Abstract: A magnetically actuated reed switch assembly in which a small permanent helper magnet is attached to a magnetic lead of the reed switch at an end of the reed switch envelope. The lead then may be bent around parallel with a magnetic reed of an encapsulated reed switch. The permanent helper magnet provides an axis of magnetic polarity parallel with the axis of the reed switch, and is magnetized to a level of magnetism which supplies slightly less than enough magnetic flux density to hold the reed switch in a magnetically actuated condition, so that only a small amount of additional flux density needs to be provided. By selecting reed switches within close tolerances and using helper magnets of selected size and strength within close tolerances, satisfactory assemblies may be produced without adjustment of helper magnet position to actuate the switch.

Abstract: A connector assembly for effecting mechanical and electrical connection between a portion of a security alarm or similar circuit mounted on a swinging door or window and a portion of such a circuit located on fixed structure adjacent the door or window, including a resilient electrical cable mechanically connecting a pair of terminal housings which protectively cover the cable and terminals at the ends of the cable when the housings are located adjacent one another with the door closed. The housings may also enclose an electrical sensor, such as a magnetically actuated switch and an actuating magnet, electrically connected with the terminals, for connection with a security alarm circuit.

Abstract: A connecting and sensing device and a method for its use in a system for electrically monitoring physical security, including a magnetically operated switch, such as an encapsulated magnetic reed switch, and a quantity of ferromagnetic material located in a fixed position relative to the magnetically operated switch. The switch is connected electrically to an alarm system control circuit and is physically restrained by a flexible cable or the like. An actuating magnet may be attached either to an object whose unauthorized removal is to be detected, or to a fixed object. The actuating magnet is held within a holder including a cavity which permits the magnetically actuated switch and ferromagnetic material to be placed in a predetermined location wherein a magnetic field of a desired polarity and strength produces a desired condition in the magnetically operated switch.

Abstract: A housing for a magnetic reed switch or other electrical component is housed in a compact cylindrical housing. A screw type terminal strip having recessed openings for the insertion of wires is mated to the cylindrical housing by an adapter having snap lugs for engaging flange portions in the recessed openings on one side, and a circular retainer on the other. A tab on the housing cooperates with a slot on the adapter to prevent rotation.

Abstract: A plunger-operated magnetically actuated switch enclosed in a generally cylindrical housing which may be mounted either within a cylindrical cavity or against a flat surface. A magnetic contact reed switch is housed alongside the guide for a plunger which carries a small permanent magnet. Depressing the plunger moves the magnet sufficiently to operate the magnetic reed switch. Optional plunger length and reed switch location provide for setting the switch in either a normally open or normally closed configuration. A flange is provided for securely mounting the switch unit in a cylindrical cavity. A resilient catch and a pair of mating hooks are provided to attach a flat mounting plate to the side of the housing and permit the switch unit to be mounted against a flat surface.

Abstract: A housing for an electrical circuit component such as a magnetic contact reed switch for use in a security system. Clamps are provided for connecting the electrical component to conductors of the circuit, with apertures in a wall of the housing permitting insertion of the conductors in the proper location relative to the clamps. Clamping screws for securing the electrical connections are accessible only through apertures provided in the opposite ends of the housing. Recessed location of the clamping screws protects against inadvertent or surreptitious short circuiting around the switch. A flexibly attached mounting bracket includes a latch to hold the housing alongside the bracket.

Abstract: A take-off connector for connecting part of a security system electrical circuit, such as a metal foil strip conductor mounted on a movable portion of a window to detect breakage of the window glass, to a fixedly mounted portion of the circuit. The separate portions of the take-off connector may be mounted in a plurality of positions relative to one another and include provisions for connecting electrical conductors alternatively on a side which is parallel to or perpendicular to a surface against which that portion of the connector is mounted. Movable contacts are bifurcated flat springs and include convex contact points, while flat fixed contact surfaces are provided on each of two sides of one portion of the connector.

Abstract: An assembly protectively housing an electrical component includes electrical test points connected to the electrical component and accessible by electrical test instrument probes to enable testing of the electrical component while the assembly is physically mounted in an operational location and electrically connected in a circuit. In one embodiment an end of a lead is exposed flush with the end of a rectangular housing. In another embodiment an end of a lead is exposed within a small well defined in an outer surface of the housing. In a third embodiment of the invention openings are provided in a cover portion of a housing to permit test probes to contact electrical circuit conductor terminals protectively contained within the housing.

Abstract: A switch assembly which has an actuating magnet, held in one of a plurality of intersecting cavities within a reciprocally movable plunger, and a magnetic reed switch located alongside one another within a switch housing. With the actuating magnet in one position in the plunger the magnetic reed switch contacts remain normally open when the plunger is extended. With the actuating magnet in another cavity in the plunger, the magnetic reed switch contacts remain normally closed when the plunger is extended. The switch housing comprises a barrel including a cavity for receiving the magnetic switch and a guide cavity for receiving a plunger spring and guiding the reciprocal movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A unitary housing defining a cavity for protectively containing a fragile component such as a glass encapsulated magnetic reed switch includes a mounting plate and a protective body interconnected by a thin flexible member which extends between one end of the body of the housing and one end of the mounting plate. The mounting plate includes apertures for receiving fasteners. A resiliently flexible loop is attached to the end of the mounting plate opposite the flexible connecting member, and a protuberance is provided on the end of the body of the housing opposite the flexible interconnecting member. When the body of the housing is positioned parallel to the mounting plate, the flexible interconnecting member and the resiliently flexible loop latch together, holding the body of the housing closely adjacent to the mounting plate. The flexibly attached mounting plate may be easily removed from the body of the housing, permitting the housing to be attached to a surface by the use of an adhesive.

Abstract: A telephone line attenuator pad comprises a printed circuit board one portion of which mounts a plurality of resistances each connected in series with a pair of electrical printed circuit conductors. The resistances and mounting portion of the board are potted within a hollow case and the remaining portion of the board, including portions of the printed circuit conductors, projects from the case for removable mounting, in either of two opposing orientations, in an electrical connector to which are connected a plurality of permanent, fixed resistors included in the attenuator network to which telephone line circuitry is connected.

Abstract: A magnetically operated reed switch device for use in physical security monitoring systems, machinery control systems, and the like, having a biasing permanent magnet associated therewith for providing adjustable sensitivity to the proximity of an actuating permanent magnet. The reed switch is enclosed in a cylindrical glass capsule and the biasing magnet is mounted near the capsule, with its axis of magnetic polarity parallel to an elongate reed of the reed switch, in a position adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the reed by an adjustment screw for controlling the sensitivity of the reed switch. The biasing magnet may be mounted on a screw-driven carriage or on the end of a screw moving within a tube parallel to the reed. The device is actuated by increased magnetic flux density provided by the actuating magnet, which is attached to the movable object whose position is being monitored. The switch device and its actuating magnet are fixed in protective housings having mounting means.

Abstract: A magnetically operated proximity switch for use in physical security monitoring systems, machinery control systems, and the like, comprising a magnetic reed switch having permanent magnet biasing means associated therewith for controlling the sensitivity of the switch to the proximity of an external magnetic field. The reed switch is enclosed in an elongate glass capsule and the magnet of the biasing means is attached to the capsule with its axis of polarity parallel to the reed of the reed switch by means of either a slidable carrier or heat shrinkable tubing. The means of attachment of the biasing magnet to the reed switch capsule allows adjustment of the position of the biasing magnet to control sensitivity of the reed switch. Protective mounting means is provided for attaching the switch and biasing magnet to an object.

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.