Abstract: A passenger seat detection system for vehicles is disclosed. The detection system will alert the driver of a bus if people or objects are still remaining on a seat within that particular vehicle. Each seat will contain an incorporated sensor which will detect the weight of an object or person sitting on that seat. The sensor is electronically connected to an internal electronic system that connects up to a dashboard light and horn, alerting a driver to the presence of someone or something remaining on the vehicle. The passenger seat detection system could be used on all types of buses and other means of transportation, such as trains, airplanes, or other common carrier or public means of transportation.

Abstract: A Hall effect safety switch assembly for de-activating a motor vehicle if a user is not positioned on a vehicle seat. The assembly includes a switch frame for mounting the assembly, a magnet and a hall effect sensor mounted to the switch frame in a spaced apart relationship, and a vane that moves in response to the presence of a vehicle operator on the seat that causes the Hall effect sensor to provide an inhibit signal that prevents an engine from running.

Abstract: A system and method for warning of a tip over condition in a motor vehicle, such as a tractor trailer, that is carrying a cargo load. The system includes at least one left side sensor for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the left side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. Similarly, at least one right side sensor is provided for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the right side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. A microprocessor is coupled to both the left side sensors and the right side sensors. The microprocessor calculates a ratio of the cargo load borne by the left side of the motor vehicle and the right side of the motor vehicle. An alarm is provided that is coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor sounds an alarm when the calculated ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold value, thus indicating a potential tip over condition.

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 vehicle rollover event detector (10) includes an accelerometer (80) that senses vehicle acceleration in a direction offset from a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle (12) and provides an acceleration signal (101) indicative thereof. A rollover sensor (14) senses vehicle roll and provides a roll signal (32) indicative of vehicle roll about the front-to-rear axis of the vehicle. A controller (26) compares the roll signal (32) against a first rollover threshold (42) when the acceleration signal (101) is less than an acceleration threshold (113) and compares the roll signal (32) against a second rollover threshold (116) when the acceleration signal (101) is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold (113) and for indicating a vehicle rollover condition when the roll signal is greater than the threshold (42, 116) it is compared against.

Abstract: A sheet-shaped sensor body includes a first protective layer formed of a resist paste layer, an antenna film formed of a PET film, a first conductive layer formed of a silver layer, a second conductive layer formed of a carbon layer, a second protective layer formed of a resist paste layer and a hot-melt film, which are laminated one on another in sequence. When the hot-melt film of the sensor body is brought into abutment against a front surface of a wadding previously adhered to a pad of a seat back and is then heat-pressed, the sensor body is fixed firmly and reliably to the wadding by an adhesive force generated by the melted hot-melt film once it again cools and solidified. Thus, the sensor of an occupant detecting system for detecting the physical constitution and the attitude of an occupant sitting on a seat can be fixed easily and reliably to the seat back.

Abstract: A test device for monitoring a predetermined pressure load on a patient's foot as exerted by the body weight of the patient during walking comprises a pressure sensor which is designed as a circular, ring-shaped, curved washer having a snap portion in the form of a conically shaped elevation that is adapted for being snapped-over from a rest position into an active monitoring position when a predetermined pressure load is sensed whereby the snapping action is accompanied by an audible signal as well as by a sensitive sensing signal acting bodily against the heel of the patient's foot under which the test device is placed.

Abstract: A control for use with pressure-sensitive devices, such as in a machine-guarding application. A plurality of pressure-sensitive devices, such as pressure-sensitive safety mats, are operatively connected to produce a disable signal and a status signal. An activation module produces a switching output responsive to the disable signal and the status signal to disable a machine. In one embodiment the status signal is produced by a comparator in response to a quantity selector and a quantity indication signal produced by the pressure-sensitive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the control system of the present invention is able to detect proper safety mat configuration, whether a threshold pressure is being applied to a pressure-sensing region in the plurality of safety mats, and whether the quantity of operatively coupled safety mats conforms to the quantity specified to be deployed.

Abstract: A patient movement detection device is provided comprising a plurality of load cell disks, beams, or columns placed under a support member of a patient support device. The load cells are connected to a processing unit by a plurality of transmission cables. The processing unit is connected to a peripheral communication device. A method of detection of movement of a patient is provided comprising the steps of generating a signal by a load cell disk or beam when a change in a patient's center of gravity occurs on the patient support device, transmitting the signal to a processing unit, and further transmitting the signal to the peripheral communication device.

