Abstract: A self contained patient sensing and monitoring system is provided for sensing and monitoring the presence, absence, and movement of the patient. Embodiments of the present invention provide a system conformable to a patient support surface, systems that are self contained, systems that are operationally unobtrusive, and programmable systems. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a container, a sensor configured within the container, and a control unit responsive to the sensor and configured within the container, wherein the container at least substantially encompassing the sensor and the control unit and wherein the control unit is conformable to the patient support surface. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a container, a sensor configured within the container, and a control unit conformable to a patient support surface and configured within the container, wherein said control unit is responsive to the sensor.

Abstract: A timing pad for determining the amount of time used when consuming a beverage. The user places an object, such as a mug, glass, or bottle, onto the weight sensor area (2). The user then presses the reset button (4). The reset button (4) is connected to an internally located replaceable battery (14), which supplies power to the timer (7) and the weight sensor (8). The timer (7) and the weight sensor (8) are connected electrically to permit the timer (7) to begin running when user removes the object from the weight sensor area (2). When user places the object back onto the weight sensor area (2), the stop watch-like timer (7) stops running. The user may now remove the object to read his or her beverage consuming time in the timer display (1). The timing pad is particularly suited for beverage consumers desiring to know the precise amount of time it took to consume a beverage in comparison to others.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system including floor tiles for monitoring the movements of individuals across a floor surface. The system is comprised of a plurality of floor tiles electrically and mechanically interconnected. The floor tiles are monitored to determine where, when and how weight is applied to the floor tiles. The system may also comprise an identification system comprising individual transmitters and a receiver. The receiver is tied into the tile monitoring system to allow the identification of an individual on the floor surface.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device, especially a measuring device, for handling individual processes, in the course of which at least one value is generated, with a characterization unit, which can be operated to generate characterizing signals for characterizing the individual processes, and with a unit for assigning the values generated during the handling of the individual processes to the processes characterized by the characterizing signals, where the characterization unit has a receiver for receiving the identification signals which are generated in the vicinity of the device during the handling of the individual processes and which identify the processes, on the basis of which identification signals the characterizing signals are generated

Abstract: Weight sensor assemblies for measuring weight on a vehicle seat are mounted at the connecting points between a seat bottom frame and a seat mounting member. The weight sensor assemblies each include a beam member having a bendable center body portion for supporting a stain gage. The strain gage and associated traces are screen printed on the surface of the beam. The beam acts similar to a dual constrained cantilever beam, concentrating the bending at a reduced neck section that narrows in the middle of the center body portion. The strain gage measures strain resulting from bending in the center body portion caused by a weight force being applied against the seat.

Abstract: An operator presence sensing apparatus for a seat of a vehicle includes a base member (7, 8) for supporting the seat (6), and a relay member (9) extending vertically between the base member and the seat. The seat is oscillatable about a pivot axis (X) extending in a transverse direction in the base member. The relay member is pivotably supported at one end thereof by the pivot axis and at the other end by the base member through a cushion spring (10). A seat lift-up spring (12) is disposed between an underside of the seat and the base member for receiving part of the weight of the seat. The seat unoccupied by the operator is oscillated to a floating position lifted from the relay member by the lift-up spring.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the weight of patients in a wheelchair are disclosed, including two portable weight measurement devices, wherein the devices measure the weight imposed on two wheels of a four wheel wheelchair, and a receiver that accepts weight measurement data from the portable weight measurement devices. The weight data exchanged between the two portable weight measurement devices and/or with the receiver may be transported over wireless connections.

Abstract: A safety mat monitoring system has individual mat indicators associated with corresponding mat switches. A mat switch is activated by pressure on or malfunction of the mat switch. Once activated, an indicator on a controller is activated and, in turn, the controller activates the corresponding individual mat indicator.

Abstract: An improved force-measurement system utilizes active magnetostrictive sensors for generating a signal representative of a force, such as the weight of a person or thing on a seat within a motor vehicle, or the force applied to the horn sensor switch on a vehicle steering wheel. The active magnetostrictive sensor includes an excitation coil and a detection coil.

Abstract: A wireless electronic scale essentially comprises a pair of wirelessly connected modules, a weight sensor pad and a display that would function like a bathroom scale. The weight sensor pad is placed on the floor and measures the user's weight and the display is wall mounted to display the information.

Abstract: An identification device for retrofitting a child seat is provided for detecting the child seat on a vehicle seat in a motor vehicle by means of a child seat detection device. A transceiver component, connected to a control and evaluation device, for transmitting an electromagnetic transmission signal and for receiving an electromagnetic reception signal, is arranged as part the child seat detection device in the vehicle seat or in the direct vicinity of the vehicle seat. The reception of the transmission signal in the identification device causes transmission of the reception signal. The identification device has external wiring. By means of a defined mechanical manipulation which brings about a defined change in the external wiring, the identification device can be changed from an inactive initial state to an active state.

Abstract: The resistances of resistors arranged in a matrix form in a pressure-sensitive resistor mat are measured with high accuracy and using simple circuitry by the fact that the output of an operational amplifier is connected to each row conductor and each column conductor, which are connected to the resistor. A voltage is selectively applied to the individual resistors by appropriately activating the operational amplifiers. Each operational amplifier associated with the row or column conductors is equipped with a current balancing circuit which detects the output current of the operational amplifier connected to the selected resistor which flows through this resistor. A processor determines the individual resistance values from the currents flowing through the individual resistors and the voltage drops across those resistors.

Abstract: A weight-sensitive mat or other sensor determines whether a child seat in a vehicle is occupied, a transmitter is proximate to the sensor, and a keychain fob or other portable unit includes a receiver and an alarm. Generally, if the child seat is occupied and the keychain fob is removed from proximity to the transmitter, the transmitter communicates this to the keychain fob receiver and the alarm is activated. Exemplary embodiments include an add-on kit including a base unit with a transceiver for use with existing car seats having a base and a detachable shell, an add-on kit without the base unit for use with existing unitary car seats, and a car seat with the child sensor, transmitter, and/or base unit built into it.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a patient monitoring system that employs a pressure sensitive pad. The pad is placed beneath a patient who is lying in bed or sitting in a chair. When weight is removed from the pad, an alarm is given. The pad comprises an upper layer of circuitry and a lower layer of circuitry. When the respective layers of circuitry are in contact, the alarm remains off, but when the layers of circuitry become separated, the alarm is given. This invention is generally for use in hospitals and nursing homes to alert caregivers when a patient falls out of a bed or a wheelchair; or if a patient otherwise leaves a bed or chair against the wishes of the caregiver. This situation is of special concern with elderly patients, post operational patients, and/or at night when nursing staffs are reduced.

Abstract: A seat occupation is judged with a load detector arranged at a seat for detecting a load on the seat and a seat condition detection means arranged at the seat for providing discrimination between an adult and a child seat on the seat. A judging means judges that a child seat is set on the seat when the load detection means detects the load corresponding to that of adult and the seat condition detection means detects that the child seat on the seat. The seat condition detection means may comprise an electrostatistic sensor for detecting a capacitance that is increased by the body of the passenger or a pressure detection element array arranged on the sitting portion. The detected capacitance or the pressure distribution is different between a child seat and an adult or a passenger.

Abstract: A scale system that measures the weight of an individual, displays an individual's weight on the scale, automatically records the individual's weight and date and time of the measuring, and displays an individual's weight history on a remote computer. The system can display an individual's weight history on a remote computer system independent of measuring an individual's weight. The system includes the accumulation over time of an individual's weight data, either storing it locally for later transmission or transmitting it immediately to the remote computer. The system also includes automated weight data correction, and manual weight data correction that can be performed by a user. The system is not limited to one individual and can be used by more than one individual.

Abstract: A system including piezoelectric material wherein a force exerted on the piezoelectric material is determined by subjecting the piezoelectric material to an input signal of sweeping frequency and evaluating the response of the piezoelectric material to the applied signal.

Abstract: A child detection system includes a warning system for detecting the presence of a child in a vehicle. The vehicle has a front seat area, a rear seat area, and an interior. The system comprises a plurality of pressure sensors each removably positioned selectively under one or both of the front and rear seat areas such that pressure on one of the seat areas actuates an associated one of the pressure sensors. A control is electrically coupled to an electrical power supply and is electrically coupled to each of the pressure sensors. The control is selectively coupled to the electric system of the vehicle such that the processor may detect when the vehicle is turned off. An alarm is operationally coupled to the control and emits an audible sound when any of the pressure sensors sense pressure. The control is turned on when the vehicle is turned off.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system including floor tiles for monitoring the movements of individuals across a floor surface. The system is comprised of a plurality of floor tiles electrically and mechanically interconnected. The floor tiles are monitored to determine where, when and how weight is applied to the floor tiles. The system may also comprise an identification system comprising individual transmitters and a receiver. The receiver is tied into the tile monitoring system to allow the identification of an individual on the floor surface.

Abstract: The present invention to a sensor element, particularly a sensor element useful in a vehicle occupant detection system. The sensor element comprises a first conductor and a second conductor disposed transversely with respect to one another to define a junction. In use, when a constant voltage is applied to the conductors, a first conductance is produced in the absence of applied weight to sensor element and a second conductance is produced in the presence of applied weight to the sensor element wherein the second conductance being greater than the first conductance. By incorporating a number of such junctions into matrix arrangement, the present sensor can be advantageously employed in a vehicle occupant detection system. This allows for the creation of a spreadsheet like environment where interrogation of each matrix cell provides information about the acting force.

Abstract: An alarm system comprising a resilient foam pad contained within a cover, said cover being provided with air flow detector arranged to detect air leaving the cover in response to the application of a weight to the foam pad, and/or air entering the cover in response to the removal of at least some of said weight, and signalling means responsive to said detector. This system is particular useful for monitoring the movements of patients including babies, in and out of their beds or cots.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient comprises a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a patient position detection system including an alarm and at least one sensor configured to detect a position of the patient relative to the mattress. The patient position detection system has at least three different modes of operation.

Abstract: A body weigh scale that mounts into a floor of a room, for example in the floor of a bathroom, and that is designed to receive tiles or other floor covering materials thereon. A weighing mechanism of the body weigh scale generates weight information and transmits that weight information to a remote countertop or wall mounted display. The display may normally show a clock or another displayed item, and may convert its view to show weight units when a user steps on a platform. The display may also be configured to receive medical information from other medical devices, such as blood glucose monitors, heart rate monitors, or blood pressure monitors. The medical information may be shown by the display, may be received by the display and transmitted to another computer (e.g., at a hospital), or may be stored in the display for later transmission or evaluation.

Abstract: A balance including a weighing pan (2; 32), a weigh sensor (8; 38) with a housing (1; 31) enclosing the weigh sensor, and an antenna (7; 37) configured to communicate with a transponder (4) that is, e.g., associated with or attached to an object being weighed (3). The antenna (7; 37) is arranged in a horizontal plane in or below the weighing pan (2; 32) and the weighing pan is preferably made of an electrically poorly conductive material. As a result, the antenna is almost invisibly integrated in the balance and does not interfere with the placement of the objects being weighed on the balance.

Abstract: A signaling device for disabled persons uses a pneumatic system comprised of a special cushion, an air bleed to ambient, and a sensitive air-pressure sensor. The cushion may also serve as a head, limb, or body support. The cushion is foam-filled and self-inflating, and is capable of supporting static loads without the need for its being pressurized. A user initiates the generation of a signal by bumping the cushion, as for example with a backwards jerk of their head or a sideways kick of a limb. The resulting momentary surge in system pressure is sensed by the air-pressure switch, which is set to trip at 1/1000 of an atmosphere. The momentary closing of the contacts of the pressure switch are used to signal other assistive appliances, such as computer software for generating text.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weighing device consisting of a plurality of functional units (1-13) which can be positioned in relation to each other in any spatial arrangement. Signals are wirelessly exchanged between said functional units.

Abstract: A safety mat monitoring system has individual mat indicators associated with corresponding mat switches. A mat switch is activated by pressure on or malfunction of the mat switch. Once activated, an indicator on a controller is activated and, in turn, the controller activates the corresponding individual mat indicator.

Abstract: In view of a possibility that a conventional structure which mounts a pressure-sensitive riding detection sensor on a seat bottom plate and mounts a seat cushion on the riding detection sensor lowers the sensitivity of the riding detection sensor, the present invention arranges the riding detection sensor such that the riding detection sensor can have favorable sensitivity. A lower seat cushion is arranged on a seat bottom plate of a seat, and a seat switch is supported on the lower seat cushion. A seat cushion body which is made thin by the thickness of the lower seat cushion is mounted on the seat switch, and a seat skin covers an upper surface of the seat cushion body.

Abstract: The invention comprises a micromechanical shock sensor that is formed on the surface of a micro-substrate. A moveable proof mass is formed on the surface with at least one spring connected to the proof mass and the surface. The spring allows the proof mass to move a predetermined distance. Latching means are formed on the surface the predetermined distance from the proof mass. When the sensor is subjected to a sufficient shock, the proof mass moves and contacts the latching means. An indicator means is provided to allow this contact to be readily known by the user.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided to determine if a passenger is present or not because the weight value corresponding to when the seat is empty has shifted. The passenger detection system detects when the door has changed from the closed state to the open state based on a signal from a door switch. The passenger detection system then senses the decrease in weight that occurs thereafter and stores the weight value obtained after the decrease as the empty seat value.

