Abstract: A switch device includes a container of the hermetic type, at least one switch contained inside the hermetic container, and actuation devices at least partially contained inside the container and suitable to actively select the switch. The actuation devices have at least one internal ferromagnetic element, moving inside the container so as to influence an actuation button of the switch, and 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 to be actuated and a functioning position in which it presses and acts on the actuation button by contact.

Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for determining a current status of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.

Abstract: A smooth surface of a control device is achieved by positioning the actual control devices within a sealed housing and having the operator touchable knobs proximity connected to the control devices through the surface of the housing. In one embodiment, the proximity connection is a magnetic connection between the handle mechanism detachably positioned on the outside of the housing and traditional slider potentiometers mounted within the housing. In another embodiment, longitudinal proximity sensors within the housing are used to emulate the physical layout of the slider potentiometers and the movement of handle mechanisms outside the housing create the changing proximity under control of the operator. In all embodiments, the outside handle mechanism easily separates from the housing leaving a relatively smooth outer housing surface which can be easily sanitized. The removed handle mechanism allows for easy cleaning and sanitizing as well as for easy substitution.

Abstract: A control element for a motor vehicle including a control button, a bearing location for the control button located in a housing of the control element, an extension firmly connected with the control button, a first permanent magnet attached to the extension, and a second permanent magnet attached in the housing, where the permanent magnets form a permanent magnet pair, and unlike poles of the magnets face each other at a distance in a mid-position of the control button, wherein a magnetically conductive material is attached at least in some areas and circumferentially to the permanent magnet pair.

Abstract: A weatherproof switch for use with an information/instrument cluster including a button having a body located adjacent to the information/instrument cluster, the body having a first end and a second end; a magnet substantially disposed within the second end of the body; a sensor located a distance from the magnet to produce a magnetic field of a first strength; and a circuit connecting the sensor to a function of the information/instrument cluster for controlling the function when the first end of the button is operated to increase and decrease the distance between the magnet and the sensor such as to produce magnetic field of a second strength.

Abstract: A micro-machined magnetic relay has a moveable cantilever comprising a soft magnetic material and having a first end and a second end. The cantilever has a rotational axis which is a flexure supported by a substrate. The cantilever has a first state and a second state. A first permanent magnet is disposed near the first end of the cantilever to force the cantilever in the first state. A second movable magnet causes changes of magnetic forces and torques on the cantilever. Therefore, the direction of a sum of torque on the cantilever is reversed. As a result, the cantilever flips from the first state to the second state. The relay can be used as a proximity sensor to detect the motion of an object associated with the second movable magnet.

Abstract: A magnetic target is provided for use with a magnetic proximity switch. The magnetic target includes a cylindrical body tube having an open end that partially defines a bore. A stationary magnet is located within the bore opposite the open end, and a movable magnet is disposed within the bore between the stationary magnet and the open end. An adjusting member is received into the bore, and a contact surface of the adjusting member engages the movable magnet. When the adjusting member is axially displaced, the contact surface causes a corresponding displacement of the movable magnet relative to the stationary magnet, eventually causing the magnetic flux field of each magnet to expand in a radial direction away from the longitudinal axis of each magnet. The stationary magnet and the movable magnet may be either axially-magnetized samarium-cobalt magnets or axially-magnetized neodymium magnets.

Abstract: A relay is disclosed that includes a first opening and closing part including an openable and closable first gap; a second opening and closing part including an openable and closable second gap, the second opening and closing part being placed side by side with the first opening and closing part so that the first gap and the second gap are arranged side by side; a magnetization driving part configured to cause the first opening and closing part and the second opening and closing part to simultaneously operate; and a permanent magnet configured to apply a magnetic field on the first gap of the first opening and closing part and the second gap of the second opening and closing part in the same direction.

Abstract: A sealed magnetically controlled electric switch assembly comprising an electric switch having an on/off operating means, an active magnet means, a follower magnet means, and a sealable insulating housing. The electric switch and the follower magnet means both are sealed in the housing in such a way that the on/off operating means of the switch is coupled with the follower magnet means for motion therewith. The active magnet means is disposed outside the housing in such a way that a resulting magnetic force is formed between the active magnet means and the follower magnet means to switch the on/off operating means of said switch back and forth between the on and off positions.

Abstract: A multilevel correlated magnetic system and method for using the same are described herein. A wide-range of devices including a retractable magnet assembly, a disengagement/engagement tool, a click on-click off device are described herein that may incorporate or interact with one or more of the multilevel correlated magnetic systems.

Abstract: An embodiment is a magnetic switch assembly generally comprising a switch base coupled to a switch housing. The switch base and switch housing may be coupled to, for example, a door frame or other substantially fixed location. Adjacent the switch base and switch housing may be an actuating magnet base including a plurality of actuating magnets. The proximity to or distance from the actuating magnets in the actuating magnet base may actuate magnets within the switch housing to open and/or close a circuit and/or otherwise generate a signal that may be communicated by an interface cable to, for example, a security system. The magnetic switch assembly of an embodiment may include one or more features that impede and/or substantially prevent tampering to defeat the magnetic switch assembly.

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: A switching device (1) with a pole element (2) which exhibits a plurality of magnets (10) arranged one next to the other with alternating polarity, a first switching element (4), wherein the pole element (2) is situated next to the first switching element (4) and is movable relative to the first switching element (4), and wherein the first switching element (4) exhibits magnetisable area segments (16). According to the invention the switching device (1) exhibits magnetisable force coupling elements (8), which, in dependence on a relative motion between the pole element (2) and the first switching element (4), are arranged in such a way as to be movable with respect to the switching element.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Security devices and methods of securely coupling electronic devices and peripherals are provided. In one embodiment, a peripheral has a first coded magnet on a first surface of a first device. The first coded magnet has at least two different polarity regions on the first surface. A second coded magnet on a second surface of a second device is also provided. The first coded magnet is configured to securely provide data to a device associated with the second coded magnet, if the first and second coded magnets' patterns are keyed to one another.

Abstract: A magnetically-triggered proximity switch includes a cylindrical switch body and a first magnet non-movably secured within the switch body. The proximity switch also includes a pivoting cross arm. A second magnet may be movably disposed within the switch body, and the second magnet may be rigidly connected to the cross arm. When a magnetic target is not located within a specified range of the second magnet, the first magnet attracts the second magnet, thereby pivoting the cross arm into a first switch position and closing a first circuit. However, when the magnetic target is located within the specified range, the magnetic attraction between the target and the second magnet is greater than between the second magnet and the first magnet. The second magnet is displaced towards the target away from the first magnet, thereby pivoting the cross arm into a second switch position.

Abstract: A switch includes magnets that provide both mechanical actuation of the switch as well as electrical operation of the switch. A system controller detects a state of the switch and controls operation of one or more systems in a structure based on the state of the switch. The system controller can detect the state of the switch by detecting a position of a magnet of the switch.

Abstract: An input key structure for an electronic device includes a first magnetic body, a circuit board and a second magnetic body. The circuit board has a switch. The second magnetic body rotates relative to the first magnetic body to selectively locate between an initial position parallel with the second magnetic body and a target position contacted with the switch. The second magnetic body is structured to cooperate with the first magnetic body to generate a magnetic attractive force to automatically adjust the second magnetic body to the initial position when the second magnetic body is rotated away from its initial position to the target position.

Abstract: A quadrupole magnetic coded switch includes a switch housing, an actuator, one or more switch dipole magnets, and a plurality of magnetically operated switch circuits. The actuator housing is movable relative to the switch housing. The plurality of actuator dipole magnets are coupled to the actuator housing and are movable therewith. The one or more switch dipole magnets are coupled to the switch housing. The one or more switch dipole magnets and the plurality of actuator dipole magnets are arranged to generate a quadrupole magnetic field. Each magnetically operated switch circuit is disposed within the switch housing and is configured to transition between a plurality of switch positions in response to relative movement of the actuator housing and the switch housing.

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: Portable lighting systems and devices including a first power source that is magnetically attractable and that has a first terminal with a first electrical polarity and a second terminal with a second electrical polarity, a second power source having a third terminal with the first electrical polarity and a fourth terminal with the second electrical polarity, a light source electrically connected to the first terminal and to the fourth terminal, and a biasing mechanism biasing the first power source toward an activated position where the second terminal is in contact with the fourth terminal to define an electrical circuit, wherein in the presence of a magnetic field the first power source moves into a deactivated position where the second terminal is spaced from the fourth terminal to open the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A central magnet of a plurality of magnets arranged to be different in polarities is detected by two hall ICs; therefore, reduction in size can be achieved by reducing the number of the magnets; and at the same time, the number of the hall ICs can be maintained and the reliability can be secured, as compared with a configuration in which the magnets and the hall ICs individually respond in one to one correspondence.

Abstract: A disconnect switch includes a case having a movable contact, a stationary contact and a plurality of magnets. The movable contact is adapted to move from a first closed position where it is in physical contact with the stationary contact to a second open position. The magnets are located at predefined locations and in predefined orientations about the axis of movement of the movable contact, whereby upon the movement of the movable contact from the first position to the second open position, a current arc created by the movable contact is extinguished.

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: The invention provides an input apparatus An input apparatus according to the present invention includes: an operating member, operable to move in at least X and ?X directions from a neutral position; first and second magnets, being arranged with spacing along an X and ?X direction and having opposite magnetic polarities to each other, wherein when the operating member moves in either one of the two directions, the first and second magnets moves in the same direction as the operating member; and a first magnetic sensor, provided at a position displaced from a middle point between the two magnets when the operating member is located in the neutral position, the position being equidistant from the two magnets. When the operating member moves in one of the two directions, the first magnetic sensor outputs a signal in accordance with the magnetic polarity of one of the first and second magnets.

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 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: 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 non-defeatable magnetically actuatable switch device is shown and described for restricting access to industrial controls. The non-contact switch device employs one or more non-contact access switches, and an access key removably disposed in close proximity to each access switch. Removal or installation of an access key alters the electrical state of a corresponding access switch. A connected control unit determines a mode of operation, or grants permissions, based on the combination of access keys that are present or absent from the device. A lockable or sealable cover is provided over the access keys to limit unauthorized access. A tamper detection switch is also provided for the sole purpose of identifying foreign magnetic sources in the vicinity of the access switches to ensure that the device is non-defeatable.

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).

Abstract: An operating element is provided, in particular a joystick, with tilt haptics for a motor vehicle, having a tiltably supported lever with one primary lever arm and at least one secondary lever arm, as well as at least one pair of permanent magnets, wherein one magnet of a permanent magnet pair is located on a secondary lever arm and one magnet is located in a fixed position in the operating element in such a manner that unlike poles of the magnets are located opposite and a distance apart from one another when the operating element is in its center position.

Abstract: A sealed magnetically controlled electric switch assembly comprising an electric switch having an on/off operating means, an active magnet means, a follower magnet means, and a sealable insulating housing. The electric switch and the follower magnet means both are sealed in the housing in such a way that the on/off operating means of the switch is coupled with the follower magnet means for motion therewith. The active magnet means is disposed outside the housing in such a way that a resulting magnetic force is formed between the active magnet means and the follower magnet means to switch the on/off operating means of said switch back and forth between the on and off positions.

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 which is positioned inside a sealing case is moved by a magnetic shunt body which moves outside the sealing case. The movement of the movable contact by the movement of the magnetic shunt body is caused by a change of magnetic force of a magnet through a pair of yokes. The magnetic shunt body is assembled to a moving member, and elastically moves around the moving member resisting a first spring.

Abstract: Electrical switching device, especially a high-frequency switching device, with at least one oblong electrical switching element, which is arranged with one contact end between two fixed-contact elements spaced a transverse distance from one another and can be moved by two adjustment elements forming a transverse movement drive transversely to a longitudinal direction optionally towards the one or the other fixed-contact element. The adjustment elements are disposed laterally alongside the switching element and can be moved transversely to and from the switching element. In order to improve the transverse movement drive for the switching element, the switching element-comprises magnetic material, wherein the adjustment elements are formed by magnets.

Abstract: A wireless switch comprises a mechanical oscillator, a mechanical impulse deliverer, a first array of magnets positioned on a planar surface, a first conductor, and a power management circuit. The mechanical impulse deliverer delivers a mechanical impulse to the mechanical oscillator when the wireless switch is switched. The first array comprises a one dimensional or two dimensional array of magnets. The first conductor comprises a first serpentine conductor. The power management circuit provides DC power as a result of relative motion due to the mechanical oscillator between the first array of magnets and the first conductor.

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: First rotator (25) and second rotator (29) rotating according to a rocking operation of outer lever (23) are provided. Magnetism of magnets (26) and (30) mounted on these rotators are detected by magnetic detecting elements (32) and (33) and output as a detected signal. Control portion (34) detects a rotation angle of each rotator from this detected signal and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the detected rotation angle.

Abstract: An inputting device, used for electronic devices, for example, is disclosed. The inputting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a case, which has a through-hole, a center key, which is exposed externally through the through-hole and is movable to any directions on a plane, an operating member, which is fixed to the case and supports the center key and returns the center key by elastic force to a center of the through-hole if the center key is moved from the center of the through-hole, a magnet, which moves with the center key on a plane, and a sensing element, which senses a movement of the magnet. With the input method of the present invention, not only is the operation easier, but also the entire thickness of a device can be reduced.

Abstract: An electrical device has a battery, a load, wiring connecting the battery to the load, and a switch in the wiring closable by a magnetic field to energize the load from the battery. It is enclosed in a package or support having an envelope surrounding the electrical device, a magnet shiftable on the envelope between an on position juxtaposed with and actuating the switch and an off position spaced from and not actuating the switch, and a spring urging the magnet into the off position.

Abstract: A computer includes a housing whereon an opening is formed, and a containing space is formed inside the housing. The computer further includes a rotary module installed inside the containing space in a rotatable manner, a first magnetic component connected to an end of the rotary module, a second magnetic component disposed on a side of the first magnetic component for attracting or repulsing the first magnetic component so as to switch the rotary module in a first position or in a second position, and a switch for converting magnetic field of the second magnetic component so that the second magnetic attracts or repulses the first magnetic component.

Abstract: The magnetic switch assembly of an embodiment generally comprises a switch housing coupled to and/or adjacent to a magnet housing. The switch housing may be coupled to, for example, a door frame, a window frame, or other substantially fixed location. The magnet housing including at least one magnet may be coupled to, for example, a door or other substantially mobile location adjacent to the switch housing. The proximity to or distance from the magnets in the magnet housing may actuate one or more reed switches within the switch housing to open and/or close a circuit and/or otherwise generate a signal that may be communicated to, for example, a security system to detect whether the door is open or closed.

Abstract: An embodiment is a magnetic switch assembly generally comprising a switch base coupled to a switch housing. The switch base and switch housing may be coupled to, for example, a door frame or other substantially fixed location. Adjacent the switch base and switch housing may be an actuating magnet base including a plurality of actuating magnets. The proximity to or distance from the actuating magnets in the actuating magnet base may actuate magnets within the switch housing to open and/or close a circuit and/or otherwise generate a signal that may be communicated by an interface cable to, for example, a security system. The magnetic switch assembly of an embodiment may include one or more features that impede and/or substantially prevent tampering to defeat the magnetic switch assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotatable indexing unit for a manual control member (2), comprising two indexing components (31, 32) one of which is the rotor (32) rotatably secured to said control member and the other is the stator (31) which is embodied in such a way that it is fixedly maintained with respect to the rotor. The rotor and the stator are mounted coaxially and comprise a plurality of angular segments (317, 318, 327, 328) at least some of which are magnetised in such a way that they define stable and unstable positions for said control member, and the rotor and the stator have a conical or tapering shape which makes it possible to reduce the required radial space and increase the so-called active surfaces of interaction between the magnets.

Abstract: A tiller head with a switch arrangement for operating a lifting mechanism of a forklift includes an operating element mounted on the tiller head, where the operating element has an actuator, and a magnetic field sensor operatively connected with the actuator without contact so that the magnetic field sensor's electrical characteristic varies when the operating element is actuated. The actuator includes magnetic field sources arranged on both sides of the magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field sensor and the magnetic field sources being arranged so that magnetic field lines generated by the magnetic field sources pass through the magnetic field sensor. The operating element comprises a rocker switch that pivots about an axis on the tiller head, the rocker switch having a recess which extends transversely to an operating direction defined by the axis and into which the magnetic sensor extends.