Abstract: Proximity switch which is encapsulated in a plastics housing and has a coil, which is supported by a coil former (2), and a plate which bears the coil former (2), wherein the, particularly exposed, coil is shielded by a metal-coated or metallic nonwoven, woven fabric or metallized film or foil.

Abstract: A magnet clamp for use with a hand tool is disclosed. The present invention provides a magnet that can be reversibly attached to an existing commercially-available hand-held tool without modification of the tool, thereby providing a way to securely hold various small metal items associated with said hand tool, while making said items readily available for use. Drill bits, saw blades, nails, screws, bolts, tacks, chuck keys, or any small objects made of or alloyed with a ferromagnetic substance such as iron or steel may be securely held by the present invention. The present invention also provides a simple and inexpensive process of manufacturing such a device from common items, including an automotive hose clamp, and from common operations, such as soldering and gluing.

Abstract: Proximity switch with a coil arrangement having at least one coil and an evaluation circuit arranged downstream of said coil arrangement for obtaining a switching signal when a trip feature of the coil arrangement approaches a desired response distance, wherein the at least one coil is formed by coil sections (8) connected electrically in series, preferably disposed next to one another, axially in parallel, with a same winding direction.

Abstract: A membrane switch that uses a magnetic force for assisting in the actuation process. A magnet positioned adjacent to the membrane switch causes a magnetic attraction or repulsion that remotely transfers a limited but sufficient force for closing the membrane switch. The invention includes a magnet, a membrane switch, and an actuator. In an attraction actuation embodiment, the actuator is constructed of a magnetically-affected material that is attracted to the magnet to thereby close the membrane switch. In a repulsion actuation embodiment, the actuator is constructed of a magnetic material with the poles of the magnet and actuator inversely aligned such that they repel each other. In both embodiments, the actuating force applied to the magnet or actuator is not directly passed to the membrane switch.

Abstract: The construction of the invention is composed of a hermetically sealed cylindric glass box filled with inert gas, a broad U-shaped permanent magnet on it; two pairs of galvanized, impermanently magnetizable steel pieces inside the glass box, on its brim, with electric wires brought from one pair of pieces, electrodes, to an outside source of electric current; an impermanently magnetizable galvanized steel bar inside the glass box, turned on and off between the steel pieces by the U-magnet; a hand lever turning the U-magnet; and a housing box, in which the magnetic light switch has been installed. The hermetic glass box can be made using the technics of electric bulbs. There is no burning and consuming dirt and dust inside the glass box, and inert gas inside the box prevents sparking from burning metal surfaces and generating ozone and nitrogen oxides, too. The invention is applicable to other purposes, too, e.g. to master and idividual switches of electric systems and devices.

Abstract: A reed switch-based burglar alarm features two reed switches mounted perpendicularly to each other within the alarm enclosure. The orientations of the perpendicular reed switches permit the enclosure to be mounted in alternate ways with respect to a movable structure being monitored. The first reed switch lies in a plane parallel to the surface to which the alarm is mounted, and the second reed switch lies in a plane perpendicular to the mounting surface. Thus, a magnet can be mounted on a swing-out type door and the enclosure mounted on a wall adjacent to the door such that the magnet actuates the first reed switch when the door is closed. Similarly, a magnet can be mounted on a roll-up type door and the enclosure mounted to a surface perpendicular to the door such that the magnet actuates the second reed switch when the door is closed. The alarm preferably includes features which enable it to be mounted on the outside of the space being protected.

Abstract: An electrical switch, such as an automotive power window up/down switch, has an electrically conductive dual armature that is normally magnetically held in coupled engagement with a sheet magnet. The dual armature, a rectangular piece of metal, has first and second free ends. If a user applied force acts on the first free end of the dual armature, then the first free end breaks away from the sheet magnet and travels into first electrical contacts that are normally spaced from the dual armature, and the second free end functions as a fulcrum for the dual armature. Conversely, if a user applied force acts on the second free end, then the second free end breaks away from the sheet magnet and travels into second electrical contacts that are normally spaced from the dual armature, and the first free end functions as a fulcrum for the dual armature. Preferably, there is a physical barrier that prevents simultaneous actuation of the two switching functions.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated switch has a magnet coupler layer spaced from a set of electrodes formed on a substrate. The electrodes include spaced contacts. The coupler layer normally holds a conductive armature spaced from the contacts. An aperture in the coupler layer provides access to the armature for application of an actuating force by an actuator. The actuator has a base portion mounted on the coupler layer and a force-receiving portion cantilevered from the base portion. The actuator has a width greater than that of the armature. Alternately, the armature itself can include a base portion pivotable on the substrate and a multi-wide force-receiving portion cantilevered from the base portion.

Abstract: In order to obtain a switch structure of a steering wheel in which a number of kinds of parts can be reduced and cost can be greatly reduced, there is provided a switch structure of a steering wheel at which a pair of opening portions symmetrically formed between an inner periphery of a rim of the steering wheel and an outer periphery of a pad cover as seen from a vehicle occupant side, at each of which opening portions a switch assembly formed by a plurality of switches is disposed, wherein arrangement and shape of the plurality of switches constituting the each switch assembly are determined so as to be symmetrical with respect to a predetermined base line intersecting the respective opening portions.

Abstract: A unit consisting of a proximity switch (1) and a cable terminal part (2) is described.

Abstract: A reed switch in a solid plastic body is positioned by a clip adjacent to a fluid container. A change in fluid level opposite the reed switch moves a magnet connected to a float, turning the reed switch on or off. Glass filled polyester is injected into a die which surrounds the reed switch supported on electrical plug blades. The reed switch has high stiffness leads positioned on the blades, and is oriented within the mold so the injected plastic flows along the glass tube of the reed switch, minimizing stresses on the reed switch, which could result in the reed switch becoming crack and/or broken. The molded plastic body incorporates an integrally formed clip arm that functions to position and hold the plastic body onto a larger structure. The magnet and float may move in a tube, may pivot, or slide along rails in response to a change in fluid level.

Abstract: So that a device for producing selector positions is easy to operate, the stop positions of which can be taken in securely and largely free of mechanical wear, and so that it is easily adaptable, in particular to the respective operating conditions, a position transmitter unit (1) is provided which is movable along a longitudinal axis, and thereby its position transmitter teeth can be fixed with respect to the teeth of a first position detector element (6.1., . . . 6.n). The position transmitter unit (1) can be shifted with a finger body along the longitudinal axis into a recess, and thereby a second rotation body can be placed on a second position selector unit, and this position can be detected by a second position detector element (57). The position transmitter unit (1) can be moved with a moving device (32.1, . . . 32.n) via a second position selector unit two dimensionally with respect to a base body (4), and this position can be detected by third position detector elements (8.1).

Abstract: An electrical switch has spaced, facing coupler and carrier layers with a set of electrodes formed on the facing surfaces thereof. There is an aperture in the coupler layer. A conductive armature is disposed in the space between the coupler and carrier, aligned with the aperture. The coupler is a magnet and the armature is made of magnetic material so the armature is normally held in engagement with the coupler. A user can press on any part of the armature through the aperture to cause a first portion of the armature to break away from the armature and contact the electrodes on the carrier while a second portion of the armature remains in contact with the coupler. The electrodes are arranged to provide an output which is dependent upon the location of contact with the armature. The armature is rotatable to different positions. A resilient member may be interposed at the interface of an armature post and the carrier.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting a reed switch and associated magnet on an overhead opening door includes first and second interlocking pieces, both of which are stamped from sheet metal that is, preferably, non-ferromagnetic. Each of the pieces incorporates an opening sized to slidably receive a locking door bolt fabricated from a ferromagnetic material such as mild or hardened steel. For a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, both pieces of the bracket assembly are stamped from sheet aluminum. Both the reed switch and its associated magnet mount may mount on either piece, so long as they are on opposite sides of the opening. The assembly incorporates an opening that is sized to receive a slidable, locking bolt fabricated from a ferromagnetic material such as mild or hardened steel. When the bolt is withdrawn from the opening, the reed switch is activated, thereby generating a signal which can be input to a security system.

Abstract: A dry type vacuum cleaner/sander switching adapter is constructed to include a pneumatic control unit and a relay air. When operating the sander, compressed air passes to the sander through the pneumatic control unit, and a solenoid switch is induced to switch on a dry type vacuum cleaner, causing the dry type vacuum cleaner to suck in dust from the sander. When turning off the sander, the solenoid switch is driven to cut off power supply from the dry type vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A reed switch based shock sensor provides for passing electrical current through the coil spring used to bias the shock sensing magnetic mass. The spring is wrapped around the reed switch, allowing the coil spring to act as an electrical coil. The coil generates a magnetic field of sufficient strength to cause the reed switch reeds to attract and so close the reed switch, thus allowing the reed switch to be tested without the addition of a test coil.

Abstract: A buckle is provided with a non-contact buckle switch to find an engagement condition with a tongue. When a lock member of the buckle is disposed in a locking position, a magnetic field produced by a magnet and applied to an IC Hall element differs from a case where the lock member is disposed in a non-locking position. The difference of the magnetic field is caused by the magnetic lock member moved close to the magnet and the IC Hall element, whereby an electrical current outputted by the electromotive force of the IC Hall element is changed. Thus, it is possible to determine that the lock pin is set in the locking position. The buckle switch is improved in durability and can operate more reliably.

Abstract: A shock sensor has a shock sensing magnetic mass that rides on the inside of a glass tube that is sealed about a reed switch. The reed switch has a first stop positioned so that the shock sensing magnetic mass when resting against the first stop does not cause the reeds of the reed switch to attract. A spring extends between the shock sensing magnetic mass and a second stop. Acceleration causes the sensing mass to accelerate toward the second stop. The motion of the magnetic sensing mass causes the switch reeds to attract and close the reed switch. The entire shock sensing mechanism is hermetically sealed within the glass capsule of the reed switch. The reed switch within the glass capsule detects movement of the shock sensing mass.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of proximity switch/sensor based generally on a balanceable magnetic pole array. The magnetic pole array contains at least four poles with optional ferromagnetic shunt(s). The proximity of a shunt to a magnetic pole array determines whether the array is balanced or unbalanced. A balanced array is one with a zone where the vector sum of magnetic fields emanating from the array's poles can be made to approach zero. A sensor such as a reed switch is placed in the balanced zone. When the balance of the array is disturbed by the application of one or multiple shunts, the resulting finite magnetic field vector along with the resulting magnetic flux, activates the sensor. This approach can be implemented in a variety of array structures that offer implementation of a variety of logical functions. Multiple shunts and their proximity to the array are used as the logical function's inputs and the sensor's state as the logical function's output.

Abstract: A switching assembly for use with an exit alarm lock. The switching assembly uses two reed switches which must both be closed for the alarm horn to sound. An arm/disarm switch is operated by a magnet on a pivotable switch link which is operated by a link boss on rotatable deadbolt cams which are operated by the key cylinders. An alarm switch is operated by a magnet in the deadbolt.

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 reed switch unit 44 for detecting a liquid level in a reservoir 30 of a master cylinder which comprises a reed switch 11 including a contact part 14 which is sealingly contained in a glass tube 16, and lead portions 18, 18 which axially extend from opposite ends of the glass tube 16, and a unit body 45 provided with terminals 50 for respectively supporting the lead portions 18, 18 so as to be electrically connectable thereby to fix the reed switch 11. The lead portions 18 and the terminals 50 are connected with each other by means of a resistance welding. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a reed switch unit which is improved in quality as well as enhanced in productivity, by mounting a reed switch on a unit body without conducing soldering.

Abstract: A nonreciprocal circuit device including a metal case through which a high frequency current is difficult to flow, and a communication apparatus incorporating the nonreciprocal circuit device. The cross section of the metal case has a rectangular-frame shape formed by inwardly bending a substantially rectangular metal plate at four positions at angles of 90 degrees in parallel to the short edges of the metal plate. The top ends of two arms of the metal case are opposed to each other at a specified distance. As a result, the metal case does not form a loop around a permanent magnet and a central electrode assembly.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a switch device for verifying the locking position of an automobile seatbelt lock having at least two switch elements whose switch condition can be determined, as well as a control element that can be moved in the seatbelt lock and through which the switch condition of the switch elements can be changed. A switch device with high operating reliability is created by the fact that the switch elements are designed as sensors and the switch condition of the switch elements can be changed by an interaction between control element and sensors.

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 switch contacts thereon. The armature is movable into and out of shorting relation with the contacts. A major spacer on the substrate has openings aligned with the switch contacts for receiving the subassemblies. An overlay film covers the subassemblies and major spacer. The armature may have a lens therein for transmitting backlighting. The platform can be magnetized at the time of installation on the substrate.

Abstract: A magnetically activated switch includes a flexible metallic strip on the inside of a sealed encasement, having first and second ends. The first end provides for an electrical contact and extends through the wall of the sealed encasement, with the strip being firmly secured by the wall of the encasement at the exit point, leaving the second end unsupported and having a magnetic responsive element attached. A first dipole magnet is coupled to the flexible metallic strip and located within the sealed encasement, intermediate the first and second ends. Second and third dipole magnets are diametrically opposed and separate to each other where each of the second and third dipole magnets are fixedly coupled to the inside surface of the sealed encasement. Two electrical terminals coupled respectively to the second and third dipole magnets extending through the sealed encasement.

Abstract: Lever bar activation detecting structure including a lever bar and a lever bar pivot seat with which the lever bar is pivotally connected. A magnet and a magnetic switch are respectively disposed on the lever bar and the pivot seat opposite to each other. When the lever bar is pressed, the magnet is moved relative to the magnetic switch so that the magnetic switch is energized to generate a signal which is detected and identified by a controlling unit for turning on an indicating light. The magnet and magnetic switch have excellent waterproof effect and the structure an be easily assembled to lower cost. The detecting structure is used for detecting the braking operation of an electric two-wheel vehicle, especially for an electric bicycle.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing switch assembly has an electrical region and a gasoline vapor system pressure region separated by a vapor and liquid impermeable wall, without sealing or flexible membrane devices. An electrical reed switch is adjustably mounted on a flexure arm at one side of the wall and a magnet is mounted to a pivoting carrier at an opposite side of the wall. The magnet moves in response to vapor pressure in the gasoline vapor system pressure region acting on a diaphragm. The magnetic field acts through the wall to open or close the reed switch at predetermined vacuum or pressure differential conditions.

Abstract: A proximity switch including a connector insert (4) and connection pins (4) are not securely connected to one another. Apart from a potting compound which fills the housing, the connection pins are held only by a printed circuit board. This permits easy assembly, and no forces are transmitted to a sensor element via the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A switch device includes two contactors. Each contactor respectively includes at least two conductors, a magnet, and a coil spring. The conductors are connected to a power source via a powered electronic circuit. The circuit is designed to be in a normally open or closed initial condition. The magnet is directly or indirectly connected to the conductors. The coil spring is directly or indirectly located between the conductors and the magnet. The conductors change their normally open or closed condition into a temporarily closed or open condition to turn on or off the switch device when the contacts move near enough to permit magnets to interact magnetically. The coil spring forces the conductors to recover their original normally open or closed condition when the magnets cease to interact magnetically.

Abstract: A bidirectional shock sensor has a housing mounted directly to a printed circuit board. The housing contains a switch or sensor embedded in the housing and is connected by leads to the circuit board. A pendulum sensing mass is suspended from two flexible pendulum arms. The arms come together where they are attached to the housing and constrain the mass to swing along an arc that lies in a plane. A magnet either forms the sensing mass or is mounted to the sensing mass. A reed switch or Giant Magneto-Restrictive (GMR) type sensor is encapsulated within the base of the housing. When a shock causes motion of the sensing mass and the magnet the motion is detected by the sensor or switch.

Abstract: A contactless control switch (20) for a vehicle for actuating a system between an open and a first closed circuit position is disclosed. The switch includes a housing (22) and a pivot assembly (24) disposed within the housing. The switch also includes a switch actuator (26) having first and second ends. The switch actuator is coupled to the pivot assembly for producing pivoting motion of the switch actuator in response to a force (84) applied to the switch actuator. The switch also includes first and second proximity sensors (80a and 80b) and a first magnet (70). The proximity sensors are disposed within the housing and the first magnet is fastened to the switch actuator second end. The first magnet is adapted to be selectively displaced into and out of close proximity with one of the proximity sensors when the force is applied to the switch actuator.

Abstract: An inhibitor switch comprises a movable board (1) having a movable arm (1b) carrying a permanent magnet (4) and being rotatable in accordance with a selected position of an automatic transmission, a magnetic sensor (9) detecting magnetic lines of force of the permanent magnet (4), a base board (3) having the magnetic sensor (9) mounted thereon and having the movable board (1) rotatably supported thereon, and a lid (2) having the movable board (1) rotatably supported thereon. The permanent magnet (4) is urged by a spring (13) toward the magnetic sensor (9). The movable board (1) includes a hollow shaft (1a) and the movable arm (1b) which are in one piece construction. The movable arm (1b) has the permanent magnet (4) and projections (1f, 1g) and a blind hole (1j). The projections are provided on one surface of the movable arm facing the base board (3) in pressure contact with the base board (3).

Abstract: A switching apparatus is provided which may be used for power window control systems of automotive vehicles. The switching apparatus includes an operating knob, a magnet, a magnetoresistive element, and a position determining circuit. The operating knob is manually shifted between a plurality of switching positions. The magnet moves according to the movement of the operating knob. The magnetoresistive element is placed in a magnetic field applied from the magnet and changes an electrical resistance thereof according to a variation in orientation of a magnetic flux applied to the magnetoresistive element resulting from the movement of the magnet. The position determining circuit monitors a change in electric resistance of the magnetoresistive element to determine the switching position of the operating member.

Abstract: An armature retainer for a magnetic switch retains an armature adjacent an internal surface of a carrier sheet with electrodes thereon forming switch contacts. The retainer includes a polishing pad, a backing layer and openings for the armature to reside therein. Both the armature and the retainer are adhered to the carrier surface by a magnet attraction. One or more magnets are carried in a rotor mounted on the external side of the carrier surface for rotary, linear or complex motion. When a user manipulates a knob attached to the rotor, the magnets rotate the armature and the armature retainer. The polishing pad cleans particles from the carrier surface as the retainer rotates. A shaft receiving opening may be used to tend to keep the armature retainer centered. Grooves embedded in the polishing pad surface are used to collect larger deposits.

Abstract: An electrical switch has a substrate with at least one pair of spaced switch contacts arranged to be shorted by an electrically conductive armature. The armature defines a central axis with first and second portions on either side of the axis which portions terminate at first and second edges. The armature is normally held spaced from the contacts by magnetic attraction to a coupler layer disposed in spaced relation to the substrate. The armature is movable by an actuating force to engagement with the substrate. The armature separates from the coupler layer by a double pivoting motion. An actuating force applied to the armature remote from its central axis causes one edge of the armature nearest the actuating force to break away from the coupler layer. The armature then pivots about the opposite edge of the armature until the one edge bottoms on the substrate.

