US5233322A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetic switches
Assignee: Hermetic Switch Inc
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Filing: 1992-04-28
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Granted: 1993-08-03
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Expires: 2012-04-28
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for proximity magnetic switching wherein magnet assemblies are used in combination with magnetic reed switches by placement of the reed switch axis in a magnetic field null position which is shifted or unbalanced by proximation of certain magnetic materials to actuate the magnetic reed switch. In particular, such proximity magnetic switch is made weather proof and entirely sealed from its environment by molding the magnet assembly and reed switch assembly in fixed orientation within a potting compound which then exposes an actuating surface for sensing the presence of a magnetically permeable material.
Inventors
- 👤 William T. Posey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:20
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H36/00; H01H36/0006; H01H36/0013; H01H36/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A magnetic switch actuatable by proximity of a permeable object, comprising: a magnet means having north and south poles and an axis of polarity, said magnet having a magnetic force field extending therearound between said north and south poles; a balanced flux neutral zone normally extending perpendicular to the magnet and midway between the north and south poles; and an actuatable magnetic reed switch disposed in said balanced flux neutral zone; whereby said permeable object presence in said magnetic force field shifts the flux neutral zone to place the reed switch in a magnetic force field sufficient to actuate the reed switch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A magnetic switch actuatable by proximity of a permeable object, comprising: a magnet means having north and south poles and an axis of polarity, said magnet having a magnetic force field extending therearound between said north and south poles; a balanced flux neutral zone normally extending perpendicular to the magnet and midway between the north and south poles; and an actuatable magnetic reed switch disposed in said balanced flux neutral zone; whereby said permeable object presence in said magnetic force field shifts the flux neutral zone to place the reed switch in a magnetic force field sufficient to actuate the reed switch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein said magnet means comprises: first and second magnets of similar size and polarity joined at respective interface surfaces of unlike polarity and positioned with said interface aligned with said switch axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
A switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein said magnet means comprises: first and second magnets of dissimilar size and same polarity joined at interface surfaces of unlike polarity and positioned with said interface aligned with said reed switch axis whereby the magnetic force field is unbalanced to normally actuate the reed switch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A switch as set forth in claim 1 which further includes: third magnet means disposed adjacent to said first and second magnets to bias the magnetic field to a predetermined neutralization in the flux field balanced zone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A switch means as set forth in claim 1 wherein said magnet means comprises molded ceramic magnet material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A switch means as set forth in claim 3 wherein: said ceramic magnet material is barium ferrite material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A switch means as set forth in claim 2 wherein: said first and second magnets are formed from ceramic magnet material of the barium ferrite type.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
142 words
A magnetic switch actuatable by proximity of a permeable object, comprising: first and second magnets each having north and south poles and each defining an axis of polarity, said magnets being disposed in parallel and aligned in opposite polarity such that the magnetic force field sets up between first magnet north and second magnet south, and second magnet north and first magnet south; a flux neutral zone disposed between the first and second magnets along a line normally bisecting each of said first and second magnets; and an actuatable magnetic reed switch disposed in said neutral zone and aligned perpendicular to the axes of polarity of said first and second magnets; whereby said permeable object presence in said magnetic force field shifts the flux neutral zone to place the reed switch in a magnetic force field sufficient to actuate the reed switch.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
142 words
A magnetic switch actuatable by proximity of a permeable object, comprising: first and second magnets each having north and south poles and each defining an axis of polarity, said magnets being disposed in parallel and aligned in opposite polarity such that the magnetic force field sets up between first magnet north and second magnet south, and second magnet north and first magnet south; a flux neutral zone disposed between the first and second magnets along a line normally bisecting each of said first and second magnets; and an actuatable magnetic reed switch disposed in said neutral zone and aligned perpendicular to the axes of polarity of said first and second magnets; whereby said permeable object presence in said magnetic force field shifts the flux neutral zone to place the reed switch in a magnetic force field sufficient to actuate the reed switch.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A switch as set forth in claim 8 wherein: said first and second magnets are formed from ceramic magnet material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
A switch as set forth in claim 8 wherein: each of said first and second magnets is a combination of two magnets aligned in opposite polarity.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-08-02 | 1997-02-01 | 1997-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-08-02 | 2001-02-01 | 2001-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-08-02 | 2005-02-01 | 2005-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |