Abstract: A method for detecting a tension force defect of a steel cable includes the following steps: step S10: providing an excitation sensor on a first position of a steel cable to be detected and providing a detection sensor on a second position of the steel cable; step S20: obtaining a value of a tension force on the steel cable and obtaining a first display diagram corresponding to the value of the tension force; step S30: loading a white noise signal on the excitation sensor through a power amplifier; step S40: acquiring a detection signal collected by the detection sensor; step S50: uploading the detection signal to a personal computer (PC) and performing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) process on the detection signal; step S60: determining whether there is a defect in the steel cable, and if so, performing step S70; step S70: determining a defect position of the steel cable.

Abstract: A tension measuring method installs a reel having a cylindrical coil forming part on a cable to be measured, forms a coil by winding a conductor around the coil forming part, measures a magnetic hysteresis loop of the cable by supplying a current to the coil to generate a magnetic field, and computes a tension of the cable using a parameter determined from the hysteresis loop. A magnetic field sensor and a magnetic flux sensor are provided inside a through hole in the coil forming part, and the cable is positioned inside the through hole. The magnetic field is varied so that the hysteresis loop includes a near-saturation magnetization region, to measure the hysteresis loop using the sensors. The parameter is selected from a magnetic flux or a magnetic flux density, a remanent magnetization, a coercivity, a magnetic permeability, and a hysteresis loss in the near-saturation magnetization region.

Abstract: A rolling mill has a rolling stand (1) in which a flat rolled product (2) composed of metal is rolled. A sensor device (6), which detects at least one measured variable (M) characteristic of a material property of the flat rolled product (2), is arranged upstream and/or downstream of the rolling stand (1). The material property can be, in particular, an electromagnetic property or a mechanical property of the rolled product (2). The sensor device (6) transfers the detected measured variable (M) to a control device (9) for the rolling mill. Taking into account the measured variable (M), the control device (9) determines a control value (A) for the rolling stand (1). The control of the rolling stand (1) influences the material property of the flat rolled product (2). The control value (A) is a ratio of the peripheral speeds (vO, vU) at which the upper and the lower working rolls (3, 4) of the rolling stand (1) rotate.

Abstract: A switch device includes a base, a mounting member protruding from the base, a plurality of elastic strain sensors, and an input detector. Each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors spans between a top portion of the mounting member and a corresponding one of a plurality of peripheral portions of the base. The plurality of peripheral portions are circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the mounting member. Each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors is configured to change a capacitance according to elongation. The input detector is configured to obtain a change in the capacitance of each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors.

Abstract: Friction disk sets of clutches and brakes are used, for example, in automatic transmissions. In clutch test benches for such clutches, the friction disks are held in a test chamber on inner and outer disk carriers. The test bench arrangement has a clutch unit which includes first and second disk carriers. The first disk carrier can be moved relative to the second disk carrier. A drive input section includes a drive input mechanism for producing relative movement between the first and the second disk carrier. A first driven shaft is mounted by at least one first bearing unit. The first disk carrier is drive-connected, via the first shaft, to the drive input mechanism. The first shaft is mounted to rotate by virtue of the first bearing unit. The test bench arrangement includes a measuring unit for determining a frictional torque of the first bearing unit.

