Electromagnetic flip-type visual indicator

Abstract

An electromagnetic indicator capable of binary indication including a rotatably mounted semicircular flag assembly which can rotate between a first position ('set') and a second position ('fault') upon the receipt by the indicator of an electrical signal. A portion of the flag assembly is permanently magnetized and is magnetically latched in either the 'set' or 'fault' position by a magnetic latch which is preferably comprised of a bracket and core bar. The bracket has two ends which are positioned so that they are adjacent the magnetized portion of the flag assembly. The core bar is magnetically connected to an electromagnet and is also positioned adjacent a magnetized portion of the flag assembly. When the electromagnet is connected to the appropriate terminal of an electrical power source, the electromagnet generates a magnetic field, magnetizes the two ends of the bracket means and the core bar, and causes the flag assembly to flip from the 'set' position to the 'fault' position, or vice versa. After the electromagnet is disconnected from source, the flag assembly is magnetically latched in either the 'set' or 'fault' position by the magnetic attraction between the bracket, and the core bar on the one hand and the magnetized portion of the flag assembly on the other hand.