Durable Switches and Methods for Using Such
First Claim
1. A durable switch comprising:
- a switch housing, wherein the switch housing includes;
a channel defined by a channel base, at least one channel side extending away from the channel base, and at least one open end;
an actuator element, wherein the actuator element is rotatably mounted to the at least one channel side, wherein rotation of the actuator element causes an outer point of the actuator element to position at a point proximate the channel base, and wherein a passage through the open end is substantially larger than a passage between the outer point of the actuator element and the point proximate the channel base; and
a field element associated with the actuator element, wherein rotation of the actuator element causes a change in position of the field element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Among other things, various durable switches are disclosed that can include a switch housing, an actuator element, and a field element. The switch element can include a channel defined by a channel base, at least one channel side, and at least one open end. The actuator element can be rotatably mounted to the channel side such that rotation of the actuator element causes an outer point of the actuator element to position at a location proximate the channel base. In this position, a passage through the open end is substantially larger than a passage between the outer point of the actuator element and the point proximate the channel base. Further, rotation of the actuator element causes a change in location of the field element that can effectuate switching.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A durable switch comprising:
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a switch housing, wherein the switch housing includes;
a channel defined by a channel base, at least one channel side extending away from the channel base, and at least one open end;
an actuator element, wherein the actuator element is rotatably mounted to the at least one channel side, wherein rotation of the actuator element causes an outer point of the actuator element to position at a point proximate the channel base, and wherein a passage through the open end is substantially larger than a passage between the outer point of the actuator element and the point proximate the channel base; and
a field element associated with the actuator element, wherein rotation of the actuator element causes a change in position of the field element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17)
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16. A durable, non-clogging switch comprising:
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a switch housing, wherein the switch housing comprises an open channel defined by a first side, a second side, and at least an open side;
an actuator element, wherein the actuator element is rotatably mounted between the first side and the second side of the switch housing, wherein at least a portion of the actuator element is disposed within the open channel, and wherein rotation of the actuator element is operable to displace an obstruction within the open channel toward the open side;
a magnet coupled to the actuator element; and
a magnetically activated switch disposed in relation to the switch housing, wherein rotation of the actuator element is operable to move the magnet within switching proximity of the magnetically activated switch. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A factory sealed flashlight, wherein the flashlight comprises:
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a flashlight body, wherein the flashlight body is factory sealed surrounding a magnetically activated switch; and
a switch activator disposed in proximity to the magnetically activated switch, wherein the switch activator includes;
a switch housing, wherein the switch housing comprises an open channel defined by at least one side and at least an open end;
an actuator element, wherein the actuator element is rotatably mounted to the side of the switch housing, wherein at least a portion of the actuator element is disposed within the open channel, and wherein rotation of the actuator element is operable to displace an obstruction within the open channel toward the open end; and
a magnet coupled to the actuator element, wherein rotation of the actuator element is operable to move the magnet within switching proximity of the magnetically activated switch.
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Specification