Abstract: A vibration sensor (10) that more effectively distinguishes between various causes of vibrations is disclosed. The vibration sensor includes a housing (18), a plurality of spaced contacts (22-34) positioned above the floor (44) of the housing, a central electrode (36) positioned within the housing, and an electrically-conductive ball (38) configured for movement within the housing. The contacts are interconnected by a plurality of electrically-conductive elements (50-62) such as resistors and are configured for connecting to a first terminal (12) of an alarm system (16). The central electrode is spaced from the contacts and is configured for connecting to a second terminal (14) of the alarm system. The ball is configured for simultaneously contacting at least one of the contacts and the central electrode so that it provides an electrical path between the first and second terminals to allow the transfer of an electrical signal therebetween.

Abstract: A magnetic switch apparatus (10) detects relative movement between first (12) and second (14) members and defeats attempted external magnetic manipulation of the apparatus. A rod-shaped, first switch element (20) is positioned transverse to and centrally aligned with a convex, second switch element (22) and spaced therefrom. A ring-shaped first magnet (26) is positioned about the first switch element (20) and spaced from the second element (22) in order to pull a ferromagnetic body (24) into a switch-open position out of contact with the second switch element (22) with these components mounted to the first member (12). A second magnet (18) mounted to the second member (14) is positioned and magnetically sufficient to pull the body (24) into a switch-closed position in contact with both of the switch elements (20, 22) when the members (12, 14) are in an adjacent position.

Abstract: A magnetic switch assembly (10) for electrically coupling with an electrical circuit of an alarm system detecting relative movement between first and second adjacent members and for defeating attempted magnetic manipulation of the switch assembly (10) is disclosed. The switch assembly (10) includes a ball switch (20) for sensing the presence of an intruder's magnet (28) in the vicinity of the switch assembly (10) and for changing the state of the electrical circuit in response thereto. The switch assembly (10) also includes a reed switch (22) electrically coupled with the ball switch (20) for detecting relative movement between the first and second adjacent members and for changing the state of the electrical circuit in response thereto independently of the ball switch (20).

Abstract: A magnetic switch assembly (10) is provided for detecting relative movement between first and second adjacent members (14, 18), and to defeat attempted magnetic manipulation of the assembly (10). The assembly (10) includes a pair of adjacent, superposed, upper and lower switch elements (22, 24) adapted for mounting on the first member (14), with the lower switch element (24) presenting a sloped surface (26). A shiftable, ferromagnetic ball (34) is disposed between the elements (22, 24) and movable along surface (26) between spaced upper and lower switch operating positions. A magnet (36) adapted for mounting on the second member (18) is also provided, and is oriented for normally retaining the ball (34) in the upper position thereof; however, upon movement of the member (18), the ball (34) is permitted to shift downwardly along the sloped surface (26) to the lower switch operating position thereof.

Abstract: A magnetic switch assembly (10) is provided for detecting relative movement between first and second adjacent members (14, 18), and to defeat attempted magnetic manipulation of the assembly (10). The assembly (10) includes a pair of adjacent, superposed, upper and lower switch elements (22, 24) adapted for mounting on the first member (14), with the lower switch element (24) presenting a sloped surface (26). A shiftable, ferromagnetic ball (34) is disposed between the elements (22, 24) and movable along surface (26) between spaced upper and lower switch operating positions. A magnet (36) adapted for mounting on the second member (18) is also provided, and is oriented for normally retaining the ball (34) in the upper position thereof; however, upon movement of the member (18), the ball (34) is permitted to shift downwardly along the sloped surface (26) to the lower switch operating position thereof.