Low-power sector-rotating toggling actuator

Abstract

The present invention provides low-power, sector-rotating, electro-magnetically and mechanically operable toggling actuator. The reluctance of the magnetic circuit of this invention is controlled to effect actuation with but little magneto-motive force and, little electrical power. The preferred embodiment of this invention provides a single-coil, sector-rotating, electromagnetically and mechanically operable toggling actuator. In this embodiment, a pivotally-mounted magnetically-permeable rotor is attracted to either of two stable rotary positions by permanent magnets affixed to a magnetically-permeable stator. A magnetic circuit between the stator and the rotor comprises an electromagnetic coil to provide magneto-motive force for toggling the rotor to a desired position responsive to the direction of electrical current through the coil. A switch may be provided for activating external circuits responsive to rotor position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.