Abstract: A sensor and a monitoring system for implementation on a toilet seat to detect: (a) the presence of an individual on the toilet seat; (b) the departure of the individual from the toilet seat; and (c) an overly long occupancy of the toilet seat by the individual. The sensor is incorporated either on the underside of the toilet seat or within the material structure of the seat. Included with the sensor in the system is an integrated interconnect component for allowing the operation of the dielectric shift sensor elements with a variety of control monitors associated with existing patient and nurse call alarm systems. The interconnect component and an appropriately structured interconnect cable are used to connect the dielectric shift sensor elements configured within or on the toilet seat with any of a variety of existing alarm/alert control unit modules.

Abstract: A sensor and a monitoring system for implementation on a toilet seat to detect: (a) the presence of an individual on the toilet seat; (b) the departure of the individual from the toilet seat; and (c) an overly long occupancy of the toilet seat by the individual. The sensor is incorporated either on the underside of the toilet seat or within the material structure of the seat. Included with the sensor in the system is an integrated interconnect component for allowing the operation of the dielectric shift sensor elements with a variety of control monitors associated with existing patient and nurse call alarm systems. The interconnect component and an appropriately structured interconnect cable are used to connect the dielectric shift sensor elements configured within or on the toilet seat with any of a variety of existing alarm/alert control unit modules.

Abstract: A sensor and a monitoring system for implementation on a toilet seat to detect: (a) the presence of an individual on the toilet seat; (b) the departure of the individual from the toilet seat; and (c) an overly long occupancy of the toilet seat by the individual. The sensor is incorporated either on the underside of the toilet seat or within the material structure of the seat. Included with the sensor in the system is an integrated interconnect component for allowing the operation of the dielectric shift sensor elements with a variety of control monitors associated with existing patient and nurse call alarm systems. The interconnect component and an appropriately structured interconnect cable are used to connect the dielectric shift sensor elements configured within or on the toilet seat with any of a variety of existing alarm/alert control unit modules.

Abstract: A sensor element for detecting and measuring a dielectric shift for use with a patient monitoring system and methods for manufacturing such sensor elements for use. Sensor elements include flat, flexible, substrate layers that are manufactured into sheets that include at least two longitudinal conductive elements printed onto one side of the substrate layer material. Disclosed also is an integrated interconnect cable component for allowing the operation of dielectric shift sensor elements with a variety of control monitors associated with pressure switch based patient alarm systems. The interconnect cable component may be used for connecting a dielectric shift sensing mat with any of a variety of different pressure switch based control unit modules used with patient occupancy alarm systems. Wired and wireless embodiments of the monitoring system are described. Various structural and material embodiments in different sleeping (bed) and sitting (chair) environments are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated interconnect cable component for allowing the operation of dielectric shift sensor elements with a variety of control monitors associated with pressure switch based patient alarm systems. The interconnect cable component may be used for connecting a dielectric shift sensing mat (associated with a patient monitoring system) with any of a variety of different pressure switch based control unit module as utilized in conjunction with patient occupancy alarm systems. The interconnect component includes an integrated driver, sensor, comparator, calibration, logic circuit; a relay activation circuit; and a power supply (battery). The cabled component takes the dielectric shift measured across the contacts for a sensor mat and drives a relay activation circuit accordingly. The relay activation circuit in turn provides the on/off switch condition that the existing pressure switch monitor circuit expects to see at the connection cable.

Abstract: A system providing effective, broad spectrum UV-C or other ionizing radiation clinical surface disinfection, high intensity UV-C light emitting diodes (LEDs) of incrementally differing wavelengths are sequentially embedded in densely packed reflective nacels (cups or pockets) forming the surface of a rotating spherical or hemispherical structure. A combination of UV-C emitter component location and activation with the rotational and reciprocal elevation functions of such structures produces complete and continuous environmental overlapping UV-C energy scattering.

