Weight Patents (Class 340/666)
  • Patent number: 4780706
    Abstract: A training device adapted for use with pets includes a pressure mat that is sensitive to the pet's weight, and a sounder unit, which emits a loud, high frequency sound whenever and for as long as the pet steps on the pressure mat. The pressure mat is long enough to extend between or beyond door jambs, and wide enough to discourage the pet from jumping over or around the mat. The sounder unit includes an alarm, such as a piezo-ceramic transducer, that emits a loud, high frequency tone that is disturbing and startling to the pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventor: Naomi Bollag
  • Patent number: 4762970
    Abstract: A rugged pressure actuated cable switch especially suitable for use in road vehicle detection comprises a central elongate conductor; a flexible insulating element helically wound around central conductor; a flexible tubular body of electrically conductive plastics material surrounding the central conductor; two elongate conductors in electrical contact with the outer surface of the flexible tubular body, and an overall insulating sheath of a transverse cross-section of approximately semi-circular shape having a flat surface for supporting the cable switch on the ground. Each outer conductor is embedded in the sheath alongside the flexible electrically conductive tubular body at a position intermediate of the flat surface and the longitudinal axis of the central conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: BICC Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Peter A. Brinsley
  • Patent number: 4763110
    Abstract: A self contained portable window alarm system that is placed on the interior surface of a window sill in a home. The system has a pressure actuated switch assembly that is in series with a battery and a siren alarm assembly. The pressure actuated electrical switch assembly appears as a pair of flat elongated strips that extend across the width of the window sill. When anyone attempts to enter through the window opening, the slightest pressure of their weight will close the electrical switch causing the siren alarm to set off a 110 decibel signal. The battery and siren alarm assembly are mounted within a housing that is rigidly attached to the pressure actuated electrical switch assembly. There are no external wires visible to the naked eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Frank Zucker
  • Patent number: 4760539
    Abstract: A method for calibrating an electronic scale includes sampling the output of the scale a predetermined number of times to generate a number of average readings for the weight that is placed on the scale, comparing two successive average readings and selecting the average reading that is within a predetermined weight of the previous average reading, comparing the digital signals sampled representing the selected average reading with the setting of a plurality of settable switches in which each switch position will represent a binary bit and displaying on a display the switch settings which represents the selected average reading of the output of the scale. The operator in response to instructions displayed on the display will place a weighted object on the scale, set one of the switches of the settable switches in response to placing the weight on the scale and set the switches in response to the instructions displayed on the display to store the selected average reading in the settable switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Gene L. Amacher, Gene R. Mathes, John F. Paugstat
  • Patent number: 4757304
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle security system which is especially useful for night workers to secure themselves against burglars previously hidden their vehicles, comprising a sensing unit for detecting the presence of the burglar, and a warning unit for providing a warning to the burglar. Preferably, the security system has a remote control transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: San Sung Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki-Ick Rho
  • Patent number: 4742196
    Abstract: A simple and inexpensive elongate pressure-actuated electrical switch especially suitable for security purposes comprises a flexible tubular body of insulating material having air within its bore and incorporating at opposed locations around its periphery two sectoral portions of electrically conductive material. Two elongate conductors extend lengthwise in electrical contact with the conductive sectoral portion and two electric conductors extend lengthwise in contact with the conductive sectoral portion. The sectoral portions have a conductivity less than that of the conductors. An overall outer sheath surrounds the tubular body and conductors and has a flat surface which is suitable for supporting the switch on the ground and which is so positioned with respect to the sectoral portions that one conductive sectoral portion is at a position intermediate of the flat surface and the other conductive sectoral portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: BICC Public Limited Company
    Inventor: David I. Kelly
  • Patent number: 4728922
    Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for installation in a vehicle includes a receiver for receiving a radio transmission from a transmitter located in the vicinity of the vehicle at a central processing unit connected to the receiver and adapted to process and store information from the receiver. A device is provided for visually displaying information stored in or received by this central processing unit. Sensors are mounted in the vehicle for determining or measuring physical parameters including the weight of the vehicle and converting the sensed or measured parameters to electrical signals indicative thereof, which are then conveyed to the central processing unit. The monitoring unit is provided with a power supply unit including at least one battery. The weight sensors can comprise Hall effect/magnetic sensors mounted on axle assemblies of the vehicle, which are capable of producing a suitable signal indicative of the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventors: Chris R. Christen, Frank M. Cianfarani
  • Patent number: 4727352
    Abstract: An axle weight load indicator device for mounting on a motor vehicle to detect when a pre-set axle weight has been exceeded. The device includes an electrical switch, an axle-mounted permanent stop and a retractable probe mounted in a housing which is operably associated with the electrical switch and permanent stop. When not in use, the probe is retracted into the housing to ensure that false signals are not emitted during movement of the motor vehicle. When operable, the probe is positioned to make contact with the permanent stop when a pre-set load limit has been exceeded. Continued loading causes activation of the electrical switch. The electrical switch trips an alarm to warn of the excess load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Inventor: Jerry A. Doller
  • Patent number: 4716401
    Abstract: A supervisory system includes a plurality of remote sensing units for positioning under the weight of an item to be monitored. The sensor unit includes a resistor connected in parallel with a switch which is held open by the weight of the article, but which will close when the article is removed from the sensor unit. A cable connects each sensor unit to a monitoring circuit which includes a DC potential source, a square wave generator, an impedance network, a comparator circuit and an alarm signal generator. The comparator circuit activates the alarm signal in response to certain changes in the sensor unit or in the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: William P. Wohlford, LaVern B. Hovenga
  • Patent number: 4682156
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for detecting solvents, including hydrocarbons. The apparatus includes a hydrocarbon-soluble plastic rod which interconnects a mass or weight and a weighing assembly. The weighing assembly is operatively joined to an alarm indicator, which is utilized to inform the user as to whether hydrocarbons are present. In a preferred arrangement, the weighing assembly is connected to a housing, which is joined to the top of a well casing provided in the ground. The plastic rod may be of any desired length, depending upon the depth of the well casing and where it is desired to check for hydrocarbons. When hydrocarbons are detected the plastic rod dissolves or separates causing movement of the weighing assembly and the alarm indicator so that a visual indication is provided that hydrocarbons are present. The apparatus further includes a mass catch assembly for maintaining connection between the mass and the housing after the plastic rod separates due to the presence of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Kent Wainwright
  • Patent number: 4675659
    Abstract: Means and method are disclosed for providing an alarm signal upon the event of a suicide attempt. All regions at which a confined individual may be located in normal use of a confinement area are sensed for the presence of the individual at the corresponding locations. Absence logic responds to a failure to sense the individual at any of the locations, to signal a possible suicide attempt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Inventors: Dale C. Jenkins, Jr., Paul G. King
  • Patent number: 4661664
    Abstract: A mat switch of high sensitivity including outer sheets which may be relatively stiff for wear resistance, an intermediate open work spacer sheet, conductive sheets interposed between the outer sheets on opposite sides of the spacer sheet for contacting on flexure through the space sheet, and a compressible deflection sheet interposed between one conductive sheet and the adjacent outer sheet, the deflection sheet being resiliently compressible for protrusion through the spacer sheet to contact the conductor sheets upon movement of the outer sheets in parallelism toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventor: Norman K. Miller
  • Patent number: 4638307
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for determining when a weight has been lifted from a specific location. It is especially useful for sounding an alarm when an invalid patient attempts to get up from a chair or a bed. The apparatus comprises a very thin sealed reed switch affixed near the bottom of a compressible pad and a magnet affixed near the top of the pad, the reed switch being connected in an electrical circuit containing an alarm mechanism such that, when the pad is compressed and the magnet is in close proximity to the reed switch, the circuit is open and no alarm sounds, but when the weight causing the compression of the pad is lifted, the circuit closes and the alarm sounds. When a battery is used to power the electronics in a preferred embodiment, no power is drained in this system in use until the weight is removed, the life of the battery thereby approximating its shelf life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Inventor: Willson C. Swartout
  • Patent number: 4633237
    Abstract: Patient bed alarm system (10) is the subject of the present invention. The system (10) includes a plurality of sensors defining interstices (18) of a matrix (16) of such sensors. The matrix (16) is woven into a mat (14) for placement on a bed (12) in which a patient is confined. The presence of the patient's body upon the mat (14) causes various combinations of the sensors to perceive the presence of the patient's body thereon. The particular combinations of sensors sensing the presence of the body is inputted to a first micro computer (20) which discriminates as to the exact location of the patient in view of the exact combination of sensors perceiving the presence of the patient's body. If the combination of sensors actuated indicate an impending vacation of the bed (12) by the patient, an alarm (26, 28) can be actuated by a second micro computer (24) to alert monitoring personnel of the situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Kenneth A. Tucknott
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Tucknott, Martin N. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 4617433
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive conductive strip switch assembly having high reliability and sensitivity is disclosed, which comprises a strip-like pressure-sensitive conductive rubber based on silicone containing metal powder, a pair of strip-like plain woven metal wire cloths, and a rubber sheath consisting of heat resistant silicone rubber. In the manufacture of such a strip switch assembly both side ends of the conductive rubber are welded to the inner wall of the rubber sheath and only the outside of each of the wire cloths is edged into the inner wall of the rubber sheath while maintaining space portion between the conductive rubber and each of the wire cloths by blowing of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignees: Bridgestone Corporation, Shinmei Rubber Ind., Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyofu Hoshikawa, Seishiro Ishiwatari, Mitsuru Tanahashi
  • Patent number: 4612993
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in drilling a well from a floating vessel by means of a riser, which connects the vessel's drilling equipment to a wellhead assembly adjacent to the ocean floor. The riser moves substantially vertically in relation to the vessel, as the vessel responds to wave action. The present riser position indication apparatus is comprised of a load cell and a chain attached beneath the load cell. Movement of the riser relative to the vessel alters the length of chain suspended from the load cell, thereby altering the signal from the cell. The signal can be subsequently calibrated to represent riser position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Boyd B. Moore
  • Patent number: 4603328
    Abstract: A ski tracking alarm comprises a self-contained unit for mounting on a ski between the toe and heel bindings so that it is located beneath the ski boot during skiing. The unit comprises an audible alarm device and a triggering device for actuating the alarm to produce an audible alarm signal on separation of the ski boot from the ski. The triggering device includes a spring-loaded actuator which is held in an inoperative position by pressure of the ski boot acting on the unit, but springs up into an operative position when the ski boot is separated from the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Inventor: Donald Larson
  • Patent number: 4577181
    Abstract: An alarm system for an electric range which detects when a burner is energized without a utensil in place on the burner wherein the sensing means comprises an electrical switch mounted below the stovetop having a first switch position and a second switch position, a pin slidably passing through an opening in the stovetop beneath the rim of the dish under the heating element in contact with the underside of the rim and biased against the rim with a pressure sufficient to lift the rim from the stovetop when no utensil is present on the heating element, but insufficient to lift the rim when a utensil is in place on the heating element; and means connecting said pin with the switch to operate the switch between first and second positions corresponding to the position of the pin when a utensil is present or absent from the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Inventors: Bernard Lipscher, Kevin G. Coleman
  • Patent number: 4551713
    Abstract: A low voltage battery powered door mat alarm having an alarm buzzer circuit with mat circuit contact closure by the weight of the pet such as a cat walking across the mat to or from an animal pet door. This activates the buzzer to indicate generally that the pet is approaching the door to go out or has just returned through the pet door with the mat positioned just inside the door so the pet must pass over the mat to go out or come in through the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Inventor: Joseph W. Aossey
  • Patent number: 4539560
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to bed departure detection devices employing tape switch detectors in fixed positions in the seat and thigh sections of the mattress supporting structure of an articulated hospital bed. Bedside circuitry, connected to existing nurse call and two-way communication links, provides signals to a central nurse call station as an indication of unauthorized bed departure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Fleck, Joseph H. Novak, Clement J. Koerber, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4538142
    Abstract: This invention relates to disciplinary devices to teach young children proper behavior in general, and more specifically to a unique, tamper-proof weight activated signaling mechanism incorporated into a stool, which a child must sit on for disciplinary reasons, whereby the removal of the child's weight from the seat portion of the device, causes the signaling mechanism to be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Inventors: Scott B. Hamilton, Douglas B. Golden
  • Patent number: 4533906
    Abstract: A wire fence includes a plurality of wires tensioned at their opposite ends by ground-anchoring means each comprising a pair of vertical posts anchorable in the ground in spaced parallel relationship, and a diagonal post secured between the lower end of one vertical post and the upper end of the other, so that the diagonal post extends at an incline between the two vertical posts. The fence includes trip-wires secured to the diagonal post and freely movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the vertical posts. The trip wires are connected to a detector which is actuated upon the disturbance of a trip wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Beta Engineering & Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoel Amir
