Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling a manufacturing process can include obstructing a part receiving path of a press station with a part detection fixture. The part detection fixture can include a moveable contact member and a target body that moves in response to motion of the moveable contact member. The moveable contact member of the part detection fixture can obstruct the part receiving path such that the target body of the part detection fixture is positioned in a dissenting state. The target body of the part detection fixture can be positioned in an assenting state coincident with contact between the moveable contact member of the part detection fixture and the workpiece. Image data of the target body of the part detection fixture can be detected with a vision system. The press station can be actuated when the image data is indicative of the assenting state.

Abstract: A key for user input having superior tactile qualities. The key is suspended by a magnetic field force to improve the smoothness of motion. Two compact interleaved members link a keycap to a key base to provide highly precise parallel travel with reduced tilt and flexion, and improved durability.

Abstract: A calibration system having an actuator with a rotatable shaft and a switch box housing a proximity switch and a calibration mechanism. The calibration mechanism is coupled to the shaft and includes a base, a target carrier, a driver, and an actuating button having a cam. The base includes a locating magnet, and the target carrier includes a primary magnet and a bias magnet polarized in the same direction as the locating magnet. The driver is shiftable between a first position in which the driver engages the target carrier and a second position disengaged from the target carrier. The cam engages the driver and shifts the driver between the first and second positions. Upon rotation of the shaft, the bias magnet automatically moves to a position aligned with the locating magnet when the driver is in the second position.

Abstract: The invention is a control device intended for the choice and the selection of functions in a vehicle. The device comprises three binary active sensors, arranged on an electronic board fixed in a case, the sensors switch on the passage of passive markers arranged on a support displaceable by means of a manipulable control element. The support being displaceable in translation along a first longitudinal main axis towards a front position and a rear position and perpendicularly along a second transversal main axis towards a right position and a left position, and in rotation about a normal axis perpendicular to the main axes in the clockwise direction and in the anticlockwise direction. The marker support and the control element are moreover connected to an indexing and return means which biases them permanently towards a neutral position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a light fixture having at least one adjustable attribute are described. In one embodiment, a light fixture having at least one adjustable attribute comprises a housing, a light source disposed within the housing, a cover secured to the housing that allows at least some light from the light source to pass, a light control circuit, coupled to the light source and disposed within the housing, for detecting a state change of a switch and for providing a control signal for varying an attribute of the light fixture, and the switch, coupled to the light control circuit and disposed within the housing, comprising contacts that are opened and closed in response to a non-mechanical stimulus external to the housing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a percutaneous skin connector including a base and a cap. The base has a channel extending through it and a plurality of base magnets are positioned around the channel and exposed at a base surface. A skirt which allows tissue ingrowth extends from the base to further secure the base to the patient. The connector also includes a cap with a bore extending through it and a plurality of cap magnets positioned around the bore and exposed at a cap surface. The base magnets and cap magnets attract and align the cap surface to the base surface. The connector further includes a release mechanism adapted to at least partially separate the cap from the base when the cap is rotated relative to the base and out of alignment with the base.

Abstract: A switch having a spring-biased actuator button that moves in an axial direction is mounted in a hermetically sealed cavity defined in a one-piece housing, which also houses a tripping magnet and restricts the tripping magnet to linear movement along the axis of the actuator button.

Abstract: A magnetic load sensor is provided which is high in axial rigidity. The load sensor includes a pair of parallel plate coupled together by coupling pieces. The coupling pieces are inclined relative to the axial direction such that when an axial load is applied to the parallel plates, the parallel plates are displaced relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, due to deflection of the coupling pieces. A magnetic target is mounted to the parallel plate, and a magnetic sensor element is mounted to the parallel plate such that when the parallel plates are displaced relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the magnetic target and the magnetic sensor element are displaced relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus that the present invention is concerning to, rolled paper is conveyed in a forward conveyance direction for a predetermined period of time, when it is detected that an amount of the rolled paper rolled around a core pipe equals a predetermined amount or less. On the basis of the detection result, a CPU determines the rolled state of the rolled paper with respect to the core pipe and conveys the rolled paper in the forward conveyance direction or a reverse conveyance direction according to the rolled state.

Abstract: A cover member of an electronic device is provided. The cover member includes covers hingedly connected, wherein each cover includes a power receiving member configured to wirelessly receive power.

