Abstract: Provided is a vibration power generation element that can have improved property of piezoelectricity and mechanical robustness, while having a reduced cost. A piezoelectric layer (20) is formed on a substrate (10), which is supported on a support member (11) in a cantilever state, with a dielectric layer (102) interposed there between. A pair of comb electrodes (41, 42) are formed on the piezoelectric layer (20) that include comb portions (412, 422) extending in a direction (i.e., transverse direction) perpendicular to the extension direction (i.e., longitudinal direction) of the substrate 10 and disposed so as to be fitted into one another.

Abstract: The present application provides a capacitance detection module, a method and an electronic device, including: a sensing module and detecting circuit; a first sensing unit is disposed on the first surface of the sensing module, and a second sensing unit is disposed on the second surface of the sensing module; the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are respectively connected to the detecting circuit; the detecting circuit is configured to determine, according to the capacitance value of the first sensing unit and the capacitance value of the second sensing unit, the wearing state of the user to the device having the capacitance detection module. Thereby the problem that the capacitance detection is affected by temperature is avoided.

Abstract: An information handling system includes an intrusion detection circuit having two inductors and an amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit is configured to identify an increase in inductive coupling between the inductors in response to a change in position of a cover.

Abstract: The present application provides a capacitance detection module, a method and an electronic device, including: a sensing module and detecting circuit; a first sensing unit is disposed on the first surface of the sensing module, and a second sensing unit is disposed on the second surface of the sensing module; the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are respectively connected to the detecting circuit; the detecting circuit is configured to determine, according to the capacitance value of the first sensing unit and the capacitance value of the second sensing unit, the wearing state of the user to the device having the capacitance detection module. Thereby the problem that the capacitance detection is affected by temperature is avoided.

Abstract: An automated lane change system for a motor vehicle includes one or more environmental sensors for generating an input signal indicative of a position of an object relative to the motor vehicle, with the object being disposed at a distance from the motor vehicle. The input signal is further indicative of a velocity of the object relative to the motor vehicle. The system further includes a steering wheel sensor generating a gripped signal, in response to a driver gripping a steering wheel. A controller generates an activation signal, in response to the controller receiving the input signal from the environmental sensor and the gripped signal from the steering wheel sensor. An actuator controls the steering wheel, a propulsion mechanism, and a braking mechanism for maneuvering the motor vehicle from a current driving lane to a target driving lane, in response to the actuator receiving the activation signal from the controller.

Abstract: One or more devices in a data analysis computing system may be configured to receive and analyze movement data, and determine driving trips associated driving data based on the received movement data. Movement data may be collected by one or more mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, and the like. One or more driving trips may be identified based on the movement data collected by the mobile devices, including acceleration data, speed data, and rotation rate data. After identifying a driving trip, the previously collected movement data and/or additional driving data may be analyzed to determine additional driving trip data, such as the driver, vehicle, and/or additional driving factors.

Abstract: A refrigeration device is provided that includes two housing parts in the form of a body and a door that together delimit an interior. A seal is fastened to one of the housing parts and sealingly contacts the other housing part when the door is closed and a drive element is arranged to drive the door from the closed position into an open position. A sensor detects a movement of the door and a control circuit coupled to the sensor activates the drive element when a movement of the door is detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an interior of a fuel tank. Information about a fuel level and moisture in the interior of the fuel tank of a platform is generated using a fuel sensor unit in the interior of the fuel tank. The fuel sensor unit comprises a sensor configured to be located in the interior of the fuel tank and generate information about the fuel level in the fuel tank and the moisture in the fuel tank and a wireless unit electrically connected to the sensor. The wireless unit is configured to receive the information from the sensor and transmit the information using wireless signals. A number of actions is identified based on the information about the interior of the fuel tank.