  • Patent number: 4531116
    Abstract: An ON-OFF switch device is mounted in an emergency spare tire container and assumes its ON-condition when the tire is absent from the container. A warning device is electrically actuated by the switch in such a mannner that when the switch assumes the ON-condition due to absence of the tire from the container, the warning device gives a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Takagi, Yasuyuki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 4529975
    Abstract: A separate overload detecting and warning system for hydraulic jacks comprises a load sensing bypass pipe channel communicating with the high-pressure piping of the hydraulic jack, a linear load sensing unit directly connected to the load sensing bypass pipe channel for receiving the pressure signal therefrom, a warning circuit system having a multiple load-limit setting arrangement electrically coupled with the linear load sensing unit, and a power source switch mechanically connected with the release valve of the hydraulic jack and electrically connected to the warning circuit system for automatically energizing and de-energizing the warning circuit system along with the closing and opening of the release valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Inventor: Michael Hung
  • Patent number: 4527150
    Abstract: An underground taut wire intrusion detection system includes a sensor wire enclosed within a conduit adapted to be buried in the ground, the conduit being sufficiently rigid so as to be collapse-resistant when buried in the ground, but being sufficiently flexible in its length such that when disturbed by an attempted intruder the disturbance is transferred to the sensor wire to cause it to actuate a detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Beta Engineering & Industrial Development
    Inventor: Chaim Porat
  • Patent number: 4500969
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for determining the cumulative load stress on hoisting equipment. Generally, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a system of electronic components operable to measure and indicate the cumulative load stress handled by a particular hoisting installation. The apparatus includes a time signal generator, generating a series of constant time interval electrical signals, first electrical conductor means, selectively operable to conduct an electrical signal indicating operation of the hoisting equipment and a second electrical conductor means selectively operable to conduct an electrical signal corresponding to the value of the load being handled by the hoisting equipment. First and second circuit means are electrically associated with the time signal generator and first and second electrical conductor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Hasselmann, Anton Muenzebrock
  • Patent number: 4482890
    Abstract: An intruder detection system wherein light pulses are fed from a light source to a detector via a transmitting optical fibre, an optical terminator and a receiving optical fibre, both fibres being either stepped index fibres or poor quality graded index fibres. The fibres are disposed in intimate contact throughout their length within a cable, and compression of the cable at any region of its length sufficient to cause microbending permits light pulses to breakthrough from one fibre to the other. The time interval between arrival at the detector of a light pulse received from the source after passage through the total length of the transmitting fibre and the receiving fibre, and arrival of a breakthrough pulse received after passage through the fibres only so far as the region of microbending and back again, is indicative of the location of the compresion. The cable may be laid around the perimeter of a site to be guarded so that compression will occur when an intruder crosses the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: George M. Forbes, Robert J. Seaney
  • Patent number: 4460066
    Abstract: A crime prevention apparatus for controlling the operation of an elevator which comprises a night detector for detecting night, a passenger detector for detecting the presence of only one adult passenger in an elevator cage and a start instructing unit for enabling the operation of the cage only when the passenger and the night detectors are operated, thereby allowing the operation of the cage only when one adult passenger rides in the cage during the night and thereby preventing most crimes from occuring in the cage during the night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Ohta
  • Patent number: 4437090
    Abstract: In order to provide an indication of the extent to which creosote has built up in a chimney, an accumulator on which creosote will also build up is held suspended in a chimney in a zone where a major creosote buildup is anticipated. The accumulator is so connected to a normally open switch in a signal circuit that its weight and that of a predetermined creosote deposit thereon will close the switch, a signal is then energized to warn that the chimney should be cleaned or at least inspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Inventor: R. Edward Hanson
  • Patent number: 4434971
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for preventing runaway lowering of a hook block in an oil drilling rig characterized by monitoring the instantaneous values of hook load and speed and using these values together with parameters associated with the rig drawworks to calculate an energy value which must be dissipated during a braking stop by the drawworks brake. The brake or an emergency brake associated with the drawworks is automatically actuated when the calculated energy value reaches a predetermined value representative of the maximum energy absorbing capability of the brake. The brake may also be automatically activated when the position of the hook block reaches predetermined upper and lower limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Armco Inc.