Abstract: A cashierless shopping store includes a plurality of shopping carts into which selected items to be purchased are placed by shoppers. Each of the shopping carts includes a weight detector to measure the weight of items placed therein and a transmitter to transmit the measured weights over a wireless communications link. A portable wireless shopping terminal accompanies each of the shopping carts. Each shopping terminal reads item price and item weight data from each selected item to be purchased and receives the measured weight of each selected item transmitted over the wireless communication link by the transmitter. The shopping terminal compares the read item weight data with the transmitted measured weight to determine if the read item weight data and the transmitted measured weight for each selected item correlate.

Abstract: A security mat alarm system having a pressure sensor sheet that is capable of detecting pressure and outputting a pressure sensed signal. A wireless transmitter is electrically connected to the pressure sensor sheet. The wireless transmitter is capable of transmitting an alarm signal upon detection of the pressure sensed signal. A wireless alarm receiver is capable of receiving the alarm signal and alarming.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the weight of patients in a wheelchair are disclosed, including two portable weight measurement devices, wherein the devices measure the weight imposed on two wheels of a four wheel wheelchair, and a receiver that accepts weight measurement data from the portable weight measurement devices. The weight data exchanged between the two portable weight measurement devices and/or with the receiver may be transported over wireless connections.

Abstract: A detection apparatus is disclosed for detecting an overloaded condition of a truck. The apparatus includes a first arm which has a first and a second end, the first end of the first arm being rigidly secured to a frame of the truck. A portion of a proximity detector is fixedly secured to the second end of the first arm. A second arm has a first and a second extremity, the first extremity of the second arm being connected to a suspension of the truck. A further portion of the proximity detector is fixedly secured to the second extremity of the second arm. The further portion is disposed in a vicinity of the portion such that when the truck is loaded, the portion and further portion move towards each other and so that when the overloaded condition of the truck is reached, the portion and the further portion are disposed adjacent to each other. An electrical circuit is triggered when the portion and the further portion are disposed adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A load cell and system for detecting the quantity of liquid carbon dioxide in a tank includes load cells positioned between the legs of the tank and a surface. Each load cell includes a frame constructed from a folded metal plate so that a top panel, sides and ends are formed. A beam having proximal and distal ends is suspended from the top panel of the frame by its proximal end and a spacer. A platform support is positioned upon the distal end of the beam with a platform on top. The platform support passes through an opening formed in the top panel of the frame so that the platform is supported above the frame top panel. A leg of the tank is secured to the platform. A strain gauge circuit is mounted to the top surface of the beam and a summary board receives the signals from the strain gauge circuits of multiple load cells so that the quantity of liquid in the tank is determined. This quantity may be displayed and/or transmitted as telemetry to a centralized delivery truck dispatching facility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensing and warning system for ladder load composed of sending means, a recording and calculation device, and an alarm for detecting, recording and evaluating the ladder load, and sending an alarm signal in case the ladder is suffering from an overload so as to warn the user a dangerous state which should be evaded.

Abstract: There is provided herein a sensor for use in patient monitoring situations, wherein the level of patient motion activity is tracked for purposes of determining whether or not that patient has exhibited sufficient activity to merit eliminating a scheduled assisted relocation to a new position. The instant device broadly operates to sense the length of time since a patient has last moved from a previous sitting or lying position. If the patient has not moved during some predetermined time interval, it is preferred that the nursing staff be notified that it is time to manually reposition the patient. On the other hand, if the patient has changed position within the specified time period, the device will note that fact and inform the attending nurse or other caregiver that the patient need not be moved at the next scheduled relocation, thereby eliminating the need in some cases to rouse the patient from an otherwise sound sleep.

Abstract: A method and device for electronically controlling inventory utilizing multiple modularized integrated load cell weight indicating devices. An inventory monitoring system is provided having a central system controller and one or more modules. Each module includes a master integrated load cell weight indicating device having a microprocessor based controller, a communications controller, a A/D converter, and a weight indicating device. Connected to each master integrated load cell is one or more slave integrated load cell weight indicating devices not utilizing any separate communications controller or microprocessor-based controller. In practice, communications are implemented utilizing a data structure indicating a module address, a individual weight indicating device subaddress and a command and passed between the central system controller and the module. Both the integrated master and slave load cell include only a top platter and a load cell, with no base structure supporting the load cell.

Abstract: An oil pressure damper device for an architectural structure and a monitor and control system of the damper device without requiring an exclusive network for connecting between the damper devices and the monitor and control system, and is able to monitor operations without regard to the distance between the damper devices and the monitor system. The oil pressure damper device includes a detection unit for detecting conditions of the damper device, a communication unit for transmitting information detected by the detection unit through a public communication network and/or a local area network, and a monitor for receiving the information from the communication unit and monitoring the conditions of the damper devices of the architectural structure.

