Abstract: A safety belt includes a connecting member including a rope, an attaching portion connected to a first end of the rope and arranged to be attached to a body belt worn around a body of a worker, a hook connected to a second end of the rope, and a load detection portion arranged to detect whether or not a load is applied to the connecting member and to output a load detection signal. The safety belt also includes a control device that includes a receiver unit arranged to receive the load detection signal, a control unit arranged to determine a status of the worker or a status of the safety belt based on the load detection signal, and a notification unit arranged to provide a notification in accordance with control by the control unit corresponding to the determined status.

Abstract: Damaging a touch sensor is prevented by an input apparatus including a pressing load detection unit 102 for detecting a pressing load applied by a pressing object pressing a touch sensor, a contact area detection unit 103 for detecting a contact area of the object on the sensor, a memory unit 105 for storing a pressing load threshold for receiving an input and a damage threshold higher than the pressing load threshold and varies according to the contact area, a control unit 104 for obtaining the pressing load threshold and the damage threshold corresponding to the contact area from the memory unit, and receiving the input when the pressing load reaches the pressing load threshold, or generating a warning signal when the pressing load reaches the damage threshold, and a notification unit 106 for receiving the warning signal from the control unit and outputting a warning.

Abstract: The patient monitoring system comprises at least one load cell element (12) mounted in relation to a support surface, the load cell element (12) determining movement of a person on a support surface. The movement is determined based on a reference (31) measured using the load cell element (12) when the person is positioned on the support surface in a reference position and the subsequent load changes determined using the load cell element in relation to the reference. If the load change exceeds a pre-defined threshold, an alarm (18) is activated. The user is able to set the threshold value of the alarm system according to the physical condition of the patient. For example, in some cases it is necessary to he notified about any movements and in others only major movements are of interest. The patient monitoring system is able to provide a flexible means of monitoring of a patient by a nurse or carer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding articles, such as keys, which is attachable to a person's clothing, handbag or a purse, and wherein a physical or electronic tether is used to allow the user to use the articles stored thereupon without removing them from the holder or from their clothing, handbag, purse, briefcase or other hand carried item. The tension on the tether is manageable by the use of a tension management system, so that the tension of the tether will not damage the article or the mechanism that the article is used with and the article is tracked by use of the tether so that the user does not lose the article. Infrared, radio frequency, and transponder and polling versions of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Packaging installation with a metering apparatus and method for monitoring damage in a packaging installation in which packs (19) which are to be filled can be charged with the contents in each case by means of a metering apparatus (01) designed according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein—the vibrations of the wall of the dispensing container (02) are measured at least during operation of the stirrer (06) and/or of the metering screw (05),—the measured values are evaluated by the vibration evaluator (10),—deviations in the vibration behaviour are detected and compared with limit values stored in the vibration evaluator (10),—when the limit values are exceeded, this indicates with sufficient probability, that the stirrer (06) or the metering screw (05) is in contact with the dispensing container (02),—an alarm is triggered by means of the vibration evaluator (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides a force measuring ratchet tie down in the field of goods holding. The force measuring ratchet tie down of the invention addresses the technical problems such has insufficiently tight binding, severe difficulty in control and trouble in adjustment. The force measuring ratchet tie down includes a body assembly, a handle, a teeth stop board, a catch and a scroll. The handle is connected with the body assembly through the scroll. A binding belt having a fixable outer end is connected to the body assembly. Another binding belt having a fixable outer end is rolled on the scroll. A ratchet is fixed on the scroll. The body assembly is movably connected with a teeth stop board the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet. The handle is movably connected with a catch the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet.

Abstract: An object detection system, controller, and method using sub-sampling for detecting a presence of an object at the location. An electrode arranged near the location radiates an electric field that corresponds to an electrode signal that arises in response to an excitation signal. When the excitation signal is coupled to the electrode and the electric field is radiated, the electrode exhibits an electrode impedance indicative of the presence of an object. The presence of an object is detected by analyzing the electrode signal using sub-sampling. Traditionally, such electrode signals have frequencies, high enough to warrant the use of expensive high-frequency signal processing devices. Sub-sampling is a way of sampling and processing the electrode signal such that the signal processing to detect the object can be performed by a lower cost general purpose microprocessor.

