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US 2006/0066428 A1Published application
Low energy magnetic actuator
AssigneeSteorn Limited
InventorsShaun McCarthy, Michael Daly, Alan Simpson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A low energy magnet actuator allows magnetic fields to be turned on and off using a small amount of energy. The magnetic actuator according to the invention generally includes a base suitable for the support of a plurality of magnets. An actuatable shield is positioned in relation to the plurality of magnets so that it effectively blocks the magnetic field when it is positioned over at least one of the magnets. The magnetic fields of the plurality of magnets interact in a manner that allows low energy actuation of the shield.
Claims8
A magnetic actuator, comprising:
- a base;
- a first magnet disposed on the base in a first position,
- a second magnet disposed on the base in a second position relative to the first magnet;
- and
- a shield disposed proximate to the base and relative to the first magnet and second magnet and configured for actuation between a first position and a second position, when the shield is in the first position it substantially blocks a magnetic field emanating from the first magnet and leaves a magnetic field emanating from the second magnet substantially exposed, and when the shield is in the second position it substantially blocks a magnetic field emanating from the second magnet and leaves a magnetic field emanating from the first magnet substantially exposed.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.