Importance

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Abstract

A magnetic switch assembly (100) for electrically coupling with an electrical circuit of an alarm system (16) and for detecting relative movement between a first, stationary member (102) and a second, moveable member (104) is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a switch means (106) adapted for mounting within the first stationary member and a corresponding electromagnet assembly (108) having an electromagnet (120). The switch means includes a housing (110), a pair of spaced switch elements (112,114) supported in the housing that are electrically coupled with an alarm device or system, a ferromagnetic body (116) such as a ball positioned within the housing and moveable between the switch elements, and a ferromagnetic core (118) positioned above or adjacent one of the switch elements for biasing the body to either its closed or opened position. The electromagnet (120) is coupled with a suitable source of electricity and is switchable between on and off states. When the electromagnet is on and the first and second members are generally adjacent one another, the electromagnet retains the body in its non-alarmed position against the bias of the ferromagnetic core. The electromagnet can be momentarily switched off when the first and second members are adjacent one another. This removes the magnetic force exerted by the electromagnet and therefore permits the body to move to its alarmed position for testing purposes.

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First Claim