Transducer apparatus responsive to external perturbation

• US 6,504,471 B1
• Filed: 08/14/1995
• Issued: 01/07/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Peter Ar-Fu Lam
• Original Assignee: Peter Ar-Fu Lam
• Inventors: Lam, Peter Ar-Fu
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US08/514,994
• Time in Patent Office: 2,703 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, 340/425.5, 340/426, 340/473, 340/321, 340/546, 340/547, 340/471, 340/472, 200/61.45 R, 200/61.52, 200/52.A, 362/253, 362/806, 362/486, 844/04, 844/64.R, 404/09, 404/85, 405/91, 405/93, 405/94, 406/00, 406/21, 404/24, 307/9.1, 307/10.1
• US Class Current: 340/392.1
• 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

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 (20A) therebetween to an external perturbation driven active orientation (20B) 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. When the apparatus is to be in use with a motor vehicle, the apparatus is desirable to be powered by the cigarette lighter of the vehicle and a light sensor is added to switch on the apparatus during night time.

Claims

1. An apparatus dimensioned to plug into the cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle comprising:

a terminal end including a first electrical contact member;

at least one second electrical contact member locates proximal to said terminal end;

a housing member remote from said terminal end; and

a variable length elongate supporting member comprising rotational means extending along an axis originated from said terminal end and mounted from said terminal end to said housing member for rotatably adjusting the distance therebetween.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a heat transducer to conduct electrical current from said electrical contact members.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a light transducer to conduct electrical current from said electrical contact members.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cross sectional area of said variable length elongate supporting member is smaller than the corresponding cross sectional area of said housing member.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising circuit means to conduct electrical current from said contact member.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising an electrically responsive transducer to be energized by said circuit means.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a light sensitive electrical component for controlling the activation of said transducer.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising:

a motion sensor including a first sensor member and a second sensor member wherein said circuit means responsive to the relative movement of the first sensor member with respect to the second sensor member, for energizing said transducer.