Abstract: An autonomous, self-powered device includes a radioisotope-powered current impulse generator including a spring assembly comprising a cantilever, and a piezoelectric-surface acoustic wave (P-SAW) structure connected in parallel to the current impulse generator. Positive charges are accumulated on an electrically isolated 63Ni thin film due to the continuous emission of ?-particles (electrons), which are collected on the cantilever. The accumulated charge eventually pulls the cantilever into the radioisotope thin-film until electrical discharge occurs. The electrical discharge generates a transient magnetic and electrical field that can excite the RF modes of a cavity in which the electrical discharge occurs. A piezoelectric-SAW resonator is connected to the discharge assembly to control the RF frequency output.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wirelessly detecting area changes are provided. Predetermined thresholds may be stored in memory. Each predetermined threshold is associated with a time of day, calendar day, and/or activity. The sensor may detect a change in the in the targeted area. The detected change is evaluated to determine an applicable threshold. Then it may be determined whether the detected change meets a predetermined threshold. If so, information regarding the change is wirelessly transmitted to an associated controller that controls light in the targeted area. The operation of the light may be controlled based on the wirelessly transmitted information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for suppressing the interference phenomena between several detection areas (A, B) of a capacitive sensor (30) submitted to a humid ambient environment, characterised in that it comprises means for preventing the propagation of humidity (50) between the detection areas (A, B) in order to prevent any capacitive coupling between the different areas. The invention also relates to an opening handle (10) for an automobile.

Abstract: Device locking systems, lock trees, and lockout methods are described according to some aspects. In one aspect, a device locking system includes a lock system configurable into a first configuration to lock a device to be secured and a second configuration wherein the lock system is configured to be attached to or removed from the device, wherein the lock system is configured to be locked into the first configuration at a desired moment in time by at least one lock, and circuitry configured to generate an alarm responsive to a change of the configuration of the lock system from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring detection by a sensing element of a key touch on a touch screen; determining an amount of time that has elapsed since the sensing element last detected a change of capacitance indicative of a key touch on the touch screen; and, if the amount of time that has elapsed exceeds a predetermined time duration, then initiating a particular function of an apparatus.

Abstract: A secure data entry device including a housing, tamper sensitive circuitry located within the housing and tampering alarm indication circuitry arranged to provide an alarm indication in response to attempted access to the tamper sensitive circuitry, the tampering alarm indication circuitry including at least one conductor, a signal generator operative to transmit a signal along the at least one conductor and a signal analyzer operative to receive the signal transmitted along the at least one conductor and to sense tampering with the at least one conductor, the signal analyzer being operative to sense the tampering by sensing changes in at least one of a rise time and a fall time of the signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coupler device, processing apparatus and method of processing a plurality of body-coupled communication signals which have been detected by using an electrode arrangement with a plurality of electrodes or electrode segments (40, 42; 40, 43). Respective transmission parameters of the body-coupled communication signals are estimated and at least one of a selecting and weighting processing is applied to the detected body-coupled communication signals based on the estimated transmission parameters. Then, the processed body-coupled communication signals are combined to generate a diversity output signal. Thereby, robustness against coupler misplacement and user convenience is increased in body-coupled or body-based communication systems.

Abstract: An anti-pinching device (18) for a pivotable actuating element (6) of a motor vehicle (2) is specified. Said device comprises a capacitive sensor (8) which is intended to contactlessly detect an obstacle in the path of the actuating element (6) and has an electrode (14) for generating an external electric field opposite a counterelectrode (16), wherein the electrode (14) extends in a radial direction (R) of the pivoting movement of the actuating element (6), and a control unit (10) which is set up to interpret a change in a measurement capacitance (CM), which is formed between the electrode (14) and the counterelectrode (16), as pinching when the changed measurement capacitance (CM) exceeds a triggering threshold (A) which is predefined on the basis of an opening angle (?) of the pivotable actuating element (6) and to track the triggering threshold (A).

Abstract: A capacitive sensor array including a sensor electrode which detects the intrusion of an object, a shield electrode and a background electrode. A control and evaluation circuit is coupled to the sensor electrode which detects a change in the capacitance of the sensor electrode. The sensor electrode periodically evaluates at least one of a current and voltage profile to detect the capacitance change. The shield electrode is coupled to the sensor electrode through the control and evaluation circuit such that it has no influence on the measured capacitance. The background electrode is controlled such that its potential is periodically switched between the reference potential and a second potential. When the sensor electrode is coupled with the first potential, the background electrode may be located on the reference potential. When the sensor electrode is not coupled with the first potential, the background electrode may be located on the second potential.

Abstract: A secure data entry device including a housing, tamper sensitive circuitry located within the housing and tampering alarm indication circuitry arranged to provide an alarm indication in response to attempted access to the tamper sensitive circuitry, the tampering alarm indication circuitry including at least one conductor, a signal generator operative to transmit a signal along the at least one conductor and a signal analyzer operative to receive the signal transmitted along the at least one conductor and to sense tampering with the at least one conductor, the signal analyzer being operative to sense the tampering by sensing changes in at least one of a rise time and a fall time of the signal.

Abstract: A system for maintaining an electrically operated folding wall comprising: (a) a maintenance detecting means; (b) a time measuring means; (c) a first time alarm means for detecting a preset time for a maintenance reminder; (d) a second time alarm means far detecting a preset time for maintenance; (e) a first maintenance schedule indicator for indicating that maintenance is soon required; f) a second maintenance schedule indicator for indicating that maintenance is required; (g) a preventing means for preventing the electrical operation circuit of the folding operable wall from functioning after the second time alarm detects that the time measuring means has reached the preset time for maintenance; (h) a resetting means for resetting the time measured by the time measuring means after the required maintenance has been performed; and (i) a restarting means for restarting the electrical operation circuit of the folding operable wall after the required service has been performed.

Abstract: An intrusion detector for a security system that detects the breaking of a glass in a window or a door and motion within a protected area is provided. The intrusion detector includes a single sensing section, a first filter, a second filter, a microprocessor, and an alarm generating. The microprocessor includes a motion detection section, an activation section for activating the motion detection section for a preset period of time only when a detected acoustic signal is consistent with that required to break glass, and a timing section for timing the preset period. The sensing section is capable of sensing motion induced signals during both activation and non-activation of the motion detection section, but the motion detection section ignores motion-induced signals during non-activation of the motion detection section.

Abstract: An explosive device detection system includes sensors and base station that detect and report on suspected Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) or landmine emplacement activity within a geographic area. When disposed within a geographic area, each sensor forms part of a wireless communications network which allows communication among neighboring sensors. As a sensor detects activity in its proximity, such as activity that indicates emplacement of an IED, the sensor transmits a reporting signal through the network to the base station. The neighboring sensors receive and transmit the reporting signal in a sequential manner toward the base station. Because the reporting signal takes multiple hops toward the base station, the sensors do not require large amounts of power to transmit the signal. Furthermore, the detection system allows detection of IED emplacement within the geographic area as the activity occurs.

Abstract: Method for monitoring borders or peripheries of installations includes arranging sensors periodically along the border at least partially in the ground, the sensors being sensitive to vibrations, infrared radiation, sound or other disturbances, programming the sensors to wake-up upon detection of a predetermined condition and receive a signal, analyzing the signal and transmitting a signal indicative of the analysis with an identification or location of the sensors. The sensors may include a processor embodying a pattern recognition system trained to recognize characteristic signals indicating the passing of a person or vehicle.

Abstract: A capacitive touch sensor providing an automatic switch-off function for an apparatus in which the sensor is incorporated is provided. The sensor includes a sensing element coupled to a capacitance measurement circuit for measuring the capacitance of the sensing element. A control circuit is operable to determine from the capacitance measurement whether an object is in proximity with the sensor. The determined presence of an object may he used to toggle a function of the apparatus. Furthermore, when it is determined that an object has not been in proximity with the sensor for a predetermined time duration, an output signal for switching off the apparatus is provided. The predetermined time duration may be selected from a number of predefined time durations, or may be programmed using a resistor-capacitor network. Pulses may be applied to the control circuit to override features of the automatic switch-off functionality.

Abstract: The main object of the present invention is a device for detecting a relative position of a first element (12, 14) having a main mechanical function and a second element, including an electric circuit (4) the opening and closing of which respectively correspond to a first and a second position of the first and second elements with respect to each other, wherein at least the first element is part of the electric circuit (4). An object of the present invention is also a monitoring installation comprising such detecting devices.

Abstract: A position sensor having a circular transmitter coil which generates electromagnetic radiation when excited by a source of alternating electrical energy. A receiver coil has a first loop wound in a first direction around a portion of the transmitter coil and a second loop wound in a second direction opposite from the first direction around a diametrically opposed portion of the transmitter coil. In addition the receiver coil includes a first compensating coil wound in the second direction inside the first portion of the transmitter coil as well as a second compensating coil wound in the first direction inside the second portion of the transmitter coil. The first and second loops and the first and second compensating coils of the receiver coil are electrically connected in series with each other.

Abstract: A method for automatically switching an incoming call signal output mode in a mobile communication terminal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining whether or not a present incoming call signal output mode is a vibration mode when receiving incoming call, driving a vibrator to output vibration if it is determined that the present incoming call signal output mode is set to the vibration mode, detecting an intensity of actual vibration of the terminal via a vibration detection sensor when the vibration is output, followed by calculating transfer energy using the intensity of the actual vibration on the terminal, and automatically switching the incoming call signal output mode from the vibration mode to a ringtone mode according to comparison of the calculated transfer energy with a reference value. With the method, a user can easily recognize the incoming call signal.

Abstract: A security apparatus comprising a plurality of sensing elements, each adapted to detect intrusion into protected premises, each sensing element outputs a sensing signal representing a detected event, a signal processing section for examining each sensing signal and outputting a signature for each sensing signal, a computing section for translating each signature into a normalized threat value, ranging from “0” to “1”, modifying each normalized threat values by multiplying a weighting coefficient corresponding to a type of sensing element, storing for a temporary period of time, each modified normalized threat value, and an alarm generating section for adding each of the stored modified normalized threat values, outputting an aggregate threat value and generating an alarm enable signal based upon an analysis of the aggregate threat value.

Abstract: There is an increase in the number of autonomous battery driven devices in the world today and also a growing need for rapid information of unwanted incidents. By combining the GMS- and GPS-technology with the invention and any sensor with the ability to generate a voltage due to external influences, one has reached an activation device perfect for alarm devices that can lay dormant for years with no mentionable power consumption until the day a certain incident occurs. This trait can be used in numerous applications where only the sensor type sets the limits. By using a piezoelectric gyroscope as sensor for instance, a potent tracking device is made, where motion generates a voltage, which in turn will activate the entire device that will instantly start tracking the movement of the device and report this to its owner. This device will be of very small dimensions it can be attached to or hidden somewhere on personal belongings of a certain size; bags, suitcases, bicycles, paintings etc.

Abstract: An obstacle detection system includes a static capacitance detection module including a sensor strip for detecting a static capacitance, an RF oscillator connected to the sensor strip, a phase lock loop section for maintaining the oscillation frequency of the RF oscillator to a selected value and a first MCU for controlling the operation of the phase lock loop section, a control module including a second MCU for remotely controlling the first MCU of the static capacitance detection module and a transmission line for connecting the static capacitance detection module and the control module and transmitting the information acquired by the first MCU so as to be transmitted to the control module, a control signal to be transmitted from the second MCU to the first MCU and drive power of the static capacitance detection module.

Abstract: A tamper alarm circuit for detecting a tampered condition of a utility meter is disclosed. The tamper alarm circuit has a transducer coupled to an amplification circuit which is coupled to a detection circuit, the detection circuit generating an alarm condition when the detection circuit determines that a voltage signal generated by the transducer and amplified by the amplification circuit has reached a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A proximity sensor includes a sense electrode having a first capacitance to ground, wherein the first capacitance varies in response to proximity of an object to be sensed; a first sense circuit which provides a first pulse signal having a pulse width determined in accordance with the first capacitance; a reference capacitor; a second sense circuit which provides a second pulse signal having a pulse width determined in accordance with a second capacitance of the reference capacitor; and a computing circuit which computes a difference pulse by subtracting the second pulse signal from the first pulse signal and provide a pulse of the difference pulse width.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and distinguishing occurrences along a perimeter bounded by a plurality of piezoelectric cables. The monitoring system utilizes a plurality of piezoelectric cables that generate electrical signals in response to mechanical stress events. The electrical signals from each piezoelectric cable are analyzed by a base unit to determine event classification and location. The monitoring system alerts users and connects to an existing security system to notify third-parties. The monitoring system includes functionality to communicate with a calibration unit and calibrate itself. The monitoring system also includes functionality to interface with a pet containment system.

Abstract: A seismic sensor for a security system is described, the sensor comprising: a piezoelectric transducer suitable for converting mechanical stresses into electrical signals; a base structure including a seat suitable for receiving said transducer; a cover element that can be coupled with the base structure to define an inner chamber of said sensor. The sensor is wherein the cover element has an essentially bell-shaped body, is equipped with a bottom opening and includes side walls that extend around an axis of said opening, the base structure being provided with a collar that surrounds said seat and that crosses said bottom opening so as to define at least one channel communicating with said chamber between the side walls of said cover element and said collar.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a housing includes: an opening/closing section provided to the housing; a detection section provided to the housing, having a wireless IC chip in which alarm information is pre-stored, and an antenna driving the wireless IC chip with a driving electric power induced by receiving a predetermined radio wave and wirelessly transmitting the alarm information outputted from the wireless IC chip; a reader provided independently outside the housing, and outputting the predetermined radio wave and receiving the alarm information transmitted from the detection section; and a restriction section restricting a transmission of the alarm information when the opening/closing section is in a closed state.