Abstract: An electronic cassette for radiographic imaging includes a radiation imaging detector for detecting X-rays from an object and creating an X-ray image of the object. A battery supplies the radiation imaging detector with power. A power receiver wirelessly receives power from a wireless power transmission apparatus for charging the battery. A housing is formed from an electrical conductor, for containing the radiation imaging detector and the power receiver. A path opening is formed in the housing, and disposed between the power receiver and the wireless power transmission apparatus. A cover device is formed from a material having electrical insulating property and thermal conductivity, for closing the path opening, and conducting heat of the power receiver to the housing for dissipation. Preferably, the cover device contains synthetic resin. Also, a profile line of the path opening is at least partially curved.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that may be implemented to provide keycap lighting to a spring loaded mechanical key switch assembly using a light conductive structure, such as a light pipe, and without requiring a chassis housing of the mechanical key switch assembly to include a dedicated power-consuming light source mounted to or otherwise positioned at the location of the individual key switch assembly chassis housing. Additionally, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to use one or more common power-consuming light source/s to simultaneously provide key cap lighting to multiple such spring loaded mechanical key switch assemblies, for example, by feeding light to each key cap though a common light spreader and through an individual non-power consuming light pipe provided for each key switch assembly.

Abstract: A modular electronic detection device comprises a mechanical actuator connected to a target through a front surface of a panel. The device further comprises a plurality of sensors for detecting the position of the target, which are connected to a printed circuit board. The modular detection device of the present invention can be incorporated into an aircraft and can be used in aircraft assembly.

Abstract: An electrical connector for an anode has a terminal for an electric cable, at least two magnet devices for attracting the connector onto a metal structure, a plate electrically connecting the magnet devices to one another and to the terminal, and a deformable member connecting the magnet devices. When the connector connects an anode to a surface, the magnet forces draw the magnet devices against the surface in order to make up the connection. The deformable member allows relative movement of the magnet devices, permitting them to align themselves in an optimum configuration to maximize the surface area of the magnet devices that are in contact with the metal structure, providing a large electrical conduit between the connector and the cable connected to the terminal, and allowing for more reliable electrical connection between the anode and the structure.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a handle assembly and a tool cartridge. The tool cartridge includes electrically conductive movable tools, such as jaws and a blade, for cutting tissue. The jaws and blade each are connected to a transmission to facilitate movement. Multiple sheaths are used to encompass and protect the transmissions. Slidable grips are disposed outside of the sheaths and operatively connected to the transmissions that are disposed within the sheaths. At least one lever is supported by the handle assembly and engagable with the grips to facilitate movement of the grips, and thus, the tools.

Abstract: An LED underwater light, which can be hand-held or mounted on an underwater camera housing, is switchable between two light modes. A first embodiment of the dive light is a focus light, used for initial focusing with a still underwater camera. Incorporated in the focus light is a red light source to which the focus light can be switched from initially projected white light. The switch is used to switch off a series of white LEDs while switching on a series of red LEDs. In a second embodiment, the dive light is a flood/spot light, and enables a diver to quickly switch between flood and spot beams, via separate LED arrays.

Abstract: A detector device for detecting the locking state of a seat belt lock, such as for an automobile restraint system, is disclosed, which has a swivel lever that is designed like a strap and that is hinged to a switch housing via a swivel axis (A) that is arranged eccentrically and that has at least one operating arm projecting from the swivel axis (A), which arm extends above the switch housing and can move into a second end position by interaction with a component of a locking mechanism of the seat belt lock that can move in translation against a return force from a first end position, in which its at least one operating arm extends above the switch housing. The detector device has a sensor device for detecting the change in position of a section of the swivel lever that can swivel from the starting position into its laterally and vertically changed end position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring (1), in particular for a push button, for fixing to a carrier (2) and for registering a vertical force (F). The spring (3) is designed in such a way that when actuated it converts a vertical movement into a horizontal movement that can be detected by sensor means (4).

Abstract: A magnetic trigger mechanism is provided. The magnetic trigger mechanism operates in conjunction with a plurality of magnetic sensors. The magnetic trigger mechanism includes: a magnet; a body, with its one side provided with a recess and its other side located near the plurality of magnetic sensors; and a moveable section, provided in the recess in a movable manner, comprising an accommodating space for restraining the magnet therein.

Abstract: A modular assembly set system for use in modular constructions suitable for behavioral research made of a polycarbonate, acrylic or other material walls with magnetic edges, joints and parts with a support base (floor) made of magnetically active metal sheet glued over a plastic inert polymer surface (or one of similar inert properties). The system comprises a multi piece set that allows to build different mazes or structures for use in behavioral, memory and health sciences studies. The magnetic edges of the walls along with joints and other pieces attaches to the metal base (floor) and permits to modularly build any configuration. The use of this device can be extended to virtually any kind of modular construction (toys, provisional constructions, stands and other low weight assembly). The walls and floor set can be used many times, and assemble and disassemble as required.

Abstract: A mechanical vibration switch having a magnet connected to a bar that rotates about an axis, an inertial mass connected to the bar, a magnetic material part disposed in a predetermined spaced apart relation from the magnet, a spring, a stop, and an electrical relay mechanically actuated by the bar. The magnetic material part is adjusted parallel to the magnet such that the magnetic force varies approximately linearly with the common surface area S between the face of the magnet and the face of the magnetic material part.

Abstract: A magnetic switch device and an electronic device having the same are disclosed. The electronic device includes an upper case which includes a first element and a lower case. The magnetic switch device includes a switch part and a driving part, wherein the switch part is mounted on the lower case and includes a second element that can be attached to the first element through magnetic force. The driving part is mounted on the lower case, such that when the driving part is moved, the switch part is enabled by the driving part to make the second element correspond to the first element, allowing the upper case to attach to the lower case; or the switch part is disabled by the driving part to not make the second element correspond to the first element, allowing the upper case not to attach to the lower case.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed, high voltage manual disconnect that can be manually operated from outside the disconnect to transition between connect and disconnect states. The disconnect comprises a hermetically sealed housing having internal components for changing the state of the disconnect. A gas can fill the housing to allow for reliable high voltage operation. Different embodiments of the manual disconnect can include electrical and electronic components so that the state of the disconnect can be changed in response to an electrical signal.

Abstract: A case for a tablet-type electronic device, in particular a tablet computer, comprises a casing shaped so as to at least partially cover a rear surface of the device and equipped with fastener members for fastening it to the device; the casing is equipped with a magnetic coupler element, acting from a rear surface of the casing and able to cooperate with a corresponding fastener element carried by a protective cover for the screen of the device, so as to magnetically fasten the cover to the casing on the rear of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling device (100) for connecting a residual limb liner (10) to a residual limb socket (20) of a limb prosthesis, characterized by: a magnet assembly (120) comprising a permanent magnet (122) sandwiched by a pair of iron bars (124) for creating a magnetic field; a housing (110) comprising a protrusion (112) for intensifying magnetic field and a cavity (114) for receiving the magnet assembly (120), wherein said housing (110) is embedded at a distal end of the residual limb socket (20); a controlling means (130) coupled to the housing (110) and the magnet assembly (120) for controlling the magnetic field by rotating the magnet assembly (120); and a mounting plate (140) coupled to the residual limb liner (10); wherein the mounting plate (140) is attracted to the protrusion (112) of the housing (110) when the permanent magnet (122) is vertically aligned, thereby attaching the residual limb liner (10) to the residual limb socket (20); and wherein the mounting plate (140) is re

Abstract: A switch includes a button which is connected to a ring-shaped permanent magnet that is magnetized along a z-axis, a guide member made from an non-ferromagnetic material inside which the button and the ring-shaped permanent magnet are arranged so as to be moveable along the z-axis, as well as at least one sensor that has a sensitive area that is arranged inside the ring-shaped permanent magnet and that is configured to measure a change in a magnetic field in the radial direction within a x-y-plane, wherein the x-axis and the y-axis lie orthogonally to the z-axis, respectively.

Abstract: A reusable electronic circuit assembling system facilitates assembly and testing of electronic circuits. The system has at least one baseboard and one or more assembling blocks magnetically or mechanically attached to the baseboard. Each assembling block has at least two electrically connected conductive clips located separately in the opening holes of the assembly block. Discrete electronic components are connected by selectively inserting the electrodes of the to-be-connected electronic components into the clips of the assembling blocks. A complete circuit is constructed by attaching the above block-component assemblies on the baseboard and connecting them in accordance with the desired circuit diagram.

Abstract: A Hall effect grain level switch is positioned adjacent a grain fill opening at an upper portion of a grain enclosure. A Hall-voltage generator is coupled to the housing in a fixed position. An elongate member is pivotably coupled to the housing with the magnet being mounted adjacent a proximal end of the elongate member. A grain contact member is coupled adjacent a distal end of the elongate member. The Hall-voltage generator and magnet are positioned adjacent each other to provide a first output signal state when the elongate member extends vertically in a rest position. The Hall-voltage generator and magnet are distanced from each other to provide a second output signal state when the elongate member is pivoted to a non-vertical switched position in response to grain moving the contact member.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.

Abstract: A keyswitch assembly includes a movable keycap having a space provided in a bottom of the keycap; a metal support plate having an opening, the metal including a cantilever bridge; a switch located under the opening of the metal support plate; a magnet disposed within the space of the keycap; wherein as the keycap is undepressed, the keycap is in an initial state and the keyswitch assembly is OFF, and the magnet draws in the cantilever bridge, and as the keycap is depressed downward, the magnet is forced to depart from the cantilever bridge and actuates the switch making the keyswitch assembly to turn ON. As the forced is released, the magnetic force between the cantilever bridge and the magnet forces the keycap to return its initial state.

Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.

Abstract: Proximity switches include a hermetically sealed unit that can be used in harsh environments and under significant pressures, such as underwater and in nuclear power facilities, without having any parts that would require replacement or periodic maintenance. The proximity switches are preferably switches actuated by physical movement of a contact in response to changing magnetic forces. The switches are preferably disposed in a body tube optionally including a hermetic seal assembly to seal an open end of the body tube and/or a ferrule that prevents electrical wires attached to the switch inside the body tube from being pulled away from the switch. Further, the switches preferably maintain a contact pressure between electrical contacts sufficient to withstand acceleration seismic testing of 10 g with no contact discontinuity.

Abstract: An inductive proximity switch for detecting the presence of an object in a monitored area includes a coil (2), a pulse source (4) for supplying the coil (2) with transmitting current pulses (S1, S2, S3) at a period (T) larger than the duration (Ts) of the transmitting current pulses, and a processing circuit (6) for generating an output signal (9) based on received voltages (Ui1, Ui2, Ui3) varying in dependence of a change of position of the object. The received voltages are induced in the coil (2) after the duration (Ts) of a transmitting current pulse by the decaying current which previously flows in the object due to the voltage induced therein by the coil. The proximity switch has a suppression circuit (13, 13a, 13b, 13c) for suppressing a signal duration lower than a predetermined perturbation time (Tc1, Tc2) in the output signal (9).

Abstract: A magnetic keyswitch assembly includes a movable keycap, a support plate, a magnetic element, a frame and a switch component. The movable keycap includes a pivot and a metal part. The support plate supports the pivot. The magnetic element attracts the metal part, and a direction of a magnetic attractive force between the magnetic element and the metal part is perpendicular to a movement direction of the movable keycap. The frame is for accommodating the magnetic element. The switch component is disposed beneath the movable keycap. The magnetic element attracts the metal part so as to make the switch component in an OFF state as the movable keycap is undepressed. The movable keycap moves downward to trigger the switch component as the movable keycap is depressed to exceed a force threshold.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.

Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for wirelessly powering a tablet device are disclosed.

Abstract: A switching device having a housing; a first and second contact, at least one of the contacts movable, both in contact when switched-on and not in contact when switched-off; an arc driver assembly producing a magnetic field at least in the area of the contact pair; a first arc conducting assembly which produces an arc between the contacts in a first current direction conducted to a first quenching apparatus for quenching the arc; and a second arc conducting assembly which produces an arc between the contacts with a second current direction opposite the first current direction conducted to a second quenching apparatus, the two arc conducting assemblies each comprising at least two conducting plates, of which at least a first is immovably in the housing and a second is connected at least partially rigidly to a bridge assembly and is movably arranged in the housing.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.

Abstract: A cover is described that is magnetically attached to a tablet device. The cover includes at least as flap. In the described embodiment, the flap includes a plurality of segments where the first segment includes a first plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a first edge of the flap and where a second segment includes a second plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a second edge of the flap opposite the first edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling operation of a safety switch assembly having a number of fixed and movable contacts, a control mechanism that alters the conducting state of the contacts, and a magnetizable member that extends between alternate portions of the safety switch assembly. The safety switch assembly includes a magnetically operable electrical switch that is positioned proximate the magnetizable material such that changes in the magnetic condition of the magnetizable material alter the conducting state of the magnetically operable electrical switch.

