Patent US3771121A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3771121A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pressure sensing apparatus
Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
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Filing: 1972-08-07
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Granted: 1973-11-06
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Expires: 1992-08-07
Abstract
Abstract A pressure sensing means responsive to gas pressure within a gas containing vessel of a motor vehicle''s inflatible bag restraint system is connected in parallel with a signal means located within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The connection is such that the signal means receives and becomes energized with power from an electrical power source when the sensing means shifts from a conductive to a non-conductive mode. Normal gas pressures within the vessel maintain the pressure sensing means in the conductive mode. If gas pressure in the vessel falls below a preselected pressure, the pressure sensing means shifts to its non-conductive mode, whereby the signal means becomes energized and serves to inform passengers of the vehicle that the gas pressure is dangerously low.
Inventors
- 👤 T Lohr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:44
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/26; B60R21/268; G; G01; G01L; G01L19/00; G01L19/08; G01L19/12; G01L9/00; G01L9/0041; G01L9/0042; G01L9/0044; H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/24; H01H35/34; H01H35/346
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
248 words
Pressure sensing apparatus adapted for use with an inflatable bag restraint system having a gas containing vessel disposed within a motor vehicle, comprising: a. a power source for supplying electrical power to the apparatus; b. signal means in series with said power source for signalling occupants of the vehicle upon receipt of said electrical power; c. pressure sensing means in series with said power source and in parallel with said signal means, said pressure sensing means having a conductive and a non-conductive mode and being responsive to gas pressure within said gas containing vessel, and including: 1. a substantially rigid, electrically conductive supporting member having inner and outer faces, 2. a pressure responsive, electrically conductive diaphragm having a portion in sealing engagement with said supporting member and the remaining portion spaced from said inner face thereof, said diaphragm and said inner face defining a hollow compartment having an evacuated state; 3. a contact member extending through said supporting member and partially into said hollow compartment; 4. insulating and sealing means disposed between said contact member and said supporting member for insulating said contact member from said supporting member and effecting an air tight seal therebetween so as to maintain said hollow compartment in said evacuated state; and d. switch means in series with said signal means and responsive to the mode of said pressure sensing means for selectively directing electrical power to said signal means, said switch means and said pressure sensing means having reciprocal modes of conductivity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
248 words
Pressure sensing apparatus adapted for use with an inflatable bag restraint system having a gas containing vessel disposed within a motor vehicle, comprising: a. a power source for supplying electrical power to the apparatus; b. signal means in series with said power source for signalling occupants of the vehicle upon receipt of said electrical power; c. pressure sensing means in series with said power source and in parallel with said signal means, said pressure sensing means having a conductive and a non-conductive mode and being responsive to gas pressure within said gas containing vessel, and including: 1. a substantially rigid, electrically conductive supporting member having inner and outer faces, 2. a pressure responsive, electrically conductive diaphragm having a portion in sealing engagement with said supporting member and the remaining portion spaced from said inner face thereof, said diaphragm and said inner face defining a hollow compartment having an evacuated state; 3. a contact member extending through said supporting member and partially into said hollow compartment; 4. insulating and sealing means disposed between said contact member and said supporting member for insulating said contact member from said supporting member and effecting an air tight seal therebetween so as to maintain said hollow compartment in said evacuated state; and d. switch means in series with said signal means and responsive to the mode of said pressure sensing means for selectively directing electrical power to said signal means, said switch means and said pressure sensing means having reciprocal modes of conductivity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
a pressure responsive, electrically conductive diaphragm having a portion in sealing engagement with said supporting member and the remaining portion spaced from said inner face thereof, said diaphragm and said inner face defining a hollow compartment having an evacuated state;
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
a pressure responsive, electrically conductive diaphragm having a portion in sealing engagement with said supporting member and the remaining portion spaced from said inner face thereof, said diaphragm and said inner face defining a hollow compartment having an evacuated state;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
Pressure sensing apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said contact member has a contact head and said diaphragm has an inner surface adapted for movement relative to said contact head, whereby said inner surface is held in contact with said contact head by forces resulting from gas pressures above a preselected pressure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
Pressure sensing apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said preselected pressure ranges from about 1,000 to 4,000 pounds per square inch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
a contact member extending through said supporting member and partially into said hollow compartment;
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
a contact member extending through said supporting member and partially into said hollow compartment;
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
82 words
insulating and sealing means disposed between said contact member and said supporting member for insulating said contact member from said supporting member and effecting an air tight seal therebetween so as to maintain said hollow compartment in said evacuated state; and d. switch means in series with said signal means and responsive to the mode of said pressure sensing means for selectively directing electrical power to said signal means, said switch means and said pressure sensing means having reciprocal modes of conductivity.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
82 words
insulating and sealing means disposed between said contact member and said supporting member for insulating said contact member from said supporting member and effecting an air tight seal therebetween so as to maintain said hollow compartment in said evacuated state; and d. switch means in series with said signal means and responsive to the mode of said pressure sensing means for selectively directing electrical power to said signal means, said switch means and said pressure sensing means having reciprocal modes of conductivity.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
Pressure sensing apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said signal means includes in parallel the combination of a lamp and an audible alarm.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
70 words
Pressure sensing apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said switch means is in the form of a reed relay comprising a coil in series with and between said power source and said pressure sensing means and a relay in series with and between said signal means and said power source, said relay being moved from a closed position to an open position upon application of power through said coil.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3686656A
Cited
US3691521A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-05 | 1977-05-07 | 1977-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-05 | 1981-05-07 | 1981-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-05 | 1985-05-07 | 1985-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |