Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for controllably activating a motion apparatus are disclosed. One apparatus includes a mechanical switch, the mechanical switch including a switch contact, wherein the switch contact is open when the mechanical switch is at rest, and at least momentarily closed when the mechanical switch is subject to at least a threshold level of acceleration. The apparatus further includes a controller, wherein the controller is operative to activate the apparatus upon detecting that the mechanical switch is at least momentarily closed. One method of controllably activating a motion apparatus includes at least momentarily closing a mechanical switch of the motion apparatus when subjecting the motion apparatus to at least a threshold level of acceleration, sensing that the mechanical switch was at least momentarily closed, and activating, by a controller, the motion sensing upon detecting that the mechanical switch is at least momentarily closed.

Abstract: A solderless motion switch uses an electrically conductive spring having two outer sections (with a greater diameter than an intermediate section) which rest on a surface having electrical connectors (such as s circuit board) in a rest mode In the rest mode the intermediate section is suspended over an electrical connector m a motion mode, the intermediate section moves into contact with the electrical connector to close an electric circuit with an electrical connection between one of the outer sections and another electrical connecter.

Abstract: An actuator that includes a shelf having a pivot cone, a first member, a second member, a trigger pin and a trigger lever latch. The first member includes a weight, a first shaft extending upwardly from the weight and through an opening in the pivot cone, and a first plate affixed to the first shaft. The first plate is supported by the pivot cone. The second member includes a second plate resting on the first plate and a second shaft extending upwardly from the second plate. The trigger lever latch includes a first portion connected to the second shaft and a second portion extending upwardly at an angle away from the first portion. The trigger pin has an engagement surface. The trigger pin is movable between an operational state and a tripped state. The second end of the trigger lever latch is engaged with the engagement surface.

Abstract: An inertial igniter including: a body having a base; a striker release element rotatably disposed on the body, the striker release element having a first surface; a first biasing element for biasing the striker release element away from the base; a striker mass rotatably disposed on the base along a second axis, the striker mass having a second surface corresponding to the first surface of the striker release element, the first surface obstructing rotation of the striker mass; and a second biasing element for biasing the striker mass such that the second surface is biased towards the first surface; wherein when the body experiences an acceleration profile of a predetermined magnitude and duration, the striker release element rotates towards the base to release an engagement between the first and second surfaces and allow the striker mass to rotate under a biasing force of the second biasing element.

Abstract: An acceleration responsive switching device formed as a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device in which components are deposited and etched on and or above a substrate. The device has a proof mass module. The proof mass module includes: at least one proof mass made of metal; at least three resilient suspending members made of metal, for suspending the proof mass; a lingule made of metal, connected to the proof mass; at least two contact pads to which at least one of the three resilient suspending members is permanently attached thereby allowing current to flow from the at least two pads to the proof mass module; and at least one additional contact pad, which is set against the lingule.

Abstract: An acceleration switch array having at least two acceleration switches. Each acceleration switch includes a substrate, an anchor attached to the substrate, an electrically conductive mass disposed around the anchor and secured to the anchor by a spring assembly which permits movement of the mass relative to the anchor, and a plurality of electrical contacts positioned at circumferentially spaced positions around and outwardly from the mass. These electrical contacts are aligned along at least one orthogonal axis. A resistor array is electrically connected between the electric contacts of each acceleration switch for each orthogonal axis so that, upon contact between the mass and any of the electrical contacts, an electrical resistance is presented at an output terminal that is unique for each electrical contact for each acceleration switch.

Abstract: An integrating impact switch that can discriminate between accelerations due to different stimuli is provided. Embodiments of the present invention actuate only in response to an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than an acceleration threshold for a predetermined continuous period of time. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an impact switch having a throw that is operatively coupled with a viscous damper that dampens motion of the throw. As a result, a stimulus that imparts an acceleration that meets or exceeds an acceleration threshold for a time period less than a predetermined time-period threshold does not actuate the switch. A stimulus that imparts an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold for a time period equal to the time-period threshold, however, does actuate the switch.

Abstract: An acceleration switch includes a mass body having a space therein, a single arc-shaped beam supporting the mass body, a support portion supporting the arc-shaped beam, and a counter electrode disposed in the space of the mass body. The arc-shaped beam is arranged so as to surround the mass body, and the support portion is disposed at a periphery of the mass body. An electrode interval corresponding to a distance between an inner side surface of the mass body and an outer side surface of the counter electrode is 1 ?m or more and 20 ?m or less.

