Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a ball including an outer surface and a recess in the outer surface, a cup including an inner surface and a protrusion on the inner surface, and a sensor programmed to detect friction between the cup and the ball from the protrusion engaging the recess.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, apparatuses, computer readable media, and methods implementing a wirelessly-enabled liquid container that can be remotely and dynamically configured to facilitate use-based messaging for a particular consumer of the contents of the liquid container. By way of example, a wirelessly-enabled baby bottle is provided that can be dynamic configured to facilitate use-based educational messaging for a particular child consumer of the contents of the liquid container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, apparatuses, computer readable media, and methods implementing a wirelessly-enabled liquid container that can be remotely and dynamically configured to facilitate use-based messaging for a particular consumer of the contents of the liquid container. By way of example, a wirelessly-enabled baby bottle is provided that can be dynamic configured to facilitate use-based educational messaging for a particular child consumer of the contents of the liquid container.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may meter a level of a liquid. The apparatus includes a float component, wherein the float component includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor senses a parameter usable to determine an inclination of the float component. The controller is operable to receive the sensed parameter, and communicate information based on the sensed parameter to an external controller. When operating to determine a level of a liquid within a container, the apparatus physically contacts the container. Further, at least one of the controller or the external controller is operative to estimate the inclination of the float component based on the sensed parameter, and determine the level of the liquid within the container based on the estimated inclination.

Abstract: This is an upright heater igniting combustible gas to induce a naturally aspirated flame within a glass tube. Air channels producing the naturally aspirated flame enters the glass tube in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the flame thus creating a twirling flame. Heat waves generated by the twirling flame within a glass tube rises to a heat concentrator and projected onto a parabolic heat shield thus reflecting the heat wave radially downward and outward.

Abstract: Transparent structures containing a transparent electrically conductive fluid are used for aesthetically appealing designs and/or improved fatigue performance. Some structures have multiple isolated conductors while others have a single conductive area that may be used as a transparent antenna or a transparent EMI shield. Other embodiments employ fluids that change crystalline structure under an applied voltage such that a structure can change color and/or display a message.

Abstract: A system and method effective to monitor an amount of material in a portable container. The system may comprise a material and sensor in a container. The sensor is effective to detect a first level of the material when the container is at a first location and to generate a first data signal in response. The sensor is effective to detect a second level of the material in the container when the container is at a second location and to generate a second data signal in response. The sensor is further effective to send the first and second data signal to a processor. The processor is effective to receive the first and second data signal and generate a report based on the first and the second data signal, the report relating to an amount of the material in the container.

Abstract: Encapsulated switches are disclosed which substitute non-toxic gallium alloy for mercury. In one embodiment, wetting of the interior surfaces of the housing is prevented by coating the surfaces with an electrically insulative inorganic non-metallic material, such as alumina or boron nitrate. According to another embodiment, a perfluorocarbon liquid is employed as the anti-wetting agent.

Abstract: Encapsulated switches are disclosed which substitute non-toxic gallium alloy for mercury. In one embodiment, wetting of the interior surfaces of the housing is prevented by coating the surfaces with an electrically insulative inorganic non-metallic material, such as alumina or boron nitrate. According to another embodiment, a perfluorocarbon liquid is employed as the anti-wetting agent.

Abstract: An electronic controller for a vehicle leveling system comprises an extend-enable switch, a retract-enable switch, an all-activate switch, and at least one group-activate switch. It is configured to generate an all-extend electronic signal upon coordinated actuation of the extend-enable switch and the all-activate switch, an all-retract electronic signal upon coordinated actuation of the retract-enable switch and the all-activate switch, a group-extend electronic signal upon coordinated actuation of the extend-enable switch and the group-activate switch, and a group-retract electronic signal upon coordinated actuation of the retract-enable switch and the group-activate switch. Vehicle leveling systems having the electronic controller further include a plurality of jacks operably controlled by the electronic controller and a power system.

Abstract: A gallium based switch or sensor devices, and a process for producing such devices, in which gallium or a gallium alloy, the surface oxide is separated either in-situ or ex-situ and placed in a switching capsule. Reagents which separate the oxide without dissolving either gallium alloy or the oxide are found and can be used in the in-situ or ex-situ configurations. In-situ fluids separate the oxide layer allowing switch functionality. A electrically non-conducting carrier liquid may contain the oxide separating agent and may be used within the switching capsule. The oxide separating fluid further prevents oxidation of the metal or alloy and thereby prevents wetting of the capsule surface by the metal or alloy to allow for good electrical performance of the switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprising of a non-conducting hollow housing and a number of spaced electrodes, each of which extends through the housing, and a contact member within the cavity which comprises of a core member having a layer of liquid gallium or gallium alloy adhered to and surrounding the core member. The contact member is moveable within the housing in response to movement of the housing, and able to electrically connect any two electrodes by positioning the gallium or gallium alloy layer in contact with the electrodes, and to electrically disconnect the electrodes by positioning the gallium or gallium alloy layer out of contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprised of a housing defining a cavity, at least two spaced electrodes extending through the housing into the cavity, and wherein at least one of said at least two electrodes is composed of gallium wetted tantalum or tantalum alloy, and a moveable amount of liquid gallium or liquid gallium alloy within the cavity to electrically connect and disconnect any two of said at least two electrodes as a result of movement of the housing.

Abstract: An attitude detection device has a case having inner surfaces, electrodes each disposed on a respective inner surface of the case and being insulated from one another in at least one preselected orientation of the case, and a conductive fluid disposed in the case. In a first orientation of the case, the conductive fluid electrically connects all but one of the electrodes to generate a first electrical pattern for outputting a first output signal. In a second orientation of the case, the conductive fluid electrically connects all but three of the electrodes to generate a second electrical pattern for outputting a second output signal. In a third orientation of the case different from the first and second orientations, a third electrical pattern is generated for outputting a third output signal.

Abstract: An acceleration responsive switch includes a material that changes from a high viscosity to a low viscosity when subjected to acceleration forces. The material's change in viscosity causes the switch to change from one state to another.

Abstract: An improved clamping device for third-axis input device of mouse, comprises a hollow roller stage and a roller with a plurality positioning holes and pivotally arranged on the roller stage. The roller exposes out of the cover of the mouse. The roller stage has two pivot rods on front side thereof and pivotally engaged with two pivot holes on front side of the base plate of the mouse. The roller stage has a pair of locking plates extended from each of both sides thereof and a locking groove is formed between one pair of locking plates. The pivotal rod of the roller is engaged within one locking groove. A clamping device is provided at lower lateral side of the groove.

Abstract: Electronic tilt switches utilizing an environmentally safe electrically conductive, non-mercury fluid and a spherical weight, in which the switches have similar performance to mercury switches. The switch also avoids common problems resulting from conductive fluids having different densities and viscosities than mercury, as well as avoiding the problems of conventional tilt switches using solely conductive spheres to actuate the switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical switch including an arcuate cavity partially filled with an electrically conducting fluid. The fluid is adapted to move into electrical contact with a pair of electrodes positioned within the cavity in response to a rotational force acting thereupon. The switch is electrically connectable to a rotatable platter. When connected to the platter, the switch is positioned radially outward from the platter's axis of rotation, such that the forces generated by the platter upon rotation urge the electrically conducting fluid into contact with the electrodes and thus complete a circuit.

Abstract: A device and method for sensing fluid characteristics, including level, temperature, pH and chemistry, comprises a switch affixed to or embedded in a container of a size, shape and density such that said container floats stably in said liquid until a predetermined level is reached; the container tilts so as to operate the switch when the liquid drops below or increases above a predetermined level. The device may contain additional sensors which measure and report other characteristics of the liquid, such as temperature, pH, viscosity, chemistry or biochemistry.

Abstract: A device for warning when a low fluid level is reached is provided in which a levelness detecting switch is encapsulated in a conically shaped inert material (such as TEFLON.TM.), sized appropriately to the predetermined fluid limit, and coupled to an alarm device (such as an audible alarm, a frequency signal or a light).

Abstract: The sensor is intended preferably for use in conjunction with a heart pacemaker whose stimulation rate is variable in dependence on the physical activity of the wearer. The sensor includes a mass of mercury which, in use, can assume a shape determined by the gravitational force and variable as a result of the forces applied to the mass due to movement. Detector means sensitive to the variations in shape generate signals which can be used as activity monitoring signals.

Abstract: An electrically powered illuminating fish luring means for use in conjunction with a fishing line, is disclosed. The fish luring means comprises a water resistant protective housing having a generally hollow interior. There is a battery or batteries, a light emitting diode, and a movement actuated switch means in the form of a mercury switch, preferably a mercury tilt switch, securely retained within the protective housing. The mercury tilt switch is electrically connected in series with the batteries and the light emitting diode, for turning on and off the light emitting diode. The mercury tilt switch has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a mercury bead adapted to contact the first and second terminals so as to thereby connect the first and second terminals in electrically conductive relation with each other.

Abstract: A tilt switch comprises a housing forming a cylindrical inner chamber and having two electric terminals extending through an end wall of the chamber. A mercury mass of less volume than the chamber is disposed within the chamber and is arranged to electrically interconnect the terminals when the switch is in a first position relative to vertical, and to break the electrical contact when the switch is tilted to a second position relative to vertical. A spherical body of less density than the liquid and including a non-electrically conductive outer surface floats upon a surface of the liquid and is pushed upwardly against a surface of the chamber. The spherical body has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the chamber to define a restriction passage which inhibits the flow of liquid when the switch is subjected to shock.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the horizontal level of a table or other surface and returning that table or other surface back to level. The apparatus includes a housing within which first and second mercury switches are positioned relative to each other in a manner which permits the electrical contacts of each switch to be positioned on opposite ends of the housing. Two spring clips are provided for securing the first and second mercury switches within the housing. A pivot rod is provided to permit each mercury switch and spring clip assembly to pivot about a transverse axis within the housing. An adjusting screw and stablizing spring pair are positioned adjacent to each of the two mercury switch and spring clip assemblies. The adjusting screws may be turned to set the position of the mercury switch about the axis of the pivot rod relative to the horizontal plane in order to set a dead band wherein neither of the two mercury switches is closed.

Abstract: A device for the detection of rotation having a hollow, pillbox shaped cylinder, a solid baffle positioned within the cylinder for directing the flow of mercury, at least two metal contacts within the cylinder, a non-mercury center rod contact, and mercury contained within the cylinder. The baffle is attached to a wall of the cylinder and extends radially inward therefrom. The baffle extends for a distance approximately equal to a radius of the cylinder. The first and second metal contacts are positioned on opposite sides of the baffle. A third metal contact is attached to the cylinder and extends inwardly therefrom distal the first and second metal contacts. The non-mercury center rod is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: A switch responsive to movements such as those occurring in a boat with respect to a horizontal plane is provided with electrical contacts arranged in a circular pattern in proximity to a fluid electrical conductor in a shallow annular chamber. The electrical contacts are arranged in two groups, the contacts of one group being positioned between the contacts of the other group so that an electrical circuit may be established by the fluid conductor between any of a number of pairs of the electrical contacts depending upon the tilting of the switch and the resultant positioning of the fluid conductor. Electrical circuits so established are useful in actuating devices, such as solenoids, and the movement of the cores thereof may be used to control stabilizing fins on a boat to overcome sideward tilting of the boat with respect to horizontal.

Abstract: A shock sensor has a mercury-wetted insert for supporting a mercury mass normally space from a terminal. The mercury and terminal are contained within a sealed housing. When the sensor is subjected to a shock, the mercury is redistributed and protrudes from the insert so as to contact the terminal and complete a circuit between that terminal and another terminal that is normally in communication with the mercury.

Abstract: A musical baby bottle comprising a nipple, a liquid container connected to the nipple, a base section fastened to an opening at the bottom of the liquid container, a microchip having musical information fastened to the interior of the base section, a speaker electrically connected to the microchip and fastened to the interior of the base section, a battery electrically connected to the microchip and fastened to the interior of the base section, and a switch electrically connected to the microchip for selectively activating the microchip. The switch comprises a mercury switch fixedly positioned within the base section. The mercury switch is tilted such that the off-position of the switch is closer to the bottom of the base section than is the on-position of the mercury switch. A second mercury switch is positioned within the base section and is angularly offset from the first mercury switch.

