Patent ID: 6603378
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A magnetic switch for detecting relative movement between first and second members, said switch comprising:a switch assembly for mounting to the first member, including a first switch element, a second switch element in spaced relationship to the first element, an electrically conductive substantially spherical ball, and a first attractive component, said ball shiftable between a first position where the ball is in simultaneous contact with said first and second switch elements, and a second position where the ball is out of said simultaneous contact with both of the switch elements; and a second attractive component for mounting to said second member, said first and second attractive components being selected and located so that, when the first and second members are in an initial relative orientation wherein the second attractive component is proximal to said switch assembly, said ball will be shifted to said second position thereof by virtue of a magnetic attraction between said ball and said second attractive component, and so that, when the first and second members are in a different relative orientation wherein the second attractive component is remote from the switch assembly, said ball is shifted to said first position thereof by virtue of a magnetic attraction between the ball and said first attractive component.