Abstract: An auxiliary contact mechanism of a magnetic contactor includes: a contact support member having an axial recess portion formed in the center in a vertical direction; a stationary contact; a movable contact; a permanent magnet position-fixed to the contact support member and applying magnetic attractive force to restrain the movable contact so that the circuit closing position that the movable contact is in contact with the stationary contact is maintained; and a slide movable supporter having a pressing projection portion formed at a position separated apart by a predetermined distance from the movable contact when in the circuit closing position and pushing the movable contact to release the movable contact from a restrained state after a predetermined delay time has passed, when the slide movable supporter is moved downwardly upon receiving downward pressing force by the main contact slide support member.

Abstract: An equalizing tank for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, with a housing including a housing upper part and a housing lower part, and with a device for monitoring the fluid level in the equalizing tank, the device including a switching unit which is fastened to the housing and has a plug-in connector and a contact carrier, a portion of which projects into a guide pipe which extends into an interior space of the tank, and a sensor element or switching element which is arranged on the contact carrier in the region of the guide pipe and which can be switched by a transmitter in a switching point at which the switching unit generates a signal for an electronic control unit.

Abstract: A joystick (1) comprising a substantially stationary part (4) and a movable part (3) adapted to be manipulated by an operator. The joystick further comprises a sensor device adapted to detect a position of the movable part (3) relatively to the substantially stationary part (4), the sensor device comprising a magnet arrangement comprising one or more magnets (9) and defining a predetermined magnetic field, and a magnetic detector being adapted to detect a magnetic flux and to generate a corresponding output. The magnet arrangement or the magnetic detector is arranged on the substantially stationary part (4), while the magnetic detector or the magnet arrangement is arranged on the movable part (3). Thereby relative movements between the parts (3, 4) result in relative movements between the magnet arrangement and the magnetic detector.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an electromechanical relay may be described. The relay can be constructed using printed circuit board (PCB) construction, and can have at least a pair of coils, for example one on the top of or above the PCB, the other on the bottom of or below the PCB, at least two ferromagnetic cores, one of which can be set at the center of each coil, at least a set of contacts which can be on the surface of the printed circuit board, a spacer which can be set between the coils, and a magnet which can be set within the spacer.

Abstract: Wind switch to be installed on outdoor devices to be protected from the wind. The switch comprises a spring, strip or coil (1), which supplies a force opposite to the wind and is physically connected to the surface (5) by one of its extremities, while the other extremity is connected to a fixed point; a surface (5) in the shape of a plate, cylinder or sphere, which is exposed to the wind force and creates a force opposite to the one provided by the spring (1); a permanent magnet (7), physically attached to the surface (5) such that it moves therewith, and two ferrous contacts (11), enclosed under vacuum inside a glass tube (10) and connected to the Local Control Point (17) of each device on which the wind switch is installed.

Abstract: Bistable high-performance miniature relay, comprising an insulating housing having a first housing chamber (1b) with a single-phase contact assembly (4) with two current bars (8a, 8b) and a contact spring (13). The contact spring (13) being permanently connected with one leg end a current bar (8a). In a second housing chamber (1a), a bistable magnetic actuator assembly (3) with a pivotable armature (11) is placed. The contact assembly (4) and the actuator assembly (3) are located in one or two planes in the insulation material housing, the contact assembly (4) is provided with a multiplate contact spring (13) bent U-shaped to a current loop, and the actuator assembly (3) is provided with a one-part U-shaped yoke (14) with an excitation coil (17) per yoke leg and a yoke central leg (16), borne by a flat permanent magnet, supporting a rocker armature (11) formed in a slightly V-shaped.

Abstract: In a joystick device, a rotation position detector for detecting a rotation position of a rotatable cylinder having one end coupled with a dial knob is provided between the cylinder and a case. The detector includes a drive gear provided around the cylinder, a rotary body which has a driven gear provided around its outer periphery and is in mesh with the drive gear, multiple magnets provided on the rotary body, and a magnetic sensor provided in the case to face one end portion of the rotary body to detect the rotation position of the cylinder based on positional change relative to the magnets along with rotation of the rotary body. Such arrangement enhances the degree of design freedom for arranging a magnetic sensor in the axial direction of the cylinder in detecting a rotation position of the cylinder by the sensor and reduces a necessary number of magnets.

Abstract: A system for improved magnetization of flexible magnetic sheet material, such as magnetic rubber. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a system for magnetization of pre-printed flexible magnetic sheet material.

Abstract: A system for improved magnetization of flexible magnetic sheet material, such as magnetic rubber. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a system for magnetization of printed or printable flexible magnetic sheet material.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a magnet, a first Hall device, and a second Hall device. The first and second Hall devices are proximate the magnet. The first Hall device is configured to switch in relation to a first magnetic field threshold. The second Hall device is configured to switch in relation to a second magnetic field threshold. The first magnetic field threshold differs from the second magnetic field threshold.

Abstract: A magnetic switching device is provided with a first switching device which is provided with a movable magnet connected to a contact bridge, and with a second switching device which is provided with a magnet connected to a movable switch element. The magnets have the same polarity on the front faces facing each other. Positioned between the magnets is a separating plate made of ferromagnetic material, which is smaller than the front faces of the magnets which face each other.

Abstract: A magnetically-triggered proximity switch includes a cylindrical switch body and a bias member non-movably secured within the switch body. The proximity switch also includes first and second normally-closed contacts and first and second normally-open contacts. The proximity switch further includes a spherical contact magnet disposed within the switch body, with the contact magnet being movable relative to the bias member from a first switch position and a second switch position. In the first switch position, an attraction to the bias member maintains the contact magnet in contact with the first and second normally-closed contacts, thereby completing a circuit between the first and second normally-closed contacts. In the second switch position, an attraction to a movable target external to the switch body moves the contact magnet into contact with the first and second normally-open contacts, thereby completing a circuit between the first and second normally-open contacts.

Abstract: Micro-miniaturized reed switches and methods of forming them are presented. The present invention enables cost-effective miniaturized reed switches with more consistent operating parameters as compared to conventional reed switches. The present invention employs lithographic-based high-aspect-ratio fabrication to enable monolithic construction of one or more reed switches, which enables reed switches having micrometer dimensions with tight tolerances that are repeatable over large arrays of devices. Reed switches in accordance with the present invention are capable of repeatable and consistent electromechanical operation.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, which includes a hinged armature and a yoke. In at least one embodiment, the hinged armature is supported in a cutout in the yoke and can pivot between at least two positions, the cutout in the yoke having an edge, on which the hinged armature is supported.

Abstract: A switching device (1) with a pole element (2) which exhibits a plurality of magnets (10) arranged one next to the other with alternating polarity, a first switching element (4), wherein the pole element (2) is situated next to the first switching element (4) and is movable relative to the first switching element (4), and wherein the first switching element (4) exhibits magnetisable area segments (16). According to the invention the switching device (1) exhibits magnetisable force coupling elements (8), which, in dependence on a relative motion between the pole element (2) and the first switching element (4), are arranged in such a way as to be movable with respect to the switching element.

Abstract: An electric switch for use on multiple-use operating elements in commercial vehicles has an operating part that performs a rotational movement around a limited angle and can be actuated directly by a solid body outside the switch, and having a support housing and an adjustment wheel having the operating part. In order to enable a safe usability in the dark, the operating part is constructed in an illuminated manner dependent on the operating position.

Abstract: A power adapter includes a power converter circuit, a direct current (DC) plug and a magnetic switch. The power converter circuit converts power signals of a power source into DC power signals. The DC plug is engageable with a jack of a powered device, and transmits the DC power signals to the powered device. The DC plug includes a magnetic force conducting wire to conduct magnetic force of a magnetic element when the powered device is powered. The magnetic switch, connected between the power source and the power converter circuit, is turned on or off according to if the magnetic force conducting wire conducts the magnetic force or not so as to control the power source to provide power to the power converter circuit.

Abstract: A magnetically-triggered proximity switch includes a cylindrical switch body and a first magnet non-movably secured within the switch body. The proximity switch also includes a pivoting cross arm. A second magnet may be movably disposed within the switch body, and the second magnet may be rigidly connected to the cross arm. When a magnetic target is not located within a specified range of the second magnet, the first magnet attracts the second magnet, thereby pivoting the cross arm into a first switch position and closing a first circuit. However, when the magnetic target is located within the specified range, the magnetic attraction between the target and the second magnet is greater than between the second magnet and the first magnet. The second magnet is displaced towards the target away from the first magnet, thereby pivoting the cross arm into a second switch position.

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: A plunger switch for use as a switch element in an electrical circuit, has a housing and a plunger movable axially in a bore of the housing in the direction of a longitudinal axis and when in an operating position in which it is depressed toward the housing, acts on an electronic sensor unit situated in the housing, which in turn initiates a switching procedure in the electrical circuit by electrical pulses, and the plunger, in its axial plunging region into the bore of the housing, is peripherally provided with at least one lubricating groove, which permits a lubricating fluid to travel into the axial plunging region between the plunger and bore, and the electronic sensor unit is protected from a penetration of lubricating fluid.

