Caterpillar Inc.

Matthew G Branch

Andrew Henry Nippert

Tony L Marcott

Kirk S Shively

Chris E Willey

An apparatus for determining the position of an armature of an electromagnetic actuator having a coil, the armature being movable to and between first and second positions in response to a current flowing in the coil. The apparatus includes circuitry for measuring the magnitude of current in the coil and producing a magnitude signal, measuring the rate of change of current in the coil and producing a rate of change signal, and measuring the derivative of flux linkage versus current in the coil in response to the rate of change signal and producing a flux linkage signal. The apparatus additionally includes circuitry for determining the position of the armature with respect to the coil in response to the magnitude and flux linkage signals.

Method and apparatus for determining the position of an armature of an

Electromagnetic actuators having a coil and an armature are used in a number of applications in which it is useful to have an indication of the position of the armature with respect to the coil without the use of external sensors. Accordingly, an actuator control system is provided for determining the position of the armature with respect to the coil in response to the magnitude and rate of change of current flowing in the coil.

Method and apparatus for determining the position of an armature in an

A switch actuating assembly supports and actuates a limit switch of the ball and roller type. The assembly includes a housing, a plunger movably positioned within the housing, and an end cap which closes off one end of the housing. The assembly is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle control panel utilizing conventional mounting hardware. Various ball and roller type limit switches are interchangeable with the housing body. The plunger is movable between a first detent position with the limit switch activated and a second spring loaded position with the limit switch deactivated.

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Peoria, IL, United States of America

Matthew G Branch