Abstract: A keyboard, wherein an opposing force generated between two magnet faces of the same polarity is used to return each key button to its original position after being pressed. As a result, the keyboard can be made capable of withstanding harsh environments while offering a satisfactory tactile response for the user.

Abstract: An integrated magnetic switch assembly includes a winding assembly portion having a housing, and a cover assembly mounted to the housing. The cover assembly includes at least one rivet terminal and at least one power terminal The at least one rivet terminal includes a body that extends through the cover assembly. The body has a first end that extends to a second end, and an opening that includes a first diameter that extends from the first end to the second end. A sealing member is positioned at the first end of the body about the opening of the at least one rivet terminal. The sealing member includes an opening having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. A sealing element is positioned between the at least one power terminal and the cover assembly.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a contactor actuatable by a magnetic field wherein: first and second strips comprise pads forming several pairs of pads P1i, P2i facing each other, immediately consecutive along the longitudinal direction, and each strip comprises at least one bridge Ptji, each bridge mechanically and directly linking two immediately consecutive pads Pji, Pj,i+1 of a same strip, the cross-section of this bridge Ptji being reduced as compared with the cross-section of the pads Pji et Pj,i+1, and the surface area SPtji of the smallest cross-section of the bridge Ptji verifying the following relationship: 0<SPtji<?SZi, where SZi is the surface area of an overlap zone between the contact faces of a pair of pads P1i, P2i, j is an index identifying the strip and i is an index identifying the pad of this strip.

Abstract: An analog pointing key structure includes a rigid body key top; a surrounding member having a hole for exposing the key top; a support member, to which the key top is fixed, having an elastic returning part that permits the key top to move in a direction along a surface thereof and to cancel the movement; a ring-form magnetic member fixed to the support member on a back surface of the surrounding member so as to be interposed between the key top and the returning part; a magnetic sensor that measures a change in magnetic flux density due to displacement of the magnetic member which moves together with the key top; a ring-form screen plate provided on a surface of the magnetic member so that an inner-peripheral part of the plate is positioned within the above hole; a key top support plate, to which the key top is attached, an outer-peripheral part of the support plate being positioned on a back surface of the screen plate, and the support plate having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the scre

Abstract: The present invention includes a knob assembly which provides rotational movement and translational travel along an axis of dual and independent rotary knobs. The present invention controls electronics within a housing, without requiring protrusion into the housing. Having no protrusions into the housing avoids exposure of the electronics within the housing to environmental contaminants or electromagnetic interference. The components of the dual independent push button rotary knob assembly may operate without need for O-rings, gaskets, or any other applied sealants to prevent containments from entering the housing. Assembly of the knob assembly is simplified, because the rotary knob assembly may be installed and replaced without any tools and without need to access the interior of the housing. Furthermore, if any part of the assembly is damaged, the rotary knob assembly, in part or whole, may be replaced without compromising any seal provided to the exterior surfaces of the housing.

Abstract: A switching device is provided. An electromechanical switch controls rotation and/or lateral displacement of a core inside a housing with a magnetic field. The core is magnetically aligned by the magnetic relationship between the core and the housing. An energizing device generates a magnetic field that is sufficiently strong to realign the core with the generated magnetic field. As a result, the core switches to an energized state. When the generated magnetic field is removed, the core switches back to the natural state.

Abstract: A haptic feedback system includes movable and static portions coupled by one or more magnetic fields that serve to retard movement of the movable portion with respect to the static portion so as to provide haptic feedback when the movable portion is moved relative to the static portion. A magnet associated with one of the movable and static portions reacts with structure associated with the other of the movable and static portions so as to provide haptic feedback when the movable portion is moved with respect to the static portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a push-button (5) having a housing (10), with which there are associated at least a first actuation member (6) which triggers a haptic control signal and one or more permanent magnet(s) (3) which can be guided past at least a second actuation member (2) which triggers a switching operation, and there is associated with the first actuation member (6), which triggers a haptic response, a control element having a first progressive or degressive control face portion (6.1) and at least a second adjoining control face portion (6.2) which behaves in an inverse manner and along which the actuation member is guided.

Abstract: An electrical switching device that can be employed in a sliding button, a rotating button, in a position switch, or an impact sensor. This device includes: a permanent magnet creating a magnetic field and a microswitch controlled between at least two states, by being aligned along two different orientations of field lines of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. The microswitch and the permanent magnet are fixed relative to one another and a movable ferromagnetic part is moved between two positions so as to act on the orientation of the field lines generated by the permanent magnet so as to impose on the microswitch one or other of its two states.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soft-magnetic metal strip for electromechanical components, wherein the soft-magnetic metal strip has a nanocrystalline or amorphous structure. The metal strip has strip thickness to roughness ratios d/Ra of 5?d/Ra?25.

