Patent ID: 7178289

Claim:
A self-correcting sensing element device comprising: a base adjacent a doorway fastened to a doorjamb or other stationary structure an elongated support member having a base end, a working end, and an axis in the direction of elongation, said base end fastened to said base; and a sensing element in said working end, wherein said support member is formed of a flexible material that renders the elongated support member (i) capable of being bent about the axis more than 90 degrees from a starting shape in response to an application of a first force and (ii) capable of returning to the starting shape upon removal of the first force, whereupon: in the absence of an applied second force, the support member has a first shape, in response to the application of the second force, the support member bends whereupon the working end moves relative to the base end and the support member assumes a second shape different than the first shape; and in response to the removal of the second force, the flexible material forming the support member returns said support member to its first shape.