A direct current (DC) switching apparatus is provided. The DC switch apparatus includes an auxiliary contact device includes at least one pair of stationary contacts; one or more coils, a movable iron core that is driven by the one or more coils; a movable contact table operating in engagement with the movable iron core, and an auxiliary contact device arranged below the movable iron core. The auxiliary contact device includes a microswitch.

Switch assemblies and a switching method are disclosed. In some embodiments, a switch assembly may include a first contact element, and a second contact element operable with the first contact element. The first and second contact elements form an open circuit in a first configuration and form a closed circuit in a second configuration. At least one of the first contact element and the second contact element includes a magnetostrictive material. During operation, a magnetic field from a magnet causes the magnetostrictive material to deform or change shape/dimensions, thus causing the first and second contact elements to open or close. In some embodiments, the switch assembly is a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) switch.

A filtration system interconnection structure having a filter manifold including a sump and a coded polymagnet located on or connected to a portion of the manifold, and a filter cartridge including a filter media, first and second end caps sealed to the filter media, and a paired coded polymagnet magnet located on or connected to the filter cartridge. The polarity profiles of the paired coded polymagnets are aligned such that a magnetic attraction force, magnetic repulsion force, or combination thereof, is generated therebetween when the filter cartridge is inserted within the manifold sump housing and moved to the alignment position, thereby causing the coded polymagnet located on or connected to the manifold to translate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sump to allowing for direct or indirect actuation of downstream system functionality.

Switch assemblies and a switching method are disclosed. In some embodiments, a switch assembly may include a first contact element, and a second contact element operable with the first contact element. The first and second contact elements form an open circuit in a first configuration and form a closed circuit in a second configuration. At least one of the first contact element and the second contact element includes a magnetostrictive material. During operation, a magnetic field from a magnet causes the magnetostrictive material to deform or change shape/dimensions, thus causing the first and second contact elements to open or close. In some embodiments, the switch assembly is a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) switch.

Eyewear or other head-worn apparatus are fitted with an activation accessory that includes one or more switch elements integrated with or attached to a nose piece of the eyewear. The switch elements are communicably coupled to a processor-based controller so as to provide input signals to the controller responsive to wearer-initiated activations of the switch elements through interaction with a frame or temple piece of the eyewear. Upon receipt, the controller evaluates the input signals to determine whether or not they represent a command for the controlled device by assessing the input signals for a signal pattern indicative of such a command, and then, if the evaluation determines that the input signals do represent the command, issues the command to the controlled device. Otherwise the controller proceeds to receive and evaluate further input signals from the switch elements in a like manner as the first input signals.

An electrostatic actuator, including a base section, a movable electrode section to be displaceable in a predetermined direction with respect to the base section, and a plurality of fixed electrodes fixed to the base section to be separated from the movable electrode section along a movable direction of the movable electrode section and face the movable electrode section. Further, the plurality of fixed electrodes are electrically separated from each other. The electrostatic actuator is driven in accordance with a drive voltage selectively applied to the plurality of fixed electrodes and a voltage value of the drive voltage.

A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switch device including current sensing and overcurrent protection can include a movable plate movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the moveable plate is moved by applying at least one or more of an electrostatic force and a magnetic force to move the movable plate. The movable plate can include a shunt operable to conduct current when the movable plate is the closed position. An inductive coil electronically coupled to the shunt can detect current conducted through the shunt.

Systems and methods for forming a magnetostatic MEMS switch include forming a movable beam on a first substrate, forming the electrical contacts on a second substrate, and coupling the two substrates using a hermetic seal. A shunt bar on the movable plate may close the switch when lowered onto the contacts. The switch may generally be closed, with the shunt bar resting on the contacts. However, a magnetically permeable material may also be inlaid into the movable plate. The switch may then be opened by placing either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet in proximity to the switch.

Implantable medical systems include implantable medical leads that have magnetic orientation-independent magnetically actuated switches that are placed in the conduction path to the electrode of the lead. Thus, regardless of the orientation of a substantial magnetic field like that from an MRI machine to the lead and switch within the lead, the switch opens when in the presence of that substantial magnetic field. The switch may be placed in close proximity to the electrode such that the opening of the switch disconnects the electrode from the majority of the conduction path which thereby produces a high impedance for RF current and reduces the amount of heating that may occur at the electrode when in the presence of substantial levels of RF electromagnetic energy as may occur within an MRI machine.

Implantable medical systems include implantable medical leads that have magnetic orientation-independent magnetically actuated switches that are placed in the conduction path to the electrode of the lead. Thus, regardless of the orientation of a substantial magnetic field like that from an MRI machine to the lead and switch within the lead, the switch opens when in the presence of that substantial magnetic field. The switch may be placed in close proximity to the electrode such that the opening of the switch disconnects the electrode from the majority of the conduction path which thereby produces a high impedance for RF current and reduces the amount of heating that may occur at the electrode when in the presence of substantial levels of RF electromagnetic energy as may occur within an MRI machine.