Measuring and testing – Specimen stress or strain – or testing by stress or strain... – Specified electrical sensor or system
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-17
2001-10-30
Noori, Max (Department: 2855)
Measuring and testing
Specimen stress or strain, or testing by stress or strain...
Specified electrical sensor or system
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308578
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for detecting application of a force. More specifically, the present invention is a device for and method of determining when a participant in a sporting event has been contacted.
2. Discussion of Related Art
In the prior art, there are devices for generating an analog output signal indicative of an impact to a transducer. The transducer is mounted on protective equipment utilized in various martial arts fields, such as protective vests and the like, or can be mounted on training equipment, such as a heavy bag, striking pad, etc.
The transducer of the prior art device is a piezoelectric film which, upon deformation, generates an electrical signal which is indicative of the amount of deformation. By placing the piezoelectric film on top of a deformable material, or sandwiching it in the deformable material, impacts to the deformable material will strain the piezoelectric film generating the signal output. The transducer may be connected to a transmitter and remote receiver for providing an indication of the impact at a remote location.
Such prior art devices have deficiencies. For example, they are expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device and method for detecting application of a force.
The foregoing objectives are realized by the present invention which includes a device for detecting application of a force. The device has a first layer of electrically conductive material and a first conductor electrically coupled to the first layer. The device also has a second layer of electrically conductive material and a second conductor electrically coupled to the second layer. An electrical power supply is connected to the first conductor, and a transmitter is connected to the second conductor. The transmitter is capable of transmitting a signal when an electric charge moves from the first layer to the second layer. Finally, a resiliently compressible third layer of non-electrically-conductive porous material is disposed between the first layer and the second layer, and separates the first layer and the second layer a sufficient distance to prevent an electric charge from moving between the first and second layers, except when a force is applied to one of the conductive layers. When a force is applied to one of the conductive layers the third layer is compressed such that the distance between the first and second layers is small enough to permit an electric charge to move between the first and second layers.
A method according to the present invention provides for indicating when a force has been applied to a body. First, a force detection device is provided. The force detection device may be similar to that described above having two conductive layers and a compressible third layer between the conductive layers. Next, a force is applied to at least one of the conductive layers to compress the third layer a sufficient distance to permit an electric charge to pass between the conductive layers. Then, the electric charge is sensed, and a signal is transmitted to indicate application of the force.
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Hodgson & Russ LLP
Noori Max
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