Abstract: A load cell apparatus includes a base member, a cap member, a number of first members provided between the base member and the cap member and forming at least a portion of a support wall of the load cell apparatus, and a plurality of strain gauges directly coupled to the number of first members, the plurality of strain gauges being positioned to measure an axial load applied to the load cell in a direction extending from the cap member to the base member.

Abstract: A support platform supports a mattress. The support platform includes legs. Force sensors are coupled to the legs or to the support platform. The force sensors are configured to sense a force applied to each leg or support platform. A controller is configured to receive at least one force stream from at least one of the force sensors. The at least one force stream represents a force sensed by the force sensor. The controller is configured to, in responses to receiving the at least one force stream, determine a sleep parameter from the following group of sleep parameters: bed presence, weight, heart rate, respiration rate, and motions. The controller is configured to output at least one or more of those parameters to an end user.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) heating module for a vehicle having a passenger cabin including at least one IR panel, a controller coupled to the at least one IR panel for controlling operation of the IR heating module, and a power supply coupled to the controller for supplying power to the IR heating module, where the at least one IR panel is adapted and configured to be installed in a roof within the passenger cabin of the vehicle. The IR heating module operates by detecting a temperature within a cabin of the vehicle based on an output of a thermostat within the vehicle, receiving a signal from the controller relating to the temperature detected, and initiating an operation of the at least one IR panel based on the received signal, where the at least one IR panel is installed within the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided an air mat device comprising a mat unit that has an air cell; an air supply and exhaust unit that supplies air to the air cell and exhausts the air from the air cell; and a control unit that acquires a state change quantity of the air cell or a time required for a state change of the air cell, as a control reference value, and that controls the air supply and exhaust unit in accordance with the control reference value. There is also provided an internal pressure control method of an air cell according to the above configuration.

Abstract: An exit prediction system for a support apparatus receives data inputs from one or more force sensors without zeroing the one or more force sensors. Changes in the data inputs are detected to determine whether the detected changes indicate a movement trend. An exit prediction is determined based at least partially on the movement trend, and without combining the data inputs from the one or more force sensors to determine the occupant's weight. A notification is generated based on the exit prediction.

Abstract: A device (1) that supports the mobility of a person with restricted mobility comprises a trolley (3) and a mast (4) attached to the trolley (3). The mast (4) comprises a backrest (6) and armrests (5) for receiving the person.

Abstract: The present utility model provides a test bed, a magnetic resonance imaging system, and a medical imaging system. The test bed includes a support frame used to bear a tested object, a base used to support the support frame, and at least one weighing assembly. The at least one weighing assembly is fixed to the base, and acquires weight information of the tested object by sensing stress from the support frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for cooking a starch-based food item. The device comprises a vessel for receiving a quantity of the starch-based food item with an initial weight; a weighing scale for weighting the food item during cooking; a heater for heating the starch-based food item; and a controller coupled to the weighing scale and the heater. The controller causes the heater to cook the starch-based food item at a first temperature for a first time duration, the first temperature is higher than a starch gelatinization temperature; and causes the heater, based on the weighing scale reading, to cook the starch-based food item at a second temperature for a second time, where the second temperature is higher than the first temperature and above 150° C. The device makes cooked food healthier and more appetizing, which is beneficial to health especially for individuals with diabetes and obesity.

Abstract: Provided is an elastic member according to an embodiment. The elastic member includes an upper support, a lower support provided under the upper support, and at least one elastic part configured to connect the upper support to the lower support, wherein the elastic part includes an upper support portion formed downward from the upper support, a lower support portion configured to extend upwardly from the lower support, and a connecting portion configured to connect the upper support portion to the lower support portion with a predetermined inclination and to be bent and deformed when the elastic member is pressed.

Abstract: An exit prediction system receives movement data, divides the movement data into segments of time, extracts features from each segment of time, and determines a pattern of movement from the extracted features. A patient exit from a patient support apparatus is predicted based on the determined pattern of movement.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, or the like, includes an exit detection system and/or a monitoring system that monitors a set of conditions of the patient support apparatus. A user interface of the exit detection system includes a first navigation control for navigating to a control screen for the exit detection system and a second navigation control for navigating to a control screen for the monitoring system. Each navigation control also functions as an automatic arming control, thereby causing the respective exit detection system and monitoring system to be armed. In this manner, a single touch of a navigation control implements the dual function of automatically arming the corresponding system and taking the user to a control screen for the corresponding system. The automatically armed system is armed using one or more preset settings or one or more settings customized to a particular patient.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, etc., for supporting a patient includes an exit detection system with multiple user-selectable modes of operation that each have different sensitivity levels for triggering an exit alert. The exit detection system also includes one or more non-user selectable modes of operation that are automatically implemented in response to a triggering action. For example, a transition mode may be automatically implemented when the user attempts to switch from a first user-selectable mode to a different user selectable mode, or a motion mode may be automatically implemented when movement of one or more components of the patient support apparatus occurs. In the transition mode, the exit detection system may use a least restrictive sensitivity level. In the motion mode, the exit detection system may inhibit exit alerts and/or change the criteria for issuing the exit alert.

Abstract: A posture measuring device, an intelligent cushion and an intelligent seat are disclosed. The sitting posture measuring device comprises two fiber optic sensors; a signal processing unit electrically connected to the two fiber optic sensors respectively; and a power supply unit electrically connected to the signal processing unit. The sitting posture measuring device further comprises a prompting unit and/or a wireless communications unit electrically connected to the signal processing unit. The two fiber optic sensors are configured from left to right or from front to back. The fiber optic sensors detect changes in optical signals generated from changes in surface pressure on the sensors, and the signal processing unit analyzes a posture of a user on the basis of changes in optical signals generated from changes in surface pressure on the sensors.

Abstract: A force measurement assembly is disclosed herein. The force measurement assembly includes a top component, the top component having a top surface for receiving at least one portion of the body of the subject; a single force transducer supporting the top component, the single force transducer configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the top surface of the top component by the subject; and a base component disposed underneath the single force transducer, the base component configured to be disposed on a support surface.

Abstract: A method for detecting an exit of a patient from a hospital bed, the method comprising: detecting a presence of the patient on the bed, upon detection of the patient on the bed, monitoring an indication that the patient has moved from a predetermined patient area on a patient receiving surface of the bed to outside the predetermined patient area, upon detection that the patient has moved outside the predetermined patient area, activating a bed alarm to indicate to a user that an exit of the patient from the hospital bed has been detected, and after monitoring the indication that the patient has moved from the predetermined patient area and further upon receiving a pause command, suspending monitoring the indication that the patient has moved from the predetermined patient area. There is also provided a system for detecting an exit of a patient from a hospital bed.

Abstract: A balance training system includes a moving carriage moving on a moving surface by driving a driving unit, and calculates a load's center of gravity of the training person's feet on a boarding surface from the detected load. The system sets a stable range. The stable range is a range of the load's center. The training person is estimated to maintain upright on the boarding surface in the range. The system controls movement of the moving carriage in a mode selected between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the driving unit drives under drive control predicting that the calculated load's center shifts within a first range set inside the stable range. In in the second mode, the driving unit drives under drive control predicting that the calculated load's center shifts to a second range set outside the first range inside the stable range.

Abstract: A weight scale system is for measuring the weight of an object, which includes a bed section, a vertical separator actuator and a controller. The bed section includes a lower-platform, an upper-platform and weight sensor assemblies located on the lower-platform, each includes at least one weight sensor. The bed section further includes at least one vertical-separator. The vertical-separator actuator is coupled with the vertical-separator and with the controller. The controller is coupled with the weight sensors. The controller directs the vertical-separator actuator to operate the bed section in at least two modes, a referencing mode in which the vertical-separator detaches the upper-platform from the weight sensor assemblies, thereby enabling referencing the weight sensors, and a weighing mode, in which the vertical separator re-attaches the upper-platform with the weight sensor assemblies, such that the weight associated with the upper-platform is fully applied on the weight sensors.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a pressure sensor capable of measuring a pressure distribution on a surface of the vehicle seat; a plurality of actuators provided in the vehicle seat; and a controller that controls vibrations generated by the plurality of actuators based on the pressure distribution output by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a bed including a frame. A mattress is supported by the frame. A respiratory therapy apparatus is supported by the frame. A pneumatic system is operable to inflate at least one bladder of the mattress and operable to deliver air to the respiratory therapy apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an automatic seat height system that adjusts a seat height. The height of a seat is adjusted only when a calculated seat height is outside of the range of a desired seat height. The seat is adjusted only when a seat height change from the desired seat height is not due to external forces such as vibration or shock. The seat height apparatus comprises a sensor, a height adjustment apparatus, a controller and a controllable actuator all in operable communication. The controller comprises software that calculates a calculated seat height based on a measured raw seat height. The calculated seat height is a time history position value pattern. The controller then compares the calculated seat height to a desired seat height to determine a change factor. If the change factor is outside of a predetermined range, the controller directs the controllable actuator to change the height of the seat to bring it within the range.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a carrier structure for multiple weight sensors, comprising bearing assemblies and a positioning device, wherein at least two bearing assemblies are provided; and the bearing assembly comprises a positioning end and a bearing branch end, the positioning end is fixedly connected with the bearing branch end, and a positioning hole is formed in one end face of the bearing branch end. According to the carrier structure for the multiple weight sensors, multiple weight sensor units in multiple directions can be combined, designed and mounted according to requirements, and quality detection information in multiple directions is obtained through the multiple weight sensing units, thus realizing multi-point and multi-position measurement; and the weight sensor units of multiple specifications can be designed and mounted at the same time, so that a corresponding sensing mode is effectively selected according to actual use conditions, thus improving measurement accuracy.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, etc., for supporting a patient includes an exit detection system with multiple user-selectable modes of operation that each have different sensitivity levels for triggering an exit alert. The exit detection system also includes one or more non-user selectable modes of operation that are automatically implemented in response to a triggering action. For example, a transition mode may be automatically implemented when the user attempts to switch from a first user-selectable mode to a different user selectable mode, or a motion mode may be automatically implemented when movement of one or more components of the patient support apparatus occurs. In the transition mode, the exit detection system may use a least restrictive sensitivity level. In the motion mode, the exit detection system may inhibit exit alerts and/or change the criteria for issuing the exit alert.

