Abstract: A novel construction for a multifunctional rotary switching device is provided. The body of the switch includes a radial array of magnetic field effect sensors arranged on a base switch component such as a printed circuit board switching substrate. Each of the sensors is connected via circuit traces with a central logic chip also mounted on the circuit board. An array magnets is installed into a rotatable actuator in close proximity to the surface of the sensors whereby the magnetic force causes the corresponding sensors to switch to an open position when one of the magnets is in their proximity. In this position, the logic chip can detect which of the sensors are open and execute a set of pre-programmed instructions corresponding to the sequence of open sensors.

Abstract: When pressing a pushbutton (12) in this thin switch (40), the pushbutton (12) rotates at a constant stroke until a lower end of this pushbutton (12) on the side of a permanent magnet (16) comes into contact with a lower display panel (22). Following this rotation, positional relation between the permanent magnet (16) and a Hall element integrated circuit (44) corresponding to this pushbutton (12) changes and the Hall element integrated circuit (44) detects change of a magnetic field by the permanent magnet (16), whereby the pressing operation of the pushbutton (12) is detected. When the pushing operation is canceled, the pushbutton (12) is returned to the original state due to attractive force of the permanent magnet (16) and a magnetic body (18).

Abstract: A temporary joint that includes a first discrete member having a first edge and a first movable coupling means; and a second discrete member having a second edge and a second movable coupling means. When it is necessary to form a joint between the first and second discrete members, the first and second edges are moved into abutment to define a binding edge. Then, the first and second movable coupling means are moved toward the binding edge; and the temporary joint is formed when the first and second movable coupling means are proximate the binding edge. The joint is broken by moving the first and second coupling means away from the binding edge. The first coupling means is comprised of a volume of a field responsive material and the second coupling means is a field producing means such as a magnet. A rigid joint is produced when the field producing supplies a field across the field responsive material.

Abstract: A magnetic gripping device having a magnetic assembly in turn having an outer magnetic core, and an inner magnetic core mounted inside the outer magnetic core so as to rotate, about a given axis of rotation, between a first operating position, in which the inner magnetic core prevents the outer magnetic core from attaching magnetically to the surface of a generic part of ferromagnetic material, and a second operating position, in which the inner magnetic core allows the outer magnetic core to attach magnetically to the surface of the part; the gripping device also having a torque-control actuating device, which, on command, rotates the inner magnetic core in such a manner as to set it selectively to the first or second operating position, while controlling the value of the twisting torque employed in doing so.

Abstract: A switch (10) for controlling operation of vehicle lamps (e.g., 16) comprises a base (30) and a manually engageable assembly (50) rotatable about an axis (32) relative to the base for controlling operation of the lamps. The assembly (50) comprises a magnetic member (56) that rotates with the assembly about the axis (32). The base (30) comprises at least one magnetic sensor (e.g., 40-44) and control circuitry connecting the sensor with the vehicle lamps (e.g., 16). The magnetic member (56) is rotatable about the axis (32) into a plurality of different rotational positions relative to the sensor (e.g., 40-44) to provide an output signal at the control circuitry (70) that is indicative of the relative rotational position of the assembly (50). The magnetic member (56) is spaced apart from the base (30) to provide contactless operation of the switch (10).

Abstract: A magnetic closure apparatus for portable computers that utilizes magnetic attraction and repulsion to allow users to open and close the first housing member and second housing member of said portable computer. The first housing member has a computer and a magnetic member disposed at its inward edge. The second housing member has a magnetic apparatus, which comprises a magnetic member disposed at its inward edge corresponding to the position of the magnetic member disposed on the second housing member and a sliding member which interlinks with the magnetic member. The polarity of the magnetic field of the magnetic member disposed on the second housing member is the opposite of the polarity of the magnetic field of the corresponding magnetic member disposed at the first housing member. Moving the sliding member enables the movement of the dual layer magnetic member, thereby allowing the closure and opening of the first housing member and second housing member.

Abstract: An electrical switch for indicating the position of a movable member of a valve is disclosed. The movable member of the valve may be a linear moving stem or a rotating shaft. The switch includes a sensor held in a sealed enclosure. The sensor may be a reed switch or a Hall effect sensor. A pivot arm attaches to the enclosure and is biased by a spring. The pivot arm holds a permanent magnet adjacent to the enclosure. When an actuator moves the movable member of the valve, the pivot arm is forced against the enclosure. The magnet is moved into aligned relation to the sensor and electrically indicates the position of the movable member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a reed switch to control the “on” and “off” operation of a garbage disposal. The reed switch is mounted under a counter top while a magnet is movable on top of the counter top to activate the reed switch. A control device receives signals from the reed switch. Also, the control device includes a rectifier to convert AC current to DC current and also includes a transformer to reduce the high incoming to a low voltage which activates an electro-magnetic switch to start the electrical motor of the garbage disposal.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device for restraining hinged door leaves in a closed position within a door frame as well as for opening hinged door leaves which are restrained in the closed position. The electromagnetic device has an electrically active part located in the door frame, and a closing counterpiece located in the hinged door leaf where upon the production of an electromagnetic field at the electrically active part a slidable counterpole piece portion of the closing counterpiece slides toward the electrically active part such that a portion of the counterpole piece engages in a free space within the door leaf thus restraining the door leaf in a closed position within the door frame.

Abstract: A safety connector for a table-top household electrical appliance, formed by a socket member (3) mounted in the appliance and a plug member (2) complementary to the socket member (3), and having magnets that allow a plugged-in position to be maintained and separation of both parts under an abnormal strain exerted on the plug member. The socket member (3) comprises pins (14) and a grounding arrangement (20), with a magnet arrangement (15) and two active armatures (16) between them. The plug member (2) comprises two flexible electrical contacts (7), spatially mating with the pins (14). An iron plate member (11) as passive armature is located between the electrical contacts (7) and when making connection, it faces the active armatures (16) of the magnet (15) and makes contact with the ground (20).

Abstract: Disclosed is a switching device for left/right image reversion in a rear monitoring camera of automobile, which can ensure simplicity in assembling the camera and improve reliability of on/off operation by mounting a magnet sensor inside a body of the rear monitoring camera and attaching a magnet to the outside of the body.

Abstract: A novel construction for a multifunctional rotary switching device is provided. The body of the switch includes a radial array of switching contact arms, each arm being connected at one end to a central hub. The switch is preferably stamped from a thin sheet of flexible metallic material having magnetic characteristics. The switch is then installed onto a printed circuit board switching substrate with the central hub of the switch being rigidly connected to the switching substrate with the contact arms in a normally closed state. A magnet is installed into a rotatable actuator in close proximity to the surface of the switch whereby the magnetic force of the lifts the contact arm of the switch over which the magnet is aligned. In this position, the magnet opens the corresponding contact arm of the switch.

Abstract: A unit consisting of a proximity switch (1) and a cable terminal part (2) is described. Connectorization matched to the individual needs of the user of the proximity switch (1) is achieved as claimed in the invention in that the proximity switch (1) has an outside housing (3) and an insulation part (4), the insulation part (4) is provided on the end face of the outside housing (3) and the insulation part (4) has a terminal element (5) with terminals which lead to the outside, the terminals of the terminal element (5) which lead to the outside are made as terminal sockets (6), the cable terminal part (2) has a cable (7) and a connecting part (8), the cable (7) is attached in the connecting part (8), the connecting part (8) is attached to the insulation part (4) and the ends of the wires (9) of the cable (7) are connected in an electrically conductive manner to the terminal sockets (6) of the terminal element (5).

Abstract: A device is disclosed for detecting the installation of a child seat, in particular on a vehicle seat, furnished with one fixed part and one movable mechanism, in which the fixed part has a switch element with two switching states and means for forming an actuating field for the switch element, and the movable mechanism is movable, as a result of the installation of a child seat, from a first position to a second position, thereby making a variation in the actuating field attainable, so that the switch element changes its switching state.

Abstract: An improved magnetic switch (10) is provided which is designed for use in an alarm circuit (52) in order to detect relative movement between first and second members such as a door (14) and frame (12), so as to signal unauthorized opening of the door (14). The switch (10) includes a switch assembly (20) for mounting in frame (12) and having first and second switch elements (40, 42), an electrically conductive shiftable body (44) adjacent the elements (40, 42), and a first attractive component (45). Additionally, the switch (10) has a second attractive component (22) for mounting to the door (14). In use when door (14) is closed and circuit (52) is armed, the magnetic attraction between body (44) and component (22) shifts the body (44) to a switch position where the body (44) is out of simultaneous contact with the switch elements (40, 42).

Abstract: A device for controlling an electric appliance having a door, a main power circuit, and a switch for automatically shutting off the main circuit when the door is opened the switch is a reactivatable magnetic switch, which selectively assumes a closed position and an open position respectively closing and opening the main circuit. The magnetic switch is powered by an activating circuit, which is cut off when the door is opened and a movable part of a hinge supporting the door is rotated. When the activating circuit is cut off, the magnetic switch is moved into the open position by the actin of a spring which keeps the magnetic switch in the open position even when the activating circuit is closed again. The user, after closing the door, must reactivate the magnetic switch by pressing a push-button to move the magnetic switch into the closed position.

Abstract: An assembly is provided. The assembly includes a casing having a magnet sensitive switch enclosed therein, and a magnet movably associated with the outside of the casing. The magnet is capable of movement relative to the casing. The magnet can be disposed in at least two positions. The at least two positions include a first position where the magnetic field generated by the magnet does not affect the switch, and a second position wherein the magnetic field generated by the magnet does affect the switch.

Abstract: A magnetic position sensor including a pair of magnets of opposite polarity which are spaced apart to define an air gap extending along an axis, and a pair of shaped pole pieces at least partially disposed within the air gap and positioned adjacent respective ones of the magnets. The pole pieces are formed of a composite material comprising a non-magnetic material and a magnetizable material. The pole pieces cooperate with the magnets to generate a magnetic field that is substantially symmetrical relative to the axis and which has a magnetic flux density that linearly varies along the axis. A magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density along the axis through a sensing plane oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis. The magnetic flux sensor generates an output signal uniquely representative of a sensed magnitude of the magnetic flux density.

Abstract: The invention is in a device for monitoring the position of a swinging door that is mounted on a stationary frame, the device essentially comprises a magnet and magnetic proximity sensor which are mounted in coaxially aligned relation on a pair of opposing leafs of a hinge. Means are provided for moving the magnet to and from the sensor to correspondingly vary the gap or spacing between them.

Abstract: An ultra compact low cost magnetic induction switch which manages with an extremely small operation force has an movable member and a coil spring arranged inside a switch case, the spring coil supporting the movable member and the movable member protruding from an opening of an upper surface portion of the switch case. A hole IC is arranged in a switch case.

Abstract: A semi-releasable magnetic tool is disclosed. The tool comprises two magnetizable pole plates. Each of said pole plates is bounded by peripheral edges. The pole plates are spaced apart and preferably disposed in substantial registry with one another. A generally non-magnetizable spacer member is positioned between the pole plates and spaced inwardly from the peripheral edges. A magnetic switch is mounted between the pole plates. The switch is switchably associated with at least one magnetic element. The magnetic element positioned so as to magnetize the pole plates. The magnetic element can be switchably moved toward and away from the pole plates so that they are strongly or weakly magnetized. The magnetization of the tool in the weaker configuration is such that the tool can be easily placed in a desired position on a magnetizable workpiece. The tool is clamped in position on the workpiece by moving the magnet(s) closer to the pole plates.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled pushbutton switch having hard electrical conductors is discrete and may be used in place of a dome tact switch. The hard electrical conductors of the magnetically coupled pushbutton switch are uniquely arranged and may be soldered to a circuit board or surface mounted. Additionally, modifications and improvements made to the switch allow it to maintain good tactile response even though the switch may be as compact as a smaller tactile dome switch. A further benefit of the switch is its ability to be normally open, normally closed, or both. This capability stems from the unique arrangement of the hard electrical conductors that, in one preferred embodiment, extend over the top of a magnetically coupled switch armature. All of the hard electrical conductors are arranged within the switch so that the pushbutton armature of the switch is movable into and out of shorting relationship with the electrical conductors to change the circuit logic for a circuit incorporating the switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic display apparatus having a first magnetic layer, a second layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, and an adhesive adapted to bond the inner surface of the second layer to the magnetic layer. The outer surface of the second layer preferably has marking-receptive properties and the inner surface preferably includes reverse-printed matter disposed thereon. The unit can be sold as a do-it-yourself kit to allow users to print on the second layer, and then adhere the second layer to the magnetic unit to form a magnetic display apparatus. In one embodiment, two separate magnetic units can be magnetically adhered to each other to form an object having an image and/or text displayed on each side thereof. In another embodiment, two units can be positioned on opposite sides of a plane, such as a page, to serve as a marker.

Abstract: A flow sensor has a paddle assembly that is mounted to a housing by opposed pivot posts which extend from the paddle assembly between the paddle and the magnet. The housing has two pivot post clips that resiliently capture the pivot posts which are received in mounting holes in resilient clips A shroud surrounds the housing and positions a biasing magnet which repels the magnet on the paddle assembly. The shroud slides over the housing and provides a transverse passageway that is aligned with a passageway in the housing. An activation sensor positioned within a sleeve is positioned within the transverse passageway of the housing and passes through a transverse passageway in the shroud pinning the two subassemblies together.

Abstract: A doorbell mechanism includes a triggering board and a main body of a conventional doorbell. The triggering board has a magnet-sensible device and a decorative doorknocker. The magnet-sensible device and the decorative doorknocker are respectively provided with a magnet, and the doorbell can be switched on or off by means of the interaction of the magnetic fields of the magnet-sensible device and the decorative doorknocker. The decorative doorknocker can be provided with an elongate pulling piece convenient for a short person or a kid to use.

Abstract: A modular reed switch assembly and method for making the same are provided. A switch assembly (101) includes a reed switch (206, 106) that is enclosed between a primary reed switch cover (208) and a reed switch base (104) wherein the reed switch cover and reed switch base are recessed to accommodate the reed switch. A secondary reed switch cover (102) further covers the primary reed switch cover (208) and the secondary reed switch cover (102) connects with the reed switch base (104). A protrusion (106) provides access to the electrical contacts (302) of the reed switch (206, 106) through the primary reed switch cover (208) and secondary reed switch covers (102).

Abstract: A switch assembly, which is particularly suitable for use in a fruit machine, is constituted by a front part (5) to be located by an outer face of a glass panel (52) and a rear part (54) to be located by a an inner face of the glass panel (52) with the front and rear parts of the switch assembly being operably connected by magnets allowing the glass panel (52) to extend continuously therebetween, thereby avoiding the need to form a hole in the glass panel (52) and with the front part (50) including two magnets (66) which are arranged with their poles facing in opposite directions perpendicularly to the length of a reed switch (56) carried by the rear part (54) and which are displaced non-linearly with respect to the reed switch (56) as the front part (50) is rocked about a pivot (62).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for locking and removing a pen using electromagnetism are provided. The apparatus includes a pen housing, a DC source, a coil, a first magnetic element attached to the pen, a second magnetic element and a switch. In some embodiments, a third magnetic element is included. To remove the pen from the pen housing, a user activates a button to magnetize one of the magnetic elements to mutually repel the other. Consequently, the pen is displaced by the repulsion of either the pen from its housing or the pen housing carrying the pen. The pen thus has a protruding end which the user grips to remove the pen from the housing. To lock the pen, the pen is inserted into the housing to be mutually attracted with a magnetic element to be retracted to a locked position.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated pushbutton switch has individual switch modules pre-assembled as standalone subassemblies. Each subassembly has a platform with a cavity on its underside. A portion of the platform is magnetized. A metallic armature is held in the cavity by the magnetic attraction of the platform. The switch subassemblies are mounted on a substrate that has electrodes thereon. The armature is movable into and out of shorting relation with the electrodes. Plugs on the platform may align with holes on the substrate to locate the subassemblies.

Abstract: A doorbell mechanism includes a triggering board and a main body of a conventional doorbell. The triggering board has a magnet-sensible device and a decorative doorknocker. The magnet-sensible device and the decorative doorknocker are respectively provided with a magnet, and the doorbell can be switched on or off by means of the interaction of the magnetic fields of the magnet-sensible device and the decorative doorknocker. The decorative doorknocker can be provided with an elongate pulling piece convenient for a short person or a kid to use.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor switch is provided in which a magnetic sensor is responsive only when a magnet approaches it, to turn electrical contacts of the switch on and off. A cylindrical magnetic sensor having oppositely polarized magnetic poles at opposite ends thereof is mounted for rotation in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. An auxiliary magnet is located in a region outside of the rotating radius of the magnetic sensor and in the vicinity of one magnetic pole of the magnetic sensor. The auxiliary magnet imparts a biasing force for holding the magnetic sensor at a position rotated through a predetermined angle. A movable contact piece is attached to the magnetic sensor and is adapted to be rotated as the magnetic sensor is rotated to thereby bring corresponding contact or contacts of the movable contact piece into contact with one of a pair of fixed contact pieces located in opposition to the contacts of the movable contact piece.

Abstract: A connector system, including two electrical connectors configured to mate together; one electrical connector containing a magnetic flux responsive device configured for generating an electrical signal; the other electrical connector containing a magnet which is located in association with the magnetic flux responsive device when the two electrical connectors are mated together.

Abstract: A magnetic switch using magnetoresistive elements having respective free layers whose magnetization directions are varied by an external magnetic field. The magnetic switch also has a first magnet and a second magnet that produce respective magnetic fields that serve as the external magnetic field and are different from each other in strength and opposite to each other in direction, and a magnetic shield member whose relative position with respect to the first magnet and the second magnet varies. The magnetic shield member moves between a first position with which both of the magnetic fields of the first magnet and the second magnet act on the magnetoresistive elements to magnetize their free layers in a first direction and a second position with which only one of the magnetic fields of the first magnet and the second magnet acts on the magnetoresistive elements to magnetize their free layers in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A programmable switching device that employs a Hall Effect sensor and a moving magnet is disclosed. The Hall Effect sensor is electrically connected to a programmable microprocessor that is programmed to detect changes in Hall Effect voltages at the sensor. The programmable switching device may also be configured as a rotary switching device. By using a plurality of magnets and Hall Effect transducers and orienting some magnets with their polarities in different directions, a temper-proof switch can be achieved. The programmable switching device may be connected to a serial bus that is interfaced with an elevator controller.

Abstract: A circuit element has a substrate with a set of spaced switch leads thereon and an overlay magnetically retained on the substrate with a shorting strap on the overlay in facing relation with the conductors of the substrate. The shorting strap is arranged to engage at intersection points at least two of the switch leads when the overlay is in place on the substrate to electrically connect the two switch leads. The shorting straps of different overlays are uniquely arranged to connect selected pairs of switch leads.

Abstract: A combination switch which includes a lever member operable to move relative to a stationary portion, and a position detector for detecting a position of the lever member. The position detector includes a magnet and a Hall effect sensor for detecting a strength of a magnetic field of the magnet. The magnet and the Hall effect sensor are configured to have variable relative positions to each other when the lever member moves.

