Patent ID: 7434323
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: G01C,H01H

Abstract:
1. A tilt sensor, comprising: a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element, wherein the first electrically conductive element further comprises a distal portion and a proximate portion, wherein the distal portion of the first electrically conductive element extends in a direction away from the proximate portion, toward the second electrically conductive element, wherein the distal portion of the first electrically conductive element is conical in shape, wherein the proximate portion of the first electrically conductive element has a first diameter, wherein the distal portion of the first electrically conductive element has a second diameter, and wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter; wherein the second electrically conductive element further comprises a distal portion and a proximate portion, wherein the distal portion of the second electrically conductive element extends in a direction away from the proximate portion of the second electrically conductive element, toward the first electrically conductive element, wherein the proximate portion of the second electrically conductive element has a first diameter, wherein the distal portion of the second electrically conductive element has a second diameter, and wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter; an electrically insulative element connected to the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element; and at least one electrically conductive weight located within a cavity of the tilt sensor, wherein the cavity is defined by at least one surface of the first electrically conductive element, at least one surface of the electrically insulative element, and at least one surface of the second electrically conductive element, wherein the distal portion of the first electrically conductive element is separated from the distal portion of the second electrically conductive element by a gap, and wherein the at least one electrically conductive weight is not capable of falling into the gap.