Abstract:
A system includes a thin-film battery (50) and an activity-activated switch. The system is placed on a substrate (55) with an adhesive backing. In some embodiments, the substrate is flexible. Also formed on the substrate is an electrical circuit that includes electronics. The activity-activated switch places the thin-film battery in electrical communication with the circuit and electronics. The battery and the circuit are formed on the substrate and may be comprised of one or a plurality of deposited layers.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for sensing acceleration according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a non-rigid membrane and a switching latch electrically coupled to the membrane. The membrane is responsive to acceleration forces and is configured to produce a signal as a result of deflections in the membrane caused by acceleration. The signal is transmitted to the switching latch causing a change in state of the switching latch. This change in state allows a second signal to be sent to an activating device such as a squib.
Abstract:
The contactor for firing a pyrotechnique charge comprises a support base (6) made of an insulating material and having at least two conducting terminals (7 and 8), a contact sleeve (13) centered coaxially on the base and in contact with one of the terminals, having pins which can be centrifugally displaced by elastic element (22), a deformable, conductive case (24) in contact with the second terminal, and a conductive slide-bar (28) which can move under inertia on the axis of symmetry against the effect of a retaining spring (31). Application as impact contactor for projectiles.
Abstract:
A micromachined shock sensor has a substrate with a surface on which are formed an array of acceleration sensing units. Each sensing unit has a mount fixed to the substrate, a cantilever beam extending from the mount, and a proof mass fixed to the cantilever beam and supported above the substrate to permit translation of the proof mass and bending of the cantilever beam in a plane parallel to the substrate surface. Sensing electrodes are formed on the substrate on opposite sides of the proof mass such that displacement of the proof mass in response to acceleration brings the proof mass into contact with one or the other of the electrodes at a sufficient acceleration level, effectively closing a switch and providing an electrical output signal that can be detected. The multiple acceleration sensing units are formed to make contact at different levels of acceleration, allowing the shock sensor to allow measurements over a range of accelerations. A test electrode may be formed adjacent to the proof mass to allow the proof mass to be electrostatically drawn toward and into contact with one of the sensing electrodes to allow testing of the level of acceleration required to make contact in a particular acceleration sensing unit.
Abstract:
Impact sensor in motor vehicles with a safety system such as an air bag or belt tensioner for a passenger-restraining system. The sensor is arranged in the electrical circuit of a trip circuit of the safety system, which is closed by the action of an acceleration or deceleration over a given time-interval.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for sensing acceleration according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a non-rigid membrane and a switching latch electrically coupled to the membrane. The membrane is responsive to acceleration forces and is configured to produce a signal as a result of deflections in the membrane caused by acceleration. The signal is transmitted to the switching latch causing a change in state of the switching latch. This change in state allows a second signal to be sent to an activating device such as a squib.
Abstract:
A system includes a thin-film battery (50) and an activity-activated switch. The system is placed on a substrate (55) with an adhesive backing. In some embodiments, the substrate is flexible. Also formed on the substrate is an electrical circuit that includes electronics. The activity-activated switch places the thin-film battery in electrical communication with the circuit and electronics. The battery and the circuit are formed on the substrate and may be comprised of one or a plurality of deposited layers.