Abstract: A strain gauge includes first and second substrates spaced apart from one another. A first flexible printed circuit board portion is in contact with a top side of the first and second substrates, and has a first Wheatstone bridge formed therein. The first flexible printed circuit board portion positions the first Wheatstone bridge such that two resistors of the first Wheatstone bridge are positioned to span from the top side of the first substrate to the top side of the second substrate. A second flexible printed circuit board portion is in contact with a bottom side of the first and second substrates, and has a second Wheatstone bridge formed therein. The second flexible printed circuit board positions the second Wheatstone bridge such that two resistors of the second Wheatstone bridge are positioned to span from the bottom side of the first substrate to the bottom side of the second substrate.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring the condition of and energy guide chain and/or a cable guided in an energy guide chain. Energy guide chains are used for guiding cables, hoses or the like, between abase and a moving end displaceable along a travel path and, in so doing, form a mobile run connected to the moving end, a stationary run with a connection end for the base and a deflection arc between the two runs. A monitoring device with at least one sensing component arranged on the energy guide chain. The monitoring device evaluates a signal generated using the sensing component in order to monitor the occurrence of a fault condition during operation of the energy guide chain. The sensing component includes an electrical indicator conductor guided by the energy guide chain and extending along the greater part of the length of the mobile run.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring tension and detecting slip of industrial belts while in running condition on belt drive system by using ultrasonic transducers. The sensing part involves two ultrasonic transducers which are installed on an assembly which is placed within a constrained space between the tension side and slack side of belt. Sinusoidal waves having predefined amplitude are sent from transmitting transducer on the belt and amplitude of the signal reflected from the belt is measured and compared with a threshold value to detect reduced tension. An acoustic sleeve is mounted on driving and driven pulley locknuts to blank the reflected signal periodically to measure the speeds of the pulleys compared to detect the slip of the belt. The apparatus generates an alert to user when the belt tension is reduced and/or when slip is detected. The processing circuit involves microcontroller with Wi-Fi module to send alert messages.

Abstract: Provided is a wire rope flaw detector according to the present invention includes a magnetizer configured to form a magnetic path in a predetermined segment of a wire rope, a magnetic sensor configured to detect a leakage magnetic flux generated from the wire rope, and a protective cover configured to prevent the wire rope from being brought into contact with the magnetic sensor. The wire rope flaw detector further includes a magnetic sensor protecting member configured to prevent the protective cover from being brought into contact with an upper face of the magnetic sensor so as to prevent application of a pressure equal to or larger than a predetermined pressure to the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating line sag in a span of a conductor is provided. The method includes using a portable smart device having one or more accelerometers and running a line sag application on the processing device. The line sag application enables acceleration data of return waves generated on the conductor to be collected using the smart device and to be plotted as a function of time for display on the smart device. The method further includes placement of time markers on the plotted data displayed on the smart device to determine elapsed time and calculating line sag using the elapsed time.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly includes: a mask including a deposition pattern through which a deposition material is deposited to a deposition target; a frame to which the mask comprising the deposition pattern is combined; and a pattern position adjusting mechanism which is coupled to the frame and configured to apply a force to the frame such that a position of the deposition pattern of the mask combined to the frame is changed.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for a waist measuring belt are provided. An example waist measuring belt is made up of a belt buckle frame with attachments for a belt strap. The belt further includes a position measuring module coupled to the belt buckle frame that measures an attachment position of a second end of the belt strap to the belt buckle frame. The belt also includes a tension measuring module coupled to the belt buckle frame that measures a tension through the belt buckle frame and the belt strap. A memory and a wireless communication module attached to the belt may be used to store measurements and communicate with a mobile device or server. In various embodiments, estimated user waist sizes over time using measured values and belt-specific data may be used to estimate a user's waist size and generate a waist size history.

Abstract: A more accurate tension of a belt or a more accurate target natural frequency of the belt when the belt tension is adjusted is determined. A method for calculating a belt tension includes receiving a natural frequency of a belt and a span; performing calculation for determining a tension of the belt using a predetermined expression, based on the natural frequency, the span, and a unit mass of the belt read from a memory; and displaying the tension on a display, wherein in a case where the span is within a predetermined range corresponding to the belt, the predetermined expression is corrected so that an error caused by a bending stiffness of the belt is reduced.

Abstract: A natural-frequency measurement device for measuring the natural frequency of a belt includes: an acceleration sensor attached to a portion of the belt between an adjacent pair of pulleys to sense acceleration resulting from the vibration of the belt; and a measuring instrument configured to measure the natural frequency of the belt based on the acceleration sensed by the acceleration sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a testing apparatus of an auxiliary belt system. The testing apparatus of the auxiliary belt system includes: a tester bracket, a torque pulse simulation motor mounted to the tester bracket, a crankshaft pulley mounted to the tester bracket and rotated by operations of the torque pulse simulation motor, an auxiliary system mounted to the tester bracket, connected to the crankshaft pulley through a belt and rotated by rotation of the crankshaft pulley and a controller controlling operations of the torque pulse simulation motor.

Abstract: A “semi-automated” device, method and/or system for the determination of line sag in a tensioned (e.g., power) line is described. A prescribed number of waves based on the waves required by a given sag-tension chart is input. After the device is directly or indirectly attached onto the line, the user then induces a wave on the line either by pulling/striking the tensioned line. The device automatically measures the acceleration/inflection of the passing waves and the time of arrival of waves, as well as ambient temperature, and signaling the user upon completion of the measurement. These recorded values can be used to determine the actual sag of the tensioned line, thus avoiding the current error-prone approach of using a manual stopwatch and visual deflection of the waves.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes transmitting an alternating current along a wire placed along a given axis relative to a magnetic element producing a magnetic field having an axis. The wire may be stretched such that the wire has an audible fundamental frequency. Additionally or alternatively, the alternating current may be a continuous alternating current. The method also includes in at least one instance, detecting a vibration of the wire thereby indicating that a transverse component of the magnetic field is coupled with the alternating current. And in the respective instance(s), the method includes adjusting a position of the wire or magnetic element to at least reduce the vibration of the wire thereby indicating increased alignment of the given axis and magnetic-field axis.

Abstract: A dynamic load estimation system and method is provided, the system including a tire supporting a vehicle; a vehicle-mounted acceleration sensor for determining a vehicle lateral acceleration and a vehicle longitudinal acceleration; a roll angle calculating model for determining a vehicle roll angle; a roll rate calculating model for determining a vehicle roll rate; a static normal load calculation model for calculating a measured static normal load; and a dynamic tire load estimation model for calculating an estimated dynamic load on the tire from the measured static normal load, the vehicle roll angle, the vehicle roll rate, the vehicle lateral acceleration and the vehicle longitudinal acceleration.

Abstract: A force measuring device. The device comprises an x-axis sensor beam for measuring x-direction forces, a y-axis sensor beam for measuring y-direction forces, a z-axis sensor beam for measuring z-direction forces, and wherein the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis sensor beams are decoupled such that forces exerted by a specimen in one direction do not exert substantial forces on the other two sensor beams.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a frequency of a wire in a vibrating wire gauge. The system may include a signal generator for generating a signal at a frequency that matches a frequency of the wire vibration and an excitation unit for exciting the wire to increase an amplitude of the wire vibration. The excitation unit may excite the wire using the signal. The system may further include a signal gate for controlling when the signal is sent to the excitation unit.

Abstract: A strain sensor apparatus for a rotatable shaft including a radiation emitter/receiver, a vibration element attached to the shaft and a reflector that is positioned to reflect radiation onto the vibration element.

Abstract: A strain sensor apparatus for a rotatable shaft including a radiation emitter/receiver, a vibration element attached to the shaft and a radiation-reflective annulus surrounding the shaft and vibration element.

Abstract: A method for checking a vibration damper of a motor vehicle in the installed state includes setting start values of the damping constant kA, the spring rate cA, and the body mass mA for a wheel of a motor vehicle; inducing a vertical vibration of the motor vehicle with the aid of a defined excitation sRreal; determining the theoretical body vibration excursion sAmodel; optically detecting the positions of the wheel and the body shell of the motor vehicle at a plurality of detection instants during the vibration; minimizing the error function formed from the deviations between the theoretical body vibration excursion sAmodel and the observed body vibration excursion sAreal at the detection instants, and determining the damping constant kA, the spring rate cA, and the body mass mA therefrom; and determining the damping measure ? of the vibration damper.

Abstract: A process for testing the quality, in particular the stiffness and the phase, of an elastic joint for connecting two other parts while filtering vibrations transmitted between these two other parts, said elastic joint being meant to work in axial, radial or torsional direction, disposing or not disposing of one or more hydro-elastic chambers and of two cylindrical concentric support elements, the inner support element being located to a large extend inside the volume defined by the outer support element, the two support elements being connected by a set of components made of rubber or elastomer or, if applicable, of plastic and metallic parts, wherein said support elements are themselves respectively attached to the two other parts which the elastic joint connects, wherein a technique of testing by impact is applied within the timing of the production line of the elastic joint, i.e.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring environmental conditions of a sensing location, where a sensor including a measuring surface and a wire coupled in tension to the measuring surface over which ultrasonic signals may be transmitted and sensed. Signal analysis of ultrasonic signals transmitted over the tensioned wire are analyzed to measure one or more environmental conditions acting on the measuring surface.

Abstract: A detection and paramedic measuring system using a transponder composed of passive components and pulse inductive interrogation is disclosed. A methodology based on measuring the quality factor of the transponder is employed to detect a specific species of transponder or measure a parameter that alters the transponders quality factor.

Abstract: A tunable nanoscale resonator has potential applications in precise mass, force, position, and frequency measurement. One embodiment of this device consists of a specially prepared multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) suspended between a metal electrode and a mobile, piezoelectrically controlled contact. By harnessing a unique telescoping ability of MWNTs, one may controllably slide an inner nanotube core from its outer nanotube casing, effectively changing its length and thereby changing the tuning of its resonance frequency. Resonant energy transfer may be used with a nanoresonator to detect molecules at a specific target oscillation frequency, without the use of a chemical label, to provide label-free chemical species detection.

Abstract: A process for testing the quality, in particular the stiffness and the phase, of an elastic joint for connecting two other parts while filtering vibrations transmitted between these two other parts, said elastic joint being meant to work in axial, radial or torsional direction, disposing or not disposing of one or more hydro-elastic chambers and of two cylindrical concentric support elements, the inner support element being located to a large extend inside the volume defined by the outer support element, the two support elements being connected by a set of components made of rubber or elastomer or, if applicable, of plastic and metallic parts, wherein said support elements are themselves respectively attached to the two other parts which the elastic joint connects, wherein a technique of testing by impact is applied within the timing of the production line of the elastic joint, i.e.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that characterizes a response of a device in a computer system to vibration over a frequency range. During operation, the device is vibrated at each frequency in a set of frequencies in the frequency range, wherein the device is vibrated at each frequency, one frequency at a time, until a stabilized response of the device is determined. The response of the device to vibration over the frequency range is then characterized based on information related to the stabilized response at each frequency in the set of frequencies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing the resonant frequency of vibratory wires within vibratory wire gauges. The resonant frequency of the vibrating wire is determined by using an interface that digitizes the response of an excited wire in the gauge. A transform then converts the digitized data into a frequency spectrum. The resulting spectrum is used to estimate the resonant frequency of the vibrating wire. The resulting measurement or estimate of the resonant frequency can be used to measure or determine some physical characteristic of the device or structure or system connected to the gauge.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise an automatic reel capable assisting a user when attempting to unspool a linear material, such as a water hose. The automatic reel includes a control system having a motor controller capable of sensing a pulling of, or increased tension of, the linear material and capable of causing a motor to rotate to unspool the linear material. In certain embodiments, the motor controller tracks the length of the unspooled portion of the linear material and/or reduces the spooling speed of the motor when retracting a terminal portion of the linear material.

Abstract: A tensiometer for measuring thread tension, provided with a bending element fixed at one end and tensioned at the other end by the thread, at least one sensor element and damping device for oscillating the bending element. The damping device has at least one mass damper fixed to the bending element by means of a spring body.

Abstract: A high frequency flexure-based dynamometer for measuring vibrations to use in determining cutting forces in a tool is disclosed. The dynamometer device may operate within a pre-selected high frequency range while measuring cutting forces less than about 1 N. The dynamometer may include two coupled flexures that interact to produce vibration modes at the edge of a selected bandwidth of interest. These modes may produce a frequency response function within the desired frequency band that has a magnified response and is substantially constant. The dynamometer may include a workpiece mounted to one of the two flexures and a one or more precision accelerometers mounted to the first or second flexures. Finite element analysis may be used to optimize the flexure design.

Abstract: Vibration sensors or measurement detectors having connecting cables (40) for electrical supply voltages and/or signal voltages are provided with a clamping or winding space (42) on the bottom of the sensor housing (10). One or more turns of the respective connecting cable is deposited with in the clamping or winding space when the sensors are screwed tightly onto a machine or the like. The connecting cable can have any optional azimuth angle relative to the sensor coordinates and is well protected against external, damaging mechanical effects.

Abstract: An electromagnetic apparatus, comprises a conductive loop comprising two parallel conductive legs joined at a free end by a sample contacting member and a magnetic circuit that imposes a magnetic field in opposite directions across the respective legs. A method of mechanically characterizing a sample, comprises imposing a magnetic field in opposite directions in each of two parallel conductive legs of a conductive loop, the legs joined at a free end by a sample contacting member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring tension in a stressed cable wherein the apparatus comprises two clamps, a circuit board and a power source. A transverse acceleration is generated in the stressed cable which is measured by an accelerometer in the apparatus, converted into an analog signal and transmitted to a portable computer programmed with software to calculate the cable tension from the fundamental period of vibration.

Abstract: A strain gauge sensor system and method for measuring the strain in a member, such as a fiber rope, has a sensor target assembly having a plurality of magnets carried spaced apart by individual gauge lengths along the member. Position and trigger sensor devices are configured spaced apart along side a desired path of travel of the member. When the member is fed along the desired path of travel, the trigger sensor device, in response to magnetically sensing a passing magnet, triggers the position sensor device to read the position of an adjacent passing magnet. The strain in the gauge length is determined from the read position. RFID tags placed on the member between the magnets can be identified by an RF reader to identify a particular gauge length being measured. The system can include a deployment device for feeding the member along the desired path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensiometer (T), for measuring thread tension, provided with a bending element (B), fixed at one end (2), tensioned at the other end (3) by the thread (Y), supporting at least one sensor element (E) and provided with a damping device (D), for the vibrations of the bending element (B), whereby the damping device (D) comprises at least one mass damper (M), fixed to the bending element (B) by means of a spring body (F).

Abstract: The present invention provides sensors based on micromachined ultrasonic transducer technology. The sensors preferably include a plurality of sensor elements, but may include only one sensor element. Arrays of sensors are also provided. Sensor elements include a functionalized membrane supported over a substrate by a support frame. The functionalized membrane, support frame and substrate together form a vacuum gap. The sensor element is connected to an electrical circuit, which is configured to operate the sensor element at or near an open circuit resonance condition. The mechanical resonance frequency of the functionalized membrane is responsive to binding of an agent to the membrane. Thus, the sensor element also includes a detector, where the detector provides a sensor output responsive to the mechanical resonance frequency of the sensor element.

Abstract: A planarity-measuring roller for metallic strip has a plurality of force sensors set in respective outwardly open recesses in a roller body with respective covers overlying the sensors in the recesses, generally flush with an outer surface of the body, and spaced by a gap from the respective recesses. Metal foils overlie the recesses and are adhered to the covers and to the outer surface of the roller body all around the recesses.

Abstract: A method and system to reduce vibration in a turbine-generator including measuring a magnitude of radial vibration of a turbine shaft with at least one vibration sensor configured to generate a vibration signal indicative of vibration frequency; measuring a generator power output with a power output sensor configured to generate a generator power output signal; detecting vibration frequencies in a rough load zone range; engaging an air injection means when a magnitude of radial vibration detected in the rough load zone range is above a predetermined threshold; storing a generator power output level as a reference level when engaging the air injection means; and disengaging the air injection means when either the measured generator power output exceeds a predetermined level or the measured generator power output differs from the reference level by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Object of this invention is to provide an axial torsional vibration measurement device of the reactor internal pump capable of measuring the axial torsional vibration easily. The vibration detector 2 that detects vibration in the radial direction, and the sound detector 3 that detects vibration in the circumferential direction are fitted on cylindrical motor casing 6, which contains the motor of a reactor internal pump. The dimension of both signals of a vibration waveform signal detected by the vibration detector 2, and a sound waveform signal detected by the sound detector 3 are matched in vibration calculating device 15, to thereby obtain an axial torsion vibration of a motor from the difference of both signals.

Abstract: Object of this invention is to provide an axial torsional vibration measurement device of the reactor internal pump capable of measuring the axial torsional vibration easily. The vibration detector 2 that detects vibration in the radial direction, and the sound detector 3 that detects vibration in the circumferential direction are fitted on cylindrical motor casing 6, which contains the motor of a reactor internal pump. The dimension of both signals of a vibration waveform signal detected by the vibration detector 2, and a sound waveform signal detected by the sound detector 3 are matched in vibration calculating device 15, to thereby obtain an axial torsion vibration of a motor from the difference of both signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for non-contact measurement of torque applied to a torque-bearing member such as a shaft. The method involves the use of a piezoelectric transducer mechanically coupled to the shaft for rotation therewith, and having electrical characteristics responsive to applied torque. Electrical signal characteristics are changed by the torque-dependent transducer characteristics. The electrical signals are coupled to the outside (non-rotating) world by at least one capacitive coupler. In one embodiment, an fixed-frequency oscillator produces signal, and the transmission of the signal is affected by the torque-dependent resonant frequency of the transducer. In another embodiment, the transducer is coupled in the feedback loop of a circuit to form an oscillator, in which the frequency is responsive to the torque. A transducer may be placed and distributed in a protective holder. The holder may be pierced in particular locations in order to increase or decrease its sensitivity.

Abstract: A tire sensor assembly that is embedded in an elastomeric tire at a particular radial depth inwardly from a contact patch of the tire includes a flexible generally pyramid-shaped body and a pair of first strain sensors disposed on first opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body, the first strain sensors detecting a force in a first direction. In addition, the assembly includes a pair of second strain sensors disposed on second opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body, the second strain sensors detecting a force in a second direction. Moreover, each face of the first and second opposed faces is non-planar. Preferably, the first and second opposed faces of the pyramid-shaped body are curved and generally symmetrical about an axis extending longitudinally through the apex of the body so as to allow adjustment of the sensitivity of the sensor assembly generally independent of the radial depth.

Abstract: A sensor unit is formed by a single integral body obtained by coupling a resiliently deforming portion with a base portion without interposing a soft material therebetween, and a force applied to a probe secured to a front end of the resiliently deforming portion is measured as a change in capacitance of a capacitor constituted by electrodes secured to opposing surfaces of the resiliently deforming portion and base portion. These electrodes are connected to a resonance circuit of a high frequency oscillation circuit, and in order to measure a change in a resonance frequency which is varied in accordance with the applied force, an output signal from the high frequency oscillation circuit is counted by a digital frequency counter for a predetermined time period. It is possible to provide the electrocapacitive type force measuring apparatus which can measure a very small force with an extremely high precision without being affected by temperature variation, humidity variation and secular variation.

Abstract: A force sensor having a substrate for measuring forces is provided, on which substrate a first path and a second path for travel of acoustic surface waves are arranged. The two paths are arranged essentially parallel to one another and their lengths are different. An effect of a force on the substrate is detectable by measuring a time needed for an acoustic surface wave to travel at least one of the first and second paths.

Abstract: A method and system for tensioning a belt, the system including a tensioning measuring head, a controller, and an air impact gun. The tension measuring head includes a vibration sensor and a belt striker. The controller activates the belt striker and receives signals from the vibration sensor indicative of the vibrations set up in the belt being tensioned. The measured vibrations are indicative of the tension on the belt, and are used by the controller to deactivate the air impact gun when the belt tension is determined to be at a desired level.

Abstract: There are provided a stable and highly sensitive nanometric mechanical oscillator having a considerably high detection resolution that enables detection of variation in force or mass on the nanometer order, as well as a method of fabricating the same, and a measurement apparatus using the same. A nanometric mechanical oscillator (10) includes a base (11), a tetrahedral oscillator mass (13); and an elastic neck portion (12) for connecting the base (11) and the tetrahedral oscillator mass (13). The oscillator (10) assumes a mushroom-like shape and has a nanometric size. The oscillator mass (13) assumes a tetrahedral shape and is suitable to be used as a probe of a scanning forth microscope in which the oscillator mass (13) serving as a probe is caused to approach to an arbitrary sample surface in order to observe the surface state.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes a replaceable laminar sensor to be placed on a bed, the sensor including distributed force sensing elements providing output signals to processing apparatus including a near-bed processor and a central processor coupled to the near-bed processor by a wireless communication link. The processing apparatus applies spatial weighting to the sensor output signals to derive the force distribution across the sensor, and processes the force distribution over time to generate patient status information such as patient presence, position, agitation, seizure activity, respiration, and security. This information can be displayed at a central monitoring station, provided to a paging system to alert attending medical personnel, and used to update medical databases. The sensor may be manufactured from layers of olefin film and conductive ink to form capacitive sensing elements.