    Inventor: Richard N. Cordrey
  • Patent number: 4426642
    Abstract: A device for alerting miners of an unsafe condition existing in mine shafts includes a surface-engaging member, a chamber-defining member having a compressible medium therein, and a plunger connected between the surface-engaging member and chamber-defining member. The plunger is slidably engaged with the chamber at one end in contact with the compressible medium therein so that the plunger moves in response to a compression force applied to the surface engaging member and applies pressure on the compressible medium. A switch for actuating an alarm in response to a predetermined amount of movement between the surface-engaging member and the chamber-defining member, is provided and a visual indicator operatively associated with the compressible medium is utilized so as to set the switch to establish the predetermined amount of movement necessary to actuate the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Assignees: John Wade Bell, Harold R. Haynes
    Inventor: Perry S. Poffenbarger
  • Patent number: 4401980
    Abstract: An electronic detection system for detecting intruders employs a transmisn line as a sensing element. In one embodiment the transmission line is a modified surface-wave transmission line, for example, a Goubau line which is positioned about the perimeter of the area to be protected. An intruder in the field of the line causes an RF reflection back toward the source, which reflection may be detected by Doppler range-gating techniques. In other embodiments of the invention, the transmission line is an insulated, twisted wire pair or a deformable transmission line. In some instances, the transmission line may be replaced with an active or passive pressure line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Otto E. Rittenbach, Reinhard G. Olesch
  • Patent number: 4401896
    Abstract: An electrically non-conductive separator having a hole formed therethrough is interposed between a pair of switch contacts having a modulus of elasticity. A cover of electrically non-conductive flexible material covers the switch contacts. Electrically conductive leads are electrically connected to, and extend from, the switch contacts. The positions of the switch contacts relative to each other are determined by differences in pressure and control the operation of an electrical circuit electrically connected to the leads to operate a circuit to perform a function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Inventors: Eugene W. Fowler, Raymond W. Fowler
  • Patent number: 4398184
    Abstract: Sensors are carried by structural components, such as floors, walls, etc., of the building within the secure area. The sensor detects deflections of the various structural members in response to changes of the loading of structural members caused by the intruder and generates signals which are transmitted to a control center which receives the intrusion signals and generates alarm signals.The intrusion signals are transmitted to the control center through the building structure as impulsive loads applied to the building structure by transducers located in the secure area which are responsive to the signals generated by the sensors.The alarm signals generated in the control center are transmitted to security systems located in the control center, such as automatic door locking mechanisms, lights, audible alarms, disabling gas injecting systems, etc., by means of coded impulsive loads applied to the building structure by transducers located in the control center which are responsive to alarm signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: Scott Science & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Scott, Thomas S. Rhoades
  • Patent number: 4381434
    Abstract: A pressure operated electrical switch and an alarm system for use in hospitals and nursing homes is constructed such that a force is applied to a pressure plate therein. Once the load is reduced below a predetermined value the pressure plate will move under spring influence to close/open a microswitch or electrical contact means. The normal force applied to the pressure plate is the load on the leg of the hospital bed when occupied. If the bed occupant gets out of the bed the load on the pressure plate is reduced below a predetermined value, and the consequent movement of the pressure plate opens/closes the switch means to actuate the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1983
    Inventor: Noel Nicholas
  • Patent number: 4378476
    Abstract: A pressure operated electrical switch and an alarm system for use in hospitals and nursing homes is constructed such that a force is applied to the upper surface of a leaf spring therein. Once the load is reduced below a predetermined value the leaf spring will move to close/open a microswitch or electrical contact means. The normal force applied to the leaf spring is the load on the leg of the hospital bed when occupied. If the bed occupant gets out of the bed the load on the leaf spring is reduced below a predetermined value and the consequent movement of the leaf spring opens/closes the switch means to actuate the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Inventor: Noel Nicholas
  • Patent number: 4375839
    Abstract: An apparatus for accurately and conveniently weighing the load carried in a vehicle provides a readout of the weight of the cargo by sensing the relative vertical movement of the load-carrying portion of the vehicle, which is proportional to the weight of the load, and by converting the sensed relative vertical motion to a readout of the weight of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1983
    Assignee: RMR Systems Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Manning, Ralph M. Richart, Robert E. Rosin
  • Patent number: 4359726
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible composite sheet designed to constitute an undersheet behaving as an electromechanical transducer in order to detect the apnea of subjects lying on it. This sheet comprises, in addition to a foil sensitive to pressure in the sense of electromechanical transduction (an electret or polarized piezo-electric foil), two film electrodes and two protective foils. Spacing shims are glued to the two foils against which they are juxtaposed. When the sensitive foil is an electret, the shims are directly interposed between the sensitive foil and one of the two electrodes. When the sensitive foil is a polarized piezo-electric foil, the shims are directly interposed between one of the electrodes and the correspoding external protective foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Inventors: Jacques Lewiner, Claude Hennion
  • Patent number: 4359716
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing air pressure in pneumatic suspension units for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, comprising: air pressure sensors capable of sensing air pressures in pneumatic suspension units to generate an output signal when the air pressures are below a predetermined level; a vehicle speed sensor capable of sensing vehicle speed to generate an output signal when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined level; a signal processor adapted to receive output signals from the pressure sensors and the vehicle speed sensor and generate an output when the air pressures in the pneumatic suspension units are below a predetermined level while the vehicle speed continues to be in excess of a predetermined level for more than a predetermined period of time. An indicating device produces an indicating signal when it receives an output signal from the signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukio Miyamaru, Masayuki Kudou, Yoshihiro Nakazawa, Osamu Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 4347505
    Abstract: A pressure sensing mat utilizes a thin sheet of semiconductor material that has an electrical conductivity generally invariable as to pressure applied to the mat material. The sheet of semiconductor material is sandwiched between sheets of copper, steel or aluminum foil which are in mechanical contact with the semiconductor sheet to define a pair of electrodes. The electrodes are connected to various circuits including a pressure (voltage) threshold detector, a learning circuit for establishing a learned threshold, a circuit for matching time-pressure patterns and a circuit for detecting pressures between a predetermined maximum and minimum level. A matrix of pressure sensing mats is utilized with various circuits to detect sequential pressure patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Antroy Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary B. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4336533
    Abstract: A liquid activatable alarm device for providing continuous monitoring of the presence or absence of a patient in a hospital bed. When the patient attempts to leave the bed, a pressure sensitive switch responds sounding an alarm warning the hospital staff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Inventor: Robert S. Wettach
  • Patent number: 4316181
    Abstract: A theft prevention system for use with business machines having a housing, including a base and a removable cover includes an alarm, which is connected to a microswitch having a spring biased plunger that projects downwardly, through an aperture formed in the base of the housing, and abuts the surface upon which the machine rests. The microswitch is positioned such that when the machine is lifted from the resting surface, the plunger is biased into an active position thereby actuating the alarm. A protective sleeve which is fixedly connected to the resting surface surrounds the plunger and extends upwardly into the housing through the associated aperture thereby inhibiting tampering with the microswitch. A second microswitch may be provided which includes a spring biased member that is disposed in abutting relationship with the cover of the housing and functions to actuate the alarm when an attempt is made to separate the cover from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Inventors: James Primont, Joseph Williams, Paul Zazzera, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4297684
    Abstract: An intruder alarm for protecting the perimeter of an area utilizes a multimode optic fiber as the deformable sensing element, wherein a length of multimode optic fiber is buried in the ground of an area or perimeter to be protected. As coherent light from a laser is directed through a length of optic fiber, the output light pattern therefrom is speckled. When a deformation of the fiber occurs, even a small amount, the speckle pattern changes and is detected electronically indicating that a disturbance has taken place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Charles D. Butter
  • Patent number: 4295133
    Abstract: A switch placed in a bed under a patient comprises two spaced parallel strips of insulating material carrying contact means therebetween. When the strips are straight the switch is closed, and when the strips are bent into an arc the switch is open. The closing of the switch starts an electrical oscillator, which activates a counter, and at a selected count a latch is set to actuate an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Inventor: Dwight A. Vance
  • Patent number: 4287511
    Abstract: Structural moment detectors are carried by structural components, such as floors, walls, etc., within a desired secure area of a building structure. The structural moment detector detects deflections of the various structural members in response to changes of the loading of structural members caused by the intruder and generates signals which are transmitted to a control center which receives the intrusion signals and generates alarm signals.The intrusion signals are transmitted to the control center through the building structure as impulsive loads applied to the building structure by transducers located in the secure area which are responsive to the signals generated by the structural moment detectors.The alarm signals generated in the control center are transmitted to security system located in the secure area, such as automatic door locking mechanisms, lights, audible alarms, disabling gas injecting systems, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Assignee: Scott Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Scott, Thomas S. Rhoades
  • Patent number: 4283722
    Abstract: An overload indication device for a lever hoist comprises an operating lever consisting of a main lever and a handle having one end pivoted to the main lever, a spring for normally holding the handle in an aligned position with the main lever, a magnification lever for deforming the spring by the rocking movement of the handle by a force corresponding to an overloading and a warning device for warning of the overloading, such as a buzzer, whistle or colored indicator adapted to be operated when the handle rocks to assume an angular position relative to the main lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kito
    Inventors: Miyoshi Kito, Kazuo Igarashi
  • Patent number: 4274088
    Abstract: A portable alarm particularly useful for protecting works of art in art galleries and museums is a self-contained alarm system in a display base member. The alarm is energized in response to the operation of either of two switches, in turn activated by spring biased plungers normally biased to extend out of the bottom and top surfaces, respectively, of the base member. When the base member is placed on a support such as a table, one of the switches is deactivated. When a work of art is placed on the top of the base member, the other switch plunger is depressed and its associated switch is deactivated. The alarm then is enabled for operation by a key operated switch connected in series circuit with the alarm and a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Inventors: Don H. Pierson, Robert D. Pierson
  • Patent number: 4267553
    Abstract: An attache case is secured against unauthorized handling by providing an alarm and at least one sensor capable of sensing at least two conditions relative to the forces on said attache case. One of the conditions constitutes a predetermined safety state and the other of the conditions constitutes a force on the case deviating from said safety state by a predetermined value. The sensor is connected to the alarm by a trigger circuit so that the alarm is inactive during one condition and active during the other condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Inventors: Rolf Vogelsanger, Anton Wicki
  • Patent number: 4264904
    Abstract: A bed mat having a sensor for detecting abnormally high temperatures and for detecting when the occupant of the bed is not in it is connected to a control console which has circuits for producing a first electrical signal having a first characteristic in response to the detection of an abnormally high bed temperature and a second signal having a second characteristic in response to the detection of the absence of the bed occupant. In one form of the invention, these signals are applied to the conventional nurse call system to produce sensory signals at the nurses' station, for example, indicative of the detection of high temperature or absence in a way such that they can each be distinguished from the signal produced at the nurse's station by the use of the nurse call button by the patient. Provision is also made for coupling of a smoke detector into the system for actuating the high temperature alarm signaller if smoke is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Inventors: Roy G. McCoy, James C. Mathis
  • Patent number: RE32180
    Abstract: .[.The invention relates to a flexible composite sheet designed to constitute an undersheet behaving as an electromechanical transducer in order to detect the apnea of subjects lying on it. This sheet comprises, in addition to a foil sensitive to pressure in the sense of electromechanical transduction (an electret or polarized piezoelectric foil), two film electrodes and two protective foils. Spacing shims are glued to the two foils against which they are juxtaposed. When the sensitive foil is an electret, the shims are directly interposed between the sensitive foil and one of the two electrodes. When the sensitive foil is a polarized piezo-electric foil, the shims are directly interposed between one of the electrodes and the corresponding external protective foil..]. .Iadd.An apnea monitor/alarm consists of an electronic monitor circuit to actuate an alarm responsive to the output of a sheet-like electromechanical transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Inventors: Jacques Lewiner, Claude Hennion