Abstract: An actuator includes: a base member; a first slider that is placed slidably in a first axial direction with respect to the base member; a second slider that is placed slidably in a second axial direction with respect to the base member, the second axial direction being perpendicular to the first axial direction; a moving piece that is placed at a crossing point between the first slider and the second slider, and is capable of moving in a plane, the moving piece being slidably engaged with the first slider and the second slider; a magnet that is fixed to one end of the first slider, and a magnet that is fixed to one end of the second slider; and coils that are designed to allow the magnets to move inner spaces thereof.

Abstract: A set is disclosed with a position sensor and an exciter part. The position sensor has three reed contacts which are pointed parallel to one another in a triangle arrangement next to one another, of which the first two are used for doubled detection of the exciter magnetic field. The third reed contact is used to generate an error signal when the sensor is activated by means of an outside magnetic field. The exciter part has three permanent magnets which are arranged in a triangle arrangement which corresponds to the triangle arrangement of the reed contacts, with pole axes aligned parallel to one another. Of them, the first two magnets are pointed in the same direction and are located at a first distance to one another. The third magnet is polarized in the direction opposite the first two. This results in that only the two make contacts can be activated by the two bar magnets which are pointed in the same direction. Conversely, all three reed contacts are activated each by an outside magnetic field.

Abstract: A circular magnetic switch comprises a circuit device and a ring. The circuit device is provided with a plurality of magnetic induction elements and the ring is provided with a plurality of circularly arranged magnets, so that the magnetic induction elements are able to sense the relatively positional changes of the magnets when the ring is turned. The circular magnetic switch is characterized in that: at least an anti-interference magnet is further provided between at least two magnets of the plurality of magnets and the polarity of two magnets is opposite to that of the anti-inference magnets that is provided between the two magnets.

Abstract: An improved switch interface is provided that does not rely on direct contact by the user interface element to the switch apparatus. This feature enables the switch to be enclosed within a housing, thereby improving reliability and longevity of the switch mechanism.

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

Abstract: Magnetic storage switch with a pole armature which can be rotated about an axis, a first switch disc (A) and a second switch disc (B), wherein the pole armature is provided between these switch discs (A, B) and the pole armature comprises a plurality of magnets which are arranged with respectively alternating polarity in the circumferential direction of the pole armature, characterised in that the switch discs (A, B) comprise magnetisable ring segments in the form of magnetic sheets and the two switch discs (A, B) are rotated relative to one another by approximately one half of the pitch with respect to the ring segments.

Abstract: The disclosed device and method relate to an actuator. The actuator includes a field structure assembly having an arrangement of permanent magnets and magnetically soft components, and a moving coil assembly. The arrangement of permanent magnets includes a conical magnet and a plurality of segmented ring magnets.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a control element, particularly in a central control unit. A magnet clamping system is integrated into a control element in order to render the function “slider setting” unequivocal. In addition to an actuator head that is positioned on a shaft, which is guided in a cylinder, for example, and at least one circuit board having LEDs, the control element includes a magnetic device having a designated magnet, which is functionally connected to the actuator head. When the actuator head is moved vertically by sliding, the magnetic device lifts off the magnet due to tilting, which causes a code disc attached to the actuator head to be brought into an inclined position such that a light flow on the light barriers formed by the LEDs is disrupted and/or opened up. In a further embodiment, this control element also includes press and rotate functions.

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

Abstract: A security device, according to various aspects of the present invention, detects removal of the device from a provided surface. The security device includes a body; at least one magnet coupled to the body; and a sensor coupled to the body proximate to at least one of the at least one magnet. The sensor does not move with respect to the at least one magnet. The at least one magnet magnetically couples the body to the surface. Each one magnet provides a magnetic flux. When the body couples to the surface, at least a portion of the magnetic flux conducts away from the sensor. When the body is not coupled to the surface, at least a portion of the magnetic flux from at least one magnet of the at least one magnet conducts through the sensor thereby indicating removal of the body from the surface.

Abstract: A security device, according to various aspects of the present invention, detects movement of a provided portal cover. The security device includes a sensor, a bias magnet, and a processor. The sensor provides indicia of a magnitude of a magnetic flux through the sensor. The bias magnet provides the magnetic flux through the sensor. The processor detects a change in the magnitude of the magnetic flux outside an upper boundary and a lower boundary of a first threshold and a second threshold respectively. The sensor does not move with respect to the magnet. Movement between the sensor and the portal cover changes the magnitude of the magnetic flux through the sensor. The processor determines an average value of a series of values of the indicia of the magnitude of the magnetic flux that fall within the upper boundary and the lower boundary of the first threshold. The upper boundary and the lower boundary of the first threshold and the second threshold respectively are set in accordance with the average value.

Abstract: A low energy magnet actuator allows magnetic fields to be turned on and off using a small amount of energy. The magnetic actuator according to the invention generally includes a base suitable for the support of a plurality of magnets. An actuatable shield is positioned in relation to the plurality of magnets so that it effectively blocks the magnetic field when it is positioned over at least one of the magnets. The magnetic fields of the plurality of magnets interact in a manner that allows low energy actuation of the shield.

Abstract: A magnetically activated switch assembly is provided. The magnetically activated switch assembly includes a magnet and a magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit includes a magnetically activated switch, a first set of flux conductors, and a second set of flux conductors. The first set of flux conductors has first flux conductor flanges adapted to conduct flux from ends of the magnet. The second set of flux conductors is slidingly positioned relative to the first set of flux conductors and is adapted to conduct flux from the first set of flux conductors to the magnetically activated switch. The first set of flux conductors are adapted to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise and to tilt up or down. The first magnetic circuit is adapted to conduct flux to activate the magnetically activated switch only when the first flux conductor flanges are rotationally aligned with ends of the magnet and tilted to an operational position.

Abstract: An operating device for an electric hob has an operating element for performing operating functions, which is rotatable and rests in a removable manner on a support. The operating element is configured to be shape-variable, such as being compressible, such that it can be pressed onto the support. Upon approaching the support, a control indication is detected for initiating a further operating function of the electric hob as a consequence of the detection of said approach. In one embodiment, the underside of the operating element is made from elastic foam material.

Abstract: A control switch for controlling magnetic line of force is applied to a switch of an electronic equipment or an electrical equipment. The control switch includes a controlled switch, a control part, a first magnetic element, and a second magnetic element. The control switch is located in the housing of the electronic equipment or the electrical equipment. The control switch is electrically connected with the circuit loop of the electronic equipment or the electrical equipment. The control part is located on the exterior of the housing and is movable. The first magnetic element is installed on the control part. The second magnetic element is movably installed in the housing. The second magnetic element corresponds to the contact flake of the controlled switch. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element can selectively generate a magnetic line of force reaction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotary selector as control device for switching on and off and automatic control of a number of different program steps of electrical appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and the like. The rotary selector in the invention functions as a control device for switching on and off and automatic control of a number of different program steps of electrical appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and the like. This is done by connecting a pivoted actuator (3) via an operating shaft (4) with a magnetic rotary field sensor (5) in Hall sensor technology. An interface is integrated into the rotary field sensor (5), via which an angle-dependent code is transmitted to an electronic evaluation and control unit. In addition there is a device for positioning the actuator (3) at a precise angle, whereby a particular program cycle is assigned to each setting of the rotary field sensor (5) and each switch position of the actuator (3).

Abstract: An operation input device includes a base, a printed circuit board which has a plurality of pushbutton switches and Hall elements mounted on its upside and which is stacked on and united with the base, an operation plate which is supported on the base so as to be vertically movable on the printed circuit board, and a disc type operation dial in which an annular magnet with N-poles and S-poles arranged alternately is assembled on the underside of this operation dial and which is turnably assembled on the upside of the operation plate. Here, the disc type operation dial is turned, thereby to sense the changes of the magnetic fluxes of the annular magnet by the Hall elements and to detect a turning direction, while the disc type operation dial is depressed, thereby to operate any of the pushbutton switches through the operation plate. The operation dial is prevented from becoming rickety in a horizontal direction, and it ensures a smooth turning operation, thereby to afford a good operation feeling.

Abstract: The invention provides a furniture chair seatback tilt limiter system for adjustably limiting the seatback recline of a chair. The seatback tilt limiter system includes a first gear toothed rotator with a full forward seatback upright endstop and a full recline seatback endstop. The seatback tilt limiter system includes a second gear toothed rotator having an adjustment endstop. The first rotator is free to rotate between the full forward seatback upright endstop and the full recline seatback endstop when the rotator gear teeth are disengaged and the second rotator adjustment endstop limits the rotation of the first rotator to an adjustable reclined seatback tilt limit when the gear teeth are engaged.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to various aspects of the present invention, that couples a provided security device to a provided portal cover and communicating between a first side and a second side of the portal cover. The security device includes a first magnet and a second magnet. The apparatus includes a second device, a first metal fastener, and a second metal fastener. The first metal fastener has a first end portion and a second end portion. The second metal fastener has a third end portion and a fourth end portion. The first end portion and the third end portion are positioned on a first side of the cover. The second end portion and the fourth end portion are positioned on a second side of the cover. The first magnet and the second magnet magnetically and electrically couple to the first end portion and the third end portion respectively thereby coupling the security device to the cover. The second device electrically couples to the second end portion and the fourth end portion.

Abstract: A pointing device including an operating section shiftably supported on a base section, a magnet carried on the base section or the operating section, and a magneto-electro transducer carried on the other close to the magnet. A first part securely holding one of the magnet and the magneto-electro transducer and shiftably supported on the base section in a horizontal direction relative to the base section, and a second part connected to and elastically biasing the first part towards a home position in a horizontal shifting range when the first part is horizontally shifted along the base section. The second part integrated with a major portion surrounding a circumference of the first part that has a first connecting portion connected to the first part and a second connecting portion connected to the base section, and exerting an even elastic biasing force irrespective of a shifting direction of the first part.

Abstract: A solenoid actuator includes a pair of coils and a core body. The pair of the coils are coupled electrically to each other in series. The core body has a pair of magnets and a holding member, and moves with respect to the coils when the pair of the coils apply magnetic force to the pair of the magnets in substantially same direction. The magnets are inserted into the coils respectively. The holding member holds the pair of the magnets in common.

Abstract: A clamping tool of chain ends of an accessory in which a holder provided at one end of a chain portion of the accessory is engaged with a holder receiver provided at the other end of the chain portion to be interlocked with each other, wherein the holder and the holder receiver are respectively provided as attracting members with magnets attracting each other or with a magnet and a metal material attracted by the magnet at positions capable of guiding the holder and the holder receiver to a proper engaging location. In accordance with the invention, a pair of interlocking members can be guided to and located at proper interlocking positions with respect to each other without depending on visual observation.

Abstract: A magnetic separator with permanent magnets includes a ferromagnetic member (2) for the circuit connection between at least two magnetic poles (3C) made up of ferrite magnets (12) in the bottom portion in contact with said ferromagnetic member (2) for the circuit connection, and of rare earth magnets (13) in the top portion that represents the entrance/exit surface (14) of the magnetic flux lines (15, 16). The ratio between the effective magnetic length of the ferrite magnets (12) and of the rare earth magnets (13) is preferably 2:1, and the preferred materials are strontium ferrite for the former and iron-boron-neodymium for the latter. In this way it is possible to combine the magnetic characteristics of the two types of permanent magnets so as to make them complementary and thus enhance the attractive effectiveness of the separator both for ferromagnetic materials with high or low shape factor, and for materials with high or low and sometimes very low permeability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rotary code-based control for command systems. A flight deck module comprises a knob connected to a shaft; a plurality of sensors affixed to a surface of a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board connected to the shaft; and a carrier platter. The carrier platter is connected to the shaft and a plurality of sources is affixed onto a first side of the carrier platter in an arcuate orientation (such as in a circular fashion along the circumference of the carrier platter or spanning a sector of a circle).

Abstract: A plurality of pairs of a movable contact point and a fixed contact point, which are opposite so that they can be contacted with and separated from each other, are provided in parallel and connected in series so that an electrical current flows in the same direction between the movable contact point and the fixed contact point, which are simultaneously closed. Permanent magnets are disposed on lateral sides of the movable contact point and the fixed contact point so that a magnetic field, which extends an arc generated between the contact points in either an upward or downward direction, is formed.

Abstract: A magnetic lid switch assembly includes a first magnetically actuated electrical switch that has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the first switch is open and a second position wherein the first switch is closed. A second magnetically actuated electrical switch electrically is connected in series with the first switch. The second switch has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the second switch is open and a second position wherein the second switch is closed. A first actuator is magnetically coupled to the first switch. The first actuator moves the lever arm of the first switch closing the first switch to enable the first switch to pass an electric current when the first actuator is positioned proximate the first switch. A second actuator is magnetically coupled to the second switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interface system for a vehicle having a starter motor and a transmission control lever. There is a need for such an interface system which senses control lever position and prevents starter motor operation unless the control lever is in a park position. The interface system includes a plurality of magnet members generating magnetic fields, and a plurality of magnetic sensors or Hall effect switches mounted to the lever so that movement of the lever causes the magnetic sensors to move through the magnetic fields. An interface circuit is connected to the starter motor and to the magnetic sensors. The interface circuit and the sensors cooperate to generate lever position signals. The interface circuit and the sensors also cooperate to prevent activation of the starter motor unless the lever is in its park position. Thus, the same lever position sensors are used by the transmission control system and are used to control operation of the starter.

Abstract: Magnetic switch arrangement including a first magnetic system (24), a second magnetic system (25) and a magnetic switching element (18). The first magnetic system (24) is arranged for biasing the magnetic switching element (18) and the second magnetic system (25) is arranged to interact with the biasing magnetic field from the first magnetic system at the magnetic switching element so that the magnetic switching element is in a predefined state. The first magnetic system (24) also includes a magnetic field assembler (19) arranged for creating a longitudinal magnetic field inside the assembler. An advantage of the invention being to provide a magnetic switch arrangement which compensates for the angular sensitivity of the switching element.

Abstract: Magnetic attractive force of a magnet exerted on a movable contact in a sealing case through yokes changes as a result of movement of a magnetic shunt element induced by movement of a movable element located outside the sealing case. As a result, the movable contact can be brought into or out of contact with a stationary contact without involvement of entry of the movable element into the sealing case.

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

Abstract: An operator control device for an electric heating apparatus comprises a control element, which rotatably and removably rests on a mounting surface and is held by a magnetic retaining force. The control element has a bottom side facing the mounting surface while the mounting surface has a planar top side facing the control element. The bottom side is embodied in a flat manner in a first sub-area to keep the control element in a stable basic position, an effect that is supported by the magnetic retaining force. Said first sub-area is surrounded by an adjacent second sub-area that encompasses a receding curvature such that the control element can be tilted from the basic position while the contact to the mounting surface is maintained. Detection sensors are provided for detecting the position of the control element in the basic position or another position in order to trigger a control function.

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

Abstract: A pointing device including a base section, an operating section shiftably supported on the base section, a magnet carried on one of the base section and the operating section, and a magneto-electro transducer carried on the other of the base section and the operating section at a location close to the magnet. The operating section includes a first part securely holding one of the magnet and the magneto-electro transducer and supported on the base section shiftably in a desired horizontal direction relative to the base section, and a second part connected to the first part and elastically biasing the first part toward a home position in a horizontal shifting range during a period when the first part is horizontally shifted along the base section.

Abstract: A magnetic proximity sensor includes first and second contacts and a common contact and an actuator shaft, wherein the position of the common contact is determined by the position of the shaft, but the force between the contacts is independent of the position of the shaft.

Abstract: A bi-stable magnetic switch assembly is provided that comprises a stator and a rotor, which is configured for rotation with respect to the stator between a first latched position and a second latched position. The stator and the rotor cooperate to form a first magnetic path and a magnetic path having a shared portion. A spring, which is coupled to the rotor, biases the rotor toward the first and second latched positions when the rotor is in the second and first latched positions, respectively. At least one magnet is fixedly coupled to either the stator or the rotor. The magnet is included within the first magnetic path and configured to produce a magnetic latching force that biases the rotor toward first latched position when the rotor is closer to the first latched position than to the second latched position, and toward the second latched position when the rotor is closer to the second latched position than to the first latched position.

Abstract: During the service for last more than 22 years in WAPDA the inventor experienced several fatal/non-fatal accidents due to electrocution. The victims were from WAPDA and Public as well of severe nature resulting into amputation of hands, arms and limbs of the body and indeed in many cases of electrocution resulting into death. Such accidents are indeed very shocking, painful for me to alarming degree. By the MERCY of ALLAH the inventor was moved by a motivating force to prevent these irreparable/irreversible losses and saving the precious lives of the people. Although it was not possible for the inventor to achieve 100% accident free system from sending end (power houses) to receiving end (grid station, power station houses) yet by the Leave of ALLAH the inventor has achieved 100% success in inventing the “Screened Switch” 100% free of electrical current.

Abstract: A smart switch has a magnetic operator, at least one magnetic sensor located to sense movement of the magnetic operator, and a processor that processes an output of the magnetic sensor so as to detect right and left over travel ranges and a normal operating range of the magnetic operator. The magnetic sensor may be a magnetoresistive sensor.

Abstract: A contactless switch module, which is actuatable between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position, a plurality of magnetic field sensing sensors, and a plurality of magnets. The switch also includes a multi-channel switch controller. Each one of the plurality of magnetic field sensing sensors is communicatively coupled to an input channel of the multi-channel switch controller. The multi-channel switch controller is configured to determine a switch state based at least upon the respective states of its input channels.

Abstract: A magnetically activated switch assembly is provided. The magnetically activated switch assembly includes a magnet and a magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit includes a magnetically activated switch, a first set of flux conductors, and a second set of flux conductors. The first set of flux conductors has first flux conductor flanges adapted to conduct flux from ends of the magnet. The second set of flux conductors is slidingly positioned relative to the first set of flux conductors and is adapted to conduct flux from the first set of flux conductors to the magnetically activated switch. The first set of flux conductors are adapted to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise and to tilt up or down. The first magnetic circuit is adapted to conduct flux to activate the magnetically activated switch only when the first flux conductor flanges are rotationally aligned with ends of the magnet and tilted to an operational position.

Abstract: A rotary selector as display console for contact-free on and off switching as well as for switching of the automatic control of a number of different cycles of electronically operated domestic applicances, such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers or comparable units. The rotary selector (1) has mutually communicating catch devices and a plate arranged at a distance thereto with a rotary field sensor acording to Hall technology, whereby spring-loaded ball lockings enable defined and switchable rotation of an operating element (2) with magnetic device in ranges up to 360°, and whereby angle-dependent variables for control of a wide range of cycles are generated in a known manner in the rotary field sensor.

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

Abstract: A magnetic latch mechanism for latching a first electronic assembly to a second electronic assembly. The magnetic latch mechanism includes a Halbach array captured by the first electronic assembly. The Halbach array is configured to provide a first magnetic flux in a first direction. The magnetic latch mechanism further includes an attraction plate captured by the second electronic assembly. The attraction plate is configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the Halbach array in the closed position.

Abstract: A motion detecting system is attachable to an object for enabling and disabling an alarm flow of electrical current from a power source for actuating an alarm device. The system has a back plate with a substantially flat surface and a magnet freely pivotally mounted thereupon for generating a pivoting magnetic field that pivots with magnet in response to a motion of the object or of the system itself. System is set in an armed state by an electric pulse which causes at least one electrical contact is engaged by magnetic field in a first state to be set as an armed contact. When motion occurs, magnetic field pivots with magnet and armed contact in first state enters second state in which alarm flow is enabled for actuating alarm device. Contacts are spaced such that at least one contact is always engageable in first state.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic encoder which can be assembled having a thin-walled structure while securing an excellent detection sensitivity and which can provide an excellent moldability by suitably selecting materials, the magnetic encoder is provided which includes a multi-pole magnet 14 having a plurality of opposite magnetic poles alternating in a direction circumferentially thereof, and a core metal 11 for supporting the multi-pole magnet. The multi-pole magnet 14 contains a powdery magnetic material mixed in an amount within the range of 20 to 90 vol. % relative to the total volume of the multi-pole magnet 14. The multi-pole magnet 14 may be a sintered magnet.

Abstract: An actuator for moving a load has a frame forming a race between two surfaces thereof, at least two elements joined together by at least one flexible member, the elements and the at least one flexible member being disposed between the two surfaces of the frame that forms a race, one of the elements further joined to the load by a portion of the at least one flexible member, wherein when an element comes into contact with a surface of the frame it will stick thereto absent a repelling force, and moving means disposed to selectively attract or repel a corresponding element towards or away from one or the other of the two surfaces of the frame that forms the race. The actuator effects movement of the load in a direction towards or away from the elements, by changing a position of at least one of the elements on a surface of the frame that forms the race.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-contact rotary movement sensor capable of, by making magnetic fields from a plurality of permanent magnets not mutually affected, independently implementing an output signal and a switching signal using the same. It is another object of the present invention to provide a non-contact rotary movement sensor provided with an independent switch which outputs an output signal by using a permanent magnet and a Hall device and outputs a switching signal using a contact switch.

Abstract: A cabinet tamper detection device is disclosed. The tamper detection device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a housing and a first magnet movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The second portion includes a second magnet. The first and the second magnets are configured such that the second magnet applies a magnetic force on the first magnet to keep the first magnet at the first position when the first and the second magnets are at a predetermined relative position. When at least one of the first and the second magnets is moved from the predetermined relative position, the first magnet moves from the first position to the second position to trigger a tamper warning.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating to a printer a type of installed printer cartridge, where the combination of the cartridge and the printer form a magnetic coupling that can generate a cartridge specific code to identify the toner cartridge as being of a predetermined type. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic coupling is achieved using at least two reed switches preferably mounted on the printer, with the reed switches biased using fixed magnetic elements placed immediately adjacent the reed switches. In the absence of any further magnetic fields, the reed switches are selected to provide a known set of switch positions corresponding to a bit value of one (“1”) for an open circuit and a bit value of zero (“0”) for a closed circuit.