Abstract: A system providing effective, broad spectrum UV-C or other ionizing radiation clinical surface disinfection, high intensity UV-C light emitting diodes (LEDs) of incrementally differing wavelengths are sequentially embedded in densely packed reflective nacels (cups or pockets) forming the surface of a rotating spherical or hemispherical structure. A combination of UV-C emitter component location and activation with the rotational and reciprocal elevation functions of such structures produces complete and continuous environmental overlapping UV-C energy scattering.

Abstract: A passive system is described for detecting radar emissions from vessels, receiving the radar emissions and analysing the data using a series of algorithms and software manipulation to extract radar signatures representative of the identity of the vessel. The data output is capable of comparison with a stored set of data enabling accurate identification of the vessel. The resulting output is displayed on a suitable display. A system having a library of vessel emission signatures can either be created within the operator's library through measurement made, or it can be supplied from a central database. The system is capable of installation on sea, land or air-based platforms.

Abstract: A bedding system component that provides for the incorporation of sensor elements into a fitted mattress cover for the detection of dielectric shift induced capacitance changes for the monitoring of the presence or absence of a person in a medical bed. The mattress cover is preferably fitted so as to be securely retained over and around the standard sized hospital patient beds. A variety of sizes are anticipated. The sensor elements are unobtrusively placed on the underside of the mattress cover and are provided with conductive snap connectors for connection to one or more of the patient monitoring systems described in the references cited above. The sensors are preferably configured using conductive ink and may be printed onto the underside surface of the fabric mattress cover. The fabric of the cover is preferably Tyvek® material or another inexpensive (disposable) material with similar strength and water resistant characteristics.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor element for use with a patient monitoring system and a method for manufacturing and dispensing such sensor elements for use. Sensor elements include a flat, flexible, substrate layer that is manufactured into a roll that also includes at least two longitudinal conductive elements printed onto one side of the substrate layer material. Disclosed also is an integrated interconnect cable component for allowing the operation of dielectric shift sensor elements with a variety of control monitors associated with pressure switch based patient alarm systems. The interconnect cable component may be used for connecting a dielectric shift sensing mat with any of a variety of different pressure switch based control unit modules used with patient occupancy alarm systems. The interconnect includes an integrated driver, sensor, comparator, calibration, logic circuit; a relay activation circuit; and power supply.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor element for use with a patient monitoring system and a method for manufacturing and dispensing such sensor elements for use. The sensor elements include a flat, flexible, substrate layer that is manufactured into a roll that also includes at least two longitudinal conductive elements printed or layered onto one side of the substrate layer material. Individual capacitive sensor elements comprising a section of the substrate material with corresponding sections of the conductive elements may be separated from the manufactured roll by tearing along perforations across the width of the substrate layer material. Once an individual capacitive sensor element has been separated from the roll for use, one end of the element is folded over to align pairs of connector apertures positioned through the conductive elements and the associated substrate layer.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor element for use with a patient monitoring system and a method for manufacturing and dispensing such sensor elements for use. The sensor elements include a flat, flexible, substrate layer that is manufactured into a roll that also includes at least two longitudinal conductive elements printed or layered onto one side of the substrate layer material. Individual capacitive sensor elements comprising a section of the substrate material with corresponding sections of the conductive elements may be separated from the manufactured roll by tearing along perforations across the width of the substrate layer material. Once an individual capacitive sensor element has been separated from the roll for use, one end of the element is folded over to align pairs of connector apertures positioned through the conductive elements and the associated substrate layer.

Abstract: A passive system is described for detecting radar emissions from vessels, receiving the radar emissions and analysing the data using a series of algorithms and software manipulation to extract radar signatures representative of the identity of the vessel. The data output is capable of comparison with a stored set of data enabling accurate identification of the vessel. The resulting output is displayed on a suitable display. A system having a library of vessel emission signatures can either be created within the operator's library through measurement made, or it can be supplied from a central database. The system is capable of installation on sea, land or air-based platforms.

Abstract: A capacitive array is housed within a polyester mat or other appropriate nonconductive substrate material which is interconnected with a control module. The control module supplies to the capacitive array a suitable oscillator driver current and concurrently senses capacitance value changes within the capacitive array induced through dielectric shifts within the array brought about by the proximity or absence thereof of the patient's body mass. The monitor/control module generally comprises a power supply, a driver/sensor circuit, a calibration/comparator logic circuit, a system interconnection integrity circuit, and an alarm generation circuit. It may also optionally contain a nurse call relay circuit for interconnection to a facility's nurse call system.

Abstract: A capacitive array is housed within a polyester mat or other appropriate nonconductive substrate material which is interconnected with a control module. The control module supplies to the capacitive array a suitable oscillator driver current and concurrently senses capacitance value changes within the capacitive array induced through dielectric shifts within the array brought about by the proximity or absence thereof of the patient's body mass. The monitor/control module generally comprises a power supply, a driver/sensor circuit, a calibration/comparator logic circuit, a system interconnection integrity circuit, and an alarm generation circuit. It may also optionally contain a nurse call relay circuit for interconnection to a facility's nurse call system.

Abstract: A pressure sensing array has upper, central and lower laminar elongated members, the central member having several openings producing defined cavities between the upper and lower members. A first array of essentially parallel and separated electrically conductive bands are created upon the upper surface of the lower member and traverse the several cavities created by the central member. Affixed to the top surface of the aforesaid electrically conductive bands are non-conductive separator dots positioned in a defined linear spaced pattern and composed of an appropriate dielectric material. A secondary dual arrangement of substantially parallel, separated, electrically conductive bands are attached to the lower surface of the upper member, each individual electrically conductive band being discreetly connected to a strain relief stabilized releasable electric snap stud connector.

Abstract: A capacitive array is housed within a polyester mat or other appropriate nonconductive substrate material which is interconnected with a control module. The control module supplies to the capacitive array a suitable oscillator driver current and concurrently senses capacitance value changes within the capacitive array induced through dielectric shifts within the array brought about by the proximity or absence thereof of the patient's body mass. The monitor/control module generally comprises a power supply, a driver/sensor circuit, a calibration/comparator logic circuit, a system interconnection integrity circuit, and an alarm generation circuit. It may also optionally contain a nurse call relay circuit for interconnection to a facility's nurse call system.

Abstract: The outer turns (3) of a spiral antenna are radially modulated to extend the low-frequency response. The modulation amplitude increases progressively with spiral angle. The unmodulated region may consist of equally-spaced inner turns (1), and outer turns (2) whose spacing increases with angle. The track width of the outer turns may progressively decrease. Alternatively the track width of the outer unmodulated region may increase, the width of the modulated turns then progressively decreasing. Corresponding modulation may be applied to the outer ends of the arms of sinuous antennas.

Abstract: A capacitive array is housed within a polyester mat or other appropriate nonconductive substrate material which is interconnected with a control module. The control module supplies to the capacitive array a suitable oscillator driver current and concurrently senses capacitance value changes within the capacitive array induced through dielectric shifts within the array brought about by the proximity or absence thereof of the patient's body mass. The control module consists of a power supply, a driver/sensor circuit, a calibration/comparator logic circuit, a system interconnection integrity circuit, and an alarm generation circuit. It may also optionally contain a nurse call relay circuit for interconnection to a facility's nurse call system.

Abstract: An electromagnetic (EM) radiant energy beam source transmits a beam of reflectable EM energy toward the space in a hospital bed normally occupied by a patient being monitored. In one embodiment, the beam is reflected by the patient if found within the confines of the hospital bed, and the reflected beam is detected by an EM energy sensor located on the apparatus. A control logic circuit then receives data from the energy sensor regarding the level of reflected energy detected. If a certain beam intensity level has been detected, the control logic circuit sends a signal to an output relay that the patient is still in the bed. If the patient is no longer in the bed, an alternate signal is sent to the output relay. The output relay serves as an interface to an external occupancy monitoring system or may alternatively operate an alarm bell or light to indicate the absence of the patient.