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.

Date of Patent:
Dec. 29, 2009

Filed:

Oct. 26, 2005
Applicants:

Mark D. Amundson, Cambridge, MN (US);

Hong Wan, Plymouth, MN (US);

William F. Witcraft, Minneapolis, MN (US);

Inventors:

Mark D. Amundson, Cambridge, MN (US);

Hong Wan, Plymouth, MN (US);

William F. Witcraft, Minneapolis, MN (US);

Assignee:

Honeywell International Inc., Morristown, NJ (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G01C 17/38 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract

A magnetic field sensing device can be realized by using a magnetic sensor in electronic compassing as well as switching. A magnet can be brought in close proximity to the magnetic sensor within an electronic compass to generate a signal that a portable information device has been closed. This signal can be input to a processor or other circuitry to initiate a response to the portable information device being closed. When the magnet is moved out of close proximity to the magnetic sensor, the magnetic sensor can be used in the electronic compass. Thus, a magnetic sensor can serve two functions, namely compassing and switching, reducing the need for separate sensors to perform both functions.


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