Abstract: A vehicle carbon monoxide detection system 10 including internal 20 and external 40 carbon monoxide sensors operatively associated with the vehicle cab 150 and connected to a computer 60 that will selectively activate one of the sensors 20, 40 in response to the output of the vehicle speedometer 100. When the selected sensor 20, 40 detects excess carbon monoxide fumes relative to the vehicle cab 150, the computer will deactivate the vehicle ignition switch 110 stopping the vehicle motor 120 which is the source of the carbon monoxide fumes.

Abstract: A switch system for a vehicle seat for use while adjusting a vehicle seat, is composed essentially of an operating part and individual switch bodies. By adjusting the operating part, the position of the entire vehicle seat (relative to the interior of the vehicle) can be changed. By moving the individual switch bodies located on operating part, the positions of the respective elements of the vehicle seat are changed relative to the vehicle seat. Typical elements of the vehicle seat represented by the switch bodies are a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest.

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 sheet-like pressure sensitive switch is disclosed. A spacer 2 of an insulating material is interposed between a first film 1 of an insulating material which is provided with a first electrode 1a and a second film 3 of an insulating material which is provided with a second electrode 3a. The spacer 2 has a number of openings 2a, through which the first electrode 1a and the second electrode 3a oppose each other with an air gap therebetween. A first lead wire 4a and a second lead wire 4b are connected to the first electrode 1a and the second electrode 3a, respectively. In a pressure sensitive switch according to a first embodiment, the first and the second film 1, 3 are formed of polyethylene naphthalate films. In a pressure sensitive switch according to a second embodiment, the second film 3 is formed of polyethylene terephthalate film while the first film 1 is formed of polyethylene naphthalate film.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for monitoring the occupancy status of a toilet seat. In more particular, it applies to a pressure sensitive switch that can be used in combination with an electronic monitoring device to notify a nearby care-giver or a remote nurse's station that a patient has raised himself or herself from the toilet. Broadly speaking, the instant device is composed of two elements--a pressure sensitive switch and an actuator--that are installed between the toilet seat and the upper rim of the toilet bowl. Pressure on the toilet seat is communicated via the actuator to the pressure sensitive switch which, when compressed, completes an electrical circuit. When the pressure is removed, the electrical circuit is broken, thereby signaling that the patient has risen from his or her seated position on the toilet.

Abstract: An occupant sensing apparatus for detecting a seated person on a seat includes a pressure switch disposed in the seat. The pressure switch has a pair of films and a pair of electrodes disposed between the films. The pair of electrodes are spaced in the films so as to define an OFF condition of the pressure switch. The pressure switch is in an ON condition when the electrodes contact each other. The occupant sensing apparatus further includes a controller connected to the electrodes of the pressure switch and determining whether the seat is occupied in accordance with the ON or OFF condition of the pressure switch.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for sensing weight of an occupant on a vehicle seat (36) in an occupant restraint system (10) includes variable inductance sensor (50) mounted in the seat (36) so that inductance of the sensor (50) is functionally related to the occupant's weight on the seat (36). A capacitor (98) is connected in parallel across the variable inductance sensor (50). The capacitor (98) and the variable inductance sensor (50) form a tank circuit (100). An oscillator (40) is operatively coupled to the tank circuit (100) for driving the tank circuit (100) into oscillation. A phase detector (94) monitors a phase shift between an output of said oscillator and oscillation of tank circuit. Weight on the seat is functionally related to the monitored phase shift.

Abstract: A seat structure is provided which can more reliably detect seating by a smaller stroke of a seat cushion. Movable members 8, 51 and 231 operating in response to up and down movement of a seat cushion 1 and a switching means 4 able to abut against the movable members 8, 51 and 231 are provided, performing occupant detection based on the on/off operation of the switching means 4 by means of the movement operation of the movable members 8, 51 and 231 accompanying a fall of the seat cushion 1.

Abstract: An improved air bag system comprises a supplemental switch structure incorporated into the user's seat for delivering a current to the conventional air bag system irrespective of seat belt engagement. The structure includes an arcuate flexible band coupled to a horizontal band, the latter engaging a spring biased button of a switch. The switch is incorporated into the seat belt circuitry such that a current flows therethrough upon switch closure irrespective of seat belt engagement. The current flow to the air bag system places the air bag system in a ready mode so as to cause air bag inflation upon a sufficient impact of the vehicle bumper with another object.

Abstract: A seat assembly and a power machine includes a seat having a front portion, a back portion, and first and second side portions. A base plate supports the seat, and a hinge is pivotably connected between the first side portion of the seat and the base plate. The second side portion of the seat is connected to the base plate to allow limited movement of the second side portion of the seat relative to the base plate. A spring is coupled to the seat and to the base plate and urges the second side portion of the seat away from the base plate. A Hall effect sensor housing supports a Hall effect sensor and is operably mounted to one of the base plate and the seat. A magnet is operably mounted to another the base plate and the seat and is positioned to cooperate with the Hall effect sensor so that the Hall effect sensor provides a sensor indicative of a position of the second side portion of the seat.

Abstract: A seat plate assembly intended more particularly for the driving seat of a commercial vehicle has a base portion and seat cushioning thereon. Between the base portion and the seat cushioning is a flat operating element with which a switching device can be actuated by way of an operatively interposed elongate actuating member for switching a functional device of the vehicle on or off in dependence on weight on the seat. The operating element is provided at its underside with at least one drive portion with which the elongate actuating member is displaced in its longitudinal direction towards the switch when the seat plate assembly is loaded with a weight, whereby the switch is actuated. Connected to the elongate actuating member is a spring which is mechanically stressed when said displacement movement occurs.

Abstract: An operator presence sensor for an operator's seat on equipment, such as skid steer loaders and the like, provides a signal to indicate when the seat is occupied. The operator presence is sensed by permitting seat rails to pivot about their forward end against leaf springs designed to support the seat weight plus a known fraction of an operator's weight so that the rear of the seat is raised when the seat is unoccupied and when an operator occupies the seat the springs deflect and the rear of the seat moves down, resting on a seat support pan. An electronic sensor detects seat position to provide a position signal.

Abstract: A safety switch assembly for de-activating a motor vehicle if a user is not positioned on a vehicle seat. The assembly includes a base for mounting a switch, a cover that moves in response to the presence of a vehicle operator on the seat, and an actuator that moves with the cover to open and close switch contacts inside a switch housing. The base is constructed to pass through a cutout in a vehicle seat pan and includes extensions that also pass through the cutout. The projections are inhibited from movement back through the cutout after the base is rotated from an orientation that allows the projections to be inserted through the cutout to an orientation in which the projections overlie the seat pan.

Abstract: A seat mechanism including a switch flap mechanism formed integrally with a first seat pan member made of a plastic material. When an operator sits on the first seat pan member, the switch flap deflects downwardly under the weight of the operator. The switch flap deflects downwardly to engage a plunger switch mounted with a second seat pan member. When the plunger switch is depressed the vehicle components are shifted to an operative mode. An operator presence function is thereby served.

Abstract: A motion translation mechanism is adapted for use in a vehicle seat-operated switch and is selectively responsive to the presence or absence of a downward vertical force. The motion translation mechanism includes a switch assembly having a plunger, a leaf spring, and coil spring. The coil spring is used to resiliently bias a first end portion of the leaf spring against a first stop. The second end portion of the leaf spring is operatively connected between a second stop and the plunger for moving laterally the plunger to a retracted position in response to the downward movement of an upwardly convexed central portion of the leaf spring so as to electrically actuate the switch assembly.

Abstract: A seat base assembly for the operating seat of a utility vehicle comprises a base portion, a seat cushion thereon, and between the base portion and the seat cushion a switching device for switching on and off an electrical circuit of an operating device of the vehicle. A plate-like surface element is mounted to the base portion by at least one resilient connecting portion and projects away from the base portion inclinedly at an acute angle. The switching device is arranged in the area of projection of the surface element on to the base portion at a spacing from the connecting portion, whereby movement of the surface element towards the base portion under the effect of the operator's weight on the seat actuates the switching device.

Abstract: A general purpose time delay weight activated switch is disclosed. A foam seat cushion contains wire mesh electrical switch closing contacts. Sitting or rising from the cushion opens and closes the switch. A solid state adjustable timer is also imbedded in the cushion, or adjacent to the cushion. Its purpose is to delay the opening of the switch several seconds. An ideal application for the device is to automaticlly lock an emergency brake in a delivery van. The driver leaving the parked vehicle automatically locks the parking brake or vehicle brakes when leaving the vehicle when the present invention is combined with a parking brake or vehicle brake locking means. The invention's delay circuit allows the driver to bounce up and down on a bumpy road without setting off the switch. Other uses for this special purpose seat cushion include railroad, farm equipment, industrial and power boat safety systems.

Abstract: A high sensitivity door edge switch including an openwork or perforate spacer for extension along a door edge, flexible conductors on opposite sides of the spacer in spaced apart confronting relation through the spacer perforations, and a resiliently compressible deflection element in facing relation with the spacer, the deflection element being elastically deformable into the spacer perforations to flex the conductive elements into engagement with each other upon low unit pressure applied to the deflection element, even over a large extent.

Abstract: A loader having hydraulically operated boom and bucket mechanisms controllable from the operator seat is disclosed wherein switches sense the presence of the operator in the seat and the buckling of the seat belt. An electronic controller is operably associated with the seat and belt switches and solenoid valves in the hydraulic system and the starter relay. The controller requires proper sequencing of the activation of the seat and belt switches before permitting the starter to be energized, thereby controlling the starting of the loader engine, or permitting the energizing of the hydraulic solenoid valves to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders for the boom and bucket. The controller also includes a delay associated with the seat switch so that a reactivation of the seat switch within the delayed period of time would allow the hydraulic system to operate without requiring a resequencing of the activation of the seat and belt switches.

Abstract: An immersion control device. The device includes a fluid filled manifold and a fluid filled support device. Fluid pressure in the fluid filled support device equals fluid pressure in the fluid manifold notwithstanding respective fluid volumes. Immersion depth is controlled by increasing or decreasing fluid pressure. A fluid pressure regulator operates manually or automatically in response to a feedback of a fluid pressure change. Regulating members and spaced apart conductors or conductive stages can be used to provide feedback and activate an alarm, the fluid pressure regulator or both.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking a cover which can be opened and closed to cover an opening of a vehicle such as a door or luggage lid is disclosed. Means for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant within the vehicle as well as means for detecting the open or closed condition of the cover are provided. When the absence of an occupant is detected and the closed condition of the opening cover is detected, a lock mechanism which blocks an opening movement of the opening cover is locked. In this manner, if an occupant has forgotten to lock a door or doors when getting off his vehicle, the doors are automatically locked, thus reliably preventing a theft or tampering with the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat-contact switch for generating a "seat occupied" signal is combined into a compact constructional unit with an axially resilient actuating device, which extends in a straight line between the seat suspension and the seat frame and which automatically compensates for elastic and permanent deformation or settling phenomena of the seat suspension resulting in a reduction of its unloaded length and which utilizes an adjusting screw connected between the seat and seat frame which screw causes adjustment of the point of make-break contact for the "seat occupied" signal.

Abstract: A safety switch assembly for de-activating a motor vehicle if a user is not positioned on a vehicle seat. The assembly includes a base for mounting the assembly, a cover that moves in response to the presence of a vehicle operator on the seat and an actuator that moves with the cover to open and close switch contacts inside an actuator housing. The contacts are normally open or normally closed depending on the switch construction. Movement of the cover forces the actuator to cause a torsion spring switch piece to bridge a gap between the contacts in a normally open switch and moves the switch piece from between the contacts in a normally closed switch.

Abstract: A vehicle driver seat is equipped with a switch assembly responsive to the application of a load on the seat to disable the ignition circuitry of the vehicle upon the removal of the load from the seat. The switch assembly includes a generally C-shaped spring located underneath the seat cushion. The end portions of the spring are displaced laterally when the spring is depressed as occurs when an operator sits on the vehicle seat. The lateral displacement of the spring ends pulls a switch plunger to activate the vehicle ignition system.

Abstract: A mat switch of high sensitivity including outer sheets which may be relatively stiff for wear resistance, an intermediate open work spacer sheet, conductive sheets interposed between the outer sheets on opposite sides of the spacer sheet for contacting on flexure through the space sheet, and a compressible deflection sheet interposed between one conductive sheet and the adjacent outer sheet, the deflection sheet being resiliently compressible for protrusion through the spacer sheet to contact the conductor sheets upon movement of the outer sheets in parallelism toward each other.

Abstract: A vehicle seat switch apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be mounted beneath a vehicle seat, a first member supported by the frame for generally reciprocal vertical movement relative to the frame between upper and lower positions, the first member having an upper end adapted to be contacted by the vehicle seat to move the first member to the lower position in response to movement of the seat caused by the weight of a vehicle operator on the seat, a spring for biasing the first member to the upper position, a switch mounted on the frame and adapted to be connected to an ignition circuit for opening and closing the circuit, the switch including a plunger movable upwardly and downwardly for respectively opening and closing the switch, and a second member for closing the switch in response to location of the first member in the lower position and for opening the switch after expiration of a predetermined period of time after the first member moves upwardly from the lower position.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for determining when a weight has been lifted from a specific location. It is especially useful for sounding an alarm when an invalid patient attempts to get up from a chair or a bed. The apparatus comprises a very thin sealed reed switch affixed near the bottom of a compressible pad and a magnet affixed near the top of the pad, the reed switch being connected in an electrical circuit containing an alarm mechanism such that, when the pad is compressed and the magnet is in close proximity to the reed switch, the circuit is open and no alarm sounds, but when the weight causing the compression of the pad is lifted, the circuit closes and the alarm sounds. When a battery is used to power the electronics in a preferred embodiment, no power is drained in this system in use until the weight is removed, the life of the battery thereby approximating its shelf life.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus (40,122) for actuating an electrical switch (42,124) which eliminates the problems of over stressing and inadvertent cyclical actuation of the switch (42,124) and flexing of electrical connecting wires (66,168). The apparatus (40,122) has an actuator spring (44,126) movable in response to a load applied to a seat assembly (10,110) for applying an actuating force to the switch (42,124) of a magnitude less than the load applied to the seat assembly (10,110) and a bracket (56,140) for limiting the magnitude of force applied to the switch (42,124) to a preselected maximum value. The apparatus (40,122) eliminates premature switch failure, inadvertent cyclical switch actuation and electrical wire breakage. The actuating apparatus (40,122) is particularly useful on a vehicle such as a lift truck.

Abstract: An electric heating element for the top panel of a cooking stove, having terminals adapted to be plugged into a terminal block carried by the stove panel, and embodying means for automatically interrupting current flow to the heating element when a cooking utensil is removed therefrom. The means for automatically interrupting the current flow comprises a weight responsive switch with at least one contact in the terminal block.

Abstract: A pressure switch wherein a resiliently yieldable intermediate open layer is sandwiched between flexible conductive layers, all of which is enclosed between flexible outer layers, so that in the unstressed or relatively unstressed condition the contact layers are spaced apart by the intermediate layer, while flexure or other sufficient stressing of the assembly effects contact of the contact layers through the open intermediate layer.

Abstract: A pressure switch and method of manufacture wherein a resiliently yieldable intermediate open layer is sandwiched between flexible conductive layers, all of which is enclosed between flexible outer layers, so that in the unstressed or relatively unstressed condition the contact layers are spaced apart by the intermediate layer, while flexure or other sufficient stressing of the assembly effects contact of the contact layers through the open intermediate layer.

Abstract: A system for disabling or neutralizing a vehicle when less than a predetermined force is exerted upon the spring assembly of the operator's seat of such vehicle. A contact plate is mounted directly upon the spring assembly interiorly of the padding and outer covering of the seat. A pressure responsive push-type switch is mounted upon a pair of torsion springs attached to the seat frame also interiorly of the padding and outer covering. At any time a given predetermined force is exerted upon the outer covering, padding and contact plate, the switch will be in contact with the contact plate and will permit the vehicle to operate. Whenever, through excessive operator bouncing or the like, such predetermined force is removed, contact between the plate and switch will be interrupted and the vehicle will be rendered inoperative.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a vehicle for hire, such as a taxicab, including a source of direct current, electrically controlled switching means in the form of a relay, and condition responsive switching means connected to the source and to the relay. The condition responsive switching means is operated in response to tampering or other unauthorized activity with the vehicle, the fare recording meter of the vehicle, and the monitoring system itself. This in turn operates the relay causing it to change from a normal position to a fault-indicating position, for example to operate a suitale indicator such as an audible alarm or to open the vehicle operating circuit including the storage battery and ignition coil thereby disabling the vehicle. Operation of the relay disconnects the condition responsive switching means from the source thereby minimizing current drain therefrom.

Abstract: A device for indicating the loading of a seat, particularly an automobile passenger seat, comprises a seat having a spring suspension with a pull switch mounted on a rigid plate held to the underside of the suspension. The pull switch includes an actuating member which is biased in a first switch position by a resilient element which is secured to a laterally remote part of the spring suspension and it operates on the actuating element to move it to a second switch position when the seat is loaded and the switch is moved with the spring suspension as it is flexed on the load.

Abstract: A switch, particularly one for indicating whether an automobile seat is occupied or unoccupied, comprises a switch housing with a spring contact secured at a base portion to respective side walls of the housing and extending inwardly from the respective side walls into biased contacting engagement. An actuating rod is guided for axial sliding movement through the housing and it includes a switching member having an upstanding portion of insulating material which extends between the spring contacts in a non-actuated position. The actuating rod is provided with a connection at its one end to a spring suspension of the seat so that the whole rod is shifted together with the switching member during the loading of a seat to move the insulating material away from its position between the spring contacts to permit the contacts to come together into conducting relationship.