Abstract: A remote manual shift control device having a manually operable range selector lever for controlling the operation of solenoids, relays and the like of an electrically controlled transmission, in which the selector lever is mechanically coupled to shift a code slide member to positions corresponding to the range positions, and wherein it coacts with switching components to generate binary coded output signals corresponding to the respective range positions as determined by the shift lever. The control device embodies a unitized sealed electronic module containing an IC Decoder Unit for the binary signals with inhibit and latch control terminals; and a connected Logic and Buffers Unit for determining the proper driving connections with the transmission control devices at the transmission.

Abstract: An encoding apparatus provides range or other data as determined by the setting of a control or selection knob therefor. The encoding apparatus is intended for use with an instrument providing an output voltage representative of data within a range, and providing output signals indicative of the setting for the range control or selection switch of the instrument. The encoding device is adapted to fit externally of the instrument chassis and is mounted between the range selecting knob and the chassis. The encoding apparatus is non-invasive, requiring no connection to or modification of the internal components of the measuring instrument.

Abstract: Automatic high insulation switch with low consumption level and small overall dimensions. The switch is associated with an apparatus for measuring very low currents (10.sup.-7 to 10.sup.-14 amperes) comprising an amplifier controlled by an input field effect transistor. The invention aims to switch on the amplifier's very high value resistors with the aid of magnetically controlled, flexible reed interrupters or switches, actuated by a permanent magnet, which is itself controlled by a conventional servomechanism having a motor and a potentiometer controlled by a microprocessor. Other interrupters ensure the protection of the transistor. The invention is more particularly used for measuring currents supplied by ionization chambers.

Abstract: The passageway selective detector mechanism and system of this invention comprises a mat positionable within a passageway, such as a doorway, gateway, or the like. Imbedded within the mat are magnetically operable electric switches which are electrically connectable to an alarm or signal member and to a source of electrical energy. Thus, when any of the switches is operated, the alarm or signal member is energized. The mechanism and system includes magnetic elements associated with selective personnel for operation of at least one of the electric switches as the selective personnel travels over the mat. The magnetic element may comprise an inner sole within the shoe of the selective personnel to actuate an electric switch, which actuates the alarm or signal member as the selective personnel steps upon the mat.

Abstract: In order to provide a reliable position indicator for a gear control, particularly for automatic transmission motor vehicles, use is made of reed switches (2). These may be mounted in a sealed housing and operable by a magnet (1) from outside the housing. The magnet (1) is movable by and with the gear control. The reed switches (2) may be mounted on a printed circuit board (3) and flux concentrators (4) are preferably provided between adjacent reed switches (2) to shield them until the magnet (1) is closely adjacent.

Abstract: A gear shift position sensing arrangement for a gear selector unit that selects the transmission gears indirectly. Magnetic sensors are arranged in the gear selector unit housing so as to be activated when a permanent magnet associated with the gear shift lever is brought into magnetic proximity therewith.

Abstract: A manually actuatable direction controller includes a planar base supporting a number of magnetic reed switches, one of each direction in which control is to be exercised. The reed switches are arrayed about the plane of the base in a symmetrical pattern, with each one positioned in the direction over which it exercises control. A number of permanent magnets are arrayed in one-to-one relationship with the reed switches, with the magnets lying in a plane spaced from and parallel to the switch plane. A sheet of magnetically conductive material is supported for movement in the base between the plane of the switches and the plane of the magnets. An elongated handle has one end connected to the center of the sheet and projects normally from the base. The magnetic field imposed by each permanent magnet on its associated reed switch maintains that switch in a first state.

Abstract: An animal identification and feeding apparatus having a plurality of tags, one suspended from each animal, each tag having a plurality of pockets into which either permanent magnets or non-magnetic filler strips are press fit to form a code. The code is detected by a plurality of spaced reed switches having field modifying magnets interposed between the reed switches. The tag magnets and the field modifying magnets are polarized along an axis of magnetization which is perpendicular to their interfacing surfaces and they are aligned with repelling poles facing each other.

Abstract: The device senses the level of a float which may rest on the surface of the liquid whose level is to be determined or may rest on the surface of liquid (e.g., mercury) of a manometer which measures the level of liquid in accordance with the purge bubble principle. The fluctuation of the float turns a pulley which causes oscillatory movement of an arm carrying a magnet. In proximity to the path of the magnet is a board carrying radially disposed, angularly spaced reed switches. As the magnet passes each switch it closes same and passes a signal to a digital accumulator. A slip clutch between the arm and a second arm causes the latter to oscillate in the same direction as the first arm, but only for a limited distance. The second arm also carries a magnet which changes the direction of a second reed switch and dampens hunting of the first series of switches by preventing activation of the accumulator except when the second reed switch is closed.

Abstract: A telephone number index and switch device has a series of magnetic switches which are located in fixed positions with corresponding surfaces disposed along a preestablished path of movement of a card finder associated with cards having names and telephone numbers. A magnetic actuator is carried by the card finder but is not in physical contact with the magnetic switches for successively actuating the magnetic switches. A second switch separate and independent from the magnetic switches is used to complete the automatic dialing once a number is selected from the index and a magnetic switch has been actuated.

Abstract: A keyboard for electric or electronic devices including a layered composite plate formed with holes through which extend the stems of keys each adapted for controlling one or several electric contacts. The contacts are closed when the corresponding key is in one of its working and rest positions and is open when the key is in its other position. The plate provides for returning the keys by magnetic attraction in cooperation with elements such as soft iron plates or washers rigidly connected to the lower ends of the key stems. The elements are disposed under the plate and are normally maintained in contact with the latter by magnetic attraction thereby determining the rest positions of the keys. The contacts which are controlled by the keys are at least carried by one of the faces of the composite plate and cooperate with closing or opening operating structure associated with the aforementioned keys.

Abstract: A changeover switch comprising first and second substrates assembled in spaced relation to each other, a plurality of reed switches disposed in a circle having predetermined angular intervals on the substrates, a permanent magnet pivotally mounted on a revolving disc so as to lie in the same plane as the first and second substrates for causing the reed switches to switch on and off alternately as it is revolved between the first and second substrates, and a means for intermittently rotating the permanent magnet at an angle of every 90.degree. around its pivotal axis.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus has a reciprocally movable member for scanning an original document, a device for forming an image on the basis of the scanned image by the reciprocally movable member, a driver for driving the reciprocally movable member to move the member in a predetermined direction, and a controller for controlling the driving means to drive the reciprocally movable member in the opposite direction near a predetermined position to stop the member at the predetermined position.

Abstract: An electrical switch that can be used in corrosive and explosive environments as well as under water. The switch is constructed of reed switches mounted on a printed circuit board. The printed circuit is connected with a power cable and the entire board and elements are encased in a tough, non-corrosive insulating medium. A control shaft mounting a permanent magnet extends through the casing with the magnet mounted on the outside of the casing adjacent the controlled reed switch.

Abstract: A turn direction detector for detecting the turn of a steering shaft includes a first switch arrangement which is actuated in response to the clockwise rotation of the steering shaft, and a second switch arrangement which is actuated in response to the counterclockwise rotation of the steering shaft.

Abstract: An electrical switching device for use on machinery to prevent machine operation unless safety guards or the like are correctly positioned comprises two separate parts one part including at least two Hall effect devices which respond to magnetic poles of opposite polarity and electronic switching means which is actuated only when all the Hall effect devices are triggered simultaneously, and the other part including a corresponding number of magnets positioned to actuate the respective Hall effect devices when the two switch parts are placed in close proximity and predetermined orientation. The switch is substantially tamper proof and a control circuit can detect any unauthorized attempt to override the switch.

Abstract: A magnetic electrical contact system comprising first and second electrical members connected in two different electrical circuits. One of these members is a power member and the other member a pick-up member. A plurality of closely spaced plungers are mounted at the surface of one member and are movable between a normal inoperative position and an operative position. As the pick-up member is moved over the surface of the power member, plungers engaged by the pick-up member are moved thereby to their operative positions. When a plunger is in its operative position the electrical circuit of one member is connected to that of the other member.

Abstract: An electrical transducer for indicating the position of an element movable n a predictable path, such as angular rotation, has no electrical parts on the movable element. A magnet mounted to the movable element traces a fixed path which lies adjacent to a stationary tubular enclosure containing liquid suspending a mass of ferromagnetic, electrically conductive material, the magnet drawing the mass of particles along within the tube on movement in its fixed path. Electrodes spaced on opposite sides of the tube wall along the length of the tube are electrically coupled by the mass of particles, whereby to indicate the position of the movable element.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine provided with an electrical circuit constituting an ignition or engine-heating circuit. The device includes a first circuit member having an output, a second circuit member having an input, the first and second circuit members being parts of the electrical circuit. A plurality of magnetic switches are disposed in a housing. One or more of the magnetic switches are electrically connected in series between the output of the first circuit member and the input of the second circuit member, all remaining ones of magnetic switches are connected between the input of said second circuit member or the output of the first circuit member and ground of the electrical circuit. One or more magnets are carried on a support in the form of a key which can be inserted into a slot in the housing.

Abstract: A protective encasement for machine tools comprises a fixed part and a movable part composed of profiles assembled to form uprights and cross-pieces, bearing components controlling safety circuits activated by action of the movable part. The fixed part is composed of a single profile with a closed central cell, surrounded by several open cells which can receive windows and fixing and activating means and can be closed, and which contain the safety components and circuits. The movable part comprises a L-shaped profile connected to the fixed part and protecting contacts which cooperate with the components of the fixed part.

Abstract: A device for signalling the pressure in a tire fitted to a wheel of a vehicle, which device comprises a surveying member constituted by a cylinder in which there slides in sealing relationship a piston with a magnetic core in antagonism to a spring, to form a chamber in communication with the tire, the said surveying member being mounted axially on the rotating bearing of the wheel to find itself axially aligned with a sensor member fixed to a fixed part of the vehicle, the said sensor member comprising a couple of magnetic switches normally open and supported in mutual angular position and between which there is arranged a secondary magnet keeping the said switches closed, the magnetic core having a direction of magnetization opposed to the direction of magnetization of the secondary magnet, the proximity of these magnets causing the opening of the magnetic switches, an electric circuit being piloted by the opening of the switches to emit a signal.

Abstract: A magnetic switching device comprising a drive member and a slave member having magnetically attractive surfaces, the two members move angularly with respect to one another so as to bring the magnetic surfaces in and out of contact with one another.

Abstract: A switching element having a container made of insulating material, terminals extending from the inside to outside of the container, a mixture filled and hermetically sealed in the container, the mixture being composed of conductive powder or particles which may be magnetic and of a non-conductive liquid such as contact oil. The conductive powder is primarily suspended in the liquid, and magnetic forces are applied to and removed from the above-mentioned powder or particles by magnets or the like provided outside of the container to perform switching operations.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a unitary magnetically sensitive circuit element or network and a flexibly articulatable elongate assembly of a plurality of such elements or networks, with electrical interconnection of the same, such assembly being inherently suited to precision operation as a function of length, whatever the length selected for a particular application or use. In one application to liquid-depth indication within a tank, the longate assembly is merely inserted into the tube along which a float-borne permanent magnet is guided, and the magnetically sensitive element of each successive unit is actuated as the float tracks liquid level and is displaced from actuating relation with one and then to the next-adjacent one of the circuit-element units. The connection of circuit-element units is such that electrical-resistance observation from one end of the assembly provides a direct indication of the liquid level at which the float magnet is currently operative.

Abstract: A magnetically operated digital switch (10) includes an array of magnetically actuated relays (14-24) mounted adjacent a magnetic shield (26) having an array of holes (28-38) therein corresponding to the location of the relays (14-24). The switch assembly is mounted on a nonmagnetic plate so that the relays can be actuated by a small magnet (58) which is positioned adjacent the holes in the magnetic shield (26). The shield (26) prevents magnetic flux which is applied to one of the relays from being spilled over and inadvertently actuating a nearby relay. An alarm circuit (50) is provided to decode the key number sequence entered into the digital switch (10) for operation of an alarm relay (56) when the proper key number is entered.

Abstract: A magnet and one or more magnetic field responsive switches, preferably Hall effect sensors, are respectively mounted in alignment on opposing edges of a two door refrigerator in one preferred embodiment. Movement out of alignment of either the magnet or switch generates a door ajar signal to activate visual and/or audio alarms. Embodiments employing mono-polar and bipolar Hall effect sensors are shown. A single door embodiment is shown with the magnet held in a fixed position opposite the sensor mounted on the door edge.

Abstract: A photographic copying machine wherein any one of a series of masks, each having a differently dimensioned light-transmitting opening, can be placed onto a locating plate which supports a battery of fixedly mounted or mobile magnetic actuators for discrete electric switching elements. Each mask carries a different array of soft magnets which displace or otherwise influence a group of actuators so that the thus influenced actuators open or close the associated switching elements which adjust the exposure controls and/or another system of the copying machine in dependency on the size and/or shape of the opening in the selected mask. The soft magnets on each mask influence a different group (e.g., a different number) of actuators each of which is an H-shaped permanent magnet.

Abstract: An upright metallic pipe, which extends into the supply of liquid in a vessel adjacent to a conduit for a float with a permanent magnet which rises and falls with the upper level of liquid, contains an elongated flexible body having an impermeable insulating sheath and an insulating web in the sheath. The web carries a row of electric resistors and an adjacent row of electric switches which are connected with a level indicating instrument. The switches are actuated by the magnet to thereby change the number of resistors which are connected with the instrument. The flexible body can be withdrawn from the pipe and converted into a small package consisting of overlapping convolutions. Such conversion involves flexing the web in the regions between neighboring switches. Such regions are traversed by flexible conductors which connect the neighboring switches and/or resistors to each other.

Abstract: A low profile keyswitch for electrical keyboards is disclosed which has the capability of being operated either as a contactless analog type of keyswitch, or as a mechanical contact type of keyswitch. The keyswitch may include a pair of normally-closed contacts that are opened when a separator bar that is integrally formed in the interior of the plunger passes between the contacts as the plunger is depressed. Alternately, a permanent magnet may be carried on one side of the plunger to control the magnetic saturation state of a closed-loop magnetic core which, along with a pair of U-shaped conductive lines that thread through the core, is inserted into a retaining well formed by a pair of walls that project upwardly from a horizontal surface of the base at a location adjacent the side of the plunger that carries the magnet.

Abstract: Apparatus for ascertaining the upper level of oil or another liquid in a shallow or deep tank has a perforated vertical conduit which is installed in and extends to the bottom of the vessel. A vertical pipe is adjacent to the conduit and is sealed from the contents of the tank. The pipe contains electrical components which are connected to an indicating instrument and include a row of spaced-apart electric switches actuatable by a permanent magnet in a float which is movable up and down within the confines of the conduit so that the instrument receives signals denoting the actuated switch or switches and thus enables an attendant to ascertain the liquid level in the tank. The pipe and the conduit consist of several superimposed sections having flanges which are bolted or otherwise separably connected to each other to allow for convenient dismantling of the pipe and conduit and their transfer to storage or to another tank.

Abstract: A control system for a conveyor having a plurality of trolley carriers movable along a path of travel and having at least one latching type reed switch whose open or closed condition is sensed in a reading station through which the trolley carrier moves, to effect some desired control function with respect to the trolley carrier. At another station, such as a writing or reset station upstream of the reading station, the switches are latched in an open or closed condition which accompanies the trolley carrier during movement of the trolley carrier along the path of travel and through the reading station. The writing station has a plurality of permanent or electromagnets conditioning each switch separately and remotely; and a reset station may be provided upstream of the writing station for separately initiating each carrier switch to an inoperable condition.

Abstract: A magnetically-actuated sensing device for use in security monitoring systems. A switch unit having a plurality of electrically interconnected magnetic reed switches disposed in a predetermined physical relationship is provided for controlling electrical circuits. Each reed switch is biased in a magnetically-actuated state by permanent biasing magnet in close proximity thereto, the biasing magnets being arranged in a predetermined combination of polarity orientations. A corresponding number of permanent actuating magnets with polarity orientators opposing those of the biasing magnets are disposed within an actuating unit so that they overcome the effect of the biasing magnets when the switch unit and actuating unit are in a predetermined physical relationship with each other. The polarity of at least one of the biasing magnets opposes the polarity of other biasing magnets of the device, providing a sensing device which cannot be deceived using only a single permanent magnet to simulate the actuating magnets.

Abstract: A control keyboard for electric or electronic machines, with a first plate having a number of apertures, and keys mounted through these apertures; the keys have flanges of magnetic material on their lower portions to prevent the keys from slipping out. A second plate underneath the first plate has contacts cooperating with the key flanges. The first plate has an upper metal plate and a lower magnetic layer. The keys are movable between a first position when flanges are applied to the lower magnetic layer, apart from the contacts, and a second position where the flanges touch the contacts. The lower magnetic layer and the flanges return the keys from the second to the first position by magnetic attraction. An upper grid mounts the keyboard in a casing, with the upper metal plate between the lower magnetic layer and the upper grid. Each key has a body and a cap. A sheet of fluid-tight and resilient material may be clamped between the upper grid and the upper metal plate.

