US4764761A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Earthquake alarm
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1987-10-07
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Granted: 1988-08-16
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Expires: 2007-10-07
Abstract
Abstract Earthquake sensing device which has a ball with a metallic surface which is resting atop a perch having a narrow upper base. In case of a tremor, the ball falls off the perch and is intercepted by a contact plate and thereby closes an electric circuit which includes the ball, the perch, the contact plate, a power supply and an electric sounder, which is activated to sound an alarm.
Inventors
- 👤 John N. Maquire, III
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:57
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/02; G08B21/10; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S200/00; Y10S200/29
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
An earthquake sensing device comprising a ball having a metallic surface; an upstanding perch having an upper narrow top base for supporting the ball; a metallic contact plate below the top base for intercepting the ball when it is off the top base; and an electric circuit including a power supply, an electric sounder, said perch, said ball and said base, which is closed to activate the sounder when the ball is touching the contact plate; said electric circuit further including a flexible wire connection between said ball and said perch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
An earthquake sensing device comprising a ball having a metallic surface; an upstanding perch having an upper narrow top base for supporting the ball; a metallic contact plate below the top base for intercepting the ball when it is off the top base; and an electric circuit including a power supply, an electric sounder, said perch, said ball and said base, which is closed to activate the sounder when the ball is touching the contact plate; said electric circuit further including a flexible wire connection between said ball and said perch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The earthquake sensing device according to claim 1 wherein said top base includes three upward facing points for supporting the ball.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The earthquake sensing device according to claim 1 wherein said power supply is selected from the group consisting of dry cell batteries, ac-power supplies and Ni-Cad batteries.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The earthquake sensing device according to claim 1 including a test switch being connected to said electric circuit for manually testing said circuit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The earthquake sensing device according to claim 1, including a housing having an upper removable part for enclosing said ball, and a lower part for enclosing a portion of said electric circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The earthquake sensing device according to claim 5 wherein said lower housing part has sound holes for admitting sound from the sounder to the outside of the housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The earthquake sensing device according to claim 5, wherein said upper housing part is made of transparent material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The earthquake sensing device according to claim 1 wherein said perch has three pointed metallic rods held together by at least two metal rings.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The earthquake sensing device according to claim 1 including a base plate for supporting said contact plate and having a hole for receiving said perch in a tight fit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The earthquake sensing device of claim 1 wherein said ball is of metal.
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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) | 1991-08-16 | 1992-02-15 | 1992-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-08-16 | 1996-02-15 | 1996-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-08-16 | 2000-02-15 | 2000-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |