Abstract: A system includes a camera, a weigh-in-motion scale, and a processor. The camera is configured to capture one or more images of a vehicle as the vehicle goes over the weigh-in-motion scale. The weigh-in-motion scale is configured to generate one or more weight measurements of the vehicle as the vehicle goes over the weigh-in-motion scale. The processor is operatively coupled to the camera and the weigh-in-motion scale. The processor is configured to determine an acceleration of at least a portion of the vehicle based at least in part on the one or more images of the vehicle. The processor is also configured to adjust at least one of the one or more weight measurements based on the acceleration.

Abstract: An article 12 includes at least one component 28, 52, 54, 56, 58 moveable with respect to a ground. A load path extends from the component to the ground and includes a force detector 34. If one of the moveable components is requested to move in a way considered to be risky, and if a force discrepancy is detected, an action is commanded. In one specific embodiment the action is a corrective action. In one application of the disclosed subject matter the article is a hospital bed, the moveable components are a weigh frame and various deck sections, and the force detector is a load cell.

Abstract: A method of detecting gross weight overload of a vehicle comprising the steps of positioning one or more ultrasonic sensors on the vehicle so that said sensors measure the distance to a ground surface, using the sensors to measure height above the ground surface of the vehicle in a non-overloaded condition, adding known weights to the vehicle until maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) is attained, ascertaining height above the ground surface at this gross vehicle weight (GVW), and continuously measuring height of the ground surface and collecting height above the ground surface data to establish when an overload condition occurs.

Abstract: A patient support surface comprises a cover defining an interior region, a modifiable support layer situated in the interior region and having at least one air bladder, and a sensor layer situated in the interior region and having at least one sensor configured to detect a physiological parameter of a patient atop the patient support surface.

Abstract: A mat activated indicator is disclosed. The indicator includes a mat to be placed either inside or outside a door. The mat can be activated by an increase in weight such as by a pet stepping on the mat. The mat includes a lower and upper plate which are held apart by a spacer such as a memory foam spacer. An increase in weight upon the mat causes the plates to make contact and close a switch circuit. A transmitter sends a wireless signal upon activation of the switch. The signal is received by a receiving unit. The receiving unit provides an audible, visual, or vibrating signal to provide notice to a pet owner that a pet is stepping on the mat and may want to enter or exit through the door. In various optional variations, the receiving unit produces a signal of musical tones, and may have a choice of musical tones.

Abstract: A load monitoring system (14) is provided for a mobile work platform that includes an operator platform (6), a base (2) and a lift mechanism (5) for lifting the operator platform relative to the base. The load monitoring system includes a load cell (12) for monitoring the load on the operator platform (6) and a control device (16) for controlling operation of the work platform, wherein the control device (16) is constructed and arranged to sense and monitor both static and dynamic loads on the operator platform.

Abstract: A movement monitor includes a sensor pad for sensing when a weight is placed on the sensor pad and when the weight is removed from the sensor pad. A sleeve encloses the sensor pad. A control flap is formed in the sleeve for enclosing an alarm circuit coupled to the sensor pad.

Abstract: A weight sensing apparatus for a lifting device is disclosed that comprises at least one lifting chain attached to a load-engaging device at a first end and a frame at a second end, the load-engaging device being movable with respect to the frame when a lifting force is applied via the at least one lifting chain, at least one force translating arm fixedly attached to a sensor shaft at a first end and rotatably attached to the at least one lifting chain at a second end, the second end of the at least one force translating arm being attached to the at least one lifting chain between the first and second ends of the at least one lifting chain, and a torque sensor mounted on the sensor shaft that is configured to measure torque applied to the sensor bar by the at least one force translating arm when the lifting force is applied to the at least one force translating arm by the at least one lifting chain.

Abstract: A weight alarm system for indicating excess weight applied to a door is disclosed. The alarm system comprises an excess weight sensing means, such as a pressure strip means fixed around a peripheral edge of the door or a load cell fixed between the peripheral edge of the door and a structural mount for the door. A door latching mechanism includes traverses either a front or a rear side of the door and includes a latching bolt. When the excess weight sensing means if actuated a signaling means is activated to alert those nearby to a possible suicide attempt.

Abstract: A system 100 of monitoring mass in a furnace is described having a number of hanger rods 110 used to support at least a portion of the furnace. The system has at least one pressure sensor 111 that may be a load washer 111 operatively engaging a hanger rod 110 that provides a signal indicative of an amount of tension on the hanger rod 110. A pivoting unit 107, 109 distributes the force over the surface of the pressure sensor 111. A processor 200 monitors the signals from the pressure sensors 111 to set alarms when there is a mass overload, or adjust the operation of the furnace. The processor 200 may also predict when an overload will occur by extrapolating pressure sensor 111 readings forward into the future.

Abstract: A network system including: a first sensor device which includes a first sensor unit which detects an action of a detection object; and a first transmission unit which transmits first data regarding the action and first identification information to a server via a first base station: a second sensor device which includes; a second sensor unit which obtains sensing data; and a second transmission unit which transmits second data including the sensing data and second identification information to the server via a second base station; wherein the server is configured to: associate the first and second data based on the detection of the action; to access predetermined normal data correlating data; and, detect an abnormal condition if a combination of the action detected via the first sensor unit and the sensing data obtained by the second sensor unit conflict with the correlated normal data.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector subassembly associated with a removable component, and a second connector subassembly associated with a host component to which the removable component is removably connectable. One and only one of the first and second connector subassemblies is floatable relative to its associated component.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for safely and securely storing materials. A plurality of smart tiles sense traffic and generate traffic data. A network transmits the traffic data from the smart tiles. A computer determines a plurality of normal traffic patterns from the traffic data. In addition, the computer detects an abnormal traffic pattern from the traffic data. The computer activates a security response in response to the abnormal traffic pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of an obstruction with respect to a height-adjustable bed. The apparatus includes one or more sensors coupled to the bed. At least one of the sensors has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in a weight applied to the support surface. The apparatus also includes a controller having inputs configured to receive the output signals from the sensor or sensors. The controller is configured to monitor the output signals, and turn on a room light if a change in position of a body relative to a support surface of the bed is detected.

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: Weight detection mechanisms for cashier checkout terminal are provided. When a transaction by a customer concludes at a cashier checkout terminal, a check is made to determine if a product was left behind on a baggage unit associated with the cashier checkout terminal. When excess weight is detected on the baggage unit at the conclusion of the transaction, one or more alerts are generated to raise awareness with the customer that the product has not been retrieved by the customer from the baggage unit.

Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring physical stresses placed on a user has a sensor body with pressure sensors for sensing pressure and generating a pressure data signal indicating the pressures sensed. An alert mechanism functions to alert the user when the pressure sensed by the pressure sensors exceeds predetermined threshold force levels. The sensor device is utilized to enable a method of monitoring the physical stresses and alerting the user when the predetermined threshold force levels are exceeded.

Abstract: An impact detector includes a weight having a circular periphery, a case in which the weight is contained, an interior of which defines a transition path that connects an initial position and an impact detection position, and a restriction portion projecting from the interior of the case into the transition path. The weight moves through the transition path to the impact detection position with a circumferential surface of the weight in contact with the interior of the case when the case receives an impact in a predetermined direction, and the restriction portion restricts movement of the weight toward the impact detection position when the case receives impact in a direction other than the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A cordless pressure pad connected to a bed pad transmitter for centralized monitoring by a central bed monitor receiving and alarm unit. When a monitored person gets up from bed, the pad transmitter sends a coded RF signal matched to a particular bed monitor unit, and it then triggers an alarm; when the person sits or lays back down, the pad transmitter sends a signal to the monitor to reset. Multiple pads can be linked to a single bed monitor.

Abstract: The present invention teaches and discloses method and apparatus for alerting a grocery store check out cashier of merchandise placed on the bottom tray of a typical grocery shopping cart. A passive RFID transponder is incorporated into the structure of the cart which when interrogated by an associated reader, located at the cashier's check out station, responds with a signal verifying the presence, or absence, of an unseen item upon the carts bottom tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for an alarm (2) intended for beds (3) and similar locations that, e.g., old people, demented or handicapped persons are arranged to stay on and that is formed of a sensor (7) distributed on the bed and coupled to a monitoring unit (6) that is arranged to provide alarming. The sensor (7) is arranged to co-operate with a radio receiver (9), positioned remotely from the sensor (7), via radio communication, and is formed of a unit that is arranged to measure the difference of the capacitance of a medium in a compressed and in a free state, respectively. The sensor (7) is formed of a compressible plastic core having a conductive gel applied on at least one side thereof and that is covered, on each side, by an electrode each.

Abstract: A method for mounting multiple small RFID chips onto larger antenna. The chips are mechanically aligned with an interdigitated gap at the feed point of the antenna by electrostatic or magnetic techniques. In an alternate embodiment RF field coupling between the chips and the antenna is employed.

Abstract: An article 12 includes at least one component 28, 52, 54, 56, 58 moveable with respect to a ground. A load path extends from the component to the ground and includes a force detector 34. If one of the moveable components is requested to move in a way considered to be risky, and if a force discrepancy is detected, an action is commanded. In one specific embodiment the action is a corrective action. In one application of the disclosed subject matter the article is a hospital bed, the moveable components are a weigh frame and various deck sections, and the force detector is a load cell.

Abstract: Capacitive force-measuring device based load sensing platform is disclosed. In one embodiment, a load sensing platform includes a sensor surface to have one or more capacitive force-measuring devices arranged in an array, a base surface placed on top of the sensor surface to provide a contact surface of a load applied to the load sensing platform, and a control module to process data of the one or more capacitive force-measuring devices when the load is applied to the base surface. Moreover, the load sensing platform includes a communication module of the control module to communicate the weigh, position, temperature, humidity, or vibration of the load through a wired channel and/or a wireless channel. The load sensing platform may further include an alert module to generate an alert signal when a change in the position of the load exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: Method for automatically ascertaining the number of people and/or objects present in a gate (10; 50; 70) which has the following steps: detection of weight data for people and/or objects moving in the gate (10; 50; 70) by means of a plurality of weight sensors (18, 20, 22, 24) integrated in the floor of the gate (10; 50; 70) and evaluation of the detected weight data in order to ascertain the number of people/objects from their maximum values and from their dynamics and/or the number of detected centers of gravity and/or the position of the weight sensors (18, 20, 22, 24) which have detected the weight data, and/or the order in which the weight sensors (18, 20, 22, 24) have detected the weight data.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include a main body having a storage chamber formed therein, a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber, and a door for opening and closing the storage chamber. A basket may be installed at the door and a pressure sensor may be provided on the basket to detect a pressure applied by a storage item stored in the basket. A controller may output a control signal based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a display that displays a residual amount of the item stored in the refrigerator.

Abstract: An appliance warning system comprises a floor pad for location on or adjacent a device such that a user must stand on the floor pad in order to normally use the device. The floor pad has at least one switch movable between an open position when no weight pressure is detected on the floor pad and a closed position when the switch is activated by weight pressure detected on the floor pad. A transmitter is provided for transmitting a signal depending upon whether the switch is in the open or closed position. A module is located remote from the floor pad, and has a receiver for receiving the signal from the transmitter, and a control circuit connected operational between a ready state before the switch is activated to the closed position and a monitoring state after the switch is activated to the closed position.

Abstract: A mood-interacting shoe device includes a shoe body and an interactive sensing mechanism. The interactive sensing mechanism further includes a heart rate sensor, a speed sensor, a pressure sensor, a microprocessor and a radio frequency emitter. The heart rate sensor senses the heart rate value, the speed sensor senses the marching rate, and the pressure sensor senses the pressure distribution value when the thenar exerts pressure. The sensed values will be transmitted to the microprocessor, where the sensed values are analyzed and thereby the mood of the user is determined accordingly. The analysis result is transmitted to the video and music player through the radio frequency emitter, such that the video and music player can play music corresponding to the mood; and a LED display unit is further provided such that the user can understand whether each sensor operates normally or not.

Abstract: A door announcement system for indicating the presence of a person or on animal outside a door includes at least one transmitting assembly sending an indicator signal when the at least one transmitting assembly is actuated. At least one receiving assembly engages an electrical outlet to provide power to the at least one receiving assembly. The at least one receiving assembly is in electrical communication with a lamp to turn the lamp on and off when the at least one receiving assembly receives the indicator signal.

Abstract: An electronic ordering system for restaurants comprises an electronic menu (1) with a display device (3) for representing units that can be ordered, input means (4) for allowing a person placing an order to select a menu configuration, and a data transmitter (5) for transmitting data representing the menu configuration. The electronic ordering system further comprises a service point (7) where the person placing the order would like to receive his or her ordered menu configuration and which is equipped with an RFID reading device (9), and a data processing device (2) for receiving the data representing the menu configuration. The electronic menu (1) has an RFID tag (6) for identifying the same. The ordering system is configured such that the identification of the RFID tag (6) of the electronic menu (1) is linked to the service point (7) once the person placing the order has configured the menu, and the linked data is transmitted to the data processing device (2).

Abstract: A method of designing and manufacturing apparatus. The method comprises: creating a design space; analysing expected loads acting on the design space to calculate a first load path within the design space; analysing expected loads acting on the design space when the apparatus is in a damaged state to calculate a second load path within the design space; selecting a region of the second load path which falls outside the first load path; and creating a final design which includes: a primary structure falling within the first load path; and a damage indication feature falling within the selected region. The damage indication feature is designed to provide a visual indication when the load transmitted by the damage indication feature exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing when a person is disposed on or arises from a support that flexes or sags when a person is disposed thereon. Such supports include beds, supports for a mattress or a seat, such as a sling-type seat found on wheelchairs. In one embodiment, an assembly is positioned beneath the support and includes a sensor. The sensor indicates when tension on the assembly exceeds a certain amount which is indicative of sagging of the support. The assembly may be adjustable in length to maintain proper tension in the absence of sag. The sensor may be a switch that includes a plunger which operates against the bias of a biasing member which either completes or interrupts an electrical circuit in response to tension placed on the assembly due to sagging of the support. In another embodiment, the assembly may be at least partially elastic. In yet another embodiment, a strain gauge may be employed to detect stretching of the assembly due to sagging of the support.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of an obstruction with respect to a height-adjustable bed. The apparatus includes sensors coupled to the bed. At least one of the sensors has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in a weight applied to the support surface. The apparatus also includes a controller having inputs configured to receive the output signals from the sensor or sensors. The controller is configured to monitor the output signals, and to provide an indication of the presence of an obstruction with respect to a change in position of the bed.

Abstract: A pneumatic patient bed monitor comprises a hermetically sealed flexible outer shell that contains a porous foam core having a certain volume of air. A flexible tube places the foam core in communication with a pneumatic pressure switch. The tube is hermetically sealed to both the outer shell and the switch. The pressure switch is in a normally open position. When a weight of a patient compresses the foam core, air contained in the foam core flows in a controlled manner into the tube, thereby causing a rise in pressure within the tube and actuating the pressure switch. When the weight of the patient is removed, air flows out of the tube in a controlled manner and back into the foam core, causing a drop in pressure within the tube and de-actuating the pressure switch. The foam core returns to its decompressed state.

Abstract: A method of and a system for detecting a person occupying a vehicle seat or a corresponding underlay whereby the underlay is provided with a single dynamic sensor and whereby the measurement signal is compared with a reference signal in comparing means, wherein the system comprises first measuring means for measuring a first measurement signal in a first frequency band representing a signal for human presence, and second measuring means for measuring the reference signal as a second measurement signal in a second frequency band representing a signal for background noise, comparing means for indicating an occupancy, wherein the signal strength in the first measurement signal in the first frequency band of human presence signal domination is compared to the signal strength in the reference signal in the second frequency band where essentially only background noise exists.

Abstract: A seat folding apparatus is provided with a passive Rf frequency link that requires that a person be within a certain limited distance from the vehicle to operate the seat folding mechanism. A foreign object detection system, such as a plurality of weight sensors, is provided in the seat to detect foreign objects on the seat.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking users and providing services are provided. The system comprises a plurality of pressure sensors, a storage unit, at least one service providing unit having a service, and a signal processing unit. The pressure sensors detect pressure applied thereon at a specific time point, and correspondingly generate sensed signals. The signal processing unit receives the sensed signals from the pressure sensors, and stores the sensed signals to the storage unit. The signal processing unit calculates a current state of an object according to the sensed signals and historical sensed signals and historical states of the object in the storage unit, and determines one of the at least one service providing unit according to the current state to activate service thereof.

Abstract: An occupant-detecting apparatus includes a plurality of load sensors configured to detect a load imparted on a vehicle seat, and an occupant-sitting determination device configured to determine whether or not an occupant is seated on the vehicle seat, based on detected result of the load sensors. The load sensors are configured to detect loads at different positions on the vehicle seat, and the occupant-sitting determination device is configured not to perform occupant-sitting determination if an absolute value (?W) of a variable amount in a sum of detected result of the load sensors is lesser than a predetermined threshold value (TH/L).

Abstract: A method is provided that includes determining whether a fastener of a child seat is fastened, determining whether a person is seated in a vehicle seat, and if it is determined that the fastener is fastened and the person is not seated in the vehicle seat: enabling a first notification signal of the alarm system, enabling a delay of the alarm system for a period of time, enabling a second notification signal of the alarm system if a door of the vehicle is locked within the period of time, and enabling the second notification signal after expiration of the period of time. If it is determined that the fastener is not fastened or the person is seated in the vehicle seat, the method includes resetting the alarm system.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting seat occupancy, with the device including first and second sensor elements associated with a respective seat surface. First and second weight-dependent sensor signals are electrically obtainable from the sensor elements. The seat occupancy is determined by taking either the first or the second sensor signals in dependence on an ambient temperature.

Abstract: A safety door, door lock and door lock release mechanism for preventing a child from opening a door while permitting an adult to do so includes a weight sensor and a height sensor for unlocking a locked door. An alarm is used to indicate a child's attempt to open the door and a sensor for sensing a dangerous condition such as smoke or carbon monoxide is also provided for unlocking the door in the event of a dangerous condition and activating a more discernable alarm at that time.

Abstract: A detection device for passengers includes a passenger judgment unit which has a specified load judgment unit and a stability judgment unit, and a plurality of load sensors disposed on supporting parts of a seat of a vehicle. The passenger judgment unit makes a judgment on a state of a passenger on the seat of the vehicle according to output values of the plurality of load sensors. If a summation of the output values of the plurality of the load sensors is judged to fall into a specified load range of a child-seat by the specified load judgment unit, the passenger judgment unit will make a judgment on whether the child-seat is attached to the seat or not according to a summation of detected output values of the plurality of the load sensors detected when the stability judgment unit judged that the output values of the plurality of the load sensors are in stable state.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring the dispensing of a beverage from a dispensing apparatus into a container using a scale and other devices. Methods of the present invention may perform the following steps: measuring a scale time for the container on a scale, measuring a end weight for the container on the scale, and determining that a dispense event has occurred for the beverage based on whether a tilt condition of a dispensing apparatus occurred substantially within the scale time and based on whether the end weight of the beverage dispensed into the container approximates a serving based on point-of-sale information. In some embodiments the tilt condition is measured by a sensor device that does not contact the beverage being dispensed. Further embodiments may use pour time and the weight of the dispensing apparatus. The determined dispense event may determine the brand of the beverage dispensed.

Abstract: An electronic balance for clearly indicating the degree of precision to a target weight value is provided. A signal converter (2) converts an electronic signal outputted from a weight detecting circuit (1) into a digital signal. A computing section (3) converts the digital signal into a measured weight value Wx, reads a target weight value Wd (=W0±?W) determined by a target center value W0 and a tolerance ±?W inputted from a weight setting unit (5) through an interface (4), compares the measured weight value Wx and the target weight value Wd to obtain a difference, and transmits a signal for flashing or turning on the character display corresponding to the difference and the measured weight value Wx to a display unit (6) and transmits a sound signal to a buzzer (7).

Abstract: A weighing system and method associated with a mattress is operable to determine a patient weight value while the patient is positioned on the mattress.

Abstract: A vehicle warning system uses a switch placed on a vehicle childseat to determine occupancy of the seat, and a temperature detector to determine if an unsafe temperature exists in the vehicle interior. The system alarms if both these conditions exist to warn of a hazard to a child. The system installation in the vehicle is simply to place the switch on the childseat connect it into the system and provide power to the system. The system also provides a reminder if the alarm is turned off.

Abstract: A network system including: a first sensor device which includes a first sensor unit which detects an action of a detection object; and a first transmission unit which transmits first data regarding the action and first identification information to a server via a first base station: a second sensor device which includes; a second sensor unit which obtains sensing data; and a second transmission unit which transmits second data including the sensing data and second identification information to the server via a second base station; wherein the server is configured to: associate the first and second data based on the detection of the action; to access predetermined normal data correlating data; and, detect an abnormal condition if a combination of the action detected via the first sensor unit and the sensing data obtained by the second sensor unit conflict with the correlated normal data.

Abstract: A movement monitor includes a slipcover for enclosing a sensor pad and a flap pocket that extends from the slipcover. A compartment is formed in the flap pocket for securing a circuit board inside the flap pocket.

Abstract: A movement monitor includes a sensor pad for sensing when a weight is placed on the sensor pad and when the weight is removed from the sensor pad. A sleeve encloses the sensor pad. A control flap is formed in the sleeve for enclosing an alarm circuit coupled to the sensor pad.

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.