Abstract: Provided is multi-direction input device. The multi-direction input device includes a magnet part, a manipulation member configured to receive the magnet part, the manipulation member being moved in multi-directions by user's manipulation, and a hinge part configured to surround at least one side of the manipulation member, the hinge part allowing the manipulation member to return to an original position by elasticity. At least one portion of the manipulation member is formed of a magnetic field blocking material.

Abstract: The invention provides a furniture chair seatback tilt limiter system for adjustably limiting the seatback recline of a chair. The seatback tilt limiter system includes a first gear toothed rotator with a full forward seatback upright endstop and a full recline seatback endstop. The seatback tilt limiter system includes a second gear toothed rotator having an adjustment endstop. The first rotator is free to rotate between the full forward seatback upright endstop and the full recline seatback endstop when the rotator gear teeth are disengaged and the second rotator adjustment endstop limits the rotation of the first rotator to an adjustable reclined seatback tilt limit when the gear teeth are engaged.

Abstract: A low-profile multi-directional key switch structure is disclosed, which includes a magnetic element, a key cap for receiving at least a portion of the magnetic element therein, an elastic element centered near the key cap, and a protection pad disposed between the extension portion of the key cap and the elastic element. The key cap has an extension portion protruding outwardly. The elastic element includes a central region and a spiral structure connected with the central region. The spiral structure is extended from the central region outwardly, and the elastic element is centered near the key cap by the central region for limiting a movement of the key cap and the magnetic element to an original location of the elastic element. The protection pad covers a most portion of the spiral structure of the elastic element, and a receiving opening is disposed in a center of the protection pad for passing the magnetic element through.

Abstract: A domestic appliance for treating laundered articles including a container for receiving laundered articles, which can be introduced into the container via a loading opening that can be closed by a door, and a door contact switch that is actuated as a function of a door position in order to interrupt a treatment process of the laundered articles, wherein the door contact switch is arranged on a substrate, which supports electronic control devices of the domestic appliance.

Abstract: An input device has a housing having an operation hole formed therein, an operation member supported in a slidably moving manner in multi-directions within the operation hole, and at least two magnetic sensors, arranged at a periphery of the operation member, for detecting change in magnetic property by displacement of the operation member. The operation member includes a holder having a circular ring-shaped magnet incorporated in a fit-in hole and a central push button having a disc plate made of magnetic material integrated at a lower surface. The central push button is fitted in the circular ring-shaped magnet to adsorb, in a separable manner, the disc plate to the circular ring-shaped magnet and position-regulate the central push button.

Abstract: A haptic feedback system includes movable and static portions coupled by one or more magnetic fields that serve to retard movement of the movable portion with respect to the static portion so as to provide haptic feedback when the movable portion is moved relative to the static portion. A magnet associated with one of the movable and static portions reacts with structure associated with the other of the movable and static portions so as to provide haptic feedback when the movable portion is moved with respect to the static portion.

Abstract: An image sensor unit includes a fixed substrate, a movable substrate, an actuate section including an actuator for moving the movable substrate against the fixed substrate, an image sensor having an imaging surface on a front surface of the image sensor, and at least, a part of a rear surface of the image sensor being directly fixed onto the movable substrate, an external electrical connecting member for conducting a transmission and reception of signals between the actuate section and the image sensor and an outside of the image sensor unit, and an internal electrical connecting member electrically connects the actuate section, the image sensor and the external connection wiring, wherein the actuate section, the image sensor, the internal connection wiring and a part of the external connection wiring are sealed into the same space.

Abstract: A rotary actuator with a magnetically produced tactile sense is provided, in particular for a motor vehicle. The rotary actuator includes two plane-parallel permanent magnets, with the first magnet being arranged in a fixed position in a housing of the rotary actuator, and in which case the second magnet can be rotated with respect to the first magnet by a handle of the rotary actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch, in particular a vehicle switch, comprising a switching part which can be coupled to an actuation element, is rotationally mounted about a rotational axis and can adopt defined switch positions. The switching part comprises at least one permanent magnet comprising several south pole and/or north pole sections, and at least two magnetic field sensors which are arranged in a fixed manner in relation to the switching part. The output signals of said sensors, according to the switch position of the contact piece, is dependent upon whether a south or north pole section of the at least one permanent magnet is in the detection range of the respective magnetic field sensor and said output signals form an easy to determine binary switch code in the respective switch position. The invention also relates to an evaluation device for said type of switch, a switch unit comprising said type of switch and an evaluation unit.

Abstract: A trigger device includes a retaining frame, a swing arm, a toggle switch, a resilient member and a touch component. An end of the swing arm is connected to the middle of the retaining frame, and another end of the swing arm is connected to a magnetic sensor, and an end of the toggle switch is pivotally connected to the top of the retaining frame. The swing arm forms a pressing rod disposed on the toggle switch and pressed for swinging the swing arm. The retaining frame and swing arm are connected to the resilient member, and the touch component is mounted into the retaining frame and installed at another end of the toggle switch. An elastic button is installed between the touch component and the toggle switch for pressing the toggle switch. Obvious feel and tough can be provided to enhance the operability and convenience of the trigger device.

Abstract: An improved switch interface is provided that does not rely on direct contact by the user interface element to the switch apparatus. This feature enables the switch to be enclosed within a housing, thereby improving reliability and longevity of the switch mechanism.

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: A magnetic switch apparatus includes a button and a magnetic mechanism. The button is capable of moving between a first position and a second position. The magnetic mechanism is configured to drive the button to be kept in the first position, and drive the button to move from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A plunger switch for use as a switch element in an electrical circuit, has a housing and a plunger movable axially in a bore of the housing in the direction of a longitudinal axis and when in an operating position in which it is depressed toward the housing, acts on an electronic sensor unit situated in the housing, which in turn initiates a switching procedure in the electrical circuit by electrical pulses, and the plunger, in its axial plunging region into the bore of the housing, is peripherally provided with at least one lubricating groove, which permits a lubricating fluid to travel into the axial plunging region between the plunger and bore, and the electronic sensor unit is protected from a penetration of lubricating fluid.

Abstract: A switch has a detection portion that contains a magnetic-field-sensing element and an attraction member. The attraction member generates a magnetically attracting force. The detection portion generates a switching signal based on an output of the magnetic-field-sensing element.

Abstract: A vehicle switch has a case, a movable body, a spring, a magnet, a detector, and an operating shaft. The movable body is reciprocably accommodated in the case. The spring pushes the movable body in a direction away from an internal bottom of the case. The magnet is attached to the movable body. The detector detects a magnetic flux density generated from the magnet. A lower end of the operating shaft is in contact with the movable body. The movable body has a press contact portion with which the operating shaft is in contact at a point or along a line.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a control element, particularly for automotive electronics, having programmable haptics. Moments of force or a variation of the friction moments are formed on a control element by dynamically adapting the operative currents of electromagnetic arrays in dependence of the adjustment path. The force/path behavior (tactile feedback) of the control element can be modified at will during use so that the actuation forces for different operative functions can be varied. The tactile feedback of the moments of force on the control element takes by way of a locking piece, which, for example, can be comprised of at least one locking disc and a spring, which can be rendered active or inactive via an electromagnetic array.

Abstract: A power adapter includes a power converter circuit, a direct current (DC) plug and a magnetic switch. The power converter circuit converts power signals of a power source into DC power signals. The DC plug is engageable with a jack of a powered device, and transmits the DC power signals to the powered device. The DC plug includes a magnetic force conducting wire to conduct magnetic force of a magnetic element when the powered device is powered. The magnetic switch, connected between the power source and the power converter circuit, is turned on or off according to if the magnetic force conducting wire conducts the magnetic force or not so as to control the power source to provide power to the power converter circuit.

Abstract: A portable actuator and safety switch assembly wherein the portable actuator includes a housing and an actuator for selectively engaging with a control mechanism of said safety switch. The actuator is at least one of partially located within the housing, forms a part of the housing, or is attached to the housing. The assembly includes a controller that controls a configuration of the actuator assembly, such that the actuator assembly can selectively and controllably attain a first configuration wherein the actuator is able to interact with the control mechanism of the safety switch and a second configuration wherein the actuator is unable to manipulate the control mechanism of said safety switch.

Abstract: 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 magnetisable member that extends between alternate portions of the safety switch assembly. The safety switch assembly includes a magnetically operable electrical switch that is located in a body of the switch assembly and positioned proximate the magnetisable material such that changes in the magnetic condition of the magnetisable material alter the conducting state of the magnetically operable electrical switch.

Abstract: A magnetically operated switch has a receiver which is mounted such that it is moveable between two switch positions, and which is used to actuate the magnetically operated switch, a housing relative to which the receiver is movably supported, a magnet, a magnetic sensor which interacts with the magnet, and evaluation electronics which are assigned to the magnetic sensor and can be used to generate a switch signal that is dependent on the switch positions of the receiver. To provide an improved magnetically operated switch, it has a magnetic shield which interacts with the magnet, the shield and the magnet are in different positions relative to one another depending on the switch positions of the receiver, and the evaluation electronics generate the switch signal depending on the relative positions.

