A tilt sensor includes a notification unit adapted to provide notification about occurrence of tilt; a water storage chamber that contains an electrolytic solution; and a unit cell that includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator placed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. When the water storage chamber tilts, the electrolytic solution is injected into the separator and the unit cell starts generating power and supplies electric power needed to drive the notification unit.

Disclosed are a motion-sensitive field effect transistor (MSFET), a motion detection system, and a method. The MSFET includes a gate structure with a reservoir containing conductive fluid and gate electrode(s). Given position(s) of the gate electrode(s) and a fill level of the fluid within the reservoir, contact between the gate electrode(s) and the fluid depends upon the orientation the MSFET channel region relative to the top surface of the conductive fluid and the orientation of the MSFET channel region relative to the top surface of the conductive fluid depends upon position in space and/or movement of the MSFET and, particularly, position in space and/or movement of the chip on which the MSFET is formed. An electrical property of the MSFET in response to specific bias conditions varies depending on whether or not or to what extent the gate electrode(s) contact the fluid and is, thus, measurable for sensing chip motion.

A light fixture can include a housing and a sensor device having a sensor that measures at least one parameter associated with a position of the housing. The light fixture can also include a controller coupled to the sensor device. The controller can receive multiple measurements of the at least one parameter taken by the sensor device. The controller can also evaluate each measurement against at least one range of acceptable values. The controller can further send a notification when a measurement falls outside the at least one range of acceptable values. The notification can state that the housing is moved out of position and requires attention.

A light fixture can include a housing and a sensor device having a sensor that measures at least one parameter associated with a position of the housing. The light fixture can also include a controller coupled to the sensor device. The controller can receive multiple measurements of the at least one parameter taken by the sensor device. The controller can also evaluate each measurement against at least one range of acceptable values. The controller can further send a notification when a measurement falls outside the at least one range of acceptable values. The notification can state that the housing is moved out of position and requires attention.

Disclosed are a motion-sensitive field effect transistor (MSFET), a motion detection system, and a method. The MSFET includes a gate structure with a reservoir containing conductive fluid and gate electrode(s). Given position(s) of the gate electrode(s) and a fill level of the fluid within the reservoir, contact between the gate electrode(s) and the fluid depends upon the orientation the MSFET channel region relative to the top surface of the conductive fluid and the orientation of the MSFET channel region relative to the top surface of the conductive fluid depends upon position in space and/or movement of the MSFET and, particularly, position in space and/or movement of the chip on which the MSFET is formed. An electrical property of the MSFET in response to specific bias conditions varies depending on whether or not or to what extent the gate electrode(s) contact the fluid and is, thus, measurable for sensing chip motion.

Described herein is a sensor including a sensing electrode structure and a motion-responsive structure in capacitive communication with the sensing electrode structure, the sensing electrode structure and the motion-responsive structure being separated by a first dielectric layer, the motion-responsive structure comprising a liquid metal mass within a matrix in which the liquid metal mass is movable based upon movement of the sensor, and the sensing electrode structure comprising a first electrode, and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to form a capacitor.

A tilt sensor includes a notification unit adapted to provide notification about occurrence of tilt; a water storage chamber that contains an electrolytic solution; and a unit cell that includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator placed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. When the water storage chamber tilts, the electrolytic solution is injected into the separator and the unit cell starts generating power and supplies electric power needed to drive the notification unit.

An analog floating-gate (AFG) inclinometer where a plurality of AFG sensors are provided to detect the presence of a discharge caused by settling of a conductive liquid droplet contained in a sealed microchannel under gravity. A plurality of sensor port electrodes associated with the AFG sensors are placed along the length of a curved sealed microchannel of the inclinometer at specific positions calibrated to corresponding angular inclinations. Discharge detected at a specific AFG sensor port during measurement due to the movement of the conductive liquid droplet under gravity is used in determining a surface inclination being measured.

Sensors for measuring rotation about an axis are disclosed, along with methods of making and using the same. The sensors can utilize ionic liquids and electrodes that provide a unique electrical signal at each angle of rotation about an axis. The sensors can include a solid structure with a channel that circumnavigates the axis, electrodes disposed within the channel, and an ionic liquid positioned within the channel.

The present invention relates to a liquid retaining device for providing the actual amount of liquid intake by a user, comprising: a) a container body having a bottom wall and side walls, wherein the inside surface of the bottom and side walls is a non-conductive layer; b) at least one pair of sensors in form of capacitive strips that are embedded within the side walls in such a way that each strip extends from top to bottom of the side wall, such that the non-conductive layer serves as a dielectric in a capacitor composed of said capacitive strips a conductive liquid within said container body, thereby the readings of said sensors indicates the liquid level inside the container body across the side wall; and c) an electronic module that includes a control logic for handling the readings of said sensors, thereby enabling to convert said readings into the actual amount of liquid intake.