Unidirectional magnetic proximity detector
AssigneeHermetic Switch, Inc.
InventorWilliam T. Posey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Assembly for unidirectional magnetic proximity detecting wherein a magnet is used in conjunction with a permeable plate for absorbing magnetic flux and a reed type switch. The switch contacts remain open due to the absorption of the magnetic flux away from the contacts and into the permeable plate. Proximation of a permeable target object near the magnet enhances the magnetic flux creating an opposite magnetic flux across the switch contacts; thus, actuating the switch closed. Proximation of the permeable target object is only effective in actuating the switch when it approaches the sensing area defined adjacent to the magnet portion opposite the permeable plate. A preferred apparatus includes an enclosure which provides a weatherproof environment for the detector assembly.
Claims25
A magnetic detector actuatable by unidirectional proximation of a permeable object, comprising:
- a magnet means for producing a magnetic flux, said magnet means having a first end and a second end, said magnet means being oppositely polarized transversely through the first and second ends;
- a magnetic switch means for opening and closing a circuit connected between switch output terminals, said magnetic switch means having first and second aligned contacts, wherein the first end of said magnet means is located adjacent the first aligned contact;
- and
- an absorbing means for absorbing the magnetic flux from the first end of said magnet means, wherein an opposite magnetic flux is not produced across the first and second aligned contacts and said magnetic switch means is open;
- wherein the unidirectional proximation of the permeable object to the second end of said magnet means enhances the magnetic flux from the first end of said magnet means through the first aligned contact, and enhances the magnetic flux from the second end of said magnet means to the second aligned contact;
- thus, producing an opposite magnetic polarity across the first and second aligned contacts to actuate the switch means closed.
A magnetic detector actuatable by proximity of a permeable object, comprising:
- a first magnet means for producing a magnetic flux, said magnet means having a first end and a second end, said magnet means being oppositely polarized transversely through the first and second ends;
- a second magnet means for producing a magnetic flux, said magnet means having a first end and a second end, said magnet means being oppositely polarized transversely through the first and second ends;
- a magnetic switch means for opening and closing a circuit connected between switch output terminals, said magnetic switch means having first and second aligned contacts, wherein the first end of said first magnet means is located adjacent the first aligned contact and the first end of said second magnet means is located adjacent the second aligned contact;
- the first end of said first magnet means having an opposite polarity from the first end of said second magnet means;
- and
- an absorbing means for absorbing the magnetic flux from the first end of said first and second magnet means, wherein an opposite magnetic flux is not produced across the first and second aligned contacts and said magnetic switch means is open;
- wherein the unidirectional proximation of the permeable object to the second end of said first and second magnet means enhances the magnetic flux from the first end of said first and second magnet means through the first and second aligned contacts, respectively;
- thus, producing an opposite magnetic polarity across the first and second aligned contacts to actuate the switch means closed.
A magnetic detector actuatable by proximity of a permeable object, comprising:
- a magnet for producing a magnetic flux, said magnet having a first end and a second end, said magnet is oppositely polarized transversely through the first and second ends;
- an enclosed magnetic reed switch having a hermetically sealed, elongated enclosure having first and second ends and an axial chamber, a first reed contact of permeable conductive material secured through the first end along the chamber and aligned with a second reed contact of permeable conductive material secured through the second end along the chamber;
- wherein the first end of said magnet is located adjacent the first reed contact;
- a permeable plate for absorbing the magnetic flux from the first end of said magnet, wherein an effective amount of opposite magnetic flux is not produced across the first and second reed contacts;
- thus, preventing closure of the enclosed magnetic reed switch;
- and
- an enclosing means for enclosing the magnetic detector to form a switch body extending external connecting leads which are attached to the first and second reed contacts;
- wherein the permeable object proximation to the second end of said magnet enhances the magnetic flux from the first end of said magnet through the first reed contact, and from the second end of said magnet to the second reed contact;
- thus, producing an opposite magnetic polarity across the first and second contacts to actuate the magnetic reed switch closed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.