Abstract: A capacitance detection circuit containing an input protection circuit and having high sensitivity is provided. A capacitance detection circuit for detecting the capacitance of a capacitive sensor, comprising a buffer amplifier connected to the capacitive sensor via a signal wire and having a voltage gain of 1; diodes connected in series between the signal wire and a positive power supply; diodes connected in series between the signal wire and a negative power supply, wherein an output terminal of the buffer amplifier is connected to a junction point of the diodes and to a junction point of the diodes.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting the occupancy state of a seat, e.g., in a vehicle, and for use in activating a restraint mechanism allocated to the seat, as a function of the occupancy state, are provided. With the aid of an image recording system, a 3D image of the seat is recorded and evaluated with respect to the occupancy state, and optionally also with respect to the type of the occupancy. For the evaluation, a 3D pattern is drawn upon, which is available externally or which is able to be generated internally in an initialization step. A hierarchically constructed evaluation also permits, after determination of an occupancy state, a classification with respect to the type of the respective occupancy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device system, comprising a wearable alarm device fastenable to the wrist or elsewhere in the body or an instrument measuring physiological signals or a combination thereof, and a data terminal (6) capable of receiving messages and information from a wearable device (1). The wearable device (1) has a measurement-based identification about the device being attached to a wearer, said identification being processed for status data. The data terminal (6) has a user interface for displaying the measured status data graphically.

Abstract: A capacitive relay takeoff swimming platform sensor system including multiple stations, timing devices and capacitive sensor devices where the presence or departure of a second swimmer on a relay takeoff swimming platform is sensed by the change in a capacitive field above a sensing mat and compared to the arrival of a first swimmer at a touchpad sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting responsible personnel to perform a post-trip inspection check for passengers remaining on a bus at the end of a trip by issuing audible and/or visual alerts when the bus is parked and the motor shut off at the end of the trip. The ignition switch (47) must be placed in ACCESSORY position and a park brake applied for the system to be rendered capable of being disarmed by operation of a disarming device (45S) at the rear of the bus. Operation of the disarming device is indicated by a correct sequence of operating conditions of the device, namely first non-actuated, then actuated, and then non-actuated. The system includes a SNOOZE state that allows the ignition switch to be temporarily turned off during a trip and the alert to be stopped by pressing a snooze switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for occupant detection in a vehicle, including a dielectric substrate with a reference plane, and a plurality of electrodes forming a capacitive array on said dielectric substrate and coupled to said reference plane. Each of the plurality of electrodes being formed of a conductive polymer thick film ink. The plurality of electrodes and the reference plane are connected to a controller that detects a change in capacitance between the plurality of electrodes and the reference plane, and identifies the presence and type of occupant in the vehicle.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to sense a current in a circuit. For instance, current sense circuit according to the teachings of the present invention includes a current sense resistor coupled to an input of the current sense circuit. The current sense resistor is coupled to receive a current to be sensed from the input of the current sense circuit. The current to be sensed is converted to a current sense voltage. A first PN junction diode is coupled to the current sense resistor. A light emitting diode (LED) is coupled to the first PN junction diode to provide a current sense threshold substantially proportional to a difference between a forward voltage drop of the LED and a forward voltage drop of the first PN junction diode. The first PN junction diode is coupled to be biased from the forward voltage drop of the LED. The LED is coupled to the current sense resistor to generate an output when the current sense voltage from the current sense resistor reaches the current sense threshold.

