Patent ID: 8362859

Claim:
A magnetically-triggered proximity switch comprising: a switch body; a first magnet non-movably secured within the switch body; a common arm having a first end and a second end, the second end being disposed within the switch body; a primary arm having a first end and a second end, the second end being disposed within the switch body, and the second end including a primary contact; a secondary arm having a first end and a second end, the second end being disposed within the switch body, and the second end including a secondary contact; a cross arm disposed within the switch body, the cross arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the common arm and the second end includes a common contact; an actuator arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end of the actuator arm is coupled to the cross arm; and a second magnet disposed within the switch body, the second magnet being movable relative to the first magnet, wherein the second magnet is coupled to the second end of the actuator arm such that movement of the second magnet causes a corresponding movement of the cross arm between a first switch position and a second switch position, and wherein the second magnet is the only magnet coupled to the actuator arm, wherein in the first switch position, the common contact of the cross arm is in contact with the primary contact of the primary arm, thereby completing a circuit between the common arm and the primary arm, and wherein in the second switch position, the common contact of the cross arm is in contact with the secondary contact of the secondary arm, thereby completing a circuit between the common arm and the secondary arm.