Magnetic sensor with characteristics that are changeable by an external magnetic device

A sensor, comprising:

• a housing structure;
• an electronic circuit disposed within said housing structure, said circuit comprising means for responding to a predefined stimulus according to a predetermined operational parameter;
• a magnetically sensitive component connected in electrical communication with said circuit for changing said predetermined operating parameter of said circuit in response to a change in magnetic field strength proximate said component;
• means external to said housing structure for changing said magnetic field strength proximate said component;
• a magnet disposed within said housing structure proximate said component, said magnet and said component being spaced apart to define a gap therebetween;
• and
• a depression formed in a wall of said housing structure, said depression extending inward within said gap, said depression being shaped to receive a magnetic object therein, said magnetic object being disposable within said gap to change the magnitude of the magnetic field of said magnet proximate said component.

A sensor, comprising:

• a housing;
• an electric circuit disposed within said housing, said circuit comprising a magnetically sensitive component connected in electrical communication with said circuit for changing an operating parameter of said circuit in response to a change of the strength of a magnetic field proximate said component;
• means for changing said strength of said magnetic field proximate said component
• a magnet disposed proximate said component within said housing, said magnet and said component being spaced apart to define a gap therebetween, said housing having a depression formed in a wall thereof and extending into said gap and shaped to receive a magnetic article therein to affect the strength of said magnetic field proximate said component and cause a change of said operating parameter.