Patent ID: 6531861
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: B23K,G01B,G01D,G01K,G01P,G02B,G03F,G05B,G09F,G12B,H01L

Abstract:
A movement sensor comprising:a) an elongate object, comprising a piezoelectric material, having an anchored end that is anchored to a base, and an unanchored end to which a force is applied, the unanchored end of the elongated object being configured to move in response to the applied force; b) a plurality of electrodes disposed on the elongate object, configured to cooperate with the elongate object in producing signals usable to determine the magnitude and direction of the movement of the unanchored end due to the applied force; and c) sensing circuitry electrically coupled to the electrodes, configured for processing the signals from the electrodes so as to determine a magnitude and a direction of movement and produce a signal indicative of said magnitude and direction.