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.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic shunt is pivotally mounted to a housing to form a pendulum which swings between a reed switch and a magnet. As long as the shunt 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 shunt. The magnet is located between two sidewardly spaced pendulum arms, which allow the shunt to swing out from between the reed switch and the magnet in two opposite directions.

Abstract: An electric locking device includes at least one main switch with a make contact, one secondary magnetic flexible leaf switch with a break contact, at least one auxiliary relay including at least one make contact, and an external control member comprising at least one permanent magnet. The main switch directly controls the relay coil after the secondary switch has been opened by the presence of a magnet in the control member, and the secondary switch, when it closes again, shorts the relay coil. This occurs when the control member and the magnet moves away. The assembly may be constructed such that the approach of the control member, by the presence of the magnet, first causes the opening of the secondary switch, then the closing of the main switch. The control member, during its retraction, releases the main switch that opens before the secondary switch closes.

Abstract: A power switch for use with a personal locator beacon (PLB), or an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), that prevents accidental activation of the beacon to prevent false alarm transmission of emergency signals. The personal locator beacon includes electronic circuitry housed in a portable hand-held housing that includes a fail safe power switch which has a lever arm that is selectively movable between first and second offset recessed cavities formed in the housing. The lever arm is rotatable about a shaft between an "off" position wherein the lever arm is received within the first cavity, and an "on" position wherein said lever arm is received within the second cavity. An edge portion formed by the offset cavities stops the lever arm from rotating from the first position to the second position unless the lever arm is manually moved laterally along the shaft to clear the edge portion.

Abstract: A security lock for a door type structure in which a latch extends between the movable door and the fixed jamb. A magnet is contained within the latch and a switch is positioned in the jamb. The magnet passes into switch operating relationship to the switch for the condition of the door closed. When the magnet is moved out of the switch operating relationship to the switch, which occurs prior to the door being opened, the change in the magnetic flux causes the switch to generate an information signal which indicates that an attempt to open the particular door has been made.

Abstract: A magnetically enhanced membrane switch operator is constructed with a rigid ferromagnetic base plate. This base plate is spaced from a rigid ferromagnetic cover plate, which has an opening through it. A resilient flexible membrane sheet is suspended between the base plate and the cover plate, and is located in close proximity to the cover plate. The sheet carries a circular magnetic disk which, in the rest condition operation of the switch operator, is adhered by magnetic attraction to the cover plate. To operate the switch, sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the cover plate, along with the force required to distort the resilient membrane sheet, is used to move the sheet toward the base plate. When the membrane sheet is moved into close proximity to the base plate, magnetic attraction between the base plate and the magnet facilitates closure of the switch at the end of its travel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching arrangement for connecting and/or separating two sections (7, 8) of an electrical line (3), said arrangement comprising a switching device (10) having contact elements (11, 12) which are connected to said two line sections (7, 8) as well as a plug device (15) having an actuation element (20) and plug contacts (18, 19).For providing a switching arrangement of particularly simple design for connecting and/or separating two sections of an electrical line, the present invention proposes that the contact elements (11, 12) be electrically connected to the actuation reeds of a reed contact (25) and the actuation element (20) be means magnetically influencing said reed contact which will open said reed contact (25) when the plug devide (15) is plugged in.

Abstract: An apparatus for sounding an audible alarm when an object, such as a child or a pet, falls into a pool. An elongated housing is secured to the pool such as by fastening it to a pool ladder, with a control head on one end above the water surface and the other, sensing, head below the surface. At least one reed switch is positioned at the lower end of the housing. An elongated permanent magnet is mounted in a support body typically a buoyant body fastened to a flexible but stiff strap so that one pole of the magnet is adjacent to the reed switch. The magnet is positioned with the line through the north and south magnetic poles being approximately perpendicular to the switch. The strap is secured to an open container below the housing such that the strap and buoyant body can pivot in a single plane lying substantially parallel to the length of the reed switch. Thus, when the pool is calm the center of the magnet is adjacent to the reed switch.

