Magnetic switching device for contact-dependent and contactless switching

Claim 2

A magnetic switch comprising: a. a switch mounting structure, b. a first driver member comprising: 1. a first mounting portion by which said first member is moveably mounted relative to said switch structure, 2. a first magnetically attractive portion having a first magnetically attractive surface portion, 3. a first bearing portion, c. mounting means, attached to said switch structure, providing support for the movement of said first member, d. a second slave member comprising: 1. a second mounting portion by which said second member is moveably mounted relative to said switch structure, 2. a second magnetically attractive portion having a second magnetically attractive surface portion, 3. a second bearing portion, e. first pivot means, attached to said switch structure, providing support for the movement of said second member, f. first stop means, mounted to said switch structure, located in the path of travel of said second member, g. said first and second members having a first position where the first and second magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another in a manner to cause said first and second members to be magnetically held in said first position, said first and second members also having a second position, h. said first member being moveable by an applied force to said second position in a manner causing the said first bearing portion to engage the said second bearing portion, the resulting engaged movement further causing a corresponding movement of said second member to said second position wherein said second member makes contact with said first stop means, said engaged movement further causing said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions to become spaced from one another by an air gap, i. at least one of said first and second members being mounted for angular movement relative to said switch structure in a manner that said first and second members move angularly relative to one another.

Claim 3

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said second slave member is pivotally mounted for rotational movement.

Claim 4

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said first member is mounted for rotational movement about a first pivot location, and said second member is mounted for rotation about a second pivot location.

Claim 5

The switch as recited in claim 3, wherein said first and second members are arranged so that rotational movement of said first member to said second position causes an opposite rotational movement of said second member to said second position.

Claim 6

The switch as recited in claim 3, wherein said first and second members are so mounted that rotational movement of said first member to said second position causes a corresponding rotational movement of said second member to said second position in a direction which is the same as that in which the first member was moved.

Claim 7

The switch as recited in claim 3, wherein said first and second bearing portions are located intermediate said first and second pivot locations, and said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions are also located intermediate said first and second pivot locations, with said first and second members rotating oppositely of one another to move to said second position.

Claim 8

The switch as recited in claim 3, wherein said first and second pivot locations are positioned on one side of said switch, said first and second bearing portions and said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions are located on an opposite side of said switch, with said first and second members rotating in the same direction to said second position.

Claim 9

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said first driver member has a third magnetically attractive surface portion and a third bearing portion; there is a third slave member having a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion; there also is a second stop means; in said first position, said third member is located so that said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another in a manner to cause said third and first members to be magnetically held to one another in said first position; said third member is arranged to be moveable to said second position, with said third bearing portion engaging said fourth bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of said third member to said second position wherein said third member makes contact with said second stop means; said third member being mounted for angular movement relative to said first member so that, in said second position, said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions become spaced from one another by an air gap.

Claim 10

The switch as recited in claim 8, wherein said first member is rotatably mounted about a first pivot location, and said second and third members are rotatably mounted about second and third pivot locations, respectfully.

Claim 11

The switch as recited in claim 9, wherein said second and third slave members are mounted for rotation in the same direction for movement from said first position to said second position, with said first driver member being mounted for rotation in an opposite direction to that of said second and third members during movement from said first position to said second position.

Claim 12

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said first driver member has a third magnetically attractive surface portion and a third bearing portion; there is a third slave member having a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion; said switch is further provided with second stop means; in said second position, said third member is positioned in such manner that said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another in a manner to cause said third and first members to be magnetically held to one another; said third member is further arranged to be movable from said second position to said first position; with a second actuating force applied to said first member in a direction opposite that of the initial applied force, said third bearing portion being moved to engage said fourth bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of said third member to said first position, wherein said third member makes contact with said second stop means; with said third member being mounted for angular movement relative to said first member, in said first position said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions become spaced from one another by an air gap; the alternating magnetic hold between said first member and each of said second and third members causing a corresponding maintained contact between said second member and said first stop means in a first switching position, and alternately further causing a maintained contact between said third member and said second stop means in a second switching position; said switch thereby providing an alternatig switching movement held in place in each of said first and second positions.

Claim 13

The switch as recited in claim 11, wherein said second and third slave members are so arranged that as said first member is moved from said second to said first position, said second member rotates to said second position in a first direction, and as said first member is rotated back to its first position, said third member is caused to rotate to said first position in a direction opposite to said first direction.

Claim 14

The switch as recited in claim 11, wherein said first member is mounted for rotation about a first pivot location positioned intermediate said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions, said second member is pivotally mounted at a pivot location positioned on one side of said first member, and said third member is pivotally mounted at a pivot location at an opposite side of said first member, said switch being further arranged so that movement of said first member from the first to the second position causes movement of said second member in a first direction of rotation, and movement of said first member from said second position to said first position causes rotational movement of said third member in a rotational direction opposite to that of the second member.

