Royalty Report: Electrical & Electronics, Scientific & Technical Instruments, Transportation – Collection: 1805

Our accelerometer products are used to measure tilt, shock, vibration and acceleration, and have a wide range of applications such as mobile phones, automotive safety systems and video projectors.

An accelerometer is a device for measuring and gravity induced reaction forces.  Accelerometers can be used to calculate vehicle acceleration and deceleration. Accelerometers can be used to measure vibration on cars, machines, buildings, process control systems and safety installations. They can also be used to measure seismic activity, inclination, machine vibration, dynamic distance and speed with or without the influence of gravity.

Thermal Accelerometer Patent Applications  The information is described in the following patents, and all other applications that depend from the following patents  1. U.S. patent application, Serial No. 08/673,773, filed on June 26, 1996, now abandoned  2. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/800,588 filed on February 18, 1997  3. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/177,439 filed on October 21, 1998  4. PCT application, Serial No. PCT/CA 97/00442 filed on June 24, 1997  All entitled Accelerometer Without Proof Mass, author Albert M. Leung.

The Bend Sensor(R) potentiometer is a single layer with no mechanical assembly making it  significantly smaller and lighter weight than mechanical potentiometers.

The Technology is a potentiometer product consisting of a coated substrate such as plastic that changes in electrical conductivity as it is bent. Electronic systems can connect to the sensor and measure with fine detail the amount of bending or movement that occurs. Certain applications of the Bend Sensor(R) potentiometer have been patented, including automobile horn switches and automotive occupant classification. Other patent applications, such as accelerometers, various automobile seat sensors and function controls, are pending. A typical potentiometer functions through the means of metal contacts swiping or rubbing across a resistive element. The Bend Sensor(R) potentiometer is a single layer with no mechanical assembly making it more reliable, significantly smaller and lighter weight than mechanical potentiometers. Management believes many sensor applications can be improved using the Technology and utilization of the Technology will result in new products and new sensor applications.

The measuring instrument called a potentiometer is essentially a voltage divider used for measuring electric potential (voltage); the component is an implementation of the same principle, hence its name. Potentiometers are commonly used to control electrical devices such as volume controls on audio equipment.

Sensing devices can be used to measure or sense changes in deflection and are typically used to trigger an electronic device when the sensor is activated.

Flexible potentiometers as covered by U.S. Patent #5,157,372 and #5,157,476