Abstract: A reed switch has a contact surface composed of three layers of metal applied to the contacts of the reed switch. The three layers comprise first a layer of titanium of approximately 15 to 150 micro inches, second a layer of molybdenum of 15 to 150 micro inches, and finally a contact layer of 5 to 20 micro inches of ruthenium, or other platinum group metal or alloy. The layers may be applied by any suitable methods, for example by sputtering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising an integrally closed enclosure (10) on which an actuation unit (6) is mounted enabling contactless adjustment of a parameter or operating mode of the device, the device comprising: a magnet (4) driven in its movement by the actuation unit and capable of assuming several predetermined positions; one or more sensors (2) that can be guided by magnetic effect during movement of the actuation unit, each sensor (2) being associated with one or more parameter values or with one or more operating modes of the device; processing means (50) allowing the device to be adjusted according to the parameter value or according to the actuation mode corresponding to one or more sensors (2) controlled by the magnet (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing relative positions of mechanically coupled devices. The apparatus includes a magnetically actuated switch connected to a set of flux conductors to form a switch assembly. A permanent magnet is affixed to a set of flux conductors to form a magnet assembly. The flux conductors are positioned adjacently to conduct flux from the permanent magnet to the magnetically actuated switch. Movement of either assembly results in the reduction of flux conduction between the magnet and the magnetically actuated switch. The apparatus can be integrated into a helmet mount for night vision goggles to sense the relative position of the helmet mount for controlling the operation of the night vision goggle.

Abstract: A water resistant switch assembly as a housing and cover. A reed switch is in the housing is connected to electrical wires extending out of the housing through an elastomeric grommet that seals to the housing. A plunger is mounted for longitudinal movement in the housing and supports a magnet which can move closer to the reed switch in one direction of motion and further away from the reed switch in the opposite direction. An elastomeric boot is between the housing and cover and also over the end of the plunger, thereby sealing the interior of the switch assembly. The boot has a flexible portion adjacent to the end of the plunger so that the plunger can be moved by pressing on the boot. This moves the magnet toward the reed switch to actuate the reed switch, and a spring biases the plunger and magnet away from the reed switch when pressure on the boot is relieved.

Abstract: A MEMS device and method of making same is disclosed. In one embodiment, a micro-switch includes a base assembly comprising a movable structure bearing a contact pad. The base assembly is wafer-scale bonded to a lid assembly comprising an activator and a signal path. The movable structure moves within a sealed cavity formed during the bonding process. The signal path includes an input line and an output line separated by a gap, which prevents signals from propagating through the micro-switch when the switch is deactivated. In operation, a signal is launched into the signal path. When the micro-switch is activated, a force is established by the actuator, which pulls a portion of the movable structure upwards towards the gap in the signal path, until the contact pad bridges the gap between the input line and output line, allowing the signal to propagate through the micro-switch.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the integrity of a container specifically adapted for the system and constructed with at least one door. A sensor is secured in the container for detecting proximity of the at least one door relative to another area of the container and for providing sensor data that may be communicated from the container relative to its integrity.

Abstract: A cylinder position sensor a cylinder including the same. At least one magnet is coupled to a component of the cylinder. A sense element provides an output in response to magnetic flux from the magnet. The output of the sense element varies with the position of a piston and piston rod with respect to a cylinder barrel.

Abstract: An electromechanical relay includes an armature and an inner core at least partially surrounding at least a portion of the armature. The armature is slidably movable relative to the inner core. A coil at least partially surrounding at least a portion of the inner core. The relay also includes a stationary contact held in a ceramic header and a movable contact connected to the armature via a shaft. The movable contact is movable between an open position wherein the movable contact does not engage the stationary contact and a closed position wherein the movable contact engages the stationary contact. The relay also includes a housing having an open end and a chamber. The chamber contains the armature, the inner core, the coil, the movable contact, and at least a portion of the stationary contact. The housing forms a portion of a magnetic circuit of the relay. The ceramic header is circumferentially welded to the housing adjacent the open end such that the chamber of the housing is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A trackball device of the present invention includes an operating ball, multiple rollers which rotate by contacting the ball while it is rotated, multipole permanent magnets which co-rotate with these rollers, and a reed switch disposed in a position where it turns on and off as a result of changes in magnetic flux caused by the rotation of the permanent magnets so as to provide tactile feedback when the ball is rotated. The trackball device is configured to make an attractive force generated between the reed switch and permanent magnet affect the rotation of the rollers.

