Patent ID: 7656257
Filing Date: 2010-02-02
Classification: E05B,H01F,H01H

Abstract:
1. A magnetic actuator, comprising: a base; a first magnet disposed on the base in a first position and having a first magnetic axis oriented perpendicularly to the base; a second magnet disposed on the base in a second position relative to the first magnet and having a second magnetic axis oriented perpendicularly to the base; and a shield that is movable along said base in a plane that is perpendicular to said first magnetic axis and said second magnetic axis, and configured for actuation between a first position and a second position, when the shield is in the first position it substantially blocks a magnetic field emanating from the first magnet and leaves a magnetic field emanating from the second magnet substantially exposed, and when the shield is in the second position it substantially blocks a magnetic field emanating from the second magnet and leaves a magnetic field emanating from the first magnet substantially exposed.