Abstract: An acceleration switch has a mass body having a space inside, and a counter electrode provided in the space of the mass body. An arc-shaped beam surrounds and supports the mass body. The acceleration sensitivity threshold of the acceleration switch is determined by a cut portion in the mass body or by the area of the top surface of the mass body. In this manner, a plurality of acceleration switches each having a single acceleration sensitivity threshold, for example, in steps of 0.2 G, can be prepared.

Abstract: An acceleration switch has a frame fixed to a first substrate, a beam positioned inside the frame and supported by the frame, and a mass body supported by the beam and having a hole portion at substantially a center thereof. A central body is positioned inside the hole portion and fixed to the first substrate. The hole portion or the central body are suitably configured, or the position of the hole portion or the position of the center body is suitably selected, so that the acceleration switch is capable of detecting a predetermined acceleration irrespective of the influence of gravity acceleration.

Abstract: An actuator that includes a shelf having a pivot cone, a first member, a second member, a trigger pin and a trigger lever latch. The first member includes a weight, a first shaft extending upwardly from the weight and through an opening in the pivot cone, and a first plate affixed to the first shaft. The first plate is supported by the pivot cone. The second member includes a second plate resting on the first plate and a second shaft extending upwardly from the second plate. The trigger lever latch includes a first portion connected to the second shaft and a second portion extending upwardly at an angle away from the first portion. The trigger pin has an engagement surface. The trigger pin is movable between an operational state and a tripped state. The second end of the trigger lever latch is engaged with the engagement surface.

Abstract: An electrical switch including: a body; a mass element; a spring element attached at one end to the body and at another end, at least indirectly, to the mass element; and an inclined surface upon which the mass element moves from a resting position to an all-fire position. The inclined surface being inclined with respect to a firing setback acceleration. When the body experiences the firing setback acceleration, the mass element travels at least across the inclined surface against a force of the spring element to contact an electrical contact and close a circuit.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrical switch which includes a rolling ball movable within a housing thereof to bridge and contact an array of pin terminals includes the steps of forming the pin terminals by using a punching process, wherein one or more smooth burr-free surfaces are formed on each of the pin terminals; and assembling the pin terminals, the housing and the rolling ball by spacing apart the pin terminals along a polygonal line and by arranging the smooth burr-free surfaces of the pin terminals to face toward each other substantially along diagonal lines such that the rolling ball contacts only the smooth burr-free surfaces when bridging the pin terminals.

Abstract: An acceleration switch array having at least two acceleration switches. Each acceleration switch includes a substrate, an anchor attached to the substrate, an electrically conductive mass disposed around the anchor and secured to the anchor by a spring assembly which permits movement of the mass relative to the anchor, and a plurality of electrical contacts positioned at circumferentially spaced positions around and outwardly from the mass. These electrical contacts are aligned along at least one orthogonal axis. A resistor array is electrically connected between the electric contacts of each acceleration switch for each orthogonal axis so that, upon contact between the mass and any of the electrical contacts, an electrical resistance is presented at an output terminal that is unique for each electrical contact for each acceleration switch.

Abstract: An integrating impact switch that can discriminate between accelerations due to different stimuli is provided. Embodiments of the present invention actuate only in response to an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than an acceleration threshold for a predetermined continuous period of time. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an impact switch having a throw that is operatively coupled with a viscous damper that dampens motion of the throw. As a result, a stimulus that imparts an acceleration that meets or exceeds an acceleration threshold for a time period less than a predetermined time-period threshold does not actuate the switch. A stimulus that imparts an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold for a time period equal to the time-period threshold, however, does actuate the switch.

Abstract: Provided is an acceleration switch capable of detecting only acceleration intended to be detected under a state where a load other than the acceleration intended to be detected is applied. The shape of a space between a mass body and a counter electrode or the shape of the counter electrode is changed, or alternatively the position of the space of the mass body or the position of the counter electrode is changed, so as to detect a predetermined acceleration.

Abstract: An integrating impact switch that can discriminate between accelerations due to different stimuli is provided. Embodiments of the present invention actuate only in response to an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than an acceleration threshold for a predetermined continuous period of time. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an impact switch having a throw that is operatively coupled with a viscous damper that dampens motion of the throw. As a result, a stimulus that imparts an acceleration that meets or exceeds an acceleration threshold for a time period less than a predetermined time-period threshold does not actuate the switch. A stimulus that imparts an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold for a time period equal to the time-period threshold, however, does actuate the switch.

Abstract: A multidirectional switch includes a base, a weight coupled to the base via resilient member, and at least first and second contacts coupled to the base. The weight is biased toward a neutral position spaced from the first and second contacts. The weight is movable toward and contacts the first contact when a first force is applied to the base, which deforms the resilient member in a first direction. The weight is movable toward and contacts the second contact when a second force is applied to the base, which deforms the resilient member in a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: An acceleration switch includes: a mass body having a space inside; an arc-like beam for supporting the mass body, the arc-like beam being disposed so as to surround the mass body; a support portion disposed at a periphery of the mass body in a state of fixing the arc-like beam; and a counter electrode disposed in the space inside the mass body, for detecting a contact with the mass body. The number of the beams for supporting the mass body is one. A distance between an inner side surface of the mass body and an outer side surface of the counter electrode, namely an electrode interval, is 1 ?m or more and 20 ?m or less.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor is provided. The acceleration sensor contains a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element. An electrically insulative element is connected to the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, where at least a portion of the first electrically conductive element and at least a portion of the second electrically conductive element make contact with the electrically insulative element. At least one electrically conductive spring is located within a cavity of the sensor, wherein the cavity is defined by at least one surface of the first electrically conductive element, at least one surface of the electrically insulative element, and at least one surface of the second electrically conductive element.

Abstract: To solve the problem that an acceleration sensor has large current consumption, and the life is significantly shortened in the case of a battery-driven portable device, provided is an acceleration switch, including: a mass body having a space inside; an arc-like beam, which supports the mass body and is disposed so as to surround the mass body; and a counter electrode provided in the space of the mass body, in which the acceleration switch is produced to have an acceleration sensitivity adjusted by varying a volume of the mass body. With this, a plurality of the acceleration switches each having a single acceleration sensitivity threshold, for example, in steps of 0.2G can be prepared, and the acceleration switches having different sensitivities can be supplied to a user.

Abstract: An integrating impact switch that can discriminate between accelerations due to different stimuli is provided. Embodiments of the present invention actuate only in response to an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than an acceleration threshold for a predetermined continuous period of time. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an impact switch having a throw that is operatively coupled with a viscous damper that dampens motion of the throw. As a result, a stimulus that imparts an acceleration that meets or exceeds an acceleration threshold for a time period less than a predetermined time-period threshold does not actuate the switch. A stimulus that imparts an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold for a time period equal to the time-period threshold, however, does actuate the switch.

Abstract: A method for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The method including: rotatably connecting a striker mass to a base; aligning a first projection on the striker mass with a second projection on the base such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a multi-directional momentum-change sensor, adaptable to a variety of practical applications, including, but not limited to, its use as a collision-detector for automatic passenger-safety airbag deployment systems in a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the sensor is an electro-mechanical switch having a pivotable boom assembly that is responsive to sudden changes to forward and lateral momentum that exceeds a predetermined threshold. The pivotable boom assembly is able to close electrical circuits to external circuitry that pertain to the position of the boom member in order to allow for the sensing of collisions along different vectors and facilitate safety responses, such as the deployment of automobile passenger-safety airbags.

Abstract: An anti dumping switch includes a circular and hollow housing, a bottom surface connected to the housing, a first switch end, a second switch end, a bush, and two balls, the housing and the bottom surface cooperatively defining a accommodating space, the first switch end and the second switch end both extending into the accommodating space through the bottom surface and fixed in the bottom surface, the balls being received in the accommodating space.

Abstract: A vibration switch is provided. The vibration switch includes a housing; a plurality of conductive members are received in the housing and spaced apart from each other; a biasing member is suspended in the housing; a plurality of wires electrically connected to the conductive members and the biasing member respectively; wherein, when the housing receives a vibration, the biasing member is deflected and contacts one of the conductive members, thereby making an electrical connection between the biasing member and the conductive member. A circuit using the vibration switch is also provided.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention provide an automatic vibrational electrical switch device that includes a shell, a first sphere, a transient sphere and a pressure switch. The pressing operation of the transient sphere towards an upward direction results in placing the first sphere load over pressure switch to keep the electric switch in a normal mode and when any vibration occurs in a normal mode the first sphere load is released and the electric switch is automatically operated in a quake mode.

