PIEZOELECTRIC BROKEN-FILAMENT DETECTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME

A piezoelectric broken-filament detection device is used to detect breakage of a continuous material passing through a pathway. The device contains a support member and a sensor member and is positioned adjacent to but spaced from the pathway so that the continuous material passing through the pathway does not come into contact with the device. The sensor member has a fixed end and a free end and has disposed on first facial surface thereof (1) a deflectable tab disposed on the free end, (2) a piezoelectric film operatively coupled to the deflectable tab, and (3) an internal switch-circuit element coupled to the piezoelectric film. As the continuous material passes through the pathway, broken ends formed upon breakage of the material comes into contact with the deflectable tab. The tab undergoes a deflection for each broken end which contacts it. Each deflection causes the piezoelectric film to generate a signal, each signal being processed by the internal switch-circuit element and actuating the internal switch-circuit element into a closed position.