Abstract: A proximity switch system includes a switch portion, configured to connect and disconnect at least one electrical path, and a magnetically active actuator. The switch portion has a casing formed of a magnetically noninteracting material, at least one electrical contact disposed in the casing, a magnetically active armature member moveable along the casing between a first position and a second position, wherein the armature member contacts the electrical contact when in the first position to connect the at least one electrical path and the armature member being electrically isolated from the electric contact when in the second position to disconnect the at least one electrical path, and a magnetically active biasing member disposed in the casing, wherein the biasing member magnetically interacts with the armature member to bias the armature member in one of the first and second positions. The magnetically active actuator is movable with respect to the switch portion between proximal and distal positions.

Abstract: A non-magnetic plate, or spacer block, of is attached to the side of the switching assembly of a high security switch system. Alternatively, the actuator assembly may have an extended housing. As a result, a second actuator assembly may not be substituted for the first actuator assembly by placing the second actuator assembly on the side of the first actuator assembly and slid under the security switch assembly as the first actuator assembly is moved away for the purpose of defeating the security switch.

Abstract: A switch has a carrier sheet with electrodes formed on an internal side thereof to form switch contacts. An armature is held in slidable contact with the internal side of the carrier and the electrodes by a magnet disposed on the external surface of the carrier. The magnet is carried in a knob mounted on the external side of the membrane carrier for rotary, linear or complex motion. When a user manipulates the knob the magnet drags the armature either into or out of shorting relation with the electrodes. A magnetic detent gear can be incorporated to provide tactile feedback. A pushbutton version of the switch can be made with a pivotable armature normally held spaced from electrodes on the substrate by a magnet. A membrane and spacer may be added to protect and seal the electrodes and armature.

Abstract: A resilient and compressible door channel magnet module facilitates the installation of a door channel magnet. The module comprises a magnet set supported inside a magnet holder that is connected to a flexible and deformable outer ring by a set of elongate web members. To install, the module is compressed, positioned in the door channel, and released. The pressure of the module against the walls of the door channel retains the module in position. A preferred module includes a rare earth magnet backed with a ceramic magnet for producing the requisite magnetic field strength at less cost than a sole rare earth magnet of equal magnetic field strength.

Abstract: A combined alarm system and window covering assembly includes a top housing, a bottom rail, a covering, an alarm element, a pull cord which is slidably coupled to the top housing and a resiliently biased reed relay switch. The resiliently biased reed relay switch includes a tube which has a first end and a second end which is crimped and which is mechanically coupled to an end of the bottom rail, an encapsulated reed relay switch which has a first end with a first conductive lead and a second end with a second conductive lead and which is fixedly coupled to the pull cord and slidably disposed within the tube and a spring which has a first end and a second end and which is disposed in the tube so that the first end of the spring is adjacent to the second end of the tube and the second end of the spring is adjacent to the first end of the encapsulated reed relay switch. Both of the first and second conductive leads are coupled to the alarm element.

Abstract: A tilt angle sensor has a body which includes a V-shaped cavity defined by a pair of inclined surfaces which intersect to define a lower end. A roller is disposed in said cavity. A sensing circuit is associated with the cavity to sense the presence of the roller in the lower end of the cavity. The sensing circuit initiates a first signal when the roller is displaced from the lower end of the cavity. A timing circuit is coupled to the sensing circuit for commencing a timing cycle upon the occurrence of the first signal and for providing a second signal after a predetermined time delay. A latch mechanism coupled to the timing circuit latches an output device upon the occurrence of the second signal.

Abstract: A shock sensor including a magnetic reed switch extending in a direction in which shocks are to be detected, a member movable along the magnetic reed switch due to the shocks and including a magnet for imparting a magnetic force to the magnetic reed switch to turn on the magnetic reed switch, a coil spring for biasing the moving member toward one side of the magnetic reed switch, and an adjuster for adjusting the time duration in which the magnetic reed switch is on. The adjuster also reduces the moving speed of the moving member of adjusts the turn-on time when the magnetic reed switch is turned on.