Abstract: A magnetic proximity switch comprises an elongated, substantially cylindrical body which houses a switching circuit, said switching circuit closing when a magnetic target passes within a certain range of the switch. This switching circuit preferably comprises two leaf portions hermetically sealed in a glass enclosure within the switch body, a biasing magnet being positioned adjacent one leaf portion for generating a flux that is shared with the one leaf portion, extending the magnetic field toward the end of the switch body and effectively increasing the sensing range of the switch. The switch also is equipped with a plurality of visual indicators, preferably light-emitting diodes, which are illuminated when the switch is closed to provide immediate visual indication as to the position of the switch, regardless of the rotational orientation of the switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a magnetically actuated switch (16), such as a reed switch, and a permanent magnet (10). A path defining arrangement (14) is mechanically coupled (by track follower 210) to the permanent magnet, for allowing the magnet to move in a defined path. A particular part of the path lies adjacent to a portion of the reed switch. The particular part (218) of the path is close enough to the reed switch to actuate the switch. Consequently, or whereby, the magnet, at a particular position along the path will cause the reed switch to assume one of first (open) and second (closed) states. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the magnet, when at the particular position along the path, causes a normally-open switch to close. An energy storage arrangement is coupled to at least the magnet, for urging the magnet toward one end (220) of the path. In the particular embodiment, the energy storage arrangement is coupled to the magnet by way of a track follower (210).

Abstract: A contactless switch (20) for actuating a system between an open circuit position and a closed circuit position is disclosed. The switch includes a housing (22) and a linear actuator (34) disposed within the housing. The switch also includes a linear-to-rotary motion assembly (30) disposed within the housing. The linear-to-rotary motion assembly is coupled to the linear actuator for producing a rotary motion of the linear-to-rotary motion assembly in response to a linear displacement of the linear-to-rotary motion assembly by the linear actuator. The switch also includes a plurality of Hall effect sensors (106) and magnets (80). The sensors are disposed within the housing and the magnets are disposed on the linear-to-rotary motion assembly.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates a system for varying the output signal and regulating the power consumed by an electrical device. It achieves its purpose by moving a magnet relative to a Hall effect sensor which is responsive to an intersecting magnetic field. The Hall effect sensor creates an electrical output signal which determines the input signal of an output element of the device. The electrical Hall effect sensor signal thereby controls the output signal emitted by the electrical output element. The magnet is moved using a movable element. Since the location and movement of the magnet regulates the Hall effect sensor output signal, the output signal of the electrical device as well as its rate of change are regulated using the movable element. In order to conserve power the Hall effect sensor element is usually not energized when the device is in the "off" mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training an animal and confining the animal to a defined area includes a magnetically actuated switch. The apparatus further includes a housing removably attached to the animal and a transducer mounted to the housing for delivering a stimulus to the animal. The magnetically actuated switch is disposed within the housing and is coupled to the transducer. The magnetically actuated switch is used for controlling at least one of a type of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal, a rate of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal, and an intensity of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal.

Abstract: An electrical switch has spaced, facing coupler and carrier layers with a set of electrodes formed on the facing surfaces thereof. There is an aperture in the coupler layer. A conductive armature is disposed in the space between the coupler and carrier, aligned with the aperture. The coupler is a magnet and the armature is made of magnetic material so the armature is normally held in engagement with the coupler. A user can press on any part of the armature through the aperture to cause a first portion of the armature to break away from the armature and contact the electrodes on the carrier while a second portion of the armature remains in contact with the coupler. The electrodes are arranged to provide an output which is dependent upon the location of contact with the armature.

Abstract: An electrical switch has a set of electrodes mounted on one side of a carrier. The opposite side of the carrier mounts an actuator having a plunger mounted for reciprocating motion. The plunger carries a coupler in the form of magnets. A conductive armature of magnetic material is disposed on the electrode side of the carrier. When the plunger withdraws the coupler magnets from the carrier, the armature is free to fall out of contact with the electrodes. A retention cover maintains the armature in the vicinity of the carrier such that subsequent movement of the coupler proximate the carrier will draw the armature back into contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: The contactless proximity switch detects one or more predefined spacing distances between a first part and a second part. The two parts are movably disposed relative to one another. A magnetic angle sensor is disposed in or on the first part and a driver magnet with a driving magnetic field is arranged in or on the second part. When the two parts are at the predefined spacing between then the driving magnetic field produces in the angle sensor an effective direction of field lines which differs from the direction of the original state field lines of the angle sensor. The original field direction is imposed on the angle sensor by a biasing magnetic field which originates either from the driver magnet or from a separate biasing magnet.

Abstract: A control device for converting a manual input into an electrical signal is provided. The control device includes a control button, a first magnet having a first predetermined polarity, a second magnet having a second predetermined polarity, and a hall-effect sensor located adjacent to the control button. The control button is mounted for pivotal displacement about a neutral position in accordance with the manual input. The first magnet and the second magnet are mounted to the control button. The polarity of the second magnet is opposite the polarity of the first magnet. The hall-effect sensor has an electrical input and an electrical output. The electrical signal produced by the control device may, for example, be used to control the velocity of a motor, which rotates an ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated switch has a carrier sheet with electrodes on one side thereof and an actuator knob on the other side. Magnets carried by the knob drag an armature around on the electrodes. A retainer for the knob permits physical or logical relocation of the knob with respect to the carrier sheet.

Abstract: A shunt is pivotally mounted to form a pendulum positioned between a reed switch and a magnet. The shunt is formed of ferromagnetic material and is mounted such that as long as it remains between the reed switch and the magnet the reed switch remains open. The shunt is held or biased between the magnet and the reed switch by the force of the magnetic attraction between the shunt and the magnet. The mass of the shunt acts as both a tilt sensor which responds to gravity and an accelerometer sensitive to crash-induced accelerations. The reed switch, magnet and shunt are mounted in a housing which positions the reed switch and magnet and controls the maximum range of motion of the pendulum-mounted shunt. An alternative embodiment employs a subassembly which includes a magnet, a shunt, and a selectively positioned mass, the subassembly is mounted to pivot over a reed switch. The magnet is positioned on or very near the pivot axis. The shunt is positioned further from the pivot axis toward the reed switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch has a substrate with at least one pair of spaced switch contacts arranged to be shorted by an electrically conductive armature. The armature defines a central axis with first and second portions on either side of the axis which portions terminate at first and second edges. The armature is normally held spaced from the contacts by magnetic attraction to a coupler layer disposed in spaced relation to the substrate. The armature is movable by an actuating force to engagement with the substrate. The armature separates from the coupler layer by a double pivoting motion. An actuating force applied to the armature remote from its central axis causes one edge of the armature nearest the actuating force to break away from the coupler layer. The armature then pivots about the opposite edge of the armature until the one edge bottoms on the substrate.

Abstract: A magnetic switch apparatus (10) detects relative movement between first (12) and second (14) members and defeats attempted external magnetic manipulation of the apparatus. A rod-shaped, first switch element (20) is positioned transverse to and centrally aligned with a convex, second switch element (22) and spaced therefrom. A ring-shaped first magnet (26) is positioned about the first switch element (20) and spaced from the second element (22) in order to pull a ferromagnetic body (24) into a switch-open position out of contact with the second switch element (22) with these components mounted to the first member (12). A second magnet (18) mounted to the second member (14) is positioned and magnetically sufficient to pull the body (24) into a switch-closed position in contact with both of the switch elements (20, 22) when the members (12, 14) are in an adjacent position.

Abstract: A detecting device includes a device body having a containing chamber formed therein, a plurality of electrode members which are provided in the containing chamber in parallel to one another, a conductive movable body which is movably arranged in a space surrounded by the plurality of electrode members, and a magnet which generates a magnetic holding force for holding the conductive movable body. When an external force is applied to the device body, the conductive movable body is moved against the magnetic holding force of the magnet and is brought into electrical contact with at least two of the plurality of electrode members, thereby causing a detection signal corresponding to the electrical contact to be output.