Abstract: A non-contact ignition switch. The switch may include an actuator element; a sensor spaced from the sensor actuator element for sensing the position of the actuator element, and a control circuit for providing an ignition state output in response to an output of the sensor. The sensor actuator element may be a magnet, and the sensor may be a Hall effect sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for locking and removing a pen using electromagnetism are provided. The apparatus includes a pen housing, a DC source, a coil, a first magnetic element attached to the pen, a second magnetic element and a switch. In some embodiments, a third magnetic element is included. To remove the pen from the pen housing, a user activates a button to magnetize one of the magnetic elements to mutually repel the other. Consequently, the pen is displaced by the repulsion of either the pen from its housing or the pen housing carrying the pen. The pen thus has a protruding end which the user grips to remove the pen from the housing. To lock the pen, the pen is inserted into the housing to be mutually attracted with a magnetic element to be retracted to a locked position.

Abstract: An electrical switch for indicating the position of a movable member of a valve is disclosed. The movable member of the valve may be a linear moving stem or a rotating shaft. The switch includes a sensor held in a sealed enclosure. The sensor may be a reed switch or a Hall effect sensor. A pivot arm attaches to the enclosure and is biased by a spring. The pivot arm holds a permanent magnet adjacent to the enclosure. When an actuator moves the movable member of the valve, the pivot arm is forced against the enclosure. The magnet is moved into aligned relation to the sensor and electrically indicates the position of the movable member.

Abstract: A rotary position sensor featuring a robust and simply constructed magnetic field assembly which provides a uniform magnetic field in the working air gap for a conventional mangetosensitive device located thereinside. The magnetic field assembly includes a plastic casing having a blind hollow, magnet pocket located at the blind end of the hollow, and a pair of diametrically opposed pole piece pockets oriented in upstanding relation to the magnet pocket. A permanent magnet is snapped into the magnet pocket, and a pole piece is respectively snapped into each of the pole piece pockets. The pole pieces may be rectangular or arc shaped, wherein the space therebetween forms the working air gap into which the magentosensitive device is placed. The magnetic field established in the working air gap is transverse to the axis of the blind hollow, and is generally uniform.

Abstract: A sensor detects skewed adjacent movable component. The sensor may be used to detect harmful skews of aircraft control surfaces, such as slats or flaps on aircraft wings, which may be caused by an actuator disconnection from the surface it drives. Harmful skew, which is a relative asymmetrical motion of control surfaces beyond a predetermined limit, is detected by the sensor, but the relatively smaller harmless skew caused by normal flight is ignored. The sensor comprises first and second arms connected to a common base that may be attached to a first control surface. A constraining means such as a mechanical fuse holds the arms together while a separating means such as a spring exerts a separating force on the arms when the fuse breaks. A switching means is integral to the two arms. A striker pin on a second control surface strikes the first or second sensor arm when the relative motion between the control surfaces exceeds a certain predetermined limit.

Abstract: A reed switch unit 44 for detecting a liquid level of a reservoir tank 30 of a master cylinder includes a reed switch 11, including a contact portion 14 sealed in a glass tube 16, and reed portions 18 extending respectively from opposite ends of the glass tube 16 in a direction of an axis thereof. The reed switch unit further includes a unit main body 45 including terminals 50 which support the reed portions 18 and 18, respectively, in electrically-connected relation thereto to fix the reed switch 11. The reed switch 11 is fixed to the unit main body 45 in such a manner that the glass tube 16 is disposed in non-contact relation to the unit main body 45.

Abstract: A electrical unit consisting of a proximity switch and a cable terminal part is described, where the proximity switch has an outside housing and an insulation part, positioned on one end face of the outside housing and having a terminal element with terminals which lead to the outside. The terminals of the terminal element include terminal sockets. The cable terminal part includes a cable and a connecting part, and the cable is mounted in the connecting part and the ends of the leads of the cable are electrically connected to the terminal sockets of the terminal element. The electrical unitcable terminal part also has a cap which surrounds at least the connecting part and is attached to the proximity switch.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor switch is provided in which a magnetic sensor is responsive only when a magnet approaches it, to turn electrical contacts of the switch on and off. A cylindrical magnetic sensor having oppositely polarized magnetic poles at opposite ends thereof is mounted for rotation in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. An auxiliary magnet is located in a region outside of the rotating radius of the magnetic sensor and in the vicinity of one magnetic pole of the magnetic sensor. The auxiliary magnet imparts a biasing force for holding the magnetic sensor at a position rotated through a predetermined angle. A movable contact piece is attached to the magnetic sensor and is adapted to be rotated as the magnetic sensor is rotated to thereby bring corresponding contact or contacts of the movable contact piece into contact with one of a pair of fixed contact pieces located in opposition to the contacts of the movable contact piece.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled pushbutton switch has a coupler magnet layer that normally holds an electrically conductive magnetic armature spaced from a substrate layer. An overlay having an overlay electrical conductor formed thereon covers the pushbutton switch. The overlay electrical conductor, which electrically contacts a crown on the armature, is part of a set of electrical conductors that is normally closed. When a user provided actuation force causes the armature to break away from the coupler magnet layer, the set of electrical conductors is opened.

Abstract: A circuit element has a substrate with a set of spaced switch leads thereon and an overlay magnetically retained on the substrate with a shorting strap on the overlay in facing relation with the conductors of the substrate. The shorting strap is arranged to engage at intersection points at least two of the switch leads when the overlay is in place on the substrate to electrically connect the two switch leads. The shorting straps of different overlays are uniquely arranged to connect selected pairs of switch leads.

Abstract: A Hall effect safety switch assembly for de-activating a motor vehicle if a user is not positioned on a vehicle seat. The assembly includes a switch frame for mounting the assembly, a magnet and a hall effect sensor mounted to the switch frame in a spaced apart relationship, and a vane that moves in response to the presence of a vehicle operator on the seat that causes the Hall effect sensor to provide an inhibit signal that prevents an engine from running.

Abstract: In a folded armature assembly the vibratory end portion of the armature is prelocatable both translationally and rotationally relative to the facing pole surfaces of the permanent magnetic flux means before attachment of the supported portion of the armature to said means. The armature has wings extending laterally from the supported portion to form therewith a connecting bridge portion, and the wings are formed to provide pads extending normal to the bridge. A magnet strap with attached magnets fits slidably between the pads, with a clearance from the bridge of the armature, to permit said locations before the parts are permanently attached. After attachment and with the magnets magnetized, the armature may be adjusted substantially in translation to magnetic center between the pole faces by appropriate plastic deformation of the bridge. In a preferred embodiment, an improved structure is provided for viscoelastic damping of the undesirable second natural resonant mode of the folded armature.

Abstract: A method and system with a magnetically attractive breadboard and associated devices for constructing and testing electronic circuits. The breadboard can comprise a single or multi-layer circuit board with metallic foil conductors that can be connected to magnetically attractive pads. Electrical contacts between the pads and foil conductors can be made by wrapping the foil over an edge of insulating material. The insulating material can comprise a flexible insulation sheet with the desired circuit printed thereon. The electronic components are preferably supported by component holders which contain magnets that are attracted to the breadboard. The component holders facilitate attachment of the components to the foil conductors. A circuit can be built by selecting the desired component holder, plugging he component into the component holder, and then attaching the component holder to the breadboard on the proper foil conductor to complete the circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic sensor switch in which its magnetic sensor is responsive to approach of a magnet to turn its electrical switch on or off. A cylindrical magnetic sensor having magnetic poles contrary to each other at opposite ends thereof is mounted for rotation in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. An auxiliary magnet is movably mounted on a longitudinal extension line of the magnetic sensor when the magnetic sensor is in the horizontal position so that the auxiliary magnet provides an attracting force and a repulsive force to the magnetic sensor to rotate it in one direction. The movement of the magnetic sensor is transmitted to a movable contact piece through a driving member to rotate the movable contact piece in one direction depending upon the rotation of the magnetic sensor. The movable contact piece is provided with a pair of contact blades one of which is contacted with one of a pair of fixed contact pieces disposed in opposition to the corresponding contact blades.