Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a seat including a support structure for mounting the seat to a substrate. The apparatus includes a strain gage transducer mounted on the support structure and arranged to provide a measurement of the strain of the support structure at the location at which it is mounted. A control system is coupled to the strain gage transducer for determining the weight of the occupying item of the seat based on the strain of the support structure measured by the strain gage transducer.

Abstract: A mobile weighing apparatus in the form of a wheeled support structure (e.g., a wheelchair, wheeled bed, gurney, cart, motorized truck, etc.) that is especially adapted to weighing a human being supported by said apparatus. The apparatus employs a plurality of load cells that are respectively attached to a plurality of vertical support elements of said apparatus. Signals from each load cell are routed to a microprocessor which processes the signals and displays the weight carried on the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weight sensing apparatus (10) for a vehicle seat (22). The weight sensing apparatus (10) includes a differential capacitor (150) including a first capacitor (152) and a second capacitor (176). The first capacitor (152) includes first and second opposed plate assemblies (154 and 156). The second capacitor (179) includes a third plate assembly (180) and the second plate assembly (156). Each plate assembly (154, 156, and 180) includes a plurality of electrically conductive elongated members that extend in an axial direction. The second plate assembly (156) is interposed between the first and third plate assemblies (154 and 180) and is movable in an axial direction relative to the first and third plate assemblies (154 and 180) in response to a load being applied to a vehicle seat. A source of alternating current supplies electrical energy to the differential capacitor (150) and an output circuit is electrically connected with the differential capacitor (150).

Abstract: A patient hoist having a base, a load sensor mounted to the base and a mast assembly including an elevation arm and a body support member extending from the load sensor. The patient hoist is used to determine a patient's weight while the patient is assisted to a standing position or suspended.

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 apparatus for weighing patients in Emergency Medical Service vehicles comprising a vehicle, means for securing a stretcher in the vehicle so that each of the wheels on the stretcher are secured to the vehicle floor at a predetermined location, a plurality of generally pad-like members secured to the vehicle floor at the predetermined locations so that each of the stretcher wheels rests on one of the pad-like members when the stretcher is secured within the vehicle and a digital display electrically interconnected to the pad-like members for displaying the weight of the stretcher. Each pad-like member is structured to measure the weight of an object placed thereon.

Abstract: A weight sensor (10) senses a load applied to a vehicle seat (12). The sensor includes a first mounting member (40; 120) and a second mounting member (42; 122) positioned opposite from and movable relative to the first mounting member (40; 120). A pair of spaced apart and opposed guide elements (44 and 46; 132 and 134) are connected between the first and second mounting members (40 and 42; 120 and 122), respectively. The pair of guide elements (44 and 46; 132 and 134) guide relative movement between the first and second mounting members (40 and 42; 120 and 122). Biasing means (44 and 46; 132 and 134) are provided for urging a spaced apart relationship between the first and second mounting members (40 and 42; 120 and 122).

Abstract: A seat weight measuring apparatus measures a seat weight including a weight of a passenger sitting on an automotive seat. The seat weight measuring apparatus is formed of seat connecting mechanisms with arms for connecting the seat to seat fixing portions located on a car body, load sensor mechanisms for receiving and detecting the seat weight applied between the car body and the seat, and displacement restriction mechanisms for restricting displacement of the seat relative to the seat fixing portions within a predetermined range. Each arm of the seat connecting mechanisms has a seat side end and a car body side end, and one or both ends is pivotally supported on pivots. The characteristic of the weight applied to the load sensor is simplified to easily and accurately measure the weight of the passenger on the seat.

Abstract: A weight sensor (10) for sensing a load applied to a vehicle seat (14) includes a light source (16) for providing light and detectors (18, 20, 22, 24) for detecting light received from the light source (16). A member (50, 52, 54, 56) impedes the passage of light between the light source (16) and the detectors (18, 20, 22, 24) in response to the load applied to the seat (14). The light detectors (18, 20, 22, 24) provide a signal to a control device (27) indicative of the amount of light received. In response to the light detector signals, the control device (27) determines a value in accordance with the load applied to the seat (14).

Abstract: A mobile bed scale is contemplated which lifts the entire bed with patient in situ on a load platform with a non-slip surface. The scale minimizes both vertical and horizontal displacement. The platform has load cells which deliver data to a memory and display device. The invention is portable and partly foldable to aid in storage. It provides for recharging if desired, and for use of an auxiliary power source if desired.

Abstract: A membrane weight sensor incorporates a plurality of membrane switch elements, each characterized by a distinct activation force threshold determined by the effective diameter and activation travel distance of the associated membrane. A plurality of membrane switch elements is incorporated into a single membrane switch pad. The membrane switch pad is aligned with a pair of first and second plates, one of which incorporates a plurality of protrusions, each operatively coupled to a different membrane switch element for purposes of deflecting the associated membrane. The signals from each of the associated switch elements are encoded and combined so as to form a single analog output signal having a plurality of discrete levels indicative of the amount of force applied to the membrane weight sensor.

Abstract: A patient care bed with a patient weighing system having a first frame having a series of support units attached at designated locations and a second frame supported by the support units. The support units each having a load cell which senses a part of the weight supported by a second frame.

Abstract: A patient hoist having a base, a load sensor mounted to the base and a mast assembly including an elevation arm and a body support member extending from the load sensor. The patient hoist is used to determine a patient's weight while the patient is assisted to a standing position or suspended.

Abstract: A patient weighing system includes novel load sensing casters (12) or load lift modules (92) installed on a hospital bed or other patient housing device. The casters and load lift modules each include pneumatic lifts (54, 106). The lifts are operative to load and unload the weight of the device onto a piezoelectric load cells (60; 150, 152). The load cells are electrically connected to control units (14, 98) which include visual displays (16). In operation, the discharge time constants for the load cells are calculated by first raising the weight of the bed off the load cells with the lifts. Thereafter, the load is reapplied to the load cells by exhausting the air from the lifts. The control unit compensates for the short duration and decay of the sensor signals and sums the weights sensed by the load cells to determine a total weight.

Abstract: A scale mounting apparatus is provided for coupling a fixed support frame to a movable weigh frame. The apparatus includes a load cell having a first end rigidly coupled to the support frame and a second, movable end, a mounting bracket coupled to the weigh frame, an elastomeric mounting block, and a fastener for coupling the mounting block and the mounting bracket to the second movable end of the load cell.

Abstract: A caster mounted weighing system comprised of at least three caster assemblies mounted to the bottom of a bed, container, or other surface suitable for weighing, a control unit, a junction box, and a means for transmitting signals to and from the caster assemblies, junction box, and control unit. The caster assembly may be comprised of a caster, which rests on the floor, a load cell attached to the caster, strain gauges or other means for measuring the load applied to the load cell, and a stem or other attachment means which permits the caster assembly to be mounted to the bottom of a bed frame, container, or other surface suitable for weighing. In alternate embodiments, each caster assembly may be comprised of a plurality of casters centered below a caster plate, or the caster assemblies may be secured to the bed or container by a collar or clamp, rather than by a stem.

Abstract: A caster mounted weighing system comprised of at least three weigh modules mounted to the bottom of a bed, container, or other surface suitable for weighing, a control unit, a junction box, and a means for transmitting signals to and from the weigh modules, junction box, and control unit. The weigh module may be comprised of a caster, which rests on the floor, a load cell attached to the caster, strain gauges or other means for measuring the load applied to the load cell, a stem or other attachment means which permits the weigh module to be mounted to the bottom of a bed frame, container, or other surface suitable for weighing, and a circuit board or other data storage means.

Abstract: A weight measuring device for an appliance which has a heating portion configured for receiving and heating a container having food products contained therein. A housing is attached to the cooking appliance. A resilient support is connected to the housing for resiliently supporting in a position above the heating portion the container and the food products contained within the container, wherein the supporting means is displaced from the housing an amount proportional to the weight supported by the supporting means. A meter indicates, from the magnitude of the displacement of the supporting means from the housing, the weight of the food products.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing a person that is confined to a bed that includes a series of modular units for supporting a bed frame and sensors associated with each of the modular units that are capable of performing in combination a weighing function.

Abstract: A load measuring system specially adapted for installation on the support legs of existing storage vessels. The load measuring system includes an attachment plate that is fastened to each support leg of the vessel, a support plate that is mounted on anchor bolts projecting upwardly from the supporting surface, and a load cell positioned between the attachment plate and the support plate. The support plate is supported by nuts threaded on respective anchor bolts. The nuts are rotated to raise the lower ends of the support legs above the supporting surface, thereby transferring the portion of the vessel's weight carried by the support leg to the load measuring system. The space between the support plate and the supporting surface is then filled with a supporting material such as concrete.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a hospital bed to enable quick, easy weighing of bedridden patients, provided as a retrofit device for attachment to hospital beds which are not equipped with such devices as original equipment. The device contains a load cell in a housing, with the housing arranged for mounting to a cross-beam of the bed. A retractable support leg extends through the bottom of the housing, and when the bed is raised on the support leg, the load cell is deflected to provide a reading of the bed weight. By performing the weight measurement once without a patient, and keeping track of changes in bed sheets and linens, the value of a patient's weight can be quickly determined while the patient remains bedridden. The mechanism which raises the bed on the support leg can be provided in several embodiments, including an electric motor drive, hydraulic piston, or mechanical foot pedal.

Abstract: A patient weigh scale comprises a base, an upright support pole mounted to the base, and a cantilever boom pivotally mounted on one end to an upper end of the upright support pole. A bracing arm is pivotally mounted on one end to the upright support pole and removably secured on the other end to the cantilever boom when perpendicular to the upright support pole. A latch is rotatably mounted to the upright support pole for latching the scale to a hospital bed while allowing rotation of the scale relative to the bed about a generally vertical axis. A cross member is pivotally mounted to the other end of the boom for pivoting relative to the boom about a generally vertical axis. A pair of cantilever beam load cells are mounted on either end of the cross member and are oriented transverse to the cross member and have fixed ends mounted to the cross member and free ends.

Abstract: A multipurpose floating pillow including an ellipse dish-like lower member having a spherical recess formed on its top surface for receiving an inflatable sac therein. A molded and resilient upper member covers and engages with the lower member. A container may be disposed in a recess formed on the bottom side of the lower member to receive, for example, a weight scale. Pads made of slightly rigid material may be disposed between the inflatable sac and the upper member. The resiliency and softness of the floating pillow can be adjusted through the inflation of the inflatable sac. The floating pillow will therefore not become deformed after long periods of use and may provide different functions on different occasions.

Abstract: A scale disposable on a bed frame for measuring the weight of a person in the bed on a mattress, the scale comprising a relatively thin scale frame assembly having overall length and width dimensions related to the dimensions of the bed frame. A plurality of load cells are carried by the scale frame assembly at selected locations in the assembly, each cell producing a signal representative of the weight applied to the frame assembly in its vicinity. A scale control and display device receives the several load cell signals and produces a scale output signal indicative of the weight of a person supported on the mattress.

Abstract: A portable patient scale has a flexible carrier which may be placed under a hospital bed mattress. Pockets in the carrier hold weighing slats. Each slat has an upper beam and lower beam, with load cells interconnecting the beam on opposite ends of the slat. A microprocessor receives load cell signals to calculate the weight applied to the scale. The microprocessor may also produce a moving out of bed alarm by comparing signals from the load cells on opposite sides of the bed.

Abstract: A back treatment device and method of using is disclosed. The back treatment device includes a chair-like seat, body support members including a pair of movably supported crutches, a pair of movably supported forearm rests and a pair of adjustable exercise handles. Each pair is arranged to relieve upper body weight from the lumbar spine. The movable forearm rests allow arm mobility and hand interaction for doing desk work during the treatment period. Feedback from a spring scale allows the user to accurately control gravity traction. A treatment system provides heat or cold treatments adjustably positioned on a back rest. In an alternative embodiment, a diagnosis system positioned on a back rest can provide information regarding a patient's back.

Abstract: A food weight sensing device for a microwave oven, which comprises a fixed electrode plate and a movable electrode plate which vary in overlapping area, according to a vertical movement of a movable spacer caused by the weight of a food to be measured. A capacitance signal indicative of the variation in overlapping area is converted into a frequency signal, so as to sense precisely the weight of food.

Abstract: A patient lift apparatus is provided with a U-shaped base that folds to enable convenient reduced width storage of the unit when not in use. Accordingly, the U-shaped base of the unit has a hinge with a vertical axis in each leg of the "U". These hinges are located midway of each of the vertical legs. Typically, these hinges provide for a pivotal movement of the casters at the ends of each leg of the "U" from a caster extended position for patient lifting and transport to a caster folded position parallel to and spaced apart from the base of the "U". A releasable lock mechanism is provided to each leg for locking the hinge in either the caster extended position or the caster folded position. The lock includes an outer moving sleeve with a spring biased inner key connected to the spring biased sleeve. The key moves with the sleeve and fits into and out of paired apertures in the hinge.

Abstract: A weighing bed (10) which includes a patient support assembly (12), an upper bed frame (14) and a lower bed frame (16). Linkage assemblies and actuators, powered by motors, provide movement capability for the bed (10). Mounted on both sides of the lower frame (16) are load cells (52, 53), each of which has connected thereto a U-shaped rigid bracket (72). First link member (84) connects one end (76) of bracket (72) to a foot portion of the upper bed frame (14), while second and third link members (90, 92) connect the other end (75) of the bracket (72) to a head end of the upper bed frame (14).

Abstract: A heavy patient support is mounted on a base by load cell beams forming the transducer for a scale to weigh a patient. Each load cell has a cup, a ball and an inverted cup providing the sole support for the patient support. Thus, only vertical components of force are weighed, and lateral movement of the patient support with respect to the bed is minimized.

Abstract: A fluidized bead bed having a scale integrated into the frame of the bed for providing a continuous readout of the weight of a patient supported on the upper surface of the bed. The bed includes a fluidized bead bed support mounted atop a frame such that a torque, corresponding to the supported, load is transmitted to the beam arms cantilevered from each end of the frame and extending to the longitudinal median of the bed along one side thereof. Springs oppose the torque and LVDT's are provided at the distal ends of the arms to produce an electrical signal with pulses of an amplitude related to the weight of the patient on the bed. The distal ends of both beam arms are protected and confined in their movements by a lower guard in the form of a single U-shaped channel, and the springs are mounted to the frame by means of upstanding supports on the top surface thereof. A control panel incorporates a signal processor for providing an accurate but readable output based on the LVDT signals.

Abstract: In a method for weighing a patient lying on a bed, an air mattress is put beneath the patient. Then, a flowing air is supplied to or discharged from the air mattress so as to balance the weight of the patient with a pressure of a body of air contained within the air mattress. At this time, the amount of the flowing air is measured together with variation of the pressure of the body of air contained within the air mattress, so that a relationship between the amount of the flowing air and the variation of the pressure of the body of air contained within the air mattress is established. Consequently, the weight of the patient may be calculated on the basis of the relationship between the amount of the flowing air and the variation of the pressure of the body of air contained within the air mattress.

Abstract: A weigh bed has a rectangular base frame, a rectangular weight frame mounted above the base frame, a load cell beam mounted on each corner of the weigh frame and a ball connecting each load cell beam to the base frame. Three tie rods connected between the base frame and weigh frame limit horizontal movement of the weigh frame with respect to the base frame.

Abstract: A weigh bed having a support frame nested within a weigh frame. Vertical load links are connected between the load frame and weigh frame. The load links are attached to the respective frames by spherical bearings so as to eliminate any error in the weight measured arising out of the support frame being inclined at an angle to horizontal.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a support frame and a weigh frame mounted on the support frame by load cells. The output of the load cells is summed to provide a reading of the total weight on the weigh frame. The tare weight is subtracted to provide the patient's weight.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a support frame and a weigh frame mounted on the support frame by load cells. The output of the load cells is summed to provide a reading of the total weight on the weigh frame. The tare weight is subtracted to provide the patient's weight.

Abstract: A weigh bed has a rectangular base frame, a rectangular weigh frame mounted above the base frame, a load cell beam mounted on each corner of the weigh frame and a ball connecting each load cell beam to the base frame. Three tie rods connected between the base frame and weigh frame limit horizontal movement of the weigh frame with respect to the base frame.

Abstract: An automatic weight detecting device is provided with a platform on which an object to be measured is placed, a supporting shaft for supporting the platform is rotatable and smoothly movable in the supporting direction. A driving motor rotates the supporting shaft, and an elastic member supports the supporting shaft. A load detecting device converts the load of the object, transmitted in the supporting direction of the rotatable supporting shaft through the elastic member into a given electrically physical amount and a weight detecting circuit integrates to obtain the average of the electrically physical amount while the shaft rotates, so that the weight of the object is detected.

Abstract: A therapeutic bed comprises a patient support platform 2 rotatably and pivotally secured within a main bed frame 3 through pivot mountings 4, the main bed frame being supported on a base frame 5 by two spaced-apart end uprights formed by a pair of hydraulic rams 6. Each ram is individually height adjustable and one of the pairs of rams is pivotally connected to the base frame by a crankshaft 7 which in turn is pivotally connected by a pivot 8 to the base frame. The other pair of rams is pivotally connected to the base frame by a shaft 9. An electric motor 10 drives a belt 15 to rotate or oscillate the patient support platform. The arc of oscillation of the patient support platform is controlled by a control unit which includes a potentiometer. Weighing means for the patient support platform is provided by a laod cell mounted between each of the pivot mountings and the main bed frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, apparatus and method for gathering physiological data. Basic to the system of the present invention is a rigid body mold having preferably a negative impression of the dorsal half of the body. By connecting and/or embedding sensors to the body mold at specific locations, e.g., accelerometers, thermistors, and electrocardiogram electrodes, the sensors will be accurately and reproducibly positioned next to a specific body location each time the subject lies in the body mold. The body mold can be used to insulate the body from external motions thereby facilitating the preparation of a ballistocardiogram. The exact re-positioning of the body in the mold allows exact determination of the center of gravity in the horizontal plane of the body.

Abstract: A cantilever arm weighing apparatus comprises two arm portions joined by two linkage members disposed in parallel one above the other. A load cell extends from the arm portion attached to a support structure to the arm portion which receives the weight to be measured. A bearing coacts with the load cell and the arm portion bearing the weight to receive the load from the arm portion and transfer it to the load cell. The linkage members act to nullify the moment effect and minimize losses due to friction. A readout device is attached to the load cell providing a readout of the weight applied to the load cell through the bearing.

Abstract: The hospital bed is provided with a scale assembly which is incorporated into the bed between the bed support frame and patient supporting section. The links which connect the patient support section to the bed support frame are connected to the load frame of the scale assembly so that weighing may occur in any position of the patient support section. The scale assembly is connected to the transverse beams of the bed support frame in a depending manner via bolts. Linear variable differential transformers are used to obtain read-out signals for the displacement of the load frame as a measure of the weight on the load frame.

Abstract: The weighing device comprises at least a force sensor (1,2,3) integrated in a toilet seat (4) resting on the upper edge of the bowl (11); the sensor works with an electronic unit (6) comprising means for formatting the measurement signal that drives a means (8) for displaying the user's weight, said means (8) being placed on an extension (9) of seat (4); the hinge along the XX axis comprises an oblong hole to avoid affecting the measurement.

Abstract: A weight measuring device for a heating appliance includes a heating chamber holding an object to be heated therein, the heating chamber having a bottom plate, a turntable member upon which the an object is disposed for rotating the object, on an upper surface of the bottom plate of the heating chamber, the turntable means having rollers, the rollers providing a stress on the bottom plate by rotating itself, a piezoelectric transducer element disposed on the rear surface of the bottom plate of the heating chamber corresponding to the locus of at least one of the rollers, for outputting a voltage indicative of the weight of the object, a detecting circuit for detecting the voltage from the piezoelectric transducer element and a weight measuring circuit for measuring the weight of the object on the turntable based on the output of the detecting circuit.

Abstract: A food weight measuring device including a turntable for carrying a foostuff, a supporting shaft for supporting the turntable, a detector for detecting the amount of change in a thrust direction of the turntable supporting shaft, responsive to the weight of the food, a converter for converting the amount of change amount in a thrust direction of the turntable supporting shaft to a change in the electrostatic capacity, and means for preventing liquid or dust from contaminating to the coverter.

Abstract: A food weight measuring device comprises a table for carrying a foodstuff, a pivotable electrode plate for receiving the food weight, the pivotable electrode plate being pivotably moved responsive to the food weight, a fixed electrode plate for providing an electrical signal corresponding to the food weight in cooperation with the pivotable electrode plate, and an output circuit responsive to the fixed electrode plate for outputting the electrical signal representative of the food weight.

Abstract: A life support stretcher bed includes an undercarriage which is supported on the ground for movement from one location to another by respective wheels which are commonly lockable by a braking mechanism to prevent movement of the undercarriage from a selected location. A platform is supported on the undercarriage for raising and lowering relative thereto by means of a hydraulically operating lifting arrangement which includes a control arrangement mounted on the undercarriage. An intraaortic balloon pump unit that is supported on the ground by respective casters for movement in any direction along the ground is connected to the undercarriage for shared movement therewith at a predetermined distance from the undercarriage. The platform includes straps for holding the patient supported in a supine position on the platform in such position, and side rails which can be moved from a position above the platform into an out-of-the way position.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus designed to be included into an element insertable beneath a bench comprising a covering plate (2) resting by two of its sides on at least one face of the insertable element, a weighing scale (3), a readout panel (4), means for displaying the measured weight located in the plane of the upper surface of the plate (2). The edge of said upper surface fits with the edge of the upper surface of said element and the plate (2) is used as supporting means for the weighing mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus which includes a plurality of separate weight-responsive, electronic measuring elements, such as load cells, disposed on a base insertable into the bottom of a cash drawer or the like. The drawer has a number of compartments to hold coins of different denominations, a different denomination in each compartment. The cells are disposed one per compartment and are interconnected to an electronic totalizer display unit. The cells have analog signal outputs indicative of the weight of the coins in each of the compartments. The analog signal output in each case is converted to a digital signal output and passes to a totalizer unit providing a digital display of the monetary value of the coins in each compartment, the present monetary total of all compartments, and the change just added to or removed from the drawer. The apparatus includes weighting factor units for adjusting the analog signals to reflect the differences in weight and value of the various coin denominations, for accurate totalizing.

Abstract: A weight measuring arrangement for a cooking appliance in which a surface heating unit also functions as a scale platform. A three arm cantilever beam supports the heating unit. A set of four strain gages measures the strain of the three support arms, with one gage each being attached to each of two identical support arms and the remaining two gages being attached to the third arm, which arms are constructed such that the strain measured by each of the gages secured to the third arm is one-half that measured by each of the gages secured to the two identical arms when the ends of all three arms are equally deflected by a utensil placed on the surface unit for heating. The gages are electrically connected in a Wheatstone bridge network such that the output voltage from the bridge network is proportional to the weight of the load carried on the surface unit. This arrangement can be used to monitor the weight of the items being heated, throughout the heating period.