On Seat Patents (Class 340/667)
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Patent number: 12202382Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an occupancy sensing device for detecting the occupancy of a seat of a vehicle, comprising: a flexible substrate having a first main face and a second main face opposite to the first main face, a capacitive sensor with interdigitated electrodes, capable of detecting the state of occupancy of the seat, conductive tracks connected to the capacitive sensor with interdigitated electrodes, the capacitive sensor with interdigitated electrodes and the conductive tracks being fixed on the first main face of the flexible substrate, wherein the flexible substrate is made of an elastic and impermeable material.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2022Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'AutomobileInventor: Mamadou Balde
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Patent number: 11530956Abstract: A capacitive sensor arrangement includes a sensing electrode having a capacitance (Cx) which depends on the presence of an object in a detection space; a measurement device connected to the sensing electrode and configured to detect the capacitance (Cx) of the sensing electrode; and a conducting structure, wherein the capacitance (Cx) of the sensing electrode depends on a potential of the conducting structure. In order to obtain a reliable capacitive measurement, the measurement device is connected to a power supply between a first potential (Vs) and a second potential (GND), the measurement device being connected to the second potential exclusively via the structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.Inventors: Daniel Ferring, Erik Holzapfel, Laurent Lamesch, Jochen Landwehr, Michael Pütz
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Patent number: 11332040Abstract: The invention relates to a system for seat occupancy detection, comprising a vehicle seat for a driver with an upper part and at least one suspension-damper system, wherein an acceleration sensor is arranged on the upper part and is designed to detect a characteristic of an acceleration of the upper part as a function of a time, an evaluation unit being provided which is designed to generate an evaluation of the characteristic of the acceleration and optionally to transmit a signal to a higher-level control unit, the evaluation unit also being designed to assign the evaluation to one of several states, wherein the states are selected from a group comprising an occupied state and an unoccupied state of the vehicle seat.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: GRAMMER AGInventors: Roland Übelacker, Hubert Wittmann, Tobias Stahl
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Patent number: 11299077Abstract: A sensor disposition structure in a seat includes a cushion pad and a board-like member which is disposed under the cushion pad. A concave is formed in an upper surface of the board-like member, and a sensor is disposed in the concave.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Soichiro Kamei, Hiromi Taniguchi, Koji Onuma
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Patent number: 11130454Abstract: A module driver or a master obtains the load IDs of the respective first loads connected to the downstream side of the module driver, recognizes the classification of areas, such as door, roof and floor areas, or a module according to the obtained load IDs, and allocates an appropriate driver ID to the module driver in each area. Each first load has a load ID. The load IDs are allocated to the respective second loads on the downstream side of the module driver on the basis of the allocated driver ID. The area or the module is recognized on the basis of the combination of the load IDs of the plurality of first loads, whereby malfunctions caused by erroneous assembling of the first loads are suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Koji Ikegaya
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Patent number: 10680675Abstract: Examples for logical to physical mapping of aircraft electronic components are presented. A system may include aircraft electronic components coupled sequentially to a power wire, corresponding controllers, and a master computing device. The computing device may receive a first identifier for a first component from a first controller in response to the first controller receiving power at a first time from the power wire and a second identifier for a second component from a second controller in response to the second controller receiving power at a second time from the power wire. The second time is subsequent to the first time. The computing device determines locations for the first and second component within the aircraft based on an order of reception of the identifiers.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kevin S. Callahan, Dennis Whetten
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Patent number: 10482752Abstract: A device for monitoring one or more passenger seats of a vehicle, the device comprising: at least one sensor configured to monitor an occupancy status for each of the one or more seats; and a communication interface configured to receive reservation conditions for each of the one or more seats; wherein the device is configured to: display an occupancy condition for each of the one or more seats and a reservation condition for each of the one or more seats; and determine the occupancy condition for each of the one or more seats based on the occupancy status for each of the one or more seats over a predefined time period.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: McLaren Applied Technologies LimitedInventor: Matthew John Griffiths
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Patent number: 9940809Abstract: A smart phone with application of preventing children from being left in a car includes a speedometer, a data processing center, a phone speaker, a micro phone, a touch screen and an application of preventing children from being left in a car (application). the application is programmed as the follows: the speedometer detects car speed and reports the car speed data to the application, when the car speed increasing from first speed to second speed the application issues a [REMINDER] of “if has children in the car” to a driver, when the car speed decreasing from third speed to 0 speed, the application issues a [WARNING] of “must bring children out of the car” to the driver.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Inventors: Davy Zide Qian, Benyu Qian, Lequn Lu
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Patent number: 9505366Abstract: A method for detecting accidents is described. The method has the following operating steps: obtaining at least two axial accelerations; integrating at least one first axial acceleration and one second axial acceleration of said at least two axial accelerations for obtaining at least two axial acceleration integral values; calculating an energy modulus according to the at least two axial acceleration integral values; and comparing the energy modulus with an energy threshold. An apparatus and a system which can carry out the method is also described. Furthermore, vehicles that have the apparatus are described as well.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: DAINESE S.P.A.Inventors: Sergio Matteo Savaresi, Ivo Boniolo, Mattia Perego, Enrico Silani, Pierpaolo De Filippi
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Patent number: 9499117Abstract: A capacitance type occupant sensor includes an electrostatic sensing unit, a reference electrode, a voltage applying portion, a current sensing portion, a capacitance calculating portion, and a discriminating portion. The reference electrode is applied with a reference potential. The electrostatic sensing unit is disposed in a vehicle seat, and includes a main electrode, a guard electrode and a noise electrode. The guard electrode is disposed adjacent to a lower side of the main electrode and applied with the reference potential. The noise electrode is disposed adjacent to a lower side of the guard electrode. The voltage applying portion applies a detection voltage to the main electrode and the noise electrode. The current sensing portion senses a main current of the main electrode, and a noise current of the noise electrode. The capacitance calculating portion calculates a first capacitance based on the detection voltage, the main current, and the noise current.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Kouji Ootaka
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Patent number: 9187013Abstract: Included are systems and methods for child restraint monitoring. Some embodiments include determining that a child restraint seat has been installed in a vehicle seat of a vehicle, determining whether the child restraint seat is being properly utilized, and detecting an issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat. Some embodiments include determining that a guardian is remote from the vehicle and, in response to detecting the issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat and determining that the guardian is remote from the vehicle, sending a communication to a third party, wherein the communication provides an option to contact the vehicle to regarding improper utilization of the child restraint seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Sean L. Helm
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Patent number: 9030313Abstract: A pressure sensitive mat to be installed directly within a child's car seat to provide an audible alert to consumers that they have inadvertently left a child unattended in a motor vehicle, enabling them to quickly retrieve the child or infant and effectively prevent tragic scenarios that can result when a child is left unattended in a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Inventor: Idora Pearson
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Publication number: 20150123806Abstract: A seat (10) configured for detecting an occupancy state comprises an at least partially electrically conductive structural frame (14) comprising at least two fixation sites (22, 24) and an at least partially electrically conductive cushion-supporting spring (20) taut between the fixation sites. The cushion-supporting spring is electrically insulated from the structural frame. The seat comprises a cushion (16) supported by the cushion-supporting spring. The cushion-supporting spring and the structural frame are disposed in such a way that they are brought in electrical contact with each other when a force (34) is applied on the cushion that exceeds a predefined threshold force.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventor: Markus Kordel
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Patent number: 9018546Abstract: The present invention relates to a seating sensor 100. the base table 10 includes a first part 11 provided with the sensor portion 1 and a second part 12 provided with the connector portion 2, and the second part 12 is arranged within a minimum rectangular area S1 containing the first part 11.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Kawahira, Takashi Furukawa
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Patent number: 9000907Abstract: A safety system using a network connected to a vehicle to alert a client device of an operator, a first responder, a dedicated emergency dispatch service, a bystander or combinations thereof to the presence of an occupant in a vehicle passenger compartment of a vehicle indicating the occupant's temperature has exceeded or dropped below a life threatening threshold. The system uses a plurality of pressure sensors in vehicle seats, a first plurality of optical infrared frequency sensors located in the passenger compartment for measuring air temperature values of the passenger compartment, a plurality of second optical infrared frequency sensors measuring occupant temperature values in the passenger compartment and, in embodiments, at least one front seat motion sensor and at least one back seat motion sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Inventors: Paul F. Rembach, Don Leslie Bockhorn
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Patent number: 8957689Abstract: A capacitive occupant detection system comprises at least one antenna electrode to be arranged in a seat and an evaluation unit operatively coupled to said at least one antenna electrode, said evaluation unit being configured for applying, during operation, an alternating voltage signal to said antenna electrode and for detecting an amplitude and/or phase of a displacement current flowing from said antenna electrode towards ground. According to the invention said antenna electrode comprises an antenna electrode conductor and at least one dedicated ground electrode, said ground electrode being arranged at a predetermined distance of said antenna electrode conductor and extending along said antenna electrode conductor.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.Inventors: Michael Virnich, David Hoyer, Martin Thinnes
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Patent number: 8903611Abstract: A vehicle-occupant protection system in a vehicle has a first sensor and a second sensor on a lateral side closer to a seat of an occupant. The first sensor is either forward of or lateral to the seat of the occupant in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The second sensor is rearward of the first sensor. The system further includes a collision determination section, which concludes an occurrence of a collision when a signal of the first sensor exceeds a determination threshold value in a situation where a signal of the second sensor has not exceeded a determination threshold value. Upon concluding the occurrence of the collision, the collision determination section activates a movement restraint device to restrain the occupant from moving away from the seat.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignees: Denso Corporation, Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tetsuya Uchida, Noriyoshi Baba, Junichi Oorai, Shoji Doi, Mitsuhiro Tsujiguchi, Shinya Motomura
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Patent number: 8896456Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a seat location. An indicator is activated for a seat in a passenger cabin when a passenger leaves the seat. The indicator indicates a location of the seat when activated.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Vicki Ann Curtis, Kayla Dunn, Ricardo Elizondo Costa, Sophie Prescott, Colin Cansler Curry, Sooshin Choi, Lingyu Zhu
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Patent number: 8896326Abstract: An occupant detection system includes a controller, a sensing electrode, and a shield electrode, the electrodes disposed in a vehicle seat. The controller is electrically coupled to the sensing electrode and shield electrode by a sensing circuit. The controller is configured to send an input signal to the sensing electrode, the shield electrode, or both and measures current, impedance, or capacitance values to determine the presence of an object on the seat, to classify the object, or both.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventors: James Gregory Stanley, Philip Maguire
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Patent number: 8841997Abstract: A portable vehicle alarm system alerts a vehicle operator of the presence of a child/pet left in the vehicle. The system includes at least one first portable wireless alarm unit in communication with a second portable wireless unit. The first and second portable wireless alarm units include a microprocessor in communication with a transmitter and receiver, having a power supply. The first portable unit is located on a key chain. The second wireless unit has attachment means for attachment to a seat belt associated with a child's car seat or a pet's collar. An activation sensor detects a disengagement action related to the vehicle, including powering-off of the vehicle ignition or unbuckling of the driver's seat belt. A distance sensor has a selected range. If the range is exceeded, an audible alarm is actuated from the first unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Inventor: Orlando L. Silveira
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Patent number: 8836527Abstract: An automotive vehicle has arranged therein a vehicle seat and is equipped with an occupant detection system for detecting whether an occupant is present on the vehicle seat, the system including a first antenna electrode arranged in the seat and a first sensing circuit associated with the seat, where the first sensing circuit includes an oscillation circuit operatively connected to the first antenna electrode for applying to the first antenna electrode a first oscillating signal and a first current detection circuit connected to the first antenna electrode for determining a current flowing into the first antenna electrode in response to the first oscillating signal being applied thereto, where the current flowing in the first antenna electrode indicates whether an occupant is present on the vehicle seat, and when in operation, the first sensing circuit codes the information whether an occupant is present on the vehicle seat into a first output signal which is output and which may be supplied to a restraint syType: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.Inventors: Christoph Wendt, Andreas Petereit
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Patent number: 8830070Abstract: A bed includes a frame, a controller coupled to the frame, and a patient position detection system coupled to the frame and coupled to the controller. The patient position detection system has multiple modes of operation of varying sensitivities for determining whether a person supported on the frame has moved by a sufficient amount to activate an alarm. The frame includes a plurality of barriers. An alert light is coupled to one of the barriers.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Steven A. Dixon, Douglas J. Menkedick, William L. Jacques, II, James K. Findlay, John B. Wilker, Jr., Eugene E. Osborne, Carl W. Riley
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Patent number: 8823395Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a functional area of an electronic textile (100;200). The electronic textile comprises a textile substrate having a first plurality of conductors (108a-b;202a-d), a second plurality of conductors (104a-c;204a-d), and a plurality of capacitors (112;212a-p), each capacitor comprising a conductor from the first plurality of conductors (108a-b;202a-d) and a conductor from the second plurality of conductors (104a-c;204a-d), separated by a dielectric (103a), the capacitors (112;212a-p) being distributed across substantially an entire surface of the electronic textile, wherein each capacitor (112;212a-p) has a capacitance of at least 10 pF.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Rabin Bhattacharya
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Patent number: 8820782Abstract: Vehicle including a seat support structure, a cushion arranged thereon and having an upper surface for supporting an occupying item and that deflects downward as a function of weight of the occupying item, and a sensor system including a force-measuring device that responds to downward deflection of the cushion. An interrogator sends a signal to the force-measuring device and the force-measuring device transmits, after receipt of the signal from the interrogator, a return signal to the interrogator related to the response of the force-measuring device to the downward deflection of the cushion. In a method for obtaining an indication of weight of an occupying item of the seat, a signal is transmitted from the interrogator on the vehicle to the force-measuring device and from the force-measuring device, the transmitted return signal related to the response of the force-measuring device to the downward deflection of the cushion is received.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences LLCInventors: David S. Breed, Wendell C. Johnson, Wilbur E. DuVall
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Patent number: 8717179Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, system, kit or apparatus for use with a child or stroller for detecting the removal of the child or baby form the stroller. The present invention may have a fixed plate secured to the frame of the stroller and a flexible plate in close association with a seat of the stroller. The fixed plate and the flexible plate are attachment to the stroller such that they are substantially parallel to each other. A sensor mounted on the fixed plate is engaged directly or indirectly by bending of the flexible plate due to the weight of the child or baby in the seat of the stroller. When the weight of the baby or child is removed from the seat, the flexible plate disengages the sensor due to the flexible plate being biased to maintain its original shape and an alarm is activated.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventors: Paul Rose, James Thompson
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Patent number: 8701816Abstract: An occupant detection sensor includes a sensor member disposed on a surface of a vehicle seat and detecting sitting of an occupant, a wiring member electrically coupling the sensor member with an external device, and a covering member covering the sensor member and the wiring member. The wiring member and the covering member are included in a coupling section that is disposed along the surface of the vehicle seat. The coupling section includes a bent portion and a stress absorbing portion that absorbs stress generated at the bent portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Yukihiro Saitoh
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Patent number: 8698643Abstract: Seat-occupancy-detection-sensor-element featuring double-body/compression/spring (DBCS) in a recess of a base-member (BM); and slidable-member (SM) having a force-application-side (FAS) and inside facing the BM; measuring-coil (MC) arranged in the recess and surrounded by the DBCS and having wound-coil-wire (WCW); and current-generating/measuring/evaluating-unit (CGMEU) connected to the WCW; the DBCW abutting the BM on one side and being fixed to the SM on the side of the SM compressed by a force on the FAS, from a spring length either uncompressed or compressed by a predetermined extent; spring wire ends connected and electrically forming a spring-coil (SC); MC and SC coils constituting an inductively-coupled coil assembly (ICCA); and the CGMEU applying AC to the MC inducing AC in the DBCS, measuring voltage on the MC proportional to the ICCA's impedance, and ascertaining force on the SM's FAS.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignees: SCHERDEL INNOTEC Forschungs-und Entwicklungs-GmbH, Forschungs-und Transferzentrum Leipzig e.V. and der HTWK LeipzigInventors: Marco Schmitt, Jan Seitenglanz, Thomas Fiedler, Gisela Barthold, Hans-Martin Rambold, Fabian Wiessner, Michael Eiserbeck
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Patent number: 8698511Abstract: A capacitive occupant detection system (10) comprises a sine signal generator (12) to apply a sine voltage signal to an antenna electrode (14) and a current measurement circuit (18, 20, 28, 30, 40) to measure current signals, based upon which a control and evaluation unit determines and outputs an occupancy state. The signal generator (12) is coupled to the antenna electrode via an amplitude adjustment stage (13), configured to adjust the amplitude of said sine voltage signal applied to said antenna electrode to an amplitude selected among at least two discrete amplitudes. The control and evaluation circuit selects one of the discrete amplitudes at a time and causes the amplitude adjustment stage to adjust the amplitude of said the voltage signal applied to the antenna electrode accordingly. The control and evaluation circuit carries out an interference detection mode and an occupant detection mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.Inventors: Christoph Wendt, Darren Khan, Michael Puetz, Marc Tonteling, Gianluca Favalli
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Patent number: 8682528Abstract: A suspension system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The suspension system may have a seat operatively connected to a cabin floor of the mobile machine, a cylinder connected between the seat and the cabin floor, and a spring associated with the cylinder. The suspension system may also have at least one valve configured to regulate fluid flow into and out of the cylinder, and a controller in communication with the at least one valve. The controller may be configured to detect a failure condition of the suspension system. In response to detection of the failure condition, the controller may be further configured to cause the at least one valve to move to a default position at which fluid flow into and out of the cylinder is restricted by an amount that still allows fluid flow through the at least one valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Contratto, John C. Spangler, Jr., Charles E. Lewis, II, Florin M. Marcu, Kristen A. Gerstner
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Patent number: 8676447Abstract: To be configured inexpensively to enable cost reduction and sense sitting posture of an occupant highly accurately, occupant posture sensing apparatus 100 includes capacitance sensor unit 10 and circuit unit 20. Capacitance sensor unit 10 includes first and second sensing electrodes 11 and 12 provided at portions of vehicle interior ceiling 2 ahead of and right above a seat 40 and connected to capacitance sensing circuit 21 of circuit unit 20 and shield-driving circuit 23 through selector switches SW1 and SW2. CPU 29 of circuit unit 20 determines sitting posture of occupant (human body) 48 sitting on the seat 40 based on information regarding position of head 49 of the occupant 48 by using capacitance values detected by capacitance sensing circuit 21 based on capacitances from sensing electrodes 11 and 12. Posture information regarding the determined sitting posture is output to ECU mounted on a vehicle 1 and used for controlling air bag deployment, etc.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Togura, Koichi Ichihara, Koji Sakiyama
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Patent number: 8665103Abstract: A seat has an occupant detecting function and is installed in a vehicle. The seat includes a seating portion, a capacitance sensor, a controller, and a supporting member. The seating portion is adapted to support buttocks and thighs of an occupant of the vehicle. The seating portion includes a seat cushion therein. The capacitance sensor is attached to the seating portion. The controller is installed to the seating portion and configured to apply a voltage to the sensor and to detect a value of an electric current, which passes through the sensor because of the voltage. The supporting member supports the controller from a lower side thereof in a vertical direction, such that the controller is rotatable about the supporting member when the seating portion is pressed by the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hideyuki Hayakawa, Shoichi Yamanaka, Toshio Hosokawa
