In one aspect, an apparatus for receiving input and/or generating output comprises a key assembly. The key assembly comprises a key cover, a magnet, and an electromagnet. The magnet is coupled to the key cover. The electromagnet is operable to displace the key cover based on whether the key assembly is in an active state or an inactive state. In the active state, the electromagnet is operable to raise the key cover to a first position based on generation of a magnetic field. In the inactive state, the electromagnet is operable to lower the key cover to a second position based on cessation of the magnetic field.

A converter includes a coil of axis XX, a multi-pole magnet, arranged in such a way that the magnetic polarities of two adjacent magnetised zones are oriented so that they are anti-parallel, a ferromagnetic field frame comprising a frame and a main section, the field frame further comprising a main air gap located on the main section, and a first lateral air gap and a second lateral air gap which are located on the frame, the main air gap, the first lateral air gap and the second lateral air gap being arranged in such a way as to form a guide member in which the multi-pole magnet is inserted by sliding, and in such a way as to allow a magnetic coupling of three successive magnetised zones with, respectively, the first lateral air gap, the main air gap, and the second lateral air gap.

A control system for hazardous environments decreases flame paths, decreases punctures to the control system when installing interfaces, and increases safety. The control system may be characterized as a one size fits all controller that is able to automatically recognize a plurality of user interfaces. The controller has an enclosure to which the interfaces can be attached. The interfaces may interact with control electronics wholly contained in the enclosure using a variety of wireless mechanisms. Such mechanisms include reflecting light waves, infrared (IR) communication, radio-frequency identification, inductive coils, short-range wireless communication, camera images, piezoelectricity, and magnetism, and the like. The interfaces may include switches, indicator lights, smoke detectors, and the like.

An inductive sensing-based user interface device which includes a conductive barrier with at least one aperture, a magnetic flux modifier attached to a rotary member on one side of the barrier and an inductive structure on an opposed side of the barrier aligned with the aperture, magnetically coupled to the flux modifier, wherein a change in sensed inductance is used to determine rotational input.

An activation module, intended to be fitted to a motor vehicle for the purpose of activating a function of the vehicle from a portable access device carried by a user, the module including: a single coil; a first controller for a device for detecting pressure from the hand of the user; a second controller for a near-field communication device; a selector, connected to the single coil, having two positions: a first position in which the selector connects the single coil to the first controller in order to constitute the pressure detection device; a second position in which the selector connects the single coil to the second controller in order to constitute the near-field communication device; a target having a void, the target being located facing the single coil; an impedance-adjuster that is connected to the target; and a controller for the selector.

A module includes a permanent magnet biased electromagnetic haptic engine, a constraint, and a force sensor. The force sensor includes a stator and a shuttle. The constraint is coupled to the stator and the shuttle. The force sensor is at least partially attached to the permanent magnet biased electromagnetic haptic engine and configured to sense a force applied to the module. The constraint is configured to constrain closure of a gap between the stator and the shuttle and bias the shuttle toward a rest position in which the shuttle is separated from the stator by the gap.

A module includes a permanent magnet biased electromagnetic haptic engine, a constraint, and a force sensor. The force sensor includes a stator and a shuttle. The constraint is coupled to the stator and the shuttle. The force sensor is at least partially attached to the permanent magnet biased electromagnetic haptic engine and configured to sense a force applied to the module. The constraint is configured to constrain closure of a gap between the stator and the shuttle and bias the shuttle toward a rest position in which the shuttle is separated from the stator by the gap.

An activation module, intended to be fitted to a motor vehicle for the purpose of activating a function of the vehicle from a portable access device carried by a user, the module including: a single coil; a first controller for a device for detecting pressure from the hand of the user; a second controller for a near-field communication device; a selector, connected to the single coil, having two positions: a first position in which the selector connects the single coil to the first controller in order to constitute the pressure detection device; a second position in which the selector connects the single coil to the second controller in order to constitute the near-field communication device; a target having a void, the target being located facing the single coil; an impedance-adjuster that is connected to the target; and a controller for the selector.

A trigger assembly, for use with a power tool having an electric motor, includes a trigger, a conductor coupled for movement with the trigger, and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has an inductive sensor thereon responsive to relative movement between the conductor and the inductive sensor caused by movement of the trigger. An output of the inductive sensor is used to activate the electric motor.

A switch comprises a dielectric panel having first and second sides and a knob assembly mounted on the first side of the panel. The knob assembly includes a housing having first and second ends, a knob rotatably and translationally mounted to the housing at the first end, a shaft attached to the knob at a first end, and a permanent magnet attached to a second end of the shaft such that rotation of and translation of the knob produces a corresponding motion of the magnet. The switch also includes a sensor assembly located on the second side of the panel including at least one hall-effect sensor adjacent the panel. The knob assembly is mounted to the panel such that the at least one hall-effect sensor is located inside the magnetic field created by the magnet.