Arthur D Guydan

US Patent:

60879513, Jul 11, 2000

Filed:

Apr 5, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/286275

Inventors:

Edward A. Ramsden - Kenosha WI
Arthur Douglas Guydan - Williams Bay WI

Assignee:

The Cherry Corporation - Waukegan IL

International Classification:

G08B 2100

US Classification:

340669

Abstract:

A magnetic accelerometer detects the sharp lateral rocking movements of an unbalanced spinning tub of a washing machine. The accelerometer has a fixed and a movable magnet that are disposed at a rest position in spaced, magnetic attraction to each other. The movable magnet breaks away from the stationary magnet in response to vibration forces of a predetermined magnitude and frequency. When the magnet breaks away, it presses against an actuator button of a miniature switch and therefore signals an alarm condition. When the vibration forces are reduced below the trigger level, the movable magnet is pulled back to its rest position by magnetic attraction with the stationary magnet. The magnetic attraction of the stationary and movable magnets can be adjusted and the break away point can be set by applying an external magnetic field to the magnets.