Abstract: An integrated magnetic switch assembly includes a winding assembly portion having a housing, and a cover assembly mounted to the housing. The cover assembly includes at least one rivet terminal and at least one power terminal The at least one rivet terminal includes a body that extends through the cover assembly. The body has a first end that extends to a second end, and an opening that includes a first diameter that extends from the first end to the second end. A sealing member is positioned at the first end of the body about the opening of the at least one rivet terminal. The sealing member includes an opening having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. A sealing element is positioned between the at least one power terminal and the cover assembly.

Abstract: A contactless switch includes an angularly and/or axially adjustable rotor, by which at least one main magnet is directly or indirectly adjustable. The magnetic field of the at least one main magnet influences at least two magnetic field sensors, which issue signals that correlate with a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field, and/or an alteration in the magnetic field strength and/or a polarization of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A contactless switch provided by the present disclosure is coupled to a signal input device and receives a magnetic signal generated by a magnetic trigger mechanism. The contactless switch includes: a magnetic sensor, for sensing the magnetic signal and generating a corresponding trigger control signal; a controller, for generating a switch signal according to the trigger control signal; and a mode switch module, for processing the input signal to generate an output signal according to the switch signal.

Abstract: A lever operation device includes a movable support member that supports a base portion of an operation lever such that the base portion is pivotable along a first operation plane, a housing that supports the movable support member such that the movable support member is pivotable along a second operation plane that is orthogonal to the first operation plane, an actuator holder attached to the base portion such that the actuator holder is rotatable along the second operation plane, a first actuator retained by the actuator holder, and a second actuator retained by the movable support member. The housing is provided with a first cam surface and a second cam surface on an inner wall surface thereof, the first actuator and the second actuator being in elastic contact with the first cam surface and the second cam surface, respectively.

Abstract: Switches that are actuated through exposure to a magnetic field are described. Such switches include conductive portions that are electrically separate from one another when in an open switch configuration. A mobile element of a switch includes one or more anchoring members that are in electrical contact with one of the conductive portions. The mobile element also has a beam that is attached to the one or more anchoring members. The beam can be attached to the one or more anchoring members by flexures. In some cases, the beam includes a plurality of strips. The beam has an end portion that is configured to move toward the other conductive portion when exposed to an external force, such as a magnetic field. When the mobile element electrically contacts the other conductive portion of the substrate, an electrical pathway is established between the conductive portions, giving rise to a closed switch configuration.

Abstract: A switch device comprising a container of the hermetic type, at least one switch contained inside the hermetic container, actuation devices at least partially contained inside the container and suitable to actively select the switch. Advantageously, the actuation devices comprise at least one internal ferromagnetic element, moving inside the container so as to influence an actuation button of the switch, and comprising in addition a transmission body having a first extremity which interfaces in contact with said internal ferromagnetic element and a second extremity which interfaces in contact with said actuation button. The transmission body is a rigid body which receives and transmits the movement of the internal ferromagnetic element from a rest position in which it does not cause the actuation button (28) to be actuated and a functioning position in which it presses and acts on the actuation button by contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a plastic cradle. More particularly, the invention encompasses a plastic cradle utilized inside a molded circuit breaker (MCB). The present invention is also directed to a novel nonconductive nonmagnetic cradle that engages a contact arm between a first terminal conductor and a second terminal conductor inside a molded circuit breaker (MCB) in an ON state, and disengages same in an OFF or Neutral state.

Abstract: A contactless switch module, which is actuatable between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position, a plurality of magnetic field sensing sensors, and a plurality of magnets. The switch also includes a multi-channel switch controller. Each one of the plurality of magnetic field sensing sensors is communicatively coupled to an input channel of the multi-channel switch controller. The multi-channel switch controller is configured to determine a switch state based at least upon the respective states of its input channels.

Abstract: Encapsulated switches are disclosed which substitute non-toxic gallium alloy for mercury. In one embodiment, wetting of the interior surfaces of the housing is prevented by coating the surfaces with an electrically insulative inorganic non-metallic material, such as alumina or boron nitrate. According to another embodiment, a perfluorocarbon liquid is employed as the anti-wetting agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device (1, 1?) of an electrical circuit comprising: a microswitch (2, 2?) comprising a moving element that can be driven by magnetic effect between a first stable state and a second stable state to control the electrical circuit, a fixed permanent magnet (10, 10?), a moving permanent magnet (11, 11?) that can be actuated between a first position, in which it forms, with the fixed permanent magnet (10, 10?), a substantially uniform permanent magnetic field (B0) holding the moving element in the first state or the second state, and a second position in which it is able to control the switchover of the moving element from one state to the other, an excitation coil (4) able to create a temporary magnetic field (Bb) able to cause the moving element to switch over from one state to the other when the moving permanent magnet (11, 11?) is in the first position.