Abstract: A capacitive array is housed within a polyester mat or other appropriate nonconductive substrate material which is interconnected with a control module. The control module supplies to the capacitive array a suitable oscillator driver current and concurrently senses capacitance value changes within the capacitive array induced through dielectric shifts within the array brought about by the proximity or absence thereof of the patient's body mass. The monitor/control module generally comprises a power supply, a driver/sensor circuit, a calibration/comparator logic circuit, a system interconnection integrity circuit, and an alarm generation circuit. It may also optionally contain a nurse call relay circuit for interconnection to a facility's nurse call system.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing a patient while the patient remains in bed including at least one flexible potentiometer mounted on top of a bed or mattress having a known compliance, i.e. known degree of flexure for a given weight, and connected to an electrical system for detecting and measuring the resistance of the potentiometer, so as to indicate the weight of the patient. The flexible potentiometer may also be adhered to a sheet of plastic, such as Mylar, and placed upon the bed like a protective sheet for the bed. The apparatus may include a multiple of flexible potentiometers. Further, the device to which the flexible potentiometer is connected may be used to help control servo mechanisms in medication dispensing devices such as infusion pumps and/or hemodialysis machines (artificial kidneys).

Abstract: A system for determining the alertness of a driver of a vehicle by monitoring the driver's seated posture. A pressure sensor array disposed in or on the seat produces output signals that indicate the pattern of pressure exerted by the driver's body at a plurality of points distributed over the seat surface. A microprocessor-based alertness evaluation module receives pressure pattern data from the sensor array and uses neural network processing techniques to determine a probable driver alertness level based upon changes in the pattern of pressure. The sensor array may also be used to supply data to an occupant restraint system control module. Using the sensor for two purposes avoids the additional cost of providing a dedicated alertness sensor is avoided.

Abstract: A baby blanket with baby monitoring system for monitoring the weight of a baby. The baby blanket with baby monitoring system includes a blanket that has a weight sensor positioned in an interior of the blanket. The weight sensor is adapted for measuring a weight of an object resting on the blanket. A control unit that has a microcontroller is operationally coupled to the weight sensor. The control unit also has a main audio alarm. The main audio alarm is operationally coupled to the microcontroller. The microcontroller activates the main audio alarm upon the weight sensor sensing a weight outside of a pre-selected range of weight values. In addition, a remote unit can be used to monitor the weight sensor at a distance.

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: An apparatus for indicating the level of harvested cotton in a basket assembly of a cotton harvester is provided. The apparatus includes a transducer, a control circuit and an indicator. The transducer is coupled to a motor of a compaction member of a compaction assembly of the cotton harvester and measures the pressure exerted by the harvested cotton upon the compaction member. The transducer generates a pressure signal that is received by the control circuit. The control circuit generates a basket level indication signal a short time after the pressure signal indicates a predetermined pressure has been measured. Alternatively, the control circuit generates the basket level indication signal when the pressure signal indicates the basket assembly is approximately full. An indicator, such as a lamp or buzzer, receives the basket level indication signal and provides an indication to the operator of the level of harvested cotton in the basket.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating effective self-management of medication treatment by patients. A Smart Tray monitors and reports to third parties a patient's compliance with various medication treatment regimens. Medication containers are provided with electromagnetic tags that provide various information about medicament contained within a respective container. A Smart Tray is equipped with a processor and reader that interrogates each respective electromagnetic tag to identify medicament(s) contained within each container. Using the retrieved information, a Smart Tray provides visual and/or audio signals to a patient to remind the patient when and how much of various medicaments to take. A Smart Tray also monitors, via the reader, when a medication container is removed. A Smart Tray can communicate with one or more third parties, such as healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other suppliers of healthcare products and services via a computer network.

Abstract: An on-seat occupant detector apparatus includes a seat occupancy sensor made up of an optical wave guide provided in the seat for allowing the passage of light. The optical wave guide has a light transmissive portion possessing a curvature that is variable, with the optical wave guide changing the physical quantity of the light passing through the light transmissive portion when the curvature varies as a result of occupancy of the seat. The sensor also includes a light emitting device for inputting light into the optical wave guide, a light receiving device for receiving light outputted from the optical wave guide, and a detecting device which detects occupancy of the seat when the physical quantity of light passing through the light transmissive portion changes due to a change in the curvature of the transmissive portion as a result of the occupancy of the seat.

Abstract: A bed includes a base, a support surface coupled to the base, and a controller configured to control at least one function. A control panel is coupled to the controller. At least one lockout switch is coupled to the controller.

Abstract: A video cassette reminder system that provides storage for viewed video cassettes with a signaling system as a reminder that the rented video(s) is due to be returned. The video cassette reminder system eliminates late charges.

Abstract: A capacitive array is housed within a polyester mat or other appropriate nonconductive substrate material which is interconnected with a control module. The control module supplies to the capacitive array a suitable oscillator driver current and concurrently senses capacitance value changes within the capacitive array induced through dielectric shifts within the array brought about by the proximity or absence thereof of the patient's body mass. The monitor/control module generally comprises a power supply, a driver/sensor circuit, a calibration/comparator logic circuit, a system interconnection integrity circuit, and an alarm generation circuit. It may also optionally contain a nurse call relay circuit for interconnection to a facility's nurse call system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating effective self-management of medication treatment by patients. A Smart Tray monitors and reports to third parties a patient's compliance with various medication treatment regimens. Medication containers are provided with electromagnetic tags that provide various information about medicament contained within a respective container. A Smart Tray is equipped with a processor and reader that interrogates each respective electromagnetic tag to identify medicament(s) contained within each container. Using the retrieved information, a Smart Tray provides visual and/or audio signals to a patient to remind the patient when and how much of various medicaments to take. A Smart Tray also monitors, via the reader, when a medication container is removed. A Smart Tray can communicate with one or more third parties, such as healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other suppliers of healthcare products and services via a computer network.

Abstract: A vehicle has a seat (12) for a vehicle occupant, a vehicle floor pan (10) for supporting the seat (12), and a weight sensing apparatus (40). The apparatus (40) includes a vehicle seat frame (42), a bracket (44), a member (46), a lever (60), and a sensor (80). The vehicle seat frame (42) supports a weight load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat (12). The weight load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat (12) is transmitted through the bracket (44) from the vehicle seat frame (42) to the vehicle floor pan (10). The member (46) is interposed between the vehicle seat frame (42) and the bracket (44). The member (46) is compressible as the weight load on the seat frame (42) increases and is expandable as the weight load on the seat frame (42) decreases. As the member (46) compresses and expands the seat frame (42) moves vertically relative to the bracket (44). The lever (60) has a first end (62) fixed to and movable with the seat frame (42) and a second end (64) associated with the bracket (44).

Abstract: The portable roadway perimeter alarm has an impact sensor which may be a shock or pressure sensor that is connected to a transmitter. The impact sensor and transmitter unit is located around the perimeter of a roadway work area to detect vehicles penetrating the perimeter into the designated work area which vehicles may represent a hazard to work crews. The vehicle penetration event is transmitted to a warning receiver and alarm unit which may be placed in a pocket of a worker's vest or may be mounted on a work vehicle to sound an area alarm. The impact sensor and transmitter units are durable and operate in adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: A control mat monitoring and warning apparatus and method in which the resistance of a control mat is monitored continuously while the mat remains in use. Deviations of the pattern of control mat resistance values in use from a nominal range of acceptable values is used to detect and report deterioration of the electrical performance characteristics of the control mat so that the mat can be removed from service and replaced in a timely manner. The disclosed invention also generates proper presence detection signals by compensating for the deteriorating electrical performance characteristics of the control mat, thereby extending the useful functional life of the control mat beyond the point at which the mat could otherwise function properly.

Abstract: A sports footwork training device that immediately alerts players if their weight is not on the balls of the feet includes a switch removably attachable to a rearward portion of a lower surface of a sole of a shoe. The switch is closable by application of pressure to a heel of the shoe. An alarm, electrically coupled to the switch, is triggered when the switch is closed. A method for training a sports participant to maintain weight on a forward part of a foot is also described.

Abstract: Seat Operated Switch and Warning System with an air cushion, an air tube leading from the air cushion to an air pressure switch, an electronic circuit to activate devices when a reduction in air pressure is sensed, a digital recordable message device, a radio frequency transmitting device, a housing to contain the pressure switch, digital message device and transmitting device, a matching radio frequency receiving device, and a portable housing to contain said receiving device said housing also containing an audio transducer that creates an audible warning sound activated by said receiving device. A preferred embodiment includes wherein when a person sits on said air cushion the pressure caused by the weight of the person causes said air pressure switch not to activate, but when said person exits off of said air cushion said air pressure switch causes said recorded message to play and causes said transmitter to send a signal to said receiver causing said audio transducer to produce a warning sound.

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 seat belt warning device includes a sitting detection switch which is adapted to be in an on-state when a person sits on a vehicle seat and in an off-state when a person is not sitting on the vehicle seat, and a fastening detection switch which is connected to the sitting detection switch in series and adapted to be in an on-state when a seat belt is not fastened and in an off-state when the seat belt is fastened. A warning member is connected to the sitting detection switch and the fastening detection switch in series and is supplied with electric current in the on-state of the sitting detection switch and the on-state of the fastening detection switch to issue a warning.

Abstract: A livestock sorter is provided for sorting hogs according to weight. The livestock sorter includes a chute having an entrance gate at a back end and a pair of exit gates at a front end. Latches secure the gates in a closed position. A platform within the chute is arranged to support a hog thereon. A scale mounted beneath the platform produces a weight signal representing a magnitude of the weight of the hog on the platform. A control system includes overweight and underweight responsive elements for releasing the appropriate exit gate latch corresponding to an overweight or underweight hog in relation to a predetermined weight. The control system includes an entrance gate latch control disables the entrance gate latch in response to an absence of weight on the scale. An entrance gate sensor is included for delaying the control system until the entrance gate is closed. The control system also includes a scale delay circuit which ensures that a transient weight signal will not release the exit gate latches.

Abstract: To monitor a patient, an alligator clip is fastened to the patient by a cord having a length of between five inches and five feet. The other end of the cord is connected to a switch which is activated when the patient moves beyond the length of the cord to cause a message to be announced. A disposable pressure pad is located under the patient and armed by the application of weight to the pad. Upon removal of the weight the alarm is given.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the level of harvested cotton in a basket assembly of a cotton harvester is provided. The apparatus includes a transducer, a control circuit and an indicator. The transducer is coupled to a motor of a compaction member of a compaction assembly of the cotton harvester and measures the pressure exerted by the harvested cotton upon the compaction member. The transducer generates a pressure signal that is received by the control circuit. The control circuit generates a basket level indication signal a short time after the pressure signal indicates a predetermined pressure has been measured. Alternatively, the control circuit generates the basket level indication signal when the pressure signal indicates the basket assembly is approximately full. An indicator, such as a lamp or buzzer, receives the basket level indication signal and provides an indication to the operator of the level of harvested cotton in the basket.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting a position of a body on a support surface of a bed. The apparatus includes at least one first sensor coupled to the bed and at least one second sensor located adjacent the support surface. The at least one first sensor has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in a weight applied to the support surface. The at least one second sensor has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in the position of the body on the support surface. The apparatus also includes a controller having inputs configured to receive the output signals from the first and second sensors. The controller is configured to monitor the output signals, to provide an indication of changes in the position of the body relative to the support surface, and to provide an indication if the body exits the support surface.

Abstract: A Pressure Sensitive Alarm Component is provided and includes a pressure plate and a base plate. Within the base plate are the pressure plate truss assemblies, the weight transfer assembly, and the sliding switch assembly. The weight transfer assembly includes a load transfer arm which moves back and forth as weight is placed on or removed from the pressure plate and a dial to adjust the position of the load transfer arm. The sliding switch assembly includes a sliding contact support arm which is rigidly linked to the load transfer arm. The sliding switch assembly further includes a plurality of stationary contacts incorporated into a base plate, and two sliding contacts mounted on the sliding contact support arm. The sliding contacts may move along the stationary contacts and open and close the control circuit as they come in out of contact with different pairs of stationary contacts.

