Abstract: A keyboard for secure data entry is provided. The keyboard comprises at least one or more of data entry buttons that can be depressed by a user. For each of the data entry buttons, a button actuator is provided that is movable upon the user depressing the respective data entry button and a primary capacitive sensor is provided that is arranged to determine movement of the button actuator of the respective data entry button by capacitance sampling. The button actuator is at least partly made from a conductive material. The button actuator is coupled to a defined electric potential at least during the capacitance sampling to shield the primary capacitive sensor from eavesdropping.

Abstract: A modular electrical control system for installation in an electrical box of a premises includes a switch module configured to control power delivery to at least one external load, the switch module including a multi-position switch device that changes an operational mode of the switch module to off, toggle mode, or dimmer mode, and a removable user interface module configured to connect to the switch module, receive power from the switch module and display an interface in accordance with a setting of the multi-position switch device.

Abstract: Electronic devices having input structures that are operative to translate a relatively small travel of an input surface to a larger travel elsewhere. For example, force exerted on an input surface of an input body may cause a corresponding input body to move a first distance. An arm, lever mechanism, or the like may have an end or other portion that moves a second distance in response to the input body's motion. The second distance may be greater than the first; in some embodiments, the second distance may be an order of magnitude or more than the first distance. The travel may close or open a switch in response to the force exerted on the input surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an overcharge protection device including a diagnostic function. The overcharge protection device comprises: a mechanical overcharge protection device, connected between the relay actuation coil of a main relay and a ground, for disconnecting the connection between the relay actuation coil and the ground when the degree of swelling of a battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; and a control unit for diagnosing whether the mechanical overcharge protection device is operating or has failed by detecting the voltage between the two ends of the mechanical overcharge protection device. Accordingly, because whether the mechanical overcharge protection device is operating or has failed may be diagnosed accurately, it is possible to detect in advance that the mechanical overcharge protection device may not be operating normally due to the defects or failure thereof whereby a fail-safe overcharge protection device may be embodied and safety may be improved.

Abstract: A switch device includes a housing, an operating member, a fixed contact, and a moving contact. The moving contact is, while being in contact with the fixed contact, urged toward the fixed contact so as to be in elastic contact with the fixed contact. The fixed contact includes a plate portion and is held by the housing with a space on one surface side of the plate portion. The moving contact includes a first extended portion that extends so as to intersect the plate portion. When the moving contact and the fixed contact are in contact with each other, the first extended portion intersects the plate portion while being inclined relative to the plate portion, and the first extended portion is in elastic contact with a corner portion on a one surface side of an edge of the plate portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a field device for automation engineering having a housing, wherein the housing has at least one associated pushbutton switch. Operation of the pushbutton switch is detected, according to the invention, inside the housing without the presence of mechanical or electrical passageway through the wall of the housing. For this, the housing does not need to have a blind hole or an inwardly directed depression. This is achieved by a rigid arrangement of a first element for producing a magnetic field on the outer wall of the housing. By means of interaction with a second element for influencing the magnetic field of the first element, which is arranged in an operating element, a variable magnetic field is produced inside the housing. This magnetic field is sensed by a sensor. On the basis of the alteration in the magnetic field, the sensor can determine whether the pushbutton switch is currently being operated.

Abstract: Self-powered switches include an externally accessible user input member, a switch housing attached to the user input member, a permanent magnet held in the switch housing, a magnet housing held in the switch housing that is attached to the user input member, the magnet housing having a spindle that extends laterally outward from opposing sides of an upper portion of the magnet housing. The spindle is attached to the switch housing. The switches also include a magnet assembly that includes a coil and a shaft extending a distance beyond the coil held in the switch housing. A least one of the magnet assembly and permanent magnet moves in response to movement of the user input member.

Abstract: A switching assembly can include a lever arm that is magnetically attached to at least a portion of a base plate. A contact may be positioned in a spaced apart and above one end of the lever arm. Alternatively, the contact may be included in the base plate. Another switching assembly can include a movable element adapted to electrically connect with a contact in the switch assembly and a guide a guide having a geometry that directs the element along a first travel path to the contact and a second travel path away from the contact. A geometry of the guide is based on a first displacement curve that is associated with the first travel path and on a second displacement curve that is associated with the second travel path.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an instant trip mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes an adjustment dial to set a current for an instant trip operation; an instant bar provided with an upper portion contactable with the adjustment dial, a shaft portion serving as a rotation shaft, and a lower extending portion downwardly extending from the shaft portion; an electromagnet unit to generate a magnetic attraction force that is proportional to an amount of current flowing on the circuit; an armature rotatable with a lower end portion supported by a shaft, and attracted toward the electromagnet unit by the magnetic attraction force; and a spring for applying to the armature a load varying in a direction of the armature getting away from the electromagnet unit.

Abstract: A light switch includes an outer housing formed with a plurality of intersecting walls to define a recess and including a first ferromagnetic material. The outer housing is configured to be coupled with an external structure by a plurality of mounting brackets integrally formed as part of the outer housing and extending outwardly therefrom. The light switch also includes an inner housing. The inter housing includes a user controllable switch mechanism and a second ferromagnetic material. At least one of the first ferromagnetic material and the second ferromagnetic material comprises a permanent magnet, and the inner housing is sized to be received and removably maintained in the recess formed in the outer housing by magnetic attraction between the first ferromagnetic material and the second ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: A switch assembly (1) for switching electric circuits comprises a contributory switch (3), a main switch (2), and a flexible element (4). The contributory switch (3) and the main switch (2) are connected electrically in series, the contributory switch (3) and the main switch (4) each comprise at least one movable contact and the flexible element is connected to one movable contact of the contributory switch, a first contact (5a), and one movable contact of the main switch, a second contact (6a).

Abstract: A magnetic keyboard includes a base, a switch circuit board and plural keys. Each key includes a keycap, plural first magnetic elements and plural second magnetic elements. The switch circuit board is disposed on the base. The plural keys are connected with the base. The plural first magnetic elements of each key are fixed on an inner surface of the keycap. The plural second magnetic elements are disposed within the base. The first magnetic elements are partially inserted into the corresponding second magnetic elements. Consequently, the keys are connected with the base, and the function of returning the keycaps to their original positions are achievable.

Abstract: A thin keyboard having multiple keys is disclosed. At least one of the keys includes a key magnet, and a holding magnet is mounted on a transverse slider. The key is located in a ready position by a magnetic attraction of the holding magnet to the key magnet. When the transverse slider is slid, a separating protrusion pushes a chamfer to widen the distance between the holding magnet and the key magnet. The distance between both magnets is also widened in a right and left direction, and when the magnetic attraction drops, the key is located by gravity in a release position.

Abstract: A switch has a housing and an actuating element retained on a travel path in the Housing. A restoring member (4) provides a restoring force urging the actuator to an off position at one end of the travel path. A resistance generator provides a resistance force. which opposes the restoring force when the actuator is in a fully actuated position to reduce the holding force require to keep the actuating element in the fully actuated position.

Abstract: A multilevel magnetic system described herein includes first and second magnetic structures that produce a net force that transitions from an attract force to a repel force as a separation distance between the first and second magnetic structures increases. The multi-level magnetic system is configured to maintain a minimum separation distance between a transition distance where the net force is zero and a separation distance at which a peak repel force is produced.

Abstract: A multilevel correlated magnetic system and method for using the same are described herein. A wide-range of devices including a retractable magnet assembly, a disengagement/engagement tool, a click on-click off device are described herein that may incorporate or interact with one or more of the multilevel correlated magnetic systems.

Abstract: A magnetic switching device is provided with a first switching device which is provided with a movable magnet connected to a contact bridge, and with a second switching device which is provided with a magnet connected to a movable switch element. The magnets have the same polarity on the front faces facing each other. Positioned between the magnets is a separating plate made of ferromagnetic material, which is smaller than the front faces of the magnets which face each other.

Abstract: An input key structure for an electronic device includes a first magnetic body, a circuit board and a second magnetic body. The circuit board has a switch. The second magnetic body rotates relative to the first magnetic body to selectively locate between an initial position parallel with the second magnetic body and a target position contacted with the switch. The second magnetic body is structured to cooperate with the first magnetic body to generate a magnetic attractive force to automatically adjust the second magnetic body to the initial position when the second magnetic body is rotated away from its initial position to the target position.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) has a plurality of switch interfaces on its top surface. Each interface is an array of sensors, such as proximity sensors, hall-effect sensors, or a series of inductor coils. The sensors in each array are closely mounted and are all the same for a given PCB. Each array may or may not mount a non-contacting switch selected from a plurality of different types of switches, such as a single push button switch, dual push button switch, a toggle switch, a 3-position rocker switch, a rotary switch, or other type switch. Each switch mounted on the PCB includes one or more indicators for sensing by the sensors or coils, with feedback to determine what type of switch is mounted in each position. The same PCB, or other mount, may thus be used for a variety of unique applications, such as switch packs used in vehicles.

Abstract: An input key structure for an electronic device includes a first magnetic body, a circuit board and a second magnetic body. The circuit board has a switch. The second magnetic body rotates relative to the first magnetic body to selectively locate between an initial position parallel with the second magnetic body and a target position contacted with the switch. The second magnetic body is structured to cooperate with the first magnetic body to generate a magnetic attractive force to automatically adjust the second magnetic body to the initial position when the second magnetic body is rotated away from its initial position to the target position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a security device for residential and/or commercial use. A first magnetic member has a first magnet with a north and south pole, and a second magnetic member has a second magnet with a south and north pole. Contact between the north pole of the first magnet and south pole of the second magnet, or vice versa, completes an electrical circuit by conducting electricity between the first and second magnets, and a magnetic force between the first and second magnets holds the first and second magnets in contact. The electrical circuit is broken when a force sufficient to overcome the magnetic force is applied to separate the first and second magnets. When contact between the first magnet and second magnet is broken off, such as by opening a door or window, the electrical circuit is broken, and an alarm is triggered.

Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.

Abstract: The present invention involves a magnetic detent action device for switches utilizes the magnetic field interaction of a pair of magnetic members each having a side-by-side multipole magnetic pattern. One magnetic member is fixed relative to a switch body, while the other magnetic member is attached to a switch actuator. The magnetic members have a repeating pattern of north, south, and nonmagnetic portions. The switch body holds the two magnetic members in contact or in closely parallel proximity, and, as the switch actuator is moved, the two magnetic members and their respective magnetic poles move relative to each other creating a switch detent action as the magnetic fields of alike and opposite poles of the two magnetic members pass through each other. The magnetic detent action may be implemented in slide, rotary, or other switches.

Abstract: A rotary manipulation type input device obtains a specified output by detecting intensity changes of magnetic field due to rotation of an operating element by a detecting element disposed on a substrate beneath a base, using a ring-shaped magnet disposed at the lower side of the operating element disposed rotatably on the base. By rotary manipulation of the operating element, an attractive and repulsive force is generated between the ring-shaped magnetic and the magnetic disposed on the base, so that an operation contact click-feeling is obtained, and therefore the rotary click-feeling and signal output can be synchronized easily, and deterioration of rotary click-feeling is very rare.

Abstract: A position selector device having: (a) an inverted cup-like base body with an upper portion and a side portion; (b) a substantially cylindrical rotary member mounted on a shaft, and arranged to rotate within the base body; (c) a first position sensor for sensing the angular position of the rotary member; (d) a toothed ring arranged to provide raster movement of the rotary member; (e) a disk disposed centrally within the upper portion of the base body and arranged for tilting and/or lateral displacement within the base body; (f) a second position sensor for sensing the tilting and/or lateral displacement; and (g) a magnet arrangement for restoring said disk to its central position in said base body after its tilting and/or lateral displacement movement.

Abstract: An electrical switch, such as a two-position rocker or a momentary rocker switch, has an electrically conductive armature made of magnetic material that includes at least two faces extending from a common vertex. The armature is mounted to pivot about its common vertex to bring at least one of the armature faces into and out of electrical shorting relationship with electrical conductors of the switch that, preferably, are formed directly on a nonconductive sheet magnet coupler layer. The sheet magnet coupler layer magnetically attracts and holds the rocker armature in a switch position until a user applied actuating force is applied to a face of the armature such that the armature pivots to another switch position and, preferably, the switch is provided with an armature illumination system.

Abstract: A high security switch employs cooperative magnets which define the mode characteristics of the switch. The polarities and/or pole orientations between various magnets of the assembly are selected so that momentary or maintain switch positions can be obtained. The switch positions are activated by a key operated plug which causes rotation of an operator arm to a selected position.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an encoder apparatus that is capable of resolving magnetically axial and/or rotational displacements of a knob shaft thereof independently and includes a magnetic snap action switch, and a method of assembling the same. In one embodiment, the encoder apparatus has application as a display controller. In another embodiment, one or more of the encoder assemblies may be integrated into a bezel of a display for controlling the operations thereof.

Abstract: A compact breaker device includes a pair of fixed electrodes 11a, 11b are placed upright at one side of the casing 1, and a fuse 12 is accommodated at the other side thereof. A movable electrode 31 including a pair of fittable terminals 32a, 32b connected with each other is mounted on a mount body 35. By engaging and disengaging the fittable terminals 32a, 32b with and from the fixed electrodes 11a, 11b through the ceiling wall of the casing 1, a breaker switch for connect and disconnect the fixed electrodes 11a, 11b is formed. The fuse 12 is connected in series with the breaker switch. A handle 40 is inclinably mounted on the upper surface of the mount body 35. The handle 40 is firmly held in a standing position and a resting position by a spring member 47 provided between it and the mount body 35. The handle 40 is inclined to the resting position when the breaker device is used, while being held upright when the breaker switch is turned on and off.

Abstract: The electric push-button switch comprises a housing portion and a linearly moveable push-button portion. Guide columns at the housing portion and the push-button portion attain accurate linear guiding and rotational positioning of the push-button portion. These guide columns mutually interact or interengage and are in multiple line contact with one another. This multiple line contact extends in the direction of movement of the push-button portion. The length of such line contact is variable between a rest position and an operating position of the push-button portion. This line contact is greatest when the push-button portion assumes its operating position. A contact surface of a fixed counter contact comprises a planar slide surface for resilient contact arms carried by the push-button portion. The friction arising during the forced sliding movement of the resilient contact arms over the contact surface produces self-cleaning of the contacts and damping of contact chatter movements.

Abstract: Electronic switch comprising an operating means (1;7;12;15;18) movable in the switch. The operating means has only one magnetic pole operative for its motion, said pole being arranged to coact without contact with at least one second magnetic pole of a second magnet (5;5a) placed in the switch.

Abstract: A brushless direct current (DC) motor operating on the interaction of a permanent magnet rotor with an electromagnetic torque-inducing stator coil. Current applied to an electromagnetic torque-inducing stator coil is controlled by a magnetically influenced reed or leaf switch.