Linearly Moving Controller Patents (Class 200/61.53)
  • Patent number: 11183349
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 10422813
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: CIRCOR AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: Brent Salamone
  • Patent number: 10345332
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignees: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC., NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Bernstein, Marc S. Weinberg, Amy Duwel, Paul A. Ward, Nicol E. McGruer, Matteo Rinaldi, Eugene H. Cook
  • Patent number: 10217582
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 10020758
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS, SOCPRA Sciences et GĂ©nie S.E.C.
    Inventors: Gholamreza Mirshekari, Etienne Leveille, Luc Guy Frechette, Stephane Monfray, Thomas Skotnicki
  • Patent number: 9989231
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventors: Kanglin Mai, Yaofen Zhong
  • Patent number: 9934920
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 9666389
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 9533575
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Thuy-Yung Tran, Edward Hoare, Nigel Clarke
  • Patent number: 9194682
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: NEXTER MUNITIONS
    Inventors: Christian Pisella, Marjorie Trzmiel
  • Patent number: 9122775
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schunder, Krishnaswamy Venkatesh Prasad
  • Patent number: 8912652
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Wan Bang
  • Patent number: 8872046
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140291128
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Tom Kwa
  • Patent number: 8638298
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Hung Chou
  • Patent number: 8592700
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130228425
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Richard T. Murray
  • Publication number: 20130153376
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Armaments, Bureau, Ministry of National Defense
    Inventors: Li-Tin Chiang, Kuei-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 8367952
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: SignalQuest, Inc.
    Inventor: Whitmore B. Kelley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8269121
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8242392
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: John Ondracek
  • Patent number: 8217284
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Shenzhen H & T Intelligent Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiaohua Dai, Zhaobing Shou, Hongwu Qin, Jianwei Liu, Xiaoyong Dong
  • Publication number: 20120111703
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: TOM KWA
  • Patent number: 8124895
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Angelo Merassi, Mario Francesco Cortese, Viola Fulvio, Barbara Simoni, Andrea Rusconi Clerici Beltrami
  • Patent number: 7714239
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100056016
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Sonner, Kyle Bleyle
  • Patent number: 7649150
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: Nittei Musen Co., Ltd., Gunma Prefecture
    Inventor: Takashi Masuda
  • Publication number: 20090242362
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Wilbur Dale Jones
  • Patent number: 7592556
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hao Chou, Wen-Hsiang Lu
  • Publication number: 20090223788
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: SignalQuest, Inc.
    Inventor: Whitmore B. Kelley, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090194397
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Angelo Merassi, Mario Francesco Cortese, Fultio Viola, Barbara Simoni, Andrea Rusconi Clerici Beltrami
  • Publication number: 20090183973
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHENG-HAO CHOU, WEN-HSIANG LU
  • Patent number: 7544910
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Chen-Fu Peng
  • Publication number: 20090084665
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7493858
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Smith, Daniel J. Jean
  • Patent number: 7479608
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090008227
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Norishige Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7473858
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Mercury Displacement Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter E. Berndt, David W. Miedema
  • Publication number: 20080217144
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Allen Honer, Rolfe Tyson Gustus, Ilyas Mohammed
  • Patent number: 7411140
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Muriel G Davison, Thomas Delor, Francoise S Delor
  • Patent number: 7371982
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis S. Greywall
  • Patent number: 7359781
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Chek-Peng Foo, Huahn-Fern Yeh, Paul Leo Sumner, Dongkyun Yoo
  • Patent number: 7332685
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
  • Patent number: 6917004
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Paul D. Engdahl
  • Patent number: 6720505
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsumoto, Eiichiro Murai, Yuji Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 6717078
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masatada Yoshida, Kyojiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040003987
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tooru Matsumoto, Eiichiro Murai, Yuji Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 6646213
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6635835
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20030146077
    Abstract: A shunt resistor of the present invention has a configuration including a substantially planar resistor (10) having a predetermined resistance value; a first fixed terminal plate (20) that has one end portion (21) connected to an edge of the resistor (10); and a second fixed terminal plate (30) that has one end portion (31) connected to the other edge of the resistor (10), that has a portion in the vicinity of the end portion (31) which is bent substantially in the shape of the letter “U”, and that opposes at least a portion of the first fixed terminal plate (20), wherein a plurality of terminal tabs (12) for taking a voltage drop in the resistor (10) as a voltage signal is provided protrusive from a side edge of the resistor (10), and lead wires (40) are connected to the terminal tabs (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Hideki Enomoto, Riichi Uotome, Narutoshi Hoshino