Abstract: A tilt switch array is used to determine the orientation of an object relative to an upwards direction. The array includes at least one pair of electrodes within a housing, diametrically opposed along a measurement axis. A conductor equidistantly surrounds each electrode to form a tilt switch gap therebetween. A moveable conducting element within the housing closes the gap between one electrode and its associated conductor under certain orientation conditions of the measurement axis relative to an upwards direction. A number of pairs of electrodes may be placed within the housing, with associated measurement axes so that the orientation of any one of the measurement axes may be detected.

Abstract: This miniature normally open circuited acceleration switch has a hollow cylindrical casing closed at one end. Its other end is closed by a header having an insulated axial lead wire extending inwardly of the casing, and an electrically conductive ring secured peripherally to the casing. Inside the casing is an internally conical guide sleeve in which is a freely rollable massive ball. A lightweight cup-shaped piston in the guide sleeve carries a contact member spaced by an expanded coil spring from the lead wire. The ball impinges on the piston when a sufficient axially directed force of acceleration is applied to the casing, even if a simultaneous laterally directed force of acceleration is applied thereto. The piston moves axially against the spring bias such that the contact member contacts the lead wire to close the normally open circuited switch.

Abstract: A mechanism for instantly and accurately adjusting pressure of air passed by a pressure regulator with a valve assembly controlled by a flexible diaphragm. A compressed coil spring bears on the diaphragm. A non-rotating spring guide plate bears on the coil spring. A pinion shaft has a threaded end engaged with a threaded portion of the spring guide plate to move it axially of the coil spring. A pinion gear on the shaft is engaged by spur gears which are in turn engaged by a ring gear. Rotation of the ring gear advances and retracts the spring guide plate axially of the coil spring. A knob ring disposed adjacent a stationary calibrated pressure scale and secured to the ring gear, indicates the pressure of air passed by the regulator for each position of the knob ring around the scale.

Abstract: This miniature omnidirectional impact switch has a generally cylindrical electrically conductive mass held by coil spring bias in abutment with a conductive header wall at one end of a cylindrical housing. The mass has a blind bore in one end. The mass is held axially tilted by contact between a free end of a wire conductor and an end wall of the bore. A closed circuit is defined between a second conductor contacting the header wall and the first conductor, via the mass and header wall. The switch is responsive to an impact applied to the other end of the housing or to a side thereof within 200 microseconds after impact to open the closed circuit by separating the mass from the header wall and the end of the first conductor against the spring bias. A movement of the mass of 0.001 of an inch is sufficient to open the closed circuit.

Abstract: This miniature multiplanar acceleration switch has a generally cylindrical electrically conductive mass held by coil spring bias in abutment with one end of a cylindrical chamber in a metal shell. The diameter of the mass is smaller than that of the chamber and is tapered so that the mass can tilt in response to a laterally directed force of acceleration to dispose its axis at an angle to the axis of the chamber. The mass has an inner end formed with a bore into which extends the end of a circuit lead carried by a glass insulator bonded to a header closing the other end of the chamber. When the mass tilts, the lead is contacted by the mass to close an electric circuit.

Abstract: This miniature acceleration switch has a cylindrical metal mass movable axially in a cylindrical chamber in a cylindrical metal shell. The chamber is filled with an inert gas to inhibit corrosion. The mass has a frustoconical end section inserted into a metal coil spring engaged at one end on an annular shoulder at the wider end of the section, and engaged at its other end in an annular recess formed in a metal ring of a header closing and welded to the other end of the chamber to seal it hermetically. The header has a glass insulator bonded to the ring and carries at its center a circuit lead projecting into the chamber to be contacted by the mass when it moves against a spring load in response to a predetermined force of acceleration.

Abstract: In this system, a receiver having adjustable sensitivity to movement by a room occupant picks up continuously generated compressional waves of ultrasonic frequency reflected from the occupant. Movements of the occupant cause changes in frequency of the reflected wave which are detected, and pulses are applied to a timer which applies a timed voltage to a logic circuit. A signal indicating a difference between a preset ambient temperature and that sensed by an electronic sensor is applied to the logic circuit. The logic circuit is arranged to actuate relays to turn a selected heating or cooling unit on if occupant movement is detected and ambient temperature difference exists, and to turn the selected unit off if the room becomes unoccupied. The logic circuit is effective to turn on the heating unit if ambient temperature falls below a preset, low other temperature, even if the room is unoccupied.