The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 12, 1996
Filed:
May. 05, 1994
Klaus G Engel, Waterloo, CA;
Regina Kwiatkowska, Kitchener, CA;
Com Dev Ltd., Cambridge, CA;
Abstract
A radio frequency switch operates by permanent magnets located in a rotatable actuator. The permanent magnets of the actuator are arranged in groups so that there is at least one magnet in each group that has an opposite polarity to another magnet in the same group. The permanent magnets within the same group are located adjacent to one another. Conductors within an RF cavity have permanent magnets mounted thereon where all of the magnets have the same polarity. The switch can be moved from a first position to a second position by moving the actuator a distance not exceeding 40.degree. and, preferably from 10.degree. to 30.degree.. In the first position, one permanent magnet of one group interacts with the magnet on the conductor to move the conductor. In the second position, another magnet of the same group interacts with the magnet of the conductor to move the conductor. Since the actuator is moved a relatively short distance, the actuator can be moved by a relatively small step motor or the step motor can be replaced by electromagnets in some embodiments. The number of groups of magnets and the number of magnets in each group will vary depending on the type of switch. C-switches, single-pole double-throw switches and T-switches are described. Previous switches have actuators that move much more than 40.degree. between positions, therefore requiring a larger, heavier and more expensive step motor or other mover.