Claim 15

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said first driver member is mounted for linear travel, and said second slave member is pivotally mounted for rotational movement; said switch being characterized in that linear travel of said first member causes said first bearing portion to engage said second bearing portion to cause rotational movement of said second member to said second position, wherein said second member engages said first stop means.

Claim 16

The switch as recited in claim 14, wherein said switch is so arranged that linear travel of said first member in a first direction causes movement of said second member in a curved path having a substantial component of movement generally perpendicular to the linear travel of the first member.

Claim 17

The switch as recited in claim 15, wherein said second member has its second magnetically attractive portion and its second magnetically attractive surface portion generally aligned with said linear travel of the first member, and the second mounting portion of the second member extends to a pivot location of said second member along a line having a substantial perpendicular component to the linear travel of said first member.

Claim 18

The switch as recited in claim 16, further comprising sensor means located magnetically proximate the first path of travel of said first member, said sensor means being responsive to magnetic actuation by said first member, whereby movement of said first member from its first to its second position, in addition to causing movement of said second member, causes actuation of said sensor means.

Claim 19

The switch as recited in claim 14, further comprising solid-state switching sensor means located proximate the path of travel of said first member, said sensor means being responsive to actuation by said first member, whereby movement of said first member from its first to its second position, in addition to causing movement of said second member, causes a reactive respone in said sensor means.

Claim 20

The switch as recited in claim 14, wherein said first driver member has a third magnetically attractive surface portion and a third bearing portion; there is a third slave member having a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion; the switch is further provided with second stop means located in the path of travel of said second member, and third and fourth stop means located in the path of travel of said third member; in said first position, the magnetic hold between said first member and said second member also provides a maintained engagement between said second member and said second stop means, and in said first position, said third member is located so that third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another in a manner to cause said first and third members to be magnetically held to one another and further to cause said third member to be in maintained engagement with said fourth stop means; said third member being pivotally mounted for angular movement relative to said first member and being further arranged to be moveable to said second position, with said first member being moved to the second position, said third bearing portion engaging said fourth bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of said third member to said second position, so that said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions become spaced from one another by an air gap, so that in its movement from said first to said second position, said third member first disengages from said fourth stop means and proceeds to engage said third stop means.

Claim 21

The switch as recited in claim 19, wherein the first and third bearing portions of the first member are so arranged relative to the second and fourth bearing portions of the second and third members, respectively, that in movement of said first member from the first to the second position, said first and second bearing portions come into engagement prior to said third and fourth bearing portions coming into engagement, so that said second member is moved rotationally to cause the first and second magnetically attractive surface portions to become spaced from one another prior to engagement of said third bearing portion with said fourth bearing portion causing rotational movement of said third member, whereby said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions become spaced from one another by an air gap, so that said switch operates sequentially, whereby said second member disengages from said second stop means prior to said third member disengaging from said fourth stop means.

Claim 22

The switch as recited in claim 20, wherein said switch is so arranged that linear travel of said first member in a first direction causes movement of said second member and said third member in respective curved paths, each path having a substantial component of movement generally perpendicular to the linear travel of the first member.

Claim 23

The switch as recited in claim 21, wherein said second member has its second magnetically attractive surface portion generally aligned with said linear travel of the first member, and the second mounting portion of the second member extends to a first pivot location of said second member along a first line having a substantial perpendicular component to the linear travel of said first member, said third member has its fourth magnetically attractive surface portion generally aligned with said linear travel of the first member, and a third mounting portion of the third member extends to a second pivot location of said third member along a line having a substantial perpendicular component to the linear travel of said first member.

Claim 24

The switch as recited in claim 20, wherein said switch is so arranged that linear travel of said first member in a first direction causes movement of said second member and said third member in respective curved paths, each path having a substantial component of movement generally perpendicular to the linear travel of the first member.

Claim 25

The switch as recited in claim 23, wherein said second member has its second magnetically attractive surface portion generally aligned with said linear travel of the first member, and the second mounting portion of the second member extends to a first pivot location of said second member along a first line having a substantial perpendicular component to the linear travel of said first member, said third member has its fourth magnetically attractive surface portion generally aligned with said linear travel of the first member, and the third mounting portion of the third member extends to a second pivot location of said third member along a second line having a substantial perpendicular component to the linear travel of said first member.

Claim 26

The switch as recited in claim 14, wherein said first driver member has a third magnetically attractive surface portion and a third bearing portion; there is a third slave member having a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion; said switch is further provided with a second stop means; in said second position, said third member is positioned in such manner that said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another in a manner to cause said third and first members to be magnetically held to one another; said third member being mounted for angular movement, relative to said first member, and further arranged to be moveable from said second position to the first position, with a second force applied to the first member reversing its movement from said second to the first position, said third bearing portion is brought to engage said 4th bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of said 3rd member to said first position, wherein said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions become spaced from one another by an air gap, so that in said first position, said third member makes contact with said second stop means; in said second position, the magnetic hold between said first and third members causes a correspondingly maintained engagement between said second member and said first stop means; and alternately in said first position, the magnetic hold between said first and second members causes a correspondingly maintained engagement between said third member and said second stop means; said switch thereby providing a reciprocating switching movement held in place in each of said first and second positions.

Claim 27

The switch as recited in claim 25, wherein said switch is so arranged that linear travel of said first member in a first direction causes movement of said second member in a first curved path having a substantial component of movement generally perpendicular to the linear travel of the first member, and linear travel of said first member in a second direction causes movement of said third member in a second curved path having a substantial component of travel generally perpendicular to the linear travel of the first member in the second direction.

Claim 28

The switch as recited in claim 26, wherein said second member has its second magnetically attractive surface portion generally aligned with said linear travel of the first member, and the second mounting portion of the second member extends to a first pivot location of said second member along a first line having a substantial component perpendicular to the linear travel of said first member.

Claim 29

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said second slave member has a third magnetically attractive surface portion and a third bearing portion; there is a third driver member having a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion; there is a second stop means; in said second position, said third driver member is positioned in such manner that said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another in a manner to cause said third and second members to be magnetically held to one another; said third driver member being mounted for angular movement, relative to said second member, and further arranged to be moveable from said second position to the first position, with a second force applied to said third driver member reversing its movement from said second to the first position, said fourth bearing portion is brought to engage said third bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of said second member to said first position, wherein said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions become spaced from one another by an air gap, so that in said first position said second member makes contact with said second stop means; in the 2nd position, the magnetic hold between said third and second members causes a correspondingly maintained engagement between said second member and said first stop means; and alternately in said first position, the magnetic hold between said first and second members causes a correspondingly maintained engagement between said second member and said second stop means; said switch thereby providing an alternating swtiching movement held in place in each of said first and second positions.

Claim 30

The switch as recited in claim 28, wherein said second slave member is mounted for rotation about a second pivot location positioned intermediate said second and third magnetically attractive surface portions, said first driver member is pivotally mounted at a first pivot location positioned on one side of said second member, and said third driver member is pivotally mounted at a third pivot location at an opposite side of said second member, said switch being further arranged so that movement of said first member from the first position to the second position causes movement of said second member in a first direction of rotation, and movement of said third driver member from said second position to said first position causes rotational movement of said second member in a rotational direction opposite said first direction of rotation.

Claim 31

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said first member is mounted for rotational movement about a first pivot location, and said second member is mounted for rotation about a second pivot location.

Claim 32

The switch as recited in claim 30, wherein said first and second members are arranged so that rotational movement of said first member to said second member to said second position.

Claim 33

The switch as recited in claim 30, wherein said first and second members are so mounted that rotational movement of said first member to said second position causes a corresponding rotational movement of said second member to said second position in a direction which is the same as that in which the first member moves.

Claim 34

The switch as recited in claim 30, wherein said first and second bearing portions are located intermediate said first and second pivot locations, and said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions are also located intermediate said first and second pivot locations, with said first and second members rotating oppositely of one another to move to said second position.

Claim 35

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said first driver member is mounted for linear travel, and said second slave member is pivotally mounted for rotational movement; said switch being characterized in that linear travel of said first member towards said second member causes said first bearing portion to engage said second bearing portion to cause rotational movement of said second member to said second position, wherein said second member makes contact with said first stop means.

Claim 36

The switch as recited in claim 34, wherein said switch is so arranged that linear travel of said first member in a first direction causes movement of said second member in a curved path having a substantial component of movement generally perpendicular to the linear travel of the first member.

Claim 37

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said first driver member is mounted for linear travel, and said second member is pivotally mounted for rotational movement about a pivot location, said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions being positioned in a plane extending transversely to a path of linear travel of said first member moving from its first to its second position, whereby when said first member travels from its first to its second position, said second magnetically attractive surface portion is moved away from said first magnetically attractive surface portion in a direction having a substantial component of travel parallel to the linear travel of the first member.

Claim 38

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said switch structure has mounting means comprising a second pivot portion arranged to engage said first mounting portion of said first driver member; said switch structure further comprising a first pivot portion arranged to engage said second mounting portion of said second slave member; said first and second members are arranged in such manner, relative to said switch structure, that movement of said first member produces a wiping engagement between said first mounting portion and said second pivot portion, and movement of said second member produces a wiping engagement between said second mounting portion and said first pivot portion, and movement of said second member to the second position causes said second member to engage said first stop means.

