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 sealed housing, thereby improving reliability and longevity of the switch mechanism.

Abstract: A universal magnetic switching assembly for detecting relative movement between first and second members, the universal switching assembly including, a flux directing device for selectively directing a majority of applied magnetic flux, such that an externally applied magnetic field cannot be used to defeat the magnetic switch assembly. The magnetic switching assembly also including at least one tamper switch to detect application of an external magnetic field.

Abstract: A passive magnetic latch is disclosed. The latch includes, according to various embodiments, a magnetically-actuated switch and a hard, non-linear biasing magnet. The switch may include components that, when polarized, cause the switch to transition from a first state to a second state. The biasing magnet is positioned proximate to the switch such that when the magnetization of the biasing magnet is changed by an external effect to thereby induce a modified magnetic field from the biasing magnet, the modified magnetic field polarizes the components of the switch such that the switch transitions from the first state to the second state and remains in the second state after the external effect is removed. A second external effect may be used to again change the magnetization of the biasing magnet such that the components of the switch depolarize and the switch transitions back the first state. As such, the magnetic latch may act like a remote ON/OFF switch.

Abstract: An improved magnetic switching assembly for detecting relative movement between first and second members, the switching assembly including a flux directing device for channeling a majority of applied magnetic flux away from a shiftable body such that an externally applied magnetic field cannot be used to defeat the magnetic switch assembly. The improved magnetic switching assembly also including at least one tamper switch to detect application of an external magnetic field.

Abstract: A locking system (1) for a safety switch includes a read head (2) and an actuator (3), each of which is provided with first or second componentry (10, 14) encompassing electrical and/or electronic components that interact with each other in an electrically contactless manner, thereby controlling the safety switch. The locking system actuator (3) can be locked to the read head (2) by a switchable electromagnet (7) which interacts with a counterelement (12). The locking action is controlled by a sensor element (31, 32, 33, 34), the output signal of which depends on the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet (7).

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: An electromagnetic driver transducer free of torque in the presence of an external magnetic field, of any direction and orientation (such as in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging environment). The transducer includes a housing. At least one coil is associated with the housing. A plurality of magnets within the housing are aligned along an axis in an anti-parallel orientation. The magnets are free to move along an axis, wherein vibration of the magnets causes vibration of the housing. The transducer may be, for example, fixed to an ossicle.

Abstract: An electrical hand-held power tool includes a non-contacting electrical manual control switch (3) having an operating element (4) and a sensor switch (5), a pivotable carrier (6) which carries a switching element (13) and which is manually controlled by the operating element (4) of the manually control switch (3), the sensor switch (5) being connected with the carrier (6) vibration-free, and pivot transmitting device (7) axially displaceable along the vibration axis A) of a vibrating assembly (2) of the power tool relative to the operating element (4) for pivoting the carrier (6) in response to actuation of the operating element (4).

Abstract: A dial assembly for a magnetically driven gauge. The dial assembly, including a rotatable dial magnet, a reed switch and a bias magnet. The bias magnet and reed switch being positioned such that when the poles of the bias magnet and the dial magnet are in a first orientation the reed switch be held in a first position (such as a closed contact position) and that when the dial magnet rotates to a second position such that the poles of the dial magnet and bias magnet are in a second orientation, the reed switch will be held at a second orientation (such as an open, non-contact orientation).

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

Abstract: A tamper detection switch is primarily for use in an enclosure of a security system component. The enclosure has a base and a cover that may be repositioned relative to the base. One of the cover and the base holds a conductive magnetic element free to translate within a predetermined range generally perpendicular to the respective cover or base. The other of the cover and the base holds at least two ferrous metal contacts of an open tamper circuit in proximity of a conductive magnetic element. In the closed position the conductive magnetic element bridges the ferrous contacts and closes the tamper circuit. Attempts to tamper with the enclosure separate the ferrous contacts from the conductive magnetic element, opening the tamper circuit and signaling a possible attack.

Abstract: This magnetic actuator comprises a fixed magnetic part (3) cooperating magnetically with a mobile magnetic part (1) and means (4) for initiating movement of the mobile magnetic part (1). The mobile magnetic part (1) comprises at least one magnet (1-1) and the fixed magnetic part (3) has at least two attraction zones (3-2) onto which the mobile magnetic part is able to come to attach itself. The mobile magnetic part (1) levitates when it is not attached to one of attraction zones (3-2), its movement being magnetically guided.

