US 11,990,298 B2
Magnetic proximity sensor, security switch, and method of detecting an actuator
Joseph C. Hedeen, Menomonee Falls, WI (US); Ronald Sayles, Vandalia, MI (US); and Randall Woods, Mesa, AZ (US)
Assigned to Magnasphere Corporation, Waukesha, WI (US)
Filed by Magnasphere Corporation, Waukesha, WI (US)
Filed on Sep. 15, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/475,793.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/204,121, filed on Sep. 15, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0084764 A1, Mar. 17, 2022
Int. Cl. H01H 36/00 (2006.01)
CPC H01H 36/002 (2013.01) [H01H 36/0033 (2013.01); H01H 36/0073 (2013.01); H01H 2036/0086 (2013.01)] 47 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A proximity sensor for detecting an actuator, the proximity sensor comprising:
a magnetic field source comprising two or more source permanent magnets positioned relative to one another to produce a magnetic field gradient;
an object suspended at a first position located at least in part within the magnetic field gradient and shiftable to a second position when the actuator affects the magnetic field gradient; and
a circuit configured to detect when the object is in the second position,
wherein the object comprises a permanent magnet.