Abstract: A self contained patient sensing and monitoring system is provided for sensing and monitoring the presence, absence, and movement of the patient. Embodiments of the present invention provide a system conformable to a patient support surface, systems that are self contained, systems that are operationally unobtrusive, and programmable systems. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a container, a sensor configured within the container, and a control unit responsive to the sensor and configured within the container, wherein the container at least substantially encompassing the sensor and the control unit and wherein the control unit is conformable to the patient support surface. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a container, a sensor configured within the container, and a control unit conformable to a patient support surface and configured within the container, wherein said control unit is responsive to the sensor.

Abstract: A conformal electrical sensor switch for determining the presence or absence of weight, such as a person in a bed, comprises flexible, parallel sensing strips positioned to make contact when pressure is applied. Sensing strip circuits are held apart by a separator strip until pressure is applied and thus closing a latch which provides signal output through snap connectors which are affixed to the sensing strips and which extend beyond the sealed flexible cover of the sensor switch. The flexible cover serves to secure the sensing strips and connectors in a facing relationship. The connectors are designed to permit easy attachment to a variety of signal processing/monitoring devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing locations and magnitudes of forces applied on a surface includes a grid comprised of energy input devices running in one direction and energy output devices running another direction with the input and output devices crossing each other. Transducers that meter energy from the input devices to the output devices as a function of the magnitude of forces applied thereon are positioned at the intersections of the input devices with the output devices. Interrogation apparatus is also included, along with energy output detectors and measuring devices, for sensing and determining locations, as well as magnitudes, of forces applied on the grid. Several embodiments of energy input and energy output devices are shown and described, as well as several embodiments of transducers.