Abstract: A rotary switch comprising a stationary body provided with longitudinal bores in each of which a core of magnetic material is movable, switching means located at one end of said bores, and adapted to be actuated by the said cores and magnetic elements adapted to be brought successively opposite the ends of said bores to either displace or hold the said cores in the said bores for actuating the said switching means.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a pair of spaced apart parallel plates with a plurality of reed switches lying between and perpendicular to these plates. One of the plates has a hole through it, and the reed switches are spaced around this hole at equal distances from each other. A control arm having a permanent magnet attached thereto protrudes through the hole. This magnet is used to close selectable ones of the reed switches by pivoting the arm about the hole to thereby move the magnet in close proximity with the selected switches.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the liquid level in a storage tank which involves placing at least two magnetically operated switches, e.g., magnetic-reed switches, at different levels in the tank and causing a magnet-containing float to move in response to the liquid level to activate these switches. A relay operates upon activation of the higher of these switches to start electrical current flowing to operate a discharge pump, thereby controlling the liquid level in the tank. In a preferred embodiment, a third magnetically operated switch is employed so that when the magnet activates the third switch at least one indication, e.g., sound and/or light alarm, is given that the liquid level is at least at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A magnetically-actuated switch has a stationary mounting base to which a plurality of magnetically-actuated reed-type switches are secured in a layer parallel to the base. A moveable portion of the switch is pivotably mounted to the mounting base, and contains a plurality of magnets positioned to actuate the reed-type switches in any desired sequence. A second layer of magnetically-actuated, reed-type switches is positioned, parallel to the mounting base, below the above-mentioned layer, and additional magnets are added to the moveable portion, to supplement the existing magnets, and increases the magnetic field in certain portions of the moveable portion to effect the lower layer of reed-type switches.

Abstract: A modular electric switch or wall socket comprises a pair of electrodes or screws inserted into a case to which are connected the terminals of electric current of the circuit it is desired to control, and a rockable block which actuates the breaking or connecting of the circuit. The case is a solid insulating box having a recess in its upper face and a slot inside the recess and forming steps with the bottom surface of the recess. On the steps are mounted two plates bent at right angles and placed opposite and facing each other in such a way that the vertical portions of these angular plates which are inserted into the inside of the slot bear firmly against and establish electrical contact with two posts inserted in the corresponding opposite sides of the walls of the case, to which posts the terminals of the electric circuit are connected.

Abstract: A burglar alarm that has a series of switches located close to each other and that are responsive to the application of a magnetic field. One of the switches terminates current flow to a sentinel current device while the others initiate current flow to the sentinel current device. The sentinel current device operates to supply voltage for an alarm circuit when it conducts only. Thus, in order to render the device ineffective, one must know how to apply a magnetic field to the terminating switch only without activating any of the switches that initiate current flow. The switches are all located close together so that special knowledge is required to cut off supply voltage to the alarm circuit.

Abstract: A position sensing system having one or more magnetically operated switches at predetermined spaced locations and a magnet attached to a carrier moving along a path adjacent thereto and as the carrier passes each switch, magnetically latching it in one condition until the carrier returns in the opposite direction and unlatches it. The switches may be unlatched open or latched closed, or any combination, as the carrier travels past the switches in one direction and shifted to the opposite condition when the carrier moves in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A magnetic switch has a substantially closed casing. A conductive plate with an electrical contact is fixedly mounted in the casing. Another conductive plate has an electrical contact mounted thereon and is mounted inside the casing for pivoting or sliding movement. Magnetic members, such as permanent magnets, one on the movable plate and one outside the casing urge the movable plate to a contact engaging position when the outside magnetic member is brought proximate to the casing, and a spring is used to restore the movable plate to its non-engaging position when the outside magnetic member is moved away from the casing.

Abstract: A contactless magnetic switch is provided by utilizing at least one pair of hollow elongated tubular magnetic sensing elements which are each threaded with at least one sense wire and a movable permanent magnet which is positioned adjacent and over the sensing elements. The magnet has two straight edges which in a nominal zero position of the switch extend along the longitudinal axes of the sensing elements, preferably for a distance which is slightly longer than their lengths. The magnet is carried in a revolvable or otherwise movable carrier. If the carrier is revolvable, the magnet may be shaped as part of a circular disc and the two tubes may have their longitudinal axes disposed at an angle relative to each other so that when the permanent magnet is rotated in one direction from the initial zero position, one of the sensing elements will lie completely under the magnet while the other will be removed from the magnet and not affected by it.

Abstract: A magnetic detection device for detecting the position of a movable member which is associated with a piece of magnetic material, the movable member being displaceable in a non-magnetic tube. A detection unit fixed outside the tube and including a permanent magnet with pole pieces directed towards the tube and extended portions extending away from the tube. The extended portions may be either in a plane parallel to or perpendicular to the axis of the tube. A dry reed relay is fixed relative to the pole piece with its ends facing the extended portions remote from the magnet. The extended portions may extend from opposite sides of the tube in which case the extended portions are perpendicular to the axis of the tube and the axis of the reed relay has a normal parallel to the axis of the tube. Alternatively, the reed relay is disposed parallel to the axis of the tube in which case the pole pieces are disposed on the same side of the tube.

Abstract: An array of magnetically-actuatable electrical switches is controlledly operated in response to changes in position of a movable member controlling the magnetic field reaching the switching elements. The movable member may for example comprise a panel, supporting permanent magnets which are moved into switch-closing or switch-opening positions by motion of the panel, or a movable magnetic shielding arrangement used in conjunction with fixed permanent magnets so that the position of the magnetic shield determines whether the switches are open or closed. The preferred arrangement is such that the motion of the movable switch-controlling member can be accomplished mechanically by a manually-operable actuator or electrically by an electrically-controlled solenoid arrangement, at the option of the operator.

Abstract: A magnetically-actuated switch has a stationary mounting base to which a plurality of magnetically-actuated reed-type switches are secured in a layer parallel to the base. A moveable portion of the switch is pivotably mounted to the mounting base, and contains a plurality of magnets positioned to actuate the reed-type switches in any desired sequence. A second layer of magnetically-actuated, reed-type switches may be positioned, parallel to the mounting base, below the above-mentioned layer, and additional magnets may be added to the moveable portion, to supplement the existing magnets, and increases the magnetic field in certain portions of the moveable portion to effect the lower layer of reed-type switches.

Abstract: The position of a control rod located within a nuclear reactor is sensed by a position indicating system utilizing low hysteresis reed switch assemblies. Each reed switch assembly includes a reed switch having an alternating magnetic flux field applied thereto through a coil surrounding the reed switch and energized by an alternating current power source. The amplitude of the alternating magnetic flux field is adjusted to be between a first flux level required to close the reed switch and a second flux level required to open the reed switch. The level of the alternating magnetic flux field is preset to be below the second flux level to maintain the switch in the open position until an external flux field is introduced to raise the total flux level above the first flux level to actuate the reed switch to close. The interaction of the alternating and external flux fields negates the hysteresis band of ordinary reed switches and provides a more sensitive and accurate position indicating circuit.

Abstract: A first set of conductors (e.g. 25 of them) leading for example to a communications modem, is connected by way of a corresponding set of normally-closed switches to corresponding conductors of a second set, leading for example to local equipment such as a computer. At least one of the above sets of conductors is also connected to connector means into which a multi-wire (e.g. 24 wire) patching cable may be plugged. The plugging-in of the patching cable automatically opens the normally-closed switches to isolate the first and second sets of conductors from each other, as is usually desired for patching purposes. Preferably the switches are magnetically-operable reed switches, switched between their open and closed states by magnet means controlled by the plugging-in of the patching cable.

Abstract: A manually operable shift control mechanism operatively connected with a transmission through an electro-hydraulic control circuit for selectively establishing one of a plurality of speed ratios in the transmission, the control mechanism including a pivoted lever angularly movable between successively arranged positions for establishing one of the speed ratios in the transmission, and a detent device coacting with detent cut-outs on a control plate for releasably maintaining the lever in each of the transmission settings and affording a distinct "feel" to the operator for each transmission setting, as well as an electric circuit board on the control plate operatively interconnected with the transmission control circuit, with the circuit board being provided with a plurality of spaced electric proximity switches that are activated by a magnet means carried by a pivot arm member movable with the lever.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch is described in which a pair of contact cartridges containing magnetically operated sealed switches are mounted to an actuator section. The linear motion of the pushbutton is converted to rotary motion by a cam structure mounted in each cartridge and a magnet mounted therein between two switches is thus rotated about a switch axis. By properly polarizing the magnet and by using a magnetic shield, the switches are made to operate as the magnet is rotated to provide a number of possible modes of operation.

Abstract: The position of a control rod located within a nuclear reactor is sensed by an externally located position indicating assembly. The assembly includes a reed switch voltage divider circuit in which the individual reed switches are actuated in a 2-3-2-3 sequence by the magnetic field of a permanent magnet mounted to the control rod. The assembly averages the signals from the actuated reed switches and after amplifying the averaged signal transmits it to an indicator which provides an indication of control rod position. The voltage divider circuit may have a pair of parallel connected voltage dividers with individual sets of reed switches respectively connected thereto to provide a redundant circuit which will operate with one of the voltage dividers selectively disconnected.