Patent ID: 7023308
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. 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, and an electrically conductive, shiftable body, said body shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with said first and second switch elements, and a second position where the body is out of said simultaneous contact with the first and second switch elements; and an attractive component for mounting to said second member, said first switch element formed of electrically conductive material which magnetically attracts said body, said body formed of electrically conductive, permanently magnetized material which is magnetically attracted to said first switch element and to said attractive component, said first switch element, attractive component and body being selected and located so that, when the first and second members are in an initial relative orientation where said attractive component is proximal to said switch assembly, said body will be shifted to one of the first and second positions thereof by virtue of a magnetic attraction between said body and said attractive component, and so that, when the first and second members are in a different relative orientation wherein said attractive component is remote from the switch assembly, said body is shifted to the other of said first and second positions thereof by virtue of a magnetic attraction between the body and said first switch element, said body remaining in contact with said first switch element when the body is in either of the first or second positions thereof, by virtue of the magnetic attraction between said body and said first switch element.