Patent US3739191A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3739191A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Vehicular deceleration sensor using caviation phenomena in electrically conductive liquid
Assignee: Nissan Motor Co Ltd
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Filing: 1971-08-25
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Granted: 1973-06-12
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Expires: 1991-08-25
Abstract
Abstract Vehicular deceleration sensor using cavitation phenomena in a confined electrically conductive liquid. The deceleration sensor includes a container provided stationary relative to a vehicle and defining a chamber confining therein the conductive liquid such as mercury. A first electrode is mounted on the container and protrudes into the chamber for electrically contacting with the liquid. At least one second electrode is also mounted on the container at a spacing from the first electrode and protrudes into the chamber for electrically contacting with the liquid. Cavitation means is included in the container for bearing upon a force of inertia of the liquid, when an accelerating force is applied to the container, and for being deformed by the inertia to form a cavity in the liquid between the first electrode and one of the second electrodes when the accelerating force is above a predetermined level. Deceleration of the vehicle can be detected by detecting at least one of the interruptions of electric current flowing between the first electrode and one of the second electrodes, in response to formation of the cavity. The characteristics of deceleration level and direction to be detected can be controlled by employing a suitable gate circuit in combination with the deceleration sensor.
Inventors
- 👤 Y Nagazumi
- 👤 T Mori
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:01
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P15/00; G01P15/02; G01P15/08; G01P15/135
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
A device for detecting deceleration of a vehicle comprising means defining a chamber mounted in use stationarily in a vehicle; an electrically conductive, non-compressible liquid in said chamber; said means defining said chamber comprising means defining a deformable interface with said liquid confining said liquid in said chamber and deformable upon the application of a force developed by said liquid upon deceleration of said vehicle in a direction for increasing a volume of said chamber containing said liquid developing a vacuum cavity in a portion of said liquid; a first electrode disposed extending into said chamber electrically contacting said liquid; at least a second electrode disposed extending into said chamber and spaced apart from said first electrode electrically contacting said liquid; said first electrode having means for receiving an electrical signal for passing through said liquid to said second electrode; said second electrode being positioned to be enveloped by said vacuum cavity when developed thereby interrupting said first electrical signal.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
160 words
A device for detecting deceleration of a vehicle comprising means defining a chamber mounted in use stationarily in a vehicle; an electrically conductive, non-compressible liquid in said chamber; said means defining said chamber comprising means defining a deformable interface with said liquid confining said liquid in said chamber and deformable upon the application of a force developed by said liquid upon deceleration of said vehicle in a direction for increasing a volume of said chamber containing said liquid developing a vacuum cavity in a portion of said liquid; a first electrode disposed extending into said chamber electrically contacting said liquid; at least a second electrode disposed extending into said chamber and spaced apart from said first electrode electrically contacting said liquid; said first electrode having means for receiving an electrical signal for passing through said liquid to said second electrode; said second electrode being positioned to be enveloped by said vacuum cavity when developed thereby interrupting said first electrical signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
123 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said means defining said chamber comprises an elongated, tubular member disposed axially in the direction of the change in acceleration of said vehicle, composed of rigid, electrically insulating material having an intermediate portion and opposite end portions in communication therewith, one end portion having a larger transverse dimension than the other end portion and said intermediate portion, said means defining said deformable interface comprising a diaphragm disposed at said one end portion in intimate contact with said liquid and composed of flexible, electrically insulating material, said diaphragm having a part thereof expansible in a direction outwardly of said chamber in response to the application of said force applied by said liquid upon deceleration of said vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 2, wherein said first electrode is mounted on said diaphragm for movement therewith and said second electrode is disposed extending into said other end portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device according to claim 2, wherein said first electrode is disposed extending into said intermediate portion and said second electrode is disposed extending into said other end portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A device according to claim 2, wherein said first electrode is disposed extending into said intermediate portion and said second electrode is disposed extending into said intermediate portion and spaced at a greater distance from said one end portiOn than said first electrode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device according to claim 2, wherein said first electrode is disposed extending into said intermediate portion, and in which said second electrode comprises a threaded cap disposed defining said chamber in conjunction with said intermediate portion of said tubular member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device according to claim 2, including means containing a compressible fluid at less than atmospheric pressure enclosing said diaphragm for increasing the sensitivity of said diaphragm to said force applied by said liquid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
105 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said means defining said chamber comprises an elongated tubular member composed of rigid, electrically insulating material disposed axially in the direction of the change in acceleration of said vehicle and having two communicating end portions, one end portion having a larger transverse dimension than the other end portion and said means defining said deformable interface comprising a capsule composed of flexible electrically insulating material immersed within said liquid and containing compressible fluid at leas than atmospheric pressure, said capsule being compressible in response to the application of said force applied by said liquid upon deceleration of said vehicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
