Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating applied manipulation pressure are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for indicating applied manipulation pressure includes affixing a pressure sensitive material to a coupling component. The pressure sensitive material is capable of displaying visual indications that correspond to different levels of applied manipulation force. A manipulation force is applied to the component. Subsequently, the pressure sensitive material displays the visual indications. In a specific implementation, the method also includes stopping the application of manipulation force when one of the visual indications is displayed.

Abstract: The Tie-Line-Attendant (“TLA”) identifies a distressed animal and alarms its owner for immediate assistance. The TLA Transmitter is connected between the tie line and the tether line. The owner sets the maximum time duration (“MTD”) allowed for an animal to exert pressure on the tether line. When an animal exerts pressure on the tether line, the tether line and tie line will pull the TLA eyelets closing the normally open contacts. A timer will count the duration of the pressure. If the pressure is released before MTD is reached, the timer will reset itself automatically. Otherwise, the transmitter will sound an alarm and send a signal to the owner's receiver. The receiver will then alarm the owner that his animal needs immediate assistance. The transmitter and the receiver contain: control switches, LED indicators, and an audible alarm.

Abstract: A seat belt warning system comprises a sensing system associated to a vehicle seat for sensing a seat belt related status with respect to said vehicle seat and a control unit communicating with said sensing system for generating a warning signal depending on the seat belt related status determined by said sensing system. The sensing system comprises a seat occupancy detector (16) for determining a seat occupancy status of a vehicle seat and a seat belt fastening detector (18) for determining a seat belt usage condition. According to the invention said sensing system further comprises a first surface acoustic wave device (26) including at least one surface acoustic wave resonator (26?) and an antenna (26?) and in that said control unit (20) comprises an RF antenna (22) for remotely communicating with said surface acoustic wave device (26).

Abstract: A wireless transceiver includes a microprocessor for processing signals and communication circuitry coupled to the microprocessor. The communication circuitry includes input/output circuitry for receiving signals from a plurality of wireless devices over a wireless communication path, for providing the signals to the microprocessor, and for transmitting processed signals from the microprocessor to the plurality of wireless devices. The input/output circuitry of the transceiver includes a non-wireless connection coupling the wireless transceiver to a test and measurement device. The test and measurement device receives the processed signals from the microprocessor, processes the received signal and data and/or information encoded therein, and performs a predetermined response thereto.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are implemented in connection with measuring subcutaneous fat and loin depth in a portion of muscle tissue. Consistent with one such method a probe is presented to the portion of muscle tissue. The probe produces a response-provoking signal in the muscle tissue used to determine the fat and loin depth in the portion of muscle tissue.

Abstract: A method for detecting characteristic movements of a vehicle driver for diagnosing a lowering of vigilance by the driver. In a preliminary phase, the surface of the seat base and of the backrest of the seat is divided into a plurality of elementary surfaces in each of which is embedded a pressure sensor able to detect the pressings and releasings applied by the driver on the pressure sensor, and a plurality of specific movements is selected, each of which includes the determination of at least one geographic zone subjected to a “pressing” or a “releasing” resulting from the movement. The data processing includes analyzing the measurement signals provided by the pressure sensors and comparing, at each sampling time, the possible detected geographic zones of pressing and releasing with each stored geographic zone, in order to provide information on detection of a specific movement when there is a correlation between the geographic zones.

Abstract: A rail vehicle includes an underbody which is subjected to thrown up ballast when the rail vehicle is operating on a ballasted section of track. In at least one embodiment, the underbody is equipped with at least one acoustic signal pickup which acoustically senses ballast stones striking the underbody; a signal processing device is provided to which a signal is fed from the at least one acoustic signal pickup and which processes the signal in such a way that a thrown up ballast signal is generated which represents the impacting of ballast stones on the underbody; and the thrown up ballast signal from the signal processing device is included in a mode of operation of the rail vehicle.

Abstract: An implantable port comprises a port body forming a fluid reservoir and a septum sealing a proximal end of the reservoir in combination with a clicker member biased toward a first configuration, the clicker member being deformable via mechanical force applied thereto and configured so that, when subject to a force of at least a predetermined magnitude, the clicker member rapidly deforms away from the first configuration to a second configuration to provide one of an aural and tactile feedback to the user.

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: An actuated braking and distance sensing system for operational regulation of belt loader equipment and/or other applicable ground support equipment, wherein the present invention incorporates, among other embodiments, spring-responsive actuated emergency braking and distance sensing systems, emergency braking and distance sensing systems implemented via linear variable displacement transducers, and/or emergency braking and distance sensing systems actuated via sonar, lasers and/or infrared sensors. Structural incorporation of the afore-referenced emergency braking and distance sensing systems within airline ground support equipment, particularly belt loader equipment, seeks to effectively reduce accidental collision of such ground support equipment with parked aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for differentiating between people and other objects on vehicle seats, by recording and evaluating the pressure distribution caused on the seat by said people and objects, the mean deviation of the signal at a certain position in relation to the mean signal of the adjacent region enabling the differentiation between people and other objects to be made. The invention is advantageous in that only few criteria are required and the criteria are not bound to any specific sensor structures (metrical, discrete etc.). Furthermore, where required, the individual criteria need only be combined in a simple manner.

Abstract: A child cushion monitor apparatus provided in two embodiments, a seat insert and a pillow, each providing for detection of occupancy. Each embodiment further provides for temperature sensing and display. Each embodiment is also flexibly coupled to a vibration sensor to detect vibration of a nearby device, auto or otherwise. The keychain provides for function and remote monitoring of the embodiments of the apparatus. Both the seat insert and pillow provide visual display of operable functions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A load warning system for use with a vehicle having a load-support portion, a frame, and a vehicle-support portion movably coupled to the frame. The system has an engagement portion mountable to the vehicle-support portion or the frame and is movable therewith as a unit. A load indicator is mountable to the other one of the vehicle-support portion or the frame, and is spaced apart from the engagement portion when in a first position. The load indicator moves to a second position and engages the engagement portion when the frame moves a selected distance in response to the load applied to the load-support portion. The load indicator provides a signal upon being moved to the second position. A warning indicator is coupled to the load indicator and provides an improper load warning to a user in response to the signal from the load indicator.

Abstract: It is a subject of the present invention to provide a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations in which an operator may immediately be ascertained of conditions during crane operations as well as dangerous conditions occurring on the implement or the vehicle body so that operations may be performed in a stable and rapid manner, this being achieved by a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations which comprises an implement including a boom, an arm, a bucket and a hook for enabling crane operations, which further comprises a monitor device including a monitor screen, wherein a parameter display portion for displaying parameters related to load factors of safe-working load, an engine condition display portion for displaying engine conditions and an alarm information display portion for displaying alarm information are provided on the monitor screen during crane operations, wherein a plurality of display items of the alarm information display portion may be sequentially switched and d

Abstract: A lack of patient movement monitor and method. The monitor and method patient support includes a plurality of sensors located beneath a patient support to determine movement of a patient. An alarm is activated when patient movement over time is determined to be lacking.

Abstract: An indicator for emitting a light is provided, the indicator comprising a plate-shaped member which has a stress-concentrating section for causing stress concentration, and a stress-transmitting section for transmitting, to the stress-concentrating section, a stress generated due to an external force; wherein the stress-concentrating section is provided with a stress light-emitting section which is formed of a stress light-emitting material that emits the light in response to a change of the stress. The stress-concentrating section can be arranged such that the stress-concentrating section is not hidden by a finger when the force is applied to the indicator with the finger or the like. The visibility of the light emission can be secured by the light emission effected by the stress light-emitting material applied to the stress-concentrating section which is not hidden by the finger.

Abstract: At least one movement being applied to an electronic device is sensed and the movement is associated with an interaction with the electronic device. The device is operated at least in part according to the movement and at least some of the at least one movement is converted into energy. The energy is stored in a rechargeable energy storage system and the electronic device is operated using the energy stored in the rechargeable energy storage system.

Abstract: An alerting element for use with occupant seating to alert a seat occupant with a haptic and/or audible sensation. The alerting element being suitable for use with any type of seat, including vehicle seats. The alerting element optionally including a striking element for striking a structural component of the seat, and thereby, generating an alerting sensation.

Abstract: A foldable electronic alarm device including a first housing, a second housing, a pivot, a display screen and an alarm module is provided, wherein the pivot is disposed in one side of the first housing and the second housing to enable the first housing to pivot relative to the second housing. The display screen is disposed inside the first housing. Moreover, the alarm module is disposed between the display screen and the first housing. When the alarm module is pressed by the first housing or the display screen, an alarm is sent out by the alarm module.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for monitoring an environmental parameter in concrete comprising an enclosure for embedding in concrete; a detecting means connected to the enclosure for detecting at least one environmental parameter in concrete, the detecting means comprising at least one capacitive element for measuring capacitive change; an active material connected to the enclosure, the active material being liable to respond to the environmental parameter and the active material being operably connected to the capacitive element; a RFID chip mounted within the enclosure, the RFID chip being operably connected to the detecting means; and an antenna operably connected to the RFID chip, the antenna being operably connected to the detecting means, and the antenna being part of an L-R-C circuit whose resonance frequency shifts within an assigned frequency band. The invention also provides a MEMS-based capacitor that responds to an environmental parameter in concrete.

Abstract: A method for managing a communication link in a communication network (100) is provided. The method enables exchange of data between a first communication device (102) and at least one second communication device (104). The method includes providing a continuous actuation button (210) configured to initiate the communication link. Further, the method includes initiating the communication link when a force applied on the continuous actuation button exceeds a first force threshold. Furthermore, the method includes sampling the force applied on the continuous actuation button at periodic time intervals. Moreover, the method includes detecting a release event of the continuous actuation button when the force applied on the continuous actuation button reaches a second force threshold. Moreover, the method includes maintaining the communication link for a predefined period of time after detecting the release event at the continuous actuation button. The communication link is maintained based on the sampled force.

Abstract: The present invention is a notification system used to notify a fisherman when a fish has taken the bait at a particular ice fishing hole. The notification system includes a receiver/transmitter system used in conjunction with a tip-up device associated with a fishing line. When the tip-up is activated due to the application of pressure to a fishing line, a transmitter sends a signal to a receiver. The receiver includes a signaling means, which notifies a user when a signal has been received from the transmitter. One receiver may be used with a plurality of tip-ups and transmitters. The receiver may be adapted to distinguish between the signals transmitted by different transmitters. The receiver may also include signaling means which provide information regarding which transmitter sent a signal, so a user may determine which tip-up has been activated in situations where several transmitters are associated with one receiver.

Abstract: A cooking appliance, especially a built-in wall cooking appliance, which comprises at least one muffle, delimiting a cooking compartment and having a muffle opening, a door for closing said muffle opening and a drive device, controlled by a control device, for displacing the door and at least one switch which transmits actuation signals for determining a zero position of the door to the control device when the door touches the muffle. The control device is also configured in such a manner that the presence of the actuation signals of the at least one switch is required but not sufficient to determine the zero position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the performance of a caregiver are disclosed. The systems may be configured to monitor the movement of each caregiver in a network of caregivers. One such system includes a plurality of strips adhered in spaced-apart relation on a mattress pad, upon which a subject is positioned. One or more transmitter is provided coupled to the plurality of strips. A processor in connected to the one or more transmitter. The processor is provided with operating software to record and report caregiver activity or both caregiver activity and subject activity.

Abstract: A system includes a pressure sensor communicating directly, or indirectly, via a data processor, with a feedback device. The pressure sensor is located in an athletic surface, such as in footwear, sports boards, decks, or the like, to measure the pressure and/or force transmitted to a user's leg, ankle, knee, and so forth. The feedback device produces a signal, optionally an audible, visible, and/or tactile signal, to alert the user that the pressure or force has exceeded a pressure threshold.

Abstract: A method of entering data into an electronic device (110, 210) includes touching (902, 912) with continual pressure a touch input region (114). Feedback is received (904, 914, 916, 920, 922) indicating a plurality of input possibilities for selection, wherein the touch is released (906, 924) in response to the feedback (904, 914, 916, 920, 922) in one of a temporal or spatial displacement (918) to select one of the plurality of input possibilities.

Abstract: A cover and method for protecting objects is provided. The cover includes a flexible sheet, wherein the sheet comprises a lower layer of a carbon fiber weave material; and an alarm module attached to the lower layer, wherein the alarm module comprises at least one sensor electrically connected to carbon fibers in the lower layer of the sheet for detecting a change in at least one attribute of the sheet and generating a signal triggering a notification system when the change in the at least one attribute exceeds predetermined maximum threshold levels.

Abstract: In a vehicular anti-theft security system which includes a theft detection sensor that detects an abnormality of the vehicle associated with vehicle theft, and performs a theft preventing operation when the theft detection sensor detects the abnormality, an altitude measuring device is provided for measuring the altitude of the vehicle, and a controller restricts the theft preventing operation in the case where the altitude measuring device observes a specified change in the altitude of the vehicle within a specified period of time when the theft detection sensor detects the abnormality.

Abstract: A force feedback and interactive system is provided in the present invention, wherein the force feedback and interactive system utilizes a mechanism for detecting weight or center of gravity and reacted force from an operator on a multi-axis motion platform, and a main controller which is a kernel of data processing and motion simulating of the multi-axis motion platform. Besides having complete mathematical simulation model for calculating reaction force variation according to the received operating command, force status and weight of the operator and having algorithm for simulating the motion of multi-axis motion platform so as to calculate the motion and instantaneous position of the multi-axis motion platform in space, the system can also provide function of force feedback for enhancing the virtual reality while being applied in various Human-Machine Interaction simulating field.

Abstract: A method for discriminating input to a sensing algorithm used with an occupancy classification system includes generating a series of sensor signals from a sensor array. The method further includes generating a sensor signal from a belt tension sensor and generating a pattern recognition algorithm as a function of: the series of sensor signals from the sensor array and the sensor signal from the belt tension sensor.

Abstract: A target pressure value is determined during the learning mode. Subsequent pressure values are then compared to the target value. For example, a first connection is tightened in a conventional manner, while its pressure is monitored during the learning mode. If the tightening process went well, then an operator pushes a button that tells the monitor to remember how much pressure was used on the tongs to tighten the first connection. The pressure value of that first joint then becomes the target pressure value for any subsequent joints. As additional joints are tightened, the pressure applied to the tongs is monitored and compared to the first one to ensure that all the joints are as good as the first one within an allowable tolerance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing security to a user of an electronic device are provided. An electronic device can be configured to enter a prevention mode in response to detecting a force that exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby providing security. Embodiments are described wherein the device, upon entering a prevention mode, may transmit a security transmission, in the form of a telephone call or an e-mail. This security transmission, when received by a security entity, can lead to the security entity dispatching an officer to the device's location, or to the security entity placing a telephone call to the device's owner, thereby providing security. Embodiments are also provided whereby the device, upon entering a prevention mode, may enter a lock-down mode. When in lock-down mode, the device may become inaccessible by any user, or alternatively may be accessed only if a security password is provided by the user.

Abstract: A frame deformation control apparatus to be used for a frame being constructed of a plurality of sub-frames, the frame deformation control apparatus has a joint unit connecting adjoining sub-frames, the joint unit allows the adjoining sub-frames to turn around the joint unit, a detector measuring a bending moment to be added to the joint unit, and a brake unit restricting the turn around the joint unit of the adjoining sub-frames.

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: A level measurement device to measure the fill level of a fluid in a container, and a method to determine the contents level of a first fluid in a container and a presence of a second fluid below the first fluid. Microwave signals generated in the level measurement device are guided on a wave guide that is immersed in the first liquid. The measurement curve from received measurement signals is scanned for a first signal peak indicating a first fluid surface. The measurement curve is also scanned for a potential second signal peak having the same polarity as the first signal peak and thus indicating an interface between the first and a second fluid.

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: A system for signaling that a person is in an vehicle is provided and includes a power source, a processing unit including a counter, a state monitoring unit configured to monitor an internal temperature of the vehicle and to monitor whether the vehicle is in an off state and a door monitoring unit configured to monitor whether any of the vehicle doors are open or closed, a first buckle receiver, including a first signal issuing unit, a first buckle to be removably inserted into the buckle receiver and to thereby cause the first signal issuing unit to issue an installation signal to the processing unit, a second buckle receiver, including a second signal issuing unit, a second buckle to be removably inserted into the second buckle receiver and to thereby cause the second signal issuing unit to issue an occupation signal to the processing unit, and an alarm unit.

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.

Abstract: A child restraint system with a child seat monitoring system and a method for monitoring a child seat are provided. The child restraint system is adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The child restraint system includes a child seat having a carrier portion and a handle coupled to the carrier portion. The child restraint system further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the handle for generating a first signal indicative of a temperature in a predetermined region of the child seat.

Abstract: A strain sensor includes a load carrying body configured to strain in response to a load applied along a load path. The sensor further includes a magnetostrictive electrical conductor affixed to the body but out of the load path. Application of the load causes the body to strain, which in turn results in a proportional stress being imparted to the magnetostrictive conductor, altering its magnetic permeability. A circuit is electrically connected to the conductor to detect such changes in permeability, which are indicative of the applied load.

Abstract: A low-power shock sensing system includes at least one shock sensor physically coupled to a chemical storage tank to be monitored for impacts, and an RF transmitter which is in a low-power idle state in the absence of a triggering signal. The system includes interference circuitry including or activated by the shock sensor, wherein an output of the interface circuitry is coupled to an input of the RF transmitter. The interface circuitry triggers the RF transmitting with the triggering signal to transmit an alarm message to at least one remote location when the sensor senses a shock greater than a predetermined threshold. In one embodiment the shock sensor is a shock switch which provides an open and a closed state, the open state being a low power idle state.

Abstract: A medical device is beneficial to protect a patient in a care facility from a fall by remotely alerting a caregiver of patient's unsafe mobility before the fall using a motion sensor having an alarm. The medical device uses an operating module with a wireless transmitter integrated into the motion sensor for broadcasting the alarm as an alert signal to notify the caregiver of patient's unsafe motion. A wireless receiver with the caregiver receives the alert signal from the wireless transmitter. The alert signal identifies the motion sensor that was activated so the caregiver can respond to prevent the patient from falling.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for activating an alarm function of an alarm circuit on a motherboard of a portable computer, the switch apparatus includes a switch mounted on the motherboard and a pressing device mounted on a base. The pressing device includes a pressing member deformable via an outside force to depress the switch.

Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: Device and method for recording vibrations transmitted from a vehicle to a person. The person is using a cushioned and preferably sprung vehicle seat of a vehicle by way of at least one detector unit for detecting vibration values, whereby the detector unit is arranged on the vehicle seat frame or an associated component and an analysis unit for analysing the vibration values detected calculates vibration results for the vibration acting on the person using a preset transmission function.

Abstract: A hand tool with at least two alarm devices comprises a flat handle with having a rectangular shape which is formed by has two first parallel surfaces and two second parallel narrow surfaces connected between the two first surfaces; at least one end of the handle being formed with a driving head; an output device having a sensing unit; the sensing unit being electrically connected to a strain gauge installed at a predetermined position of the handle; and the output device having an alarm unit; the alarm unit of the output device being installed at the connection of the handle and the driving head. An auxiliary alarm unit is installed at one surface of the handle, or the auxiliary alarm unit is installed at an inclined recess between two adjacent surfaces of the handle or the auxiliary alarm unit is arranged across two adjacent surfaces of the handle.

Abstract: The invention provides increased structural monitoring systems that have sensitive continuous coaxial cable sensors. A preferred embodiment sensor cable of the invention includes an inner conductor, a dielectric jacket, and an outer conductor that is configured to passively deform responsively to strain in an associated structure. The deformation can be aided by the physical structure of the dielectric jacket, the outer conductor, or a combination of both. The deformation translates strain into a measurable change in a reflection coefficient associated with the outer conductor.

Abstract: An event sensing component includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a first tube that is provided along an entire length of the housing, and a second tube that is provided along the entire length of the housing. The housing also includes a first connector provided at one end of the first tube and configured to couple with a first bypass tube that is attached at another end to another traffic sensing component. The housing further includes a second connector provided at one end of the second tube and configured to couple with a second bypass tube that is attached at another end to the another traffic sensing component.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting a vehicle trailer. The method includes sensing a first vehicle condition that indicates a movement of the vehicle, and sensing a second vehicle condition that indicates an angle of the vehicle. The method also includes determining a disturbance from the movement and the angle of the vehicle, and detecting a trailer presence when the determined disturbance is above a threshold.

Abstract: A portable computer and mobile phone are provided. The portable computer includes a data processing module, an environment parameter sensor and a screen. The environment parameter sensor is electrically connected to the data processing module to transmit a sensed environment parameter to the data processing module. The screen is electrically connected to the data processing module to show the environment parameter. The mobile phone includes a control module, a communication module, an environment parameter sensor and a screen. The communication module is electrically connected to the control module. The environment parameter sensor is electrically connected to the control module to transmit a sensed environment parameter to the control module. The screen is electrically connected to the control module to show the environment parameter.