Abstract: A motion sensing system device and method which utilize dispersed ultrasonic radiation is disclosed. The system preferably comprises a low profile sensor unit configured to couple to a ceiling position. The sensor unit comprises an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver and a pair of acoustic reflectors positioned in a transmitting path of the ultrasonic transmitter and a receiving path of the ultrasonic receiver for generating and detecting the ultrasonic radiation in a broadcast field. The acoustic reflectors preferably comprise cones, conical cross-sections and/or combinations thereof which are integral with the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver and/or are coupled to a housing structure for positioning the acoustic reflectors in the transmitting and/or receiving paths. The sensor unit also preferably comprises a circuit for driving the transmitter and for detecting motion by detecting changes in the receiver signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for providing an indication to a person external to a vehicle, of an occupant inside the vehicle. The method comprises determining whether an occupant is in a vehicle, based on a capacitance measured within the vehicle; sensing whether an ignition of the vehicle is in an off position; detecting whether a first door coupled to the vehicle has been opened and closed, if the vehicle ignition is in an off position; if the first door has been opened and closed and an occupant is sensed in the vehicle, measuring a first time (T1) beginning from the instant the first door is closed; and activating the alert, if T1 is greater than a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: Proposed is a device actuated by a transponder for the generation of a switch signal. The device is based on an oscillating circuit (10) with a capacitance (C1), an identification coil (L1) and an oscillator amplifier (12). Connected to the oscillating circuit (10) is a frequency observer (20) which evaluates the frequency (f1) tuned in the oscillating circuit (10) and which when finding a change emits a switch signal (S). A change of the frequency in the oscillating circuit (10) is effected by the approach of a transponder (60). The device permits a nearly loadless transponder identification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooking stove that prevents an instruction from being given using the touch switch owing to a factor different from the user's operation, while hindering the user from having an incongruous or anxious feeling when operating the touch switch. Touch switches 10 to 13 are provided on a glass top plate covering a top surface of a cooking stove main body accommodating a left burner and a right burner; the touch switches 10 to 13 sense an object that contacts with or approaches the top surface of the glass top plate. When any of the touch switches is turned on and then turned off again, heating control 31 executes a pre-assigned process to the touch switch. When the touch switch is turned on, lighting control 32 changes the displays of display sections 14 to 17 to ones corresponding to the state of a burner after the process has been executed before executing a pre-assigned process to the touch switch.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting responsible personnel to perform a post-trip inspection check for passengers remaining on a bus at the end of a trip by issuing audible and/or visual alerts when the bus is parked and the motor shut off at the end of the trip. The ignition switch (47) must be placed in ACCESSORY position and a park brake applied for the system to be rendered capable of being disarmed by operation of a disarming device (45S) at the rear of the bus. Operation of the disarming device is indicated by a correct sequence of operating conditions of the device, namely first non-actuated, then actuated, and then non-actuated. The system includes a SNOOZE state that allows the ignition switch to be temporarily turned off during a trip and the alert to be stopped by pressing a snooze switch.

Abstract: A human body detecting device for detecting an approach of a human body includes a sensor electrode provided in a housing and having detecting portions for detecting the approach of the human body to the housing. Each of the detecting portions is provided at a respective surface side in the housing.

Abstract: A portable security alarm system including a movement detecting and signal transmitting member for mounting on or proximate to the object whose movement is to be detected, a signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the movement detecting and signal transmitting member and producing a security response, a remote control for actuating and deactuating the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an environmental monitoring member for sensing an environmental condition and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, a visual information gathering member for gathering visual information and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an audio output member for receiving a signal from the signal receiving and alarm generating member and generating an audio output, and components for delivering a security notification to remote recipients. A security network that includes the alarm system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A capacitive occupant sensor for a seat has a dielectric in the form of a fluid-filled elastomeric bladder, and the sensor includes a primary region that is subjected to occupant force and a secondary region that is shielded from occupant force. The secondary region includes an appendage of the bladder that is disposed beneath a back cushion of the seat, either in a cavity of the seat cushion or below a frame element that supports the seat cushion. A spring clamp normally biases fluid out of the appendage, but occupant-related force applied over a broad area of the seat produces a flow of bladder fluid into the appendage against the bias force of the spring clamp. A pair of auxiliary conductor plates is oppositely disposed about the bladder appendage, and the capacitance between the auxiliary conductor plates is measured as an indication of fluid pressure in the bladder.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle which includes sensors. The sensors are distributed into numerous segments and thus enable the position of an operator's hands on the steering wheel to be detected with high local resolution. The signals supplied by the sensors are analyzed and makes it possible to detect the position of the hands, and the maximum possible steering angle that can be set at the steering wheel without changing the grip. Control actions and control signals can be derived from this information by means of a control.