Abstract: An optical fiber inclination measurement apparatus and a differential inclination measurement system are provided, which is related to the field of monitoring technology. The apparatus includes a supporting mechanism with a base and a base frame, a swinging mechanism with a pendulum, a cycloid, and a first reflective film is disposed on the pendulum. The measurement mechanism includes a first optical fiber, and an end surface of the first optical fiber is disposed opposite to the first reflective film. During an earthquake generating process, a landform changes and the pendulum swings, resulting in changes in displacement. The end surface of the first optical fiber together with the first reflective film form a Fabry-Perot cavity. The cavity length of the Fabry-Perot cavity changes before and after the landform deforms, and an angle of inclination is equal to a value obtained by dividing the cavity length variation of the Fabry-Perot cavity by the pendulum length.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic circuit for acousto-optoelectronic angle indication and a level gauge thereof. The electronic circuit for acousto-optoelectronic angle indication comprises a main control circuit (a), a power circuit (b), a key circuit (c), a sensor module circuit (d), an LED indicator module circuit (e), a buzzer module circuit (f) and a data storage module (g). The control circuit (a) comprises a microcontroller (U2), a capacitor (C2), a capacitor (C3), a capacitor (C4), a capacitor (C5), a capacitor (C6), a capacitor (C8), an electrolytic capacitor (E1), a resistor (R11), a resistor (R12) and a resistor (R20). The invention realizes an acousto-optoelectronically indicated design circuit device with high precision, so that the current angular value state can be accurately displayed through acoustic and photoelectric changes by simply placing a measuring device on a test plane.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of operating a wearable life logging device comprising a data processing unit, a camera unit, and at least one motion sensor. The method comprises selectively operating the device in a take photo state, wherein a photo is captured by means of the camera unit, and selectively operating the device in a sleep state, wherein the camera unit is in a low power mode. The method further comprises causing the device to transition to the take photo state in response to a signal from the motion sensor.

Abstract: According to one example of the invention, a drill rod handler includes a movable clamp. A position sensor system for the drill rod handler includes a level sensor that is configured to detect a position of the moveable clamp with respect to gravity. The position sensor system further includes a rotation sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the moveable clamp with respect to a defined axis that runs parallel to gravity. Furthermore, the position sensor system includes a control center that is communicably connected to the level sensor and the rotation sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a fleet-angle of a cable. An embodiment may monitor the fleet-angle of a cable being spooled or unspooled in multiple radial directions and without use of a mechanical monitoring apparatus. The method and system may employ a fleet angle sensor device having a bell-shaped aperture across which propagate one or more collimated light beams that may be used to detect excessive fleet-angle of the cable. The light beams may be generated by a fleet-angle sensor disposed in the fleet angle sensor device proximate to the aperture. Various light-beam patterns within the aperture may provide different advantages when determining deviations of the cable from the aperture center axis.

Abstract: A tilt sensor including a body, an LED, a first photosensitive device, a second photosensitive device, and a moving thin-element is provided. The body has a movement region, a first containing region, a second containing region, and a third containing region. The first, second, and third containing regions have an opening respectively and are connected with the movement region through the openings. The LED providing a light beam is disposed in the first containing region. The first and second photosensitive devices are disposed in the second and third containing regions respectively. When the body tilts toward different tilt directions, the moving thin-element moves in the tilt direction, allowing the light beam provided from the LED to reflect directly to the first and second photosensitive devices, or shielding the light beam provided from the LED from being transmitted to the first and second photosensitive devices.

Abstract: A tilt sensor includes a light emitting element and two light receiving elements accommodated in a case. The case is formed with an inner space in which a rolling member is provided in a freely movable manner by the pulling force of gravity. A cover plate is fixed to the case to close the inner space. The cover plate is provided with an irregular, inner ceiling surface that is exposed to the inner surface so as to come into sliding contact with the rolling member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a tilt switch that solves the problem of poor electrical contact, excessive/unpredictable hysteresis, high contact resistance, short life and/or electrical bounce. The tilt switch uses conventional ball-in-tube construction and adds a graphite powder film to all electrically conductive surfaces in the switch. This non-mercury tilt switch provides additional features such as enhanced electrical contact, reduced or eliminated hysteresis, lowered contact resistance, increased contact life and eliminates electrical bounce.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for determining the optimal servicing position for equipment or parts thereof. The system and apparatus of the present invention improves efficiency of equipment servicing, safety of mechanics or service persons and accuracy of determining various optimal servicing positions.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for leveling suspended articles or hung objects to an angle relative to a reference. The shift lever assembly (112), used as a gravity reference, is activated when the pendulum member swings horizontally in response to slightest inclination or tilt, thereby causing the conductor pin (114.14) to contact one side of a pair of conductor plates (114.24b) or (114.24b). The contacting of the conductor pin to one side of the pair of conductor plates (114.24b) or (114.24b) completes the electrical circuit and allows the electrical storage device (118) to provide electrical current to the planetary motor (116), causing it to rotate. The turning of the planetary motor (116) causes the shift lever assembly (112) to automatically shift the elongated lever arm (112.10) against the rigid axle (122.22), thereby shifting the center of balance of the object in the opposite direction of the rotation of the wheel-like driven gear (112.20). Leveling occurs when the elongated lever arm (112.

Abstract: A gradiometer is disclosed which has a pair of sensor bars 41, 43 supported in housings 45, 47. Transducers 71 are located adjacent the bars 41, 43 to detect movement of the bars in response to the gravity gradient tensor. At least one of the transducers 71 comprises a first coil 510 and a second coil 516 arranged in parallel and a switch 362 for proportioning current between the coils 510 and 516 so as to create a virtual coil at a position D between the coils 510 and 516.

Abstract: Taught herein is a portable digital horizontal inclinometer which utilizes magnetic field to dampen the free swing of the pendulum. The inclinometer features simple structure, small size, high sensitivity, good linearity, high precision, and strong anti-jamming capability. It is also easy to manufacture and provide fast and accurate reading over a wide range of inclination angles of up to 360° .

Abstract: Inclination sensors with magnetic XMR- or Hall-sensor-principles were implemented in the past by the pivotably supported indicator magnet being supported on the front face of the axle of a pendulum, with the consequence that the static friction of the support had to be overcome first, before the inclination sensor would react. Thereby very small and very slow inclinations often could not be detected. These designs always have a large amount of hysteresis. According to the invention this problem is being solved by the indicator magnet being mounted either on a float, or on a pendulum that is being supported ferrofluidic, whereby the static friction is much smaller or eliminated entirely.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that relates to orientation of a hand tool. The device comprising, a housing of the orientation device, at least one direction sensor attached to the housing, at least one alarm in operable communication with the at least one direction sensor. The alarm configured for transmitting an alert in response to the at least one direction sensor sensing a direction beyond at least one preset direction limit, and a clamp for releasably attaching the device to a hand tool.

Abstract: Is disclosed an inclination sensor for detecting a tilted state of a case by detecting by a magnetic sensor a magnetized portion of a pendulum type movement mounted rotatably on a shaft in accordance with inclination of the case, wherein the shaft fitted with a clearance in a rotation shaft hole of the movement is further provided at both ends with loosely fitted thereon spacers and mounted in the case. This realizes non-restricted state of both the movement and the shaft. Thus, the movement obtains an improved response characteristic and an increased stability since no oscillation of a running vehicle is transmitted through the shaft to the movement.

Abstract: In a saddle-type vehicle having at least three wheels, a tilt angle sensor layout structure is provided which ensures that a tilt angle sensor is minimally influenced by a centrifugal force or vibration of a vehicle body while the vehicle is turned, and the tilt angle sensor is protected against flying stones and the like. The vehicle includes an engine, and a fuel injection system for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to the engine, with a steering mechanism including a steering shaft provided on the front side of the vehicle body. A plurality of frame members constituting the vehicle body frame supporting the steering mechanism are connected in the shape of a frame loop in vehicle side view, and the tilt angle sensor for detecting the tilt angle in the left-right direction of the vehicle body is attached to the loop-shaped portion of the vehicle body frame.

Abstract: Is disclosed an inclination sensor for detecting an inclination of a vehicle body in both lateral and longitudinal directions by a pendulum type movement rotatably supported on a rotation shaft mounted in the case, wherein the rotation shaft of the movement in the case is slanting to form a specified angle between a rotation plane of the movement and the case mounting plate surface attached to the vehicle body.

Abstract: Taught herein are portable digital horizontal inclinometers which utilize magnetic field to dampen the free swing of the pendulum. The inclinometers feature simple structure, small size, high sensitivity, good linearity, high precision, and strong anti-jamming capability. They are also easy to manufacture and provide fast and accurate reading over a wide range of inclination angles of up to 360°.

Abstract: A tilt sensor system (10) is provided comprising a housing (12), a magnetized region (13) within the housing (12), and a magnetized, articulated pendulum (14) magnetically coupled to the magnetized region (13) for suspending the pendulum (14) within the housing (12). In a particular embodiment, the tilt sensor system (10) is incorporated into a park brake system (50) including a park brake for securing a portion of a vehicle in a static condition, and a control system for actuating the park brake responsive to a tilt measurement from the tilt sensor system. In addition, the tilt sensor system (10) may be incorporated into (or functionally coupled to) other vehicle control systems adapted for receiving tilt-related information from the tilt sensor system for use in performing respective vehicle control functions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring the angular or linear displacement of an object. That displacement is transmitted to a movable conductive member, which, in response thereto, is moved to a position at which it electrically contacts one of a plurality of fixed contacts, thereby to complete an electrical circuit that includes a memory location in a read-only memory that contains digital data representing the amount of displacement that correlates to the fixed contact associated with that memory location. That digital data is transferred to an output device for display or additional data processing.

Abstract: An inclination sensor includes: a case having a turning shaft section projected in a lateral direction on a front surface thereof; magnetism detecting means fixed on an upper side of the turning shaft section; a pair of magnets fixed in parallel to a rear surface of the case to be located on both sides of the magnetism detecting means; a pendulum axially supported by the turning shaft section to turn freely; and a pair of ferromagnetic bodies fixed on an inward surface of the pendulum. When the case inclines, one of the ferromagnetic bodies approaches the magnetism detecting means, and a magnetic circuit is closed by the pair of magnets and one of the ferromagnetic bodies. Magnetic fluxes of the magnets pass over front and rear surfaces of the magnetism detecting means.

Abstract: A rotation sensor comprising a Y-shaped strip and a conducting strip is disposed in a digital imaging device. The conducting strip is disposed below the Y-shaped strip. The Y-shaped strip has two sensing arms and a fixed arm. A metal piece is disposed on each of the two sensing arms. When the sensing arm hangs down due to the weight of the metal piece to touch the conducting strip, the Y-shaped strip and the conducting strip will form a closed circuit and send out a signal. Whether the digital imaging device is rotated is determined based on this signal. Whether the device body is horizontal or vertical can thus be accurately and quickly determined. Moreover, because the detection is accomplished through gentle deformation or rotation of the sensing arms, there will be no noise during the detection process.

Abstract: A detection method for measuring lift guide rail perpendicularity and an apparatus for practicing the method. The detection method includes the following steps: selecting several monitoring points on a working surface of the lift under testing, measuring seriatim the position coordinates of each monitoring point in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail and the distance between two adjacent monitoring points, measuring seriatim the included angle between the line connecting the two adjacent monitoring points and the plumb line (or the horizontal line), plotting a graphic chart of the perpendicularity error data to obtain the perpendicularity curve for the lift guide rail. The apparatus includes an instrument frame, several detector heads, a displacement sensor, an inclination sensor, a microprocessor and a power supply unit installed on the instrument frame.

Abstract: A system and method for conserving power in an electronic device. The system includes a processor and a tilt sensor operatively coupled to the processor. The processor utilizes the tilt sensor to monitor a tilt angle of the electronic device, and causes the electronic device to enter a power conservation state if the tilt angle falls outside of a predetermined range. As a result, the electronic device goes into a power conservation state immediately when the electronic device is no longer in use.

Abstract: A power tool includes a leveling device which includes a rotatable member which seeks an equilibrium position which corresponds to a level position. A rotating device includes a member which enables passage of a beam. An electrical circuit which includes an emitting device, a receiving device and an indicating device is electrically coupled such that upon activation, the emitting device emits a beam which passes through the beam passing member. The beam is received by the receiving device which, in turn, activates the indicator device. The indicator is generally a light emitting device which has a varying brightness so that the user may view the indicator from all sides of the power tool.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the angle of inclination of a surface or object with respect to the gravitational horizontal, having (1) an electric circuit with a homogeneous resistance curved to form a circumference, (2) a device or voltmeter to measure the voltage consumed by the resistance in its total length (VT), (3) another device or voltmeter to measure the voltage consumed by a portion of the resistance (VP) which length measured depends on one leg of the device/voltmeter fixed to one end of the resistance and the other leg of the device/voltmeter, with a weight and constant contact with resistance, moving due to the gravitational force as the circumference rotates on a horizontal axis, (4) a device that takes the voltages measured and outputs the inclination given by this formula [(VP:VT)*Scale].

Abstract: An inclination-measuring apparatus for use with a motor vehicle includes a rotary sensor connected to the motor vehicle, the rotary sensor selected from one of a rotary position sensor and a rotary angle sensor, a pendulum and a controller. The pendulum has a pendulous mass being oriented to hang substantially aligned with the earth's gravitational forces. The movement of the pendulum providing an input to the rotary sensor to generate a signal to ascertain the inclination of the vehicle relative to the earth's gravitational forces. The signal is processed by the controller that is operatively connected to control one of an electric park brake, a chassis leveling device while parked, a lateral inclination device while the vehicle is operational and a longitudinal inclination device while the vehicle is operational.

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: An apparatus for monitoring level variations in a given orientation of a structure, comprises a support portion secured to a structure to be monitored as a function of the given orientation in an adjustable position with respect to the horizon. A balancing arm hangs from the support portion in a resting position with respect to the horizon with one rotational degree of freedom being provided between the support portion and the balancing arm, such that a level variation in the given orientation of the structure causes the balancing arm to tend toward the resting position due to gravitational force A retaining member interrelates the balancing arm to the support portion, the retaining member retaining the balancing arm in the resting position. Sensors are positioned on the retaining member and are wired to a control system to measure strain of the retaining member resulting from the balancing arm tending toward the resting position, to quantify the level variation in the given orientation.

Abstract: An instrument for determining angular inclinations includes a rectangular frame having a generally transparent rotatable disk positioned therein. The disk includes a weight that is gravitationally attracted to the Earth's surface and circuitry for determining the disk's relative rotational position. A light source and sensor surround the disk and cooperate to determine the disk's angular position according to opaque lines imprinted on the disk's surface. The instrument includes a speech generator having a memory in which a plurality of audible messages corresponding to respective angular inclinations are stored. The instrument includes logic circuitry for determining an appropriate message to be generated according to the sensed position of the disk. This message is emitted through a speaker. The instrument further includes visual indicators relative to the angular inclination of the frame.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes a support body having a concave surface, a spherical body formed of a magnetic material and placed on the concave surface of the support body so as to roll freely thereon, a permanent magnet producing a magnetic field affecting the magnetic spherical body, and a magnetic sensor detecting a change in the magnetic field caused by the movement of said magnetic spherical body. The magnetic spherical body and the permanent magnet are provided to oppose each other with a given distance therebetween in a vertical direction. The magnetic sensor is provided between the magnetic spherical body and the permanent magnet. An output is produced in accordance with the detection by the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring level variations in a given orientation of a structure, comprises a support portion secured to a structure to be monitored as a function of the given orientation in an adjustable position with respect to the horizon. A balancing arm hangs from the support portion in a resting position with respect to the horizon with one rotational degree of freedom being provided between the support portion and the balancing arm, such that a level variation in the given orientation of the structure causes the balancing arm to tend toward the resting position due to gravitational force A retaining member interrelates the balancing arm to the support portion, the retaining member retaining the balancing arm in the resting position. Sensors are positioned on the retaining member and are wired to a control system to measure strain of the retaining member resulting from the balancing arm tending toward the resting position, to quantify the level variation in the given orientation.

Abstract: An orientation sensor includes variable resistance elements within the sensor, the variable resistance elements forming an electric circuit with a conductive ball or drop of conductive material. The resistance of the electric circuit uniquely identifies the orientation of the apparatus. A method of determining the orientation of an apparatus includes measuring the resistance of a circuit completed between two conductive members in the apparatus, and determining the position of a freely movable conductive member in the apparatus from the measured resistance.

Abstract: An inclination sensor includes a tubular chamber extending along a curved longitudinal axis. A mass is located within the chamber and moves by gravity to the lowest point of the chamber. A pair of location sensors are mounted on opposite ends of the chamber and determine the location of the mass along the chamber axis by emitting light toward the mass and measuring the intensity of the light reflected off the mass. The inclination of the inclination sensor is calculated from the axial location of the mass.

Abstract: A level indicator utilizing an alignment device, together with a power tool utilizing such a level indicator to determine when such a tool is held in a horizontal or vertical plane. An alignment device (10) has a first component part (12) with an arcuate track (14) with a track following member in the form of a ball bearing (28) to follow the track under the influence of gravity to seek an equilibrium position.

Abstract: A tilt sensing device and method for its operation, the device being of the type comprising a) a housing, b) a radiation transmitter and a radiation receiver arranged in or at the housing to form a beam path therebetween, c) a radiation obstructing or deflecting body movable in relation to the beam path and d) a rest surface for the body defining at least two possible rest positions for the body relative the beam path between which rest positions the body can move by gravity at defined tilt angles for the device and which rest positions are selected to give a detectable output difference from the radiation receiver depending on which of the rest positions is occupied by the body. The size of the movable body, expressed as the diameter of a sphere of corresponding volume, is less than 10 mm. Operation of the device includes monitoring the output from the receiver to obtain an amplitude versus time function and processing data from the function to obtain a modified signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are electronic plumb indicators for monopoles, survey poles, global positioning antennas and the like. A exemplary plumb indicator comprises a substrate, a plumb bob suspended by a thread (e.g., wire, cable, string, etc.) and disposed over a first surface of the substrate, and a probe. The substrate has an array of conductive pads disposed over its first surface, preferably in a regular pattern. The probe has a first body portion held by the plumb bob but allowed to move freely in the vertical direction, and a conductive tip disposed between the plumb bob and the first surface of the substrate. The probe tip makes contact with the first surface of the substrate, and contacts one or more pads in normal operation. The pads may be scanned electronically to determine the location of the probe tip and plumb bob with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: An orientation sensor includes variable resistance elements within the sensor, the variable resistance elements forming an electric circuit with a conductive ball or drop of conductive material. The resistance of the electric circuit uniquely identifies the orientation of the apparatus. A method of determining the orientation of an apparatus includes measuring the resistance of a circuit completed between two conductive members in the apparatus, and determining the position of a freely movable conductive member in the apparatus from the measured resistance.

Abstract: Inclination measurement apparatus for measuring the inclination of a surface to the horizontal. The apparatus includes (a) a base plate for mounting the apparatus on the surface; (b) a ball bearing with i) a housing washer rigidly mounted on the base plate, and having a flat upper bearing surface, ii) a ball and cage thrust assembly set on the upper bearing surface, and iii) a shaft washer having a flat lower bearing surface set on the ball and cage thrust assembly, and being rotatable thereon between a first pair of diametrically opposite orientations defining a first measurement axis on the horizontal to the local gravity vector prevailing at the location of the apparatus; and (c) a first clinometer mounted on the shaft washer for obtaining an inclination measurement in each of the first pair of diametrically opposite orientations whereby the true inclination of the surface to the horizontal along the first measurement axis is determinable from the difference between the pair of measurement inclinations.

Abstract: A tilt detector includes a magnet, a plurality of magnetoelectric transducers, a container, and a mounting member for mounting the magnet. The mounting member is rotatably supported within the container and the plurality of magnetoelectric transducers is mounted on the container. The tilt detector detects a tilt condition from signals generated by the magnetoelectric transducers due to changes in a relative position of the magnet and the magnetoelectric transducers as the mounting member rotates within the container.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover sensor 10 is provided, including a movable member free 12 free to rotate about a single axis 14. The movable member 12 includes an inertial mass 18. A magnet 22 is mounted to the movable member 12. The vehicle rollover sensor 10 further includes a magnetoresistive sensor 24 capable of sensing changes in the magnetic field due to changes in the orientation of the moveable member 12.

Abstract: An inclinometer comprising a spherical mass, a spherical shell having a reference axis and surrounding said spherical mass and a plurality of electrodes mounted on the spherical inner surface of said spherical shell, said inclinometer applied to detect the inclination angle of said reference axis by the output signal of said electrodes.

Abstract: An inclination sensor having excellent rotational performance, longlasting stability and high sensing precision. The inclination sensor comprises a pendulum (10) rotatably attached to a case (1) of a fixed body secured to an attached member, a magnetic flux-generating means (11) attached to the pendulum (10), reed switches (4a) and (4b) attached to part of the case (1) corresponding to the locus along which the magnetic flux-generating means (11) moves, and a flange portion (12) which is a damping body being nonmagnetic and electrically conductive and disposed in the case (1) along the locus of the movement of the magnetic flux-generating means (11).

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: A sensor unit includes a support body having a concave surface, a spherical body formed of a magnetic material and placed on the concave surface of the support body so as to roll freely thereon, a permanent magnet producing a magnetic field affecting the magnetic spherical body, and a magnetic sensor detecting a change in the magnetic field caused by the movement of said magnetic spherical body. The magnetic spherical body and the permanent magnet are provided to oppose each other with a given distance therebetween in a vertical direction. The magnetic sensor is provided between the magnetic spherical body and the permanent magnet. An output is produced in accordance with the detection by the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A tilt detector includes a magnet, a plurality of magnetoelectric transducers, a container, and a mounting member for mounting the magnet. The mounting member is rotatably supported within the container and the plurality of magnetoelectric transducers is mounted on the container. The tilt detector detects a tilt condition from signals generated by the magnetoelectric transducers due to changes in a relative position of the magnet and the magnetoelectric transducers as the mounting member rotates within the container.

Abstract: An inclinometer comprising a spherical mass, a spherical shell having a reference axis and surrounding said spherical mass and a plurality of electrodes mounted on the spherical inner surface of said spherical shell, said inclinometer applied to detect the inclination angle of said reference axis by the output signal of said electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed are electronic plumb indicators for monopoles, survey poles, global positioning antennas and the like. A exemplary plumb indicator comprises a substrate, a plumb bob suspended by a thread (e.g., wire, cable, string, etc.) and disposed over a first surface of the substrate, and a probe. The substrate has an array of conductive pads disposed over its first surface, preferably in a regular pattern. The probe has a first body portion held by the plumb bob but allowed to move freely in the vertical direction, and a conductive tip disposed between the plumb bob and the first surface of the substrate. The probe tip makes contact with the first surface of the substrate, and contacts one or more pads in normal operation. The pads may be scanned electronically to determine the location of the probe tip and plumb bob with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: A tilt detecting device for use in various electronic apparatuses such as a watch, electronic notebook or the like. The tilt detecting device includes a projection in a part of a ball containing portion formed in an interior of an insulation case. In the insulation case, two conductive pins are disposed thereon in parallel with each other with a predetermined space, which have a large diameter portion, a small diameter portion and a step between them. In the ball containing portion, a conductive ball is contained therein, which is movable along in a longitudinal direction of the two conductive pins in the ball containing portion when the insulation case is inclined. Only when the insulation case is inclined, the conductive ball is at a position on the large diameter portions to be electrically in contact with the two conductive pins to output a corresponding detection signal.

Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber to retain a gravity responsive member such as a ball of liquid mercury, the chamber having a three-dimensional 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.