Abstract: A magnetic trap is configured to arrange at least one diamagnetic rod. The magnetic trap includes first and second magnets on a substrate that forms the magnetic trap defining a template configured to self-assemble diamagnetic material. Each of the first and second magnets extends along a longitudinal direction to define a magnet length, and contact each other to define a contact line. The first magnet and the second magnet have a diametric magnetization in a direction perpendicular to the contact line and the longitudinal direction so as to generate a longitudinal energy potential that traps the diamagnetic rod along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A magnet and magnetometer may be integrated into a smart home environment and allow it to be placed into an away mode of operation despite an entry point being semi-open. The disclosed implementations can detect a magnetic field strength and determine, based on the detected field strength, an approximate distance that a moveable partition is open. In some configurations, the presence of a second magnetic source can be detected. A notice may be generated based on one or more signals received from the magnetometer. The notice may be sent to a controller, a remote system, a remote device, and/or a client device as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A handheld communication device includes first and second screens, a hinge to rotate the first and second screens between open and closed positions, and a permanent magnet to maintain the first and second screens in the closed position.

Abstract: Magnetic switches are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a mount and a switch actuator assembly coupled to the mount. The switch actuator assembly includes a body, a trigger, and a first magnet oriented to be attracted to a second magnet. Movement of the body from a first position to a second position is to cause relative movement between the first magnet and the second magnet and relative movement between the trigger and a switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cleaning contaminants on a contact portion of an electromagnetic contactor, and more particularly, a device for cleaning contaminants on a contact portion of an electromagnetic contactor in which a magnetic force the acting direction of which is changed in time is generated to the outside of the electromagnetic contactor for cleaning contaminants generated at a contact portion thereof with an arc extinguishing method, thereby effectively and broadly performing the cleaning of contaminants.

Abstract: A float switch with a float housing having a magnetically-activated, hermetically-sealed reed switch secured within an interior cavity in a first orientation and a permanent magnet positioned in a second orientation. The permanent magnet is movable within a chamber in the interior cavity between a first activation position and a second non-activation position. For connection to a pump, electrical conductors extend from the float housing at one end and are electrically coupled to the reed switch.

Abstract: A control device for an enclosure is disclosed, where the control device includes a first portion positioned proximate to a back side of an enclosure surface of the enclosure, and a second portion positioned proximate to a front side of the enclosure surface. The first portion can include a plunger having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is adjacent to the enclosure surface. The first portion can also include a first magnet having a first polarity and disposed at the proximal end of the plunger. The first portion can further include at least one contact in communication with the distal end of the plunger, where the at least one contact has a first state and a second state. The second portion can include a second magnet having a second polarity, where the second magnet has an engaged position and a disengaged position.

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 assembly for use in a housing of an electronic device can include a first and a second magnet and a magnetic shield. The magnetic shield can reduce magnetic flux density from the first and the second magnets that can appear on the outside of the housing. A magnetic hinge assembly can include magnets configured to correlate with the first and second magnets. The magnetic hinge can magnetically attach to the housing by cooperating with the first and second magnets with magnets that can be included in the magnetic hinge.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a support member coupled to the housing, a trigger member coupled to the support member, a sliding member, a first magnet member coupled to the sliding member, and a second magnet member coupled to the support member. The first magnet member includes two first magnets and a second magnet coupled to the corresponding first magnet. The magnetic pole of the first magnets is opposite to the magnetic pole of the second magnet. The second magnet member includes a third magnet and two fourth magnets. The magnetic pole of the third magnet is same as the magnetic pole of the second magnet. The magnetic pole of the fourth magnets is same as the magnetic pole of the first magnets.

Abstract: A retractable assembly for immersion-, flow- and annex-measuring systems in analytical process technology for measuring at least one measured variable of a medium in a process containment, comprising an essentially cylindrical housing having a housing interior; an immersion tube, which is axially movable between a retracted service position in the housing and a process position extended from the housing. In the service position, the immersion tube is positioned in the housing interior; a closure element on an end region of the immersion tube facing the medium for sealing off the housing interior from the process containment when the immersion tube is located in the service position, and a proximity detector in or on the end region of the housing facing the medium for detecting the closure element in the service position.

Abstract: A luminaire may be carried by a lighting fixture and may have a generally concave elongate-shaped housing defining an optical chamber and an aperture. The luminaire may include a plurality of lighting devices each having a heat sink, a light source, and a magnetic attachment member. The magnetic attachment member may magnetically bind a lighting device to pads proximate to ferromagnetic material in the housing. Light emitted by the light source may enter the optical chamber and pass through the aperture in a generally orthogonal direction in relation to the orientation of the device. Electrical power may be delivered by one or more power supply unit of either an external or an on-board type, and by using either inductive or conductive coupling. Network interfaces may enable communication of control instructions among a multiple controllers located either within a single luminaire or distributed among multiple luminaires.

Abstract: A control device is provided that includes a plate and a control unit. The control unit has a rotary unit designed as a transmitter unit and a receiver unit. The transmitter unit has a top surface and a bottom side, wherein a base is formed on the bottom side in a center region and a first magnetizable element or a first magnet for positioning the transmitter unit at a predefined position over the receiver unit is arranged in the center region. In a rest position the transmitter unit rests with the base on the plate and the axis of rotation extends essentially parallel to the normal of the plate, or the transmitter unit is tilted into an operating position such that the base rests only partially on the plate and the axis of rotation is tilted relative to the normal of the plate.

Abstract: Proximity switches include a hermetically sealed unit that can be used in harsh environments and under significant pressures, such as underwater and in nuclear power facilities, without having any parts that would require replacement or periodic maintenance. The proximity switches are preferably switches actuated by physical movement of a contact in response to changing magnetic forces. The switches are preferably disposed in a body tube optionally including a hermetic seal assembly to seal an open end of the body tube and/or a ferrule that prevents electrical wires attached to the switch inside the body tube from being pulled away from the switch. Further, the switches preferably maintain a contact pressure between electrical contacts sufficient to withstand acceleration seismic testing of 10 g with no contact discontinuity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring (1), in particular for a push button, for fixing to a carrier (2) and for registering a vertical force (F). The spring (3) is designed in such a way that when actuated it converts a vertical movement into a horizontal movement that can be detected by sensor means (4).

Abstract: A magnetic switch device and an electronic device having the same are disclosed. The electronic device includes an upper case which includes a first element and a lower case. The magnetic switch device includes a switch part and a driving part, wherein the switch part is mounted on the lower case and includes a second element that can be attached to the first element through magnetic force. The driving part is mounted on the lower case, such that when the driving part is moved, the switch part is enabled by the driving part to make the second element correspond to the first element, allowing the upper case to attach to the lower case; or the switch part is disabled by the driving part to not make the second element correspond to the first element, allowing the upper case not to attach to the lower case.

Abstract: A reusable electronic circuit assembling system facilitates assembly and testing of electronic circuits. The system has at least one baseboard and one or more assembling blocks magnetically or mechanically attached to the baseboard. Each assembling block has at least two electrically connected conductive clips located separately in the opening holes of the assembly block. Discrete electronic components are connected by selectively inserting the electrodes of the to-be-connected electronic components into the clips of the assembling blocks. A complete circuit is constructed by attaching the above block-component assemblies on the baseboard and connecting them in accordance with the desired circuit diagram.

Abstract: A control device for an enclosure is disclosed, where the control device includes a first portion positioned proximate to a back side of an enclosure surface of the enclosure, and a second portion positioned proximate to a front side of the enclosure surface. The first portion can include a plunger having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is adjacent to the enclosure surface. The first portion can also include a first magnet having a first polarity and disposed at the proximal end of the plunger. The first portion can further include at least one contact in communication with the distal end of the plunger, where the at least one contact has a first state and a second state. The second portion can include a second magnet having a second polarity, where the second magnet has an engaged position and a disengaged position.

