Michael Wellesley Grover

US Patent:

60972726, Aug 1, 2000

Filed:

Nov 17, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/193908

Inventors:

Michael Grover - Maple Valley WA
Mark J. Suryan - Bothell WA

Assignee:

Korry Electronics Co. - Seattle WA

International Classification:

H01H 900

US Classification:

335207

Abstract:

A contactless switch (20) for actuating a system between an open circuit position and a closed circuit position is disclosed. The switch includes a housing (22) and a linear actuator (34) disposed within the housing. The switch also includes a linear-to-rotary motion assembly (30) disposed within the housing. The linear-to-rotary motion assembly is coupled to the linear actuator for producing a rotary motion of the linear-to-rotary motion assembly in response to a linear displacement of the linear-to-rotary motion assembly by the linear actuator. The switch also includes a plurality of Hall effect sensors (106) and magnets (80). The sensors are disposed within the housing and the magnets are disposed on the linear-to-rotary motion assembly. To affect the state change of the switch, the magnets are rotated into and out of close proximity with the sensors by the linear-to-rotary motion assembly when the switch is actuated by applying a force to the linear actuator that causes the linear displacements of the linear-to-rotary motion assembly. A tactile response mechanism (170) is formed with the linear-to-rotary motion assembly to produce a tactile response when the contactless switch is actuated between the open and closed circuit positions.