Abstract: An enclosed proximity switch assembly includes a top enclosure and a bottom enclosure that are coupled to form an interior volume. A shaft protrusion upwardly extends from a top surface of the top enclosure, and an interior bore portion having an enclosed volume is defined within the shaft protrusion to form a portion of the interior volume. A first end of a vertical shaft is rotatably disposed within the interior bore portion such that the shaft rotates relative to the top and bottom enclosures. A samarium cobalt target magnet is coupled to the shaft, and the target magnet interacts with a samarium cobalt driver magnet within a proximity switch when the target magnet is rotated within a predetermined distance of a top portion of the proximity switch. The interaction causes a switch to move from a first state to a second state, or vice versa.

Abstract: A reed switch apparatus utilizes one or more reed switches to communicate with one or more devices. In one configuration, the reed switch apparatus utilizes a single magnetic field to simultaneously activate two or more reed switches. In another configuration, two or more reed switches, each acting independent of one another are simultaneously activated by a single magnetic field. Additionally, a method of controlling at least two devices includes exposing a reed switch apparatus to a single magnetic field. Yet another method includes activating a device via the use of a single reed switch mounted to a portion of a warehouse structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating element (10) for a regulating and/or switching functionality having at least two switching or regulating stages, comprising: an actuating part (4) which can be actuated manually and thereby moved out of a rest position; at least three permanent magnets (1, 2, 3), comprising: a first movable permanent magnet (1), which is driven synchronously in its range of movement by the actuating part (4); a second movable permanent magnet (2), which, in a first partial range of the range of movement of the first permanent magnet (1), is synchronously entrained by it through magnetic force, and whose further movement is inhibited in at least one second partial range of the range of movement of the first permanent magnet (1) by at least one stop (5a); a third permanent magnet (3), which is stationary relative to the actuating part (4), for generating a magnetic return force on the at least first permanent magnet (1).

Abstract: A permanent magnet is pivotally mounted in a top spacer layer of a switching device and rests on a flex arm created in an underlying flex circuit layer. The underside of the flex arm rests on a thin bar formed in a lower spacer layer beneath which lies a base layer including an electromagnet. Activation of the electromagnet causes rotation of the flex arm to thereby close and open electrical contacts formed respectively on the underside of the flex arm and on the top surface of the base layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of a tamperproof magnetic proximity sensor based on a magnetically shielded magnetic sensor. The proximity sensor is substantially impervious to external magnetic field and is protected by external magnetic sensors for preemptive detection of external magnetic field tamper attempts.

Abstract: A contactless switch structure is provided that may turn on and off an electrical signal in a contactless manner, allow a worn operating portion in the structure to be easily replaced, and prevent decrease of the sensitivity caused by foreign material such as dust. A contactless switch structure according to the invention includes a replaceable member to be detachably set to a target portion to which the contactless switch structure is to be set, the replaceable member having an aperture at an end section thereof and a virtual boundary defined by the aperture at the end section; and a detection element and a detector closely opposed across the virtual boundary in the normal state, the detection element and the detector being placed on the replaceable member side and the target portion side of the virtual boundary, respectively.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a magnet, a first Hall device, and a second Hall device. The first and second Hall devices are proximate the magnet. The first Hall device is configured to switch in relation to a first magnetic field threshold. The second Hall device is configured to switch in relation to a second magnetic field threshold. The first magnetic field threshold differs from the second magnetic field threshold.

Abstract: A magnetic trigger mechanism is provided. The magnetic trigger mechanism operates in conjunction with a plurality of magnetic sensors. The magnetic trigger mechanism includes: a magnet; a body, with its one side provided with a recess and its other side located near the plurality of magnetic sensors; and a moveable section, provided in the recess in a movable manner, comprising an accommodating space for restraining the magnet therein.

Abstract: A disconnector unit for a medium voltage application, with a conductive pen inside a housing. The conductive pen is moveable between an operational position in which an electrical contact is provided between a first terminal and a second terminal positioned inside the housing, and an off position in which no electrical contact is present between the first terminal and the second terminal. The conductive pen includes a first actuating part inside the housing, optionally, in the form of a magnet. The disconnector unit further includes a second actuating part positioned outside the housing, wherein the first actuating part and second actuating part form a non-mechanical link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for connecting an artificial limb and a socket, in which a magnetic locking device is mounted on one end of the artificial limb. The magnetic locking device includes an electro-permanent magnet comprising a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, and one end of the socket is provided with an attachment member capable of being attached to or detached from the magnetic locking device using magnetic force.