Abstract: A seat weight measuring apparatus having enough strength against load in a direction in which a rear side of the vehicle seat is lifted. The seat weight measuring apparatus includes a base frame with a mounting portion at the rear end side of the base frame. The mounting portion includes two stopper bolts as protective mechanisms for transmitting excessive load from a rear rail bracket to the base frame. One stopper bolt is a front (first) stopper bolt, and the other is a rear (second) stopper bolt. Therefore, the mounting portion has higher capability to withstand load than a mounting portion at the front end side of the base frame.

Abstract: Automotive load cells having centralized, multi-axis, loose tolerance overload/limit stops provide improved strain gauge response. The modular, integrated stop assemblies magnify sensor substrate deflection by use of opposed concave (Belleville) springs are used in direct contact with the substrate to accommodate ±Z axis deflection and Mx/My moment angular rotation. A flanged guide member on the load stud permits a wide range of geometries. The substrate is thickened around the load stud hole and the outboard support bolt holes. Hollow rivets assist in design modularity. Strain gauges are placed at the yield zones symmetrically with respect to the X axis. The substrate hole Mx/My gap is larger than the stop bracket hole to insure a positive stop for Mx/My moments prior to yield. The inventive multi-axis stop assembly is used in any type load cell, including rectangular, thinned, notched, necked/dogbone, or cantilever substrates with any strain gauge layout configuration.

Abstract: In order to provide a seat weight measuring apparatus in which the performance of load sensors is not spoiled due to dimensional error or deformation of a vehicle body or a seat and provides higher precision measurement, a seat weight measuring apparatus is provided for measuring a seat weight including the weight of a passenger sitting thereon and comprises load sensors for converting at least parts of the seat weight into electric signals and a dislocation/deflection absorbing mechanism (pin brackets and pins) arranged between a seat and the load sensors. Each load sensor comprises a cantilever-type sensor plate which is deformable when subjected to load, and a plurality of strain gauges attached to one surface (strain measuring surface) of the sensor plate. The load sensor is so structured that one of the strain gauges is subjected to tensile strain while the other one of the strain gauges is subjected to the compressive strain when the sensor plate is subjected to the applied load and is thus deformed.

Abstract: A device for detecting the weight loaded on a vehicle seat with a sensor (22) and a spring body (24) that connects the vehicle seat to an underbody (18) of a corresponding motor vehicle and is connected, in one fastening area (e.g., 28), with a bottom rail (20) of the vehicle seat on the one hand and, in another fastening area (e.g., 26), to the underbody (18) of the corresponding motor vehicle on the other hand. One of the mounting areas is provided with a bore (38) through which a seat fastening screw (30) is engaged. The sensor (22) is provided with a travel sensor which is disposed parallel to the seat fastening screw (30) between the two fastening areas (26, 28) or to these rigidly connected parts (retaining plate 60 for example) and which measures the distance of these fastening areas (26, 28) parallel to the seat fastening screw (30).

Abstract: A weight-sensing assembly for supporting an automotive seat cushion frame atop a track assembly includes a pair of coupling members that are secured to the seat cushion frame. A set of mounting locations on each coupling member, preferably separated by an elongate portion of the coupling member of generally uniform cross-section, are secured to a respective end of a strain gage sensor's elongate sensing beam. The other end of each sensing beam is secured to a respective mounting location defined on the upper rails of a seat track assembly. The elongate portion of the coupling member, and respective portions of the upper rails separating the mounting locations thereon, are characterized by a flexural stiffness, in a bending plane that includes a longitudinal axis of the sensing beam of at least one sensor assembly, that is at least three times greater than the flexural stiffness of each sensor's sensing beam.

Abstract: Vehicle seat structure including a seat defining a surface adapted to contact an occupying item and a weight sensor arrangement arranged in connection with the seat for providing an indication of the weight applied by the occupying item to the surface of the seat. The weight sensor arrangement includes conductive members spaced apart from one another such that a capacitance develops between opposed ones of the conductive members upon incorporation of the conductive members in an electrical circuit. The capacitance is based on the space between the conductive members which varies in relation to the weight applied by the occupying item to the surface of the seat.

Abstract: A weight-sensing assembly for supporting an automotive seat cushion frame atop a track assembly includes a pair of coupling members that are secured to the seat cushion frame. A set of mounting locations on each coupling member, preferably separated by an elongate portion of the coupling member of generally uniform cross-section, are secured to a respective end of a strain gage sensor's elongate sensing beam. The other end of each sensing beam is secured to a respective mounting location defined on the upper rails of a seat track assembly. The elongate portion of the coupling member, and respective portions of the upper rails separating the mounting locations thereon, are characterized by a flexural stiffness, in a bending plane that includes a longitudinal axis of the sensing beam of at least one sensor assembly, that is at least three times greater than the flexural stiffness of each sensor's sensing beam.

Abstract: An apparatus (210) includes seat belt webbing (12), a parallelogram linkage (220), a sensor lever (370), and a sensor (379). The seat belt webbing (12) helps to protect the occupant (14) of the vehicle (18). The parallelogram linkage (220) includes a first beam (352) and a second beam (362) parallel to the first beam (352). The first and second beams (352, 362) each bend in response to at least part of a load applied by the seat belt webbing (12). The sensor lever (370) is interposed between the first and second beams (352). The sensor lever (370) has a connection with the first and second beams (352). The connection causes the sensor lever (370) to deflect upon bending of the first and second beams (352). The sensor (379) senses the deflection of the sensor lever (370) and provides an output signal indicative of the amount bending of the first and second beams (352, 362).

Abstract: Arrangement and method for determining weight of an occupying item in a seat including one or more weight sensors arranged to obtain a measurement of the force applied to the seat, a forcing function determination arrangement for measuring a forcing function of the seat and a processor coupled to the weight sensor(s) and forcing function determination arrangement for receiving the measurement of the force applied to the weight sensor(s) and the measurement of the forcing function from the forcing function measurement system and determining the weight of the occupying item based thereon. The forcing function determination arrangement may include an accelerometer and measures effects on the seat caused by load of a seatbelt associated with the seat and/or effects on the seat of road roughness, steering maneuvers, and a vehicle suspension system.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus preferably comprises at least two weight sensing elements that are connected to each other by at least one communication cable. In accordance with this invention, weight sensing elements are preferably positioned either adjacent to or at each end of bed in order to support bed. In a preferred embodiment, each weight sensing element comprises a weight sensing base and at least a pair of mounting assemblies that may be at or adjacent to the head and foot of bed. Preferably, weight sensing base extends laterally and mounting assemblies extend vertically. Each weight sensing base is supported by the corresponding pair of mounting assemblies. In addition, a power cord is used for transferring electrical power to weighing apparatus. A pendant assembly is used for operating weighing apparatus. A pendant cord connects hand-held pendant to both weight sensing elements upon being plugged into either weight sensing element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a weight sensor device for detecting a weight of an occupant seated on a seat having a seat frame and a cushion. The device has a sensing wire displaced downward in the seat frame as the cushion is deformed due to the weight of the occupant when the occupant is seated on the seat and a variable resistor for converting a displacement of the sensing wire into an electric signal indicative of the weight of the occupant.

Abstract: An electronic scale integrally formed within the housing of computer keyboard. The scale includes an item holder which may be removably attached to a weighing unit mounted in a clearance region located at a rear portion of the keyboard housing. In operation, the weighing unit outputs weight measurement signals along signal lines to one of a variety of processing and/or display devices so that, for example, postage for the item being weighed may be calculated. The electronic scale may also be incorporated within a housing having an attachment device for removably or permanently attaching the housing to any surface desired.

Abstract: A load cell apparatus for use with a structure comprises a cell block that flexes in response to an applied load and a transducer that is adapted to measure a distance across a gap. In some embodiments, the gap is defined between the transducer and the structure, and in other embodiments, the gap is defined between the transducer and the cell block.

Abstract: A seat-load measuring device for measuring a weight of a passenger and an object sitting on a car seat includes a load sensor disposed under the seat for electrically sending a load data, a first data processing unit having a predetermined response time, a second data processing unit having a slower response time than that of the first data processing unit, a detecting device for detecting a change in the load data, and a switching device electrically connected to the detecting means, the first and the second data processing unit for switching between the first and the second data processing unit to process the load data from the load sensor.

Abstract: An improved occupant weight detection system measures the pressure in a fluid-filled bladder disposed in or under a foam seat cushion as an indication of occupant weight, and periodically adjusts the pressure vs. occupant weight relationship to compensate for changes due to aging and usage of the foam seat cushion. The system controller develops an aging adjustment value based on a measure of the cumulative aging and usage of the seat, and uses the developed adjustment value to compensate the operation of the system. The aging adjustment value is determined primarily as a function of occupant weight and time of seat occupancy, and the compensation is achieved by using the aging adjustment value to adjust either the estimated weight, or a threshold to which the measured pressure is compared for purposes of deciding if restraint deployment should be enabled.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing a person having an inner mast attached to a base and an outer mast slidably disposed over the inner mast. A platform is attached to the outer mast wherein the platform accepts the feet of the person. The apparatus includes a load cell attached to the inner and outer mast proximate the top end of the outer mast such that when the person stands on the platform the platform transfers the weight of the person from the outer mast to the load cell such that the person's weight can be determined.

Abstract: The system of present invention is intended for use with a bed having a drive system for moving at least one movable section of the bed and a weight meter which receives transducer signals from transducers in the legs of the bed and displays a patient weight. In the system of the present invention the weight meter is operably coupled to the drive system so that when the drive system is activated, the weight meter automatically enters a hold mode wherein the weight meter stores the most recent weight value as a hold weight value. When the bed drive system is deactivated, the weight meter automatically returns to the operating mode by converting changes in the signals from the transducers into a change in weight value that is added to or subtracted from the hold weight value.

Abstract: An apparatus (210) includes seat belt webbing (12), a parallelogram linkage (220), a sensor lever (370), and a sensor (379). The seat belt webbing (12) helps to protect the occupant (14) of the vehicle (18). The parallelogram linkage (220) includes a first beam (352) and a second beam (362) parallel to the first beam (352). The first and second beams (352, 362) each bend in response to at least part of a load applied by the seat belt webbing (12). The sensor lever (370) is interposed between the first and second beams (352). The sensor lever (370) has a connection with the first and second beams (352). The connection causes the sensor lever (370) to deflect upon bending of the first and second beams (352). The sensor (379) senses the deflection of the sensor lever (370) and provides an output signal indicative of the amount bending of the first and second beams (352, 362).

Abstract: A seat load measuring apparatus that can provide an accurate load output even when one or more sensors are exerted with a load in excess of its measurable load is provided. In a first instance, the output of each load sensor is read at Step S11. Subsequently, at step S12, whether or not there is any sensor whereof the output is in excess of the predetermined value is determined. If no output of these sensors is in excess of the predetermined value, it is regarded as normal, and the seat weight is obtained by summation of the outputs of the sensors at Step S13. When the output of any sensor exceeds the predetermined value, it is determined that an offset load is exerted thereon and thus the output of the sensor in question cannot be trusted. Therefore, the seat weight obtained immediately before the output of any of the sensors exceeds the predetermined value is regarded as the seat weight.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for controlling a component in a vehicle in which at least one morphological characteristic of an occupant is measured and a current position of at least a part of a seat on which the occupant is situated is obtained. The component is controlled based on the measured morphological characteristic(s) and the current position of the seat. The component may be an occupant restraint device, such as an airbag whose inflation, deflation and/or deployment direction is/are controlled.

Abstract: A vehicle has a seat (12) for a vehicle occupant (14) and a vehicle floor pan (16) for supporting the vehicle seat (12). An apparatus (40) includes a vehicle seat frame (42) for supporting a weight load of the vehicle occupant (14) in the vehicle seat (12), a support mount (60) connected to the vehicle floor pan (16), a lever (70), and a sensor (80). A support mount (60) transmits the weight load of the vehicle occupant (14) in the vehicle seat (12) from the vehicle seat frame (42) to the vehicle floor pan (16). The vehicle seat frame (42) moves vertically relative to the support mount (60) as the weight load on the vehicle seat frame (42) changes. The lever (70) has a first end (72) and a second end (74) opposite the first end (72). The lever (70) is rotatably attached to the vehicle seat frame (42) and rotatably attached to the support mount (60).

Abstract: A bed configured to support a patient having a weight comprises a frame, a patient support, and a plurality of sensors coupled between the frame and the patient support. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an analog signal in response to a portion of the weight of the patient on the patient support. The bed also comprises a circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors to receive the analog signals therefrom. The circuit includes a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, each analog-to-digital converter being coupled to one of the sensors to generate a separate digital signal for each of the plurality of sensors, and a processor coupled to the plurality of analog-to-digital converters to determine the weight of the patient on the patient support.

Abstract: A load-cell assembly usable with a frame assembly that supports a selected mass thereon. The frame assembly has first and second frames movable relative to each other. The load-cell assembly has a load-cell body attachable to the first frame and substantially stationary relative to the first frame. A stud is attached to the load-cell body and has an elongated free end portion extending away from the load-cell body. A receiver body is attachable to the second frame and is substantially stationary relative to the second frame. A stud receiver is attached to the receiver body. The stud receiver has an outer portion attached to the receiver body so it is substantially non-movable relative to the receiver body. The stud receiver has an inner surface attached to the stud's free end portion and is substantially non-movable relative to the free end portion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat weight sensor for sensing the weight of an occupant in a vehicle seat. The sensor includes a substrate that has a first and second end. The substrate is located between the seat bottom and the vehicle floor. Strain gauge resistors are located on the substrate for generating an electrical signal in response to the substrate being stressed by the weight of the seat occupant. The electrical signal changes as a function of the weight of the seat occupant. Several mounting configurations to the vehicle seat are shown.

Abstract: A health care test kiosk includes a carrel body, a controller, a physiological test interface, a seat, and a weight scale. The carrel body supports a console housing and includes a support side panel forming a lateral side and extending beyond the console housing. The controller is housed within the console housing and includes a display and user interface. The physiological test interface is coupled to and supported by the carrel body on the support side panel. The physiological test interface is communicatively coupled to the controller for supplying physiological information to the controller for analysis and display. The seat is coupled to the support side panel of the carrel body. The weight scale is coupled to and supported by the seat. The weight scale is communicatively coupled to the controller for supplying weight information to the controller for analysis and display in combination with the physiological data.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is used to measure the weight of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat. The sensor assembly is integrated into a bracket that is mounted between a seat structure such as a track assembly and a vehicle structure such as floor or riser. One bracket is mounted on an inboard side of the seat and a second bracket is mounted on an outboard side of the seat. Each bracket includes opposing end mounts that are mounted to the vehicle structure. Between the opposing ends, each bracket includes a pair of deflectable portions that define a mount interface for attachment to the seat structure. A central body extends between the deflectable portions to form unitary bracket member that includes the end mounts, the deflectable portions and the central body. A strain gage is mounted on each deflectable portion to measure the weight of the seat occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly 12 is mounted to a vehicle base member 24 such as a riser or a vehicle floor. Weight sensor assemblies 32 for measuring weight on the vehicle seat are mounted to a seat structural component. The weight sensor assemblies 32 each include plate 44 having a bendable center body portion 46 for supporting a strain gage 48. The strain gage 48 measures bending in the center body portion 46 caused by normal weight force applications on the vehicle seat 12. A secondary resilient beam member 34 is mounted between each weight sensor 32 and the vehicle base member 24. The beam member 34 and the weight sensors 32 deflect to prevent failure of the weight sensors 32 in response to an overload force applied in an opposite direction to the direction of a normal weight force application. The beam member 34 prevents permanent deformation of the plate 44 and strain gage failure by allowing the weight sensor 32 to deflect upwardly away from the vehicle floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing a patient while the patient remains in bed including at least one flexible potentiometer mounted on top of a bed or mattress having a known compliance, i.e. known degree of flexure for a given weight, and connected to an electrical system for detecting and measuring the resistance of the potentiometer, so as to indicate the weight of the patient. The flexible potentiometer may also be adhered to a sheet of plastic, such as Mylar, and placed upon the bed like a protective sheet for the bed. The apparatus may include a multiple of flexible potentiometers. Further, the device to which the flexible potentiometer is connected may be used to help control servo mechanisms in medication dispensing devices such as infusion pumps and/or hemodialysis machines (artificial kidneys).