Abstract: An electrical tilt switch comprises a closed housing having an annular geometry and made of insulating material. In the closed housing thee is positioned a first annular electrode and at least a second annular electrode spaced from the first annular electrode. A pool of conducting liquid is disposed within the housing so as to immerse one electrode without immersing the other when the switch is in a horizontal position. Upon tilting the switch to a preselected angle, the pool of conducting liquid immerses two of the electrodes and therefore closes the switch.

Abstract: A motor driven hand-held device for rotating a tool, includes a housing with an axis of rotation containing an electrically conductive liquid mass located within a sealed non-electrically conductive container. A magnetic field is established in the housing by a permanent magnet and a part of the liquid mass is located within the magnetic field. If the housing is turned or twisted around the axis of rotation, relative movement takes place between the liquid mass and the container in the magnetic field. Due to the movement of the mass in the magnetic field, a voltage is induced in the mass and the voltage can be tapped by electrodes extending into the container. The tapped voltage can be used as an electrical signal.

Abstract: A tilt switch using a conductive liquid such as mercury to bridge a gap inside the sealed switch. In operation, the pool of mercury is held in a local depression and does not flow but rather distorts in shape enough to reach a ring-shaped second terminal which is spaced from and surrounds the mercury pool.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mercury switch for use in thermostat applications. The switch has a hollow housing fabricated from glass and is positioned in the horizontal plane when in an operating orientation. The switch has a first common electrode within said housing and extending parallel to the horizontal plane with a terminal end extending from the housing. Positioned above the first electrode is a second shorter electrode with a third longer electrode positioned above said second electrode said third electrode being longer than said second but shorter than said first. Positioned above the third electrode is a longer fourth electrode. Essentially, major portions of the electrodes within the housing are parallel to each other. A charge of mercury is in the housing and operates to make contact between the electrodes in four operating modes indicative of thermostat operation for control of a heat pump, furnace and air conditioner.

Abstract: A motion and orientation sensor and measuring device has an electric circuit contact actuated by a body of conductive fluid on disturbance of the conductive fluid by gravity, vibration or otherwise. A ball and socket joint adjustably mounts a disk-shaped container for the fluid through attachment of the ball to a support which may be structure of the object guarded by the sensor. A releasable internal-expansion locking mechanism in the ball and actuable from above laterally contacts the socket and fixes the angular relation of ball-to-socket as desired, and numerical measurement features are provided.

Abstract: A resettable impact switch is disclosed having a non-conductive body with a cavity therein. A pair of terminals extend from opposite sides of the body and have their reverse ends extending into the cavity. A pool of mercury is disposed in the cavity to electrically connect both terminals under normal operation. The pool of mercury is held in a contact-making position within the cavity by a plurality of concentrically disposed tubular members. Longitudinal, relative movement of the tubular members allows openings in their walls to be covered or uncovered to selectively position the mercury, thereby enabling opening or closing a circuit between the terminals. One cylindrical member is carried by a post member which is adjustable within the body. The post member also carries a second contact for making or breaking electrical contact between the terminals.

Abstract: A seismosensitive device comprises a hermetically sealed enclosure having a recess at the bottom, a first annular surface provided around the recess and having a radial gradient substantially of horizontal level and a second annular surface provided around the first annular surface and progressively diverging from the lower to upper portions with a slope having a gradient greater than that of the first annular surface. A switch assembly comprising a drop of mercury placed at the recess, an electrode bar provided with the enclosure, a needle contact secured to the electrode bar to have its lower end immersed into the drop is provided. When the mercury drop moves along the gradient surfaces significantly smoothly to separate from the needle contact upon tremor of the earth, the switch will open.

Abstract: An inclination sensitive hand controller comprises a generally cylindrical handle having liquid contact switches mounted at different angles of orientation within the handle. The switches are actuated dependent upon the tilting of the handle from a preselected position. A squeeze responsive control switch is mounted in a non-exposed position within the handle. This switch is activated or deactivated upon squeezing of the handle to control connection and disconnection of electrical power to the tilt switches. An exposed finger- depressible switch is mounted at one end of the handle which independently controls other circuits than the circuits controlled by the tilt switches and the squeeze responsive control switch.

Abstract: A freestanding multidirectional control device for use in controlling video display images in electronic game machines comprises a handle member connected by a multiconductor cable to electric circuitry in the game machine. The handle member contains two pairs of gravity switches electrically connected to separate output signal conductors in the cable. The pairs of switches are mutually normal along the vertical axis of the handle member. The switches in each pair are oppositely inclined from vertical so that tilting the handle member one way produces an output signal on one of the conductors and tilting it in the opposite direction produces such a signal on a different conductor. The pairs of switches can be either single-ended, two-position tilt switches or double-ended, three-position tilt switches. At least one of the liquid contact switches may contain at least one electrode comprising a length of electrically resistive material to form a variable resistance electrical conduction path.

Abstract: In a mercury switch composed of a closed tubular glass envelope and at least one pair of electrodes extending through one end of the envelope and presenting terminals located within the region enclosed by the envelope and adjacent the one end thereof, the envelope is formed to have two indentations located opposite one another, spaced from the ends of the envelope, and spaced at a greater distance than the terminals from the one end, the indentations projecting toward one another to define, within the region enclosed by the envelope, a gap for the passage of mercury between the ends of such region.

Abstract: A pistol grip controller having a miniature multi-position tilt switch contained within the grip handle is disclosed. The tilt switch includes separate circuit contacts disposed about the inside of a switch housing and also includes a common contact that includes one or more commonly connected contact elements. A movable contact element completes the circuit connection between one of the separate contacts and the common contact in response to the movement imparted to the switch. The movable conductive element can be a conductively plated ball, a sliding conductive element, or a conductive fluid such as mercury. The pistol grip handle further indicates an index finger actuated switch and a thumb actuated switch. The pistol grip handle is removable mounted on a resilient mounting post that is secured to a base.

Abstract: A motion and orientation sensor and measuring device has an electric circuit contact actuated by a body of conductive fluid on disturbance of the conductive fluid by gravity, vibration or otherwise. A ball and socket joint adjustably mounts a disk-shaped container for the fluid through attachment of the ball to a support which may be structure of the object guarded by the sensor. A releasable internal-expansion locking mechanism in the ball and actuable from above laterally contacts the socket and fixes the angular relation of ball-to-socket as desired, and numerical measurement features are provided.

Abstract: A mercury switch assembly is adapted to be secured to an anterior horizontal surface of a patient and connected to an electrical alarm system. The switch assembly comprises a head chamber and a foot chamber connected by a throat passageway. A ball of mercury moves from the head chamber through the throat passageway and into the foot chamber to complete an electrical circuit when the switch assembly is tilted from horizontal by a predetermined degree of inclination. The head chamber is generally elliptical with lateral extensions. The throat passageway is narrow and shallow. The foot chamber is deep and rounded. The ball of mercury normally lies within the head chamber in the horizontal position, but establishes electrical connection between a novel form of terminals contained in the foot chamber when the tilt threshold of the switch assembly is reached.

Abstract: A trunk lid lamp assembly comprising a housing having a first generally tubular part having open ends and a second generally tubular part having a closed end wall with interengaging means which provide a snap fit between said parts. The first part has an axially extending slot into which an offset portion of a bracket extends. The bracket has an L-shaped bayonet slot therein which is exposed to the interior of the first part whereby it may receive the lug of a lamp bulb and hold the bulb in position in the first part. The second part has a portion engaging the bracket to hold the bracket in position in the slot of the first part. The second part also has an axially extending opening in the end wall thereof adjacent the periphery thereof and a terminal extends into the opening and is frictionally held in position. The terminal has a first contact portion.

Abstract: A mercury switch assembly adapted to be secured to an anterior horizontal surface of a patient and connected to an electrical alarm system. The assembly includes a pair of connected and enclosed chambers which contain a quantity of mercury which moves into contact with electric terminals that project into one of the chambers only when the switch assembly is displaced from horizontal by a predetermined degree of inclination. The assembly contains an elliptical shaped head chamber with lateral extensions connected to a deep rounded foot chamber by a narrow throat passageway. The mercury normally lies within the head chamber in the horizontal position, but establishes electrical connection between the terminals contained in the foot chamber when the tilt threshold of the assembly is reached. The foot chamber retains the mercury in contact with the terminals despite subsequent displacements of the assembly until the device is removed and inverted, thereby causing the mercury to return to the head chamber.

Abstract: A mercury switch sensitive to rotations in either of two selected directions is provided for interrupting the ignition circuit of a motorcycle if the motorcycle should topple over. The switch has a Y-shaped housing with two hollow copper members joined to a hollow stem. An electrical contact is mounted by means of an insulating stopper in the hollow stem. A pool of mercury provides a contact between the electrical contact and the metal Y-shaped housing. A wire is affixed to the electrical contact and a second wire is affixed to the metal housing. A pool of mercury completes the switch between the insulated electrical contact and the metal housing. As the switch is rotated in either a first or a second selected direction, at a predetermined point, the pool of mercury will separate from the insulated electrical contact thereby causing the switch to display an open circuit condition.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for indicating that an acceleration greater than a predetermined acceleration has occured; the apparatus being of the type having a liquid reservoir and an adjacent gas region; the liquid-gas surface resisting deformation due to surface tension. The liquid, gas and surrounding structure are chosen such that the surface tension prevents a rupture of the liquid-gas barrier until an acceleration greater than a predetermined acceleration occurs; at which time at least a portion of the liquid enters the region of the gas. Electrical contacts within the gas region are bridged by the liquid, which liquid is electrically conducting. Means are provided to conduct electricity to and from the contacts such that communication of the forming of the bridge is possible.

Abstract: A mercury tilt switch is provided with electrodes which during operation are oriented in a vertical plane projecting through an end wall of an elongated insulating envelope. The lower electrode is longer than the other and terminated with a blunt end of area of such size and shape as to provide resistance to the surrounding movement of the mercury pool past the end and the subsequently reduced steps of the electrode. When the switch is tilted to close the contacts, the blunt end opposes the mercury pool until the switch is sufficiently tilted that the weight component of the mercury in direction opposed to the blunt end is sufficient to overcome surface tension of the mercury pool, at which point the mercury pool will flow down along the stepped electrode and into contact with the other electrode closing the switch.

Abstract: A transistor radio includes a mercury switch mounted in a fixed position within an outer housing and connected to the power circuitry of the radio. The housing has a plurality of flat surfaces to permit it to be maintained in a number of different stable positions on a supporting surface, and the mercury switch is moved between circuit activating positions, to turn the radio "on", and circuit deactivating positions, to turn the radio "off", by merely changing the position of the housing on the supporting surface. Most preferably the radio includes extension arms, or knobs, connected to the circuitry, and extending through a front wall of the housing to provide for the usual tuning and audio control. These extension arms can also be employed to facilitate different positioning of the radio as may suit the mood of the user, or as is dictated by the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A special switch installed within an automotive vehicle between the battery and the vehicle electric system, so that when the special switch is turned off, the vehicle battery is completely disconnected, thus eliminating all danger of a fire starting in case a short circuit occurs anywhere in the system; the special switch consisting, in one form of the invention, of an ordinary heavy duty switch inside the engine compartment that can be manually disconnected by a flexible cable extending through the fire wall to a pull knob located conveniently to the vehicle driver.

Abstract: An omnidirectional tilt switch includes an enclosure for a gravity response conductive ball. An annular shelf surrounds a central depression where at least one switch contact passing into the housing is exposed. The shelf is operable to support the ball in a position resting against a cup-shaped portion of the switch housing, with the ball centroid located within a imaginary right cylinder having the inner shelf periphery as a base. In response to tilting of the switch, the ball is movable away from the cup-shaped housing to the depression where it engages the aforementioned contact and closes a circuit between that and another contact.A switch holder mounts the switch on a substrate located, for example, in an electro-optical display-type watch. The holder includes a base with a positioning edge or surface and tabs for securing the base to the substrate. Remote from the positioning edge or surface, the switch is supported at an angle relative to the positioning edge or surface.

Abstract: A housing containing a buzzer and mercury switch is mounted on the shaft of the drain lever for a heated tank, for example in a dishwasher. If the heating unit is still turned on when the drain valve is opened, the buzzer sounds to warn the operator that operation of the heating unit without water in the tank will damage the machine.