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 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 high security switch employs cooperative magnets which define the mode characteristics of the switch. The polarities and/or pole orientations between various magnets of the assembly are selected so that momentary or maintain switch positions can be obtained. The switch positions are activated by a key operated plug which causes rotation of an operator arm to a selected position.

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 novel construction for a multifunctional rotary switching device is provided. The body of the switch includes a radial 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. An array magnets is installed into a rotatable actuator in close proximity to the surface of the sensors whereby the magnetic force causes the corresponding sensors to switch to an open position when one of the magnets 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: A magnetic closure apparatus for portable computers that utilizes magnetic attraction and repulsion to allow users to open and close the first housing member and second housing member of said portable computer. The first housing member has a computer and a magnetic member disposed at its inward edge. The second housing member has a magnetic apparatus, which comprises a magnetic member disposed at its inward edge corresponding to the position of the magnetic member disposed on the second housing member and a sliding member which interlinks with the magnetic member. The polarity of the magnetic field of the magnetic member disposed on the second housing member is the opposite of the polarity of the magnetic field of the corresponding magnetic member disposed at the first housing member. Moving the sliding member enables the movement of the dual layer magnetic member, thereby allowing the closure and opening of the first housing member and second housing member.

Abstract: A switch of the present invention is featured as one employing:

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an encoder apparatus that is capable of resolving magnetically axial and/or rotational displacements of a knob shaft thereof independently and includes a magnetic snap action switch, and a method of assembling the same. In one embodiment, the encoder apparatus has application as a display controller. In another embodiment, one or more of the encoder assemblies may be integrated into a bezel of a display for controlling the operations thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a reed switch to control the “on” and “off” operation of a garbage disposal. The reed switch is mounted under a counter top while a magnet is movable on top of the counter top to activate the reed switch. A control device receives signals from the reed switch. Also, the control device includes a rectifier to convert AC current to DC current and also includes a transformer to reduce the high incoming to a low voltage which activates an electro-magnetic switch to start the electrical motor of the garbage disposal.

Abstract: A shaft revolution counter including one or more reed magnetic sensors interacting with one or more magnets attached to the shaft. The interaction generates voltage spikes in the reed magnetic sensors that are used as input signal to an electronic non-volatile counter, as well as its sole power source.

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 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 unit consisting of a proximity switch (1) and a cable terminal part (2) is described. Connectorization matched to the individual needs of the user of the proximity switch (1) is achieved as claimed in the invention in that the proximity switch (1) has an outside housing (3) and an insulation part (4), the insulation part (4) is provided on the end face of the outside housing (3) and the insulation part (4) has a terminal element (5) with terminals which lead to the outside, the terminals of the terminal element (5) which lead to the outside are made as terminal sockets (6), the cable terminal part (2) has a cable (7) and a connecting part (8), the cable (7) is attached in the connecting part (8), the connecting part (8) is attached to the insulation part (4) and the ends of the wires (9) of the cable (7) are connected in an electrically conductive manner to the terminal sockets (6) of the terminal element (5).

Abstract: A joint member for selectively joining first and second members, said joint member comprising a first coupling member comprising a volume of field responsive material and a second coupling member comprising a field generating member for selectively applying a field across the field responsive material, the joint member also comprising means for selectively moving the field responsive material toward and away from the field generating means.

Abstract: The invention provides a versatile magnetic holder which is capable of holding objects which are sensitive to magnetic fields, such as ferrous coins, capable of holding items comprising an enclosed loop, such as key chains, and capable of holding thin articles, such as paper currency, which can be held between two adjacent flat elements pressing against one another. The magnetic holder is also capable of securing larger objects against a ferrous portion of another object. The apparatus comprises three longitudinal flat members, each member comprising two magnets protruding from one face, linked through one another via a loop-shaped element extending through a hole positioned at an extremity of each longitudinal member. For maximum versatility, when all three longitudinal members are magnetically secured to one another, the top face of two of the longitudinal members faces in opposite direction to the front face of the third longitudinal member.

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 (20) for mounting in frame (12) and having first and second switch elements (40, 42), an electrically conductive shiftable body (44) adjacent the elements (40, 42), and a first attractive component (45). Additionally, the switch (10) has a second attractive component (22) for mounting to the door (14). 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 position where the body (44) is out of simultaneous contact with the switch elements (40, 42).

Abstract: A magnetic attachment for the exterior wall of an oil filter canister whose purpose is to attract ferrous particles being conducted through the path of the lubricating oil passing through the oil filter canister and cause such to be adhered to the inner wall surface of the sidewall of the oil filter canister thereby removing the particles from the lubricating oil flow path. The attachment has an enclosing frame within which is mounted a series of thin walled plates. The plates are located in a stacked relationship. The plates permit flexing of the enclosing frame so that a plurality of magnets that are mounted in conjunction with the frame will always be located flush against the exterior wall surface of canisters that vary slightly in diameter. The peripheral edge of the attachment is to include ferrous material to prevent lateral escape of the magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention is in a device for monitoring the position of a swinging door that is mounted on a stationary frame, the device essentially comprises a magnet and magnetic proximity sensor which are mounted in coaxially aligned relation on a pair of opposing leafs of a hinge. Means are provided for moving the magnet to and from the sensor to correspondingly vary the gap or spacing between them.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor switch is provided in which a magnetic sensor is responsive only when a magnet approaches it, to turn electrical contacts of the switch on and off. A cylindrical magnetic sensor having oppositely polarized magnetic poles at opposite ends thereof is mounted for rotation in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. An auxiliary magnet is located in a region outside of the rotating radius of the magnetic sensor and in the vicinity of one magnetic pole of the magnetic sensor. The auxiliary magnet imparts a biasing force for holding the magnetic sensor at a position rotated through a predetermined angle. A movable contact piece is attached to the magnetic sensor and is adapted to be rotated as the magnetic sensor is rotated to thereby bring corresponding contact or contacts of the movable contact piece into contact with one of a pair of fixed contact pieces located in opposition to the contacts of the movable contact piece.

Abstract: A connector system, including two electrical connectors configured to mate together; one electrical connector containing a magnetic flux responsive device configured for generating an electrical signal; the other electrical connector containing a magnet which is located in association with the magnetic flux responsive device when the two electrical connectors are mated together.

Abstract: A flow switch for a high pressure washing system or other flow-related system is disclosed. The flow switch switches from an open to a closed position in the presence of adequate flow in a water or other fluid-carrying pipe. The flow switch includes a housing with a tubular bore, an inlet port and an outlet port which allow fluid to flow through the housing. Within the housing is a plunger with an attached plunger magnet. The plunger is responsive to fluid flow. A sensor is situated proximate to the housing. A sensor magnet is placed in position near the sensor and opposes the plunger magnet. A third magnet (the alignment magnet) is placed proximate to the housing. When there is no flow within the housing, the plunger is at its rest position as the alignment magnet attracts the plunger magnet to correctly align and position the plunger within the housing.

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 circuit element has a substrate with a set of spaced switch leads thereon and an overlay magnetically retained on the substrate with a shorting strap on the overlay in facing relation with the conductors of the substrate. The shorting strap is arranged to engage at intersection points at least two of the switch leads when the overlay is in place on the substrate to electrically connect the two switch leads. The shorting straps of different overlays are uniquely arranged to connect selected pairs of switch leads.

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: An electrostatic microrelay is disclosed. The electrostatic microrelay includes a fixed substrate having a fixed electrode and a fixed terminal on its upper surface and a moveable substrate having a moveable electrode and a moveable terminal on its lower surface. The moveable substrate is elastically supported by a support member that is disposed between the fixed substrate and the moveable substrate in a manner that the lower surface of the moveable substrate faces the upper surface of the fixed substrate at a certain distance. A protrusion is provided on the upper surface of the fixed substrate or the lower surface of the moveable substrate. The protrusion has a certain height.

Abstract: A sensor detects skewed adjacent movable component. The sensor may be used to detect harmful skews of aircraft control surfaces, such as slats or flaps on aircraft wings, which may be caused by an actuator disconnection from the surface it drives. Harmful skew, which is a relative asymmetrical motion of control surfaces beyond a predetermined limit, is detected by the sensor, but the relatively smaller harmless skew caused by normal flight is ignored. The sensor comprises first and second arms connected to a common base that may be attached to a first control surface. A constraining means such as a mechanical fuse holds the arms together while a separating means such as a spring exerts a separating force on the arms when the fuse breaks. A switching means is integral to the two arms. A striker pin on a second control surface strikes the first or second sensor arm when the relative motion between the control surfaces exceeds a certain predetermined limit.

Abstract: A shock sensor includes a casing defining a cylindrical space therein. The sensor also includes a protecting tube placed the cylindrical space so as to define an annular space between the casing and the protecting tube, the protecting tube having an inner space therein. A partitioning member is provided in the inner space so as to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the protecting tube and to divide the inner space into a plurality of compartments extending substantially parallel to the protecting tube. The sensor also includes a plurality of reed switches positioned one in each of the compartments, and insulating members placed in remaining spaces in the compartments. A magnetic actuating device for actuating the reed switches when a shock of predetermined magnitude acts on the sensor is slidably disposed on the protecting tube.

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.

Abstract: An electrical switch has a conductive armature moved into and out of electrical connection with electrical conductors formed on a nonconductive carrier layer. The armature is moved by a user-activated coupler magnet mounted on the side of the carrier layer opposite the armature and electrical conductors. The armature is made of magnetic material and includes at least two segments joined together in electrical contact by a linking member. The armature may be a section of bead chain wherein hollow armature segments are joined by conductive axles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a manually actuatable rotary switch with keying function for electrical engineering and electronics. The invention essentially consists of an annular magnet, a stator, engaging elements, a shaft, washers, a code disk, a scanning device and a stop. The stator is provided with a cylinder which encompasses an annular magnet. A catching element with an embedded washer, guides for engaging elements, and a code disk are associated with the upper face of the annular magnet and a washer with the lower face. A rotatably mounted and axially sliding shaft which is square with an extension is mounted in the center of the rotary switch. The washers consist of ferromagnetic or soft magnetic material. A scanning device is associated with the code disk and a stop with the washer. The cylinder is constructed as a notched rim with notch elevations and notch countersinks which engage with engaging elements. The engaging elements engage in guides which extend radially.

Abstract: A method and system with a magnetically attractive breadboard and associated devices for constructing and testing electronic circuits. The breadboard can comprise a single or multi-layer circuit board with metallic foil conductors that can be connected to magnetically attractive pads. Electrical contacts between the pads and foil conductors can be made by wrapping the foil over an edge of insulating material. The insulating material can comprise a flexible insulation sheet with the desired circuit printed thereon. The electronic components are preferably supported by component holders which contain magnets that are attracted to the breadboard. The component holders facilitate attachment of the components to the foil conductors. A circuit can be built by selecting the desired component holder, plugging he component into the component holder, and then attaching the component holder to the breadboard on the proper foil conductor to complete the circuit.

Abstract: A magnetic closure apparatus for portable computers that utilizes magnetic attraction and repulsion to allow users to open and close the first housing member and second housing member of said portable computer. The first housing member has a computer and a magnetic member disposed at its inward edge. The second housing member has a magnetic apparatus, which comprises a magnetic member disposed at its inward edge corresponding to the position of the magnetic member disposed on the second housing member and a sliding member which interlinks with the magnetic member. The polarity of the magnetic field of the magnetic member disposed on the second housing member is the opposite of the polarity of the magnetic field of the corresponding magnetic member disposed at the first housing member. Moving the sliding member enables the movement of the dual layer magnetic member, thereby allowing the closure and opening of the first housing member and second housing member.

Abstract: A magnetic switch, comprising a first pair of magnets, a pivot element secured to the first pair of magnets, and a metallic element secured to the pivot and in operably proximity to the first pair of magnets. A first pair of metallic elements is positioned in operably proximity to the first pair of magnets and a second pair of magnets is in operably proximity to the first pair of metallic elements and to a metallic base.

Abstract: Medical apparatus includes an external drive magnet mounted for rotation externally of a subject's body, an implantable driven magnet configured and dimensioned to be implantable in the subject's body and mounted for t rotation by magnetic coupling with the drive magnet and an implantable device mechanically coupled to the driven magnet to be driven thereby. The driven magnet is mountable for rotation in the subject's body about an axis of rotation which is not collinear with the axis of rotation of the external drive magnet such that the magnetic poles of the external drive magnet are magnetically coupled sequentially with the magnetic poles of the implanted driven magnet to rotate the implanted driven magnet, thereby providing flexibility in the location, design and dimensions of the implanted driven magnet, and in the speed and torque ratios between the two magnets.

Abstract: A reed switch-based burglar alarm features two reed switches mounted perpendicularly to each other within the alarm enclosure. The orientations of the perpendicular reed switches permit the enclosure to be mounted in alternate ways with respect to a movable structure being monitored. The first reed switch lies in a plane parallel to the surface to which the alarm is mounted, and the second reed switch lies in a plane perpendicular to the mounting surface. Thus, a magnet can be mounted on a swing-out type door and the enclosure mounted on a wall adjacent to the door such that the magnet actuates the first reed switch when the door is closed. Similarly, a magnet can be mounted on a roll-up type door and the enclosure mounted to a surface perpendicular to the door such that the magnet actuates the second reed switch when the door is closed. The alarm preferably includes features which enable it to be mounted on the outside of the space being protected.

Abstract: A tool for retrieving metal debris from a wellbore has a plurality of magnet assemblies spaced longitudinally along a tool body. Each magnet assembly has a magnet member, which forms a primary debris settling area. Each magnet member is protected by a magnet protector. A secondary debris settling area is formed between a magnet and an adjacent magnet protector to allow utilization of the residual magnetic force created by the magnet members. The secondary debris settling area occupies at least half of the surface area of the primary settling area.

Abstract: So that a device for producing selector positions is easy to operate, the stop positions of which can be taken in securely and largely free of mechanical wear, and so that it is easily adaptable, in particular to the respective operating conditions, a position transmitter unit (1) is provided which is movable along a longitudinal axis, and thereby its position transmitter teeth can be fixed with respect to the teeth of a first position detector element (6.1., . . . 6.n). The position transmitter unit (1) can be shifted with a finger body along the longitudinal axis into a recess, and thereby a second rotation body can be placed on a second position selector unit, and this position can be detected by a second position detector element (57). The position transmitter unit (1) can be moved with a moving device (32.1, . . . 32.n) via a second position selector unit two dimensionally with respect to a base body (4), and this position can be detected by third position detector elements (8.1).

Abstract: An electrical switch has spaced, facing coupler and carrier layers with a set of electrodes formed on the facing surfaces thereof. There is an aperture in the coupler layer. A conductive armature is disposed in the space between the coupler and carrier, aligned with the aperture. The coupler is a magnet and the armature is made of magnetic material so the armature is normally held in engagement with the coupler. A user can press on any part of the armature through the aperture to cause a first portion of the armature to break away from the armature and contact the electrodes on the carrier while a second portion of the armature remains in contact with the coupler. The electrodes are arranged to provide an output which is dependent upon the location of contact with the armature. The armature is rotatable to different positions. A resilient member may be interposed at the interface of an armature post and the carrier.

Abstract: A magnetic circuit includes a multi-pole magnet mounted on a predetermined surface of a yoke and having magnetic poles formed in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined surface of the yoke. The multi-pole magnet is separated into two pieces, and a single-pole magnet is interposed between the two pieces of the multi-pole magnet. Magnetic poles of the single-pole magnet are formed in a direction different from the direction in which those of the multi-pole magnet are formed.

Abstract: A buckle is provided with a non-contact buckle switch to find an engagement condition with a tongue. When a lock member of the buckle is disposed in a locking position, a magnetic field produced by a magnet and applied to an IC Hall element differs from a case where the lock member is disposed in a non-locking position. The difference of the magnetic field is caused by the magnetic lock member moved close to the magnet and the IC Hall element, whereby an electrical current outputted by the electromotive force of the IC Hall element is changed. Thus, it is possible to determine that the lock pin is set in the locking position. The buckle switch is improved in durability and can operate more reliably.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of proximity switch/sensor based generally on a balanceable magnetic pole array. The magnetic pole array contains at least four poles with optional ferromagnetic shunt(s). The proximity of a shunt to a magnetic pole array determines whether the array is balanced or unbalanced. A balanced array is one with a zone where the vector sum of magnetic fields emanating from the array's poles can be made to approach zero. A sensor such as a reed switch is placed in the balanced zone. When the balance of the array is disturbed by the application of one or multiple shunts, the resulting finite magnetic field vector along with the resulting magnetic flux, activates the sensor. This approach can be implemented in a variety of array structures that offer implementation of a variety of logical functions. Multiple shunts and their proximity to the array are used as the logical function's inputs and the sensor's state as the logical function's output.

Abstract: A switching assembly for use with an exit alarm lock. The switching assembly uses two reed switches which must both be closed for the alarm horn to sound. An arm/disarm switch is operated by a magnet on a pivotable switch link which is operated by a link boss on rotatable deadbolt cams which are operated by the key cylinders. An alarm switch is operated by a magnet in the deadbolt.

Abstract: In a stalk switch, a control lever is rotatably supported on a housing, and a driving member is slidably held on the base end of the control lever via a first spring. A sectionally V-shaped cam surface is provided inside the housing, and an end of the driving member is pressed into contact with a cam surface, whereby the control lever can be rotated between the neutral position and the left and right operating positions. A stopper member is slidably supported on the housing, and the stopper member is urged by a second spring having an urging force smaller than that of the first spring so as to project from the valley of the cam surface. An attraction member is attached to a rotating member rotating operatively associated with the slide of the stopper member, and an electromagnet is attached to the housing so as to oppose the attraction member.

Abstract: A switch actuator for toys comprising two plates 1 which are joined together at one end thereof with a hinge. One of the two plates 1 has an electric circuit 2 to generate electric signals to produce sounds and/or other output. The other plate 1 has a contact switch 3 to energize the electric circuit 2. Either or both of the two plates 1 have a projection 5 or a catch 6. An elastic device or a pair of magnets 4 are interposed between the two plates 1 to keep them apart from each other. The switch actuator thus arranged is simple and solid and prevents accidental completion of the electric circuit that sometimes occur during the out-of-service periods.

Abstract: A magnetically activated switch includes a flexible metallic strip on the inside of a sealed encasement, having first and second ends. The first end provides for an electrical contact and extends through the wall of the sealed encasement, with the strip being firmly secured by the wall of the encasement at the exit point, leaving the second end unsupported and having a magnetic responsive element attached. A first dipole magnet is coupled to the flexible metallic strip and located within the sealed encasement, intermediate the first and second ends. Second and third dipole magnets are diametrically opposed and separate to each other where each of the second and third dipole magnets are fixedly coupled to the inside surface of the sealed encasement. Two electrical terminals coupled respectively to the second and third dipole magnets extending through the sealed encasement.

Abstract: A switch device includes two contactors. Each contactor respectively includes at least two conductors, a magnet, and a coil spring. The conductors are connected to a power source via a powered electronic circuit. The circuit is designed to be in a normally open or closed initial condition. The magnet is directly or indirectly connected to the conductors. The coil spring is directly or indirectly located between the conductors and the magnet. The conductors change their normally open or closed condition into a temporarily closed or open condition to turn on or off the switch device when the contacts move near enough to permit magnets to interact magnetically. The coil spring forces the conductors to recover their original normally open or closed condition when the magnets cease to interact magnetically.

Abstract: A magnetic lock device includes a first element and a second element that are capable of being detachably coupled together by attracting each other magnetically under the magnetic interaction of permanent magnets, wherein each of the first and second elements includes an annular permanent magnet having a center bore through it, a ferromagnetic disk-like plate disposed to make contact with the permanent magnet, and a ferromagnetic projecting member extending from the disk-like plate and through the center bore of the permanent magnet. All of the component parts for the first and second elements are covered with any suitable synthetic resin film, sheet or the like and shielded from the outside, so that any foreign matter such as dust, particularly ferromagnetic particles like iron, cannot enter the gap or space that is present between the outer peripheral wall of the projecting member and the inner peripheral wall of the center bore through the annular permanent magnet.

Abstract: A contactless control switch (20) for a vehicle for actuating a system between an open and a first closed circuit position is disclosed. The switch includes a housing (22) and a pivot assembly (24) disposed within the housing. The switch also includes a switch actuator (26) having first and second ends. The switch actuator is coupled to the pivot assembly for producing pivoting motion of the switch actuator in response to a force (84) applied to the switch actuator. The switch also includes first and second proximity sensors (80a and 80b) and a first magnet (70). The proximity sensors are disposed within the housing and the first magnet is fastened to the switch actuator second end. The first magnet is adapted to be selectively displaced into and out of close proximity with one of the proximity sensors when the force is applied to the switch actuator.

Abstract: An inhibitor switch is provided with a movable base 1 having permanent magnets 4, which is adapted to be rotatable in accordance with the transmission operating position of an automatic transmission device. The inhibitor switch also has magnetic sensors 9 for detecting the magnetic flux from the permanent magnets 4, a pole base 3, and a cover body 2 for rotatably supporting the movable base 1 in cooperation with the pole base 3. The pole base 3 has an approximate arc shape with a radius of curvature centered about the center of a shaft hole 3a. A base surface 3d is provided for forming a space for receiving a substrate 6 connected to the connecting sections 7a, on which the magnetic sensors 9 and electronic elements 10 are installed. The connecting sections 7a are used to electrically connect a conductive body 7 to the substrate 6. The shaft hole 3a is coupled with a cylindrical shaft section 1a of the movable base 1 at an end of the base surface 3d.

Abstract: An inhibiter switch is provided with a movable body 1 rotatable in accordance with an operating position of an automatic transmission device. The movable body 1 is supported rotatably by a cover 2 and a pole base 3 having magnetic sensors 9 disposed therein. A conductive body having a terminal 7b projected into a connector section 3c at one side thereof and a body section 7a electrically connected to the magnetic sensors 9 and exposed from a bottom surface 3d, is insert molded into the pole base 3. The pole base 3 forms an offset surface 3e exposing the body section 7a as a connection location with the conductive body 7 from the bottom surface 3d. The pole base 3 has notches 3f, 3g, 3h in which the magnetic sensors 9 are disposed, and a notch 3i in which a substrate 6 is disposed. The notches 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i are formed at the periphery of the offset surface 3e. The pole base 3 also forms a guide 3j for disposing the magnetic sensors 9 within the offset surface 3e.