A device menu controls connector for a process automation field device include a field device part and a removable knob assembly. The field device part includes one or more Hall effect sensors, and the knob assembly includes one or more magnets. When the knob assembly is attached to the field device part, the knob may be rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise, or may be pushed or pulled. The interaction of the magnets and Hall effect sensors allow the field device to sense the rotation and the pushing and pulling of the knob. The programming of the field device allows the device menu controls connector to simulate <Up>, <Down>, <Right>, <Left>, <Enter>, and <Esc> key presses of a user interface. A field device having such a device menu controls connector is also disclosed.

A spherical bearing device includes a shaft member, a turnable body, and a bearing. The shaft member has a shaft body and a spherical body having a first engaging portion. The turnable body has a second engaging portion that is engaged with the first engaging portion in a first rotational direction about a first axis passing through a center of the spherical body, and allows other rotations. The bearing is provided with a first space and a second space. The first space accommodates the spherical body spherically slidably. The second space accommodates the turnable body such that the turnable body is turnable, and allows the shaft body to move.

A capacitive sensor to determine instantaneous angular position of a rotatable element in a timepiece, such as a setting stem of a wristwatch. Static electrodes are configured to form, in conjunction with rotor electrodes of the rotatable element, a first differential capacitance pair and a second differential capacitance pair. A sensor calculation unit is configured to sense difference values from the differential capacitances pairs and to evaluate the angular position of the rotatable element from the difference values using predetermined information relating the differential capacitance values to angular position values.

A switch device may include a rotatable knob provided to be rotatable around a first axis and capable of swinging around a second axis in parallel with the first axis. The switch device may also include a magnet disposed coaxially with the second axis and configured to rotate in conjunction with rotation of the rotatable knob. The switch device may also have a magnetic sensor provided on a fixed-side member and disposed to face an outer periphery of the magnet. The switch device may further include a gear train configured to transmit the rotation of the rotatable knob to the magnet.

An apparatus for processing rotor movement information includes a processor configured to: receive movement information of a rotor disposed on one surface of an electronic device and having a rotation axis formed in a direction of the electronic device; receive touch information of a sensor configured to sense a touch on another surface of the electronic device; and produce operating information of the electronic device based on the movement information of the rotor. The operating information of the electronic device has variable correlation of the operating information to the movement information, in accordance with the touch information.

A rotary switch device for a vehicle includes a rotary dial module including a plurality of sensors, a material configured to react to a magnetic force, and a base module that generates a magnetic force greater than or equal to a threshold value to enable the rotary dial module to be attached to the base module and transmits detection results from the plurality of sensors included in the rotary dial module to an electronic device inside the vehicle when the rotary dial module is attached to the base module.

An inhibitor switch is provided. The inhibitor switch includes a housing having a rotor accommodation space and a Hall element accommodation space, a rotor disposed in the rotor accommodation space, and a magnet disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotor. A Hall element is disposed in the Hall element accommodation space and spaced apart horizontally from the magnet with a sensing surface facing an outer circumferential surface of the magnet. Further, the inhibitor switch include a cover configured to block an opening of the rotor accommodation space to prevent the rotor from being released.

Mounting an agent on a cover of on an enclosure of an electronic device such that changing a physical location of the cover changes a location of the agent. In response to a change in the physical location of the cover, detecting a change in location of the agent with a sensor. Reading a transmitted signal from the sensor by a controller and changing a status of the electronic device according to instructions from the controller, the instructions being configured according to the transmitted signal of the sensor.

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a shaft, a sensing array and a fluid detection circuit. The sensing array is positioned within the shaft. The fluid detection circuit is electrically coupled to the sensing array, and is configured to determine when a fluid originating from an environment external to the shaft is present within the shaft.

A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a housing and a control circuit mounted to and/or embedded in the housing.