Ametek, Inc.

Prestolite Electric Inc.

Richard D Forster

The present invention provides a magnetic latching contactor for high current switching applications. A stationary assembly is provided which comprises a first passive biasing member and an active biasing member. A moveable assembly is slidably coupled to the stationary assembly for movement between a first stable position and a second stable position. A second passive biasing member is also provided. The first passive biasing member applies a first passive biasing force to the moveable assembly biasing the moveable assembly toward the first stable position. The second passive biasing member applies a second passive biasing force to the moveable assembly biasing the moveable assembly toward the second stable position. The active biasing member provides an active biasing force to the moveable assembly alternatively biasing the moveable assembly to the first stable position and the second stable position. In the absence of the active biasing force, the first passive biasing force is sufficient to maintain the moveable assembly in the first stable position, and the second passive biasing force is sufficient to maintain the moveable assembly in the second stable position. A momentary active biasing force is applied to the moveable assembly to move the moveable assembly between the first stable position and the second stable position. A contact assembly is provided which is coupled to the stationary assembly and the moveable assembly such that an electrical closed circuit is established in the first stable position and an electrical open circuit is established in the second stable position.

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Decatur, AL, United States of America

Richard D Forster