Abstract: A MEM's reed switch array is provided having a first switch having a sensitivity causing the first switch to open or close due to a magnetic flux, and a second switch of lesser sensitivity than the first switch causing the second switch to open or close due to a magnetic flux. The first switch can be parallel to the second switch, or the first switch can be proximate to the second switch so that a center line of the first switch is coaxial to a center line of the second switch. Further, a security device for residential and/or commercial use is provided, having a magnet housing having a magnet, a switch housing having a MEM's reed switch array with a first switch and a second switch, and a gap between the magnet housing and the switch housing.

Abstract: A reed relay which comprises a reed switch with reeds at both ends; an electrostatic shield pipe inside which the reed switch passes; a coil bobbin having a hollow part in which the electrostatic shield pipe is disposed; removable bushings attached to the electrostatic shield pipe and the coil bobbin and having a reed support hole that supports the reed switch; and the removable bushing is capable of disabling the support of the reed switch by the bushings after anchoring the reed relay and both ends of the reeds.

Abstract: A secure magnetic sensor has a first magnetic switch activatable by a first magnetic field and a second magnetic switch activatable by a second magnetic field which is stronger than the first magnetic field. The first magnetic switch is electrically connected in series to the second magnetic switch. In the default position, the first magnetic switch is in the open position whereas the second magnetic switch is in the closed position. When the secure magnetic sensor is normally activated, the first magnetic switch is activated to close. However, when the secure magnetic sensor is tampered by the addition of a supplemental magnet, this causes the second magnetic switch to be in an open position thereby sounding an alarm.

Abstract: A modular reed switch assembly and method for making the same are provided. A switch assembly (101) includes a reed switch (206, 106) that is enclosed between a primary reed switch cover (208) and a reed switch base (104) wherein the reed switch cover and reed switch base are recessed to accommodate the reed switch. A secondary reed switch cover (102) further covers the primary reed switch cover (208) and the secondary reed switch cover (102) connects with the reed switch base (104). A protrusion (106) provides access to the electrical contacts (302) of the reed switch (206, 106) through the primary reed switch cover (208) and secondary reed switch covers (102).

Abstract: A magnetically actuated apparatus, which enlarges, extends and makes continuous magnetic fields used by magnetically controlled devices, such as a magnetic reed switch for use in physical security monitoring systems is shown. Apparatus includes a sensor and a magnetic actuator for use with a movable closure member. The sensor is mounted into to a fixed support member that is arranged for displacement relative to a second movable support member. The sensor has a pair of contacts that are connectable to an electronic circuit. The contacts form a switch that is actuated by the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator comprises a unique elongated magnet with specific polarity or a plurality of aligned, alike permanent magnets that are mountable to the second support member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the switch-gap between the overlapping metal tongues of a reed switch contained in a glass envelope, in which a beam of radiation energy is directed through the envelope onto a localised area of at least one of the tongues for a specific period of time, thereby effecting thermally-induced bending of the tongue in question about the irradiated area, wherein a radiation source is used which delivers radiation energy having a wavelength in a range in which the radiation is absorbed by the glass envelope to a considerable extent, and wherein the beam of radiation energy is focussed and measured in such a manner that the proportion between the irradiated glass volume of the envelope and the irradiated metal area of at least one of the tongues that is obtained is such that the temperature of the glass undergoes a temperature increase of less than 100 Kelvin during the time required for heating the metal to the melting point.

Abstract: A three-position push-pull switch assembly is disclosed that includes two magnetic reed switches mounted to a circuit board located within the switch housing. A magnet is mounted to an actuator that extends into the switch housing and is axially translatable from a center position to a pushed in position and a pulled out position. When in the center position, the two magnetic reed switches are in a first closed-open operational state. When force is applied to the actuator shaft to move it into the pushed-in position, the reed switches are in a second closed-open operational state. Similarly, when force is applied to move the actuator shaft to the pulled out position, the magnetic reed switches are in a third closed-open operational state.

Abstract: The heat-induced current that flows from the bushing on the outside into the electrostatic shield tube is recirculated to the conductive bushing by dividing the bushings into inside and outside insulating bushings in a concentric circle and a conductive bushing sandwiched by these insulating bushings with respect to the heat-induced current that flows as a result of the heat that has been transmitted from the coil bobbin to the electrostatic shield tube, and connecting the electrostatic shield tube and conductive bushing with a separate conductive member.

Abstract: A reed relay or reed sensor device that is substantially lead-less and has minimal inductance can be manufactured as an individual unit or as a plurality of units. The reed relay or reed sensor device comprises a substrate that has a plurality contacts on the exterior of the device connected to contacts on the interior of the device capable of maintaining a signal pathway to the internal components of the device. The internal components further comprise a reed switch, an electrical shield, a coil bobbin, and a coil of electrical wire which when energized is capable of effectuating switching in the reed relay.

Abstract: A switch has a unitary plastic body that can be formed by injection moulding or extrusion. The body has a base that holds a magnetic field sensor. The base is fastened to a support structure by a plurality of fasteners. The base is connected to an arm by an elastic U-shaped portion of the plastic body that acts as both a hinge and a biasing member. The arm positions an activation magnet over the base and the sensor. The arm does not block access to fasteners that mount the switch to the support structure.

Abstract: A switching device, in particular a position sensing switching device, generates switching signals. The position sensing switching device comprises at least one switching unit and at least one activation unit, the switching unit reacting to a relative spacial displacement of the switching unit and the activation unit with respect to one another by outputting appropriate switching signals. The switching unit is embodied as an inductive switching unit and the activation unit is embodied as an inductive damping unit. The position sensing switching device according to the invention is preferably applied in gear-speed-changing units for automatic gearboxes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling movement of an object through a medium using a magnetic field by combining the magnetic field of a primary electromagnetic coil having a central axis with the magnetic fields of a plurality of secondary electromagnetic coils having axes generally parallel to the central axis of the primary coil and positioned within the primary coil to produce an operational magnetic field by which movement of the object in a medium is controlled outside of the primary coil.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric contact material useful in the fabrication of a vehicle relay of high durability against inductive load to which the relay incorporated in a magnetic clutch of a vehicle air-conditioner is exposed, and also to a relay having remarkable durability as has never been attained for use in vehicles. The invention provides an electric contact material useful in the fabrication of a relay for use in a vehicle, wherein the material contains an Ag—SnO2—In2O3 alloy which is produced through internal oxidation of an Ag—Sn—In—Ni alloy containing 5.0-10 wt. % (as reduced to metal) Sn and 2.0-5.0 wt. % In, the balance being Ag {or alternatively, an Ag—SnO2—In2O3—NiO alloy which is produced through internal oxidation of an Ag—Sn—In—Ni alloy containing 5.0-10 wt. % (as reduced to metal) Sn, 2.0-5.0 wt. % In, and 0.01-0.50 wt. % Ni, the balance being Ag}, and is used in a shielded space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the switch-gap between the overlapping metal tongues of a reed switch contained in a glass envelope, in which a beam of radiation energy is directed through the envelope onto a localised area of at least one of the tongues for a specific period of time, thereby effecting thermally-induced bending of the tongue in question about the irradiated area, wherein a radiation source is used which delivers radiation energy having a wavelength in a range in which the radiation is absorbed by the glass envelope to a considerable extent, and wherein the beam of radiation energy is focussed and measured in such a manner that the proportion between the irradiated glass volume of the envelope and the irradiated metal area of at least one of the tongues that is obtained is such that the temperature of the glass undergoes a temperature increase of less than 100 Kelvin during the time required for heating the metal to the melting point.

Abstract: The electromechanical device of the present invention is a low profile reed switch package for surface mounting on a printed circuit board. The reed device package includes a reed switch with two signal terminals emanating from opposing sides thereof. A leadframe is employed with signal conductors and ground conductors. The signal conductors are respectively attached to each of the signal terminals. A ground shield surrounds the body of the reed switch. The ground conductors are connected to the ground shield on a first side of the reed switch with the signal conductor on one side of the reed switch being positioned between the two ground conductors. Another pair of ground conductors are connected to the ground shield on the other side of the switch and are similarly positioned with the other signal conductor positioned therebetween.

Abstract: The electromechanical device of the present invention is a low profile reed switch package for surface mounting on a printed circuit board. The reed device package includes a reed switch with two signal terminals emanating from opposing sides thereof. A leadframe is employed with signal conductors and ground conductors. The signal conductors are respectively attached to each of the signal terminals. A ground shield surrounds the body of the reed switch. The ground conductors are connected to the ground shield on a first side of the reed switch with the signal conductor on one side of the reed switch being positioned between the two ground conductors. Another pair of ground conductors are connected to the ground shield on the other side of the switch and are similarly positioned with the other signal conductor positioned therebetween.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator comprises: a magnet; a pole piece mounted to the magnet; a yoke facing the pole piece; a coil base having a vibration coil; leaf springs for supporting the coil base and a weight; a case for enclosing them; a cover for covering one side of the case; and a diaphragm having a voice coil, wherein the arms of the coil base are inserted through notches formed in the yoke, and the vibration coil and the voice coil is disposed in a gap in which the pole piece and the yoke face each other. The weight vibrates by the application of a low-frequency current to the vibration coil, and the diaphragm vibrates by the application of a high-frequency current to the voice coil.

Abstract: A shock sensor includes a casing defining a cylindrical space therein. The sensor also includes a protecting tube placed the cylindrical space so as to define an annular space between the casing and the protecting tube, the protecting tube having an inner space therein. A partitioning member is provided in the inner space so as to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the protecting tube and to divide the inner space into a plurality of compartments extending substantially parallel to the protecting tube. The sensor also includes a plurality of reed switches positioned one in each of the compartments, and insulating members placed in remaining spaces in the compartments. A magnetic actuating device for actuating the reed switches when a shock of predetermined magnitude acts on the sensor is slidably disposed on the protecting tube.

Abstract: A reed switch unit 44 for detecting a liquid level of a reservoir tank 30 of a master cylinder includes a reed switch 11, including a contact portion 14 sealed in a glass tube 16, and reed portions 18 extending respectively from opposite ends of the glass tube 16 in a direction of an axis thereof. The reed switch unit further includes a unit main body 45 including terminals 50 which support the reed portions 18 and 18, respectively, in electrically-connected relation thereto to fix the reed switch 11. The reed switch 11 is fixed to the unit main body 45 in such a manner that the glass tube 16 is disposed in non-contact relation to the unit main body 45.

Abstract: In the conventional fluid level detector, the reed switch is accommodated in the housing formed of an insulating material such as a resin or the like to prevent the reed switch from coming into direct contact with fluid and being electrically shorted. However, since such a construction requires the steps of storing and fixing the reed switch in the housing and leading out the lead therefrom, workability is low, the housing must be manufactured separately, and thus the cost increases. Accordingly, a reed switch wherein at least the tubular bulb portion is molded with a hot-melt resin is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit protection device that comprises at least one set of reed members having a pair of reed members, wherein each of the reed members is constituted by a magnetic material and disposed in such a way as to be opposed to the other of the reed members and has an end disposed in such a manner as to be apart by a predetermined gap from and contactable with an end of the other of said reed members, magnetic-field generating unit placed in vicinity of the reed members set and adapted to generate a holding magnetic field for maintaining a state, in which the end of the reed members are in contact with each other, after the ends of the reed members are attracted to each other and the contacts are closed and a contact gap reduction unit for reducing the gap to a gap corresponding to a pull-in of the magnetic field generated by said magnetic-field generating unit.

Abstract: A current interrupter (4) includes a current interrupting device (4) having at least one movable contact (71); an actuator (8) coupled to the movable contact (71) of the current interrupter (4); a feedback sensor (14) for monitoring movement of the actuator (8); and a control system (12) coupled to the feedback sensor (14) so as to receive information from the feedback sensor (14) concerning the movement of the actuator (8) and for controlling movement of the actuator (8) based on the information. The interrupter (4) further includes a memory (202) for storing a desired motion profile of the actuator (8); and a microprocessor (202) for comparing the movement of the actuator (8) with the desired motion profile and controlling movement of the actuator (8) based also on a comparison of the movement of the actuator (8) with the desired motion profile.

Abstract: A shock sensor has a shock sensing magnetic mass that rides on the inside of a glass tube that is sealed about a reed switch. The reed switch has a first stop positioned so that the shock sensing magnetic mass when resting against the first stop does not cause the reeds of the reed switch to attract. A spring extends between the shock sensing magnetic mass and a second stop. Acceleration causes the sensing mass to accelerate toward the second stop. The motion of the magnetic sensing mass causes the switch reeds to attract and close the reed switch. The entire shock sensing mechanism is hermetically sealed within the glass capsule of the reed switch. The reed switch within the glass capsule detects movement of the shock sensing mass.

Abstract: A relay includes contacts residing within a glass tube. A coil surrounding the tube and a switch are connected in parallel between two terminals of the relay. A current source supplies a current to the coil and switch. When the switch is open, substantially all of the current passes through the coil and the coil produces a sufficient amount of magnetic flux to close the relay's contacts. When the switch closes, it shunts a sufficient amount of the current away from the coil to reduce the magnetic flux it produces below the level needed to keep the contacts closed. The current source is sized so that the coil requires relatively few turns, thereby allowing the relay to be relatively thin. The coil is formed by a conductor embedded in an insulating substrate surrounding the tube.

Abstract: A new board mounted electromechanical device is provided that mounts to a relay substrate to form a low profile reed relay. The reed relay is electrically connected to the electrical contacts via a signal traces and additional electrical traces located on the same side of the relay substrate which connect to the relay's signal and shielding. Additional traces on both sides of the signal traces of the reed relay provide a co-planar wave guide to maintain the desired impedance of the signal path. The reed relay is mounted in an inverted manner into a cut-out in the main circuit board so that the other portion of the reed relay itself is sits within the cut-out in the main circuit board. As a result, the reed relay component is recessed below the surface of the main circuit board resulting in an overall low profile circuit board.

Abstract: A reed switch unit 44 for detecting a liquid level in a reservoir 30 of a master cylinder which comprises a reed switch 11 including a contact part 14 which is sealingly contained in a glass tube 16, and lead portions 18, 18 which axially extend from opposite ends of the glass tube 16, and a unit body 45 provided with terminals 50 for respectively supporting the lead portions 18, 18 so as to be electrically connectable thereby to fix the reed switch 11. The lead portions 18 and the terminals 50 are connected with each other by means of a resistance welding. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a reed switch unit which is improved in quality as well as enhanced in productivity, by mounting a reed switch on a unit body without conducing soldering.

Abstract: A reed relay with which offset current is prevented competently, even when a coil is excited for relay operation, and high-speed, high-accuracy measurement of very low signals is possible, and energy consumption and production costs during assembly are low. The reed relay comprises a reed switch, an electrostatic shielded pipe through which the reed switch passes, an insulating support members and that support the reed switch inside the electrostatic shielded pipe, a coil bobbin that has a tube for insertion of electrostatic shielded pipe, and a coil wound and installed around the bobbin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a relay wherein the relay has a coil body that is formed by plastic injection molding. The method further includes the step of embedding into the coil body injection mold a contact spring terminal pin and a number of fixed contact carriers and coil terminal pins. The method also includes the step of embedding a core into the coil body injection mold.

Abstract: A magnetically activated switch includes a flexible metallic strip on the inside of a sealed encasement, having first and second ends. The first end provides for an electrical contact and extends through the wall of the sealed encasement, with the strip being firmly secured by the wall of the encasement at the exit point, leaving the second end unsupported and having a magnetic responsive element attached. A first dipole magnet is coupled to the flexible metallic strip and located within the sealed encasement, intermediate the first and second ends. Second and third dipole magnets are diametrically opposed and separate to each other where each of the second and third dipole magnets are fixedly coupled to the inside surface of the sealed encasement. Two electrical terminals coupled respectively to the second and third dipole magnets extending through the sealed encasement.

Abstract: A configuration for forming a gastight space is prevented from being projected from a housing, so that a projection is not formed on the housing. A sealed contact device includes a housing including a container body having an open end portion, the container body being made of ceramic, a metal lid connected to the open end portion to form a gastight space, a stationary contact and a movable contact disposed in the container body, and a sealed vent portion formed in the metal lid, in which the sealed vent portion is formed by sealing a vent hole formed in the metal lid after exhausting a gas in the gastight space and supplying a desired gas into the gastight space, via the vent hole.

Abstract: A surface mount electronic reed switch component (10) is provided having lead wires (12, 14) the outer ends of which are formed into associated loops (32, 34) that extend transversely to the seating plane (36) of the reed switch (10) to provide one or more stable surface mount feet (58) without undue bending stresses on the leads (12, 14) to thus avoid adversely affecting the switch gap (28) defined by the inner ends (22, 24) of the leads (12, 14).

Abstract: A reed switch package is disclosed that includes a reed switch with at least one electrical signal path. A cylindrical ground shield is provided about the reed switch. Ground terminals are connected to opposing sides of the ground shield so that the ground terminals are on opposing sides of the signal terminal and lie in the same plane. The reed switch resides on a support substrate. An electrically conductive signal via extends through said main body and connects to the signal terminal. Ground vias extend through the main body and respectively connect to the ground terminals. The grounds vias are on opposing sides of the signal via and lie in the same plane as the signal via. The signal and ground via exit at the bottom of the main body and are connected to a circuit via solder balls to provide a compact surface mount package with a controlled impedance environment.

Abstract: A reed switch package is disclosed that includes a reed switch with at least one electrical signal path. A cylindrical ground shield is provided about the reed switch. Ground terminals are connected to opposing sides of the ground shield so that the ground terminals are on opposing sides of the signal terminal and lie in the same plane. The reed switch resides on a support substrate. An electrically conductive signal via extends through said main body and connects to the signal terminal. Ground vias extend through the main body and respectively connect to the ground terminals. The grounds vias are on opposing sides of the signal via and lie in the same plane as the signal via. The signal and ground via exit at the bottom of the main body and are connected to a circuit via solder balls to provide a compact surface mount package with a controlled impedance environment.

Abstract: A reed relay comprising a reed switch having a pair of leads and a magnetic coil assembly for driving the reed switch, the magnetic coil assembly being composed of a magnetic coil wound around a cylindrical bobbin having an insulating flange at each end of the cylindrical bobbin, a terminal insulator integrally continuous with each flange, and a plurality of terminal leads insulated from one another by each of the terminal insulators. One embodiment of the present invention is a cylindrical bobbin having an electric conductivity so as to act as an electrostatic shield for the reed switch inserted thereinto, and another embodiment of the present invention is a method for fabricating the magnetic coil assembly comprising a step of forming a cylindrical bobbin and the terminal leads in each side of the cylindrical bobbin by using a patterned sheet of metal, wherein the cylindrical bobbin is continuous with the ground terminal lead in each side.

Abstract: In a thermal switch device having a reed switch, a temperature-sensitive magnetic cylinder (1) and cylindrical permanent magnets (2a, 2b) disposed around the reed switch (3), and an insulator case (7), the case is provided with an inner cylinder (5) formed in an inner space of the case. The reed switch is supported in the inner cylinder, and the temperature-sensitive magnetic cylinder and the cylindrical permanent magnets are fitted on the inner cylinder. A heat conductor member (6) is attached to the case to be partially exposed outside the case while partially be in contact with the temperature-sensitive magnetic cylinder and the cylindrical permanent magnets.

Abstract: A reed relay includes a reed switch with contacts, and a pair of terminals connected to the contacts. A tubular electrostatic shield defines an axially extending central bore within which the reed relay is inserted. A coil assembly has a winding drum, and a coil provided on the winding drum. The winding drum defines an axially extending central bore within which the electrostatic shield is inserted with the reed switch. A first pair of leads extend oppositely to each other, and are connected to the electrostatic shield at the opposite ends of the coil assembly. A second pair of leads extend oppositely to each other, and are connected to the electrostatic shield at the opposite ends of the coil assembly. A third pair of leads extend oppositely to each other, and are connected to the coil at the opposite ends of the coil assembly. A fourth pair of leads extend oppositely to each other, and are connected to the terminal of the reed switch at the opposite ends of the coil assembly.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical reed relay in-circuit test fixture switch is inserted onto a wrapped wire pin extending from the bottom of a socket holding a spring-loaded nail inside a bed-of-nails or equivalent testing fixture. The switch is located at the circuit board being tested and is connected between the pin under test and a remote testing unit. Only the switches required to contact specific nodes for a specific test are actuated, i.e. moving the subject pin's reed relay switch to a closed position, during the actual test sequence. All remaining test wires are turned off, i.e. opened, releasing the electrical connection of long test wires from each of the nodes. Alternatively, all switches can be NC and individual switches, or groups of switches, can be opened to disconnect the electrical connections of the long test wires. Additional testing is performed in a similar method by repeating the steps above for various test sequences and nodes.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the mutual separation (g) of the two overlapping metallic cantilever members (9, 11) within the vitreous envelope of a reed switch, having a beam (21) of radiant energy to which the envelope is substantially transparent directed for a controlled period of time through the envelope onto a localised area (p) of at least one of the members (11), causing permanent thermally-induced bending of that member (11) about the irradiated area (p).

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching arrangement for connecting and/or separating two sections (7, 8) of an electrical line (3), said arrangement comprising a switching device (10) having contact elements (11, 12) which are connected to said two line sections (7, 8) as well as a plug device (15) having an actuation element (20) and plug contacts (18, 19).For providing a switching arrangement of particularly simple design for connecting and/or separating two sections of an electrical line, the present invention proposes that the contact elements (11, 12) be electrically connected to the actuation reeds of a reed contact (25) and the actuation element (20) be means magnetically influencing said reed contact which will open said reed contact (25) when the plug devide (15) is plugged in.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reed contact unit (1) for electric switching functions, comprising a metallic contact blank (2) featuring a base (3) with at least one contact arm (5) configured integral with it, and comprising an electrically non-conducting frame part (7) accommodating fixedly the base (3) of the contact blank (2). To avoid deformations and damage to the contact arms (5) of the reed contact units (1) when used in bulk, at least one of the long sides (12) and the front end (9) of the contact arm (5) are surrounded by at least one frame shank (8) configured integral with the frame part (7), the front end (9) of the contact arms (5) being fixable releasably in the frame shank (8).

Abstract: A new board mounted electromechanical device is provided that mounts to a relay substrate to form a low profile reed relay. The reed relay is electrically connected to the electrical contacts via a signal traces and additional electrical traces located on the same side of the relay substrate which connect to the relay's signal and shielding. Additional traces on both sides of the signal traces of the reed relay provide a co-planar wave guide to maintain the desired impedance of the signal path. The reed relay is mounted in an inverted manner into a cut-out in the main circuit board so that the other portion of the reed relay itself is sits within the cut-out in the main circuit board. As a result, the reed relay component is recessed below the surface of the main circuit board resulting in an overall low profile circuit board.