×

Power management sensing rotating platter with liquid contact switch responsive to platter rotational speed

  • US 6,303,886 B1
  • Filed: 02/15/2000
  • Issued: 10/16/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/15/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An apparatus for automatically closing an electrical circuit, comprising:

  • a generally circular generally planar rotatable platter having a primary axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the plane of the platter;

    a substantially arcuate enclosure defining a cavity and having a proximal portion, a middle portion, and a distal portion and connected to the platter;

    a pair of spaced electrical contacts electrically connecting the interior of the distal portion of the cavity to an exterior of the cavity;

    an electrically conducting fluid partially filling the cavity;

    wherein the pair of spaced electrical contacts are adapted to be electrically connected to a circuit exterior to the cavity desired to be actuated by spinning the platter;

    wherein the distal portion is oriented generally radially outward from the proximal portion relative to the primary axis of rotation;

    wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion are positioned below the middle portion;

    wherein rotation of the platter generates a radially outwardly acting force urging the fluid into the distal portion of the cavity and into contact with the pair of spaced electrical contacts.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×