A device according to claim 8, wherein said means defining said chamber further comprises a partition disposed between said two end portions and having apertures for permitting communication between said two end portions, and said capsule being disposed in one of said two end portions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
111 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said means defining said chamber comprises a tubular member composed of rigid, electrically insulating material having one portion filled with said liquid and another portion offset from and in communication with said one portion and above the level of said liquid, a fluid contained within said another portion, and said means defining said deformable interface comprises a bellows composed of flexible, electrically insulating material disposed at said another portion in contact with said fluid and having a part thereof expansible in a direction outwardly of said chamber in response to the application of said force applied by said liquid upon deceleration of said vehicle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
88 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said means defining said chamber comprises a tubular member composed of rigid, electrically insulating material having a first portion filled with said liquid and a second portion in communication with and offset from said first portion and above the level of said liquid, a compressible fluid contained within said second portion and said means defining said deformable interface comprising the compressible fluid, and said fluid compressing upon the application of said force applied by said liquid upon deceleration of said vehicle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
127 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said means defining a chamber comprises an elongated tubular member composed of rigid, electrically insulating, material having two communication portions having equal diameters and equal lengths, each portion having an end portion communicating therewith, said second electrode being disposed extending into the end portion of one of said two portions and a third electrode being disposed extending into the end portion of the other of said two portions, said means defining said deformable interface comprising a bellows composed of flexible, electrically insulating material disposed at a juncture of said two portions, and said bellows having a part thereof expansible outwardly of said chamber in response to the application of said force applied by said liquid upon deceleration of said vehicle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
63 words
A device according to claim 12, wherein said means defining a chamber further comprises a third portion of said tubular member equal in diameter and shorter in length than and communicating with said two portions, extending from said juncture of said two portions and having a communicating end portion, and a fourth electrode dispOsed extending into said end portion of said third portion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
63 words
A device according to claim 12, wherein said means defining a chamber further comprises a third portion of said tubular member equal in diameter and longer in length than and communicating with said two portions, extending from said juncture of said two portions and having a communicating end portion, and a fourth electrode disposed extending into said end portion of said third portion.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
146 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said means defining a chamber comprises a tubular member composed of rigid, electrically insulating material and defining a liquid flow-path having an arcuate portion corresponding to the arc of a semi-circle, a second portion extending inwardly to the center of said semi-circle, a third portion extending radially from said center towards said arcuate portion and two end portions communicating therewith, said second electrode being disposed extending into one end portion, a third electrode being disposed extending into the other end portion and said means defining said deformable interface comprising a bellows disposed at a juncture of said second and third portions and in communication with said liquid, and said bellows having a part thereof expansible in a direction outwardly of said chamber in response to the application of said force applied by said liquid upon deceleration of said vehicle.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
103 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said means defining a chamber comprises a tubular member composed of rigid, electrically insulating material defining a liquid flow-path having a circular shape and having two end portions in communication with said flow-path, said second electrode being disposed extending into one end portion and said means defining said deformable interface comprising a diaphragm disposed at the other end portion and in intimate contact with said liquid and having a part thereof expansible in a direction outwardly of said chamber in response to the application of said force applied by said liquid upon deceleration of said vehicle.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
103 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said means defining a chamber comprises a tubular member composed of rigid, electrically insulating material defining a liquid flowpath having an elliptical shape and having two end portions in communication with said flow-path, said second electrode being disposed extending into one end portion said said means defining said deformable interface comprising a diaphragm disposed at the other end portion and in intimate contact with said liquid and having a part thereof expansible in a direction outwardly of said chamber in response to the application of said force applied by said liquid upon deceleration of said vehicle.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
56 words
A device according to claim 1, including gate circuit means connected to said second electrode for detecting the absence of said electrical signal at said second electrode and for developing another electrical signal in response to said absence of said electrical signal and safety device means receptive of said another electrical signal and actuated by same.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-11 | 1976-12-11 | 1977-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-11 | 1980-12-11 | 1981-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-11 | 1984-12-11 | 1985-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |