QUADRUPOLE MAGNETIC CODED SWITCH
First Claim
1. A quadrupole magnetic coded switch, comprising:
- a switch housing;
an actuator housing movable relative to the switch housing;
a plurality of actuator dipole magnets coupled to the actuator housing and movable therewith;
one or more switch dipole magnets coupled to the switch housing, the one or more switch dipole magnets and the plurality of actuator dipole magnets arranged to generate a quadrupole magnetic field; and
a plurality of magnetically operated switch circuits, each magnetically operated switch circuit disposed within the switch housing and configured to transition between a plurality of switch positions in response to relative movement of the actuator housing and the switch housing.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A quadrupole magnetic coded switch includes a switch housing, an actuator, one or more switch dipole magnets, and a plurality of magnetically operated switch circuits. The actuator housing is movable relative to the switch housing. The plurality of actuator dipole magnets are coupled to the actuator housing and are movable therewith. The one or more switch dipole magnets are coupled to the switch housing. The one or more switch dipole magnets and the plurality of actuator dipole magnets are arranged to generate a quadrupole magnetic field. Each magnetically operated switch circuit is disposed within the switch housing and is configured to transition between a plurality of switch positions in response to relative movement of the actuator housing and the switch housing.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A quadrupole magnetic coded switch, comprising:
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a switch housing; an actuator housing movable relative to the switch housing; a plurality of actuator dipole magnets coupled to the actuator housing and movable therewith; one or more switch dipole magnets coupled to the switch housing, the one or more switch dipole magnets and the plurality of actuator dipole magnets arranged to generate a quadrupole magnetic field; and a plurality of magnetically operated switch circuits, each magnetically operated switch circuit disposed within the switch housing and configured to transition between a plurality of switch positions in response to relative movement of the actuator housing and the switch housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A quadrupole magnetic coded switch, comprising:
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a switch housing; an actuator housing movable relative to the switch housing; a plurality of actuator dipole magnets coupled to the actuator housing and movable therewith; one or more switch dipole magnets coupled to the switch housing, the one or more switch dipole magnets and the plurality of actuator dipole magnets arranged to generate a quadrupole magnetic field; and a plurality of reed switches, each reed switch disposed within the switch housing and configured to transition between a plurality of switch positions in response to relative movement of the actuator housing and the switch housing, wherein each reed switch transitions between the two switch positions when (i) the actuator housing and switch housing are moved toward, and are within a first predetermined distance of, each other, and (ii) the actuator housing and switch housing are moved away from, and are at least a second predetermined distance from, each other. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A quadrupole magnetic coded switch, comprising:
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a switch housing; an actuator housing movable relative to the switch housing; a plurality of actuator dipole magnets coupled to the actuator housing and movable therewith; one or more switch dipole magnets coupled to the switch housing, the one or more switch dipole magnets and the plurality of actuator dipole magnets arranged to generate a quadrupole magnetic field; and a magnetically operated switch circuit disposed within the switch housing and configured to move (i) from an open position to a closed position when the actuator housing and switch housing are moved toward, and are within a first predetermined distance of, each other, and (ii) from the closed position to the open position when the actuator housing and switch housing are the moved away from, and are at least a second predetermined distance from, each other, wherein the first predetermined distance is less than the second predetermined distance. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification