Actuator for Actuating a Switch of a Powered Device that is Magnetically Holdable in a Plurality of Positions

A powered device comprising an actuator for actuating a switch of a powered device, the actuator having a plurality of positions in which the actuator is magnetically held in position, the actuator comprising:

• a first actuator portion comprising a magnet and a first magnetic element having a first plurality of limbs, whereby magnetic flux of the magnet is directed through the first plurality of limbs;
• and
• a second actuator portion comprising a second magnetic element having a second plurality of limbs for receiving the magnetic flux from the first plurality of limbs, wherein the second actuator portion is movable relative to the first actuator portion;
• the actuator having a plurality of positions in which limbs of the first plurality of limbs align with limbs of the second plurality of limbs thereby to couple the magnetic flux in a flux loop through two limbs of the first plurality of limbs of the first magnetic element and two limbs of the second plurality of limbs of the second magnetic element, the coupled magnetic flux resisting relative movement between the first actuator portion and the second actuator portion,
• wherein one of the first actuator portion and the second actuator portion is movable relative to a device body of the powered device.