Abstract: An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts.

Abstract: A door position sensing system includes a door claw having first and second magnets mounted thereon, and a Hall sensor mounted so as to sense the magnetic fields of the first and second magnets. The first magnet is mounted in a door half-latch position, and the second magnet is mounted in a door full-latch position. A processor is responsive to the Hall sensor to provide outputs indicating the half-latch and full-latch positions of a door. The processor may also be arranged to indicate a door open position when neither magnet is near the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor with a carrier board which is arranged in a housing is at least partly produced by an injection molding process and fitted with electronic, optical, electromechanical and/or opto-electronic components. A region of the carrier board and at least some of the components disposed thereon are arranged in a hollow space formed inside the at least partly injection molded housing.

Abstract: A door position sensing system includes a door claw having first and second magnets mounted thereon, and a Hall sensor mounted so as to sense the magnetic fields of the first and second magnets. The first magnet is mounted in a door half-latch position, and the second magnet is mounted in a door full-latch position. A processor is responsive to the Hall sensor to provide outputs indicating the half-latch and full-latch positions of a door. The processor may also be arranged to indicate a door open position when neither magnet is near the sensor.

Abstract: A magnetic switch (10) for detecting relative movement between first and second members (12, 14) is provided which includes a switch assembly (20, 50, 70) for mounting in one of the members (12, 14), an attractive component (22, 54, 76) for mounting on the other member; the assembly (20, 50, 70) preferably includes plural switch elements (40, 26, 70, 56, 92, 80) and a conductive, shiftable body (44), whereas the component (22, 54, 76) is magnetically attractive to the body (44). The first switch elements (40, 70, 92) are preferably formed of a magnetically attractive material while the body (44) is fabricated from permanently magnetized material, so that the body (44) remains permanently magnetically coupled with the element(s) (40, 70, 92) in all positions of the body (44). Alternately, the switch assemblies (20, 50, 70) can be used as proximity detectors so as to generate a signal in the presence of an adjacent ferrometallic or permanently magnetized object (108).

Abstract: A switch apparatus, system and method are disclosed herein, including one or more magnetic sensing elements that follow a travel path thereof, and a plurality of permanent magnets located in a mirrored configuration about the travel path. Such a configuration permits a magnetic field variation associated with the permanent magnets and the magnetic sensing element to be reduced with respect to the magnetic sensing element and the permanent magnets position tolerances, thereby generating a reduced magnetic field variation thereof which improves switching accuracy. A signal processing module can also be provided, which includes a signal conditioning circuit associated with a microprocessor.

Abstract: A magnetic field based mechanical apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is based on coupled attracting or opposing magnets in conjunction with the insertion or removal of a magnetic field modifier. In the preferred embodiment, two repelling magnets are drawn together with the insertion of a magnetic field modifier. The field modifier may be another magnet having an opposing pole. Removal of the field modifier returns the forces to their original states. This oscillating motion may be driven with a low energy and/or small power supply. The resulting motion of the opposing magnets can drive mechanical system such as a linear, gear, ratchet, or reciprocating drive.

Abstract: A float-type liquid level switch includes a main body, a float, a magnetic reed switch, and a light emitting element; the float has a magnet joined thereto, and is displaceable along a length of the main body; the magnetic reed switch and the light emitting element are held in the main body; both the magnetic reed switch and the light emitting element are connected to a control circuit to form a circuit; when the float is moved to such a position by buoyancy of liquid in a container that the magnet is near to, and activates the magnetic reed switch, the light emitting element will be powered to produce light, which will travel out of the main body to indicate that liquid level reaches a certain point.

Abstract: An actuator includes magnets that are arranged in a flat form, coils that face the magnets, a moving member that is connected to the coils, a first holding member that holds the moving member in such a manner that the moving member can slide within a predetermined range; and a second holding member that holds the first holding member in such a manner that the first holding member can slide within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the moving member. This actuator moves the coils against the magnets.

Abstract: A reed switch apparatus utilizes one or more reed switches to communicate with one or more devices. In one configuration, the reed switch apparatus utilizes a single magnetic field to simultaneously activate two or more reed switches. In another configuration, two or more reed switches, each acting independent of one another are simultaneously activated by a single magnetic field. Additionally, a method of controlling at least two devices includes exposing a reed switch apparatus to a single magnetic field. Yet another method includes a activating a device via the use of a single reed switch mounted to a portion of a warehouse structure.

Abstract: A switch operable under a predetermined condition includes a plurality of switch parts each including a pair of reed pieces and a connecting member of an electrically conductive non-magnetic material via which the plurality of switch parts are serially connected. The switch operates only under a condition where all of the plurality of switch parts are operated by external magnetic fields individually and simultaneously acting on the plurality of switch parts.

Abstract: A novel construction for a flashlight including a multifunctional rotary switching device is provided. The body of the switch includes an array of magnetic field effect sensors arranged on a base switch component such as a printed circuit board switching substrate. Each of the sensors is connected via circuit traces with a central logic chip also mounted on the circuit board. At least one magnet is installed into a rotatable actuator in proximity to the surface of the sensors whereby the magnetic field generated by the magnet causes the corresponding sensors to switch to an open position when at least one magnet is in their proximity. In this position, the logic chip can detect which of the sensors are open and execute a set of pre-programmed instructions corresponding to the sequence of open sensors.

Abstract: An angular position sensor employs a pair of magnets that are disposed on a rotating cylinder at opposite ends of a diameter of the cylinder. A hall-effect flux sensor is fixed within the cylinder and offset from a line of geometric and magnetic symmetry between the magnets. The offset sensor detects a linear change in flux of the magnets as the magnets rotate with the cylinder over a predetermined angular distance and thereby determines the angular position of the cylinder. The offset of the sensor is adjusted to reduce the sensing error.

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: The present invention involves a magnetic detent action device for switches utilizes the magnetic field interaction of a pair of magnetic members each having a side-by-side multipole magnetic pattern. One magnetic member is fixed relative to a switch body, while the other magnetic member is attached to a switch actuator. The magnetic members have a repeating pattern of north, south, and nonmagnetic portions. The switch body holds the two magnetic members in contact or in closely parallel proximity, and, as the switch actuator is moved, the two magnetic members and their respective magnetic poles move relative to each other creating a switch detent action as the magnetic fields of alike and opposite poles of the two magnetic members pass through each other. The magnetic detent action may be implemented in slide, rotary, or other switches.

Abstract: A magnetic switch using magnetoresistive elements having respective free layers whose magnetization directions are varied by an external magnetic field. The magnetic switch also has a first magnet and a second magnet that produce respective magnetic fields that serve as the external magnetic field and are different from each other in strength and opposite to each other in direction, and a magnetic shield member whose relative position with respect to the first magnet and the second magnet varies. The magnetic shield member moves between a first position with which both of the magnetic fields of the first magnet and the second magnet act on the magnetoresistive elements to magnetize their free layers in a first direction and a second position with which only one of the magnetic fields of the first magnet and the second magnet acts on the magnetoresistive elements to magnetize their free layers in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A magnetic locking device is described. The magnetic locking device is utilized for locking an electric device upper cover especially for locking both sides of the display cover of a notebook/tablet dual-purpose personal computer. The magnetic locking device has a lock module and a hook module. The lock module installed in the upper cover has a lock module base, a release button, a magnet, a first bezel and a second bezel. The hook module installed in the electric device base has a hook module base, a spring device, and a hook. The spring device pulls the hook to hide in the electric device base when the hook is not working to improve the electric device appearance and to eliminate interference during operation.

Abstract: A combination switch which includes a lever member operable to move relative to a stationary portion, and a position detector for detecting a position of the lever member. The position detector includes a magnet and a Hall effect sensor for detecting a strength of a magnetic field of the magnet. The magnet and the Hall effect sensor are configured to have variable relative positions to each other when the lever member moves.

Abstract: A sensor with a carrier board which is arranged in a housing is at least partly produced by an injection molding process and fitted with electronic, optical electromechanical and/or opto-electronic components. A region of the carrier board and at least some of the components disposed thereon are arranged in a hollow space formed inside the at least partly injection molded housing.

Abstract: A programmable switching device that employs a Hall Effect sensor and a moving magnet is disclosed. The Hall Effect sensor is electrically connected to a programmable microprocessor that is programmed to detect changes in Hall Effect voltages at the sensor. The programmable switching device may also be configured as a rotary switching device. By using a plurality of magnets and Hall Effect transducers and orienting some magnets with their polarities in different directions, a temper-proof switch can be achieved. The programmable switching device may be connected to a serial bus that is interfaced with an elevator controller.

Abstract: A magnetic switch includes a substrate having a recess therein. A rotor or rotors are provided on the substrate. The rotor includes a tail portion that overlies the recess, and a head portion that extends on the substrate outside the recess. The rotor may be fabricated from ferromagnetic material, and is configured to rotate the tail in the recess in response to a changed magnetic field. First and second magnetic switch contacts also are provided that are configured to make or break electrical connection between one another in response to rotation of the tail in the recess, in response to the changed magnetic field. Related operation and fabrication methods also are described.

Abstract: In order to simplify and reduce the production costs of a push-button switch, especially a push switch or a rocker switch, the switch has a time function, which is manually operated and can be reset by an electric pulse. The electromechanical rocker or push-button switch can be combined to form a device block switch with other rocker or push-button switches as usually used in exhauster hoods. As a result, time-controlled intensive and follow-up steps can be carried out.

Abstract: A device for detecting the installation of a child seat, in particular on a vehicle seat, includes one fixed part and one movable mechanism. The fixed part has a switch element with two switching states and a device for forming an actuating field for the switch element. The movable mechanism is movable, as a result of the installation of the child seat, from a first position to a second position, thereby making a variation in the actuating field attainable, so that the switch element changes the switching state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switchable magnetic device. Additional aspects of the present invention further relate to various devices including a switchable magnetic device.

Abstract: A magnetic field based mechanical apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is based on coupled attracting or opposing magnets in conjunction with the insertion or removal of a magnetic field modifier. In the preferred embodiment, two repelling magnets are drawn together with the insertion of a magnetic field modifier. The field modifier may be another magnet having an opposing pole. Removal of the field modifier returns the forces to their original states. This oscillating motion may be driven with a low energy and/or small power supply. The resulting motion of the opposing magnets can drive mechanical system such as a linear, gear, ratchet, or reciprocating drive.

Abstract: A control device including a switch with a ferromagnetic armature moving between a first position and a second position. The armature actuates a plunger that causes the switch to snap from an open position to a closed position. An energy-storing member may be positioned adjacent the ferromagnetic armature, the energy-storing member moving a magnet between an attracting position and a non-attracting position based on a temperature of an environment surrounding the energy-storing member. When the energy-storing member positions the magnet in the attracting position, the magnet causes the armature to snap from the first position to the second position, thereby actuating the plunger and causing the switch to snap from the open position to the closed position. A ferromagnetic backstop may also be positioned adjacent the magnet and coupled to the energy-storing member to hold the magnet and the energy-storing member in the non-attracting position.

Abstract: A rotary multi-position magnetic detent device includes an inner member having an outer cylindrical surface and an outer member receiving the inner member. The outer member has an inner cylindrical surface and the outer member rotates relative to the inner member. A plurality of inner magnets are disposed in the outer surface and distributed regularly and peripherally around the outer surface. The inner magnets have radially oriented magnetic poles, and alternate adjacent ones of said inner magnets have alternate radially outwardly directed north and south poles. A plurality of outer magnets are disposed in the inner surface and distributed regularly and peripherally around the inner surface. The outer magnets have radially oriented magnetic poles, and alternate adjacent ones of the outer magnets have alternate radially inwardly directed north and south poles.

Abstract: An improved magnetic switch (10) is provided which is designed for use in an alarm circuit (52) in order to detect relative movement between first and second members such as a door (14) and frame (12), so as to signal unauthorized opening of the door (14). The switch (10) includes a switch assembly for mounting in frame (12) and having first and second switch elements (40, 42), a permanently magnetized, shiftable body (44) adjacent the elements (40, 42), and a first attractive component (36). Additionally, the switch (10) has a second attractive component (22) for mounting to the door (14), which is in the form of a ferromagnetic component such as a permanent magnet (50) or steel plate (60). In use when door (14) is closed and circuit (52) is armed, the magnetic attraction between body (44) and component (22) shifts the body (44) to a switch-closed position in simultaneous contact with the switch elements (40, 42).

Abstract: A motion sensitive device for causing an electronic signal to be sent to one or more output devices, comprising a printed circuit board, a battery connected to the printed circuit board, electrical circuitry connected to the printed circuit board, a motion sensitive switch connected to the printed circuit board, electrical output devices such as light emitting diodes connected to the printed circuit board and electrical circuits all providing means whereby the motion sensitive switch causes a signal to be transmitted to the output device when movement is sensed by the switch. The device is small enough to be used in wearing apparel and can provide safety vis-à-vis increased visibility for the user.