Abstract: An improved method of producing a fluid filled elastomeric bladder for occupant weight sensing involves annealing the bladder material prior to its installation in a vehicle seat so as to quickly relieve initial stress due to stretching of the bladder material which occurs during fluid injection. In a preferred implementation, the initial stress is relieved by immersing the fluid-filled bladders in heated water for a time period on the order of 60 seconds or more. Alternatively, the bladder material may be heated with steam or radiant heat, by injecting heated fluid into the bladder, or by injecting heated air into an empty bladder before fluid injection. In each case the initial stress is quickly relieved, substantially eliminating a potential source of error in the sensed weight.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for weighing wheeled or wheel- or caster-supported loads, including non-ambulatory patients confined to wheeled beds, which combines lift, support, and weight-measuring functions. The apparatus (10) is lightweight, portable, and employs a foot-activated lever-based design, including a foot bar (51) and pivoting wheel receptacle (50), for raising both the load and the load's wheeled support, if any. The apparatus (10) can be positioned for use without moving the load, and, because the apparatus utilizes leg and lower body strength, operators need not possess substantial arm or upper body strength. Thus, injuries which result from improper lifting techniques are avoided.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus preferably comprises at least two weight sensing elements that are connected to each other by at least one communication cable. In accordance with this invention, weight sensing elements are preferably positioned either adjacent to or at each end of bed in order to support bed. In a preferred embodiment, each weight sensing element comprises a weight sensing base and at least a pair of mounting assemblies that may be at or adjacent to the head and foot of bed. Preferably, weight sensing base extends laterally and mounting assemblies extend vertically. Each weight sensing base is supported by the corresponding pair of mounting assemblies. In addition, a power cord is used for transferring electrical power to weighing apparatus. A pendant assembly is used for operating weighing apparatus. A pendant cord connects hand-held pendant to both weight sensing elements upon being plugged into either weight sensing element.

Abstract: A load-cell assembly usable with a frame assembly that supports a selected mass thereon. The frame assembly has first and second frames movable relative to each other. The load-cell assembly has a load-cell body attachable to the first frame and substantially stationary relative to the first frame. A stud is attached to the load-cell body and has an elongated free end portion extending away from the load-cell body. A receiver body is attachable to the second frame and is substantially stationary relative to the second frame. A stud receiver is attached to the receiver body. The stud receiver has an outer portion attached to the receiver body so it is substantially non-movable relative to the receiver body. The stud receiver has an inner surface attached to the stud's free end portion and is substantially non-movable relative to the free end portion.

Abstract: A scale includes a support surface and a plurality of weight modules oriented between the support surface and a base. Each of the weight modules produces at an output port thereof a signal. The weight modules are coupled to a host for providing an indication of the weight on the support surface. The signals are combined to produce an indication of the weight on the support surface.

Abstract: An on-seat occupant detector apparatus includes a seat occupancy sensor made up of an optical wave guide provided in the seat for allowing the passage of light. The optical wave guide has a light transmissive portion possessing a curvature that is variable, with the optical wave guide changing the physical quantity of the light passing through the light transmissive portion when the curvature varies as a result of occupancy of the seat. The sensor also includes a light emitting device for inputting light into the optical wave guide, a light receiving device for receiving light outputted from the optical wave guide, and a detecting device which detects occupancy of the seat when the physical quantity of light passing through the light transmissive portion changes due to a change in the curvature of the transmissive portion as a result of the occupancy of the seat.