Abstract: A quadrupole magnetic coded switch includes a switch housing, an actuator, one or more switch dipole magnets, and a plurality of magnetically operated switch circuits. The actuator housing is movable relative to the switch housing. The plurality of actuator dipole magnets are coupled to the actuator housing and are movable therewith. The one or more switch dipole magnets are coupled to the switch housing. The one or more switch dipole magnets and the plurality of actuator dipole magnets are arranged to generate a quadrupole magnetic field. Each magnetically operated switch circuit is disposed within the switch housing and is configured to transition between a plurality of switch positions in response to relative movement of the actuator housing and the switch housing.

Abstract: A device including: an actuation unit that is a rotatable ring including a permanent magnet affixed to an inner periphery of the ring, wherein the ring is capable of assuming several predetermined angular positions and the permanent magnet moves with the ring; an integrally closed enclosure on which the actuation unit is mounted enabling adjustment of a parameter or operating mode of the device, wherein the ring surrounds the enclosure; one or more sensors that can be guided by magnetic effect according to an angular position of the ring, each sensor being capable of sending at least one signal corresponding to a modification of the parameter or of the operating mode of the device; and means for processing each signal and for changing the parameter or the operating mode of the device depending on each signal.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasable attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.

Abstract: The invention provides an input apparatus An input apparatus according to the present invention includes: an operating member, operable to move in at least X and ?X directions from a neutral position; first and second magnets, being arranged with spacing along an X and ?X direction and having opposite magnetic polarities to each other, wherein when the operating member moves in either one of the two directions, the first and second magnets moves in the same direction as the operating member; and a first magnetic sensor, provided at a position displaced from a middle point between the two magnets when the operating member is located in the neutral position, the position being equidistant from the two magnets. When the operating member moves in one of the two directions, the first magnetic sensor outputs a signal in accordance with the magnetic polarity of one of the first and second magnets.

Abstract: The magnetic switch assembly of an embodiment generally comprises a switch housing coupled to and/or adjacent to a magnet housing. The switch housing may be coupled to, for example, a door frame, a window frame, or other substantially fixed location. The magnet housing including at least one magnet may be coupled to, for example, a door or other substantially mobile location adjacent to the switch housing. The proximity to or distance from the magnets in the magnet housing may actuate one or more reed switches within the switch housing to open and/or close a circuit and/or otherwise generate a signal that may be communicated to, for example, a security system to detect whether the door is open or closed.

Abstract: A lever operation device includes a movable support member that supports a base portion of an operation lever such that the base portion is pivotable along a first operation plane, a housing that supports the movable support member such that the movable support member is pivotable along a second operation plane that is orthogonal to the first operation plane, an actuator holder attached to the base portion such that the actuator holder is rotatable along the second operation plane, a first actuator retained by the actuator holder, and a second actuator retained by the movable support member. The housing is provided with a first cam surface and a second cam surface on an inner wall surface thereof, the first actuator and the second actuator being in elastic contact with the first cam surface and the second cam surface, respectively.

Abstract: A keyswitch assembly includes a movable keycap having a space provided in a bottom of the keycap; a metal support plate having an opening, the metal including a cantilever bridge; a switch located under the opening of the metal support plate; a magnet disposed within the space of the keycap; wherein as the keycap is undepressed, the keycap is in an initial state and the keyswitch assembly is OFF, and the magnet draws in the cantilever bridge, and as the keycap is depressed downward, the magnet is forced to depart from the cantilever bridge and actuates the switch making the keyswitch assembly to turn ON. As the forced is released, the magnetic force between the cantilever bridge and the magnet forces the keycap to return its initial state.

Abstract: An electromechanical connection system having a current supply device connectable to a current source through current supply contacts. The current supply device has with switching magnets on a magnet carriage. A current collection device has a release magnet and can be electrically connected to a load is connectable to the current supply device. A safety magnet is restored to a rest position by a retaining magnet or a ferromagnetic retaining part if the magnet carriage remains in a live state even if the current collection device is removed to effect short circuit. A non-conducting short-circuit part movably arranged in the current supply device between two short-circuit line parts, holds the safety magnet a distance from the short-circuit line under normal conditions. The non-conducting short-circuit part connects the short-circuit line parts if the magnet carriage does not return responsive to removal of the current collection device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a magnetic switch, a magnetic element for actuating the magnetic switch to send a control signal to an electronic element module, and a retaining mechanism for retaining the magnetic element at a housing. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining casing, a connecting member, and a blocking member. The retaining casing is disposed on and cooperates with the housing to define a receiving space to receive the magnetic element, and has an opening in spatial communication with the receiving space. The blocking member is connected to the housing by the connecting member and is adjacent to the opening to prevent removal of the magnetic element from the receiving space through the opening.

Abstract: A multi-stage magnetic switch includes a base and a rotary member rotatably held in the base. The base holds a latch member elastically extended outwards. The rotary member includes a plurality of latch notches. Each latch notch has a latch plane and an arched convex surface which have respectively one side extended to the outer surface of the rotary member. The latch member latches on the latch plane and is adjacent to the arched convex surface. The latch member is pressed and retracted through the latch plane when the rotary member rotates against the base so that the latch member latches on the latch notches sequentially to form multi-stage positioning. Moreover, greater force can be applied to retract the latch member pressed by the arched convex surface to reverse the rotary member. The switch of the invention thus formed has simple structure and makes multi-stage positioning easier.

Abstract: A switch includes magnets that provide both mechanical actuation of the switch as well as electrical operation of the switch. A system controller detects a state of the switch and controls operation of one or more systems in a structure based on the state of the switch. The system controller can detect the state of the switch by detecting a position of a magnet of the switch.

Abstract: A rotary switch includes an operating member, a magnet member, and a magnetic sensor. The operating member is operable from outside of a case to move to first and second positions in an axial direction and is rotatable. The magnet member is provided in such a manner that the magnet member does not move in the axial direction of the operating member. The magnetic sensor detects rotation of the magnet member. An engaging section is formed in a predetermined area of the operating member, and an engaging hole to receive the engaging section is formed in the magnet member. When the operating member is moved in the axial direction, the engaging section moves inside the engaging hole with the engaging section being engaged with the engaging hole, and when the operating member is rotated, the magnet member rotates therewith.

Abstract: A switch device includes a container of the hermetic type, at least one switch contained inside the hermetic container, and actuation devices at least partially contained inside the container and suitable to actively select the switch. The actuation devices have at least one internal ferromagnetic element, moving inside the container so as to influence an actuation button of the switch, and a transmission body having a first extremity which interfaces in contact with said internal ferromagnetic element and a second extremity which interfaces in contact with said actuation button. The transmission body is a rigid body which receives and transmits the movement of the internal ferromagnetic element from a rest position in which it does not cause the actuation button to be actuated and a functioning position in which it presses and acts on the actuation button by contact.

Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for determining a current status of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.

Abstract: An accessory device for a field transmitter comprising an enclosure housing an electronic processing unit. Said device comprises a portable supporting body removably couplable with the transmitter and on which there are provided at least one activation unit which can be operated by a user, and an electronic processing circuit which is operatively interlocked with said activation unit and is suitable to be operatively connected to the electronics of the transmitter so as to transmit one or more signals thereto following actuation of the activation unit.

Abstract: A control element for a motor vehicle including a control button, a bearing location for the control button located in a housing of the control element, an extension firmly connected with the control button, a first permanent magnet attached to the extension, and a second permanent magnet attached in the housing, where the permanent magnets form a permanent magnet pair, and unlike poles of the magnets face each other at a distance in a mid-position of the control button, wherein a magnetically conductive material is attached at least in some areas and circumferentially to the permanent magnet pair.

Abstract: The present invention provides electric pruning shears which can improve operation convenience by increasing the operating speed and eliminating hand fatigue during pruning of fruit trees. For this purpose, the present invention provides electric pruning shears which can improve safety during handling by implementing a new type of switching means having a separate safety switch capable of being separated from a main body and put on a user's finger and reduce the volume and weight by reducing the number of parts associated with the safety switch. Moreover, the present invention provides electric pruning shears which control a motor to be reversely rotated when there is an abnormality in blades of the electric pruning shears during a pruning operation, thus escaping from the overall abnormality including motor damage.

Abstract: A weatherproof switch for use with an information/instrument cluster including a button having a body located adjacent to the information/instrument cluster, the body having a first end and a second end; a magnet substantially disposed within the second end of the body; a sensor located a distance from the magnet to produce a magnetic field of a first strength; and a circuit connecting the sensor to a function of the information/instrument cluster for controlling the function when the first end of the button is operated to increase and decrease the distance between the magnet and the sensor such as to produce magnetic field of a second strength.

Abstract: A compact wireless security sensor having a magnetically operated plunger switch. The compact nature of the sensor of the present invention makes it ideal for being substantially concealing into a door frame or window as part of a wireless security system. The sensor unit includes a housing having an inner end, an outer end, and a magnet positioned within a moveable plunger, and an antenna, preferably a flexible wire antenna. The housing further contains a sensor switch, a microprocessor with a PCB, a wireless transmitter, such as an RF transmitter, and a power source, such as a small coin cell battery, for emitting signals to a master station or controller when the plunger switch is depressed and activates the internal sensor switch.

Abstract: A magnet is affixed to a shaft or other pivoting or rotating member of a switch mechanism, on the axis of rotation. The radial position of the resulting magnetic field is monitored. A change in the magnetic field radial position, optionally in excess of a threshold, indicates the onset of switch actuation, prior to operative actuation of the switch mechanism. The radial position of the magnetic field is sensed by a magnetic rotary encoder. The detection of switch actuation onset may be used to remove current from a circuit prior to operative switch actuation. Because the magnet is rigidly affixed to the shaft, there is no lost motion. Because the shaft position and encoder are magnetically coupled, the detection mechanism contains no moving parts and no mechanical linkage or coupling, and its performance does not degrade due to shock, thermal effects, vibration, or wear.

Abstract: A magnetic target is provided for use with a magnetic proximity switch. The magnetic target includes a cylindrical body tube having an open end that partially defines a bore. A stationary magnet is located within the bore opposite the open end, and a movable magnet is disposed within the bore between the stationary magnet and the open end. An adjusting member is received into the bore, and a contact surface of the adjusting member engages the movable magnet. When the adjusting member is axially displaced, the contact surface causes a corresponding displacement of the movable magnet relative to the stationary magnet, eventually causing the magnetic flux field of each magnet to expand in a radial direction away from the longitudinal axis of each magnet. The stationary magnet and the movable magnet may be either axially-magnetized samarium-cobalt magnets or axially-magnetized neodymium magnets.

Abstract: A sealed magnetically controlled electric switch assembly comprising an electric switch having an on/off operating means, an active magnet means, a follower magnet means, and a sealable insulating housing. The electric switch and the follower magnet means both are sealed in the housing in such a way that the on/off operating means of the switch is coupled with the follower magnet means for motion therewith. The active magnet means is disposed outside the housing in such a way that a resulting magnetic force is formed between the active magnet means and the follower magnet means to switch the on/off operating means of said switch back and forth between the on and off positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switch suitable for efficient microfabrication. The switch elements are disposed in several layers. Various embodiments provide various switching capabilities and operational characteristics. The switches can be protected by suitable packaging, and can be efficiently fabricated in groups or arrays.

Abstract: A magnetically-triggered proximity switch includes a cylindrical switch body and a bias member non-movably secured within the switch body. The proximity switch also includes first and second normally-closed contacts and first and second normally-open contacts. The proximity switch further includes a spherical contact magnet disposed within the switch body, with the contact magnet being movable relative to the bias member from a first switch position and a second switch position. In the first switch position, an attraction to the bias member maintains the contact magnet in contact with the first and second normally-closed contacts, thereby completing a circuit between the first and second normally-closed contacts. In the second switch position, an attraction to a movable target external to the switch body moves the contact magnet into contact with the first and second normally-open contacts, thereby completing a circuit between the first and second normally-open contacts.

Abstract: An embodiment is a magnetic switch assembly generally comprising a switch base coupled to a switch housing. The switch base and switch housing may be coupled to, for example, a door frame or other substantially fixed location. Adjacent the switch base and switch housing may be an actuating magnet base including a plurality of actuating magnets. The proximity to or distance from the actuating magnets in the actuating magnet base may actuate magnets within the switch housing to open and/or close a circuit and/or otherwise generate a signal that may be communicated by an interface cable to, for example, a security system. The magnetic switch assembly of an embodiment may include one or more features that impede and/or substantially prevent tampering to defeat the magnetic switch assembly.

Abstract: An embodiment is a target magnet mounting system including a magnet housing having first and second sets of spring clip mounting hooks on opposing sides of the housing and first and second spring clips mountable to the first and second spring clip mounting hook sets, respectively. Each of the spring clips includes a flexible strip having opposing first and second ends, each of the first and second ends including serrated teeth. The target magnet mounting system may be inserted into a channel to detachably engage the sidewalls of the channel to position a target magnet.

Abstract: A keyboard, wherein an opposing force generated between two magnet faces of the same polarity is used to return each key button to its original position after being pressed. As a result, the keyboard can be made capable of withstanding harsh environments while offering a satisfactory tactile response for the user.