Abstract: A composite reed switch-bracket which is suitable for mounting on conventional roll-up or overhead doors to avoid damage caused by shocks or alignment displacement of the reed switch during usage. The electric magnetically actuated switch is mounted with a non-magnetic bracket and the switch is enclosed in a close fitting rubber or cover to maintain the switch that is not securely fixed and that is suspended in a gas filled air pocket to prevent or minimize breakage of the glass reed or other enclosure of the switch during usage. This composite reed bracket switch is intended for use with any and all manufacturer's alarm products.

Abstract: For protecting the pump of a carpet cleaner, the cut-out terminals 16, 15 are commanded by the pressure of fluid in passage 11, 12, 13 which communicates with volume 22 having as an upper wall a flexible diaphragm 24. A fluid tight and electrically insulating housing 9 has a fixed boss portion 19 which is surrounded by a mobile annular permanent magnet 25 carried by diaphragm 24 and which guides a central mobile permanent magnet 20 which drives a mobile contact 18 up or down, closing or opening terminals 15, 16. High pressure at 11 drives diaphragm 24 and magnet 25 upwards, which attracts magnet 20 upwards, and connects terminals 15, 16 via mobile contact 18.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay, such as an electromechanical RF switch, which is operated by an electromagnetic coil, is provided with an indicating circuit which responds to the position of the electromagnetic armature as well as the application of driving current to the coil. A magnetically activated reed switch is mounted adjacent to the electromagnetic coil at a distance selected so that the magnetic field of the coil will operate the reed switch when current is applied to the coil and the armature is driven into a position closing a magnetic circle.

Abstract: A tamper indication system for use with combination locks can indicate or signal that unauthorized manipulation of one or more of the lock components has occurred. In one mode, the tamper indication system senses unauthorized retraction of the lock bolt. Unauthorized movement of the lock cover or combination dial can also be sensed. Sensing can be achieved by generating a mechanical action responsive to the unauthorized manipulation and converting the mechanical action into an electrical signal for sensing and indicating. The mechanical action can utilize a snap action motion generation system, non-contact means such as magnets or a spring biased switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a warning device for attachment to a tractor unit for warning when an attached trailer has pivoted to a position where it may cause damage to the tractor. The warning device comprises a base for attachment to a skirt of the tractor unit, the base being adapted at one end for receiving a switch element and also being adapted to receive one end of a resilient connecting element. The device includes a feeler which extends from the device in a position to contact the trailer unit when the trailer unit has pivoted to a potentially skirt contacting position, the feeler being adapted for receiving the second end of the resilient connecting element to connect the base and the feeler. The resilient connecting element joining the base and the feeler of the warning device allows for full movement of the feeler relative to the base in all directions.

Abstract: A magnetic switch assembly (10) for electrically coupling with an electrical circuit of an alarm system detecting relative movement between first and second adjacent members and for defeating attempted magnetic manipulation of the switch assembly (10) is disclosed. The switch assembly (10) includes a ball switch (20) for sensing the presence of an intruder's magnet (28) in the vicinity of the switch assembly (10) and for changing the state of the electrical circuit in response thereto. The switch assembly (10) also includes a reed switch (22) electrically coupled with the ball switch (20) for detecting relative movement between the first and second adjacent members and for changing the state of the electrical circuit in response thereto independently of the ball switch (20).

Abstract: A magnetically-actuated, proximity switch system for use in physical security monitoring systems, machinery control systems and the like, including a stationary assembly and an actuator assembly moveable relative thereto. The stationary assembly includes at least two electrically-interconnected magnetic reed switches and at least two interacting permanent biasing magnets disposed in a predetermined physical relationship. The magnets are arranged to have opposing polarity orientations which produce a resultant interactive magnetic field. Each reed switch is biased in a magnetically actuated state by its orientation and position within that field. The actuator assembly in turn includes at least two permanent actuating magnets arranged to produce a number of apparent magnetic poles corresponding to the number of apparent (or consequent) poles produced by the permanent biasing magnets and in opposition thereto.

Abstract: A shock sensor capable of detecting a shock in a number of directions includes a reed switch, which is fixed inside a body and has a reed contact part which is magnetically changed from a first to a second state by way of a magnet, which is fixed inside the body at a specified distance from the reed switch. A shield member, having a sufficiently large area, prevents the magnet force of the magnet from affecting the reed contact part when the shield member is in its regular position. A resilient member, in a normal state, keeps the shield member at its regular position between the reed contact part and a magnet, at which the reed contact part is kept in the first state. When a shock is applied to the shock sensor, the resilient member allows the shield member to move to a position where the reed contact part changes over to the second state.In a second embodiment, the magnet is movably held in the main casing at a specified distance from the reed switch.

Abstract: A plunger-operated alarm switch assembly (10) provides without visual inspection thereof an indication of whether a barrier (14) is in a secure position or whether the alarm switch assembly has been tampered with. A preferred embodiment includes a plunger housing (18) that is matable to a switch plate (20). The plunger housing supports a movable plunger (22) having a permanent magnet (24) that produces a magnetic field (26). The switch plate supports a magnetically actuatable reed switch (28) positioned in a predetermined relative alignment to a guide path (32) of the plunger when the plunger housing and the switch plate are matably fitted together.

Abstract: A magnetic apparatus (10) is provided having a bottom plate (12), a top plate (14), a first magnet guide (16), a second magnet guide (18) and a magnet member (20) which is slidable upon a slide axis (22) through apertures (40) and (54) of first magnet guide (16) and second magnet guide (18) respectively. The magnetic apparatus (10) is shown in a closed position in FIG. 1 for use in conjunction with a reed switch (86) (see FIG. 3) mounted on bottom plate (12). In the closed position magnet member (20) is close enough to the reed switch (86) to magnetically toggle reed switch (86) and thus electrically toggle electrical circuit (100). When the magnetic apparatus (10) is moved in three-dimensional space so that reference plane (24) is changed with respect to gravity line (26) to a sufficient degree, then magnet member (20) will shift along slide axis (22) toward second magnet guide (18).

Abstract: A magnetic element switch is provided which can reduce the number of parts and the cost of the switch as well as improve the reliability thereof. The magnetic element switch includes an operation part oscillatable about a neutral position when operated by an operator, a magnet oscillatable about a neutral position directly or indirectly due to the oscillation of the operation part, and a magnetic element fixedly disposed adjacent to the magnet for generating an electromotive voltage proportional to the density of a magnetic flux incident thereon. The magnetic element is positioned such that a magnetic force line generated by the magnet at the neutral position is allowed to pass through the magnetic element parallel to an electric field formed with the magnetic element and also such that, when the magnet is oscillated, the magnetic force line is allowed to pass therethrough not parallel to the electric field within the magnetic element.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus employing a compact magnetic security switch for detecting the open or closed position of corresponding fixed frame and movable closure members, such as door and window assemblies, of entryways of buildings. The security switch assembly includes a high intrinsic coercive force rare earth, preferably neodymium, alloy magnet mountable on a movable closure member within a close clearance and within a predetermined gap and break distance of a switch mounted on a corresponding fixed frame member when in closed position, such that the electrical contacts interact with the magnet and thereby place the switch in a nonalarm position. The method of the present invention provides for mounting the rare earth alloy magnet without invading the subsurface structural integrity of the movable closure member.

Abstract: A magnetic switching device utilizing a reed switch avoids multiple switching and provides greater movement between a magnet and a reed switch. The device has a reed switch switchable by a magnetic field with contact reeds extending longitudinally in a switching line, at one permanent bar magnet, and a path of movement for the magnet to move relative to the reed switch, the path of movement being parallel to the switching line of the reed switch and spaced apart a predetermined distance therefrom, the magnet being tilted at a predetermined angle to the switching line of the reed switch, the angle being sufficient to cause only a single switching action when movement occurs between the magnet and the reed switch in the path of movement, the switching action occurring when the approximate centre of the magnet substantially overlaps the contact reeds of the reed switch.

Abstract: A switching device for programmable control of electrical and electronic apparatus includes a support plate and a slide switch which is moved along a forked guide track defined on the support plate. The support plate is formed of magnetically conducting material or a magnetic plate is disposed below the support plate. The actuating slide is provided with magnets which cooperate with the magnetically conductive support. Several switching elements disposed along the track, which switching elements, upon being actuated by the actuating member, effect control processes of the electrical or electronic apparatus. The switches may be interrupted conductor tracks, capacitive sensors, proximity switches, light gates, and the like. A symbol plate is disposed above the support plate and the slide is moved along through-openings in the symbol plate which define the switching options. The operator follows the guide of the labels disposed on the symbol plate.

Abstract: A lighted switch set gauge includes Hall effect devices using a circuit activating switch attached to a lower extension of indicating and switch set pointers. The switch set pointer is externally adjustable. An overriding slip gear with automatic spring-back is incorporated in the switch set arm prevent damage to the set pointer at the extreme ends of its range of movement. The indicating pointer can be calibrated without removing a hub attached to the shaft of the gauge meter movement.

Abstract: A microelectronic position sensor having a stationary base portion including magnetic field sensitive elements and an adjustment means rotatably mounted within the adjustment means and including a permanent magnet; the adjustment means being electrically coupled to the apparatus by means of a plurality of electrically conductive terminals embedded in the adjustment means; the adjustment means including an integrated circuit on which the magnetic field sensitive elements are mounted for providing an electrical signal depending on the position of the permanent magnet and the rotor; the adjustment means and the stationary base portion include housing parts having interengaging flanges and forming together a self-contained unit encompassing the electric and magnetic components of the position sensor and in which the adjustment means is rotatably mounted on the stationary base member; a soft-iron member is mounted in the stationary base member to form an iron return path in the magnetic system comprising the perma

Abstract: A microswitch with an integrated circuit includes a ferromagnetic tripping body being movable between three switching positions. Two Hall sensors are associated with the tripping body. A permanent magnet being disposed fixedly below the two Hall sensors has one pole facing toward the two Hall sensors for generating field lines penetrating the Hall sensors. A dual evaluation circuit ascertains a ratio of magnetic flux in each of the two Hall sensors, derives a switching signal from a change in the ratio upon an approach of the tripping body and has first and second outputs. The dual evaluation circuit changes a switching state with respect to one of the outputs in reaction to a positive or negative difference in magnetic flux between the two Hall sensors. In this way, an occurrence of a vanishingly small difference, a positive difference and a negative difference in magnetic flux is switched through the three positions of the tripping body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented which allows a conventional two component surface mounted magnetic proximity switch, so attached to the window surface, to engage while the window is in either the opened or closed position. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket which accommodates the attachment of the permanet magnet portion of the switch and rotates through an angle of 180 degrees. The method comprises the attachment of the apparatus assembly to the moveable window sash, the attachment of the magnetic contact reed switch portion to the stationary window jam, and the operation and orientation of the apparatus assembly with respect to the magnetic contact reed switch portion.

Abstract: A seat assembly and a power machine includes a seat having a front portion, a back portion, and first and second side portions. A base plate supports the seat, and a hinge is pivotably connected between the first side portion of the seat and the base plate. The second side portion of the seat is connected to the base plate to allow limited movement of the second side portion of the seat relative to the base plate. A spring is coupled to the seat and to the base plate and urges the second side portion of the seat away from the base plate. A Hall effect sensor housing supports a Hall effect sensor and is operably mounted to one of the base plate and the seat. A magnet is operably mounted to another the base plate and the seat and is positioned to cooperate with the Hall effect sensor so that the Hall effect sensor provides a sensor indicative of a position of the second side portion of the seat.

Abstract: For use primarily in sliding glass doors and windows for tripping a magnetic switch embedded in the casing as part of a security alarm circuit, a magnetic switch trip comprises an elongated L-shaped insert having a small bar magnet in one leg, with the other leg comprising a stem extending at a 90.degree. angle from the magnet, there being a narrowed, frangible neck between the stem and the magnetic to permit snapping the magnet off of the stem. The insert is used primarily as a single piece by inserting the magnet leg into a hole in the vertical side panel of a sliding door frame, and rotating the insert inside the door until the magnet is vertical, adjacent the overlying door casing. The stem is then plugged into the hole for a permanent mount. Alternative modes of use accommodate other sliding fixture types, resulting in one device eliminating separate inventory requirements for at least three different elements of the magnetic reed switch sensors.

Abstract: An electrical switch functioning as a tilt, proximity or relay switch includes an elongate cylindrical housing with a first open end and a second closed end. A flexible spring extends longitudinally in the housing and is supported away from the housing by a seal at the open end. The housing and spring are electrically conductive and an electrically-conductive spherical ball is located within the housing for selective rolling engagement with the spring and housing. The switch functions as a single pole single throw type switch. A second spring can be located at the closed second end of the housing and supported similar to the first spring. By locating the spherical ball between the two springs, a single pole double throw switch is formed.

Abstract: An enclosure sensing apparatus is provided which monitors the movement of a key structure relative to a housing structure. The purpose of the device is to determine that a moveable object has moved into an appropriate position relative to a stationary object. First, second and third magnetically sensitive devices are provided within a housing structure. First and second magnets are attached to a key structure that is moveable relative to the housing structure and a third magnet is provided within the housing structure to advantageously affect the operation of the second magnetically sensitive device. Several positions of the key structure can be specifically identified as the key structure passes through a path provided within the housing structure. In addition, a latching mechanism is provided to lock the relative position of the key structure and the housing structure when the key structure has reached a preselect position relative to the housing structure.

Abstract: A magnetic switch assembly (10) is provided for detecting relative movement between first and second adjacent members (14, 18), and to defeat attempted magnetic manipulation of the assembly (10). The assembly (10) includes a pair of adjacent, superposed, upper and lower switch elements (22, 24) adapted for mounting on the first member (14), with the lower switch element (24) presenting a sloped surface (26). A shiftable, ferromagnetic ball (34) is disposed between the elements (22, 24) and movable along surface (26) between spaced upper and lower switch operating positions. A magnet (36) adapted for mounting on the second member (18) is also provided, and is oriented for normally retaining the ball (34) in the upper position thereof; however, upon movement of the member (18), the ball (34) is permitted to shift downwardly along the sloped surface (26) to the lower switch operating position thereof.

Abstract: A switch has a carrier sheet with electrodes formed on an internal side thereof to form switch contacts. An armature is held in slidable contact with the internal side of the carrier and the electrodes by a magnet disposed on the external surface of the carrier. The magnet is carried in a knob mounted on the external side of the membrane carrier for rotary, linear or complex motion. When a user manipulates the knob the magnet drags the armature either into or out of shorting relation with the electrodes. A magnetic detent gear can be incorporated to provide tactile feedback. A pushbutton version of the switch can be made with a pivotable armature normally held spaced from electrodes on the substrate by a magnet. A membrane and spacer may be added to protect and seal the electrodes and armature.

Abstract: A sensor for use with high-power solenoid-actuated relays, and for detecting and signalling relay armature position and hence the actuation state of the relay. The sensor is external to a sealed chamber in which the relay contacts and armature system are positioned, and includes a permanent magnet, the flux path of which includes the relay armature and base. Armature movement to close the relay alters the flux path to operate a reed switch adjacent the magnet, and the condition of the reed switch signals the unactuated or actuated state of the relay.

Abstract: Terminals are formed on an electrically-conductive plate supporting a reed switch, and the terminals are extended through a resin holder. The holder is inserted into a connector housing and is fixedly secured within the housing by fusion.

Abstract: A switch signals changes in position and accelerations of its housing. The switch housing includes a movably mounted permanent magnet and at least one reed switch. The permanent magnet is suspended in the manner of a planar pendulum. The reed switch is disposed in the effective range of the magnetic field below the circle segment described by the pendulum. The longitudinal axis of the reed switch is oriented approximately in the direction of the pendulum oscillations.

Abstract: A shock sensor including a switch turned on by magnetic force. The switch includes a reed switch, a magnet sliding back and forth along a case for the reed switch, and a coil spring biasing the magnet in a particular direction. When the sensor receives a shock, the biased magnet moves along the switch case, the magnetic force applied to the reed switch increases and when this magnetic force exceeds a predetermined amount, contact portions of the reed switch are closed and the switch is in the on state. Further, a weight forming an integral part of the magnet is used to increase the kinetic energy of the magnet or, between the coil spring and the switch case, there is a slack which enables movement of the coil spring in the direction of its diameter, either structure allowing the magnet to stay in the on state longer than a conventional switch.

Abstract: An electric switch 11 has contacts 12 and 13 which are initially closed by activating means 14. The invention provides urging means 22 to bias the switch against reopening of the contacts during at least an initial period which is useful if the activating means does not operate for long enough for the electric switch to assume its stable closed position. The urging means is responsive to current carried through the contacts. It is possible to provide a plurality of switches responsive to the same urging means, different switches being provided for different electrical circuits and possibly energised from different sources.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the opened and closed state of a window as a component of a home security system comprising of a window having a peripheral frame defining an opening with a lower sill having a free upper surface thereof and an associated window slidable within the opening between an upper open orientation and a lower closed orientation, the window having a free lower surface adaptable to be in operative contact with the upper surface of the sill when the window is closed.

Abstract: A shock sensor has a housing with two portions. A first portion resiliently engages a reed switch which has staple formed leads. A second portion extends adjacent one of the reed switch leads and has modular components which permit consistent shock-sensing results to be obtained from reed switches of varying sensitivity by selection of appropriate components. The second portion is a closed-ended hollow tube in which a bobbin with a centrally located guide bar is inserted. A first disk extends outwardly from the guide bar. A self-test coil is positioned on the bar between the first disk and a second disk. A biasing spring extends between the closed end of the tube and the magnet, which is mounted on the bar. The magnet is abutted against a second disk which extends from the bar. The second disk positions the actuation magnet with respect to the reed switch when it is in its non-actuated position.

Abstract: A security proximity switch used in burglar alarms comprising a magnet portion and a signal generating portion. The signal generating portion comprises a reed switch having a device for quickly and easily connecting external wiring thereto. This saves time and money. The device for quickly securing the wiring includes a spring device adapted to grasp and secure the inserted wiring.

Abstract: A sensor for automatically triggering safety devices in motor vehicles, the sensor has a housing having a housing recess with a base and a tilting body located in the housing recess, the tilting body serving as a seismic mass and triggering a control signal when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded, the tilting body having an edge and a base. The base of the housing recess is provided with knobs at least in the region of the edge of the tilting body. The base of the tilting body is flat at least in the region of the knobs.

Abstract: A housing has a vertical subframe in which is mounted one or more reed switches. A magnet is mounted to a carriage which is mounted about the reed switch by a two-degree-of-freedom joint. The carriage forms a cup with a base aperture which surrounds the subframe. The aperture defines a semi-spherical surface which rides on a semi-spherical surface at the base of the subframe. A shell is fixed to the housing and the inside surface of the shell has a semi-spherical surface concentric with the semi-spherical surfaces defined by the annulus of the aperture and the semi-spherical base of the subframe. The carriage has semi-spherical surface portions which engage the shell interior and is thereby constrained to rotate about the point of concentricity common to the shell, the carriage, the annular aperture, and the semi-spherical base of the subframe. The carriage is biased to an upright position by springs which extend between the base of the housing and an upper lip of the carriage.

Abstract: An acceleration switch has a housing having a housing recess, an elongated tilting body located in the housing recess and operating as a seismic mass, a magnetic system, and a reed switch. The tilting body is arranged so that upon exceeding of a predetermined threshold value a control signal is released by interaction of the magnetic system and the reed switch. The magnetic system includes at least two permanent magnets having opposite polarization directions and connected with a magnetic flux conducting body at an end side facing away from the reed switch. The reed switch has contacts located in a magnetic field between the permanent magnets. The polarization directions of the permanent magnets extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tilting body. The contacts of the reed switch are arranged in a tilting direction of the tilting body.