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Patent number: 8643493Abstract: A monitoring pendant is coupled to a person, thing or animal being monitored and is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from a key chain fob and to and from a base unit. The key chain fob is coupled or integrated into something a guardian would carry such as a set of keys, cell phone or electronics and is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from the monitoring pendant and to and from the base unit. The base unit is coupled to the vehicle and is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from the monitoring pendant and to and from the key chain fob.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Inventors: Richard M. Klitenick, Marcus P. Varner, Len Deweerdt, Omar Garcia, Walter De Milly
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Patent number: 8610569Abstract: An exemplary device can be provided for monitoring a child seat in a vehicle. The exemplary device can include seat electronics attachable to the child seat, and a transmitter configured to transfer first signals from the seat electronics to vehicle electronics and configured to transfer energy and second signals from the vehicle to the seat electronics. Additionally, the transmitter can be attachable to an anchor point configured to fasten the child seat to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Polycontact AGInventor: Joshua Lanta
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Patent number: 8604941Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for detecting the passing of individuals in the form of a mat including: a printed circuit board (104), one of the surfaces which supports a plurality of contactors designed to change state under the pressure exerted by a foot or a wheel, and at least one of the surfaces of which supports at least one electronic component (112) not subject to any pressure from said foot: and for the or each surface supporting at least one electronic component (112), a protective layer (106) attached to said surface and incompressible under the weight of individuals/trolleys, the or each electronic component (112) being recessed in a hole (110) in said incompressible protective layer (106).Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: ECO CompteurInventors: Christophe Milon, Jean-Claude Dubois
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Patent number: 8599004Abstract: An occupant detection system including an electrostatic sensor, a determination section and a heater is disclosed. The electrostatic sensor includes an electrode arranged inside a seat of a vehicle and configured to generate a weak electric field. The electrostatic sensor outputs an output value associated with the weak electric field. The determination section supplies voltage to the electrode, and performs an occupant determination to determine an occupant on the seat based on the output value of the electrostatic sensor. The heater is inside the seat, and is arranged in parallel with or on a lower side of the electrode. Before performing the occupant determination, the determinations section determines whether or not the heater has a disconnection fault based on the output value of the electrostatic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Hajime Nakagawa
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Patent number: 8587446Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for monitoring and displaying occupancy of a seating area, such as a theater. In a seating area there are chairs for use by patrons. There is a system and method for determining and communicating occupancy information to a display corresponding to the chairs in the seating area. On each chair there is affixed a wireless sensing device that detects when a patron has sat in the chair. When a patron sits in the chair, the wireless sensing device sends an occupied signal to an occupancy monitoring computer system. The occupancy monitoring system changes the status of the corresponding chair to occupied and updates the output on the display available for viewing by all patrons. When the occupied state of the chair changes, the wireless sensing device updates the occupancy status at the occupancy monitoring system.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: Matthew Thomas Hefferon
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Patent number: 8558713Abstract: A weight based occupant detection device that includes a weight sensing device installed in a vehicle seat in a manner effective to sense weight on a seating surface. The weight sensing device is configured to output a weight signal indicative of an occupant weight of a seat occupant residing on the vehicle seat. The occupant detection device also includes a seat orientation angle sensing device that is configured to output an orientation angle signal indicative of a seat orientation angle. The occupant detection device may also include an accelerometer for sensing vertical acceleration of the vehicle seat, and a seat backrest angle device for measuring the angle of the seat backrest. The occupant detection device compensates a signal from the weight sensing device for errors caused by seat orientation, seat vertical acceleration and seat backrest angle.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dennis P. Griffin, Andrew H. Curtis
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Patent number: 8531307Abstract: A control system of a patient support surface calculates a surface performance index as a function of pressure and shear. The control system also receives information from an electronic medical record (EMR) corresponding to a person's susceptibility of developing at least one of a pressure ulcer and a superficial lesion and adjusts at least one of a component and a characteristic of the person support surface based on the information.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventor: Charles A. Lachenbruch
