US4138600A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Force-responsive device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-04-22
•
Granted: 1979-02-06
•
Expires: 1997-04-22
Abstract
Abstract A device is disclosed which, in response to forces acting upon it, such as gravity, inertia, magnetic fields and the like, opens or closes electric circuits or otherwise generates signals which may be used to control predetermined functions.
Inventors
- 👤 Karlis V. Ozols
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 18:01
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P15/00; G01P15/18; G01P15/02; G01P15/08; G01P15/0888; H; H01; H01H; H01H29/00; H01H29/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
An inertia-operated device for use with a movable body which is capable of acceleration and/or deceleration, comprising container means forming at least two spaced compartments and at least one flow-restricting capillary passage connecting said compartments and forming the sole communication between them; a quantity of electrically conductive flowable material in said container means and adapted to flow between said compartments and through said passage as a function of changes in the velocity of said body; and electrical monitoring means connected to said compartments and said passage and operative for monitoring the position and flow of said material therein as a function of resistance-value changes which result from changes in the position of said electrically conductive flowable material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
An inertia-operated device for use with a movable body which is capable of acceleration and/or deceleration, comprising container means forming at least two spaced compartments and at least one flow-restricting capillary passage connecting said compartments and forming the sole communication between them; a quantity of electrically conductive flowable material in said container means and adapted to flow between said compartments and through said passage as a function of changes in the velocity of said body; and electrical monitoring means connected to said compartments and said passage and operative for monitoring the position and flow of said material therein as a function of resistance-value changes which result from changes in the position of said electrically conductive flowable material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said compartments are toroidal and are axially aligned with one another and with said passage, said electrical means comprising a plurality of electrodes having portions of different lengths exposed in said passage to contact with said electrically conductive flowable material so as to obtain said resistance-value changes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said compartments each have an axis, said axes being aligned with one another and said passage having a longitudinally extending passage axis which is laterally offset from and parallel to said aligned axes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as defined in claim 1, and further comprising mounting means for mounting said container means on a support.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A device as defined in claim 4, said container means being elongated and wherein said mounting means comprises pivot means mounting said container means to be pivotable about a pivot axis located adjacent one end of said container means and inclined to the direction of movement of said body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device as defined in claim 5, wherein said mounting means further comprises a scale for indicating angular displacement of said container means about said pivot axis.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device as defined in claim 4, wherein said mounting means comprising resilient mounting elements which are respectively connected between and pivotable relative to said support and opposite ends portions of said container means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said flowable material is electrically conductive.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said flowable material is mercury.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said flowable material is finely divided metallic material.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-02-05 | 1982-08-07 | 1983-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-02-05 | 1986-08-07 | 1987-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-02-05 | 1990-08-07 | 1991-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |