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System for Detecting Orientation of Magnetically Coupled Devices

  • US 20110022350A1
  • Filed: 07/20/2010
  • Published: 01/27/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system comprising:

  • an orientation-dependent device having multiple modes of operation, the orientation-dependent device including an arrangement of magnetic elements that are provided on a contact surface, the arrangement of magnetic elements including at least one magnetic element that is designated as an orientation marker;

    a detection device having a receiving surface to receive the contact surface of the orientation-dependent device and to retain the orientation-dependent device in any one of a plurality of possible orientations, the detection device including detection circuitry and logic that is configured (i) to detect individual magnetic elements that comprise the arrangement, and (ii) to determine an orientation of the orientation-dependent device based on the orientation marker; and

    wherein the detection device is structured to communicate the determined orientation to the orientation-dependent device.

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