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Patent number: 8525679Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a frame and a support surface cooperating with the frame to support a person. The person support apparatus also has a sensor coupled to one of the frame and the support surface. The sensor detects at least one characteristic associated with the person. A controller is coupled to the sensor. In response to at least one of a condition of the frame, a condition of the support surface, a position of the person, or a condition of the person, the controller operates to control the sensor by at least one of changing a gain of the sensor and changing a manner in which a signal from the sensor is filtered. In some instances, the controller turns the sensor off.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Carl W. Riley, Timothy J. Receveur, David L. Ribble
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Patent number: 8525682Abstract: A bed includes a frame, a controller coupled to the frame, and a patient position detection system coupled to the frame and coupled to the controller. The patient position detection system has multiple modes of operation of varying sensitivities for determining whether a person supported on the frame has moved by a sufficient amount to activate an alarm. The frame includes a plurality of barriers. An alert light is coupled to one of the barriers.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Steven A. Dixon, Douglas J. Menkedick, William L. Jacques, II, James W. Jones, James K. Findlay, Jack Wilker, Jr., Eugene E. Osborne, Carl W. Riley
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Patent number: 8514093Abstract: A sheet switch (142) has a bottom layer (144) and a top layer (160). First and second conductors (148, 162) located on the bottom layer (144) form two separate conductive paths, with a voltage potential applied to the conductors (148, 162). The top layer (160) includes a ground conductor (172). Spacers (178) are positioned between the top and bottom layers (160, 144). When forces are externally applied, the spacers (178) collapse and the ground conductor (172) contacts the first and second conductors (148, 162), and establishes a conductive path therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: CHG Hospital Beds Inc.Inventor: Richard Roussy
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Patent number: 8500194Abstract: An occupant detection system including a seat assembly comprising a seat cushion having a seating surface, a heating element adjacent the seating surface, said heating element formed of electrically conductive material, a heating circuit electrically coupled to the heating element, said heating circuit configured to supply an electrical current to the heating element effective to generate heat by the heating element, an occupant detection circuit electrically coupled to the heating element, said occupant detection circuit configured to detect an occupant presence near the heating element, and an isolation circuit interposed between the heating circuit and the heating element, said isolation circuit configured to prevent the heating circuit from influencing the occupant detection circuit, said isolation circuit comprising a common mode choke.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Fischer, Ludger Oel, Georg Hofmann
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Patent number: 8493079Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided in combination with a seat heater and a capacitive occupant detection system. The seat heater comprises a seat heating element disposed in the vehicle seat while the capacitive occupant detection system comprises a measurement circuit and an electrode arrangement, which is also disposed in the vehicle seat. The electrode arrangement includes a sensing electrode and a shielding electrode. The measurement circuit is operatively connected to the sensing electrode and to the shielding electrode and configured to keep the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode at substantially the same electric potential during the capacitive measurement. Of the seat heating element, the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode, the seat heating element is closest to a seating region of the vehicle seat and the sensing electrode is arranged between the seat heating element and the shielding electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.Inventors: Andreas Petereit, Christoph Wendt, Claus-Christian Kedenburg
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Patent number: 8477039Abstract: A system for producing information about the posture of a user applying pressure to a seat component is provided. A sensor structure with array of sensors is connected with the seat component, with the sensors in a predetermined pattern configured to provide output signals related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component. The output of the sensors in circuit communication with a processor to provide signals to the processor related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component, and the processor provides output related to the predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Geoat, Inc.Inventors: Anthony D. Gleckler, Vi-Vie Ng, Daniel Whitworth, Kyle Cotner, Timothy Ryan Hall
