Patent ID: 6018130
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A tilt sensor comprising:a housing;a reed switch mounted to the housing;a pivot member pivotally mounted to the housing above the reed switch and defining a pivot axis about which the pivot member pivots,a magnet mounted to the housing above the reed switch;a ferromagnetic shunt member positioned above the reed switch, the ferromagnetic shunt member being positioned on the pivot member, wherein the shunt member is thus mounted for swinging movement on the housing about the pivot axis between a position where the shunt member is interposed between the magnet and the reed switch, and an activated position where the shunt member is not interposed between the magnet and the reed switch, wherein the pivot member is mounted to the housing such that the shunt member may swing freely to move out of interposition between the magnet and the reed switch by travel in a first direction and a second opposite direction.