Abstract: It is provided a method for determining information with respect to an occupant and/or a seat belt of a motor vehicle, wherein the seat belt includes a plurality of sensors. The method comprises the following steps: determining a force acting on each of the sensors in a sensor coordinate system associated with each of the sensors; generating a numerical model of the seat belt and the sensors in an initial state; generating a final state of the model by varying positions and/or orientations of portions of the modeled seat belt, which are in a fixed geometrical relationship with the represented positions and/or orientations of at least some of the sensors; and determining the information with respect to the occupant and/or the seat belt based on the course of the modeled seat belt in the final state.

Abstract: A force to be applied to a seatbelt in response to a deceleration of a vehicle can be produced. Information about the deceleration of the vehicle can be received. A cause of the deceleration can be other than in response to a collision of the vehicle with an object. In response to a receipt of the information, a signal to control an actuator to produce the force can be produced. The actuator can be different from any of a pretensioner of a seatbelt assembly, a load limiter of the seatbelt assembly, and a locking mechanism of a retractor of the seatbelt assembly. A measure of the force can be proportional to a measure of the deceleration. The force can be sufficient to limit a forward movement of a person wearing the seatbelt to be less than a specific distance. The signal can be caused to be communicated to the actuator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a load sensing system that determines a mass on a bed. The systems generally are in the form of a castor base, particularly one that can be used as part of an adjustable hospital bed. The load sensing system serves to determine the mass of any object or objects (typically a human or animal patient) which is placed on the bed by having the mass create a force on lever arms of a plurality of load cells in the castor base. The load sensing systems are designed to work without hindering the adjustable functionality of the bed and can accurately determine mass (weight) at any position of the bed, and potentially even while the bed is adjusting between positions.

Abstract: An occupant classification system comprises a capacitive sensor configured to measure capacitance. The capacitive sensor is at least partially arranged between a seat frame and at least one of a seat cover and a seat cushion of a seat. A sensor is configured to measure at least one of weight and pressure on the seat. The sensor is at least partially arranged between a vehicle structure and a component of the seat. A controller is configured to generate an occupant classification based on the measured capacitance and the at least one of the measured weight and the measured pressure on the seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for associating baggage weight data to passenger information automatically by integrating scales weighing passenger baggage at airports to check-in application. The inventive system comprises counter device, scale, integration device, data terminal hardware, wireless network module, data tracking module and server.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular sensor system consisting of at least three modules with at least one sensor, at least one sensor carrier and at least one weight distribution strip, which can be connected to each other in a sandwich-like manner. The modular sensor system can be used in a slatted frame mattress.

Abstract: An adaptive cooking system includes an oven with at least one heating element configured to heat the oven, at least one steam generator configured to produce steam within the oven, and at least one fan configured to circulate air within the oven. The adaptive cooking system further includes at least one thermometer configured to detect a temperature of air circulating within the oven. A controller is communicatively coupled to the oven components. The controller is configured to cause the fan to circulate air within the oven for a predetermined amount of time. For example, the fan may initially circulate air within the oven while the heating element and the steam generator are turned off or powered down. The controller is further configured to detect a temperature of the air and control the heating element and the steam generator based on the temperature of the air.

Abstract: Provided is a slide device which includes: a lower rail; an upper rail movably attached to the lower rail; a load sensor attached to the upper rail by a first attachment member; and a bracket attached to the load sensor by a second attachment member. The bracket has an insertion hole into which the first attachment member is inserted, a deformation suppressing member is attached to a tip end portion of the first attachment member, the first attachment member has a first bolt and a first nut screwed onto the first bolt, the tip end portion of the first attachment member is positioned on a tip end side of the first bolt with respect to the first nut, and the deformation suppressing member is configured to reduce deformation of the bracket in a direction of separating from the upper rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bench with a scales function, which comprises sensors disposed in parallel along lower lateral bars of the bench and connected to a digital transmitter that transmits to a screen by means of a cable or Bluetooth. In addition to the current functions of the platforms to which the beds are anchored in the vehicles, the bench with an electronic scales function provides the exact value of the weight of the patient, in real time, facilitating the calculation of the precise doses of drugs, fluids, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide systems and methods tracking the weight of an individual situated on a furnishing such as a chair or bed. One method generally includes receiving weight data at a weight sensor that is situated to recognize a change in weight on the furnishing, confirming that a fitness device is proximately located to the weight sensor, and transmitting the received weight data to a hosted service.

Abstract: An airbag includes plural bag portions respectively including two sheet members which are attached to each other, the plural bag portions arranged to be overlapped with each other in a thickness direction of the sheet member, and a welded portion at which the sheet members being in contact with each other are attached to each other. The welded portion includes a communication hole penetrating the sheet members which are in contact with each other to communicate the bag portions which are arranged to be overlapped with each other, and a rib portion arranged radially outward of the communication hole, the rib portion protruding in the thickness direction from a welded surface of the welded portion. The rib portion includes an annular rib surrounding the communication hole, and a cutout portion provided at the annular rib.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base supported by caster assemblies with each caster assembly comprising a stem, a caster wheel, and a caster wheel axle. A patient support surface is coupled to the base and is configured to receive a load. One or more load sensors are integrated with at least one of the stem, the caster wheel, or the caster wheel axle for measuring the load. One or more of the caster assemblies can be coupled to a steering motor, which controls orientation of the caster assembly. A controller can control the steering motors based on analyzing the measurements of the load sensor. The load sensors can produce measurements indicative of both vertical load and non-vertical load applied to the caster assembly. The controller can also analyze the measurements of the load sensor to determine the load received by the patient support surface by negating the non-vertical load.

Abstract: A sensor includes an elastic base material including a first surface and a second surface, a first sensor which detects a change in a capacitance caused by expansion/contraction of the first surface, and a second sensor which detects a change in a capacitance caused by expansion/contraction of the second surface. The first sensor faces the second sensor with the base material therebetween.

Abstract: A foam part of a motor vehicle seat having seat occupancy detection, wherein the foam part includes a seat surface and an underside opposite to the seat surface, and wherein a number of seat occupancy detection sensors are arranged in the region of the underside and these sensors are fastened via a number of holding profiles on the foam part to detect a weight force acting on the seat surface. Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for producing such a foam part and a motor vehicle seat having foam part.

Abstract: A sensor includes an elastic base material including a first surface and a second surface, a first sensor which detects a change in a capacitance caused by expansion/contraction of the first surface, and a second sensor which detects a change in a capacitance caused by expansion/contraction of the second surface. The first sensor faces the second sensor with the base material therebetween.

Abstract: A battery system for an electric vehicle has a high-voltage battery, a control unit, and a safety device for disconnecting the high-voltage battery from a high-voltage on-board electrical system of the electric vehicle. The battery system is characterized in that the control unit has two conductor loops, and that the control unit carries out a monitoring of the two conductor loops. Based on the monitoring, the control unit activates the safety device such that the safety device separates the high-voltage battery from the high-voltage vehicle electrical system of the electric vehicle, wherein the safety device has an irreversible separating element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device (100, 200) for heating food (4) in a container (3), in particular milk in a baby bottle. The heating device comprising a chamber (1) configured to contain a fluid (2) and to receive the container (3), a heating unit (5) for heating the fluid, a temperature measuring element (8) for measuring the temperature of the fluid (2) over time to obtain a temperature profile (300) over time, and a controller (6) for controlling the heating unit (5) based on the obtained temperature profile of the fluid.

Abstract: Systems for use with a medical device for reducing medication errors are provided. In one aspect, a system includes a medical device that is configurable with operating limit parameters for providing medication to a patient, and a limiting system. The limiting system includes a memory that includes patient-specific information for the patient and a database includes acceptable operating parameters for providing the medication to the patient using the medical device, and a processor. The processor is configured to compare the acceptable operating parameters with the patient-specific information, and provide a modification of the operating limit parameters for providing the medication to the patient based on the comparison of the acceptable operating parameters with the patient-specific information. Methods and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking food (10) includes a casing (14), a lid (20) and at least a support unit (11). The casing (14) has a compartment in which to insert a container (12) which may be temporally associated with the support unit (11), and the support unit (11) may be configured to temporally support the container (12) with respect to a support plane. The apparatus for cooking food (10) also includes a first heating unit (16a), a second heating unit (16b), a third heating unit (16c) and a weighing unit (18) associated with a control unit (36).

