Abstract: A magnetically coupled switch that utilizes a flex armature has a user manipulated holder that carries at least one magnetic coupler made of magnetic material. The flex armature is a substantially flat piece of flexible magnetic material that is magnetically attracted to the at least one magnetic coupler. A carrier layer having electrical conductors formed thereon is intermediate the flex armature and magnetic coupler such that the electrical conductors are electrically connected by the flex armature where the flex armature is magnetically attracted to the magnetic coupler. In the absence of a magnetic coupler, the flex armature is normally spaced from the electrical conductors on the carrier layer. Preferably, there is a bottom cover that encloses a cavity that contains the flex armature, and the bottom cover includes at least one shock dimple that secures at least part of the flex armature to the carrier layer.

Abstract: An electrical switch, such as a two-position rocker or a momentary rocker switch, has an electrically conductive armature made of magnetic material that includes at least two faces extending from a common vertex. The armature is mounted to pivot about its common vertex to bring at least one of the armature faces into and out of electrical shorting relationship with electrical conductors of the switch that, preferably, are formed directly on a nonconductive sheet magnet coupler layer. The sheet magnet coupler layer magnetically attracts and holds the rocker armature in a switch position until a user applied actuating force is applied to a face of the armature such that the armature pivots to another switch position and, preferably, the switch is provided with an armature illumination system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of converting fluorescent luminaires, or luminaries, into LED luminaires. The most preferred method retrofits a commercial fluorescent light fixture, especially one that uses T12 lamps or T8 lamps, without requiring removal of the fixture housing. The fluorescent luminaire is stripped of its lamps, wireway cover, ballast(s) and tombstones. A novel LED retro-reflector is mounted within the fixture housing to conceal an LED power supply and to provide an ideal surface for mounting LED (Light Emitting Diode) light strips. Any existing diffuser or louver that was part of the fluorescent luminaire may be replaced after the LED retrofit has been completed.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled pushbutton plunger switch is discrete and may be used with a keyboard. A post attached to magnetic armature is normally magnetically held in coupled engagement with a magnetic coupler attached to a base. The post passes through the lumen of a sleeve attached to the base such that the post, when moved up and down through the lumen, causes the magnetic armature to move in and out of the coupled engagement with the magnetic coupler. The head of a fastener used to secure the magnetic armature to the post is used in a unique way to actuate a membrane switch assembly held in spaced relation to the base. The fastener head protrudes from the bottom of the magnetic armature so that the fastener head, when the magnetic armature is forced out of coupled engagement with the magnetic coupler, physically contacts the membrane switch assembly to close electrical conductors.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled pushbutton switch having hard electrical conductors is discrete and may be used in place of a dome tact switch. The hard electrical conductors of the magnetically coupled pushbutton switch are uniquely arranged and may be soldered to a circuit board or surface mounted. Additionally, modifications and improvements made to the switch allow it to maintain good tactile response even though the switch may be as compact as a smaller tactile dome switch. A further benefit of the switch is its ability to be normally open, normally closed, or both. This capability stems from the unique arrangement of the hard electrical conductors that, in one preferred embodiment, extend over the top of a magnetically coupled switch armature. All of the hard electrical conductors are arranged within the switch so that the pushbutton armature of the switch is movable into and out of shorting relationship with the electrical conductors to change the circuit logic for a circuit incorporating the switch.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled pushbutton switch has a coupler magnet layer that normally holds an electrically conductive magnetic armature spaced from a substrate layer. An overlay having an overlay electrical conductor formed thereon covers the pushbutton switch. The overlay electrical conductor, which electrically contacts a crown on the armature, is part of a set of electrical conductors that is normally closed. When a user provided actuation force causes the armature to break away from the coupler magnet layer, the set of electrical conductors is opened.

Abstract: An electrical switch, such as an automotive power window up/down switch, has an electrically conductive dual armature that is normally magnetically held in coupled engagement with a sheet magnet. The dual armature, a rectangular piece of metal, has first and second free ends. If a user applied force acts on the first free end of the dual armature, then the first free end breaks away from the sheet magnet and travels into first electrical contacts that are normally spaced from the dual armature, and the second free end functions as a fulcrum for the dual armature. Conversely, if a user applied force acts on the second free end, then the second free end breaks away from the sheet magnet and travels into second electrical contacts that are normally spaced from the dual armature, and the first free end functions as a fulcrum for the dual armature. Preferably, there is a physical barrier that prevents simultaneous actuation of the two switching functions.