C-, s- and t-switches operated by permanent magnets

Abstract

C-, T- and S-switches have a connector or reed in each conducting path. The connector or reed contains a support for a permanent magnet. All of the magnets of the connectors have the same polarity. The connectors, supports and permanent reed magnets in the supports are contained within an RF cavity housing, which can be completely sealed from an actuator or, alternatively, the housing can be open to the actuator. The actuator has a circular shape and contains permanent magnets that correspond in their configuration to the reed magnets of the housing. At least two magnets of the actuator have different polarities. The actuator can be rotated by a motor to two or more positions. In one position, one or more of the reed magnets are attracted and one or more of the reed magnets are repelled. The switch is designed so that when a reed magnet is attracted, the conducting path in which the connector is located is interrupted and when a reed magnet is repelled, the conducting path is connected. Previous switches are more expensive to manufacture and more complex, thereby increasing the likelihood of premature failure. Previous switches do not have a housing that is completely sealed from an actuator.