Patent US4297690A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4297690A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Earthquake alarm system
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1980-03-05
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Granted: 1981-10-27
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Expires: 2000-03-05
Abstract
Abstract An earthquake alarm system detects lateral impulse movements of a building or other structure and generates an audible sound as a result of the lateral detector moving beyond a preset limit. The lateral detector comprises a solid inertial mass that detects the lateral movement of the support as the measure of an impending earthquake. Electrical contacts associated with the mass and the support energize an audible circuit for generating an alarm to the occupants of the structure.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerald E. Baker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 12:48
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/01; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/02; G08B21/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
An earthquake alarm comprising: a member having a referenced support at one end, a mass attached at the opposite end of said member a fixed distance from said referenced support, said mass being supported to have a preferred vertical position for a movement in a lateral direction only, adjustable mechanical detecting means for limiting the impulse lateral movement of said mass without changing the fixed distance of said mass from said referenced support, said mass being cylindrical and containing an opening at the lowermost end for accepting a vertically aligned adjustable probe attached to said mechanical detecting means and adapted to be selectively located in said opening without touching said mass, and electrical means connecting said mechanical detecting means with an audio generating device for translating selected impulse movement of said mass into an audible signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
An earthquake alarm comprising: a member having a referenced support at one end, a mass attached at the opposite end of said member a fixed distance from said referenced support, said mass being supported to have a preferred vertical position for a movement in a lateral direction only, adjustable mechanical detecting means for limiting the impulse lateral movement of said mass without changing the fixed distance of said mass from said referenced support, said mass being cylindrical and containing an opening at the lowermost end for accepting a vertically aligned adjustable probe attached to said mechanical detecting means and adapted to be selectively located in said opening without touching said mass, and electrical means connecting said mechanical detecting means with an audio generating device for translating selected impulse movement of said mass into an audible signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
An alarm system according to claim 1 in which said probe is adjustable in a vertical position and has a variable diameter that differs from the diameter of said opening in said mass for varying the radial distance between said probe and said mass as said probe is inserted in said opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
An alarm system according to claim 1 in which said mass and said probe are electrically conductive and cooperate with said electrical means for energizing said audio generating device on said probe contacting said mass.
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) | 1984-10-26 | 1985-04-27 | 1985-10-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-10-26 | 1989-04-27 | 1989-10-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-10-26 | 1993-04-27 | 1993-10-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |