Sensors and methods for detecting attachment to a surface
DCFirst Claim
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1. A sensor for detecting attachment to a surface, comprising:
- a housing having an inner surface, an outer surface and a passage extending through the housing;
a member having a first portion sized to extend through the passage and a second enlarged portion that cannot extend through the passage; and
at least one electrical contact operably located within the housing between the enlarged portion of the member and housing, so that when the member is coupled to the surface to attach the sensor to the surface, the enlarged portion of the member causes the contact to complete an electrical circuit.
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Abstract
Sensors and methods for detecting attachment to a surface are disclosed. The sensors include a housing having an inner surface, an outer surface and a passage extending through the housing. An elongated member or fastener extends through the passage and protrudes from the outer surface of the housing to attach the sensor to a surface. First and second electrical contacts are disposed within the housing so that when the sensor is attached to the surface an electrical path is formed between the first and second electrical contacts.
21 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A sensor for detecting attachment to a surface, comprising:
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a housing having an inner surface, an outer surface and a passage extending through the housing; a member having a first portion sized to extend through the passage and a second enlarged portion that cannot extend through the passage; and at least one electrical contact operably located within the housing between the enlarged portion of the member and housing, so that when the member is coupled to the surface to attach the sensor to the surface, the enlarged portion of the member causes the contact to complete an electrical circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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10. The sensor of 1, wherein the member comprises one of a screw and a bolt.
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19. A sensor for detecting attachment to a surface, comprising:
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a housing having an outer surface; a member operably positioned within the housing and having a first portion adapted to protrude from the outer surface of the housing to fasten the sensor to the surface; a second portion of the member being enlarged with respect to the first portion of the member; at least one contact operably connected to the housing; and
, the contact comprising a switch interposed between said second portion of the member and the housing, wherein the switch is closed when the sensor is attached to the surface and open when the sensor is not attached to the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification