Patent ID: 8339223
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: G01R,H01H

Abstract:
1. An electric solenoid for use in a meter disconnect relay comprised of: a plunger, wherein the plunger is at least partially comprised of ferromagnetic material; a solenoid body, wherein an area of the solenoid body is configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger and electrical windings within the solenoid body substantially surround the area configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger such that an electrical current through the electrical windings will either apply force to the plunger to move it out of the solenoid body or to draw it within the solenoid body; a spring that adaptively fits within the area configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger and within a portion of the plunger; a magnet configured to fit proximate to the area configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger, wherein the spring is used to provide additional force to the plunger when moving out of the solenoid body and the magnet is used to latch the plunger when the plunger is forced to within close proximity of the magnet within the solenoid body, and a metallic protector and a pin, wherein the metallic protector protects the magnet from force applied to the solenoid body by the spring or the plunger and the pin is used to align or strengthen the spring.