Claim 39

The switch as recited in claim 37, wherein said second mounting portion comprises a first conductive contact portion arranged to engage a corresponding second conductive contact portion provided on said first pivot portion; said second member being further provided with a third conductive contact portion extending said first conductive contact portion to a first location on said second member identified as that at which said second member engages said first stop means; said first stop means comprising a fourth conductive contact portion.

Claim 40

The switch as recited in claim 38, wherein said second member is provided with a fifth conductive contact portion extending said first conductive contact portion to a further second location adjacent the second magnetically attractive surface portion of said second member; said switch further comprising a first driver member provided with a first mounting portion comprising a sixth conductive contact portion arranged to engage a corresponding seventh conductive contact portion provided on said second pivot portion; said first member being further provided with an eighth conductive contact portion extending said sixth conductive contact portion to a location adjacent said first magnetically attractive surface portion of said first driver member; said first and second members are arranged, relative to one another and relative to said switch structure, in such manner that, in the first position, said first and second members are magnetically held to one another and said magnetic hold further provides a maintained engagement between said eighth and fifth conductive contact portions, so that, in combination with said first and second pivot portions, said arrangement would provide a continuous current flow from said second conductive contact portion through to said seventh conductive contact portion; and in said second switching position, said current flow would be from said second conductive contact portion through to said fourth conductive contact portion.

Claim 41

The switch as recited in claim 39, wherein each of said first through eighth conductive contact portions comprises a plurality of conductive contact portions, each set of said plurality of conductive contact portions arranged to engage a corresponding set of a plurality of conductive contacts, whereby said switch provides simultaneous switching of a plurality of circuits.

Claim 42

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said second slave member is pivotally mounted for rotation about a first pivot location, said second member having a retaining portion having a third magnetically attractive surface portion, said first member having a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion, said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions being so positioned that with said switch in its second position, said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are in magnetic engagement with one another so as to hold said first and second members in the second position.

Claim 43

The switch as recited in claim 41, wherein said first member is mounted for rotation about a second pivot location, said first and second members being so arranged that rotational movement of the first member towards the second member causes the first bearing portion to engage the second bearing portion thereby causing said second member to be moved in an opposite rotational movement, whereby said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions become separated by an air gap, said movement of said second member further causes said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions to become magnetically attracted to one another, thereby holding said first and second members in said second position, said magnetic hold further causes a maintained engagement between said second member and a first stop means.

Claim 44

The switch as recited in claim 42, wherein said second member has a first conductive contact portion, located on one side of said first pivot means, and arranged to engage conductive contact portions forming said first stop means, when said second member is in the second position; said second member is also provided with a second conductive contact portion, located on an opposite side of said first pivot means and arranged to engage a conductive contact portion forming a second stop means, when said second member is in the first position; there is a third conductive contact portion, on said second member, joining said first and second conductive contact portions, and providing a wiping engagement with said first pivot means, said first pivot means being provided with a conductive contact portion; in this arrangement, said switch privides an alternating switching movement held in each of said first and second positions.

Claim 45

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said first driver member is mounted for rotation about a first center of rotation, said first magnetically attractive surface portion is positioned in a curve having a center of curvature generally coinciding with said center of rotation, said second magnetically attractive surface portion being contoured in a curve generally coinciding with said first magnetically attractive surface portion, said first and second members being arranged relative to one another so that rotation of said first member, to a position where said first bearing portion engages said second bearing portion, requires a force to be applied to said first member to cause said second member to be moved radially away from said center of rotation, causing said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions to become spaced from one another by an air gap, and further causing said second member to contact said first stop means, said switch is characterized by the second member being held magnetically in its first position, while allowing said first member free rotational movement, in both directions, prior to the engagement between said first and second bearing portions.

Claim 46

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein said second member is mounted for rotation about a second center of rotation spaced radially from said first center of rotation.

Claim 47

The switch as recited in claim 45, wherein said second center of rotation is located radially outwardly from the curve of said first magnetically attractive surface portion.

Claim 48

The switch as recited in claim 46, wherein the first bearing portion of the first driver member extends radially from said first magnetically attractive surface portion away from said first center of rotation toward said second center of rotation, said first bearing portion being arranged to engage said second bearing portion at a location intermediate said first and second centers of rotation to cause rotational movement of the second slave member.

Claim 49

The switch as recited in claim 44, wherein said first driver member has a third magnetically attractive surface portion and a third bearing portion; there is a third slave member having a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion, said third magnetically attractive surface portion being positioned in a second curve having a center of curvature generally coinciding with the center of curvature of the curve of the first magnetically attractive surface portion, said fourth magnetically attractive surface portion being contoured in a curve generally coinciding with said third magnetically attractive surface portion, said first and third members being arranged relative to one another so that rotation of said first member from the first to the second position causes said third bearing portion to engage said fourth bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of said third member to said second position, with said third member being mounted for movement radially away from said first center of rotation, so that in said second position said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions become spaced from on another by an air gap; said first and third bearing portions of the first member are arranged relative to one another and relative to said second and fourth bearing portions of the second and third members, respectively, in such manner that rotation of said first member in a first direction causes engagement of said first and second bearing portions at an interval differing from that at which said third and fourth bearing portions engage one another, so that said switch provides a sequential movement of said second and said third members to the second position, wherein said second and third members make contact with a first and a second stop means, respectively.

Claim 50

The switch as recited in claim 44, wherein said first driver member has a third magnetically attractive surface portion; said second slave member has a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion; said third magnetically attractive surface portion is positioned in a second curve having a center of curvature generally coinciding with the center of curvature of the curve of the first magnetically attractive surface portion, said fourth magnetically attractive surface portion being contoured in a curve generally coinciding with said third magnetically attractive surface portion, said first and second members being so arranged relative to one another that with said first and second members in said second position, said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another in a manner to cause said first and second members to be held magnetically in said second position; with said first member moving from said second position to said first position, said third bearing portion engages said fourth bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of the second member to said first position, in a manner that said fourth magnetically attractive surface portion moves radially outwardly from said first center of rotation away from said third magnetically attractive surface portion, whereby said switch is magnetically held in place in each of said first and second positions.

Claim 51

The switch as recited in claim 1, wherein a. said first driver member is mounted for linear travel, and said second slave member is pivotally mounted for rotational movement; said switch being characterized in that linear travel of said first member causes said first bearing portion to engage said second bearing portion to cause rotational movement of said second member to said second position, b. said first driver member having a third magnetically attractive surface portion and a third bearing portion, c. a third slave member having a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion, d. in said first position said third member being located so that said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent to one another in a manner to cause said first and third members to be magnetically held to one another in said first position, e. said third member being arranged to be moveable to said second position with said third bearing portion engaging said fourth bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of said third member to said second position, so that with said third member being mounted for angular movement relative to said first member, in said second position, said third and fourth magnetically attarctive surface portions are spaced further from one another by an air gap, f. said second member being pivotally mounted at a first pivot location, and said third member being pivotally mounted at a second pivot location, said first bearing portion engaging said second bearing portion at a location closer to said first pivot location to cause relatively fast movement of said second member, said thrd bearing portion engaging said fourth bearing portion at a location spaced further from said second pivot location to cause relatively slower movement of said third member.

Claim 52

A magnetic switch comprising: a. a switch mounting structure, b. a first driver member mounted to said structure and comprising first and second magnetically attractive surface portions spaced from one another, and first and second bearing portions also spaced from one another, c. a second slave member mounted to said structure and having a third magnetically attractive surface portion and a third bearing portion, d. a third slave member mounted to said structure and having a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion, e. said first, second and third members having a first position where said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another in a manner to cause said first and second members to be magnetically held in said first position, with said second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions being spaced from one another, f. said first, second and third members being so arranged that said first member is moveable by an applied force from said first position to said second position, with the first bearing portion engaging the third bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of the second member to the second position, with said first and third magnetically attractive surface portion becoming spaced from one another, f. said first, second and third members being so arranged that said first member is moveable by an applied force from said first position to said second position, with the first bearing portion engaging the third bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of the second member to the second position, with said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions becoming spaced from one another, h. said first member also being moveable by an applied force from said second position to said first position, with said second bearing engaging said fourth bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of said third member to said first position, with said second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions becoming spaced from one another.

Claim 53

A magnetic switch comprising: a. a switch mounting structure, b. a first driver member mounted to said structure and comprising first and second magnetically attractive surface portions spaced from one another, and first and second bearing portions also spaced from one another, c. a second slave member mounted to said structure and having a third magnetically attractive surface portion and a third bearing portion, d. a third slave member mounted to said structure and having a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion, e. said first, second and third members having a first position where said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another in a manner to cause said first and second members to be magnetically held in said first position, with said second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions being spaced from one another, f. said first, second and third members being so arranged that said first member is moveable by an applied force from said first position to said second position, with the first bearing portion engaging the third bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of the second member to the second position, with said first and third magnetically attractive surface portion becoming spaced from one another, f. said first, second and third members being so arranged that said first member is moveable by an applied force from said first position to said second position, with the first bearing portion engaging the third bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of the second member to the second position, with said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions becoming spaced from one another, h. said first member also being moveable by an applied force from said second position to said first position, with said second bearing engaging said fourth bearing portion to cause a corresponding movement of said third member to said first position, with said second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions becoming spaced from one another.

Claim 54

The switch as recited in claim 51, wherein said second and third slave members are so arranged that as said first member moves from said first to said second position, said second member rotates to said second position in a first direction, and as said first member is rotated back to its first position, said third member is caused to rotate to said first position in a direction opposite to said first direction.

Claim 55

The switch as recited in claim 51, wherein said first member is mounted for rotation about a first pivot location positioned intermediate said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions, said second member is pivotally mounted at a pivot location positioned on one side of said first member, and said third member is pivotally mounted at a pivot location at an opposite side of said first member, said switch being further arranged so that movement of said first member from the first position to the second position causes movement of said second member in a first direction of rotation, and movement of said first member from said second position to said first position causes rotational movement of said third member in a rotational direction opposite to that of the second member.

Claim 56

The switch as recited in claim 51, wherein said first driver member is mounted for linear travel back and forth between said first and second positions, and said second and third slave members are pivotally mounted for rotational movement about second and third pivot locations, respectively, said switch being characterized in that linear travel of said first member from said first position to said second position causes said first bearing portion to engage said third bearing portion to cause rotational movement of said second member to said second position, and linear travel of said first member from said second position to said first position causes rotational movement of said third member to said first position.

Claim 57

The switch as recited in claim 54, wherein said switch is so arranged that linear travel of said first member in a first direction causes movement of said second member in a first curved path having a substantial component of movement generally perpendicular to the linear travel of the first member, and linear travel of said first member in a second direction causes movement of said third member in a second curved path having a substantial component of travel generally perpendicular to the linear travel of the first member in the second direction.

Claim 58

A magnetic switch comprising: a. a switch mounting structure, b. a first driver member mounted to said structure and comprising: 1. a first mounting portion by which said first member is moveably mounted relative to a base structure, 2. a first magnetically attractive portion having a first magnetically attractive surface portion, 3. a first bearing portion, c. a second slave member mounted to said structure and comprising: 1. a second mounting portion by which said second member is moveably mounted relative to a base structure, 2. a second magnetically attractive portion having a second magnetically attractive surface portion, 3. a second bearing portion, d. said first driver member being mounted for linear travel back and forth between a first position of said switch and a second position of said switch, said second slave member being pivotally mounted for rotational movement between said first position and said second position, e. said switch being characterized in that in said first position said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another in a manner to cause said first and second members to be magnetically held in said first position, said switch being further characterized in that movement of said first member by an applied force from said first to said second position causes said first bearing portion to engage said second bearing portion to cause rotational movement of said second member to said second position, whereby said second magnetically attractive surface portion is moved rotationally away from said first magnetically attractive surface portion.

Claim 59

A magnetic switch comprising: a. a switch mounting structure, b. a first driver member mounted to said structure and comprising: 1. a first mounting portion by which said first member is moveably mounted relative to a base structure, 2. a first magnetically attractive portion having a first magnetically attractive surface portion, 3. a first bearing portion, c. a second slave member mounted to said structure and comprising: 1. a second mounting portion by which said second member is moveably mounted relative to a base structure, 2. a second magnetically attractive portion having a second magnetically attractive surface portion, 3. a second bearing portion, d. said first driver member being mounted for linear travel back and forth between a first position of said switch and a second position of said switch, said second slave member being pivotally mounted for rotational movement between said first position and said second position, e. said switch being characterized in that in said first position said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another in a manner to cause said first and second members to be magnetically held in said first position, said switch being further characterized in that movement of said first member by an applied force from said first to said second position causes said first bearing portion to engage said second bearing portion to cause rotational movement of said second member to said second position, whereby said second magnetically attractive surface portion is moved rotationally away from said first magnetically attractive surface portion.

Claim 60

The switch as recited in claim 56, wherein said switch is so arranged that linear travel of said first member in a first direction causes movement of said second member in a curved path having a substantial component of movement generally perpendicular to the linear travel of the first member.

Claim 61

The switch as recited in claim 57, wherein said second member has its second magnetically attractive portion and its second magnetically attractive surface portion generally aligned with said linear travel of the first member, and the second mounting portion of the second member extends to a pivot location of said second member along a line having a substantial perpendicular component to the linear travel of said first member.

Claim 62

The switch as recited in claim 58, further comprising sensor means located magnetically proximate the first path of travel of said first member, said sensor means being responsive to magnetic actuation by said first member, whereby movement of said first member from its first to its second position, in addition to causing movement of said second member, causes actuation of said sensor means.

Claim 63

The switch as recited in claim 56, further comprising a solid state switching sensor means located proximate the first path of travel of said first member, said sensor means being responsive to magnetic actuation by said first member, whereby movement of said first member from its first to its second position, in addition to causing movement of said second member, causes a reactive response in said sensor means.

Claim 64

The switch as recited in claim 56, wherein said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions are positioned in a plane extending transversally to a path of linear travel of said first member moving between first and second positions, whereby when said first member travels from its first to its second position, said second magnetically attractive surface portion moves away from said first magnetically attractive surface portion in a direction having a substantial component of travel paralel to the linear travel of the first member.

Claim 65

A magnetic switch comprising: a. a switch mounting structure. b. a first driver member mounted to said structure for linear travel back and forth between a first position of said switch and a second position of said switch, said first driver member comprising: 1. first and second magnetically attractive surface portions, 2. first and second bearing portions spaced from one another, c. a second slave member mounted to said structure for rotational movement about a first pivot location, said second slave member comprising a third magnetically attractive surface portion and a third bearing portion, d. a third slave member mounted to said structure for rotational movement about a second pivot location, said third slave member comprising a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion, e. said switch being arranged so that in said first position, said second member is located so that said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions ar located adjacent to one another and said second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another, whereby said second and third members are magnetically held to said first member in said first position, said switch being further arranged so that movement of seid first member by an applied force to said second position causes said first bearing portion to engage said third bearing portion to rotate said second member to said second position whereby said third magnetically attractive surface portion is caused to be spaced from said first magnetically attractive surface portion, and said second bearing member portion engages said fourth bearing member portion to move said third member to the second position, with the whereby said fourth and second magnetically attractive surface portions being are caused to become spaced from one another.

Claim 66

A magnetic switch comprising: a. a switch mounting structure. b. a first driver member mounted to said structure for linear travel back and forth between a first position of said switch and a second position of said switch, said first driver member comprising: 1. first and second magnetically attractive surface portions, 2. first and second bearing portions spaced from one another, c. a second slave member mounted to said structure for rotational movement about a first pivot location, said second slave member comprising a third magnetically attractive surface portion and a third bearing portion, d. a third slave member mounted to said structure for rotational movement about a second pivot location, said third slave member comprising a fourth magnetically attractive surface portion and a fourth bearing portion, e. said switch being arranged so that in said first position, said second member is located so that said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions ar located adjacent to one another and said second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are located adjacent one another, whereby said second and third members are magnetically held to said first member in said first position, said switch being further arranged so that movement of seid first member by an applied force to said second position causes said first bearing portion to engage said third bearing portion to rotate said second member to said second position whereby said third magnetically attractive surface portion is caused to be spaced from said first magnetically attractive surface portion, and said second bearing member portion engages said fourth bearing member portion to move said third member to the second position, with the whereby said fourth and second magnetically attractive surface portions being are caused to become spaced from one another.

Claim 67

The switch as recited in claim 62, wherein the first and third second bearing portions of the first member are so arranged relative to the second third and fourth bearing members portions of the second and third members, respectively, that in movement of said first member from the first to the second position, said first and second third bearing portions come into engagement prior to said third second and fourth bearing portions coming into engagement, so that said second member moves rotationally to move the first and second third magnetically attractice attractive surface portions away from one another prior to movement of said third second bearing member portion moving said third second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions from one another, said switch thereby operating in a manner to cause a sequential movement of said second and third members, between said first and second positions.

Claim 68

The switch as recited in claim 63, wherein said first and third bearing portions engage one another at a first bearing location on said second member spaced closer to further from said first pivot location, and said second and fourth bearing portions engage one another at a bearing location on said third member spaced a greater distance from closer to said second pivot location, whereby movement of said third member is faster than movement of said second member.

Claim 69

A magnetic switch comprising: a. a switch mounting structure, b. a first drive member mounted to said structure for rotation about a first center of rotation for movement between a first position and second position of said switch, said driver member comprising: 1. a first magnetically attractive surface portion positioned in a curve having a center of curvature generally coinciding with said center of rotation, 2. a first bearing portion, c. a second slave member mounted to said structure for movement between said first and second positions, said second slave member comprising: 1. a second magnetically attractive surface portion being contoured in a curve generally coinciding with said first magnetically attractive surface portion, 2. a second bearing portion, d. said first and second members being arranged so that movement of said first member by an applied force from said first to said second position causes said first bearing portion to engage said second bearing portion to move said second member to the second position, with said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions being moved from a position adjacent one another in said first position to a location further away from one another in said second position.

Claim 70

A magnetic switch comprising: a. a switch mounting structure, b. a first drive member mounted to said structure for rotation about a first center of rotation for movement between a first position and second position of said switch, said driver member comprising: 1. a first magnetically attractive surface portion positioned in a curve having a center of curvature generally coinciding with said center of rotation, 2. a first bearing portion, c. a second slave member mounted to said structure for movement between said first and second positions, said second slave member comprising: 1. a second magnetically attractive surface portion being contoured in a curve generally coinciding with said first magnetically attractive surface portion, 2. a second bearing portion, d. said first and second members being arranged so that movement of said first member by an applied force from said first to said second position causes said first bearing portion to engage said second bearing portion to move said second member to the second position, with said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions being moved from a position adjacent one another in said first position to a location further away from one another in said second position.

Claim 71

The switch as recited in claim 65, wherein said second slave member is mounted for rotation about a second center of rotation spaced radially from said first center of rotation.

Claim 72

The switch as recited in claim 66, wherein said second center of rotation is located radially outwardly from the curve of said first magnetically attractive surface portion.

Claim 73

The switch as recited in claim 67, wherein the first bearing portion of the first driver member extends radially from said first magnetically attractive surface portion, away from said first center of rotation, said first bearing portion being arranged to engage said second bearing portion at a location intermediate said first and second centers of rotation to cause rotational movement of the second slave member.

Claim 74

A magnetic switch comprising: a. a switch mounting structure, b. a first driver member mounted to said structure for movement between a first position of said switch and a second position of said switch, said first driver member comprising: 1. first and second magnetically attractive surface portions spaced from one another, 2. first bearing means mounted to said first driver member, c. a second slave member mounted to said structure for movement between said first and second positions, said second slave member comprising: 1. third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions spaced from one another, 2. second bearing means adapted to engage said first bearing means, 3. Third bearing means adapted to engage said first bearing means, d. said first and second members being arranged relative to one another, so that in said first position, said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions are positioned adjacent one another to hold said first and second members in said first position, with said second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions being spaced from one another, and in said second position, said second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are positioned adjacent one another, with said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions being spaced from one another, e. said first and second members being further arranged relative to one another, in a manner that movement of said first member by an applied force from said first position to said second position, causes said first bearing means to engage said second bearing means to move said third magnetically attractive surface portion angularly away from said first magnetically attractive surface portions, and movement of said first member from said second position to said first position, causes said first bearing means to engage said third bearing means to move said fourth magnetically attractive surface portion angularly away from said second magnetically attractive surface portion, whereby said first and second members are magnetically held to one another in either of said first or second positions.

Claim 75

A magnetic switch comprising: a. a switch mounting structure, b. a first driver member mounted to said structure for movement between a first position of said switch and a second position of said switch, said first driver member comprising: 1. first and second magnetically attractive surface portions spaced from one another, 2. first bearing means mounted to said first driver member, c. a second slave member mounted to said structure for movement between said first and second positions, said second slave member comprising: 1. third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions spaced from one another, 2. second bearing means adapted to engage said first bearing means, 3. Third bearing means adapted to engage said first bearing means, d. said first and second members being arranged relative to one another, so that in said first position, said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions are positioned adjacent one another to hold said first and second members in said first position, with said second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions being spaced from one another, and in said second position, said second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are positioned adjacent one another, with said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions being spaced from one another, e. said first and second members being further arranged relative to one another, in a manner that movement of said first member by an applied force from said first position to said second position, causes said first bearing means to engage said second bearing means to move said third magnetically attractive surface portion angularly away from said first magnetically attractive surface portions, and movement of said first member from said second position to said first position, causes said first bearing means to engage said third bearing means to move said fourth magnetically attractive surface portion angularly away from said second magnetically attractive surface portion, whereby said first and second members are magnetically held to one another in either of said first or second positions.

Claim 76

The switch as recited in claim 69, wherein said first member is mounted for reciprocating rotational movement about a center of rotation, and said second member is mounted for reciprocating rotational movement about a second center of rotation, said first, second and third bearing means being positioned intermediate said first and second centers of rotation.

Claim 77

The switch as recited in claim 70, wherein said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions are positioned on opposite sides of first bearing means, and said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are also positioned on opposite sides of said first bearing means, whereby movement of said first member from said first to second position causes said second member to reciprocate in one direction, rotating oppositely to said first member, and movement of said second member from said second position to said first position causes opposite rotational movement of said second member.

Claim 78

The switch as recited in claim 71, wherein said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions lie in a general curve having a center of rotation curvature generally coinciding with said first center of rotation, and said third and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions are curved to correspond to said first and second magnetically attractive surface portions, whereby rotational movement of said first bearing means between said second and third bearing means can be accomplished, while maintaining a magnetic hold between said first and third magnetically attractive surface portions in the first switching position, and between said second and fourth magnetically attractive surface portions in the second switching position, alternately.