Abstract: A Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) G-switch includes one or more actuators formed between fixed driving stages and moveable driving stages. A proof mass is attached to the moveable driving stages and flexibly attached to a substrate through one or more spring members. A voltage control circuit applies working voltages to the driving stages. With a first working voltage applied between the moveable and the fixed driving stages, moving of the driving stages' sensing direction towards gravity at a first critical angle will cause moveable driving stages to collapse and touch the fixed driving stage on the substrate and thus turn on the MEMS G-switch. After turning on the G-switch, a second working voltage is applied and moving of the driving stages' sensing direction away from gravity at a second critical angle will cause moveable electrodes to deviate from the fixed electrodes and thus turn off the MEMS G-switch.

Abstract: A hermetically packaged G-switch includes a MEMS structure having a bottom substrate layer, a top device layer and an intermediate oxide layer. A mass disposed in the top device layer is connected to one, two or three anchor portions using spring arms. One end of a spring arm is connected to the mass and another end to an anchor portion. The connection to the anchor portion includes a T shaped arrangement, which has a torsional spring cross piece connected to the spring arm. A cap containing a conductive pad is hermetically sealed to the MEMS structure. When a predetermined acceleration is attained, the mass makes electrical contact with the conductive pad to close the G-switch.

Abstract: A ball switch for a multi ball-switch arrangement includes a base plate and a metallic circular disk centrally disposed on the base plate. A first electrically-conductive contact track, which is co-planar with the circular disk, extends from the circular disk to a first edge of the base plate. A chamber plate having a through-bore is disposed opposite the base plate so as to form a chamber which concentrically circumscribes the circular disk. The chamber has a metallic inner wall with a circumferential first metallic annular strip disposed at a first end thereof at a first side of the chamber plate. A dielectric sealing ring which concentrically surrounds the circular disk is disposed between the first metallic annular strip and the base plate so as to seal the chamber. An electrically conductive ball is disposed in the chamber and has a diameter which prevents a further similar conductive ball from fitting into the chamber.

Abstract: A vibration switch is provided. The vibration switch includes a housing; a plurality of conductive members are received in the housing and spaced apart from each other; a biasing member is suspended in the housing; a plurality of wires electrically connected to the conductive members and the biasing member respectively; wherein, when the housing receives a vibration, the biasing member is deflected and contacts one of the conductive members, thereby making an electrical connection between the biasing member and the conductive member. A circuit using the vibration switch is also provided.

Abstract: A rolling-ball switch is adapted to be fixed on a circuit board, and includes a conductive housing defining a receiving space and having two opposite open ends, two conductive balls disposed movably in the receiving space, two insulation caps covering respectively the open ends to confine the conductive balls in the receiving space, and two terminals connected fixedly and respectively to the insulation caps. The receiving space has first and second widths along first and second directions that are perpendicular to each other. The first width is larger than the sum of diameters of the conductive balls, the second width is larger than the diameter of each conductive ball, and the diameter of each conductive ball is larger than a distance between an inner section of the respective terminal that extends into the receiving space and an inner wall of the conductive housing.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices of an electrical operating device, an electrical appliance having an electrical operating device, and a method for switching an electrical appliance, are provided. For example, an electrical operating device embodiment may include an acceleration sensor, an electrical switching means, an electric line, and a signal line. The signal line may be associated with the acceleration sensor and the electrical switching means. The acceleration sensor may be designed so that at a predefinable acceleration, a signal is generated by which the electrical switching means is activated. The electric line is switchable using the electrical switching means.

Abstract: A switch including a sealed housing; a magnetic sensor; and a control element configured to modify a control parameter for the switch in response to a signal from the sensor. In some aspects, the magnetic sensor is arranged to produce the signal in response to a magnetic field generated outside of the housing. In some aspects, the switch is a vibration switch, or is selected from the group consisting of a flow switch, a level switch, a temperature switch, a pressure switch, a proximity switch, and a velocity switch. In some aspects, the switch includes a two-wire configuration and first and second output pins arranged to provide an output signal for the switch and to receive a signal for programming the switch. In some aspects, the switch includes a two-wire configuration and a current-control element arranged to reduce current output for the switch.

Abstract: A mechanical switch is arranged to electrically connect a power source to an electrical component. The switch includes a resilient structure, a first electrically conductive element connected to the power source and a second conductive element connected to the electrical component. At least one of the conductive elements is attached to the resilient structure. The switch is arranged such that the conductive elements are positioned out of contact with one another in the absence of a force being applied to the switch, and the resilient structure is moveable in response to a force applied thereto, the force being applied upon rotation of a tire to which the switch is connected. Upon the application of a force above a predetermined threshold, the resilient structure moves to bring the conductive elements into contact with one another, the contact electrically connecting the power source to the electrical component.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a protective circuit for an apparatus including an accelerometer having an output and a microcontroller coupled to the output of the accelerometer. The protective circuit also includes a switch for controlling the apparatus coupled to an output of the microcontroller and a load coupled to the switch. A power source is coupled to the load and the switch. In operation the microcontroller is cable of sending a signal to the switch to turn of power to the load when a dangerous condition has occurred. Also, the invention is directed toward a method of controller an apparatus with the protective circuit.

Abstract: A Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) G-switch includes one or more actuators formed between fixed driving stages and moveable driving stages. A proof mass is attached to the moveable driving stages and flexibly attached to a substrate through one or more spring members. A voltage control circuit applies working voltages to the driving stages. With a first working voltage applied between the moveable and the fixed driving stages, moving of the driving stages' sensing direction towards gravity at a first critical angle will cause moveable driving stages to collapse and touch the fixed driving stage on the substrate and thus turn on the MEMS G-switch. After turning on the G-switch, a second working voltage is applied and moving of the driving stages' sensing direction away from gravity at a second critical angle will cause moveable electrodes to deviate from the fixed electrodes and thus turn off the MEMS G-switch.

Abstract: A ball switch for a multi ball-switch arrangement includes a base plate and a metallic circular disk centrally disposed on the base plate. A first electrically-conductive contact track, which is co-planar with the circular disk, extends from the circular disk to a first edge of the base plate. A chamber plate having a through-bore is disposed opposite the base plate so as to form a chamber which concentrically circumscribes the circular disk. The chamber has a metallic inner wall with a circumferential first metallic annular strip disposed at a first end thereof at a first side of the chamber plate. A dielectric sealing ring which concentrically surrounds the circular disk is disposed between the first metallic annular strip and the base plate so as to seal the chamber. An electrically conductive ball is disposed in the chamber and has a diameter which prevents a further similar conductive ball from fitting into the chamber.

Abstract: There are provided a sensor which is small, suitable for reflow soldering by automatic cleaning and automatic mounting, can be manufactured in batch, and has a switch function, and a manufacturing method of the sensor, and a portable telephone having the sensor built therein. There are provided a sensor having a switch function, the sensor being composed of a first substrate composed of a semiconductor by which a conducting part of the switch is formed, a second substrate composed of the semiconductor by which a conducting part of the switch is formed or an insulator by which the conducting part of the switch is formed, and a moving member having conductivity, wherein any of the first substrate and the second substrate has a cavity-shaped portion and the moving member having conductivity is confined by the first substrate and the second substrate, and a manufacturing method of the sensor, and an electronic device having the sensor built therein.

Abstract: Tamper-resistant alarm switch assemblies (22, 100, 124, 148) are provided which include a first movement-sensing switch (24) and a second tamper-sensing switch assembly (25) including a switchable component (26) and an actuating component (74, 136, 166), mounted on a member (30) and each being switchable between respective first and second movement-sensing and tamper-sensing switch states in response to relative movement between first and second members (30, 32), and relative shifting between the switch (26) and actuating component (74, 136, 166).

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch comprises a trench formed in a substrate. A free moving conductive mass may be formed within the cavity. When the switch is moved or otherwise acted upon my an inertial force to conductive mass makes contact with a pair of electrodes partially covering the trench thus turning the switch on.

Abstract: An omni directional impact-activated trigger assembly. The trigger comprises a switch mechanism that controls the activation of an operation, such as an electrical circuit, so that movement of the switch opens or closes the circuit. One specific application of this trigger is to activate an ignition shut-off circuit in a vehicle or some other electrical device in response to an impact. A spherical weight is suspended for omni directional movement by flexible suspension ligaments that transmit movement of the weight to a contact member that engages the switch. Rapid acceleration or deceleration of the frame or any impact received by the frame will register as a movement of the sphere, which in turn causes movement of the contact member toward an engaged position. An adjustable biasing member is tensioned to control the degree of impact necessary to activate the switch.

Abstract: The vibration switch includes a housing with a chamber formed thereon and extended in a longitudinal direction. Two attachment means are disposed at two ends of the chamber respectively. Two spring means are received in the chamber and attached to the two attachment means respectively. Two electric contact terminals are electrically connected to the two spring means respectively. An electrically conductive inertial weight received in the chamber and disposed between the two spring means. When the vibration switch is jerked in the longitudinal direction, the inertial weight is capable of moving by inertial force from an initial position to positions where the inertial weight contacts or disengages one of the two spring means, making the vibration switch change from an initial state to a switch-on state or a switch-off state; the inertial weight is capable of returning to the inertial position by the spring force of the two spring means.

Abstract: A contact-breaker device that can be miniaturized, realize low power consumption and low cost, and generate an irregular pulse current by causing irregular electrical conduction and insulation of a circuit. The contact-breaker device comprises: fixed terminals 12A and 12B secured at positions spaced apart from each other; and a movable member 11 capable of moving relative to the fixed terminals 12A and 12B and coming into or avoiding contact with the fixed terminals 12A and 12B based on its movement, thereby causing electrical conduction or insulation between the fixed terminals 12A and 12B; wherein the movable member 11 irregularly moves in accordance with externally applied vibration, thereby causing irregular electrical conduction or insulation between the fixed terminals 12A and 12B.

Abstract: A rolling-ball switch includes an insulative casing part having first and second connecting faces and an intermediate through hole, insulative first and second covering parts each having a recessed inner side that covers the respective connecting face, and two metal plates respectively disposed between the first covering part and the first connecting face and between the second covering part and the second connecting face. The first and second recessed inner sides and the intermediate through hole cooperatively define a chamber. Each metal plate includes an inner peripheral edge having an edge portion projecting into the chamber. A conductive ball is disposed movably in the chamber, and has a diameter larger than a distance between the edge portions of the metal plates so that the conductive ball can bridge the edge portions of the metal plates to place the rolling-ball switch in an ON state.

Abstract: Active cushioning mechanisms that detect imminent impact and activate a damper by driving power from an onboard power supply into an electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator transforms the stored electric power into an electromechanical damping force. The actuators may be arranged about the exterior surface of the device, and may be selectively activated to provide protection at different points on the surface depending on the location of expected impact.

Abstract: A vibration sensor includes casing, substrate, and elastic metal piece; two electrode areas separated by a separation zone being provided on the substrate; a vibration contact being provided on the separation zone; placement being executed by the metal piece on the substrate to contact or not to contact both electrode areas and produce connection or disconnection at the vibration contacts for selecting to turn on or off a power source and an electronic device connected to the vibration sensor and producing intermittent conduction by means of the sensor built in an object.

Abstract: A data processing system including a data storage device having data stored on a data storage medium. Within said data processing system, a system electronics is operatively coupled to a sensor and to said data storage device. When the sensor senses a change in gravitational or inertial acceleration of said data processing system, it alerts system electronics to temporarily park a read/write head in a safe position.

Abstract: A ground contact switch system comprises a first object configured to contact a ground surface during a stride, and one or more switches coupled to the first object. An inertial measurement unit can be coupled to the first object. The one or more switches are configured to detect when the first object is at a stationary portion of the stride. The one or more switches can also be configured to send a signal to activate an error correction scheme for the inertial measurement unit.

Abstract: An operator control device for an electric heating apparatus comprises a control element, which rotatably and removably rests on a mounting surface and is held by a magnetic retaining force. The control element has a bottom side facing the mounting surface while the mounting surface has a planar top side facing the control element. The bottom side is embodied in a flat manner in a first sub-area to keep the control element in a stable basic position, an effect that is supported by the magnetic retaining force. Said first sub-area is surrounded by an adjacent second sub-area that encompasses a receding curvature such that the control element can be tilted from the basic position while the contact to the mounting surface is maintained. Detection sensors are provided for detecting the position of the control element in the basic position or another position in order to trigger a control function.