the can. In particular, according to the present invention, we provide a generally octagonal top binder plate, indicated at 113 in Figures and 11, adapted to abut against the side walls and top of the can to prevent movement of the relay within the can in any direction. While the member 113 has been referred to as a top binder, it will be apparent that the same may suitably comprise a plate secured to the top binder 58. To provide for intimate engagement between the can 112 and the top binder or member 113, the top edges of the can are squared off, as is indicated at 115. Accordingly, the can maintains the relay in operating relationship at all times. Since the can 112 and base plate 110 provide means for enclosing the relay to accommodate hermetic sealing of the relay, it may be further pointed out that the hermetic sealing means holds the relay together and maintains the same in operating relationship.

The base plate 110 preferably carries a plurality of threaded mounting studs 116 suitably secured to the base plate 110, as by being spot-welded thereto. The base plate 110 also carries a header, indicated generally at 118, fitted Within a central aperture in the base plate. The header 118 preferably comprises a cylindrical shell 120, a plurality of terminals 122, and a molded vitreous seal 124 mounting the terminals in appropriate manner within the cylindrical shell 120. The vitreous seal 124 is preferably formed by flowing molten glass into the shell 120 and around the terminals 122. The terminals 122 may each comprise a hollow tube or the like adapted for the reception of a relay lead, which leads are preferably soldered or otherwise secured in the terminal tubes 122. It will be apparent that other types of terminals may be provided. To serve as a guide for Wiring the relay within a circuit, one of the terminals may be suitably marked, as by a colored disc 126, to define a coded starting point for determining the relay terminal connections. As will be appreciated, various details of the header and mounting studs may be modified to provide for other types of mounting.

Due to the fact that the relay is formed almost entirely of metal and due to the physical engagement of the relay with the casing, the casing and the studs 116 thereof serve as a heat exchanger for rapidly dissipating heat generated upon energization of the coils. This heat dissipation is further enhanced by the formation of the various parts of the relay and easing of highly conductive metals. The insulation 34 provided between the coils and the cores is very thin (.006") so as to present substantially no impedance to heat dissipation. In particular, heat generated during energization of the coils is dissipated by maintaining a low temperature gradient between the interior of the coil and the exterior of the can by providing a heat conducting path from the coil to the 14 exterior can. The heat generated by the coil in the illustrated embodiment is extended through the magnetic iron core, approximately .005" of cellulose acetate and the metallic contact members which extend from both ends of the core to the external can.

Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, a further modification or second embodiment of a casing for the relay of the present invention is shown, wherein the casing is generally cylindrical. For cylindrical mountings, the relay is preferably provided with annular end plates to space and insulate the relay from the casing. Pref erably, the relay is provided with an upper circular plate adapted to be secured to the top binder of the relay by means of a plurality of rivets 152. The upper mounting or end plate 150 is preferably cut out, as at 154, to make accessible the upper extensions or upwardly extending end portions of the contact blades of the relay. The relay is also provided with a lower circular end plate 156 provided with a plurality of spaced apertures therein, preferably four in number to either side of the relay, adapted for the passage of the relay leads. The end plates 150 and 156 are preferably formed of Bakelite or a like plastic or insulating material. The casing for the relay includes a cylindrical can 158 of greater length than the relay so that the relay may be inserted into the can and moved into engagement with the top wall thereof, after which the casing may be provided with a peripheral or annular indentation 160 engaging the lower surface of the lower end plate 156 to retain the relay in the upper portion of the cylindrical can 158.

At its lower end, the can 158 is preferably flanged and adapted for the reception of a base plate 162. The base plate 162 preferably comprises a conventional octal base plate, comprising a circular metallic plate provided with a plurality of apertures therein, the apertures being disposed in a circle about the central point of the base plate. The apertures are each adapted for the reception of a terminal 164 suitably sealed within the respective aperture by means of a vitreous seal 166. The base plate 162 is also preferably provided with a central stud 168 having a lateral projection 170 adjacent the lower end thereof so that the base plate comprises a mounting member of the general type conventionally or popularly known as radio tube base. In this embodiment of the invention, the terminal members 164 preferably comprise hollow tubes each adapted for the reception of one of the relay leads, which leads may be suitably soldered or otherwise secured Within th hollow terminal members. At the upper end thereof, the can 153 may be suitably formed for the reception of a hermetic sealing tube 172 adapted to be cut off and sealed, as is shown, after the relay has been assembled Within the can. To accommodate the hermetic sealing tube and the hermetic sealing of the relay Within the can 158, the upper end plate 150 is preferably provided with a central aperture therethrough. As will be appreciated, the can 112 of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 10 and 11 could likewise be provided with suitable means to accommodate hermetic sealing of the relay within the can.

indicative of the different types of relay members which may be provided utilizing the basic structure set forth heretofore are the following specifications of proven commercial embodiments.

in a first relay arrangement having maximum sensitivity, that is, responsive to a very low value of wattage, coils of 40,000 turns of No. 39 wire with a total resistance of 5000 ohms were provided and the operation thereof was effected with the application of .005 watt at 20 C. The power supply in this case was comprised of a constant current source. The relay operates on .001 to .0011 ampere and releases on .0003 to .0007 ampere. In an arrangement having constant current power supply, an increase of temperature raises the resistance of the coils and the watts used increases with the temperature. However, whenever only an increase of about 20% occurs up to 85 C., and with a decrease in temperature below C. less watts are required for relay operation. The relay occupied approximately 1% cubic inches and was mechanically operable from minus C. to plus 110 C.

In a second model of slightly less sensitivity (responsive to application of slightly greater value of wattage) coils of 35,000 turns of No. 42 wire with a total resistance of 5,000 :ohms were provided and operation was affected at .02 watt at 23 C. The relay structure was operated on .002 to.0025 ampere and released on .001 to .0015 ampere. The power supply was of the constant current type and only an increase of about 20% occurred up to C. The relay of the present embodiment occupied a space of 1" x 1" x 1%".

A relay model of nominal sensitivity, that is responsive to a slightly higher value of wattage utilized coils having a total of 46,000 turns of No. 43 wire with a total resistance of 11,000 ohms. The relay operated at .05 watt at 20 C. with a constant current supply. This relay incorporates an extra set of contacts without requiring a housing larger than that of the previous relays.

In the relays adapted for use with constant current supply sources, the control circuit maintains the current constant independent of temperature and hence no temperature compensation is necessary. In relays adapted for use with constant voltage structures, however, temperature compensation must be provided. That is, in a constant voltage application the coil resistance rises with a rise in temperature and the current decreases. If the relay is to perform within a given range of temperatures, temperature compensation must be provided. In one embodiment in which the relay was built to operate from a constant voltage source of 26.5 volts, the structure was built to permit enough current for operation at 68% of nominal voltage, that is, on 18 volts at 85 C. Thus with rising temperature and reduced current proper relay operation is insured. The relay consumed .720 watt based on 450 ohm coil resistance at 20 C. With decreasing temperature at constant voltage, the current increases and the relay receives enough current to operate at any value below +85 C. Although the current and the wattage increase with decreasing temperature, the lower ambient temperature protects the relay against overheating.

The relay must also be adapted to withstand 123% of nominal voltage, that is 32 volts at 85. The equivalent of this value (18 volts at 85 C.) is obtained with a factor of safety by adjusting the relay so that it just operates on ten volts at 20 C. corresponding to .375 watt.

In this embodiment the coils comprised 6,000 turns of No. 39 wire with a total resistance of 450 ohms. The relay Was mechanically operable between 55 C. to C. The relay structure included two sets of transfer contacts and required a mountin space of .72 cubic inch.

A relay of less sensitivity but having the same specifications of the relay just described may be provided with four sets of transfer contacts and a housing space of 1" x 1" x 1% is then required.

Heretofore, it has been extremely difiicult to provide relays adapted for operation at high temperatures due to the fact that a. definite set of the contact carrying springs or levers has been required in prior relay structures. The difiiculty has existed for the particular reason that metals having a sufficiently high electrical conductance to serve as contact carrying levers do not possess the mechanical characteristic of'maintaining a set at elevated temperatures, and that metals having the latter characteristic do not possess the necessary degree of electrical conductivity. The present invention obviates the difficulty by providing a novel relay arrangement wherein the various components are not required to meet conflicting specifications. In particular, the necessity of providing a set in the contact carrying levers has been obviated by providing the biasing springs 60 which eifect high pressure contact engagement and contact lever over-travel. Since the contact carrying levers need serve only as electrical conl. 5 ductors and since the biasing springs need only maintain a predetermined set, neither of the two components is required to perform the conflicting function of the other, whereby the relay is adapted for use at elevated temperatures. In particular, the relay design described hereinbefore is readily adapted for high temperature applications, such as 200 C., merely by utilization of high temperature resistant insulating materials. For example, the substitution of glass based silicon for Bakelite, Ceroc-T for Formvar and porcelain for glass, will render the relay previously described adaptable for operation and use up to at least 200 C.

It is to be understood, of course, that while the aforementioned specific relays have been described to teach certain of the embodiments which may be provided with the novel relay structure of the invention, it is to be appreciated that the degree of sensitivity and temperature range of operability and other similar specific details set forth hereat were merely given for exemplary purposes. The basic arrangement is sufficiently flexible to permit utilization of the relay in vastly diflferent applications and to provide relays of extremely diiferent specifications Without departing from the scope of the invention.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides an improved relay of extremely practical and economical construction and assembly that is adapted to be readily actuated in response to energize.- tion thereof, but which will not be actuated by, or be responsive to, rapid acceleration and sharp changes in acceleration and deceleration. It will also be appreciated that the present invention provides an extremely compact relay of small size adapted for a variety of uses and installations.

While we have described what we regard to be preferred embodiments of our invention, it will be apparent that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a statically and dynamically balanced relay structure, an armature member mounted in a given plane for pivotal movement about its central axis with the application of given forces at points on opposite sides of said axis which are equidistant from said axis, a balanced actuating member on said armature extending generally transversely thereof with the longitudinal axis thereof intersecting the armature pivotal axis, the pivotal axis of the actuator means coinciding with the armature pivotal axis; and contact means disposed on either side of said armature plane and equidistant therefrom and operatively associated with said actuator member for operation thereby.

2. In a statically and dynamically balanced relay structure, a coil and core means defining a pair of poles, the longitudinal axes of said poles being disposed in spaced parallel relation in a common plane, an armature member pivotally mounted on an axis located in said plane, contact sets including movable contact members disposed on either side of said armature and equidistant therefrom in a common plane which intersects the first plane along a line which coincides with the pivotal axis of said armature, and balanced actuating means for operating said contact sets with movement of said armature, the effective longitudinal axis of said actuator means being mounted in the plane common to said movable contact members.

by said actuator means, said contact carrying'members having longitudinal axes disposed in parallel alignment with the longitudinal axes of said pole members.

4. A relay comprising coil and core means presenting a pair of pole members, the longitudinal axes of said pole members being disposed in spaced parallel relation in a common plane, contact sets disposed on opposite sides of the plane of the axes of said poles, each contact set including a movable lever, the longitudinal axes of said levers being disposed in spaced parallel relation to the longitudinal axes of said poles and to one another and lying in a common plane, the plane of the axes of the levers and the plane of said pole axes intersecting one another, an arma-. ture operatively controlled by said pole members mounted for rotation on an axis located on the line defined by the intersection of said planes, and actuator means disposed with its longitudinal axis in the plane common to said movable levers operatively connecting said armature to each of said levers for effecting actuation thereof.

5. A relay as set forth in claim 4, in which each of said contact sets also includes a pair of spaced stationary contacts, and a pair of contacts carried by each of said levers for engaging the associated stationary contacts.

6. A relay as set forth in claim 4, including a spring positioned between each of said pole members and said armature for normally biasing said armature away from said pole members, each pole member having a tapped bore therein for the reception of its associated spring, and adjustable screw means threaded in said bores for varying the force exertion of said springs. p

7. A relay as set forth in claim 4, in which each of said contact sets includes a mounting plate, a pair of spaced supports on said plate, a set screw adjustably mounted in each of said supports, and a contact carried by each of said set screws, and in which said movable lever carries a pair of contacts which are disposed for engagement with said set screw contacts.