Abstract: A reed switch apparatus utilizes one or more reed switches to communicate with one or more devices. In one configuration, the reed switch apparatus utilizes a single magnetic field to simultaneously activate two or more reed switches. In another configuration, two or more reed switches, each acting independent of one another are simultaneously activated by a single magnetic field. Additionally, a method of controlling at least two devices includes exposing a reed switch apparatus to a single magnetic field. Yet another method includes a activating a device via the use of a single reed switch mounted to a portion of a warehouse structure.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic sensor switch in which its magnetic sensor is responsive to approach of a magnet to turn its electrical switch on or off. A cylindrical magnetic sensor having magnetic poles contrary to each other at opposite ends thereof is mounted for rotation in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. An auxiliary magnet is movably mounted on a longitudinal extension line of the magnetic sensor when the magnetic sensor is in the horizontal position so that the auxiliary magnet provides an attracting force and a repulsive force to the magnetic sensor to rotate it in one direction. The movement of the magnetic sensor is transmitted to a movable contact piece through a driving member to rotate the movable contact piece in one direction depending upon the rotation of the magnetic sensor. The movable contact piece is provided with a pair of contact blades one of which is contacted with one of a pair of fixed contact pieces disposed in opposition to the corresponding contact blades.

Abstract: A position selector device having: (a) an inverted cup-like base body with an upper portion and a side portion; (b) a substantially cylindrical rotary member mounted on a shaft, and arranged to rotate within the base body; (c) a first position sensor for sensing the angular position of the rotary member; (d) a toothed ring arranged to provide raster movement of the rotary member; (e) a disk disposed centrally within the upper portion of the base body and arranged for tilting and/or lateral displacement within the base body; (f) a second position sensor for sensing the tilting and/or lateral displacement; and (g) a magnet arrangement for restoring said disk to its central position in said base body after its tilting and/or lateral displacement movement.

Abstract: A wine glass charm includes a magnetic coupling, the components of which are disposed at the respective ends of an encircling member to detachably attach the wine glass charm to the stem or handle of a drinking vessel. The encircling member may include identifying indicia or media and for further identification purposes, a uniquely configured charm may be dependingly supported therefrom.

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 support surface that utilizes repulsive forces of opposing magnetic fields is described. In preferred embodiments, the support apparatus includes first and second frame members having first and second pluralities of magnets disposed thereon. The pluralities of magnets are oriented such that the first plurality of magnets produces a magnetic field having an orientation that opposes the magnetic fields of the magnets of the second plurality. The first and second frame members interact such that they maintain a substantially static lateral position relative to each other despite the repulsive forces of the opposing magnetic fields. A support member, such as a cushion member, is disposed adjacent one of the frame members, and can be connected thereto. A covering can surround the entire assembly. In particularly preferred embodiments, the frame members have dimensions similar to those of conventional mattresses, and the cover confers the appearance of a conventional mattress onto the support apparatus.

Abstract: A monitor hinge having a magnet plug and a magnetic switch plug. The magnet plug and magnetic switch plug have countersink heads to seat in the hinge fastening holes and insert through juxtaposed hinge holes into drilled holes in the door and wall jambs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for actuating and deactuating an electro-mechanical switch utilizing an energy-storing actuator is disclosed. An electro-mechanical switch can be configured to include an (internal or external) lever. A first magnet having a first magnetic field thereof is generally located on the (internal or external) lever of the electro-mechanical switch. A second magnet having a second magnetic field thereof is generally located on an energy-storing actuator, such as a bi-metal coil, wherein the second magnetic field of the second magnet opposes the first magnetic field of the first magnet to form an opposing magnetic force thereof in order to actuate and deactuate the electro-mechanical switch.

Abstract: A magnetic switch apparatus (10) detects relative movement between first (12) and second (14) members and defeats attempted external magnetic manipulation of the apparatus. A rod-shaped, first switch element (20) is positioned transverse to and centrally aligned with a convex, second switch element (22) and spaced therefrom. A ring-shaped first magnet (26) is positioned about the first switch element (20) and spaced from the second element (22) in order to pull a ferromagnetic body (24) into a switch-open position out of contact with the second switch element (22) with these components mounted to the first member (12). A second magnet (18) mounted to the second member (14) is positioned and magnetically sufficient to pull the body (24) into a switch-closed position in contact with both of the switch elements (20, 22) when the members (12, 14) are in an adjacent position.