Abstract: An air plug is provided, including a switch, a circuit board, an elastic connecting wire and an enclosure. At least one LED bead is provided on the circuit board and electrically coupled to the circuit board. The elastic connecting wire has one end fixed to the circuit board and an other end fixed to the switch. The switch is electrically coupled to the circuit board. The circuit board is received within the enclosure and fixed to the enclosure. The elastic connecting wire and the switch are movably received within the enclosure. The air plug is insertable into an air inlet of an inflatable item, the inflatable item vibrates to activate the switch, and thus the LED bead is powered on to illuminate the inflatable item, such that the interest of the inflatable item is increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable electronic device for emulating at least one sound of a drum-type percussion instrument, said device being intended to instrumentalise a striking element. A defining means defines a striking area on a tangible support. An allocating means allocates a drum element associated with a predetermined sound to the striking area, in a database. At least one sensor generates a stroke signal having at least one piece of stroke information on a stroke of a user with the striking element in the striking area. A computer processing means implements a processing algorithm configured to process the stroke signal to spatially locate said stroke in order to detect the area struck and to determine the drum element corresponding to this area struck. A generating means is configured to generate a sound signal comprising information on the sound virtually generated by said stroke of the striking element in said area struck.

Abstract: A programmable electronic helmet and a method of using the helmet are provided. The programmable electronic helmet includes a hard frame strappable to a head of a user, at least one gyroscope, an accelerometer, a user interface, at least one camera positioned on the hard frame, a display positioned a location that is in the peripheral field of vision of the user, wherein the display is configured to communicate information to the user, and a wireless communication apparatus. The programmable electronic helmet further includes one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to analyze images captured by the at least one camera to approximate a location of one or more objects in an area surrounding the user, and a memory, coupled to the processor, configured to store data acquired by and sent to the programmable helmet.

Abstract: A percussion device includes a drumstick assembly and a sleeve. The drumstick assembly includes a drumstick having a base and a tip end, and a drumstick tip secured to the tip end of the drumstick, the drumstick tip including a sensor. The sleeve is disposed about at least a portion of the drumstick including the base thereof, and includes at least one control button, a communication element, and a processor in communication with the at least one control button, the drumstick tip and the communication element. The processor is configured to receive a signal from the drumstick tip and to generate output to the communication element. The output so generated includes a signal that specifies a sound file selected by operation of the at least one control button.

Abstract: A door knob assembly that provides an interactive visual and aural assembly familiar to a room occupant and that responds to variations in the manner of rotation of the knob in a plurality of responses, depending on the direction and rate of rotation applied to the knob, providing messages appropriate to the entertainment, safety and/or training of the knob operator and/or room occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle license plate holder having a frame including a receptacle for a license plate, first and second LED light sources disposed on each side of the frame, and one or more power generators attached to the frame. The frame also mounts an electronic circuit module including a battery and configured to detect deceleration of a vehicle and to illuminate the first and second LED light sources in response to detection of the deceleration.

Abstract: A percussion device includes a drumstick assembly and a sleeve. The drumstick assembly includes a drumstick having a base and a tip end, and a drumstick tip secured to the tip end of the drumstick, the drumstick tip including a sensor. The sleeve is disposed about at least a portion of the drumstick including the base thereof, and includes at least one control button, a communication element, and a processor in communication with the at least one control button, the drumstick tip and the communication element. The processor is configured to receive a signal from the drumstick tip and to generate output to the communication element. The output so generated includes a signal that specifies a sound file selected by operation of the at least one control button.

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 a circuit board) in a rest mode. In the rest mode the intermediate section is suspended over an electrical connector in 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. The spring is placed into contact with the surface without use of solder or mounting and is held positioned in place, during both the rest and motion modes, by a barrier, the assembly of which can be completed after the spring is positioned on the surface.

Abstract: A wireless light and accessory control system for golf carts (18) and other vehicles having a sender (1) that permits a user to remotely activate various accessories, such as headlights (2), turn signals (4), horns (5) and other accessories, such as radios, dome lights, etc., by sending signals via a wireless transmitter (12) located in the sender to controllers (13) located in each of the accessories. In addition, brake lights (3) may be activated and deactivated by a motion sensing means (10) in addition to being deactivated after a predetermined amount of time by a timer (11).

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including at least one of: (1) Forming a lower electrode pattern on a substrate. (2) Forming an etch stop film on/over the lower electrode pattern. (3) Forming a first interlayer insulating layer on/over the etch stop film. (4) Forming an upper electrode pattern on/over the first interlayer insulating layer. (5) Forming a second interlayer insulating layer on/over the upper electrode pattern. (6) Forming an etch blocking layer positioned between the lower electrode pattern and the upper electrode pattern which passes through the second interlayer insulating layer and the first interlayer insulating layer. (7) Forming a cavity which exposes a side of the etch blocking layer by etching the second interlayer insulating layer and the first interlayer insulating layer. (8) Forming a contact ball in the cavity.

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 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: 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: A vibration switch includes a conductive housing defining a chamber, a first electrode having a first end projecting outwardly of the housing and a second end projecting into the chamber, a moving element disposed movably in the chamber and spaced apart from the second end of the first electrode, and a resilient conductive member connected conductively to the housing and located between the moving element and the second end of the first electrode. The resilient conductive member has a contact portion that is moved by the moving element to contact electrically the second end of the first electrode.

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 collision impact detector detects deceleration of a vehicle caused by its collision with another vehicle or an obstacle. A rotor is rotatably supported on a shaft and biased by a coil spring in a direction opposite to a rotational direction in which the rotor is rotated by the deceleration. One axial end of the coil spring is supported by a first support integrally formed with the rotor, and the other axial end of the coil spring is supported by a second support formed separately from the rotor. In this manner, a friction torque generated between the coil spring and the second support is eliminated, thereby considerably reducing a total friction torque associated with rotation of the rotor. The second support may be formed either integrally with or separately from a housing supporting the shaft.

Abstract: An accelerometer or accelerator switch and its method of manufacture are disclosed. The device is fabricated from two substrates: a top substrate having a moveable mass, and a bottom substrate having at least one conductive plate. The top substrate is preferably a SOI substrate, and the mass and its suspending beams are formed in the silicon layer under which the insulator layer has been removed. The bottom substrate is preferably oxide. In one embodiment, the capacitance is formed using the mass as the first capacitor plate the conductive plate as the second plate. As the mass moves, the capacitance is detected to indicate the magnitude of the acceleration, or whether acceleration is above or below a threshold indicting an open or closed switch. The beams which suspend the mass can be serpentines, which make the device compact and render the mass more flexible. Alternatively, the bottom conductive plate can be split into two plates each coupling to the mass.

Abstract: A motion sensor for tire pressure monitors and other applications includes an insulative collar, a conductive coil spring mounted on the cap, a conductive connector that extend through the cap and connects to the spring, and a conductive can around and spaced from the spring. The cap closes and seals the open end of the can. Acceleration of the motion sensor causes the coil spring to make electrical contact with the can to act as a switch closure.

Abstract: An acceleration-sensing apparatus is disclosed which includes a moveable shuttle (i.e. a suspended mass) and a latch for capturing and holding the shuttle when an acceleration event is sensed above a predetermined threshold level. The acceleration-sensing apparatus provides a switch closure upon sensing the acceleration event and remains latched in place thereafter. Examples of the acceleration-sensing apparatus are provided which are responsive to an acceleration component in a single direction (i.e. a single-sided device) or to two oppositely-directed acceleration components (i.e. a dual-sided device). A two-stage acceleration-sensing apparatus is also disclosed which can sense two acceleration events separated in time. The acceleration-sensing apparatus of the present invention has applications, for example, in an automotive airbag deployment system.

Abstract: A micromechanical switch having a mass, a first spring element, and a contact element is provided. The mass contacts the contact element if a specified degree of displacement of the first spring element is exceeded.

Abstract: A light emitting diode having a helical spring around one of its leads. The spring extends so that it has a free end which is cantilevered. As the free end of the spring moves it completes an electrical circuit intermittently lighting the light emitting diode.

Abstract: A switch according to this invention is particularly intended for use with articles of footwear as part of a light module which also includes one or more batteries, an integrated circuit and wire connections to LEDs or other sources of light mounted to the outsole or upper of the article of footwear. The switch is formed with a housing having a hollow interior within which a pair of spaced contacts are mounted, at least one of which is connected to the battery. A cover plate is mounted to the housing such that an electrically conductive pivot arm carried by the cover plate is positioned between the spaced contacts. In response to the application of an inertial force to the switch, the pivot arm is movable in the manner of a pendulum into engagement with either one or both of the contacts thus completing the circuit between the battery and integrated circuit allowing it to activate the LEDs.

Abstract: An acceleration switch that operates even when acceleration is applied to the acceleration switch from a direction other than a predetermined detection direction. The acceleration switch includes a movable portion, which has a movable electrode, and a fixed electrode. The movable portion includes an inertial weight moved in accordance with the application of acceleration, a beam portion for pivotably supporting the inertial weight, and a plurality of flexible plates that are arranged in the inertial weight and each have a distal end in which the movable electrode is located and are flexed separately from one another. The flexible plates separately move to contact the fixed portion when acceleration is applied from a direction other than a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A vibration switch includes a housing with two side walls and a surrounding wall interposed therebetween to confine an accommodation chamber, two electric contact terminals respectively having contact ends extending in the chamber and electrically insulated and spaced apart from each other, and a deflectable electric contact body disposed in the chamber. The contact body has two anchoring ends anchoring on the side walls, respectively, and an intermediate portion which is deflectable so as to be disposed in electric contact with at least one of the contact ends for establishing an electrical connection between the terminals.

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: The invention is a normally-open, momentary, non-latching, inertial thresholding switch 30, fabricated on a substrate 1 in a planar configuration, using no cylindrical tilt mass, with low mass 16 and small switch gap 36, 37, 38, 39 to allow fast switch action and rapid reset. Of ultra-miniature, rugged construction, its high mechanical frequency limits sensitivity to vibration inputs.

Abstract: A deceleration impact detector for detecting a vehicle collision or the like is composed of a rotor having an eccentric gravity center, a spring biasing the rotor to its initial position, a cam connected to rotor, and a pair of contacts consisting of a movable contact and a stationary contact. The rotor rotates together with the cam when a deceleration exceeding a predetermined level is imposed on the rotor. The pair of contacts are closed by the cam thereby to generate an electrical signal to inflate an air-bag. The movable contact is made of a resilient leaf spring, while the stationary contact is made of a plate having a high rigidity, so that resonant vibrations of the stationary contact otherwise caused by a high deceleration impact are avoided.

Abstract: An acceleration switch that operates even when acceleration is applied to the acceleration switch from a direction other than a predetermined detection direction. The acceleration switch (1) includes a movable portion (M1), which has a movable electrode (12), and a fixed electrode (14). The movable portion includes an inertial weight (8) moved in accordance with the application of acceleration, a beam portion (10) for pivotably supporting the inertial weight, and a plurality flexible plates (11) that are arranged in the inertial weight and each have a distal end in which the movable electrode is located and are flexed separately from one another. The flexible plates separately move to contact the fixed portion when acceleration is applied from a direction other than a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A vibration switch includes an electric contact body which is movably disposed in an accommodation chamber of a housing in an upright direction. A biasing member holds and restrains the contact body from moving towards a lower inner wall surface of the housing. A switching unit includes a contact member extending into the chamber, and is placed in one of switch-on and switch-off states in response to movement of the contact body relative to the contact member as a result of an inertial force of the contact body when the housing is jerked to move upwards.

Abstract: A vibration switch includes a housing with an accommodation chamber for receiving securely a deflectable electric contact body. Two electric contact terminals respectively have connecting ends adapted to be connected to a support, and contact ends disposed in the chamber and electrically insulated from each other. One contact end is disposed to anchor and is electrically connected to an anchoring end of the electric contact body. The other contact end surrounds a contact terminal end of the electric contact body such that the contact terminal end is deflected so as to contact the contact end when the housing is jerked, thereby making an electrical connection between the terminals.

Abstract: An acceleration detector comprising a rotor rotatably supported within a housing and rotating against the urging force of a torsion spring based on acceleration, a pair of contact terminals contacting each other to be in an electrically connected state by rotation of the rotor at an inner end portion provided within the housing, and a supporting portion integrally formed with the rotor and supporting the torsion spring. The supporting portion is displaced by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction from the rotary center of the rotor so that the spring effect center when torque is exerted on the torsion spring by rotation of the rotor substantially corresponds to the rotary center of the rotor. This construction of the acceleration detector produces the desired performance approximating the design value in an acceleration detector.

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: A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device. The sensor comprises a base member having at least one recess formed therein which is partially defined by a peripheral wall thereof. Disposed within the peripheral wall of the base member is at least one switch. Also disposed within the recess is a trigger ball which is freely movable about the peripheral wall of the base member. The sensor is operative to generate at least two different states corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane. The movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitates the movement of the trigger ball within the recess, with one state being generated when the trigger ball is in contact with the switch and another state being generated when the trigger ball is not in contact with the switch.

Abstract: An acceleration detecting device includes a hollow housing having a side wall, a bottom wall and an opening and a cover closing the opening of the hollow housing. A weight is pivotally mounted in the hollow housing to be rotated about a locus in response to an applied acceleration. Also positioned within the housing is a contact assembly to be electrically-closed by the rotated weight. A plastic main body is held in the hollow housing along the side wall to support the contact assembly and keep the contact assembly spaced from the locus of the weight during the rotation of the weight. The plastic main body which supports the contact assembly may have a wider support along the side wall of the hollow housing, which is independent from fixture of the cover. Therefore, the contact assembly may be supported by the hollow housing through the main body in a more reliable manner.