US 7,598,883 B2 · Tilt sensor apparatus and method therefor

Abstract

A tilt sensor apparatus (36) includes one or more tilt sensors (42). Each tilt sensor (42) includes a conductive element (64) entrapped within an opening (46) formed through a middle planar substrate (38). The opening is surrounded by an opening wall (52) which is entirely covered by a conductor (54). A conductive star pattern (100′) is formed on a top planar substrate (40), and a conductive star pattern (100″) is formed on a bottom planar substrate (44). The star patterns (100) are positioned at opposing ends of the opening (46). The conductive element moves within the opening (46) as the apparatus (36) is tilted. An interrupt-driven control circuit (124) is configured to indicate a change in orientation only when a short is first detected across a contact pair (54/56, 54/60) that corresponds to an orientation opposite to a currently-indicated orientation.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A tilt sensor apparatus comprising:

a first planar substrate having a top surface on which a first conductive layer resides;
a second planar substrate opposite said top surface of said first substrate, said second substrate having an opening surrounded by an opening wall and having an intra-substrate conductor on said opening wall, said intra-substrate conductor continuously occupying an annular tangential-contact band in said opening wall;
a third planar substrate having a bottom surface on which a third conductive layer resides, said third substrate being located opposite said second substrate;
and
a conductive element positioned within said opening and configured to move within said opening to short said first conductive layer to said intra-substrate conductor when resting on said first substrate and in contact with said annular tangential-contact band.

2 more elements

An electronic device configured to measure dispensation of a liquid, said electronic device comprising:

a first planar substrate having a top surface on which a first conductor resides;
a second planar substrate overlying said top surface of said first substrate, said second substrate having an opening surrounded by an opening wall and having a second conductor on said opening wall;
a third planar substrate overlying said second substrate and having a bottom surface on which a third conductor resides;
and
a conductive element positioned within said opening and configured to move within said opening to short said first conductor to said second conductor when resting on said first substrate;
and
an electronic component coupled to said first conductor and said second conductor, said electronic component being configured to aid in measuring dispensation of said liquid.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tilt sensor apparatus and method therefor

Life of this patent

Tilt sensor apparatus and method therefor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21