US3731019A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Omni-directional force sensor
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-07-23
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Granted: 1973-05-01
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Expires: 1991-07-23
Abstract
Abstract This application relates to a sensor. It is responsive to impact of predetermined magnitude from any direction. It can be mounted in a car for actuation responsive to impact of safety apparatus within an automobile.
Inventors
- 👤 B Heurtebise
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 12:05
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
293 words
In apparatus for sensing rapid change of inertia on an automobile within predetermined threshhold limits, the improvements comprising: an outer substantially spherical shell member; an inner substantially spherical switch closing member; yieldably mechanical and non-magnetically responsive biasing means operating to maintain a predetermined normal position of the switch closing member with respect to the outer shell member when mechanical forces on said biasing means are less than a predetermined non-zero threshhold; said biasing means being operable without exerting magnetic forces on said switch closing member; means insulating the switch closing member from electrical contact with said outer member responsive to operation of said biasing means; said switch closing member being substantially spherically shaped with radially outward projecting nodules embossed thereon and uniformly spaced apart throughout the surface of said switch closing member; a substantially spherical inner surface of said outer shell member and said nodules being electrically conductive; a substantial portion of the inner switch closing member being electrically conductive; any one of said nodules of said inner switch closing member coming into electrical contact with said inner surface of said outer shell member responsive to forces from any direction overcoming said biasing means above said predetermined threshhold rendering said biasing means inoperable to maintain the normal position of said switch closing member the length of path between each of said nodules and said inner surface of said outer shell member that said each nodule must travel from said predetermined normal 10/30/sh position to said electrical contact being substantially the same order of magnitude as the length of path between the nodule displaced 180* away from said each nodule and said inner surface of said outer shell member that said displaced nodule must travel from said predetermined normal position to said electrical contact.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
293 words
In apparatus for sensing rapid change of inertia on an automobile within predetermined threshhold limits, the improvements comprising: an outer substantially spherical shell member; an inner substantially spherical switch closing member; yieldably mechanical and non-magnetically responsive biasing means operating to maintain a predetermined normal position of the switch closing member with respect to the outer shell member when mechanical forces on said biasing means are less than a predetermined non-zero threshhold; said biasing means being operable without exerting magnetic forces on said switch closing member; means insulating the switch closing member from electrical contact with said outer member responsive to operation of said biasing means; said switch closing member being substantially spherically shaped with radially outward projecting nodules embossed thereon and uniformly spaced apart throughout the surface of said switch closing member; a substantially spherical inner surface of said outer shell member and said nodules being electrically conductive; a substantial portion of the inner switch closing member being electrically conductive; any one of said nodules of said inner switch closing member coming into electrical contact with said inner surface of said outer shell member responsive to forces from any direction overcoming said biasing means above said predetermined threshhold rendering said biasing means inoperable to maintain the normal position of said switch closing member the length of path between each of said nodules and said inner surface of said outer shell member that said each nodule must travel from said predetermined normal 10/30/sh position to said electrical contact being substantially the same order of magnitude as the length of path between the nodule displaced 180* away from said each nodule and said inner surface of said outer shell member that said displaced nodule must travel from said predetermined normal position to said electrical contact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nodules are in the shape of truncated right circular upstanding conical embossments and are spaced apart at a distance no greater than one-eighth ( 1/8 ) of the circumference of said switch closing member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
117 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outer shell member has a substantially spherical shape with radially outwardly extending nodules that are hOllow forming chambers therein; bolts extending radially inwardly in the centers of said chambers; said bolts having concentric dielectric washer means surrounding the stem portions thereof; said biasing means being in the form of coil springs concentric with and surrounding a portion of said washer means; said washer means and said bolts cooperating to insulate said springs from electrical contact with said outer shell member and also limiting the motion of said coil springs to translational expansion and contraction substantially parallel to the concentric axes of said coil springs, said bolt and said washer means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-30 | 1976-10-30 | 1977-05-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-30 | 1980-10-30 | 1981-05-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-30 | 1984-10-30 | 1985-05-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |