Vibration sensor and electrical power shut off device

• US 4,390,922 A
• Filed: 02/04/1982
• Issued: 06/28/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 02/04/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Raymond A. Pelliccia
• Original Assignee: Raymond A. Pelliccia
• Inventors: Pelliccia, Raymond A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Moose, Jr., Harry E.
• Application Number:
  US06/345,920
• Time in Patent Office: 509 Days
• Field of Search: 361/170, 307/117, 340/566, 340/602, 200/52 A, 200/61.45 R, 200/61.52
• US Class Current: 361/170
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 35/144 operated by vibration

Abstract

A vibration sensor and electrical power shut off device including a pendulum switch constructed for universal movement whereby vibration in any direction causes the pendulum switch to close and actuate a solenoid that shuts off electrical power at a switch point in an electrical power line, a low voltage circuit remaining energized to indicate power interruption.

Claims

1. A vibration detection and electrical power shut off device for interrupting electrical power in a power line when vibrations sensed by the device exceeded a predetermined intensity, comprising:

a pendulum switch member suspended for universal movement and including a rod and a weight at the bottom of said rod, said rod including electrical contact means, and said pendulum switch member being electrically connected to solenoid means;

a contact ring of electrically conductive material surrounding said electrical contact means on said rod in close proximity thereto;

solenoid means connected to said contact ring and to switching means in an electrical power line, said solenoid means being mounted with its actuator rod extending substantially vertical and downward;

a latch arm pivotally mounted at one end to support means, the other end of said arm being pivotally mounted to said solenoid actuator rod with a lock notch in said arm between its ends;

a switch limb pivotally mounted at its lower end to pivot means on said support means and extending upward so that its free end can position in said notch in the power on position, the limb being positioned slightly over center relative to the pivot means so that it has a tendency to fall outward;

power switch means mounted on said support means; and

light indicator switch means mounted on said support means;

whereby said pendulum moves with vibration and the contact means on said rod touches the contact ring to energize the solenoid means causing said solenoid actuator rod to lift said latch arm upward and release said switch limb whereby it falls outward by gravitational force, opening the power switch means and switching the light indicator switch means to the on position.

2. A vibration detection and electrical power shut off device according to claim 1 including a spring loaded reset rod mounted on the front of said housing whereby pressing in on said rod against spring pressure mechanically moves said switch limb around its pivotal axis toward the back of said housing and moves said latch arm and solenoid rod upward for seating the upper end of said switch limb in said notch and engaging said power switch means and light indicator switch means.