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: An electronic device includes a housing, a support member coupled to the housing, a trigger member coupled to the support member, a sliding member, a first magnet member coupled to the sliding member, and a second magnet member coupled to the support member. The first magnet member includes two first magnets and a second magnet coupled to the corresponding first magnet. The magnetic pole of the first magnets is opposite to the magnetic pole of the second magnet. The second magnet member includes a third magnet and two fourth magnets. The magnetic pole of the third magnet is same as the magnetic pole of the second magnet. The magnetic pole of the fourth magnets is same as the magnetic pole of the first magnets.

Abstract: Connectors and methods of coupling electronic devices and cables are provided. In one embodiment, a connector has a first coded magnet on a first surface of a first device. The first coded magnet has at least two different polarity regions on the first surface. A second coded magnet on a second surface of a second device is also provided. The second coded magnet is configured to provide identifying information regarding the device on which it is located.

Abstract: Proximity switches include a hermetically sealed unit that can be used in harsh environments and under significant pressures, such as underwater and in nuclear power facilities, without having any parts that would require replacement or periodic maintenance. The proximity switches are preferably switches actuated by physical movement of a contact in response to changing magnetic forces. The switches are preferably disposed in a body tube optionally including a hermetic seal assembly to seal an open end of the body tube and/or a ferrule that prevents electrical wires attached to the switch inside the body tube from being pulled away from the switch. Further, the switches preferably maintain a contact pressure between electrical contacts sufficient to withstand acceleration seismic testing of 10 g with no contact discontinuity.

Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly for an arc driver assembly of an electric switching device, having a permanent magnet and a cover made of electrically insulating material, wherein the cover is connected directly to the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A cover is described that is magnetically attached to a tablet device. The cover includes at least as flap. In the described embodiment, the flap includes a plurality of segments where the first segment includes a first plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a first edge of the flap and where a second segment includes a second plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a second edge of the flap opposite the first edge.

Abstract: Apparatus for floor cleaning, having a cavity that opens on the dashboard, a plurality of mechanically similar interchangeable keys, and suitable to be inserted completely into and operate with said cavity, two or more Hall-effect sensors arranged outside said cavity, at least one first key containing at least one magnet, and at least one second key including at least one respective second magnet, which are in functional correspondence with respective predefined sensors. Said magnets do not interfere with sensors to which they are not geometrically connected, and for this purpose they are aligned on a same straight line, and the insertion of said keys causes a movement of said magnets toward the respective sensors with a motion orthogonal to said straight line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating element (10) for a regulating and/or switching functionality having at least two switching or regulating stages, comprising: an actuating part (4) which can be actuated manually and thereby moved out of a rest position; at least three permanent magnets (1, 2, 3), comprising: a first movable permanent magnet (1), which is driven synchronously in its range of movement by the actuating part (4); a second movable permanent magnet (2), which, in a first partial range of the range of movement of the first permanent magnet (1), is synchronously entrained by it through magnetic force, and whose further movement is inhibited in at least one second partial range of the range of movement of the first permanent magnet (1) by at least one stop (5a); a third permanent magnet (3), which is stationary relative to the actuating part (4), for generating a magnetic return force on the at least first permanent magnet (1).

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 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: Proximity switches are disclosed that preferably are provided in a hermetically sealed unit that can be used in harsh environments and under significant pressures, such as underwater and in nuclear power facilities, without having any parts that would require replacement or periodic maintenance. The proximity switches are preferably switches actuated by physical movement of a contact in response to changing magnetic forces. The switches are preferably disposed in a body tube optionally including a hermetic seal assembly to seal an open end of the body tube and/or a ferrule that prevents electrical wires attached to the switch inside the body tube from being pulled away from the switch. Further, the switches preferably maintain a contact pressure between electrical contacts sufficient to withstand acceleration seismic testing of 10 g with no contact discontinuity.

Abstract: A method for providing customized content to an electronic device. The method may include activating the electronic device through a packaging that substantially surrounds the electronic device, without substantially damaging or removing the packaging. Once the device is activating, connecting the electronic device to a content and providing the content to the electronic device without substantially damaging or removing the packaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator to be mounted in a haptic-feedback control device (1) for transmitting a haptic feedback to a user, wherein said actuator (5a, 5b) comprises a fixed portion (9) and a mobile portion (11), said fixed (9) and mobile (11) portions forming a magnetic circuit defining at least one air gap (e) between said fixed (9) and mobile (11) portions. According to the invention, the actuator (5a, 5b) further comprises: at least two permanent magnets (23a, 23b) respectively generating first (B1) and second (B2) opposite magnetic fields; and an electric coil (25) provided between said magnets (23a, 23b) such that the winding of said coil (25) extends successively through said first (B1) and second (B2) opposite magnetic fields so that, when a current flows through said coil (25), the actuator (5a, 5b) is submitted to a resulting actuation force in a common driving direction for translating said mobile part (11) in said air gap (e).

Abstract: A stacked field emission system having an outer surface includes at least three field emission structure layers having a stacked relationship that defines a field characteristic of the outer surface. The mechanisms holds the at least three field emission structure layers such that a plurality of interface surfaces of the at least three field emission structure layers correspond to a plurality of interface boundaries between adjacent field emission structure layers. Each of the at least three field emission structure layers includes a plurality of field emission sources having positions, polarities, and field strengths in accordance with a spatial force function that corresponds to a relative alignment of the at least three field emission structures layers in the stacked relationship. A movement of at least one of the at least three field emission structures varies the field characteristics of the outer surface.

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 switch device and an electronic device having the same are disclosed. The electronic device includes an upper case which includes a first element and a lower case. The magnetic switch device includes a switch part and a driving part, wherein the switch part is mounted on the lower case and includes a second element that can be attached to the first element through magnetic force. The driving part is mounted on the lower case, such that when the driving part is moved, the switch part is enabled by the driving part to make the second element correspond to the first element, allowing the upper case to attach to the lower case; or the switch part is disabled by the driving part to not make the second element correspond to the first element, allowing the upper case not to attach to the lower case.

Abstract: A method for plating magnets with metal is disclosed. In one embodiment, the metal is aluminum and the aluminum plating provides a number of aesthetic and structural advantages, over brittle magnetic materials, which are only plated with a thin, anti-corrosive metallic layer. More specifically, methods for creating multi-pole bar magnets and structural elements primarily with aluminum coated magnetic material are disclosed.

Abstract: A switch arrangement for electric currents has at least two contacts to be closed and opened. At least one of the contacts is formed by sections of an electrically conductive pathway of a foil. At least one magnet assigned to the foil. At least one magnetic component is placeable in the magnetic field of the magnet and facing the magnet on the other side of the foil. When the magnetic body is placed in the magnetic field of the magnet it is attracted to the magnet causing the foil to be squeezed and the contacts to make contact, closing the switch.

Abstract: A high security switch for use with an alarm includes a switch assembly for mounting to a fixed structural member. The switch assembly includes a pressure sensitive switch; a magnetic attractive movable body; a cavity having a first end and second end, the cavity confining, directing, limiting and defining the travel of the movable body; and a biasing element near the first end of the cavity to position the moveable body adjacent the first end of the cavity. The switch also includes an actuating element coupled to a movable structural member. In response to moving the actuating element away from the switch assembly the moveable body is magnetically acted upon by the biasing and moved from the second end to the first end of the cavity. The electrical state of the pressure sensitive switch is changed and an alarm activated.

Abstract: A wireless switch comprises a mechanical oscillator, a mechanical impulse deliverer, a first array of magnets positioned on a planar surface, a first conductor, and a power management circuit. The mechanical impulse deliverer delivers a mechanical impulse to the mechanical oscillator when the wireless switch is switched. The first array comprises a one dimensional or two dimensional array of magnets. The first conductor comprises a first serpentine conductor. The power management circuit provides DC power as a result of relative motion due to the mechanical oscillator between the first array of magnets and the first conductor.

Abstract: Two magnetic poles of a permanent magnet of a permanent magnet switch and the two ends of an iron core wound with an excitation coil are connected to each other with the soft magnet having a salient pole. A motor uses the switch as the basic component of the stator and rotor, with two magnetic salient poles of each component being arranged axially, wherein the salient pole of the stator component and that of the rotor component are arranged in an opposite manner with an air gap, the excitation coil of the stator component and the rotor component at the symmetric axis position is taken as a phase line to access an excitation control power supply after serial connection or parallel connection. Electric excitation is carried out on the combined motor formed by shaft connection and rotation dislocation among single motors and the stator component in a bi-phase way simultaneously.

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: A magnetically-sensitive switch includes a housing, a metal block, a sling block, a rigid link, a first plate and an electrical switch. The housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall and two opposite sidewalls. A pair of sliding grooves is defined in the opposite sidewalls. The metal block is placed on the bottom wall. The sliding block is slidably connected to the sliding grooves. The rigid link is pivotally interconnected between the metal block and the sliding block. The first plate is attached to the housing. When the metal block is attracted by a magnetic force generated by a magnet placed adjacent to the top wall. The metal block is movable adjacent to the top wall, thereby driving the rigid link to drive the sliding block to slide towards the side opening along the sliding grooves until the sliding block triggers the electrical switch to generate a switching signal.

Abstract: A valve drive system has a valve drive device and a hand-operated apparatus to trigger control actions in the valve drive device. The hand-operated apparatus includes a magnet arrangement, and the valve drive device includes a magnetic field sensor arrangement adjusted to the magnet arrangement of the hand-operated apparatus.

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

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: Magnetic switches are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a mount and a switch actuator assembly coupled to the mount. The switch actuator assembly includes a body, a trigger, and a first magnet oriented to be attracted to a second magnet. Movement of the body from a first position to a second position is to cause relative movement between the first magnet and the second magnet and relative movement between the trigger and a switch.

Abstract: A switching element that is at least partially implemented in one or more printed wiring boards (PWBs). A first input and a plurality of outputs may be integrated into the PWB(s). In some embodiments, a plurality of contacts may also be integrated into the PWB(s). The switching element is selectively operable in first and second states, the first state in which the first input is coupled to a first output and the second state in which the first input is coupled to a second output.

Abstract: A switch module for activating a hibernation mode of an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a casing and a hibernation switch installed inside the casing. The switch module includes a sliding member, a push button and an activating member. The sliding member is disposed on an inner side of the casing in a slidable manner. The push button is slidably disposed on an outer side of the casing and connected to the sliding member for driving the sliding member to slide relative to the casing. The activating member is disposed on the sliding member for activating the hibernation switch when the push button drives the sliding member to slide to an activating position, so as to activate the hibernation mode of the electronic device.

Abstract: A switch includes a switch housing, and a button moveably mounted to the housing. A profile is disposed on the underside of the button and has a profile contour that provides the tactile feel of the button as it is engaged by the user. A spring biased plunger has one end that engages the profile contour. A printed circuit board is mounted to the housing and includes a magnet sensor. A magnet holder includes at least one magnet. A vane interrupter has at least one passage having an opening proximate to a magnetic sensor. The magnet holder is moveably mounted to the housing such that the magnet is selectively moveable at least partially within the passage to a position where the magnet can be detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A multilevel magnetic system described herein includes first and second magnetic structures that produce a net force that transitions from an attract force to a repel force as a separation distance between the first and second magnetic structures increases. The multi-level magnetic system is configured to maintain a minimum separation distance between a transition distance where the net force is zero and a separation distance at which a peak repel force is produced.

Abstract: A float operated liquid level switch having a body, a float assembly, a switch magnet, and a needle plug. The float assembly may be pivotally attached to the body at a pivot axis. The float assembly may have a first end and a second end opposite the first end, where the pivot axis is located between the first end and the second end. The float assembly may further comprise a float attached to the first end and a float magnet attached to the second end, such that raising the float causes the float magnet to lower and lowering the float causes the float magnet to rise. The switch magnet may be responsive to movement of the float magnet, and the needle plug may be responsive to movement of the switch magnet.