Abstract A manually operated switch for making and breaking connection in an electrical circuit, preferably for transferring domestic service and like or lesser currents. The switch employs multiple magnets, and a magnetically attractive contact device. One magnet is moved with respect to the contact device and in a plane perpendicular to the second or fixed magnet to open and close the switch by moving the contact device into and out of engagement with electrical contacts therein. Appropriate alignment of the movable magnet overcomes an attractive force the fixed magnet exerts on the contact device and displaces the device away from at least one of the electrical contacts, thereby opening the circuit. To close the switch, the movable magnet is moved away from the conductive device which is then attracted by the fixed magnet to again move into engagement with both of the contacts.
A magnetic switch comprising a closed housing formed of non-magnetic material, said housing having a top and a bottom and side walls interconnecting said top and said bottom; parallel, contact members extending through a wall of the housing and into a plane in the lower portion of the housing; a first magnet in the housing extending fully beneath the parallel contact members; an electrically conductIve ball of material attracted to the first magnet and adapted to simultaneously rest on the parallel contact members; an arm; a pivot shaft extending outwardly of the housing from a wall of the housing; means mounting the arm on the pivot shaft to pivot alongside the housing in a plane transverse to the plane of the contact members; a second magnet mounted on the arm, between the arm and the housing whereby when said arm is pivoted between extreme raised and lowered positions, the second magnet is moved from a position wherein it does not attract the ball to a position wherein the ball is attracted theretowards and is raised out of contact with at least one of said parallel contact members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
A magnetic switch comprising a closed housing formed of non-magnetic material, said housing having a top and a bottom and side walls interconnecting said top and said bottom; parallel, contact members extending through a wall of the housing and into a plane in the lower portion of the housing; a first magnet in the housing extending fully beneath the parallel contact members; an electrically conductIve ball of material attracted to the first magnet and adapted to simultaneously rest on the parallel contact members; an arm; a pivot shaft extending outwardly of the housing from a wall of the housing; means mounting the arm on the pivot shaft to pivot alongside the housing in a plane transverse to the plane of the contact members; a second magnet mounted on the arm, between the arm and the housing whereby when said arm is pivoted between extreme raised and lowered positions, the second magnet is moved from a position wherein it does not attract the ball to a position wherein the ball is attracted theretowards and is raised out of contact with at least one of said parallel contact members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A magnetic switch as in claim 1, wherein the parallel contact members each have an arcuate surface portion that is contacted by the ball when said ball rests on both the said contact members.