8. A statically and dynamically balanced relay structure as set forth in claim 4, in which each of said contact sets includes a pair of spaced stationary supports, a set screw adjustably mounted in each of said supports, a contact carried by each of said set screws, and a pair of contacts mounted on each lever for engagement with said set screw contacts, and which includes spring means for biasing said armature away from said pole faces, and adjustable means carried by said poles for varying the biasing efiect of said spring means on said armature.

9. A relay comprising coil and core means presenting a pair of poles, the axes of said poles being disposed in spaced parallel relation in a common plane, a pair of contact sets disposed to opposite sides of the plane of the axes of said poles, each of said contact sets including a pair of substantially solidly positioned contacts disposed in spaced relation and a flexible contact carrying lever extending between said contacts, the longitudinal axes of the levers of said sets being disposed in spaced parallel relation in a common plane, the plane of said lever axes and the plane of said pole axes intersecting one another, an armature mounted for rotation on an axis defined by the line of intersection of said planes, spring means between said poles and said armature normally biasing said armature away from said poles, and actuator means connecting said armature and the levers of said contact sets, said spring means normally biasing said armature to move the lever of each set into engagement with one of the contacts of the respective sets and to eifect overtravel of a portion of each lever with respect to said one contact, said armature upon energization of said coil means effecting movement of said levers into engagement with the other contact of the respective sets and overtravel of a portion of each lever with respect to said other contact.

10. A relay comprising coil and core means defining a pair of poles, the longitudinal axis of said poles being disposed in spaced relation in a common plane, a pair of contact sets disposed on opposite sides of the plane of said poles, an armature mounted for pivotal rotation on an axis disposed in the plane of said poles, actuator means extending traversely of said armature for operatively controlling said contact sets with movement of said armature, a rectangular can enclosing said coil and core means, said armature, said contact sets and said actuator means, and means for supporting said enclosed members with the plane of said poles disposed along one diagonal of said rectangular can, and the longitudinal axis of said actuator means disposed along the other diagonal of said rectangular can.

11. In a relay structure, coil and core means defining a pair of poles, the axes of said poles being disposed in spaced parallel relation in a first plane, an armature member mounted for pivotal movement between said poles about a central axis and controlled by said pole members, a pair of contact sets, each comprising at least one fixed and one movably mounted contact, said sets being disposed on either side of said armature and equidistant therefrom with the longitudinal axis of the contact sets disposed in a second plane substantially perpendicular to said first plane, and contact actuator means mounted on a pivotal axis located at the point of intersection of the first and second planes for movement by said armature member, said actuator means being interlocked with the movable member of each of said contact sets to pre vent independent movement of the movable contact member relative thereto, and to effect operation of said movable contact into and out of engagement with its associated fixed contact responsive to movement of said armature.

12. In a relay structure, coil and core means defining a pair of cylindrical poles having their longitudinal axes disposed in parallel relation, each of said poles having a cutaway flat face portion thereon, an armature member having flat face portions located equidistant from the armature central axis, means for supporting said armature for rotation about its central axis with said armature face portions in facing relation with the pole face portions, an actuator member mounted for movement with said armature, the longitudinal axis of the actuator member extending generally transversely of and to either side of the armature longitudinal axis and in balanced relation therewith, and contact set means disposed on either side of said armature, each of said contact set means comprising at least one fixedly positioned contact, and a contactcarrying lever mounted as a cantilever with the free end thereof interlocked with said actuator for movement therewith, the longitudinal axes of said contact levers being disposed in parallel relation with the longitudinal axes of said poles.

13. In a relay structure, a balanced armature member mounted for pivotal movement; a contact set disposed on opposite sides of said armature member, each set comprising at least one fixedly positioned contact, and a contact carrying lever mounted as a cantilever; a single actuator member supported transversely of the armature to transfer armature movements to each of said levers; and means for effecting movement of said armature member in a direction to control said actuator to move the lever of each set to bring the contact on each lever into engagement with its associated fixedly positioned contact, and in a continued movement of the armature in the same direction to eifect the flexing of the lever ends relative to the engaged contacts so as to assure engagement of each cantilever contact with its associated fixed contact even though the fixed contacts are normally at different spacings from their cantilever contact.

