Abstract: An electrical product and a tilting control device thereof are provided. The tilting control device comprises a shell body, a light source, at least a transparent box, an opaque element, a plurality of photo-sensing units and a logic circuit. The light source is disposed inside the shell body for emitting light. The transparent box is disposed along the path of the light inside the shell body. The opaque element is supported by a carrier surface within the transparent box. The photo-sensing units are disposed inside the shell body at each end under the transparent box. When the tilting control device tilts, the opaque element will move towards one end of the transparent box so that a portion of the light traveling to the photo-sensing unit is obstructed. The logic circuit is coupled to the photo-sensing units for outputting a signal according to the light intensity detected by the photo-sensing units.

Abstract: A tilt switch has an electrical terminal on its top end and an electrical terminal on its bottom end. It comprises a conductive can with an opening on the top end side serving as the electrical terminal on the bottom end and a conductive cap covering the opening of the conductive can serving as the electrical terminal on the top end. An insulator member attached to the conductive can surrounding the side of the conductive cap insulating the conductive cap from said conductive can. Inside the conductive can is at least one rollable conductive member. The rollable conductive member is not in electrical contact with the conductive cap when resting on the bottom inside said conductive can. A system, which includes electrical circuits that employ the tilt switch, is responsive to the orientation of the tilt switch.

Abstract: A system for monitoring alignment of a signal lamp includes at least one sensor and threshold detection circuitry. The sensor is positioned about the signal lamp and is configured to measure at least one of azimuthal and elevational movement of the signal lamp and generate an electrical signal. The threshold detection circuitry is configured to receive signals representative of the azimuthal and elevational movement of the signal lamp from the sensor. The threshold detection circuitry determine a change in alignment of the signal lamp according to at least one of the azimuthal movement signals and the elevational movement signals.

Abstract: A safety sensor for a power operated overhead door includes an elongated housing having an elongated pathway which is a circular in cross sections along its length, with the greatest diameter of the pathway being at it midpoint. Form the midpoint, the pathway tapers downwardly in opposite directions, with a recess portion at each opposite end. In each recess portion there are two spaced electrical contacts. A ball bearing is disposed in the elongated pathway. The sensor is mounted horizontally to an overhead door, and if the door is tilted from the horizontal, the ball bearing rolls to the lower recess area, thereby establishing electrical contact which operates to stop the movement of the door. The obstruction to the door is then cleared, and the system is reset.

Abstract: A jerk-initiated switch includes an insulating housing with an inner bottom wall surface, a plurality of electric contact terminals having contact protrusions disposed in the housing to form a polygon, and an electrically conductive ball rollable on the inner bottom wall surface and having a spherical radius of a dimension that is larger than a length from a polygonal center to a polygonal side, and that is smaller than a diagonal section from the polygonal center to a vertex of the polygon. The topography of a central area of the inner bottom wall surface is configured such that the ball is displaced from an upright position where it rests on the central area to a jerked position where it is out of the central area so as to establish different switching states.

Abstract: Described is a locator device for indicating the relative location of a dog in a sporting field and for indicating whether the dog is tracking or on point regardless of the orientation of the device. The locator device calculates whether a dog is tracking or on point by measuring the intensity of the movement of the dog with a vibration switch and then interpreting the intensity of movement. The vibration switch includes two electrical contacts that are disposed substantially on the longitudinal axis of the vibration switch.

Abstract: An earthquake detecting and warning device for detecting a vibration of the earth's surface is provided. The device includes a base, a top cover, at least a contact-conducting piece, a detecting and warning circuit, a shelling body and an elastic supporting component. When an earthquake occurs, the shelling body will receive the vibration from all direction to swing accordingly so that the lower portion of the shelling body will be contacted with a corresponding set of contact-conducting piece mounted on a plate body of the base to form a loop with the detecting and warning circuit. Therefore, a sound unit will generate a warning voice to inform the user. Then, the user can interrupt the warning voice through pressing a pressing component so as to press the shelling body so that the lower portion of the shelling body will totally and simultaneously connected with all sets of contact-conducting pieces.

Abstract: A mercury switch which is actuated only on a specific movement of an individual by design of an internal cavity of the switch to control movement of a mercury ball into and out of engagement with two electrical contacts. The internal cavity has a truncated cone for receipt of the mercury ball, a surface of revolution sloping outward from the opening of the truncated cone and an interruption ramp in this surface of revolution to guide the mercury ball into the truncated cone for actuation of a switch when a critical angle of the switch has been exceeded.

Abstract: A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device. The sensor comprises a housing having a side wall defining an inner surface, a top plate attached to the side wall and defining an inner surface, and a bottom plate attached to the side wall and also defining an inner surface. The inner surfaces of the side wall and the top and bottom plates collectively define an interior chamber. Disposed on the inner surface of the top plate is at least one top conductive pad, while disposed on the inner surface of the bottom plate is at least one bottom conductor pad. At least one switch partially extends into the interior chamber of the housing. Disposed within the interior chamber and rotatably connected to the housing is a trigger mechanism. The sensor is operative to generate a plurality of different conditions or states corresponding to respective positions of the housing relative to a reference plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orientation device that may be deployed in a mechanical assembly such as a surveillance camera or enclosure to positively determine the physical orientation and/or attitude (tilt), or any change in such physical orientation and/or attitude, of either the camera or the enclosure, and report that information electronically. The invention includes a sensor that is triggered by the movement of a weighted flag along a shaft caused by gravity or gravity in conjunction with the operation of a spring. As the invention is rotated through 360°, the force of gravity and force of the spring are exerted on the weighted flag, causing it to move along the shaft as the assembly is rotated. Each movement by the flag is detected by the sensor which sends an electronic signal indicating that a predetermined point has been reached. Multiple assemblies may be used, offset from each other, to provide additional and more precise position information.

Abstract: A lighting system having a vibration switch for a footwear is disclosed. The system comprise a vibrating switch turning “on” or “off” responsive to motions of the footwear. The vibrating switch further comprises an isolating housing, a spring on the isolating housing, one end of the spring being a free end and another end thereof being a fixing end, a conductive plate in the isolating housing; a metal support plate in the isolating housing and being at another side of the conductive plate; and a first and a second pins; the first pin being connected to the conductive plate and extending out of the isolating housing; and the second pin connected to the metal support plate and extending out of the isolating housing. When the isolating housing vibrates, the free end of the spring will swing to contact the conductive plate so as to conduct current to the conductive plate.

Abstract: An earthquake actuated micro switch includes a ball which falls into a micro switch actuating position when disturbed. The ball normally resides in a shallow ball seat. A sufficient disturbance causes the ball to escape the ball seat, and fall into a switch seat. When the ball comes to rest in the switch seat, a lower surface of the ball pushes a micro switch actuator, thereby actuating the micro switch.

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 autonomous device for warning drivers of automobiles of excessive speed of turning around a curve. The device is compact with both the sensing means and alarm audio and/or visual signal producing means. The sensing means comprises two, alternatively activated and differentially calibrated by means of a proposed calibration device, pair of mercury switches, each pair comprising two oppositely inclined mercury switches for monitoring right and left turns of the vehicle, wherein the first pair is adapted for use in conditions of dry road surface by calibration at a predetermined value of inclination and a second pair is adapted for use in conditions of wet road surface by calibration at a different predetermined value of inclination.

Abstract: An electronic device and position sensor thereof. The position sensor includes a housing, a first conductor disposed at the bottom of the housing, a plurality of second conductors engaged in the housing and a connector movably disposed in the housing and contacting the first conductor, wherein the contour of the housing limits the connector to connection between the first conductor to one of the second conductors selectively. Varied display modes are thus provided in different positions.

Abstract: A low cost, tilt switch of simple construction facilitates tamper detection or provides notice of equipment tipping for safety applications. In one example embodiment, a tilt sensor includes an electrically insulative housing, a conductive ball, and two opposing electrical contacts. The switch further includes an arrangement for aligning the two opposing electrical contacts when the tilt sensor housing is formed. The sensor is mountable in a device being monitored for tilt or excessive movement. In one example application, the tilt switch or sensor effects an electrical connection that signals meter tampering when a meter is moved or inverted.

Abstract: A method for activating a passenger safety application in a vehicle involves a rotational acceleration sensor device which is used to obtain a measurement of the rotational acceleration &agr;x of the vehicle, e.g., about an axis of rotation x parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The results of this measurement are analyzed by a computing unit for evaluating the vehicle situation with respect to its surrounding. Activation of a suitable safety application is performed in the event that the analysis indicates that a rollover event of the vehicle is imminent.

Abstract: A motion sensitive device for causing an electronic signal to be sent to one or more output devices, comprising a printed circuit board, a battery connected to the printed circuit board, electrical circuitry connected to the printed circuit board, a motion sensitive switch connected to the printed circuit board, electrical output devices such as light emitting diodes connected to the printed circuit board and electrical circuits all providing means whereby the motion sensitive switch causes a signal to be transmitted to the output device when movement is sensed by the switch. The device is small enough to be used in wearing apparel and can provide safety vis-à-vis increased visibility for the user.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a sensor includes a housing with an annular track; a cylindrical contact within the annular track, the cylindrical contact being appropriately sized to allow movement within the annular track; and a plate coupled with the housing, the plate including one or more pairs of electrical contacts situated substantially adjacent to the annular track.

Abstract: A wireless power switch control device, comprising: a detection and transmission circuit for detecting an obliquity of an object, upon the obliquity of said object reaching to a specified level, said detection and transmission circuit will transmit a wireless signal; and a receiving and control circuit upon receiving the wireless signal from said detection and transmission circuit will turn off a power of a outlet so as to prevent sparking of an electric wire. The invention also provides a wire power switch control device if the environment requires.

Abstract: A wireless power switch control device, comprising: comprising: a detection and transmission circuit for detecting an obliquity of an object, upon the obliquity of said object reaching to a specified level, said detection and transmission circuit will transmit a wireless signal; and a receiving and control circuit upon receiving the wireless signal from said detection and transmission circuit will turn off a power of a outlet so as to prevent sparking of an electric wire.

Abstract: A low cost, tilt switch of simple construction facilitates tamper detection or provides notice of equipment tipping for safety applications. In one example embodiment, a tilt sensor includes an electrically insulative housing, a conductive ball, and two opposing electrical contacts. The switch further includes an arrangement for aligning the two opposing electrical contacts when the tilt sensor housing is formed. The sensor is mountable in a device being monitored for tilt or excessive movement. In one example application, the tilt switch or sensor effects an electrical connection that signals meter tampering when a meter is moved or inverted.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for thermally managing a display. A display may be tiltably coupled to a base, and the display may have a tilt sensor disposed therein for providing a tilt output when the display is tilted beyond a tilt threshold. Further aspects include a temperature sensors disposed for providing a high- or low-temperature threshold output when the display the exceeds predetermined temperature thresholds. The disclosure provides for producing a warning signal to the user when sensed signals are positive, and for producing a sleep signal to protect the display from thermal damage.

Abstract: A vibration switch includes a housing with an accommodation chamber for receiving securely two electric contact bodies therein. The electric contact bodies are spaced apart from each other, and respectively have rolling surfaces, each of which defines a farthermost area and a tangential area. Two electrically conductive rollable bodies are respectively rollable on the rolling surfaces such that the rollable bodies respectively abut against the tangential areas by virtue of gravity to establish electric contact between the electric contact bodies. Once the housing is caused to quiver, the rollable bodies will lurch towards one of the farthermost areas so that one of the rollable bodies is out of contact with one of the rolling surfaces, thereby breaking the electric contact between the electric contact bodies.

Abstract: A spherical movable contact is housed in housing portions of a first case and a second case so as to be able to roll, and is to come into or go out of contact with a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact. The first case and the second case are fixed to each other so as to form an integral body in such a manner that the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact are opposed to each other. At least one of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact is divided. The movable contact is disposed so as to roll while bridging the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact. Contact portions where the movable contact is to contact the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact assume arc shapes, respectively.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to detect four conditions, namely upright, rightwardly inclined, leftwardly inclined and inverted conditions. A casing has a housing space formed therein, and has an inner surface symmetrical with respect to an axis. In the housing space of the casing, a detection object that rolls along the inner surface around the axis is housed. The inner surface of the casing is octagonal within a virtual plane vertical to the axis, and adjoining sides of the octagon are different in length. The detection object in the housing space of the casing is stably held when situated on one of the four shorter sides of the octagon, and the position of the detection object being held is detected by a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

Abstract: A motion activated decorative article that includes a housing, and a perceptible output generator for generating an output perceptible by a person, with the perceptible output generator generating the perceptible output upon receipt of a trigger signal. A triggering circuit triggers the perceptible output generator by generating the trigger signal and passing the triggering signal to the perceptible output generator upon receipt of an activating signal. A movement detection circuit detects movement of the housing and generates an activating signal upon detection of movement and passes the activating signal to the triggering circuit. One detection circuit embodiment includes a pair of conductors on a surface in a substantially equidistant relationship to each other and in a spiral path, and a conductor member movable across the surface for creating an electrical connection between the conductors when the conductor member contacts portions of both conductors simultaneously.

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 detecting device is provided with a mass body (1) having a through hole (1a) and a sliding shaft (2) passing through the through hole (1a) and sliding the mass body (1) and is constituted such that the slicing shaft (2) comes in contact with the through hole (1a) at two points (3a) and (3b) to support the mass body (1). When the through hole (1a) is circular in cross section, the cross section of the sliding shaft (2) is formed in the shape of an ellipse elongated in the lateral direction or in the shape of an oblong circle elongated in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A watercraft has an overturn detector. The detector communicates with a controller to prevent a false overturn signal. The controller does not act on overturn signals when the watercraft is operating above a preset engine speed associated with planning mode. The controller stops the engine when the overturn signal persists for longer than a predetermined period of time while the engine is operating below the preset engine speed. The controller also monitors the overturn detector for failure. In the event of a failure during engine starting, the engine is allowed to run while the operator is alerted. In the event of a failure during engine operation, the engine is stopped and the operator is alerted if the watercraft is not in planing mode. If the failure during engine operation occurs when the watercraft is in planing mode, the operator is alerted but the engine is not stopped.

Abstract: A vibration sensor device includes a hollow casing having a plurality of protrusions extending from an inner periphery of the casing. A ball is received in the casing and located in contact with at least three of the protrusions. The ball freely rolls when the casing senses vibration and the ball contacts different protrusions when it rolls so as to activate a cooperated warning device.

Abstract: A gravity responsive attitude switch containing electrical contacts separated by a gap, the switch containing a bead liquid and a carrier liquid, the two liquids being immiscible and having different electric resistivity values, where the liquid bead may be disposed between the contacts by properly positioning the switch. The contacts are connected in an electronic circuit which senses the difference in resistivity dependent on whether the bead liquid or the carrier liquid is bridging the gap between the contacts, which in turn determines whether an operative electric circuit is opened or closed.

Abstract: A tilt switch includes an insulating housing with a bottom wall surface having an access opening, and an inner peripheral wall surface confining an accommodation chamber for receiving rollably an electrically conductive ball therein. Two electric contact terminals include two contact bodies with two rolling areas that are exposed from the access opening, and two terminal portions extending from the contact bodies and superimposed upon an upper mount surface of a support. The ball is rollable on the rolling areas between a switch-on maintaining position where the ball, though jerked by a slight tilting force, can maintain an electrical connection between the terminals, and a switch-off position where the ball is rolled out of contact with one of the rolling area by a big tilting force.

Abstract: A body incline sensor includes an erroneous detection preventing circuit for transmitting an inclined state signal by determining that a body is in an inclined state when an incline angle detector detects a weight, and a state so detected continues over a predetermined length of time. In the event that the incline angle detector does not detect a weight within a predetermined length of time due to an inertia force resulting when a body is rolling, no inclined state signal is transmitted from an inclined state transmitter, whereby the erroneous detection of the incline of the body can be prevented, the accuracy with which the incline of the body is detected being thus improved.

Abstract: A tilt switch includes an insulating housing with an inner peripheral wall surface which confines an accommodation chamber for rollably receiving an electrically conductive ball. First and second electric contact terminals have upper end portions inserted into the chamber and having contact surfaces to contact the ball when the housing is in an upright position so as to make an electrical connection therebetween. The inner peripheral wall surface includes a shoulder segment for facilitating the rolling movement of the ball to break the electrical connection when the housing is tilted to a predetermined angle.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for sensing angular rotation includes a rotor (102) that is rotatable about an axis (104). The rotor (102) has an outer periphery (e.g., cylindrical outer sidewall 106) with a plurality of reflective facets (e.g., 108A-108J). Each juncture between each adjacent pair of the facets (e.g., 108A and 108B) defines a vertex (e.g., 125A). A light source (118) emits a light beam (120) onto the rotor (102). The light beam (120) is reflected by the facets (e.g., 108B) and occasionally bifurcated by the vertices (e.g., 125A). A light detector (126) detects light from the reflected light (124). The light detector (126) provides a detector signal (116) indicative of the angular rotation of the rotor (102). Compensation circuitry (134, 138) compensates for bifurcation of the reflected light (124) and provides a compensated output signal (140) indicative of angular rotation of the rotor (102).

Abstract: A motion-based input system including a motion sensor coupled to a device. The motion sensor provides a motion signal corresponding to the movement of the device. The system further includes a processor responsive to the motion signal and configured to distinguish between a tap command and a position command and provides, in response to a tap command, one or more actions, and in response to a position command, one or more different actions to control and operate the device.

Abstract: A tilt switch generates a signal as a function of orientation relative to a force, especially to detect tilting relative to vertical under the influence of gravity. A movable mass is mounted for displacement along a path between preloaded and unloaded positions. In the example of gravity tilt detection, a free-falling weight or an overbalanced inverted pendulum toggles by a mass falling back and forth between the preloaded and unloaded states. The weight is unstable and accelerates from the preloaded position to an unloaded position upon application of the force. A piezoelectric element such as a resilient strip is arranged to be deflected suddenly by the movable mass, and generates an electrical signal. The piezoelectric element can be mounted to obstruct the path of the mass.

Abstract: The pendulum assembly comprises a permanent magnet disposed in the vicinity of a pendulum, a U-shaped yoke by which most of the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet is gathered and passes through, and a rotation shaft. The direction of axis of the rotation shaft is parallel to the direction of magnetic poles of the permanent magnet. Eddy current brakes are inserted into the spaces between one of the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet and one of the ends of the yoke, and between the other magnetic pole the magnet and the other end of the yoke. This construction achieves a more compact and shorter tilt sensor which is resistant to disturbances such as geomagnetism and other magnetic fields and vibrations.

Abstract: An earthquake-alarm device has a housing, an upper metal plate, a lower metal plate, a contacting device, an alarm and a power supply. The lower metal plate is attached to the housing below the upper metal plate. The contacting device is arranged between the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate to electrically communicate the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate when an earthquake occurs. The contacting device has a metal rod pivotally attached to the upper metal plate and a conic weight screwed with the metal rod. The alarm is electrically connected to the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate. The power supply is electrically connected to the alarm to provide an electric power to the alarm. Accordingly, the alarm will sound as earthquake occurs. In addition, the alarming device is adjustable to adapt for different magnitudes of earthquake.

Abstract: A system and method for warning of a tip over condition in a motor vehicle, such as a tractor trailer, that is carrying a cargo load. The system includes at least one left side sensor for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the left side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. Similarly, at least one right side sensor is provided for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the right side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. A microprocessor is coupled to both the left side sensors and the right side sensors. The microprocessor calculates a ratio of the cargo load borne by the left side of the motor vehicle and the right side of the motor vehicle. An alarm is provided that is coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor sounds an alarm when the calculated ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold value, thus indicating a potential tip over condition.

Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber with an inner wall in the shape of a convex hemisphere and an outer wall in the shape of a concave hemisphere which retains a gravity responsive member such as a ball of liquid mercury, the chamber having a three-dimensional sensing pathway defined on at least one of its walls, where the gravity responsive member and pathway are conductive, either electrically or optically, such that a circuit is completed when the gravity responsive member contacts the pathway, where the switch can be rotated, inverted and translated in three dimensions such that the pathway defines an acceptable three dimensional course of rotation for the switch.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off and indication device for an electric heating appliance is provided which includes: a sensor (2) for sensing usage of the appliance and for providing a usage-signal (US) indicating a non-usage of the appliance; a switch (10) for off-switching a heater (12) of the appliance in response to a switching signal (SS) derived from the usage-signal (US); a sensor (4) for sensing orientation of the appliance and for providing an orientation signal (OS) for indicating different orientations of the appliance; a selector (18) for activating an indicator (22) in response to the switching signal (SS), the indicator (22) signaling the off-switching of the heater (12); and an indication timer (8) for providing a time delay between off-switching the heater (12) and activating the indicator (22), which time delay is dependent on the orientation signal (OS). The shut-off of the heater (12) is signalled to the user by the indicator (22).

Abstract: A vibration induction switch includes a metal bottom holder having a top center convex, a metal top holder matched with the metal bottom holder and having a bottom center convex, a metal ball received in between the metal bottom holder and the metal top holder to switch on the circuit when the vibration induction switch is maintained immovable, or to alternatively switch on/off the circuit when the vibration induction switch is moved.

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: A self-cancelling turn signal mechanism for use with a vehicle such as a motorcycle turned primarily by tilting or banking into a turn. The self-cancelling turn signal mechanism includes an inertia switch with a continuous curved track and a contact-closing member freely slidable therein, sliding from a rest position in the center of the track to either end of the track when a true turn is initiated. The ends of the track and the inertia switch include contact members which, when contacted by the contact-closing member, deliver a turn-confirming signal to a control module which generates a simple time delay cancel signal to cancel a previously activated turn signal after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

Abstract: The chamber (3) of the sensor (1) comprises a first and a second passage (16, 17) that communicate with the outside; a source of visible light (11) outside the chamber, through the first of the said passages (16), illuminates the interior of the chamber (3) and the spherical body (7) arranged inside it; an element sensitive to the quantity of light (9) outside the chamber to receive, through the second of the said passages (17), the light reflected from inside the chamber and electronic circuit that analyzes the electric signals correlated with the quantity of light seen by the said light-sensitive element (9) to generate at least one pulse that activates a movement control system of the means in which the sensor (1) is installed and an alarm system.

Abstract: A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device and operative to generate a plurality of different output signals corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a plane. The sensor comprises a base mount having a first switch attached thereto and including at least three leaf contacts extending in juxtaposed relation to each other. Movably attached to the base mount is a first actuator which is cooperatively engaged to one of the leaf contacts of the first switch. The first actuator normally extends along a first axis and is movable relative thereto from a home position whereat none of the leaf contacts of the first switch contact each other to a trigger position whereat the leaf contact to which the first actuator is cooperatively engaged contacts at least one other leaf contact of the first switch.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for detecting a rotational movement of a body. An advantageous embodiment of the invention is capable of detecting a rotational movement of the body of a child. The invention can provide a care giver information concerning the position of the body of a child in the care giver's care. The invention is especially useful in warning when a child moves from a position of lying on its back to a position of lying on its stomach. The invention comprises at least two tilt switches capable of detecting when the apparatus of the invention has been rotated by a preselected inclination angle of approximately one hundred eighty degrees. The invention also comprises a controller that is capable of receiving a signal from the tilt switches and generating an alarm signal. The apparatus also comprises an alarm signaling device that is capable of sending the alarm signal to alert a care giver that a child has rolled over onto his or her stomach.

Abstract: A tilt switch includes a pair of contact elements; and at least one ball member which rolls along a path defined between the contact elements. The contact elements are disposed facing each other with a distance therebetween, as measured at one end, which is greater than the diameter of the ball member, and as measured at the other end, which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the ball member. Tilting of the tilt switch is electrically detected through detection of whether or not the ball member is held between the contact elements.