Tilt Responsive Patents (Class 200/61.52)
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Patent number: 11694865Abstract: A tilt ball switch has a chamber space, and includes a first terminal, a second terminal including two outer terminal members and an inner terminal member, and a conductive ball movably disposed in the chamber space and convertible between a conducting state, in which the conductive ball is in contact with the first terminal and the inner terminal member so that the first terminal is conductively connected to the outer terminal members, and a non-conducting state, in which the conductive ball is prevented from being in contact with one of the first terminal and the inner terminal member so that the first terminal is prevented from being conductively connected to the outer terminal members.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2022Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
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Patent number: 11646169Abstract: A rolling-ball tilt switch includes a conductive housing having an inner surface that surrounds a longitudinal axis and that defines a roller cavity, an insulating seat inserted into the roller cavity, a conductive terminal having a protruding section extending through the insulating seat into the roller cavity, and a ball unit disposed in the roller cavity and moveable between a conducting position and a non-conducting position. The longitudinal axis and an extension of a surface portion of the inner surface of the conductive housing cooperatively define a first angle that ranges from 2 to 12 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
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Patent number: 11049678Abstract: A magnetic float switch is provided. The magnetic float switch can include a housing configured to float in a liquid, response circuitry located inside the housing, an internal chamber located inside the housing, a float state indicator housed within the internal chamber, and an actuating arm housed outside the internal chamber and coupled to the response circuitry. In operation, when a position of the housing changes so as to indicate an increasing level of the liquid, the float state indicator can move within the internal chamber from a first position to a second position to initiate a magnetic force between the float state indicator and the actuating arm so as to actuate the actuating arm from an inactive position to an active position. Then, when the actuating arm is in the active position, the response circuitry can initiate a response to the increasing level of the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Metropolitan Industries, Inc.Inventors: James Andrew Nimmer, Joseph Kenneth Burza
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Patent number: 10981073Abstract: Techniques for randomized device interaction are provided. A first communication pattern is selected, with at least a degree of randomness, from a plurality of communication patterns, where each of the plurality of communication patterns specifies one or more audio profiles. A first audio profile specified in the first communication pattern is identified. A first portion of audio is extracted from a first audio file with at least a degree of randomness, and the first portion of audio is modified based on the first audio profile. Finally, the first modified portion of audio is outputted by a first device.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Nathan D. Nocon, Stephen A. Thornton, Timothy M. Panec
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Patent number: 10824984Abstract: An item drop box sensor system for detecting items deposited within a drop box may be configured to detect movement of an item deposit tray and to detect items deposited within the drop box. The drop box sensor system may comprise one or more tray movement sensors for detecting movement of the deposit tray, one or more item detection sensors configured to detect items passing into the drop box via the deposit tray, and an onboard controller for selectively activating the various sensors to conserve power and for transmitting data indicative of the status of the drop box to a central server configured for scheduling item pickups for various geographically spaced drop boxes.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Asheesh Goja
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Patent number: 10524061Abstract: A hearing aid device is disclosed. The hearing aid device comprises means to improve, augment and/or protect the hearing capability of a user by receiving acoustic signals from the surroundings of the user, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one of the user's ears. The hearing aid device comprises a sensor member for detecting the movement and/or acceleration and/or orientation (or spatial position) of the hearing aid device. The hearing aid device comprises at least two hearing aid microphones and a control unit for determining the position or a deviation from an intended position of the hearing aid device or hearing aid microphones. The hearing aid device is configured to compensate for a possible dislocation of the hearing aid microphones.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: OTICON A/SInventors: Michael Syskind Pedersen, Kenneth Rueskov Møller, Svend Oscar Petersen, Niels Stubager Kiemer, Jesper Kofoed Nielsen, Björn Ohl, Marianne Kleist Elmlund, Karin Carvalho, Henrik Bendsen, Regin Kopp Pedersen, Christian C. Bürger, Steen Michael Munk, Morten Christophersen, Julie Hefting Pedersen, Bo Westergård, Maria Oxenbøll
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Patent number: 10412943Abstract: Certain types of rattle reels include a housing; a reel coupled to the housing; and an indicator arrangement carried by the housing. The indicator arrangement is operationally coupled to the reel so that movement of the reel relative to the housing activates the indicator arrangement. The indicator arrangement remains activated until the user manually resets the indicator arrangement. Certain types of rattle reels include a free-standing housing including an adjustable leg; a reel coupled to the housing; a power source carried by the housing; a light source carried by the housing; and a user interface member accessible for activating and deactivating the light source.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Inventor: William Hartsock
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Patent number: 10377308Abstract: A motorcycle includes a frame mounted on wheels having a front and rear parts, handlebar located at the front part motorcycle speed and roll angle detector, the front and rear parts join on a frame longitudinal median plane (W). A device for detecting a vehicle moving towards the rear part when the motorcycle is moving, the device including a radar detector or television camera rigidly of one piece with the motorcycle, the radar detector rigidly associated with the rear part and following its movement. The radar detector connected to a presence and movement evaluator of the vehicle moving towards the rear part capable of determining a variable hazard indication which identifies a time to collision between the vehicle and the motorcycle. The evaluator activating warning means on the basis of such hazard indication which generate a warning for the rider's attention when the hazard indication reaches a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignees: POLITECNICO DI MILANO, DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING S.P.A.Inventors: Sergio Matteo Savaresi, Giulio Panzani, Alessandro Amodio, Pierluigi Zampieri, Fabio Codeca'
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Patent number: 10371274Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic switch arrangement and a fluid switch for incorporating into a hydraulic switch arrangement that may be included in a hydraulic circuit for inhibiting flow of hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic circuit in the event of movement of an apparatus or platform from a stable to an unstable condition. Such platforms or apparatus may include for example, cranes, excavators, teletrucks and forklift trucks and roll over incidents of such machinery is common leading to numerous fatalities. Aspects of the present invention ensure fast switching in the event of a transfer from a stable to an unstable condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Inventor: Vincent Edwards
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Patent number: 10366593Abstract: Systems and methods of determining an ergonomic assessment for a user are provided. For instance, sensor data can be received from one or more sensors implemented with an ergonomic assessment garment worn by a user. Corporeal data associated with at least one body segment of the user can be determined based at least in part on the sensor data. The corporeal data is associated with a bend angle associated with the at least one body segment. An ergonomic assessment associated with the user can be determined based at least in part on the corporeal data. The ergonomic assessment can include an indication of one or more ergonomic zones associated with the user, the one or more ergonomic zones being determined based at least in part on the bend angle associated with the at least one body segment.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Ivan Poupyrev, Antonio Xavier Cerruto, Mustafa Emre Karagozler, David Scott Allmon, Munehiko Sato, Susan Jane Wilhite, Shiho Fukuhara
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Patent number: 10248153Abstract: A self-centering mechanism for a rotatable shaft includes first and second centering members. Each centering member defines a first and second arcuate slot. A stationary pin extends through the first arcuate slots of the centering members. A rotatable shaft member extends through the centers of the centering members and is disposed between the first and second arcuate slots. A support member extends radially from and is fixed to the shaft member so as to be rotatable therewith. An actuating pin extends from the support member and through the second arcuate slots, and engages the second arcuate slots to rotate one of the first and second centering members. At least one biasing member is in communication with an anchoring structure and rotationally biases at least one of the first and second centering members to a registration position upon release of the rotatable shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Paul Stoufer, Thomas Josefsson, Kevin Carpenter, Michelle Demers
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Patent number: 10200611Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Masaki Sakurai
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Patent number: 10180320Abstract: A low cost position sensor and a mobility device using the same are provided. The low cost position sensor comprises a rollable object, a container and a control circuit. The rollable object comprises a specific material. The container has a non-planar inner bottom portion. At least one sensor for detecting coordinates is disposed inside the container. The rollable object is disposed in the container. The sensor can detect the specific material. The control circuit is coupled to the sensor. The sensor detects the specific material to determine a coordinate position of the rollable object, and sends the coordinate position of the rollable object back to the control circuit. The control circuit determines a tilt angle of the container according to the coordinate position of the rollable object.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Generalplus Technology Inc.Inventors: Bing Huang Shih, Li Sheng Lo
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Patent number: 10089837Abstract: A system for audibly communicating a status of at least one operably connected device or system, includes a status module configured to receive a signal representative of a status of the at least one operably connected device or system and a transceiver operably connected to the status module, wherein the transceiver is configured to receive signals from the status module and to transmit a sound.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: GE Aviation Systems, LLCInventors: So Young Kim, Richard Alan Phillips, David Bartlett
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Patent number: 10035448Abstract: A warning light assembly for a vehicle having a tilt bed is provided. The warning light assembly includes a housing having an opening and a light assembly pivotally suspended within the housing. The light assembly is configured to pivot through the opening when the housing is rotated, thereby remaining in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to a ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Inventor: Lori Lynn Smith
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Patent number: 9926661Abstract: The present application relates to a steaming device. The steaming device comprises a steam generator (8) having a heated surface (6), a pump configured to direct fluid against the heated surface (6) to generate steam, an orientation detector to detect orientation of the heated surface (6), and a control unit. The control unit is configured to operate the pump to adjust the flow rate of the pump in dependence on the orientation of the heated surface determined by the orientation detector.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Sahil A. Wadhwa, Mohankumar Krishnan Valiyambath, Chee Keong Ong, Kin Leong Yip
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Patent number: 9888756Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing item or luggage loss prevention, which, in some cases, is based on weight measurement. In some embodiments, a device with a processor can be placed under a bag's handle, within an interior compartment of the bag, below or in the feet or wheels of the bag, and/or the like. The device can allow a user to lock in a weight of the bag. If any item is subsequently removed from (and not returned to) the bag, the device will notify the user, using one or more of audio notification, visual notification, and/or mobile device notification (e.g., via e-mail, text message, SMS, MMS, chat message, and/or the like) that the weight of the bag has changed. In some cases, location detection devices may be implemented to allow the user to backtrack where the missing item might have been left behind.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Nolo Holdings LLCInventors: Faisal Shah, Terry Gafron
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Patent number: 9800783Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Masaki Sakurai
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Patent number: 9794481Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Masaki Sakurai
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Patent number: 9767673Abstract: A system for detecting that an open bag is being carried includes a portable container having a first compartment with a first opening, the first opening mutable between an open state and a closed state, at least one first sensor incorporated in the portable container, the at least one first sensor configured to detect that the first opening is in the open state, at least one second sensor incorporated in the portable container, the at least one second sensor configured to detect that the portable container is being carried, and a control circuit coupled to the at least one first sensor and at least one second sensor, the control circuit configured to transmit an alert to a user when the at least one first sensor detects that the first opening is in the open state and the at least one second sensor detects that the portable container is being carried.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Inventor: Paul Clip
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Patent number: 9756245Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Masaki Sakurai
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Patent number: 9503642Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Masaki Sakurai
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Patent number: 9386224Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Masaki Sakurai
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Patent number: 9058945Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
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Patent number: 9035205Abstract: A multi-directional tilt switch includes a housing inner surface defining a chamber, a housing outer surface opposite to the housing inner surface, a plurality of slots extending through the housing inner and outer surfaces, and a plurality of conductive terminals each including an insert portion inserted in a corresponding slot, a contact portion extending into the chamber, and a first connecting surface exposed from the housing outer surface. A conductive body is accommodated movably in the chamber between a first position, where the conductive body bridges two contact portions, and a second position, where the conductive body does not bridge any two contact portions.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
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Patent number: 8969747Abstract: A tilt switch includes an insulated housing with two housing halves cooperatively defining an accommodation chamber and a plurality of positioning grooves formed in a surface of at least one housing half around the accommodation chamber. A plurality of conductive terminals are sandwiched between the housing halves. Each conductive terminal has a plate member positioned in a respective positioning groove, and a contact portion extending into the accommodation chamber. A conductive body is disposed in the accommodation chamber and is movable between a closed circuit state that bridges the contact portions of at least two conductive terminals and an open circuit state that does not bridge the contact portions of any two conductive terminals.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
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Patent number: 8963028Abstract: A multi-point tilt switch includes an insulator housing surrounding a chamber, a first conductive component mounted to the housing and having a contact portion bordering the chamber, a plurality of second conductive components each having a contact portion in the chamber, and a conductor accommodated in the chamber. Each of the first and second conductive components has a connection portion exposed from the housing. The conductor is movable in the chamber to contact or not to contact the contact portions of at least two of the first and second conductive components, so as to make or break electrical connection therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
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Patent number: 8912652Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ki Wan Bang
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Publication number: 20140262704Abstract: A tilt switch includes an insulated housing with two housing halves cooperatively defining an accommodation chamber and a plurality of positioning grooves formed in a surface of at least one housing half around the accommodation chamber. A plurality of conductive terminals are sandwiched between the housing halves. Each conductive terminal has a plate member positioned in a respective positioning groove, and a contact portion extending into the accommodation chamber. A conductive body is disposed in the accommodation chamber and is movable between a closed circuit state that bridges the contact portions of at least two conductive terminals and an open circuit state that does not bridge the contact portions of any two conductive terminals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
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Publication number: 20140231231Abstract: A multi-point tilt switch includes an insulator housing surrounding a chamber, a first conductive component mounted to the housing and having a contact portion bordering the chamber, a plurality of second conductive components each having a contact portion in the chamber, and a conductor accommodated in the chamber. Each of the first and second conductive components has a connection portion exposed from the housing. The conductor is movable in the chamber to contact or not to contact the contact portions of at least two of the first and second conductive components, so as to make or break electrical connection therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventor: Tien-Ming CHOU
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Patent number: 8796571Abstract: A switch is provided for a belt lock of a safety belt system, for example, in a motor vehicle. The switch includes a switch housing which has a contact space in which two contact sheets interact, and a channel which borders the contact space and in which a slide can be moved. A section of the contact sheet made as a contact spring projects into the channel, as a free end section which projects beyond one contact region of the contact sheets. A connecting opening is located in a position of use of the switch above the contact region of the two contact sheets.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Polycontact AGInventors: Josua Lanter, Antonino Spataro
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Patent number: 8766118Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Colin Johnstone
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Patent number: 8765511Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including at least one of the following steps: (1) Forming a lower electrode pattern on/over a substrate. (2) Forming a first interlayer insulating layer on the lower electrode pattern. (3) Forming an upper electrode pattern on the first interlayer insulating layer. (4) Forming a passivation layer on a side of the upper electrode pattern. (5) Forming a second interlayer insulating layer on the upper electrode pattern. (6) Etching the second interlayer insulating layer to form a cavity which exposes the passivation layer. (7) Forming a contact ball in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chung Kyung Jung, Sung Wook Joo
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Patent number: 8691610Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including at least one of the following steps: (1) Forming a plurality of lower electrodes over a substrate. (2) Forming a first stop film over the lower electrodes. (3) Forming a filling layer over the first stop film. (4) Forming a second stop film over the filling layer. (5) Forming a first interlayer insulating layer over the second stop film. (6) Forming a plurality of upper electrodes over the first interlayer insulating layer. (7) Forming a second interlayer insulating layer over the upper electrodes. (8) Etching the second interlayer insulating layer and the first interlayer insulating layer to form a cavity. (9) Forming a contact ball in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seong Hun Jeong, Ki Jun Yun, Oh Jin Jung
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Patent number: 8648720Abstract: Improved, magnetic high security switch apparatus is provided for use in detecting relative movement between first and second members such as a door frame and door from a close position, wherein the members are proximal, and an open position, where the members are separated. The switch apparatus includes a magnetic shiftable ball switch assembly having an elongated housing and a shiftable ball therein, which traverses an oblique path of travel between respective switch states in response to relative movement between the first and second members. Preferably, the housing is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the horizontal in order to prevent defeat of the switch apparatus through use of an external defeat magnet.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Magnasphere CorporationInventor: Randall Woods
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Publication number: 20140034460Abstract: A multi-directional tilt switch includes a housing inner surface defining a chamber, a housing outer surface opposite to the housing inner surface, a plurality of slots extending through the housing inner and outer surfaces, and a plurality of conductive terminals each including an insert portion inserted in a corresponding slot, a contact portion extending into the chamber, and a first connecting surface exposed from the housing outer surface. A conductive body is accommodated movably in the chamber between a first position, where the conductive body bridges two contact portions, and a second position, where the conductive body does not bridge any two contact portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
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Publication number: 20130287375Abstract: An indoor or outdoor heater with a safety bar, a tiltable heater head, a power controlling and power limiting device serving as safety mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Edwin L. Hall, JR., Hampton Hollis Tanner
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Patent number: 8416094Abstract: A motion sensor capable of detecting the direction of motion in three dimensions is disclosed. The motion sensor can be built into a printed circuit board allowing for simple and cost effective manufacturing. The motions sensor is designed to utilize a through hole in a printed circuit board, which is capped by on each side by housings creating a cavity where a spherical metal ball can move in three dimensions. This interior surface of the through hole and the housings have conductive element that when in contact with the spherical metal ball close a circuit creating an electrical signal indicative of direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: DEI Headquarters, Inc.Inventors: Normand Dery, Minas Minassian
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Publication number: 20130001053Abstract: A tilt switch includes an insulating housing having a receiving chamber and a connecting cavity smaller than the receiving chamber in diameter to form a step therebetween, electrical terminals penetrating through the insulating housing to project into the connecting cavity, an insulating cover removably covered on the insulating housing, and a switching ball made of conductive materials and rollably placed between the insulating housing and the insulating cover. The step has a top face perpendicular to periphery surfaces of the connecting cavity and the receiving chamber. The switching ball needs to roll over the step having a hard span when the tilt switch changes working states between a closed state realized by the switching ball projecting into the connecting cavity to simultaneously connect with the electrical terminals, and an open state realized by tilting the tilt switch to disconnect the switching ball from at least one electrical terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Xiao-Feng Li, Li-Jun Xu, Ming-Han Lin, Wen-Tzao Yang
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Publication number: 20120325629Abstract: A tilt switch includes an insulating housing having a receiving chamber and a connecting cavity between which a ring-shaped step is formed, electrical terminals each having a support arm of platy shape inserted upward into the connecting cavity, a switching ball made of conductive materials and rollably placed in the receiving chamber, and an insulating cover removably covered on the insulating housing to restrain the switching ball in the insulating housing. The support arms are arranged at regular intervals around the center axis of the connecting cavity. The ring-shaped step has a top face substantially perpendicular to two vertical periphery surfaces of the connecting cavity and the receiving chamber. The switching ball needs to roll over the ring-shaped step having a hard span when the tilt switch changes working states thereof among a closed state, a shorted state and an open state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Xiao-Feng Li, Li-Jun Xu, Ming-Han Lin
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Patent number: 8283586Abstract: The present invention discloses a circuit board sensing module comprising a plurality of circuit boards and a sphere. The circuit boards form a hollow polyhedron with multiple surfaces and included angles. When the sphere is in any of the included angles, a circuit board is controlled to be electrically conducting, and the other circuit boards are open circuits in the meantime. Besides, the present invention further discloses a multi-surface operation apparatus comprising the circuit board sensing module. It comprises a plurality of control interfaces and at least a circuit board sensing module. When any of the control interfaces is operated, the circuit board sensing module enables the switch of the selected control interface, and shuts down the switches of the other switches.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Inventor: Kuo-An Huang
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Patent number: 8217284Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Shenzhen H & T Intelligent Control Co., Ltd.Inventors: Qiaohua Dai, Zhaobing Shou, Hongwu Qin, Jianwei Liu, Xiaoyong Dong
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Publication number: 20120111702Abstract: A tilt switch (100) includes an insulative housing (2), a number of contacts (3) retained in the insulative housing, a conductive rotary ball (4), and a top cover (5) attached to the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a bottom wall (21) and a number of vertical walls (22) cooperatively defining a receiving space (20). The bottom wall defines a plurality of passageways (211) and a plurality of cutouts (212). The cutouts extend along an up-and-down direction and communicates between the passageways and exterior. Each cutout has a smaller top end and a larger bottom end for preventing soldering material from entering into the receiving space. The contacts are retained in the passageways of the insulative housing. The rotary ball is received in the receiving space and connects with selected ones for establishing different states.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: YONG-JIA WANG, LIANG SUN
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Patent number: 8169333Abstract: A motion detector, in particular suitable for animals, comprising at least one motion element, wherein an element movable within a predetermined area is located, which brings about an electrical connection in at least one position, wherein the movable element is a magnetic element, which can move along a path of travel formed by a cavity in the motion element, and wherein, near the path of travel, at least one magnetically sensitive switching element is placed, which can be influenced by the magnetic element.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: NEDAP Agri B.V.Inventors: Albertino Bernardo M. Verstege, Otto Theodorus J. Zents, Hans Benedictus
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Patent number: 8026473Abstract: A tilt sensor includes a mount board, a cover, a light emitting and two light receiving elements on the mount board. A case, provided between the mount board and the cover, is formed with an inner space surrounded by the light emitting element and the light receiving elements. A rolling member, movable in the inner space, can take a complete shielding position, a partial shielding position and an unshielding position. At the complete shielding position, the rolling member blocks the light from the light emitting element so that no light reaches the two light receiving elements. At the partial shielding position, the rolling member blocks the light so that the light reaches only one of the two light receiving elements. At the unshielding position, the rolling member does not block the light at all so that the light reaches the two light receiving elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuki Tanuma
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Patent number: 7996999Abstract: An inclination detector device is disclosed. The detector device has a light source, a light sensor device, and a level arranged between the light source and the light sensor device. In addition, a light guide is arranged between the light source and the level. The light source is joined to the light guide, the light guide is joined to the level, and the level is joined to the light sensor device in such a way that the light source, the light guide, the level, and the light sensor device form a closed unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventor: Manfred Ammann
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Publication number: 20110132730Abstract: A motion sensor includes: a first tilt detector including a first electrode having a recess and a second electrode and a first conductive ball having shape same as that of the first electrode; a second tilt detector including a third electrode having a recess and a fourth electrode and a second conductive ball having shape same as that of the third electrode; and a third tilt detector including a fifth electrode having a recess and a sixth electrode and a third conductive ball having shape same as that of the fifth electrode, wherein in the first tilt detector, the recess of the first electrode and the recess of the second electrode are opposed to each other, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to be plane-symmetrical to each other at a first distance with respect to a plane perpendicular to a first axis, and the first conductive ball moves in a space between the first electrode and the second electrode to change the first electrode and the second electrode to a conductive state or a nonType: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Megumu Ito, Junichiro Shinozaki
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Patent number: 7934321Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a tilt switch that solves the problem of poor electrical contact, excessive/unpredictable hysteresis, high contact resistance, short life and/or electrical bounce. The tilt switch uses conventional ball-in-tube construction and adds a graphite powder film to all electrically conductive surfaces in the switch. This non-mercury tilt switch provides additional features such as enhanced electrical contact, reduced or eliminated hysteresis, lowered contact resistance, increased contact life and eliminates electrical bounce.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Egresson, LLCInventors: Michael David Johnson, Robert Louis Clark, Jr.
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Patent number: 7919718Abstract: An acceleration switch includes a closed container further including a cylindrical housing and a substantially circular metal header plate, a conductive lead terminal inserted through a hole of the header plate and hermetically fixed in the hole, a contact member secured to a distal end of the lead terminal and having a plurality of elastically deformable movable contacts substantially concentric about the distal end of the lead terminal, a conductive inertia ball accommodated in the container and caused to roll in the housing thereby to contact the movable contact, whereby the housing and the contact member are rendered conductive, and a braking member disposed between the movable contacts so as to be capable of urging the inertia ball in a direction of a center of the closed container. The braking member includes an elastically deformable braking portion which is extended so as to normally contact the inertia ball.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Ubukata industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masayuki Watanabe, Teruyuki Takeda
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Publication number: 20110037602Abstract: A tilt protection apparatus applied to electric energy generating installations, where possibility of tilting or tipping over exists. In certain installations of electric energy generating facilities, the means of energy production, such as but not limited to solar photovoltaic panels, must be mounted on support system that can be susceptible to mechanical failure due to impact, wind induced vibration, ground vibration or ground displacement. In the event of the structural tilt, the apparatus detects such condition and disconnects the means of energy generation minimizing possibility of exposure to dangerous levels of electric potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Wojciech Marek Chrosny, Michael Charles Overturf, Robert J. Applegate, Richard G. Stine, William D. Taylor