Abstract: A detachable weighing system for a bed comprising a plurality of weigh modules removably mounted upon legs or support members of a bed, a control unit, and a means for transmitting signals to and from the weigh modules, and control unit. The weigh module may be positioned directly below the lower end of the bed leg, resting on the floor. A unique structure is described which transmits vertical directed forces while minimizing off center of side directed forces so that an accurate weight is obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining several parameters of a seated person, comprising the following steps: subdividing the seat surface (4) into at least two sections, determining the barycenter position of the active weight in each section, and evaluating said parameters of said person based on said determined positions. The evaluation of said parameters can include the evaluation of the size and/or weight of said person, the evaluation of the position of the said person on said seat based on the distribution of the barycenter positions on the seat or the evaluation of the orientation of said person on said seat based on the longitudinal positions of the barycenters of the active weight in each section.

Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor comprises a bladder of flexible material that contains a fluid, preferably in an amount less than the capacity of the bladder when the bladder is unloaded, the pressure of which is sensed by a pressure sensor so as to provide a measure of weight upon the bladder. The bladder is mountable within a seat below the seat cushion and above the seat base, wherein seating loads are distributed across the bladder by the seat cushion and the seat base. In one embodiment, the bladder comprises a plurality of sheets of flexible material that are sealably connected to one another along a periphery, and are further connected to one another at one or more locations within the periphery so as to create a plurality of fluid containing zones that are in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: A seat weight measuring apparatus and supporting structure that can be installed in a vehicle without changing the height of the existing seat frame. This is done by shifting the centerline of the sensor unit from the centerline of the seat frame to take advantage of a space for the insertion of the sensor on the side of the frame. Accordingly, the seat height does not need to be raised by the thickness of the sensor unit as required in the conventional seat weight measuring apparatus. Depending on where space is available underneath the seat, the sensor units may also be positioned perpendicular to the seat rail, in an “X” shape, a “Y” shape, or a “T” shape.

Abstract: A person sitting on a stretcher or a chair has their weight taken by a board 10. That weight is transferred to pistons 20 to urge those pistons 20 down into liquid containers 16 to increase the pressure. The increased pressure from the action of the pistons is passed through to a control and display device 24 to give an indication of the weight of the patient which may comprise an alarm if a predetermined weight is exceeded.

Abstract: Vehicle seat structure including a seat defining a surface adapted to contact an occupying item and a weight sensor arrangement arranged in connection with the seat for providing an indication of the weight applied by the occupying item to the surface of the seat. The weight sensor arrangement includes conductive members spaced apart from one another such that a capacitance develops between opposed ones of the conductive members upon incorporation of the conductive members in an electrical circuit. The capacitance is based on the space between the conductive members which varies in relation to the weight applied by the occupying item to the surface of the seat.

Abstract: An invalid hoist comprises a mast, a lifting arm which can be raised and lowered by telescopically extending and retracting the mast and/or by raising and lowering a carriage, which may support the lifting arm, relative to the mast, and a load cell on the lifting arm for providing a signal representative of the weight of a person being lifted. The lifting arm is connected to the mast or the carriage by an arrangement which allows the lifting arm to be displaced angularly in a vertical plane against a spring force in order to maintain the load cell in a constant orientation as a vertical load is applied to the lifting arm.

Abstract: To provide a seat weight measuring apparatus capable of improving the safety against an abnormal force acting on the seat. A seat weight measuring apparatus (5) includes seat connecting mechanisms (17) arranged between seat fixing portions (19) of a vehicle and a seat (3), and load sensors (13) which detect the seat weight loaded on the mechanisms. It further includes displacement restriction mechanisms (25) that restrict the displacement of the seat (3) relative to the seat fixing portions (19). When the load sensors receive a force exceeding a predetermined level, the excess load is borne by the displacement restriction mechanisms instead of the load sensors.

Abstract: To provide a seat weight measuring apparatus capable of estimating with higher precision the weight and the center of gravity of a passenger on the seat and with reduced cost, a seat weight measuring apparatus is provided. The seat weight measuring apparatus comprises a load cell, a connecting mechanism, which connects a seat and the seat fixing portion of the vehicle body, and a transmitting mechanism which transmits the action of the seat weight on the connecting mechanism to the load cell. In the transmitting mechanism and the connecting mechanism, arms are pivotally supported by horizontal pivots so that the arms can pivot about the pivots. Actions according to the pivotal movements of the arms are transmitted to a load cell. Loads on the front side portion and the rear-side portion of the seat are each measured by one center load cell.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the size and/or weight of a person sitting on a seat determines the respective positions of the centers of gravity of active weight of the person in at least two different sections of the seat and evaluates the size and/or weight of the person from the respective positions so determined.

Abstract: Vehicle seat structure including a seat defining a surface contacting an occupying item, slide mechanisms coupled to the seat for enabling movement of the seat and support members for supporting the seat on the slide mechanisms such that weight of the occupying item passes through the support members. At least one support member has a region with a stiffness lower than the stiffness of a remaining region thereof. A strain gage measurement system generates a signal indicative of the weight of the occupying item and includes at least one strain gage transducer arranged in the lower stiffness region of the support member to measure strain thereof. The lower stiffness region can have a smaller outer circumference than a circumference of the remaining region of the support member and/or at least one aperture extends partially across the circumference of the support member to thereby define the lower stiffness region.

Abstract: Vehicle seat including a cushion defining a surface adapted to support an occupying item, a spring system arranged underneath the cushion and a sensor arranged in association with the spring system and/or cushion for generating a signal based on downward movement of the cushion caused by occupancy of the seat which is indicative of the weight of the occupying item. The sensor can be a spring retained at both ends and which is tensioned upon downward movement of the cushion whereby a force in the spring indicative of weight of the occupying item is measured. The sensor can also include strain gages, e.g., SAW strain gages.

Abstract: A vehicle weight classification system recognizes the various factors that influence system performance. Some of the factors are compensated for using analog signal processing circuitry or techniques. Other factors are compensated for using digital signal processing techniques. The unique combination of analog and digital approaches, rather than pure analog or pure digital, provides an effective solution at addressing the various factors that influence signals and system performance in a vehicle weight classification system while keeping the cost and complexity of the system within acceptable limits.

Abstract: A caster, in particular for movable hospital beds, laboratory tables and the like, with a securing device which is connected to a handle via a Bowden cable. A locking piece (16) is movable between a locking and an unlocking position by Bowden cable (12), that, in the locking position, the locking piece (16), being located between pairs of stop faces (21, 22; 19, 19′, 20, 20′) which are fixed relative to a rotary part (6) and are fixed on the rotary part and which are designed in relation to an axis of rotation (2), blocks rotational movement about the axis of rotation (2), and that, in the unlocking position, the locking piece (16) releases at least identically fixed pairs of the stop faces (21, 22) for rotational movement of the rotary part (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing a patient while the patient remains in bed including at least one flexible potentiometer mounted on top of a bed or mattress having a known compliance, i.e. known degree of flexure for a given weight, and connected to an electrical system for detecting and measuring the resistance of the potentiometer, so as to indicate the weight of the patient. The flexible potentiometer may also be adhered to a sheet of plastic, such as Mylar, and placed upon the bed like a protective sheet for the bed. The apparatus may include a multiple of flexible potentiometers. Further, the device to which the flexible potentiometer is connected may be used to help control servo mechanisms in medication dispensing devices such as infusion pumps and/or hemodialysis machines (artificial kidneys).

Abstract: A system and an associated method for determining the weight of an occupant (14) on an associated seat (16) are disclosed. The system includes a sensor (36) for sensing downward force on the seat (16) and a sensor (38) for sensing tension in an associated seat belt (34). A controller (28) is included for determining the weight of the occupant (14) as a function of an output (40) from the sensor (36) and an output (42) from the sensor (38).