Abstract: A method of obtaining health data of a toilet user using one or more sensors is disclosed. One or more sensors are used by a toilet user while the toilet user is using the toilet to take health measurement readings of the user. Dynamic heart stress readings may be obtained and monitored over weeks, months and years. Rolling averages of heart function and heart health may be determined and deviations from the rolling averages may trigger notifications. Other health related measurements and functions such as temperature, respirations, heart rate, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and stethoscope sounds are also recorded and stored for trending and data analysis.

Abstract: A passenger protection apparatus includes: a seat belt including a shoulder belt ; an anchor disposed on one side of a seat to hold one end of the seat belt; a buckle disposed on the other side; a tongue that can hold part of the seat belt; a first activation member that reels and unreels the shoulder belt; a first detector that detects or predicts a collision of the vehicle; a second detector that detects a change in a sitting state of the passenger; and a controller that controls activation of the first activation member. When the first detector detects or predicts a collision of the vehicle, the controller controls the first activation member to reel, and stop reeling or unreel the shoulder belt. The controller controls the first activation member to reel the shoulder belt again, based on the change in the sitting state detected by the second detector.

Abstract: Infrared imaging devices are provided which are configured to implement side-scan infrared imaging for, e.g., medical applications. For example, an imaging device includes a ring-shaped detector element comprising a circular array of infrared detectors configured to detect thermal infrared radiation, and a focusing element configured to focus incident infrared radiation towards the circular array of infrared detectors. The imaging device can be an ingestible imaging device (e.g., swallowable camera) or the imaging device can be implemented as part of an endoscope device, for example.

Abstract: A platform scale uses a method of detecting a center-of-gravity (COG) offset. A weight value of a load on a weighing platform is calculated. The weighing platform is allowed to reach a steady state. When the weight value exceeds a COG offset threshold, then a position of a load COG is calculated using a load COG position algorithm. Whether the calculated position is in a valid region of the weighing platform is determined. The weight value is displayed if the position is within the valid region; otherwise, the position of the COG is displayed. A display apparatus of the scale displays the weight value or the position of COG of the load. The platform scale alerts a user about a possible invalid weighing event by displaying an image indicative of the COG offset condition, ensuring effective and precise weighing.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus to weigh a patient comprising a patient transfer board configured to support a patient in a supine position comprising at least 8 transducers, each transducer being provided 300 mm or less from another transducer. The transducers are provided at three or more positions across the width of the patient transfer board; wherein more than 45% of the transducers are provided 100 mm or less from an outer boundary of the patient transfer board.

Abstract: Presented are concepts for monitoring the liquid or food consumption of a person. Once such concept employs the step of detecting a change in weight of the person resultant from usage of a toilet. A value representative of at least one of liquid consumption and food consumption of the person may then be determined based on the detected change in weight of the person.

Abstract: A toilet seat device includes a main part, a toilet seat, a load sensor, a controller, and a memory. The toilet seat includes a seating part where a user is seated, and a support leg part supporting a load applied to the seating part. The load sensor is provided in the support leg part and detects the load applied to the support leg part. The controller performs at least a body weight measurement of the user based on a detection result of the load sensor. The controller includes a register mode and a normal-use mode in the body weight measurement. The register mode includes determining an estimated value for estimating the total body weight of the user from the seated load. The normal-use mode includes estimating a load value relating to the total body weight of the user based on the estimated value.

Abstract: A weighing bar assembly includes a hollow structural part (1), with two load cells (2) positioned therein. The assembly further includes two ground support shoes (4). Each of the load cells (2) is attached at one end to the structural part (1) by a securing block (3) and at its other end to a corresponding ground support shoe (4).

Abstract: A vehicle seat restraint system includes a control system and a second-row restraint system. The control system receives a first-row seat value and a second-row seat value from seat sensors. The control system generates relative position data for a first-row seat and a second-row seat based upon the first-row seat value and the second-row seat value. The control system selects a load limiter setting value using a multidimensional load limiter model based upon body impact values as a function of load limiter setting values and the relative position data, a selected load limiter setting value outside a value avoidance zone for the body impact values. The second-row restraint system is configured by the control system with the selected load limiter setting value. The control system may also determine an occupant weight value and select the load limiter setting value using the occupant weight value.