Abstract: A contact sensor includes a permanent magnet, first and second magnetic field sensors, and a computing device in communication with the first and second magnetic field sensors and configured to execute an “Open/Close” function to generate an “Open/Close” decision, and a “Masking” function to generate a “Masking” decision, based on at least one of a first measurement from the first magnetic field sensor or a second measurement from the second magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A fabric pressure switch includes a first resilient conductive tissue, a second resilient conductive tissue, and a support tissue. The support tissue is arranged between and connects the first resilient conductive tissue and the second resilient conductive tissue. The first resilient conductive tissue, the second resilient conductive tissue, and the support tissue are unitarily combined through knitting to form the fabric pressure switch.

Abstract: A cable actuated emergency stop system is disclosed, which includes a housing structure within which a single shaft assembly can be maintained for engaging a cable and a single shaft assembly that can be attached to the cable, wherein the single shaft assembly comprises only one shaft that is slideably disposed within the housing structure and movable relative to the housing structure a long a single path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of the shaft in response to a force exerted by the cable attached to at least one end of the shaft. The system is configured in the context of a single directional cable actuated emergency stop device which includes one operating shaft exiting the housing structure.

Abstract: A breakaway switch assembly for detecting the unintended separation of a pair of connected vehicles or the like, of the type having a housing enclosure which slidably receives a pin-type actuator that operates an internal switch when pulled from the housing upon separation of the connected vehicles etc., incorporates a fully assembled, self-contained switch unit of a commercially known type, rather than a special switch assembly having long, resilient contact-carrying spring arms that must be carefully and tediously mounted in specially designed housings, as was the most prevalent practice heretofore. The self-contained switch unit so utilized preferably has an enclosing outer housing or body which protects the interior switch mechanism, contacts, etc., from the elements and also provides protruding flanges or the like which facilitate easy and fast mounting of the entire unit within the housing.