Abstract: A patient bed with a multimedia system is disclosed. A patient can access a net work through the multimedia system, and to join a net meeting to chat with other patients. The multimedia system can also provide a consolidated platform of medical information for a doctor or a nurse. An input device of the patient bed may have a touch pad, which allows the patient to control the position of patient support through finger gesture.

Abstract: A machine includes at least one piston and a pump shaft. A method for detecting a leak in the machine includes receiving a vibration signal from a vibration sensor disposed on at least one of an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe of the machine, receiving a rotational speed signal and an angular shaft position signal from a speed and position sensor disposed on the machine, calculating a rotational speed and an angular shaft position of the pump shaft, calculating at least one complex harmonic Fourier amplitude of the received vibration signal, low pass filtering the at least one complex harmonic Fourier amplitude, calculating a deviation amplitude as a magnitude of a complex difference between the filtered amplitude and a base amplitude, and monitoring the deviation amplitude to detect a leakage.

Abstract: Two sensors (20, 30) which cooperate with one another are used in the interior of an activator (10) in order to trigger functions in a vehicle, said sensors (20, 30) being a proximity sensor (20) with a capacitive electrode (21) and a pressure sensor (30) with a pressure measuring element (31). The intention is that the pressure measuring element (31) will be acted on when pressure is applied manually (44) to an application point (43) on the outside of the actuator (10). It is proposed that in order to improve the method of functioning that the electrode (21) of the proximity sensor (20) be provided with a breakthrough (22) and that the pressure transmission between the application point (43) on the actuator (10) and the pressure measuring element (31) be lead through the breakthrough (22) in the electrode (21). The space between the application point (43) and the pressure measuring element (31) is spanned by a pressure transmitting means (50) which passes through the breakthrough (22).

Abstract: A power seat drive device (100) comprises a sense electrode (10) provided in the back portion (102) of a power seat (101), and a controller (20) operative to control movement of the power seat (101) based on a sense signal from the sense electrode (10). The controller (20) decelerates the speed of movement and provides a warning sound when the proximity distance between the sense electrode (10) and a human body (108) becomes short so as to exceed a decision voltage (Vth1). In addition, the controller stops the movement of the power seat (101) when the proximity distance becomes much shorter so as to exceed a decision voltage (Vth2).

Abstract: A method and a device recognizes mechanical impacts upon electrical installations. The device includes a functional electrical connection with a power supply network or a storage medium. At least one signal is recorded on the functional electrical connection in order to recognize the mechanical impact. Advantageously, the device can be incorporated into a photovoltaic installation with at least one solar current module.

Abstract: A sensing system is disclosed that uses at least one conductive plate and associated electronic circuitry to provide an output that is indicative of an object's position in relation to the at least one conductive plate. The sensing system is provided with a high impedance drive signal that varies as a result of the location of an object relative to the at least one conductive plate. The electronic circuitry receives a high impedance drive signal value as an input and a processor uses the value to calculate a digital output indicative of the object's position. The high impedance drive signal value is monitored over time enabling the objects position, displacement, pressure, movement, impact and energy to be determined. This data is output to a display and may also be transmitted to a person located remotely from the object being monitored.

Abstract: A bed includes a frame, a controller coupled to the frame, and a patient position detection system coupled to the frame and coupled to the controller. The patient position detection system has at least three modes of operation of varying sensitivities for determining whether a person supported on the frame has moved by a sufficient amount to activate an alarm.

Abstract: Smart aerospace structures are described herein utilizing a deactivated RFID tag including an IC and an electrical by-pass. The electrical by-pass is conductive and the electrical by-pass is in parallel with the IC such that the deactivated RFID becomes activated upon an abnormal condition, such as an improper clamp installation, a clamp failure, an impact, a thermal event or a crack.

Abstract: A seat occupant determining apparatus includes a first load detecting sensor at a right of a seat, a second load detecting sensor at a left of the seat, a third load detecting sensor at a front or a rear of the first and second load detecting sensors, in order to detect a part of the load, respectively, a right-left sum value calculating portion calculating a right-left sum value, a threshold changing portion for changing an occupant determining threshold on the basis of the load value of the third load detecting sensor, and an occupant determining portion determining an occupant of the seat to be an adult when the right-left sum value is equal to or more than the occupant determining threshold and determining an occupant of the seat to be a child in a child seat when the right-left sum value is less than the occupant determining threshold.

Abstract: A sensor device has an insole, a sensor body abutting the insole, pressure sensors operably mounted on the sensor body for generating a pressure data signal, and an accelerometer mounted on the insole for generating a movement data signal indicating the measuring movement of the insole. A transmitter is used for transmitting the pressure data signal and the movement data signal to a reporting device having a receiver for receiving the pressure data signal and the movement data signal. The reporting device further has a processor and a computer-readable medium for storing the pressure data signal and the movement data signal.

Abstract: A method of monitoring pressure inside a fluid line and a system for implementing the method. The method is applicable to syringe pump systems. The method includes the steps of measuring a force value caused by a pressure inside the fluid line; collecting the measured force values during at least two consecutive moving time windows; calculating a slope of a best-fit line within each time window; calculating a slope difference of the slopes of the best-fit lines; comparing the slope difference with a pre-determined threshold gradient value; defining a baseline force as the detected force value when the slope difference is equal to the threshold gradient value; determining a relative force value by subtracting the baseline force from the detected force value; and, triggering an alarm if the relative force is greater than a pre-defined threshold force.

Abstract: An apparatus including a strain sensor configured to sense strain in a connecting part between a first part and a second part of a headset, and a circuitry earpiece configured to cause a change in the state of the headset in accordance with the sensed strain. A corresponding method.

Abstract: A system and method for providing enhanced weight alert notification during automated patient management is presented. A plurality of weight measurements in an automated patient environment from a weight monitoring device for a patient during an observation period is remotely obtained. A raw baseline weight for the patient is determined based on a function of the weight measurements. Irregularities in the weight measurements are identified. The raw baseline weight is processed into a baseline weight by application of a correction coefficient to the irregularities. Weight remotely measured in the automated patient environment for the patient on a substantially regular basis is obtained. Changes in the weight are identified by periodic comparison to the baseline weight. An alert notification is generated in response to the change in weight.

Abstract: Device for vehicle seat occupancy detection, wherein a base frame which can be adjusted in the height direction of a vehicle seat and which is composed of at least two scissors arms which are connected to one another is arranged between a seat part of the vehicle seat and a vehicle body part, the device comprising a first detector which is attached to at least one of the scissors arms and which, when the vehicle seat is occupied by a minimum weight, detects a predefinable height setting of the scissors arm which is lower than a maximum possible height setting, and at least one spring which is fixed to at least one of the scissors arms and the predefinable pretensioned spring force of which corresponds at most to the downward-acting weight force due to the minimum weight and counteracts the latter.

Abstract: A capacitive passenger detector includes: a capacitive sensor having main, sub and guard electrodes; a sensor characteristic measurement unit for applying an alternating voltage signal to each electrode and for converting a current in each electrode to a voltage; and a controller. The controller defines a current in the guard electrode as a reference current when voltages of the main and guard electrodes have a same potential. The controller defines a current flowing direction of the guard electrode to be negative when the voltage of the main electrode is higher than the guard electrode. The controller defines the current flowing direction of the guard electrode to be positive when the voltage of the main electrode is lower than the guard electrode. The controller corrects the voltage of the main electrode based on the current of the guard electrode so that a corrected voltage is set to be a passenger determination data.

Abstract: An appliance warning system comprises a floor pad which has a switch movable between an open position when no weight pressure is detected and a closed position when activated by weight pressure. A transmitter transmits a signal depending upon whether the switch is in the open or closed position. A remotely located module has a receiver for the signal from the transmitter. A control circuit is operational between a ready state before the switch is activated to the closed position and a monitoring state after the switch is activated. A warning device is activated by the control circuit when in the monitoring state when the switch has been in the open position for a preselected period of time after having been in the closed position. A reset switch resets the control circuit from the monitoring state to the ready state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to haptic augmented reality, and more specifically, to a method for providing haptic augmented reality that provides mixed results of a real environment and a virtual environment to a user. The present invention provides an apparatus for providing haptic augmented reality comprising a controller that calculates a repulsive force from an object and determines a driving force in consideration of the calculated repulsive force and preset stiffness; and a driver that drives a haptic device with the determined driving force.

Abstract: The integration of surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, microfabricated transmission lines, and sensors onto polymer substrates in order to enable a passive wireless sensor platform is described herein. Incident microwave pulses on an integrated antenna are converted to an acoustic wave via a SAW filter and transmitted to an impedance based sensor, which for this work is a photodiode. Changes in the sensor state induce a corresponding change in the impedance of the sensor resulting in a reflectance profile. Data collected at a calibrated receiver is used to infer the state of the sensor. Based on this principal, light levels were passively and wirelessly demonstrated to be sensed at distances of up to about 12 feet.

Abstract: A telemeter system in which information that has an effect on a state of communication between a terminal device and a central device can be readily and accurately reported from the terminal device to the central device. When a central device (12) transmits a request signal for prescribed measurement result information to a terminal device (10), a terminal control component (20) of the terminal device (10) extracts the measurement result information from a measurement component (16), and transmits the measurement result information to the central device (12) via a telecommunication component (18) by using a short message service or the like. When a communication component (22) of the central device (12) receives the measurement result information, a center control component (26) stores the received measurement result information in a storage component (24) The state of communication between the terminal device (10) and the central device (12) is reported to an administrator as necessary.

Abstract: A stud miss indicator system for a fastener driving tool includes at least one sensor generating at least one signal based on forces generated by a fastener driving operation, a software program configured for receiving the at least one signal, for evaluating the at least one signal as to a fastener being either improperly driven or properly driven, and the program generating at least one appropriate output signal reflective of the evaluation.

Abstract: The manual trigger device includes: a housing presenting a flexible or mobile surface, an emission unit that emits an electromagnetic field, a reception unit that receives the electromagnetic field, and emits a signal representative of the electromagnetic field received, a modulation element that modulates the electromagnetic field, and is connected to the flexible or mobile surface of the housing such that when the surface is deformed or moved, the reception unit receives an electromagnetic field modulated by the modulation element according to the deformation of the flexible or mobile surface and a processing circuit that processes the signal, and adapted to detect a modulation of the electromagnetic field representative of a push on the surface with a predetermined pressure and to command, upon detection, the change in appearance of a warning device visible from the outside of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of optimizing performance of a fingerprint sensor includes determining whether a force applied to a sensing portion of the sensor is within an optimal force range for the fingerprint sensor and capturing at least one fingerprint image with the fingerprint sensor after the applied force is in the optimal force range.

Abstract: A shake responsive media player is provided. The media player comprises a vibration switch that changes its state between an electrically open state and an electrically closed state during the media player is shaken. The media player also comprises a storage unit, a motion state determining unit, a media file determining unit, and a processing unit. The storage unit stores a plurality of media files and a table that defines relationships between shaking levels and the sampling rates of the at least one group of media files. The motion state determining unit determines a duration of the shaking of the media player and the times of state changing of the vibration switch according to signals from the vibration switch and determines a shaking level according to the duration of the shaking of the media player and the times of state changing of the vibration switch.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for monitoring on site near an emergency field at least one vital sign of a patient reclined thereon includes a fluid bladder transformable between a stowable arrangement and a deployed arrangement. The fluid bladder in the deployed arrangement has a comfortable top surface of sufficient size to fully support at least a torso of the patient in a reclined position, and the fluid bladder has a ruggedized puncture resistant bottom layer. A sensor is configured to detect a pressure within the fluid bladder. A controller is configured to determine the at least one vital sign based on the pressure within the fluid bladder. A triage condition indicator is configured to indicate a care urgency level based on the at least one vital sign.

Abstract: An assembly (20) for controlling movement of an automatically moveable door panel (22) includes a sensor (30, 32, 34) positioned on at least one of a door panel (22) or a door frame member (24, 26). The sensitive portion provides an indication of when an object is in contact with or in very close proximity to a sensitive portion. A sensitive portion is established over an area of the door or door frame member at which an object may become caught during automated door movement. A disclosed example includes using an electromechanical film as a sensor so that the sensitive portion is responsive to pressure applied by the object on the sensitive portion. Another disclosed example includes a field effect sensor that generates an electric field that is at least partially interrupted when an object contacts or comes in very close proximity to the sensitive portion.

Abstract: A bed occupancy state detection method includes detecting loads applied to a head side right portion, a head side left portion, a foot side right portion, and a foot side left portion of a bed platform by first to fourth load detecters, respectively, judging whether or not a prescribed judgment formula is satisfied based on load values outputted from the first to fourth load detecters, and notifying information on a bed occupancy state of an object in cases where it is judged that a judgment formula is satisfied from a judgment result at the judgment.

Abstract: A system for generating a threat alert in an infrastructure component is provided. The system includes at least three acoustic sensors disposed at a pre-determined spacing apart from each other on the infrastructure component, wherein each of the sensors is configured to detect a signal corresponding to an outcome that causes damage to the infrastructure component. The system also includes a processing circuitry coupled to each of the at least three acoustic sensors, wherein the processing circuitry configured to filter noise from the signal and generate a threat signal. The system further includes a monitoring center configured to generate a shock alarm in response to the threat signal.

Abstract: The Psychophysiological Touch Screen Stress Analyzer is capable of capturing information on how a person emotionally reacts to a series of verbal, visual, or written stimulus when the person touches the touch screen computer monitor in response to the stimulus.

Abstract: An electronic device fastener (EDF) to protect a portable device that is placed in a holder which may be a case, belt clip, holster, cradle, or the like worn or carried by the user that uses a release sensor, proximity sensor, shock sensor, and clip sensor to protect a portable device such as a cell phone, portable media player, personal digital assistant (PDA), two-way radio, GPS device, headset, or earpiece from loss and misplacement. The system can provide up to five modes of protection against loss and misplacement of a portable device.

Abstract: A bed includes a frame, a controller coupled to the frame, and a patient position detection system coupled to the frame and coupled to the controller. The patient position detection system has at least three modes of operation of varying sensitivities for determining whether a person supported on the frame has moved by a sufficient amount to activate an alarm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for positioning a movable component of a motor actuated device. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes a speech sensor for receiving speech input provided by a user of the device, and a force sensor for measuring a force input provided by the device user. The apparatus further includes a controller coupled to the speech sensor, the force sensor, and the motor actuated vehicle accessory, where the controller is operable to position the movable component in accordance with the received speech input and the measured force input. Exemplary embodiments are presented where the principles of the disclosure are applied to adjust the positioning of movable components of an adjustable pedal assembly and a vehicle power seat.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide proactive adaptive equipment maintenance. In example embodiments, a stress layout representing a physical location is maintained. The stress layout includes a grid system having a plurality of cells. A maintenance indicator value for each cell in which a fixed object is located is calculated. This maintenance indicator value represents a stress level applied to the fixed object. A determination whether the maintenance indicator value exceeds a maintenance threshold for the fixed object is performed. Based on the determining that the maintenance indicator value exceeds the maintenance threshold, automatic generation of a maintenance order for the fixed object is triggered.

Abstract: A compression testing assembly for compression testing of a test material includes a testing stage with a first surface and a second surface. The test material is disposed between the first and second surfaces. The assembly also includes a thickness detector that automatically detects a thickness of the test material. Moreover, the assembly includes an actuator that moves at least one of the first and second surfaces toward the other of the first and second surfaces to compress the test material to a predetermined percentage of the detected thickness of the test material. Additionally, the assembly includes a load detector that detects a compression load of the test material and that detects a change in the compression load over time.

Abstract: Indicator devices and systems for explosion-proof enclosures are described. The indicator devices include a sleeve coupled to a dome-like transparent member by a connector body, at least one conductive contact positioned in the sleeve, a piston responsive to an increase in pressure and positioned in the sleeve, and an indicator. The indicator can be a light source positioned in the transparent member or an alarm external to the indicator device. Upon an increase in a pressure in an enclosure to which an indicator device is attached, the piston shifts and contacts the at least one conductive contact and permits the completion of an electrical circuit from a power source to the indicator. The indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an explosion-proof enclosure.

Abstract: The Child Seat Safety System provides drivers (common vehicles) with an alarm and monitoring system for the attachment of safety harnesses and temperature readings for respective child seat occupants within the car. The monitoring component details the attached “status” of said harnesses through indicator lights on the main operator dashboard along with on the system device. Alarm features automatically warn either the driver or surrounding bystanders or emergency personnel of alarm situation including temperature variances, harness disengagement, accident or unattended occupant warnings. The Child Seat Safety System can reduce the risk of small children being injured due to unattached seat belts during accident, braking or collision, and can reduce exposure to unhealthy temperatures either during driving or from extended lengths of time being unattended in a car.

Abstract: A shoe wear out sensor includes at least one detector for sensing a physical metric that changes as a sole of a shoe wears out, a processor configured to process the physical metric over time to determine if the shoe is worn out, and an alarm for informing a user of the shoe when the sole is worn out. A body bar sensing system includes a housing with at least one detector for sensing a physical metric that indicates a repetition movement of the housing when attached to the body bar, a processor for processing the physical metric over time to determine repetitions thereof, and a display for informing a user of the repetitions. A system assesses activity and displays a unitless activity value. A detector senses activity of a user. A processor reads sensed activity data from the detector. A display displays the unitless activity value. An enclosure houses the detector and the processor.

Abstract: The system comprises a multiplicity of control and signaling devices (3), at least one for each line segment, each provided with a circuit able to detect the presence, in the segment of contact line (1), of the traction voltage and to signal its presence or absence locally.

Abstract: A posture sensing alert apparatus is provided. The posture sensing alert apparatus comprises an attachment element, a detecting element, a processing element and an alert element. The attachment element is adapted to attach on a human body. The detecting element is disposed on the attachment element and is adapted to sense a posture change from the human body. The processing element is disposed on the attachment element and connects to the detecting element. The processing element is adapted to output a signal to the alert element in response to the posture change for a predetermined period so that the alert element is adapted to output an alert accordingly.

Abstract: A wheelchair alarm system and method for preventing falls for patients at risk by recognizing the gesture of a patient attempting to stand. The wheelchair alarm system uses an array of proximity sensors and pressure sensors to create a map of the patient's sitting position, and then uses gesture recognition algorithms to determine when a patient is attempting to stand up. The wheelchair alarm system responds with light and voice alarms that can encourage the patient to remain seated and/or to make use of the system's integrated nurse-call function. The wheelchair alarm system can be seamlessly integrated into existing hospital WiFi networks, sending messages to the nurse call system as well as providing the patient's location.

Abstract: An impact sensing device including a plurality of accelerometers orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and attachable at a body location, each capable of producing a signal indicative of an impact. An integrated circuit is configured to determine the magnitude and direction of the impact based on the signals and operative to activate an indicator when the magnitude exceeds a selected threshold based on the direction of the impact. A head injury coefficient is determined based on the magnitude and a duration of the impact, and the threshold level of acceleration is expressed in terms of a head injury coefficient value. The head injury coefficient value is determined by empirically correlating a head injury coefficient measured at the body location and a head injury coefficient measured at the center of mass of a human head resulting from an impact.

Abstract: A multifunctional torque detection device includes a toque-strain bar enclosed by an enclosure and having opposite ends respectively forming coupling terminals for coupling with an adaptor and a coupler in either direction. The adaptor is connectable to a torque device, such as a hand tool, an electric tool, or a pneumatic tool. The coupler is connectable to a tool piece, such as a wrench socket. A strain gauge is directly mounted to the toque-strain bar to detect a torque applied thereto and to convert the torque into a torque value signal. An angle sensor is mounted inside the enclosure to detect a horizontal angle of the torque-strain bar and the enclosure and to convert the detected angle into an angle value signal. Both signals can be outputted in either wired or wireless manner.

Abstract: A movable barrier that is at least partially counterbalanced by a spring is moved from a first position to a second position while substantially simultaneously monitoring at least one characteristic associated with moving the movable barrier to provide at least one monitored characteristic. The at least one monitored characteristic is compared to a predetermined criterion. When the at least one monitored characteristic does not meet the predetermined criterion, an alarm condition is set to indicate a failure of the spring.

Abstract: A door alarm system is provided which activates an alarm when a door (such as the door to the patient's room, a bathroom door within the patient room, etc.) is closed with something (such as a sheet, cord or the like) over the top of door.