Small, low-profile magnetic switch assemblies (26, 76, 126, 168) include a base (38, 78, 156) equipped with first and second laterally spaced apart switch electrodes, indentations (62, 102, 158) between the electrodes, and electrically conductive movable components (72, 110, 166), which are magnetically shiftable between a first switch position in simultaneous contact with the base electrodes, and a second switch position out of such simultaneous contact. The switch position of the component (72, 110, 166) is determined by the magnetic field conditions experienced by the component (72, 110, 166). The indentations (62, 102, 158) and associated shiftable components (72, 110, 166) permit the assemblies (26, 76, 126, 168) to be constructed as comparatively tiny units, which may be mounted on circuit boards.

Switch apparatus (10) includes a switching assembly (16) and an operating component assembly (18) respectively designed for mounting upon relative shiftable members, such as a door (12) and frame (14). The assembly (16) includes a magnetic switch unit (30) having an elongated housing (40), first and second spaced apart switch elements (36, 38), and a shiftable, electrically conductive body (50) within the housing and movable between a first switch state where the body is in simultaneous contact with the switch elements (36, 38), and a second switch state where the body is not in such simultaneous contact. In order to prevent unauthorized opening of the relatively shiftable members through use of an external defeat magnet (62), the switch unit (30) is mounted substantially horizontally rather than in an upright or oblique orientation.

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.

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.

A safety switch that prevents the flow of gas in a gas operated fireplace or furnace when a damper is in a closed position, and only allows the gas flow when the damper is in an open position. The safety switch is mechanically connected to the damper and electrically connected to a gas line valve. When the damper is in an open position, the safety switch allows the gas to flow, or conversely, when the damper is in a closed position, the safety switch prevents the gas from flowing. The safety switch also may provide for audio or visual alerts to indicate the open or closed status of the damper.