Abstract: A display unit for a measuring instrument, particularly for a weighing balance (1), has at least one line-shaped pointer element (25, 27) presented as an image on a display screen composed of individually controllable image dots. The image dots are aligned in the customary dot-matrix arrangement along two grid axes. The display controller is programmed so that the line-shaped pointer element, as it sweeps through its display range, maintains a constant slope angle in relation to the grid axes.

Abstract: A pet training device designed to alert a pet owner that his/her pet would like to enter or exit the home.

Abstract: A device for controlling a physical system, such as a flow of pedestrians, in an extended area is suggested. In comprises a plurality of identical cell units with preferably hexagonal shape. The cell units are assembled in tile-like manner to form a floor. Each cell unit is equipped with a weight sensor, lamps of different colors, and optical communication ports as well as power connectors for connecting it to its neighboring cells. The cell units can be programmed to generate signals that control the physical system, such as signs understood by the pedestrians. Due to its modularity and simple design, the device is easy to install and maintain.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a patient, including a plurality of pressure detecting devices which are adapted to be placed on a bed such that the pressure detecting devices are arranged in a widthwise direction of the bed, and which detect respective pressures and produce respective pressure signals representing the detected pressures, and a position detecting device for detecting, based on the pressure signals supplied from the pressure detecting devices, a position, in the widthwise direction of the bed, where the patient is present.

Abstract: A method and system for determining if a mail piece contains a loose particulate matter is disclosed. The mass of each mail piece is determined twice utilizing a vibrating tray scale. During one determination, the mass of everything contained within the mail piece, including any type of loose particulate matter, is included. During the other determination, the mass of any loose particulate matter contained within the mail piece is not included. If the mail piece contains any type of loose particulate matter, there will be a difference in the masses of the mail piece as determined by the vibrating tray scale, indicating the mail piece may contain a lose particulate matter. The mail piece can then be diverted from the normal processing path for further inspection, thereby preventing cross-contamination of other mail pieces and processing equipment.

Abstract: A weight detector for detecting the weight of a passenger seated on a vehicle seat includes a first load sensor and a second load sensor provided on opposite sides of a rear portion of the vehicle seat. Each of the first and second load sensors has a predetermined detection range. The weight detector further includes a third load sensor and a fourth load sensor provided on opposite sides of a front portion of the vehicle seat. Each of the third and fourth load sensors has a predetermined detection range. If a detection value based on a load acquired by one of the first through fourth load sensors exceeds its detection range, the weight detector uses an old value that was determined under proper condition. Otherwise, the weight detector determines the size of the passenger based on the currently detected values.

Abstract: A process for monitoring infusion into a patient includes hanging a fluid bag from a monitoring apparatus. The weight of the fluid bag is periodically measured, using an electronic weight sensing mechanism and a microprocessor, to detect either a no-fluid-flow condition, a near empty bag condition, or a preselected amount of fluid loss condition. A switch is depressed on the monitoring apparatus for selecting the monitoring of an amount of fluid to be infused totaling less than the fluid within the fluid infusion bag. Otherwise, the apparatus detects a near empty bag condition. An alarm is activated when either the no-fluid-flow condition, the near empty bag condition, or the preselected amount of fluid loss condition has been detected. The rate of fluid loss from the fluid bag can be calculated and displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic animal weighing during delivery of injections to animals are accomplished by a transmitting scale head transmitting the weight of an animal after the animal is weighed by an electronic scale. A transmitting syringe reads the transmitted weight information and links it with other information relating to the injection, such as the identity of the animal and the nature of the injection to create “event information”. The event information is stored for examination and analysis.

Abstract: A tactile sensory system comprising a floor covering integrated with a tactile sensory layer to form a tactile sensory surface is described. The tactile sensory layer has a plurality of sensors. The system also comprises a controller connected to the tactile sensory surface to track a person or object. In one embodiment, the tactile sensory surface is flexible and is manufactured in bulk on a roll, so that it is adjustable in both length and width. Any type of sensors can be used, including pressure sensors, force sensors, force and position-sensing resistors, proximity sensors, and so forth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensing and warning system for ladder load composed of sending means, a recording and calculation device, and an alarm for detecting, recording and evaluating the ladder load, and sending an alarm signal in case the ladder is suffering from an overload so as to warn the user a dangerous state which should be evaded.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a patient, including a plurality of pressure detecting devices which are adapted to be placed on a bed such that the pressure detecting devices are arranged in a widthwise direction of the bed, and which detect respective pressures and produce respective pressure signals representing the detected pressures, and a position detecting device for detecting, based on the pressure signals supplied from the pressure detecting devices, a position, in the widthwise direction of the bed, where the patient is present.