14. In a relay structure, a contact assembly comprising a flexible contact carrying member, at least one fixedly positioned contact, a spring, an actuating member connected between said flexible contact carrying member and said spring, said spring normally biasing said actuating member to move said flexible contact member into engagement with said fixedly positioned contact and effecting overtravel of a portion of said flexible contact member with respectto said fixedly positioned contact, and adjustable means for, varying the biasing effect of said spring on said actuating member.

15. In a relay structure having a movable armature, a contact assembly comprising a flexible contact carrying member, at least one fixedly positioned contact, an actuating memberfor ettecting movement of said contact carrying member with movement of said armature, a spring for normally biasing the relay armature and said actuating member to move the flexible contact carrying member into engagement with said fixedly positioned contact and to effect overtravel of said flexible contact carrying member with respect to said fixedly positioned contact, adjustable means for adjusting said fixedly positioned contact to various fixed positions with respect to said member, and adjustable means for varying the biasing effect of said spring relative to said actuating member.

16. In a relay structure, a pair of pole members disposed in a given plane with the longitudinal axis thereof disposed in parallel relation, a balanced armature mounted between said poles for movement about a central pivotal axis .with the application of given forces by said poles at opposite ends of said armature, the armature pivotal axis being in the plane of the pole longitudinal axis, a finger carrying actuator member associated with said armature extending laterally to at least one side of the armature at its pivotal point, and a contact carrying member disposed on said one side of said armature comprising a flexible lever and at least one fixedly positioned contact, the lever being disposed with its longitudinal axis in parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of said pole members and being mounted for intimate engagement of the fingers. of said actuator and movement thereby into and out of engagement with said fixedly positioned contact.

17. In a relay structure, a pair of pole members disposed in a given plane with the longitudinal axes thereof disposed in parallel. relation, a balanced armature mounted for pivotal movement about its central axis with the application of given forces by said poles at points on opposite sides of said armature and equidistant from said pivotal axis, a balanced actuating member on said armature extending generally transversely thereof, and contact sets disposed on opposite sides of said armature, each of which comprises at least one fixedly positioned contact,

and a contact carrying lever disposed for movement by said agtuatin'gmember into engagement with said fixed contact and in a continued movement of the actuator in the'same operation to be flexed about said fixed contact in anovertravel manner, said levers having their longitudinal axes disposed in parallel alignment with the longitudinal axes of the pole members.

18. A relay structureas set forth in claim 17 in which each contact set includes a second fixed contact, and which includes means for normally engaging said actuator to move said lever into engagement with said second fixed contact and to normally flex said lever about said second fixed contact in an overtravel manner.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 113,033 Edison Mar. 28, 1871 808,957 Varley Jan. 2, 1906 963,996 Creveling July 12, 1910 1,003,338 Coleman Sept. 12, 1911 1,104,077 Smith July 21, 1914 1,167,067 Hill Jan. 4, 1916 1,356,501 Adams et al. Oct. 19, 1920 1,624,476 Cummings Apr. 12, 1927 1,696,170 Leake Dec. 18, 1928 1,763,003 Mead June 10, 1930 1,339,377 Daly Jan. 5, 1932 1,852,423 Leake Apr. 5, 1932 1,886,372 Bossart Nov. 8, 1932 2,223,573 Nul sen Dec. 3, 1940 2,289,227 Walker July 7, 1942 2,294,484 Snayely et a1. Sept. 1, 1942 2,310,138 Whittaker Feb. 2, 1943 2,334,514 Snavely Nov. 16, 1943 2,335,110 Dann Nov. 23, 1943 2,369,296 Irwinet al. Feb. 13, 1945 2,428,218 Herbst Sept. 30, 1947 2,454,060 Hegy Nov. 16, 1948 2,494,308 Petersen Jan. 10, 1950 2,510,305 A shworth June 6, 1950 2,590,996 Miloche Apr. 1, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 38,110 Germany Apr. 12, 1887 572,686 Great Britain Oct. 18, 1945

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