Abstract: To monitor a patient, an alligator clip is fastened to the patient by a cord having a length of between five inches and five feet. The other end of the cord is connected to a switch which is activated when the patient moves beyond the length of the cord to cause a message to be announced. A pressure pad is located under the patient and armed by the application of weight to the pad. Upon removal of the weight the alarm is given.

Abstract: A system for detecting an object located on a surface of a vehicle, includes a sensor for sensing whether an object is located on a surface of a vehicle, a warning indicator for emitting a warning based on an output of the sensor, and a device for transmitting a signal from the sensor to the warning indicator.

Abstract: A door mat includes a mat element disposed on top of a base which includes a bottom portion for engaging with a supporting surface. A sound generating device is secured to the bottom of the base and includes a switch button extended downward for engaging with the supporting surface. A spring may bias the switch button away from the supporting surface for allowing the switch button of the sound generating device to be actuated and depressed to energize the sound generating device when the base is depressed toward the supporting surface against the spring.

Abstract: An improved pressure-based weight estimation system that includes an adaptive technique for reliably and accurately determining the vacant, or unoccupied, seat pressure. The vacant seat pressure is initially determined by a factory calibration procedure, and is thereafter suitably updated by an adaptive learning algorithm based on temperature, time, and the measured pressure. If the seat temperature is within a normal range, and the measured pressure remains at least a predetermined amount below the calibrated vacant seat pressure for at least a predetermined time, a fraction of the difference between the measured and calibrated values is subtracted from the calibrated value to form a new calibration value. The predetermined difference amount determines the sensitivity of the control, and the predetermined time prevents adaptive correction of the calibration value due to transient pressure conditions.

Abstract: A system for determining the location of a patient on a support. The system includes a first and second sensor coupled to a patient's support surface and being at least laterally spaced. A first load signal from the first sensor has a first sensitivity greater than a second sensitivity of a second load signal from the second sensor. A determination circuit receives a first and second load signals and provides an indication of the location of the patient on the support surface from a comparison of the sum of the load signals to a selected value.

Abstract: A remote mailbox alerting system for advising users of the system to the delivery of mail to a mail receptacle containing the system. The system includes a floating mail sensing assembly utilizing a pair of opposing, parallel, nonaligned doughnut like magnets, and a radio frequency transmitter in electrical communication therewith. At a remote location, such as the dwelling, a receiver is provided for receiving transmitted signals upon activation of the mail sensing assembly and transmitter. To alert the user, an alarm system is included.

Abstract: A charge transfer load sensor. A first and second electrode are disposed a fixed distance apart, and a third electrode is disposed between the first and second electrodes. The third electrode is grounded and its position between the first and second electrodes varies in response to an applied force. A switch arrangement applies a predetermined voltage level to the first electrode and couples the second electrode to ground during a first predetermined timing interval. During a second predetermined timing interval, the first electrode is coupled to the second electrode to transfer the charge of a first capacitor formed by the first and third electrodes to a second capacitor formed by the second and third electrodes. An output port coupled to the second electrode provides an output voltage as a function of the applied force.

Abstract: A patient interface system for collecting and transferring data from a patient to a remote monitoring system, as well as methods for its use, are provided. The subject system uses: (a) a data collection device with a sensor and an interrogation device; (b) a processing device for processing the collected data; and (c) a communication device for transferring said collected data from the interface system to a remote monitoring system and receiving instructional data from a remote monitoring system. The subject system finds use in the remote monitoring of a variety of conditions, particularly in the remote monitoring of cardiac associated diseases. In addition, the sensor is a scale either programmed not to activate the patient interface system if it measures a weight below or above certain set weights or not to send measurements to the remote monitoring if it measures a weight below or above certain set weights.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive sparkless switching device includes a layer of piezoresistive cellular polymer foam, at least two conductive layers, and an insulative spacer element having at least one opening. When pressure is applied to the device the piezoresistive foam disposes itself through the opening of the spacer element and makes electrical contact between the conductive layers. The resistance of the piezoresistive foam varies with the amount of pressure applied to provide an analog as well as on-off function. The device may also provide multiple switching, and shear detection capabilities.

Abstract: A device for detecting meter opening, the meter including at least a first structural element and a second structural element that are in a given position relative to each other when the meter is closed, said device comprising: a moving member connected to the first element and organized to take up a stable state or an unstable state as a function of the displacement of one of the structural elements relative to the other; holding means connected at least to the second element and co-operating with the moving member as a function of the displacement of one of the structural elements relative to the other, so as to hold said moving member in its unstable state and so as to enable it to go to its stable state; and detection means suitable for determining the state of the moving member and for emitting an opening signal when the moving member is in a predetermined state.

Abstract: A device for providing an acoustic signal to a patient when a predetermined load is placed on the patient's foot comprises a fluid filled control ms with a first bladder underlying the patient's foot and a second bladder as interconnected via a flexible tube. The second bladder is adapted to actuate a signaling means comprising a resiliently supported and biased click spring that provides an audible click noise when actuated by the second bladder of the control means at a predetermined pressure of the liquid corresponding to a predetermined load as placed on the patient's foot.

Abstract: A capacitive array is housed within a polyester mat or other appropriate nonconductive substrate material which is interconnected with a control module. The control module supplies to the capacitive array a suitable oscillator driver current and concurrently senses capacitance value changes within the capacitive array induced through dielectric shifts within the array brought about by the proximity or absence thereof of the patient's body mass. The control module consists of a power supply, a driver/sensor circuit, a calibration/comparator logic circuit, a system interconnection integrity circuit, and an alarm generation circuit. It may also optionally contain a nurse call relay circuit for interconnection to a facility's nurse call system.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is disclosed for timing and monitoring patient sedentary inactivity. The device includes circuitry, a timer, an output device, and a patient reposition sensor. The timer is coupled with the circuitry and operative to measure an interval of time having a selected duration representative of sedentary positioning of a patient. The output device is coupled to the circuitry and operative to notify a health care provider of the need to perform a medical treatment upon completion of measurement of the interval of time. The patient position sensor is configured to detect a sedentary patient condition. The circuitry is operative to reinitialize the timer to begin timing the selected duration upon the sensor detecting interruption of the sedentary patient condition. Alternatively, a tactile input device can be provided to enable a caregiver to manually input the beginning of patient sedentary inactivity following repositioning of a patient.

Abstract: An arrangement, having at least one motion sensor in the vehicle seat, detects with a high reliability whether or not the vehicle seat is occupied by a person. For this purpose, the sensor output signal is analyzed into multiple signal components by frequency selection, and decision-making criterion for occupancy or non-occupancy of the vehicle seat by a passenger is formed by comparing the frequency-selective signal components.

Abstract: An apparatus for warning a loading excess of vehicle includes: a motion conversion mechanism which is mounted to a lower arm rotatably mounted in a body of a vehicle, and converts a motion of the lower arm by a drooping body to a rotational motion; a rotation disc which rotates by receiving a torque from the motion conversion mechanism, and has two slit holes whose lengths are different from each other along a circumference; an overload sensing device for sensing an overload through a medium of the slit holes of the rotation disc; and an attention calling device which are operated by selectively receiving a power supply through the overload sensing device, and calls the driver's attention to the overload.

Abstract: A chair occupancy monitoring device having pressure sensitive switch housed within a flexible cover. A cushion formed by a pair of foam pads positioned between the cover and the switch protects the switch and increases patient comfort. The switch includes first and second oppositely disposed base members. First and second electrical conductors are mounted to an interior portion of the first and second base members, respectively, on the surface facing the opposing base member. A gap is created between the electrical conductors by a pair of separator members which are disposed intermediate the oppositely disposed surfaces of the first and second base members and are mounted to a side portion of at least one of the base members. At least one electrically non-conductive contact limiter member is disposed intermediate the electrical conductors, covering a portion of the second electrical conductor.

Abstract: To generate an alert signal indicating that an unauthorized subject is in a first region within seven feet of a passageway, a radio transmitter is worn by the subject and received by a receiver at the passageway. A second signal is generated upon satisfaction of a second condition, such as an open door at the passageway, which second signal indicates the likelihood of the subject passing through the passageway. A first display indicates if the first signal is present and a second signal if the second condition occurs.