Abstract: An implantable osteodistraction device includes an inductive power transfer circuit at least partially within one of outer and inner tubes. A shape-memory-alloy actuator includes a shape-memory-alloy element powered by the inductive power transfer circuit and configured to transition from a first phase to a second phase with a corresponding change in shape responsive to threshold resistive heating. A force transmission apparatus includes a locking clutch connected to the shape-memory-alloy actuator and slidably connected to another one of the outer and inner tubes. The locking clutch converts change in shape of the shape-memory-alloy element, by transition from one of the first and second phases to the other one of the first and second phases, to an extension of the inner tube from within the outer tube and prevents contraction of the inner tube into the outer tube when the shape-memory-alloy element oppositely transitions.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a switch of a device, which comprises using a biasing force-adjusting element, adjusting a magnitude of a biasing force imparted to a switching element of the switch by a biasing element disposed about the switching element, wherein the switching element is movably disposed within an interior cavity of a hollow body of the switch and the biasing force places the switching element in one of a first position and a second position. The first position corresponds to a first electrical state and the second position corresponds to a second electrical state.

Abstract: A MEMS acceleration detection device including a housing having a cavity and a spring mass system assembled into the cavity of the housing. A lid enclosing the spring mass system in the cavity and contacting a top surface of the housing.

Abstract: An environmental physical sensor is provided that includes a power input terminal, a sensor output terminal, and a resonant switch. The resonant switch includes a mechanical element that is responsive to an environmental stimulus and is coupled to an electrical switch. The electrical switch is operable between an open position and a closed position and electrically connects the power input terminal to the sensor output terminal when in the closed position. The mechanical element is configured to intermittently actuate the electrical switch into the closed position responsive to the environmental stimulus.

Abstract: A method of creating a switch, comprising disposing a switching element movably within an interior cavity of the switch to define first and second positions along a switching axis of the switching element, disposing a biasing element about the switching element to impart a biasing force to the switching element to place the switching element in one of the first and second positions until an external force imparted to the switching element exceeds the biasing force to cause the switching element to move to the other position, disposing a biasing force-adjusting element in cooperative engagement with the biasing element such that a magnitude of the biasing force is adjustable, and coupling a conductive contact to the switching element to define a first switching state when the switching element is in the first position and a second switching state when the switching element is in the second position.

Abstract: A first closed enclosure defines a cavity having an inner dimension smaller than 5 mm. At least one second resiliently deformable closed enclosure is connected in fluid communication with the first enclosure. A fluid at more than 90% in the liquid state fills the first and second enclosures. A first portion of the first enclosure is in contact with a hot source of a temperature higher than the evaporation temperature of the fluid. A second portion of the first enclosure located between the first portion and the resiliently deformable closed enclosure is in contact with a cold source at a temperature lower than the condensation temperature of the fluid. An electromechanical transducer is coupled to a deformable membrane of the resiliently deformable closed enclosure.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel arrow tail lamp, comprising an inertial on-off loop formed by the connection of a shell, a low voltage light source and an inertia switch, the inertial on-off loop can be switched between a closed circuit and an open circuit under the function that the inertia switch is functioned by the inertia in a same direction, and an inertial on-off loop formed by the low voltage light source and the power supply through the inertia switch, is arranged in the shell. The novel arrow tail lamp can be started depending on the inertia when the arrow is shot, therefore arrow shooting process is a process of starting the novel arrow tail lamp; furthermore, after the user swings the arrow tail downwards, the disconnection of the on inertial on-off loop can be realized, so that the novel arrow tail lamp is convenient and quick to use.

Abstract: A switch comprising an interior cavity and a switching element movably disposed within the interior cavity to define a first position and a second position, the second position being different from the first position. A biasing element imparts a biasing force to the switching element to place the switching element in either the first or the second position until an external force imparted to the switching element exceeds the biasing force, thereby causing the switching element to move to the other one of the first or the second position. A biasing force-adjusting element is cooperatively engaged with the biasing element, wherein a magnitude of the biasing force is adjustable using the biasing force-adjusting element. An electrically-conductive contact, coupled to the switching element, defines a first switching state when the switching element is in the first position and a second switching state when the switching element is in the second position.

