Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes detectors and a controller operable to automatically update a tare weight for use in determining a true patient weight. The detectors are configured to produce signals indicating a presence or absence of a corresponding removable component. The controller is configured to determine weights of each and every removable component on the patient support apparatus and store each weight in a memory. The controller is further configured to receive the signals produced by the detectors and detect any addition or removal of removable components of the patient support apparatus, update the tare weight, and determine a weight of a patient being supported on the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: System and methods for analyzing the contents of a fluid canister are provided for use in healthcare settings. The system includes optical and weight sensors to analyze the canister contents.

Abstract: The present invention provides an occupant classification apparatus for a vehicle. The occupant classification apparatus for a vehicle includes a sensor mat that is mounted on each seat in the vehicle to sense objects disposed on the seats. An impedance measurer is configured to measure a current based on impedance of the object using the sensor mat A controller is configured to analyze the current measured by the impedance measurer and estimate the object that corresponds to the analyzed result.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balance exercise device designed to be used in multiple positions and for diverse exercises. For example, various embodiments allow for the device to be used as an aerobic step device as well as the ability to easily adjust the device to various heights to easily decrease the level of difficulty of the device for use during various exercises. The balance exercise device can provide a plurality of handles and grab points both horizontally and vertically, which allow for an enhanced number of exercises or movements using either the top and/or bottom of the device. The exercise device includes a flexible bladder filled with air, other gases, or gels attached to a substantially rigid base. The base can include an interior within which features such as handles are disposed to provide a gripping or lifting exercise for which the balance exercise device can be used.

Abstract: A scale system includes a frame for placement over a toilet and a net to catch waste, for example from bowel movements. A scale is connected to the frame to register a change in tension experienced by the frame as waste is received by the net. The resulting weight measurement may be shown on a digital display. Once the user is done, a release lever on the frame may be triggered to release the net and waste into the toilet.

Abstract: A multi-function smart scale has a single surface platform. The platform has two or more regions for receiving items to be weighed. Each of the regions has at least one weight sensor dedicated to the region. Each of the sensors and one or more displays are in communication with the microprocessor, such that the microprocessor is configured to provide an independent data analysis for each of the two or more regions that can be displayed for the user. A user can input data into the scale using an integrated or remote keypad. Additionally, and or alternatively, the scale can receive data from the user through the use of voice or image recognition software. The scale can serve as a mobile unit. Alternatively the scale can be integrated into a work/cooking/food preparation surface, or the entire work/cooking/food preparation surface can serve as the platform.

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. There is also provided a system for detecting an exit of a patient from a hospital bed. There is further provided a method for limiting a height of a hospital bed and a method for recalibrating a tare weight condition of a hospital bed.

Abstract: A method of configuring a vehicle seating assembly includes the step of providing a vehicle seating assembly that has a seat rotational member that rotatably couples a lower leg support to a seat and a seatback rotational member that rotatably couples the seat to a seatback. The method further includes the step of receiving input of a user's desired configuration of the vehicle seating assembly. The method still further includes the step of actuating at least one of the seat rotational member and the seatback rotational member responsive to the input received.

Abstract: A load sensor disposed between a first member and a second member to detect a load applied to the first member in an up-down direction, the load sensor includes a strain body including a strain gauge, a first fixation member fixing the strain body and the first member to each other, a second fixation member fixing the strain body and the second member to each other, and a restriction portion restricting a displacement of the strain body in a state where the first member is displaced upward by a predetermined distance relative to the second member based on the upward load applied to the first member.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide systems and methods tracking the weight of an individual who is lying in bed. One method generally includes periodically receiving weight data from a weight data sensor that is situated within the bed, wherein the weight data sensor has recognized a change in weight on the bed from a default weight of the bed, and providing to the individual a user interface to track weight patterns of the individual based on the received weight data.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a support surface, an antenna adapted to be affixed to packaging of the patient support apparatus, and a control system for controlling various functions of the patient support apparatus. The control system includes communication circuitry that receives one or more configuration settings for configuring the patient support apparatus from an off-board device via the antenna. The communication circuitry receives and stores the configuration settings while the patient support apparatus is contained within the packaging and not physically coupled to an external source of electrical power. Configuration circuitry thereafter configures the patient support apparatus when the patient support apparatus is coupled to an external source of power or is supplied with power from a battery.

Abstract: A load detector is capable of detecting a load placed on a seat. A temperature detector is capable of detecting a temperature and located adjacent to the load detector. A correction controller corrects the load detected by the load detector in such a way as to deduct a time change amount of the load from the detected load when a time change amount of the temperature detected by the temperature detector is larger than a predetermined threshold value of the time change amount of the temperature and the time change amount of the load detected by the load detector is smaller than a predetermined threshold value of the time change amount of the load. A determination controller determines a sitting condition on the seat based on the corrected load.

Abstract: A weight sensor may include a weighing platform and a load cell coupled to the platform to sense a weight applied to the platform, the load cell may include a deformable plate with one or more strain gauges arranged to provide an electrical signal representing the weight applied to the platform, and a base supporting the load cell, wherein the deformable plate is movably mounted to the base at only three contact points, the contact points allowing lateral movement of the plate when the plate deforms in response to a weight applied to the platform. The weight sensor makes it possible to monitor the weight and weight shifting of two people sharing the bed. The weight sensor is self-centering when a load is applied off-center to the platform, which is beneficial when used underneath a bed, e.g., under a bed leg or other support member which may not be aligned.

Abstract: Certain configurations described herein are directed to autosamplers. In some instances, the autosampler may include a support comprising a body configured to receive two or more articles at separate sites of the body. The autosampler may also include a first motor coupled to the support and configured to rotate the support in an x-y plane, and a second motor configured to move the support in a z-direction to load one of the at least two articles at the separate sites in the body of the support. An encoder may also be used with the autosampler if desired.

Abstract: The load-detecting device 1 includes a base 2 engaged with a pair of S springs 100, and a load detection sensor unit SU that is mounted on the base 2 and includes a first electrode 52 and a second electrode 62 facing each other and being brought into contact with each other by pressing force of the seat cushion SC when a load is detected, The upper surface 47S of the load detection sensor unit SU that is pressed by the seat cushion SC when a load is detected is located at the same height as or higher than the upper ends 101 of the respective S springs 100, with which the base 2 is engaged, and the contact surface between the first electrode 52 and the second electrode 62 is located lower than the upper ends 101 of the respective S springs 100, with which the base 2 is engaged.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for medical analysis of a seated individual, includes determining the aortic valve opening; the PTT; and calculating the PWV. Determining the aortic valve opening includes collecting BCG data while sitting on a seat and determining the timing of the aortic valve opening, taking into account posture. Measuring the aortic pulse wave transit time includes collecting BCG data while sitting on a seat capable of measuring changes in apparent weight; determining the timing of the aortic valve opening; detecting the arrival of the pulse wave at the end point; and measuring the relative timings of the two events. Calculating the PWV includes determining a length of the arterial segment through which a pulse wave is to be measured between a start point and an end point; and dividing the determined length of the arterial segment by the PTT.

Abstract: A thin scale apparatus for measuring body weight includes 5 or more force sensors within a total thickness of between 0.4 inches and 0.004 inches measured between a bottom surface and a top surface of the thin scale apparatus. The thin scale is designed to be thin enough to be non-intrusive or not recognized by a user. A weight of a toilet user may be determined as a combination of additive force of force sensors in a thin scale and force sensor associated with a toilet seat of a toilet. The force sensors may be positioned in one or more cavities on a bottom side of a substrate material of the thin scale or be embedded within a substrate material. Embodiments of a standalone thin scale and a thin scale with a toilet are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic device for sensing touch force is provided. The electronic device includes a display screen, a pressure sensor, a processor and a memory. The pressure sensor senses at least one touch force in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane of the display screen and generates at least one sensing signal responsive to the at least one touch force. The processor is coupled to the pressure sensor and the display screen. The memory is operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to execute program code stored in the memory by: generating a control signal corresponding to the at least one sensing signal; and performing an operation according to the control signal.

