Self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus

• US 5,912,864 A
• Filed: 04/17/1997
• Issued: 06/15/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gregory C. Maurer
• Original Assignee: Gregory C. Maurer
• Inventors: Maurer, Gregory C.
• Primary Examiner(s): MISKA, VIT W
• Application Number:
  US08/841,906
• Time in Patent Office: 789 Days
• Field of Search: 368/3, 368/10-12, 368/110-113, 368/278, 273/25, 273/183.1, 273/55, 273/60, 273/200, 273/570, 364/565, 377/5, 377/20
• US Class Current: 368/10
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0034 during flight
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/62 Time or time measurement used for time reference, time stamp, master time or clock signal
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/80 Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/801 Contact switches
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/00 Balls with special arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G04C 3/001 Electromechanical switches for setting or display in general H01H
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 10/04 by counting pulses or half-cycles of an ac G04F10/005 takes precedence

Abstract

The self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus is designed to be affixed to or contained within an object that will experience a duration of flight. The apparatus will measure and display the elapsed time of the object'"'"'s flight. A timing device is positioned in a housing. The timing device is activated by acceleration forces on the object and deactivated by the deceleration forces acting upon the object. The force sensing unit that controls the time is an electrical switch that closes momentarily when subjected to inertial changes. The switch has a central core surrounded by a coil, both of which are integrated into a circuit. As the device experiences acceleration or deceleration, the core will contact the coil which will turn on or turn off the timer. Switch sensitivity can be adjusted as necessary for the specific purposes of the device.

Claims

1. A self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus, for use in providing information regarding the elapsed flight time of a thrown object, said apparatus comprising:

a structure comprising a housing for the positioning of said apparatus within said thrown object which the elapsed time will be measured thereon;

said housing comprising a construction of a protective material;

a force sensing system positioned with said housing for determining changes in inertia upon said thrown object;

said force sensing system comprising first means and second means positioned within said protective housing, said first means comprising an electrically conductive core element and said second means comprising a electrically conductive flexible unit surrounding said electrically conductive core element;

said electrically conductive flexible unit comprising an adjustably flexible metallic coil positioned around said electrically conductive core element;

said electrically conductive flexible unit having a base element located at one end of said electrically conductive flexible unit for permitting said electrically conductive unit to be suspended around said electrically conductive core element;

said base comprising a non-conductive bonding mass for both said electrically conductive core element and said electrically conductive flexible unit are installed therein;

a timing unit positioned within said housing for determining the elapsed flight time of said thrown object;

a circuitry system positioned within said housing connecting said force sensing means with said timing unit; and

a display unit for showing the elapsed flight time of said thrown object.

2. A self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein:

said timing unit of said self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus comprises a clock generator for providing a time base for said apparatus; and

said clock generator comprises a free running stable oscillator.

3. A self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein:

said timing unit of said apparatus further comprises a counter positioned within said housing that measures clock soundings from said clock generator.

4. A self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein:

said circuitry system comprises at least one printed circuit board assembly positioned with said housing;

said printed circuit board having measurement and control circuitry, said timing unit and said display unit;

said printed circuit further having holder means for supporting a power source.

5. A self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein:

said circuitry system further comprises reset means for resetting said apparatus as desired; and

said reset means having a push button resettable unit.

6. A self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein:

said display unit comprises a digital readout for allowing the user to see the elapsed flight time of the thrown object;

said display unit further comprises a cutout area in the housing for enabling said user to read the elapsed flight time of the thrown object; and

said display unit further having a clear covering for ease of viewing of the readout.