A three-way switch associated with an entry point barrier may provide a security system with information regarding a position of the entry point barrier as it moves along a path of travel. As the entry point barrier moves, the three-way switch may come into proximity with an external object, and the three-way switch may indicate to the security system that a circuit associated with the three-way switch has been closed. The security system may determine that the entry point barrier is in a given position, and one or more security system policies associated with the given position may be activated.

A safety switch includes an actuator that has a first possible actuator position and a second possible actuator position and a blocker that has a first possible blocker position and a second possible blocker position. The first possible blocker position overlaps with the second possible actuator position. The safety switch includes a device for generating an electrical signal representative of a current position of the actuator. When the actuator is in the first possible actuator position and the blocker is in the first possible blocker position, the blocker prevents movement of the actuator from the first possible actuator position to the second possible actuator position without first moving the blocker from the first possible blocker position to the second possible blocker position.

An actuator assembly for a power tool includes an actuator with a permanent magnet. The actuator is moveable between a first position for a first mode of operation, and a second position for a second mode of operation. A first positioning member is adjacent the first position composed of a ferromagnetic material to attract the permanent magnet. A second positioning member is adjacent the second position and composed of a ferromagnetic material to attract the permanent magnet. An electromagnet may be energized to move the actuator between the first position and the second position. When the electromagnet is not energized and the actuator is in the first position, the actuator is retained in the first position. When the electromagnet is not energized and the actuator is in the second position, the actuator is retained in the second position. When the electromagnet is energized, the actuator moves between the first and second positions.

A method for reconfiguration of a vortex density in a rare earth manganate, to a non-volatile impedance switch having reconfigurable impedance, and to the use thereof as micro-inductance is disclosed. A unique voltage-time profile is applied between a first and a second electrically conductive contact attached to the rare earth manganate, such that the rare earth manganate passes through an ordering temperature in a region of an electric field forming between the two electrically conductive contacts during a cooling process during and after application of the voltage pulse or the voltage ramp, and the vortex density is thus influenced and adjusted locally in the region of the electric field forming between the two electrically conductive contacts.

In an embodiment a switching device includes at least one stationary contact, a movable contact, an armature, a first permanent magnet, a second permanent magnet and a magnetic switch, wherein the movable contact is movable by the armature, wherein the first permanent magnet is attached to the armature, and wherein the second permanent magnet is arranged in a fixed position relative to the magnetic switch.

An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts. The body and the implantable magnet are positioned such that the body is shifted to one of the first position and the second position as a function of the external magnetic field resulting in a magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetically soft body.

A transportable container assembly including a transportable container defining an enclosed interior space and having an opening member cooperatively engaging a mounting frame. The opening member has a closed position and an open position and access to the interior space is permitted in the open position. A localized device or system is attached to the transportable container and is coupled to an electrical power source. A reed switch apparatus coupled to the transportable container communicates the position of the opening member to the localized device or system. The localized device or system provides a localized function depending on the reported position of the opening member. The localized function includes at least one of a group consisting of a local lighting function, local locking mechanism action and local refrigeration system action/function. The localized device or system communicates the position of the opening member to a remote device or system at a location remote from the transportable container. The remote device or system is capable of providing remote monitoring and control functions or actions at the transportable container depending on the communicated position of the opening member.

An actuator assembly for a power tool includes an actuator with a permanent magnet. The actuator is moveable between a first position for a first mode of operation, and a second position for a second mode of operation. A first positioning member is adjacent the first position composed of a ferromagnetic material to attract the permanent magnet. A second positioning member is adjacent the second position and composed of a ferromagnetic material to attract the permanent magnet. An electromagnet may be energized to move the actuator between the first position and the second position. When the electromagnet is not energized and the actuator is in the first position, the actuator is retained in the first position. When the electromagnet is not energized and the actuator is in the second position, the actuator is retained in the second position. When the electromagnet is energized, the actuator moves between the first and second positions.

An improved magnetic switch assembly (16) has a housing (24), a first electrode (40) positioned within the housing (24), a second electrode (42), and a magnetically movable component (48) located within the housing (24) and shiftable between a first position in simultaneous contact with electrodes (40, 42), and a second position out of such simultaneous contact. The electrode (40) has a radially enlarged contact section (44, 58) adjacent the free end thereof which prevents hangup or sticking of component (48) in the first position.

An improved magnetic switch assembly (16) has a housing (24), a first electrode (40) positioned within the housing (24), a second electrode (42), and a magnetically movable component (48) located within the housing (24) and shiftable between a first position in simultaneous contact with electrodes (40, 42), and a second position out of such simultaneous contact. The electrode (40) has a radially enlarged contact section (44, 58) adjacent the free end thereof which prevents hangup or sticking of component (48) in the first position.