Abstract: Provided is an overload prevention mechanism having a structure that protects a weight sensor with a floating action and ensuring the reproducibility of the return position of the weight sensor. The overload prevention mechanism has a resilient member that is interposed between the weight sensor and the case, supports the weight sensor in a pressing manner against the case, and when a certain plate load or greater is imposed causes the weight sensor to separate from the case and thereby be released from the load, a guide member that is arranged in a standing manner between the weight sensor and the case, and a guide receiving seat that is provided in the weight sensor or the case and engages with the guide member.

Abstract: A system for determining a location of a patient on a hospital bed comprising: at least one deformation sensor adapted to generate a signal indicative of a deformation of a frame of the bed; a location determination unit for determining a lateral and/or longitudinal location of the patient based on the deformation of the frame. A method for monitoring an exit of a patient from a hospital bed comprising: determining a patient location on the bed based on measured deformation and generating an alarm signal if the determined location is outside a predetermined area. A weight sensing system for a hospital bed having a base with a suspended frame suspended from a fixed frame comprising: a load sensor connecting the suspended frame and the fixed frame via a suspension member which is unsecured from the fixed frame to allow free vertical movement of the suspended frame relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet that defines a first introduction port. The washing machine further includes a tub that is located in the cabinet and that defines a second introduction port that is concentrically positioned relative to the first introduction port. The washing machine further includes a cabinet door that is connected to the cabinet and that is configured to open and close the first introduction port. The washing machine further includes a tub door that is hingedly coupled to the tub, that is configured to open and close the second introduction port, and that includes an upper portion that is inclined toward the tub.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to assembly and methods for detecting force. A force sensor assembly may comprise a sense element, an isolation medium, a thin membrane, and a substrate. Typically, the sense element may be located adjacent to the substrate, the isolation medium may be located adjacent to the sense element, and the thin membrane may be located adjacent to the isolation medium. Generally, the thin membrane may be configured to provide a shield between an external medium and the isolation medium and transfer a force from the external medium to the isolation medium. In this manner, the isolation medium may be configured to transfer the detected force to the sense element. The sense element may electrically communicate the force data as output signals to the electrical traces on the substrate.

Abstract: An input device includes an input module, a detector for detecting a position of a wrist of a user, and a controller for controlling a movement of the input module based on information about the position of the wrist of the user detected by the detector.

Abstract: A bed check device having a force sensing resistor; a resistor divider; a microprocessor; an analog to digital converter; a power supply; a wireless transmitter; and an antenna wherein the force sensing resistor is in mechanical contact with a bed, such that a change in force to the bed corresponds to a change in its resistance and voltage, which is analyzed and acted upon by the resistor divider, microprocessor, analog to digital converter, power supply, wireless transmitter, and antenna.

Abstract: Electronic devices and methods are provided in which a pressure applied, by a driver, to a seat of a moving object driven by the driver is sensed. A state of the driver is determined based on frequency characteristics with respect to a change in the pressure sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet that defines a first introduction port. The washing machine further includes a tub that is located in the cabinet and that defines a second introduction port that is concentrically positioned relative to the first introduction port. The washing machine further includes a cabinet door that is connected to the cabinet, that is configured to open and close the first introduction port, and that includes a rotating shaft. The washing machine further includes a tub door that is connected to the tub, that is configured to open and close the second introduction port, and that includes at least one rotating shaft that is spaced apart from the rotating shaft of the cabinet door.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a controller operable to determine the true patient weight by detecting the net weight change of the patient supported on the patient support apparatus. The controller is configured to automatically detect and distinguish the addition or removal of non-patient loads from patient-related loads by determining the rate of weight change of each weight event signals. The controller is further configured to determine the net weight change of the patient by automatically updating a net weight of the non-patient loads on the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes detectors and a controller operable to automatically update a tare weight for use in determining a true patient weight. The detectors are configured to produce signals indicating a presence or absence of a corresponding removable component. The controller is configured to determine weights of each and every removable component on the patient support apparatus and store each weight in a memory. The controller is further configured to receive the signals produced by the detectors and detect any addition or removal of removable components of the patient support apparatus, update the tare weight, and determine a weight of a patient being supported on the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A self-weighing luggage device comprises a housing with a towing handle at one end and four wheel units mounted at the other end. Four weight determining sensors are incorporated into the wheel units, respectively. Each weight determining sensor is wired to a central circuit board, which is mounted on the inner surface of other end at position. The central circuit board is connected to a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) mounted in a recess in the handle end of the housing, which recess is adapted to receive the handle in a stowed position, such that the LCD is protected by the handle. In use, the self-weighing luggage device is stood on the ground on the four wheel units and the weight readings from each weight determining sensor are combined to give the total weight of the self-weighing luggage device, which total weight is displayed on the LCD.

Abstract: A system comprises a patient bed having a reader to read wireless signals. In some embodiments a wound dressing has a transmitter that transmits wireless signals to the reader of the patient bed. In other embodiments, a garment has a transmitter that transmits wireless signals to the reader of the patient bed. In still further embodiments, other medical equipment has a transmitter that transmits wireless signals to the reader of the patient bed.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for providing an accurate and convenient weighing of a vehicle occupant using a relocatable/replaceable multi-purpose on-board vehicle occupant weighing (REMBOW) methodology including a REMBOW pad mounted on a REMBOW seat frame in a vehicle to improve safe engagement of an air bag as well as raising and monitoring possible health related issues of the vehicle occupant(s). The occupant weighing can be performed, using, as a non-limiting example, a kemoder elimination of a separate occupant's feet weighing (KEF) technology, where kemoder is a key element for moderating of an accuracy and convenience of an occupant weighing (i.e., a weighing moderator) and for starting a measuring process.

Abstract: Adjustable article of furniture comprising at least one adjustable element and furnished with an actuator system comprising at least one electrically driven linear actuator with an electrical motor and an electrical controller with an operation device, wherein the system in equipped with a battery pack for operating the system during mobile situations, where a mains supply is not readily available. The battery pack is equipped with a frontend, which allows for the battery pack to be retrofitted on existing actuator systems, without compromising the functionality of the actuator system in connection with charging of the battery. Moreover, the frontend is adapted to facilitate continued viewing of remaining power on the battery pack even though the technology of the battery pack is replaced, e.g. from lead battery to lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A platform less center of mass measurement system employs independently positionable load cell units whose locations can be identified and combined with load cell measurements to compute a center of mass for arbitrarily shaped large structures without the need for precise or predetermined locating of the load cell units on a platform or the like.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sequencing system includes a plurality of integrated circuits connected in a daisy chain arrangement, where each integrated circuit has an LED load connection. The system includes a diagnostic circuit which signals to the control unit that an open circuit condition has been detected, thereby turning off all LED loads.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a frame and a support surface cooperating with the frame to support a person. The person support apparatus also has a sensor coupled to one of the frame and the support surface. The sensor detects at least one characteristic associated with the person. A controller is coupled to the sensor. In response to at least one of a condition of the frame, a condition of the support surface, a position of the person, or a condition of the person, the controller operates to control the sensor by at least one of changing a gain of the sensor and changing a manner in which a signal from the sensor is filtered. In some instances, the controller turns the sensor off.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a backboard configured to support an immobilized, supine individual during transportation of the individual and a weighing device associated with the backboard and moveable with the backboard during the transportation of the individual. The weighing device configured to determine weight of the individual on the backboard. A light on the backboard is in electronic communication with the weighing device, and the light is associated with a predetermined weight range. The light is configured to be illuminated only when the weight determined by the weighing device is within the predetermined weight range. The apparatus permits determining the dosage of a medicament to be administered to an individual, especially a pediatric patient, when the individual is on the backboard because the dosage of the medicament is correlated to the weight of the individual.

Abstract: A weighing scale (30a, 30b, 40, 50) is designed for use in a first and a second configuration. In the first configuration, a base unit (1) has a main plane disposed horizontally with a load receiver (32, 42, 52) extending parallel thereto. A weighing cell (2) is mounted under the load receiver in the base unit and measures a weighing force acting perpendicular to the main plane. In the second configuration, the main plane is disposed vertically, with the load receiver hanging below the base unit as a suspended weighing pan, with the weighing cell mounted in the base unit to measure a vertical weighting force that is parallel to the main plane of the base unit.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a side frame of a seat cushion having a side frame opposing portion extending in a front-rear direction of the seat cushion, and a bracket member disposed below the side frame having a bracket opposing portion extending in the front-rear direction and opposing the side frame opposing portion. The side frame opposing portion and the bracket opposing portion are provided such that the side frame opposing portion and the bracket opposing portion come in contact with each other in a state in which the seat cushion sinks rearward and downward when a load acted on the vehicle seat from behind is transmitted to the seat cushion from the seat back via a connection part. An arrangement interval between the bracket opposing portion and the side frame opposing portion is smaller in a front side than in a rear side in the front-rear direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for classifying a passenger in a vehicle includes a seat cushion for a seat in the vehicle, the seat cushion having an adult detection area and a child detection area. A first chamber is disposed in the adult detection area and a second chamber is disposed in the child detection area. A margin improvement unit includes a pressure sensor configured to measure a first pressure based on a first weight applied to the first chamber and a second pressure based on a second weight applied to the second chamber. The margin improvement unit is configured to output a first adjusted pressure value based on the first pressure and a second adjusted pressure value based on the second pressure. The first adjusted pressure value is greater than the second adjusted pressure value when the first weight is substantially equal to the second weight.

Abstract: A wake-up alarm with occupant-sensing apparatus attached to a bed which is configured via wireless protocol with a personal computing device of the occupant of the bed. During an alarm period, defined by a turn-on time and turn-off time, the alarm will emit an alarm sound when an occupant is detected in the bed. During the alarm period, the alarm cannot be disabled.

Abstract: A toilet apparatus for providing automatic user identification is provided. The automatic identification uses a combination of an instrumented toilet seat and an instrumented foot scale to provide user specific identification data. User health trends may be saved and reported based on the automatic user identification. User identification also allows preconfigured toilet control settings to be loaded into memory upon user identification.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a deck, a plurality of side rails, a control panel, and a plurality of subsystems, such as a bed exit system that detects when a patient may exit from the support apparatus, or a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the deck. A controller is in communication with the control panel and is adapted to monitor conditions regarding the side rails and/or the other subsystems. At least one lamp is also provided on the patient support apparatus that is adapted to be illuminated in a first manner when a plurality of monitored conditions remain in a desired state, and in a second manner when at least one of the plurality of monitored conditions changes to an undesired state.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive seat occupancy sensor unit (10) comprises a support plate (12) having a top surface (20) and a bottom surface, a plurality of spacer elements (14) defining an upper surface (18) of the pressure-responsive seat occupancy sensor unit, which upper surface the top surface of the support plate is arranged recessed from, a foam pad (22) disposed between the spacer elements on the support plate, a recess (24) formed in the top surface of the support plate, underneath the foam pad, and a pressure-responsive membrane switch (26) arranged in the recess. The recess has a depth exceeding the thickness of the pressure-responsive membrane switch. The foam pad is configured such that, upon it being compressed by application of pressure exceeding a certain threshold, it deforms so as to penetrate into the recess and activates the pressure-responsive membrane switch.

Abstract: A kitchen worktop having a support plate (2) with a treatment area (4) on which a container is placed (50), and a heating device (34) located in the treatment area under the support plate. Weight transducers (38) are fixed both to the support plate (2) and to a movable portion (24a) of a series of actuators (24), the fixed portion (24b) of which is fixed to a structure (11). A control device allows activating the actuators (24) in order to move the weight transducers (38) and the support plate (2) between a rest position in which the support plate (2) rests on the structure (11), and a weighing position in which the support plate (2) is supported only by the weight transducers (38) in order to enable a weighing operation.

Abstract: A weight detection sensor disposed in a fixing unit fixing a seat side fixing member to a floor side fixed member and measuring a load of a passenger sitting in the seat, includes: a strain body fixed to both end portions of a mounting surface formed on one of the floor side fixed member and the seat side fixing member and arranged in the fixing unit; a connection member fixed to a central portion of the strain body in a vertical direction and fixed to the other one of the floor side fixed member and the seat side fixing member; a strain detection element unit including first to fourth strain detection elements; and a Wheatstone bridge circuit where the first and third strain detection elements are arranged on sides facing each other and the second and fourth strain detection elements are arranged on sides facing each other.

Abstract: A weight detection sensor interposed between a seat side fixing member and a floor side fixed member to measure a load of a passenger sitting in the seat, includes: a strain body fixed to both end portions of a mounting surface formed on one of the floor side fixed member and the seat side fixing member at a predetermined distance from the mounting surface; a connection member fixed to a central portion of the strain body in a vertical direction and fixed to the other one of the floor side fixed member and the seat side fixing member; and a Wheatstone bridge circuit where first and third strain detection elements are arranged on sides facing each other and second and fourth strain detection elements are arranged on sides facing each other, each of the strain detection elements being a variable resistor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension mat (12) comprises suspension springs (14) for supporting a seat cushion (16) and a pressure sensor module (18) arranged on the springs for being applied against a bottom surface of the seat cushion. The pressure sensor module produces an electrical signal responsive to pressure acting on it. The pressure sensor module comprises a base plate (20) and a film-type pressure sensor (22) arranged on the base plate. The pressure sensor includes a pressure-sensitive cell (36). The base plate comprises a frame (26) and an actuator (28) that is linked to the frame in such a way that it is capable of movement relative to the frame. The actuator is arranged against the pressure-sensitive cell of the film-type pressure sensor and comprises a fixation element (48) fixing the base plate to the springs. The fixation element provides a spacing between the base plate and the springs.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a scale system, an air system, and a lift system. The patient support system also includes a control system configured to graphically communicate information about the scale system, the air system, and the lift system to a user.

Abstract: To provide a signal transmitter-receiver apparatus having simple structure and which can prevent receiving sensitivity reduction of wirelessly transmitted signal using an existing component. A signal transmitter-receiver apparatus includes a first electric wire having one end connected to an electronic device provided at a vehicle sliding seat, a second electric wire wired at a vehicle body side, a signal transmitter connected to another end of the first electric wire, a signal receiver connected to an end of the second electric wire for receiving signal wirelessly transmitted from the signal transmitter, and a protector. The signal transmitter and the signal receiver are disposed in the rail. The signal transmitter is fixed to an upper rail via the protector. The signal receiver is fixed to one end portion of the rail. The signal transmitter and the signal receiver are arranged opposed to each other in a straight line.

Abstract: A weight scale for a patient lift system includes a frame assembly. A plurality of force sensors are coupled to the frame assembly. Each of the plurality of force sensors is configured to generate a signal indicative of a measured weight force. A foot rest panel is coupled to the frame assembly. The foot rest panel is configured to support a patient. An angle sensor is operatively coupled to the frame assembly. The angle sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of an angle of the frame assembly with respect to a horizontal reference plane. A controller is coupled in signal communication with each force sensor and the angle sensor. The controller includes one or more processors configured to receive signals from each force sensor and the angle sensor to determine an actual weight force of the patient.