Drape sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. In combination:
- a) a door having an edge; and
b) attached to the door edge and depending therefrom, a freely and flaccidly hanging pressure actuated switching device which includesfirst and second conductive layers,a layer of compressible and conductive piezoresistive material for making electrical contact between first and second conductive layers, andat least one insulative spacer means for spacing apart said piezoresistive material and said second conductive layer, said spacer means having open spaces to permit passage therethrough of at least a portion of the piezoresistive material,wherein in response to a predetermined amount of force applied thereto at least some of said piezoresistive material disposes itself through at least some of said open spaces to make electrical contact with said second conductive layer.
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Abstract
A freely hanging drape sensor distinguishing between weak and strong activation of the sensor includes a piezoresistive cellular material and standoff layer for providing an analog signal correlated with the strength of an activating force, as well as an on-off function. The drape sensor can be used in conjunction with moving objects, such as electrically operated doors to provide safety door edges. Alternatively, the drape sensor can be used as freely hanging curtains to detect objects moving into contact therewith.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. In combination:
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a) a door having an edge; and b) attached to the door edge and depending therefrom, a freely and flaccidly hanging pressure actuated switching device which includes first and second conductive layers, a layer of compressible and conductive piezoresistive material for making electrical contact between first and second conductive layers, and at least one insulative spacer means for spacing apart said piezoresistive material and said second conductive layer, said spacer means having open spaces to permit passage therethrough of at least a portion of the piezoresistive material, wherein in response to a predetermined amount of force applied thereto at least some of said piezoresistive material disposes itself through at least some of said open spaces to make electrical contact with said second conductive layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 22)
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15. A method for sensing the movement of bodies through a passageway, comprising:
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a) providing at least one sensor, said sensor including, first and second conductive layers, a layer of compressible piezoresistive material for making electrical contact between the first and second conductive layers, and at least one insulative spacer means for spacing apart said piezoresistive material and said second conductive layer, said spacer means having open spaces to permit passage therethrough of at least a portion of the piezoresistive material, wherein in response to a predetermined amount of actuation force applied thereto said piezoresistive material disposes itself through at least some of said open spaces to make electrical contact with said second conductive layer, and wherein each sensor is connected to an electric power source such that a signal is generated when said piezoresistive material makes contact with said second conductive layer, said signal indicating the magnitude of the actuation force; b) positioning said at least one sensor within said passageway such that said sensor freely and flaccidly hangs from a support; c) conducting said signal to analyzer means. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23)
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Specification