Transducer apparatus responsive to external perturbation

• US 5,473,307 A
• Filed: 03/17/1995
• Issued: 12/05/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Peter A. Lam
• Original Assignee: Peter A. Lam
• Inventors: Lam, Peter A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US08/405,584
• Time in Patent Office: 263 Days
• Field of Search: 340/467, 340/464, 340/429, 340/683, 340/392, 340/689, 340/691-693, 340/665, 340/566, 340/392.1, 340/392.4, 340/392.5, 340/395.1, 200/61.45 R, 200/61.52, 200/52 A, 362/253, 362/806, 84/404, 84/464 R
• US Class Current: 340/467
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/027 the light sources being a LED
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/04 characterised by the provision of a light source housing portion adjustably fixed to the remainder of the device
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 3/10 using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2025/005 Message recorded in a memory device
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 25/00 Audible advertising sound recording or reproducing per se G11B; public address systems H04R27/00
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 9/18 Details, e.g. bulbs, pumps, pistons, switches or casings
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 35/00 Switches operated by change of a physical condition operated by change of magnetic or electric field H01H36/00; thermally-actuated switches H01H37/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 35/14 Switches operated by change of acceleration, e.g. by shock or vibration, inertia switch wherein the liquid constitutes a contact of the switch H01H29/002
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 35/40 actuated by devices allowing continual flow of fluid, e.g. vane
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/806 Ornamental or decorative

Abstract

Transducer apparatus (10) responsive to external perturbations is disclosed having an electrically responsive transducer circuit (12) energized when a display member (18) and an elongate member (20) move from a gravity determined quiescent orientation (30A) therebetween to an external perturbation driven activate orientation (30B) therebetween. In various embodiments, the members are respectively responsive to air movement and acceleration. In one embodiment, the elongate member carries a first electrical contact (21) to abut a second electrical contact (22) carried by the display member.

Claims

1. A display apparatus useful in combination with a vehicle for producing an audible sound in response to acceleration of said vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

a display member;

a mounting member;

means for securing said mounting member to said vehicle;

an elongate member;

means supporting said elongate member for relative movement with respect to said mounting member from a stable orientation to an unstable orientation in response to acceleration of said vehicle;

an electrically responsive sound transducer; and

circuit means, responsive to relative movement of said members to said unstable orientation, for energizing said transducer to produce said audible sound.

2. An apparatus useful in combination with a vehicle for producing an audible sound in response to acceleration of said vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

a mounting member;

means for securing said mounting member to said vehicle;

an elongate member;

means supporting said elongate member for relative movement with respect to said mounting member from a stable orientation to an unstable orientation in response to acceleration of said vehicle;

an electrically responsive sound transducer; and

an electronic pattern generator defining a predetermined signal pattern, said pattern generator being responsive to relative movement of said members to said unstable orientation for energizing said transducer to synthesize a sound defined by said signal pattern.

3. A motion responsive switch including:

an elongate member having first and second ends;

means suspending said elongate member first end from a mounting member for enabling said elongate member to move from a stable orientation to an unstable orientation in response to an external perturbation;

said elongate member including a resilient helical portion and a linear portion;

circuit means; and

at least one electrically conductive member mounted proximate to the first end of said elongate member for energizing said circuit means when said elongate member moves to said unstable orientation.

4. The switch of claim 3 further including a perturbation responsive element carried by said elongate member proximate to said second end.

5. The switch of claim 3 wherein said helical portion is formed of electrically conductive material.

6. The switch of claim 3 wherein said linear portion extends axially through said helical portion.

7. The switch of claim 3 wherein said linear portion is formed integral with and extends from one end of said helical portion.

8. The switch of claim 3 wherein the spacing between said helical portion and said electrically conductive member determines the position of said unstable orientation.