Abstract: A switch adapter can include a base having one or more openings, a support coupled to the base, and one or more retainers for coupling a switch to the adapter. The support can have one or more openings between its interior and exterior. The retainer can be adapted to couple to at least one of the base, the support, and a combination thereof. The switch adapter can include one or more switches, such as a replacement switch, and can be adapted for replacing a limit switch with a proximity switch. A proximity switch can be coupled to a switch adapter in one or more positions, and a switch adapter can be adapted to couple with a plurality of different switch mounts. A switch adapter can include a mass compensator for adjusting its center of gravity.

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

Abstract: A switch adapter can include a base having one or more openings, a support coupled to the base, and one or more retainers for coupling a switch to the adapter. The support can have one or more openings between its interior and exterior. The retainer can be adapted to couple to at least one of the base, the support, and a combination thereof. The switch adapter can include one or more switches, such as a replacement switch, and can be adapted for replacing a limit switch with a proximity switch. A proximity switch can be coupled to a switch adapter in one or more positions, and a switch adapter can be adapted to couple with a plurality of different switch mounts. A switch adapter can include a mass compensator for adjusting its center of gravity.

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

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

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