Edward F O'Brien

US Patent:

7255015, Aug 14, 2007

Filed:

Jun 23, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/874963

Inventors:

Timothy M. McBride - Sharon MA, US
Edward F. O'Brien - Rehoboth MA, US
David P. Hatch - Whitinsville MA, US

Assignee:

Sensata Technologies, Inc. - Attleboro MA

International Classification:

G01L 1/22

US Classification:

73862474, 73862044, 73862045, 7386206

Abstract:

An occupant weight sensor () for placement between a frame () fixed to the chassis of a vehicle and a second frame () supporting a vehicle seat has a sense element having a first body () formed with a planar sense surface on which are mounted piezoresistors electrically connected in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. A post () extends outwardly from the first body for attachment to the first frame. A second body is formed with a force transfer portion () permanently attached to the first body along an outer periphery circumscribing the sense surface. The piezoresistors are electrically connected to conditioning electronics received in a chamber formed between the two bodies. The effects of parasitic loads on the sense element are minimized by selected placement of the piezoresistors on the sense surface. Several variations are disclosed for attaching the sensor to the first and second frames and both longitudinally and laterally extending electrical connectors are shown.

US Patent:

59029757, May 11, 1999

Filed:

Dec 22, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/995306

Inventors:

Ethan J. Coulson - Quincy MA
Edward F. O'Brien - West Warwick RI
Charles M. Anastasia - Barrington RI
Alan M. Sadler - North Attleboro MA
Dale R. Sogge - Wrentham MA

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

H01H3/16

US Classification:

200 6191

Abstract:

An internal vehicular transmission range switch (10) has a movable contact support (20) which slides along a straight path in a recess formed between a housing having a base member (12) and cover (14) between first and second extremities in dependence upon the movement of the manual valve (4) to which it is coupled by an arm (18) extending from the support through a slot (16) formed in the housing. An elongated slider having a lower (20e) and upper (20d) blade portions received in respective channels (12a, 14a) formed in the housing integrally attached to the movable contact support blocks ingress of contaminant particles into the recess while permitting fluid flow into and out of the recess. A second embodiment (10') has a generally U-shaped member (18') having one leg (18a') attached to the movable contact support and extending through an O-ring (24) in an end wall of the housing and a manual valve coupling arm (18c') formed at the distal end of a second leg (18b'). A third embodiment has an endless track (26) in which an elongated, flexible band (28) having opposite ends attached to the movable contact support (20) on opposite sides of manual valve coupling arm (18) blocks entry of contaminant particles through slot (16") in the housing through which arm (18) extends.

US Patent:

50048767, Apr 2, 1991

Filed:

Dec 20, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/286726

Inventors:

Dale R. Sogge - Randolph MA
Edward F. O'Brien - Providence RI
David A. Czarn - Cumberland RI

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

H01H 3534

US Classification:

200 83P

Abstract:

A pressure responsive switch having upper and lower contact assemblies with a snap acting member and an electrically conductive member sandwiched therebetween. The assemblies each include an insulating body with a hollow center and an electrically conductive member having a contact in the center portion and extending externally of the body. The snap acting member is in constant engagement with the sandwiched conductive member and normally in engagement with the electrically conductive member of the upper assembly. When a pressure is applied which is sufficient to cause the snap acting member to snap into its second stable state, the connection thereof with the electrically conductive member in the upper contact assembly is broken and connection is made with the electrically conductive member in the lower assembly. The switch is normally closed by removing the portion of the electrically conductive member in the lower assembly which extends externally thereof. The switch can be provided normally open by removing the portion of the electrically conductive member in the upper assembly which extends externally thereof.