Electricity: magnetically operated switches – magnets – and electr – Permanent magnet-actuated switches
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-19
2001-06-12
Donovan, Lincoln (Department: 2832)
Electricity: magnetically operated switches, magnets, and electr
Permanent magnet-actuated switches
C335S207000, C335S151000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06246307
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to magnetic switches, and more specifically, to a switch that can be activated solely by the selective movement of external magnets in close proximity to internally encapsulated magnets.
2. Description of Prior Art
Switching mechanisms are utilized to make, break, or change the current flow of an electrical circuit. Most switches consist of at least two or more contacts mounted on a structure and arranged so that the contacts can be moved into and out of physical contact with each other by a suitable operating mechanism. The common switch utilizes electrical power in the operating mechanism, whereas a common desired effect is a fast snap switching action between contact to reduce arcing. In the event of use in an unclean environment, such as an explosive atmosphere, the common type switch will be exposed to pollutants, causing irratic operation and malfunctions.
Push button, toggle and microswitches, which are used in an unclean atmosphere having a flexible membrane around them, deteriorate after repeated making them unsafe. There is no easy way to tell if the membrane has been compromised.
While the prior art has reported using switches none have established a basis for a specific magnetic switch that is dedicated to the task of resolving the particular problem at hand. What is needed in this instance is a switch than can be activated by non-electrical means, and additionally being protected from outside exposures by encapsulation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a switch than can be activated magnetically, and additionally being protected from outside exposures by encapsulation.
According to the invention, there is disclosed contact means and a flexible metallic strip within a sealed encasement. A magnetic activation means positioned outside the sealed encasement effects movement of a magnetic responsive means located on an end of the flexible metallic strip. The magnetic activation means includes an encapsulated casing positioned in sealed sliding engagement with two magnets fixed within the housing. When a plunger located on the encapsulated housing is pushed in or out to one of two predetermined positions, magnetic poles of each of permanently affixed interior magnets are crossed, drawing the magnet on the free end of the metal strip either one way or another affecting the circuit to turn the switch “on” or “off”. When the plunger, affixed to the housing, is pushed and the exterior magnet crosses the poles of the permanent interior magnets, that are located on each side of the free end, on the end of the metal strip, and repels the interior magnet, making the metal strip move and complete the circuit in either an “on” or “off” fashion.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3205323 (1965-09-01), Deshautreaux, Jr.
patent: 3273091 (1966-09-01), Wales, Jr.
patent: 4489297 (1984-12-01), Haydon
Bashore Alain L.
Donovan Lincoln
Holford John E.
Lee Milton W.
Nguyen Tuyen T.
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