Abstract: A magnetically operated electrical switch is presented. The electrical switch includes a linear magnet assembly contained within a housing and movable along an axis of the housing, a rod attached to an end of the linear magnet facing an open end, and means for attaching the housing to a surface. An electrical switch assembly attachable to the open end includes a make/break switch, a switch plunger and an operating lever engaging the plunger where the make/break switch is placed in the first position when an end of the operating lever is contacted by the rod. An electrical wire connection harness includes at least two conductors where the make/break switch closes/opens a connection between one of the conductors. When an operating magnet assembly is positioned on the surface proximate to the switch, the operating magnet moves the linear magnet and a position of the make/break switch is changed.

Abstract: A movable contact positioned in a sealed case is moved together with a movable contact spring provided with an armature by a magnetic shunt body which is moved outside the sealed case. The movement of the movable contact (movement of the movable contact spring) due to the movement of the magnetic shunt body is based on the change of the magnetically attracting force of a magnet with respect to the armature through a pair of yokes. The movable contact spring is provided with a bent portion which is bent in spaced-apart relation to the armature, the bent portion being provided between a fulcrum portion at a time when the movable contact spring moves and a portion where the armature is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for position detection having a magnet and a sensing element which has switched states or parameter values depending on the magnetic field generated by the magnet, with the apparatus furthermore having a means for influencing the magnetic field, with the means being made and arranged such that different switched states or parameter values of the sensing element can be generated in dependence on the position of the magnet, the sensing element and the means for influencing the magnetic field with respect to one another.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated apparatus, which enlarges, extends and makes continuous magnetic fields used by magnetically controlled devices, such as a magnetic reed switch for use in physical security monitoring systems is shown. Apparatus includes a sensor and a magnetic actuator for use with a movable closure member. The sensor is mounted into to a fixed support member that is arranged for displacement relative to a second movable support member. The sensor has a pair of contacts that are connectable to an electronic circuit. The contacts form a switch that is actuated by the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator comprises a unique elongated magnet with specific polarity or a plurality of aligned, alike permanent magnets that are mountable to the second support member.

Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamic sealing device for a middle- or high-voltage power switch equipment, comprising: a housing (9), a cover (10) fitted with the housing (9), a main shaft (1) mounted within the housing (9) and coupling an acting mechanism inside an aeration compartment and an operating mechanism outside the aeration compartment, two bearings (3) for mounting the main shaft (1), and at least one permanent magnet (8) and at least two poles (5) being fitted to an inner hole of the housing (9) and having gaps between them and the main shaft (1), wherein, the two poles (5) are located on both sides of the permanent magnet (8) respectively and have a plurality of pole teeth, and magnetic fluid (7) is provided between the pole teeth of the poles (5) and the main shaft (1).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to easily start to operate a body-insertable apparatus which is introduced into a subject and executes a predetermined function. In a capsule endoscope 3 of the invention, a magnetic switch 14 is arranged in a tubular capsule casing 16 of the capsule endoscope 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis t direction of the capsule casing 16. A movable electrode of the magnetic switch 14 is brought into contact with a fixed electrode of the magnetic switch by a magnetic induction action by a magnetic field generated by a magnet 6, which is applied to the magnetic switch 14 from the outside of the capsule endoscope 3 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis t direction of the capsule casing 16. As a result, electric power can be supplied from a power source unit to a function executing unit.

Abstract: A signaling device for a safety circuit has an input part for receiving an external state variable, at least one switching element and a control part. The control part controls the at least one switching element as a function of the external state variable, such that a signal applied to the input is communicated to the output. According to one aspect of the invention, the input of the switching element is internally connected to a fixed potential, preferably a fixed High potential. In a safety circuit for turning off a hazardous installation, such signaling devices are connected in series with one another to a safety controller. In such an arrangement, the control part of the downstream second signaling device also controls its switching elements as a function of the output of the first signaling device.

Abstract: Tamper-resistant alarm switch assemblies (22, 100, 124, 148) are provided which include a first movement-sensing switch (24) and a second tamper-sensing switch assembly (25) including a switchable component (26) and an actuating component (74, 136, 166), mounted on a member (30) and each being switchable between respective first and second movement-sensing and tamper-sensing switch states in response to relative movement between first and second members (30, 32), and relative shifting between the switch (26) and actuating component (74, 136, 166).