Abstract: A switch comprising a switching element, a hollow body defining an interior cavity in which the switching element is movably disposed along a longitudinal device axis to define a first and second positions along the longitudinal device axis, the second position being different from the first position, a biasing element imparting an adjustable biasing force to the switching element to place the switching element in one of the first position and the second position until an external force imparted to the switching element along the longitudinal device axis exceeds the biasing force thereby causing the switching element to move to the other one of the first position and the second position, and an electrically-conductive contact coupled to the switching element and defining a first switching state when the switching element is in the first position and a second switching state when the switching element is in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a plurality of water level sensors, for example comprising capacitive or resistive sensors, from the outputs of which can be determined vehicle orientation when wading. In conjunction with a vehicle orientation sensor, the outputs from any one water level sensor permits calculation of water depth at any point on the vehicle body.

Abstract: The invention consists of a safety and arming device for a projectile and using micro electro-mechanical technology that incorporates at least three layers of substrate: a bottom, a top and at least one intermediate layer incorporating at least one mobile part with respect to the different layers of substrate wherein the bottom and top incorporate raised patterns, the raised patterns being evenly spaced over the bottom and the top such that the mobile part is always, when in movement, held immobile between the raised patterns of the bottom and those of the top, the raised patterns of the bottom being in contact with a lower face of the mobile part and the raised patterns of the top being in contact with an upper face of the mobile part.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining a user account associated with a vehicle occupant. The method also includes detecting the presence of at least one active monitoring device. The method further includes determining an association between the active monitoring device and the user account and periodically downloading device information from the active monitoring device to a vehicle computing system. Finally, the method includes storing downloaded device information in association with the user account.

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 method of creating a switch to be disposed along a longitudinal axis of a device, comprising providing a hollow body defining an interior cavity, disposing a switching element movably within the interior cavity, the switching element defining a switch-making position and a switch-breaking position and having a biasing element, coupling an electrically-conductive contact to the switching element to define a switch-making state when the switching element is in the switch-making position and a switch-braking state when the switching element is in the switch-braking position, and imparting a variable longitudinal bias to the switching element with the biasing element to place the switching element in one of the switch-making position and the switch-braking position until an external force imparted to the switching element along the switching axis exceeds the longitudinal bias thereby causing the switching element to move to the other one of the switch-making position and the switch-braking position.

Abstract: A motion-sensitive low-G MEMS acceleration switch, which is a MEMS switch that closes at low-g acceleration (e.g., sensitive to no more than 10 Gs), is proposed. Specifically, the low-G MEMS acceleration switch has a base, a sensor wafer with one or more proofmasses, an open circuit that includes two fixed electrodes, and a contact plate. During acceleration, one or more of the proofmasses move towards the base and connects the two fixed electrodes together, resulting in a closing of the circuit that detects the acceleration. Sensitivity to low-G acceleration is achieved by proper dimensioning of the proofmasses and one or more springs used to support the proofmasses in the switch.

Abstract: A method for a mouse is provided. The mouse includes a housing, a timing unit. A container is secured in the housing. The container is full of insulated liquid. A sphere suspends in the liquid. First sensors and second sensors are attached to the container. Each first sensors is charged, each second sensors is uncharged. The first sensors are spaced from each other by one second sensor. When any adjacent first sensor and second sensor are simultaneously contacted by the sphere, the contacted second sensor is thus charged. The method includes: determining whether any second sensor is charged; generating a position signal, controlling the timing unit to time within the period the any second sensor being charged; determining the movement direction of the a cursor; determining the movement distance of the cursor; and generating cursor control signal for controlling movement of the cursor.

Abstract: A switch of a device having a longitudinal axis, and comprising a switching element parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, a hollow body defining an interior cavity in which the switching element is movably disposed to define a switch-making position at a first longitudinal position and a switch-breaking position at a second longitudinal position, a biasing element imparting a variable longitudinal bias to the switching element to place the switching element in one of the switch-making position and the switch-breaking position until an external force imparted to the switching element exceeds the longitudinal bias causing the switching element to move to the other of the switch-making position and the switch-breaking position, and an electrically-conductive contact coupled to the switching element and defining a switch-making state when the switching element is in the switch-making position and a switch-breaking state when the switching element is in the switch-breaking position.

Abstract: An electrical switch including: a body; a mass element; a spring element attached at one end to the body and at another end, at least indirectly, to the mass element; and an inclined surface upon which the mass element moves from a resting position to an all-fire position. The inclined surface being inclined with respect to a firing setback acceleration. When the body experiences the firing setback acceleration, the mass element travels at least across the inclined surface against a force of the spring element to contact an electrical contact and close a circuit.

