A multi-function key system and method is provided that includes key identification system, a first key, and a second key. The multi-function key system is in communication with an item of power equipment, and comprises first and second sensors for detecting magnetic fields. The first key is configured to interact with the key identification system, the first key comprises a first magnet generating a first magnetic field. The second key is configured to interact with the key identification system. The second key comprises a second magnet generating a second magnetic field. Wherein the first and second sensors differentiate between the first and second key based upon the first and second magnetic fields. The key identification system initiates a first functionality of the power equipment responsive to identifying the first key, and initiates a second functionality of the power equipment responsive to identifying the second key.

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that may be implemented to configure, provide and operate retractable key assemblies and/or key assemblies that present a variable key assembly depression force to a user. In one example, key assemblies may be provided that each employ one or more electro-permanent magnets (EPMs) together with permanent magnet and/or magnetically permeable (e.g., ferromagnetic) key assembly components to control key retraction and extension, and/or to control peak depression force (e.g., typing force) required to depress and displace a key assembly from an extended position to a lower position that causes the key assembly to produce a digital or analog output signal.

In some aspects, a switching device for a medical apparatus includes a first switching member adapted to select an assigned operating function of the medical apparatus; and a second switching member adapted to permit the selecting of the assigned operating function of the first switching member. The second switching member is adapted such that it has a detection space in which it detects a presence of an operating object; and the first switching member is arranged in the detection space of the second switching member.

A button deck includes a substrate and a two-part non-penetrating pushbutton assembly with an upper portion positioned on an upper surface of the substrate and a lower portion positioned on a lower surface of the substrate. The upper portion includes a button face positioned in a button frame that is coupled to the upper surface of the substrate. The button face is configured to be pressed to move within the button frame toward the upper surface of the substrate. The upper portion and the lower portion are configured to work together to provide a signal to an EGM that the button face has been pressed. The pushbutton assembly is non-penetrating because it does not provide any penetration points through the substrate of the button deck.

A mouse having a mouse magnetic scroll wheel device operatively couplable to an information handling system comprising a mouse microcontroller, a mouse power management unit, and an encoder where the mouse magnetic scroll wheel device includes a scroll wheel with a scroll wheel outer surface, an axle, and a hollowed out core portion of a scroll wheel structure and the axle is operatively coupled to the encoder to record scrolling input from a user. A cradle to receive the scroll wheel such that the scroll wheel is rotatable in the cradle. The scroll wheel has a scroll wheel metal gear and a scroll wheel permanent magnet disposed in the hollowed out core portion where magnetic interaction of the teeth of the scroll wheel metal gear and the permanent magnet as the scroll wheel rotates generates a magnetic haptic feedback for the scroll wheel.

A button deck includes a substrate and a two-part non-penetrating pushbutton assembly with an upper portion positioned on an upper surface of the substrate and a lower portion positioned on a lower surface of the substrate. The upper portion includes a button face positioned in a button frame that is coupled to the upper surface of the substrate. The button face is configured to be pressed to move within the button frame toward the upper surface of the substrate. The upper portion and the lower portion are configured to work together to provide a signal to an EGM that the button face has been pressed. The pushbutton assembly is non-penetrating because it does not provide any penetration points through the substrate of the button deck.

A switch that includes a hermetically sealed container including a container wall separating an inside of the hermetically sealed container from an outside of the hermetically sealed container, a magnetic sensor arranged in the hermetically sealed container and configured to be turned ON/OFF by a magnetic field of a magnet acting from the outside of the hermetically sealed container through the container wall of the hermetically sealed container, and a first magnetic body provided at the container wall of the hermetically sealed container and serving as a path of the magnetic field acting on the magnetic sensor from the magnet.

Switch apparatus for enclosures having environmental protection are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus includes a housing having a first cavity and a second cavity, and a mounting plate coupled to the housing. The mounting plate is to cover the first and second cavities. An indicator light is coupled to the mounting plate adjacent the first cavity, and a hand-operated switch coupled to the mounting plate adjacent the second cavity.

Switch apparatus for enclosures having environmental protection are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a hand-operated switch actuator spaced apart from a first side of a wall of an enclosure having environmental protection. The apparatus also includes a magnet attached to the switch actuator and a magnetically-responsive switch disposed adjacent a second side of the wall. Movement of the switch actuator is to change a position of the magnet to operate the magnetically-responsive switch.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may comprise: a first housing, a second housing, a display, and/or a button structure including a button. The second housing may be configured to be movable in relation to the first housing. The display may include a rollable display configured to unroll or roll based on a movement of the second housing. The button structure may comprise a sensor module including at least one sensor, a first coil, a second coil, and/or a third coil. The first coil may be spaced apart from the sensor module within a first sidewall, and may be electrically connected to the sensor module. The second coil and the third coil may be disposed within a second sidewall of the second housing facing the first sidewall. In the second coil and the third coil, the second coil may be spaced apart from the third coil in a direction of the movement of the second housing.