Jennifer L Tillman

US Patent:

61385166, Oct 31, 2000

Filed:

Dec 17, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/992615

Inventors:

Jennifer C. Tillman - Friendswood TX

Assignee:

Weld Star Technology, Inc. - Orlando FL

International Classification:

G01H 1108
G08B 2100
G08B 2300

US Classification:

73649

Abstract:

A shock detector provides for ultra low power detection and measurement of damage to an object caused by shock and vibration. The shock detector includes a shock sensor, such as an accelerometer, attached to the object that produces an electrical vibration signal representative of the mechanical vibration of the object. A signal conditioning circuit determines when the magnitude of the electrical vibration signal exceeds a threshold voltage and converts the signal into a digital signal that is in the high voltage state when the magnitude of the electrical vibration signal is above the threshold voltage. Otherwise, the digital signal is in a low voltage state. A data logger records the time spent in the high voltage state. The measured time data and the threshold voltage are then used to estimate the damage applied to the object. Mounting a number of the conditioning circuits in parallel allows for a more accurate estimation.