Stephen M Schmidt

US Patent:

6598824, Jul 29, 2003

Filed:

Nov 20, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/991520

Inventors:

Stephen M. Schmidt - Menomonee Falls WI

Assignee:

Trombetta, LLC - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

B65H 7514

US Classification:

242603, 2425872, 24211841

Abstract:

A coil bobbin structure comprising a series of axially spaced bobbin members including integrally formed tubular base portions supported on a tubular support member. The base portions each have edges facing one another and including stepped edged portions cooperating to provide interlocking structure for resisting relative rotation of the bobbin members and the tubular support member. The bobbin members each include radially extending flanges arranged to receive entering and exiting coil lead wires and to route the lead wires along a longitudinal path extending across a coil wound on the structure.

US Patent:

6791442, Sep 14, 2004

Filed:

Nov 21, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/719351

Inventors:

Stephen M. Schmidt - Menomonee Falls WI

Assignee:

Trombetta, LLC - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

H01F 708

US Classification:

335220, 335266

Abstract:

A magnetic latching solenoid including a solenoid operating mechanism, and further comprising a magnetic latching subassembly cooperating with, but positioned independently of the solenoid operating mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the solenoid operating system may be of a bi-directionally operated structure arranged for alternative magnetically latching function. Independently operated, magnetic latching subassemblies are spaced apart from one another and from opposite ends of the bi-directionally operated solenoid operating mechanism.

US Patent:

7728704, Jun 1, 2010

Filed:

Jun 7, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/810927

Inventors:

Stephen M. Schmidt - Menomonee Falls WI, US
Paul D. Lindsay - Cedarburg WI, US
Dennis A. Maller - Racine WI, US

Assignee:

Trombetta, LLC - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

H01H 67/02
H01R 4/36

US Classification:

335126, 335131, 439810

Abstract:

Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.

US Patent:

8154366, Apr 10, 2012

Filed:

Feb 25, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/660399

Inventors:

Stephen M. Schmidt - Menomonee Falls WI, US
Paul D. Lindsay - Cedarburg WI, US
Dennis A. Maller - Racine WI, US

Assignee:

Trombetta, LLC - Dover DE

International Classification:

H01H 67/02
H01R 4/36

US Classification:

335126, 335131, 439810

Abstract:

Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.

US Patent:

20010010486, Aug 2, 2001

Filed:

Mar 19, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/812208

Inventors:

Stephen Schmidt - Menomonee Falls WI, US

Assignee:

Trombetta, LLC

International Classification:

H01F007/08

US Classification:

335/220000

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for forming and applying seamless wear bands to a cylinder, such as a solenoid plunger. The apparatus consists principally of an expanding diameter pushing tool and mating conical mandrel. The pushing tool contacts and moves a flat washer type disc along the sides of the mandrel. As the disc travels along the mandrel it is transformed into a band configuration and snapped into a pre-formed undercut groove on the cylinder.

US Patent:

20130106544, May 2, 2013

Filed:

Oct 26, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/282099

Inventors:

STEPHEN M. SCHMIDT - Menomonee Falls WI, US
Dennis A. Maller - Racine WI, US

Assignee:

TROMBETTA, INC. - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

H01H 9/02

US Classification:

335202

Abstract:

An embodiment of an electrical contactor according to the present invention provides improved operability and manufacturability. Such electrical contactor may include a housing substantially surrounding an electrical conductor assembly and contact actuator. The conductor assembly includes a stationary contact assembly and a movable contact assembly. The contact actuator selectively mechanically interfaces to the movable contact assembly to make or break an electrical conduction. The contactor provides improved contact bounce dampening and actuator force characteristics. Methods according to the present invention include a method of manufacturing and a method of operating a solenoid actuated electrical contactor so as to minimize solenoid plunger acceleration and impact forces while making the electrical conduction and to maximize solenoid plunger acceleration and impact forces while breaking the electrical conduction.