Abstract: An inertia micro-switch includes a shell, a cell unit and an actuator. The shell includes a drum placed between an upper unit and a lower unit. The cell unit is placed in the shell. The actuator includes a housing unit, a lower conductive rod, two movable elements and a hit-taking unit. The housing unit is placed in the vicinity of the cell unit in the shell. The lower conductive rod is placed in the housing unit and connected to the cell unit. The movable elements are placed in the housing unit. The hit-taking unit moves the movable elements and hence contacts the lower conductive rod when it takes a hit.

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: A mechanical force switch to be disposed along a longitudinal device axis of a medical device includes an electrically conductive switching piston to form a first electrical contact of the switch, a hollow body, an end stop, a bias device, and an electrically conductive second contact of the switch electrically insulated from the piston. The piston is movably disposed in the body hollow along the axis to define different switch-making and -breaking positions. The piston is also movably disposed in a cavity of the stop and the stop is disposed in the body. The stop can be a smooth or threaded puck. The bias device surrounds the piston and imparts bias against it to retain it in one of the two positions until an external axis force overcomes the bias, at which time the switch indicates a state changeover. The switch can be normally open or closed.

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: 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.

Abstract: A motion-sensitive low-G MEMS acceleration switch, which is a MEMS switch that closes at low-g acceleration (e.g., sensitive to no more than 10 Gs), is proposed. Specifically, the low-G MEMS acceleration switch has a base, a sensor wafer with one or more proofmasses, an open circuit that includes two fixed electrodes, and a contact plate. During acceleration, one or more of the proofmasses move towards the base and connects the two fixed electrodes together, resulting in a closing of the circuit that detects the acceleration. Sensitivity to low-G acceleration is achieved by proper dimensioning of the proofmasses and one or more springs used to support the proofmasses in the switch.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical device has a mobile mass that undergoes a movement, in particular a spurious movement, in a first direction in response to an external event; the device moreover has a stopper structure configured so as to stop said spurious movement. In particular, a stopper element is fixedly coupled to the mobile mass and is configured so as to abut against a stopper mass in response to the spurious movement, thereby stopping it. In detail, the stopper element is arranged on the opposite side of the stopper mass with respect to a direction of the spurious movement, protrudes from the space occupied by the mobile mass and extends in the space occupied by the stopper mass, in the first direction.

Abstract: A mechanical force switch to be disposed along a longitudinal device axis of a medical device includes an electrically conductive switching piston to form a first electrical contact of the switch, a hollow body, an end stop, a bias device, and an electrically conductive second contact of the switch electrically insulated from the piston. The piston is movably disposed in the body hollow along the axis to define different switch-making and -breaking positions. The piston is also movably disposed in a cavity of the stop and the stop is disposed in the body. The stop can be a smooth or threaded puck. The bias device surrounds the piston and imparts bias against it to retain it in one of the two positions until an external axis force overcomes the bias, at which time the switch indicates a state changeover. The switch can be normally open or closed.

Abstract: A switch or switch mechanism that can be used with an object to detect motion of the object in a particular direction or directions is disclosed. The switch can include two contacts and a conductive mechanism that remains engaged with one contact and that is selectively engageable with the other contact in response to movement in a particular direction.

Abstract: There are provided a sensor which is small, suitable for reflow soldering by automatic cleaning and automatic mounting, can be manufactured in batch, and has a switch function, and a manufacturing method of the sensor, and a portable telephone having the sensor built therein. There are provided a sensor having a switch function, the sensor being composed of a first substrate composed of a semiconductor by which a conducting part of the switch is formed, a second substrate composed of the semiconductor by which a conducting part of the switch is formed or an insulator by which the conducting part of the switch is formed, and a moving member having conductivity, wherein any of the first substrate and the second substrate has a cavity-shaped portion and the moving member having conductivity is confined by the first substrate and the second substrate, and a manufacturing method of the sensor, and an electronic device having the sensor built therein.

Abstract: The invention is an acceleration switch designed to fuse switch unguided ballistic warheads at a specified elevation above land. It houses two spring controlled and inertia responsive electrically conductive pistons, one of which would electrically program the fuse switching acceleration value when advancing, upon sensing peak acceleration (as the reentering warhead experiences its peak deceleration), and the other of which would close the fuse switching circuit when, upon retracting, it senses the programmed fuse switching acceleration value. The switch also incorporates a remotely steppable bi-directional stepping motor which would be employed to regulate the inactive position of the fuse switching piston.

Abstract: The vibration switch includes a housing with a chamber formed thereon and extended in a longitudinal direction. Two attachment means are disposed at two ends of the chamber respectively. Two spring means are received in the chamber and attached to the two attachment means respectively. Two electric contact terminals are electrically connected to the two spring means respectively. An electrically conductive inertial weight received in the chamber and disposed between the two spring means. When the vibration switch is jerked in the longitudinal direction, the inertial weight is capable of moving by inertial force from an initial position to positions where the inertial weight contacts or disengages one of the two spring means, making the vibration switch change from an initial state to a switch-on state or a switch-off state; the inertial weight is capable of returning to the inertial position by the spring force of the two spring means.

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: A microelectromechanical device has a mobile mass that undergoes a movement, in particular a spurious movement, in a first direction in response to an external event; the device moreover has a stopper structure configured so as to stop said spurious movement. In particular, a stopper element is fixedly coupled to the mobile mass and is configured so as to abut against a stopper mass in response to the spurious movement, thereby stopping it. In detail, the stopper element is arranged on the opposite side of the stopper mass with respect to a direction of the spurious movement, protrudes from the space occupied by the mobile mass and extends in the space occupied by the stopper mass, in the first direction.

Abstract: The vibration switch includes a housing with a chamber formed thereon and extended in a longitudinal direction. Two attachment means are disposed at two ends of the chamber respectively. Two spring means are received in the chamber and attached to the two attachment means respectively. Two electric contact terminals are electrically connected to the two spring means respectively. An electrically conductive inertial weight received in the chamber and disposed between the two spring means. When the vibration switch is jerked in the longitudinal direction, the inertial weight is capable of moving by inertial force from an initial position to positions where the inertial weight contacts or disengages one of the two spring means, making the vibration switch change from an initial state to a switch-on state or a switch-off state; the inertial weight is capable of returning to the inertial position by the spring force of the two spring means.

Abstract: A vibration sensor includes casing, substrate, and elastic metal piece; two electrode areas separated by a separation zone being provided on the substrate; a vibration contact being provided on the separation zone; placement being executed by the metal piece on the substrate to contact or not to contact both electrode areas and produce connection or disconnection at the vibration contacts for selecting to turn on or off a power source and an electronic device connected to the vibration sensor and producing intermittent conduction by means of the sensor built in an object.

Abstract: A mechanical force switch to be disposed along a longitudinal device axis of a medical device includes an electrically conductive switching piston to form a first electrical contact of the switch, a hollow body, an end stop, a bias device, and an electrically conductive second contact of the switch electrically insulated from the piston. The piston is movably disposed in the body hollow along the axis to define different switch-making and -breaking positions. The piston is also movably disposed in a cavity of the stop and the stop is disposed in the body. The stop can be a smooth or threaded puck. The bias device surrounds the piston and imparts bias against it to retain it in one of the two positions until an external axis force overcomes the bias, at which time the switch indicates a state changeover. The switch can be normally open or closed.

Abstract: A MEMS inertial delay device having a substrate layer, an intermediate layer and a device layer. A plurality of freely moveable interlocking masses are formed in the device layer along with springs which connect the masses to first and second supports. Movement of a first one of the interlocked masses, due to a shock event, allows subsequent masses to move, with a last mass including an activation member, movement of which causes operation of a mechanism, such as movement of a lock in a safe/arm arrangement in a munition round.

Abstract: A mechanical force switch to be disposed along a longitudinal device axis of a medical device includes an electrically conductive switching piston to form a first electrical contact of the switch, a hollow body, an end stop, a bias device, and an electrically conductive second contact of the switch electrically insulated from the piston. The piston is movably disposed in the body hollow along the axis to define different switch-making and -breaking positions. The piston is also movably disposed in a cavity of the stop and the stop is disposed in the body. The stop can be a smooth or threaded puck. The bias device surrounds the piston and imparts bias against it to retain it in one of the two positions until an external axis force overcomes the bias, at which time the switch indicates a state changeover. The switch can be normally open or closed.

Abstract: An ultracompact, highly reliable mechanical type motion switch is provided which can be used for long periods of time even in severe environments such as in a high-temperature state. A motion switch has a bottomed cylindrical metallic case and a lower cover which is pressed fitted and secured in the metallic case. Two leads are penetratingly provided in the lower cover, each lead being supported and fixed in the lower cover and electrically insulated from the lower cover by a hermetic seal. Each lead extends from the lower cover toward a side of an innermost wall up to a predetermined position spaced apart from the innermost wall. A metallic ball is disposed between the innermost wall and each detecting end at a distal end of each lead so as to be movable therebetween. A coil spring having a proximal end secured to the lower cover is disposed inside the metallic case so as to surround the two leads.

Abstract: A movement detecting device detects movement, or tilt, of a building facilities component, and controls a desired event through an electrical signal without using mercury. The device includes a first housing section and a second housing section held together by a fastener. A ball is disposed between the first and second housing sections within a cavity. A mechanical switch is disposed between the first and second housing sections so that the switch extends into the cavity for contact with the ball when movement of the device exceeds a predetermined angle. A damper arm is included for securing the device to a facilities component to be monitored as desired.

Abstract: An impact switch includes a housing having a wall including at least two electrically conductive contact elements spaced apart from one another. The switch includes an inertial body having a conductive surface disposed in a tapered aperture and electrically connecting the contact elements to one another in a switch closed condition. An impact switch for rapidly firing an explosive device is provided.

Abstract: An inertial mass detection device. An illustrative embodiment of the device includes a generally elongated ball track, at least one pair of spaced-apart switch contacts provided on the ball track, a battery connected to a first one of the at least one pair of spaced-apart switch contacts, at least one inertia indicating device connected to the battery and to a second one of the at least one pair of spaced-apart switch contacts and an electrically-conductive contact ball rollably provided on the ball track.

Abstract: A device, a Micro-Electrical-Mechanical-Switch (MEMS) safety and arming (S&A) device and a method of manufacturing the MEMS S&A. In one embodiment, the device includes a body and a MEMS shuttle movably coupled to the body. In this embodiment, the shuttle is configured to close a switch in response to being accelerated in two directions that are substantially orthogonal.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for controlling a multistage actuatable occupant restraining system (14, 18) of a vehicle includes a crash sensor (32) sensing crash acceleration at a substantially central location of the vehicle. A crush zone accelerometer (40, 42) is provides a crush zone crash acceleration signal. A controller (50) a crash velocity value and a crash displacement value in response to the crash acceleration signal. A plurality a predetermined crash velocity as a function of crash displacement threshold maps (152-172) is provided, two of the plurality of threshold maps (170, 172) relating to a second stage (92, 96) of said multistage actuatable occupant restraining system. The selects one of the two threshold maps relating to the second stage of in response to the crush zone acceleration signal and controls second stage actuation in response to a comparison of the crash velocity signal against the selected one of the two threshold maps (170, 172).

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: 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: An acceleration detecting device comprising a mass body inserted in a casing so as to be movable in the forward and backward direction, an elastic member for biasing the mass body backward, stationary contacts provided on the casing, moving contacts provided on the mass body, and auxiliary moving contacts also provided on the mass body, wherein the moving contacts contact with the stationary contacts when acceleration applied to the mass body causes the mass body to advance a predetermined distance against the bias of the elastic member, and when the mass body advances further and the mass body collides against the casing, the auxiliary moving contacts contact with the stationary contacts at the distal end of the range in which the mass body moves.

Abstract: A collision detecting apparatus is provided which consists of a rotor and a first and a second contact spring. Upon collision, the rotor pushes the first contact spring to establish an electrical contact with the second contact spring. At least one of the first and second contact member is decreased in width from a base portion secured on a mount base to a contact portion, thereby decreasing the weight of the contact portion to avoid the contact chatter.

Abstract: An acceleration detecting device comprising a mass body inserted in a casing so as to be movable in the forward and backward direction, an elastic member for biasing the mass body backward, stationary contacts provided on the casing, moving contacts provided on the mass body, and auxiliary moving contacts also provided on the mass body, wherein the moving contacts contact with the stationary contacts when acceleration applied to the mass body causes the mass body to advance a predetermined distance against the bias of the elastic member, and when the mass body advances further and the mass body collides against the casing, the auxiliary moving contacts contact with the stationary contacts at the distal end of the range in which the mass body moves.

Abstract: An acceleration detector including a mass member and a fixed contact, which keep contact with each other by an elastic member that presses the mass member to the fixed contact. When a vehicle undergoes an impact from its left side in its traveling direction, for example, and the mass member receives inertial force that exceeds the pushing force of the elastic member, the mass member moves toward the elastic member, thereby separating from the fixed contact. By providing the mass member and the fixed contact on both sides of the elastic member, side-to-side impact applied to the vehicle can be detected. The acceleration detector with such a configuration can detect the impact acceleration at high response sensitivity and in both directions.

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.