Abstract: A knob includes a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly includes a first sensing element. The second assembly is sleeved at the first assembly and includes a second sensing element. The first sensing element is configured to, when the second assembly rotates around a rotation axis, be fixed relative to the rotation axis. The second sensing element is configured to, when the second assembly rotates around the rotation axis, move around the rotation axis.

Abstract: A valve repair system for repairing a native valve of a patient includes a catheter and a valve repair device. The valve repair device is disposed in the catheter. The valve repair device comprises a compressible spacer and a pair of paddles. The pair of paddles are moveable between an open position and a closed position. The valve repair device can transition to a compressed configuration with the compressible spacer between the pair of paddles in the closed position.

Abstract: A valve controller includes a housing defining an interior volume, and a transmission assembly at least partially disposed in the interior volume of the housing. The transmission assembly includes a shaft coupled to a cam sub-assembly, which includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first cam, and a second cam coupled to the first cam. Each of the first and second cams includes a bore arranged to receive the shaft and a lobe. The lobe of the first cam and the lobe of the second cam being at least partially coplanar. A first switch and a second switch are disposed in the interior volume of the housing and adjacent to the transmission assembly. The lobe of the first cam is arranged to activate the first switch and the lobe of the second cam is arranged to activate the second switch.

Abstract: A digital signaling device provides visual, audible, and haptic indicators when the digital signaling device changes state. The digital signaling device has a same operational feel and response as a classic electro-mechanical decorator-style light switch, including maintaining switch paddle position, using attractive magnetic latching in combination with a spring contact. The switch paddle can be pressed into one of two positions, each position representing a different state of the digital signaling device. The switch paddle provides a visual indicator of the digital signaling device state in that the switch paddle is maintained in one of the two positions. The attractive magnetic latching provides both an audible and haptic indicator when the magnet pairs are engaged, which corresponds to a change of state of the digital signaling device. The spring contact provides a digital switching mechanism for changing the state of the digital signaling device.

Abstract: Steering column switch (20) for a vehicle, in particular for a utility vehicle, wherein the steering column switch (20) has a housing (32), an actuating device which can be coupled to an operating element and has at least one actuating element (21, 22, 23), a magnet (24) and a magnetic sensor (28), wherein an actuating movement of an actuating element (21, 22, 23) in a first actuating direction (R1, R2, R3) can bring about a relative movement between the magnet (24) and the magnetic sensor (28) in a first direction of movement and an actuating movement of an actuating element (21, 22, 23) of the actuating device in a second actuating direction (R1, R2, R3) can bring about a relative movement between the magnet (24) and the magnetic sensor (28) in a second direction of movement different from the first direction of movement, wherein the magnetic sensor (28) is set up to detect the relative movement between the magnet (24) and the magnetic sensor (28) in each case in the first direction of movement (R1, R2, R3)

Abstract: A motor control center includes an enclosure comprising an isolation switch, a main contactor device, and a ground switch device. The isolation switch is selectively manually operable between a connected state and a disconnected state. In the connected state the isolation switch is adapted to conduct electrical power from an associated power source to the main contactor device and wherein the isolation switch in the disconnected state interrupts conduction of electrical power from the associated power source to the main contactor device.

Abstract: A shift by wire system may include a shifter assembly that is configured to generate an electrical manipulation signal by a driver's shifting operation, a shifter controller provided in the shifter assembly and configured of transmitting shift information according to the electrical manipulation signal, and an actuator controller which is mounted on a housing coupled with the shifter assembly, connected to the shifter controller, and applies a driving signal according to the shift information to an actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to ultrasound imaging method and apparatus suitable for minimally invasive ultrasound diagnostic devices in cardiac ablation monitoring and in tumor ablation monitoring. The present invention proposes an assembly of forward and side-facing transducers and a system of embedded forward and side-facing transducers in apertures on surfaces of the assembly. This provides control of the acoustic properties of the transducer and improved ablation monitoring when the assembly is incorporated in a medical device.

Abstract: An absolute steering sensor assembly (10) is provided, comprising a printed circuit board (18), at least one hall sensor (20, 22) being attached to the printed circuit board (18), at least one magnet (34, 36) being rotatably mounted such that the magnet (34, 36) is rotated upon a rotation of a steering column (26), the at least one magnet (34, 36) being placed in proximity of the at least one hall sensor (20, 22) such that the hall sensor (20, 22) can detect the magnetic field emitted by the magnet (34,36), and a protective cover (38, 40) being attached to the printed circuit board (18) such that the protective cover (38, 40) is placed between the magnet (34, 36) and the printed circuit board (18).

Abstract: A method for touch detection and fingerprint unlocking includes detecting a finger of a user being in contact with a multiresolution touch interface having a low-resolution mode and a high-resolution mode. The method also includes in response to the detecting the finger of the user being in contact with the multiresolution touch interface, determining a touch interaction associated with the detected finger under the low-resolution mode. The method also includes in response to the multiresolution touch interface being locked, switching a finger contact area of the multiresolution touch interface into the high-resolution mode, wherein the finger contact area is determined based at least in part on the determined touch interaction associated with the detected finger. The method also includes detecting a fingerprint in the finger contact area, and unlocking the multiresolution touch interface based at least in part on the detected fingerprint.

Abstract: A push switch includes an operating part configured to be pressed in a first direction, an elastic holding member configured to hold the operating part such that the operating part can vibrate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a frame member configured to hold the elastic holding member such that the elastic holding member can vibrate in the second direction, and a vibrator configured to generate a vibration in the second direction, the vibrator being provided in the elastic holding member.

Abstract: A contactor assembly and method for operating the contactor assembly can include a first conductor having a first set of axially extending protrusions and a second conductor having a second set of axially extending protrusions interdigitally arranged with the first set of protrusion. At least a subset of the first set of extending protrusions and at least a subset of the second set of protrusions can be conductively connected.

Abstract: An electrical contact system is shown and described. The electrical contact system includes a housing. The housing includes a plurality of sidewalk and a top section having an interior volume. A circuit board is secured within the interior volume the circuit board has a plurality of traces located thereon. Each trace has a plurality of lands connected thereto. A plurality of electrical contacts is electrically connected to the lands such that one end of the electrical contact is connection to one trace and the second end of the electrical contact is connected to the second trace.

Abstract: The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.

Abstract: A system comprises an industrial enclosure, a first magnetic control and a second magnetic control. The industrial enclosure has a cover with an outer surface. The second magnetic control is nested within the first magnetic control, and the nested magnetic controls are secured to the outer surface of the cover of the enclosure.

Abstract: A magnetic encoder knob system includes a knob associated with a first side of a substrate and a magnetic encoder associated with a second side of the substrate. First and second magnets are disposed in or on the knob such that magnetic flux lines extending between the first and second magnets pass through the encoder so that the encoder responds to rotation of the magnetic flux lines in response to rotation of the knob.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a main body having a laundry loading hole formed therein, a door coupled to the main body to selectively open and close the laundry loading hole, a protruding part coupled to the door and selectively received in a protrusion housing coupled to the main body, a plurality of reed sensors provided in one of the door or the main body, and a magnet provided in the other of the door or the main body, outside of the protrusion housing so as react to the magnet and sense and opening/closing of the door.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue includes extending a distal tip of an electrode of a surgical instrument from a body of the surgical instrument to expose the distal tip by sliding the electrode along a longitudinal axis defined by the body, delivering energy from the distal tip to tissue, and applying suction adjacent the distal end of the body with a suction pipe of the surgical instrument. The distal tip of the electrode may include a collapsible portion. Extending the distal tip of the electrode may include moving the collapsible portion to extend beyond an outer radial dimension of a nose of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An electrosurgical coagulation instrument includes a body, a suction pipe, and an electrode. The body has a central passage that defines a longitudinal axis. The suction pipe has a distal end and defines a lumen. The suction pipe is disposed within the central passage. The electrode has a distal tip that is configured to deliver energy to tissue. The electrode is disposed within the lumen of the suction pipe. The suction pipe and/or the electrode is slidable along the longitudinal axis with respect to the body and the other of the electrode and the suction pipe.

Abstract: The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical encoder that has magnetic elements embedded in a shaft or shaft of the optical encoder. Further, the optical encoder is hermitically sealed and is configured to rotate based on a magnetic field between the optical encoder and an actuation member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an LED retrofit lamp (700) adapted for operation with an alternating current. The LED lamp comprises an LED unit (740), a mains current line, first and second switching devices (710, 720) (e.g., first and second relays), and a control unit (730). The control unit (730) detects an ignition voltage on the mains current line. In response to detecting the ignition voltage on the mains current line, the control unit (730) sets the first and second switching devices (710, 720) to a conducting state such that the LED unit (740) is connected to power. By using the first and second switching devices (710, 720), safety of the LED lamp (700) is improved, in particular when installing the lamp (700) into a fixture designed for fluorescent lamps.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for securing a theft-susceptible movable object at a selected location. A security system is positioned at a selected location for protection of a theft-susceptible movable object. The security system includes a magnetic field source adapted to generate a magnetic field that is positionally-associated with a movable object. A monitoring device includes a magnetic sensor and is adapted for placement proximate to the selected location. The monitoring device is adapted to take one or more measurements of the magnetic field and to detect alteration in the measurements caused by movement of the magnetic field source relative to the monitoring device when the movable object is moved from the selected location. Upon detecting the alteration in the measurements of the magnetic field, the monitoring device is adapted to output an electronic warning signal indicating that the movable object has moved from the selected location.

Abstract: A magnetic trigger mechanism is provided. The magnetic trigger mechanism operates in conjunction with a plurality of magnetic sensors. The magnetic trigger mechanism includes: a magnet; a body, with its one side provided with a recess and its other side located near the plurality of magnetic sensors; and a moveable section, provided in the recess in a movable manner, comprising an accommodating space for restraining the magnet therein.

Abstract: A multi-position rotary switch whose handle is rotatable to a selected position to actuate a circuit for an electrically controlled device utilizing a magnetic sensor to initiate the actuating signal without any direct contact of traditional mechanical parts that suffer wear during repetitive operations.

Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.

Abstract: A door, or window detector incorporates a magnet and a magnetometer. Dual loop processing can be provided for real-time signals from the magnetometer, as the magnet moves relative to it, to determine when at least one of small gap or large gap indicating alarms should be issued. Security can be substantially increased by randomizing the orientation of the magnet.

Abstract: A permanent magnet is pivotally mounted in a top spacer layer of a switching device and rests on a flex arm created in an underlying flex circuit layer. The underside of the flex arm rests on a thin bar formed in a lower spacer layer beneath which lies a base layer including an electromagnet. Activation of the electromagnet causes rotation of the flex arm to thereby close and open electrical contacts formed respectively on the underside of the flex arm and on the top surface of the base layer.

Abstract: A magnetic trigger mechanism is provided. The magnetic trigger mechanism operates in conjunction with a plurality of magnetic sensors. The magnetic trigger mechanism includes: a magnet; a body, with its one side provided with a recess and its other side located near the plurality of magnetic sensors; and a moveable section, provided in the recess in a movable manner, comprising an accommodating space for restraining the magnet therein.

Abstract: A latch for a washing machine or other appliance provides two interengaging elements on a lid and housing each having a magnet oriented for mutual repulsion. Proper repulsion of the magnets is necessary to signal that the lid is properly closed such as may be used to determine if the appliance may be locked and safely operated, for example, in a clothes spinning mode.

Abstract: A magnetic trigger mechanism is provided. The magnetic trigger mechanism operates in conjunction with a plurality of magnetic sensors. The magnetic trigger mechanism includes: a magnet; a body, with its one side provided with a recess and its other side located near the plurality of magnetic sensors; and a moveable section, provided in the recess in a movable manner, comprising an accommodating space for restraining the magnet therein.

Abstract: There is provided a housing comprising an electrically powered device and electrical connecting means. The (electrical connecting means of the) housing fit an interface means of an electrical power supply. The housing is provided with magnetically activable switching means which in a passive isolation state are open. The magnetically activable switching means prevent an electric current from passing between the electrical connecting means and the electrically powered device. The interface means comprise magnetic activation means enable an electric current to pass between the electrical connecting means and the electrically powered device when the housing has been properly installed.

Abstract: Improved, magnetic high security switch apparatus is provided for use in detecting relative movement between first and second members such as a door frame and door from a close position, wherein the members are proximal, and an open position, where the members are separated. The switch apparatus includes a magnetic shiftable ball switch assembly having an elongated housing and a shiftable ball therein, which traverses an oblique path of travel between respective switch states in response to relative movement between the first and second members. Preferably, the housing is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the horizontal in order to prevent defeat of the switch apparatus through use of an external defeat magnet.

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

Abstract: A magnetic keyswitch assembly includes a movable keycap, a support plate, a magnetic element, a frame and a switch component. The movable keycap includes a pivot and a metal part. The support plate supports the pivot. The magnetic element attracts the metal part, and a direction of a magnetic attractive force between the magnetic element and the metal part is perpendicular to a movement direction of the movable keycap. The frame is for accommodating the magnetic element. The switch component is disposed beneath the movable keycap. The magnetic element attracts the metal part so as to make the switch component in an OFF state as the movable keycap is undepressed. The movable keycap moves downward to trigger the switch component as the movable keycap is depressed to exceed a force threshold.

Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.

Abstract: A magnetic system for biosensors is switchable between attraction force and repulsion force near the sensor surface. The magnetic system includes a magnetic source and a sensor. The sensor corresponds with the magnetic field in a way that the magnetic source creates inhomogeneous magnetic field lines that results in a magnetic force towards the magnetic system and which subsequently or adjacently exerts a magnetic force directed away from the magnetic system with all magnetic forces generated at the same magnetic source.

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: There is provided a housing comprising an electrically powered device and electrical connecting means. The (electrical connecting means of the) housing fit an interface means of an electrical power supply. The housing is provided with magnetically activable switching means which in a passive isolation state are open. The magnetically activable switching means prevent an electric current from passing between the electrical connecting means and the electrically powered device. The interface means comprise magnetic activation means enable an electric current to pass between the electrical connecting means and the electrically powered device when the housing has been properly installed.

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

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 micro-machined magnetic relay has a moveable cantilever comprising a soft magnetic material and having a first end and a second end. The cantilever has a rotational axis which is a flexure supported by a substrate. The cantilever has a first state and a second state. A first permanent magnet is disposed near the first end of the cantilever to force the cantilever in the first state. A second movable magnet causes changes of magnetic forces and torques on the cantilever. Therefore, the direction of a sum of torque on the cantilever is reversed. As a result, the cantilever flips from the first state to the second state. The relay can be used as a proximity sensor to detect the motion of an object associated with the second movable magnet.

Abstract: A tilt switch activated light apparatus suitable for use in connection with an egress of a vehicle, the apparatus including a magnet disposed within a cavity of a housing, where the cavity is shaped so that in the event of excessive roll or pitch of the vehicle, the magnet moves to a location adjacent a switch connecting a power source to a light source, causing the switch to close and so activating the light source. An external body, either ferromagnetic or magnetic, and external to the housing and removable therefrom, may be used to hold the magnet inside the cavity in a neutral position, away from the switch, during shipping.

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 relay is disclosed that includes a first opening and closing part including an openable and closable first gap; a second opening and closing part including an openable and closable second gap, the second opening and closing part being placed side by side with the first opening and closing part so that the first gap and the second gap are arranged side by side; a magnetization driving part configured to cause the first opening and closing part and the second opening and closing part to simultaneously operate; and a permanent magnet configured to apply a magnetic field on the first gap of the first opening and closing part and the second gap of the second opening and closing part in the same direction.

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: Tamper-resistant switch assemblies (26, 162) are provided including a first movement-sensing switch (28) and a second tamper-sensing switch assembly (30), the latter including a switchable component (32) and an actuating component (34). Preferably, the switch (28) and switch assembly (30) are housed within an encapsulated switch module (70, 114, 164), with the actuating component (34, 118, 138, 166) positioned above or to the side of the module (70, 114, 164). Mounting structure (36) serves to support the module (70, 114, 164) within a mounting opening (90, 112, 148) and is operable to prevent removal of the switchable component (32) and actuating component (34, 118, 138, 166) without significant relative shifting movement between the switchable component (32) and actuating component (34, 118, 138, 166). Any attempted tampering results in such relative shifting movement, thereby triggering an alarm.