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Patent number: 8466801Abstract: The patient monitoring system comprises at least one load cell element (12) mounted in relation to a support surface, the load cell element (12) determining movement of a person on a support surface. The movement is determined based on a reference (31) measured using the load cell element (12) when the person is positioned on the support surface in a reference position and the subsequent load changes determined using the load cell element in relation to the reference. If the load change exceeds a pre-defined threshold, an alarm (18) is activated. The user is able to set the threshold value of the alarm system according to the physical condition of the patient. For example, in some cases it is necessary to he notified about any movements and in others only major movements are of interest. The patient monitoring system is able to provide a flexible means of monitoring of a patient by a nurse or carer.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Huntleigh Technology LimitedInventors: Stephen Hayes, Stephen Hollyoak
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Patent number: 8456177Abstract: An occupant detection system that includes an electrode arranged proximate to an expected location of an occupant for generating an electric field between the electrode and the occupant proximate thereto. An electrical network coupled to the electrode forms a resonant circuit that includes the occupant as part of the resonant circuit. A controller coupled to the resonant circuit is configured to determine a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit indicative of an occupant presence, and a network signal magnitude at the resonant frequency indicative of a humidity value proximate to the electrode. 7. A method for detecting a vehicle applies an excitation signal to the resonant circuit, determine a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit and determines a humidity value based on a network signal magnitude at the resonant frequency.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2012Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dennis P. Griffin, Mark C. Hansen
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Patent number: 8451129Abstract: A unitary patient monitoring system (100) includes an alarm, such as a loudspeaker (203) and a weight sensitive switch (201). Each component is encapsulated in a cover member (101), which can be configured as a T-shape. The alarm is actuated when a user removes his weight from the weight sensitive switch (201). Where the alarm is a loudspeaker (203), an audible alarm is emitted by the loudspeaker (203) when a user gets up off the unitary patient monitoring system (100). Optional features of the unitary patient monitoring system (100) include an interrupt switch (212) for temporarily rendering the alarm inactive and a master switch (211) for turning the unitary patient monitoring system (100) ON and OFF. The unitary patient monitoring system (100) can be configured to turn ON automatically when a user sits on the unitary patient monitoring system (100) as well.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.Inventor: Mahmoud N. Hamdan
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Patent number: 8421641Abstract: An object detection system, controller, and method using sub-sampling for detecting a presence of an object at the location. An electrode arranged near the location radiates an electric field that corresponds to an electrode signal that arises in response to an excitation signal. When the excitation signal is coupled to the electrode and the electric field is radiated, the electrode exhibits an electrode impedance indicative of the presence of an object. The presence of an object is detected by analyzing the electrode signal using sub-sampling. Traditionally, such electrode signals have frequencies, high enough to warrant the use of expensive high-frequency signal processing devices. Sub-sampling is a way of sampling and processing the electrode signal such that the signal processing to detect the object can be performed by a lower cost general purpose microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Dennis P. Griffin
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Patent number: 8421635Abstract: A patient bed with a multimedia system is disclosed. A patient can access a net work through the multimedia system, and to join a net meeting to chat with other patients. The multimedia system can also provide a consolidated platform of medical information for a doctor or a nurse. An input device of the patient bed may have a touch pad, which allows the patient to control the position of patient support through finger gesture.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventors: Wei-Ting Liu, Wei-Hua Lu, Chih-Kuei Hu
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Patent number: 8417422Abstract: A system and method are provided for vehicle passenger classification. The system may include a plurality of weight sensors installed under a seat frame to support a load of a vehicle seat, a single dummy sensor installed under the seat frame to support the load of the vehicle seat along with the plurality of weight sensors, and a passenger classification logic unit for classifying a passenger value obtained by summing sensor values of the plurality of weight sensors as either class 1 or class 2 by comparing the passenger value with a first reference and a second reference.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.Inventors: Hyeong Ho Choi, Pyoung Sik Shin, Tae In Kim, Sang Gyu Yoon, Kyu Jong Kim, Jae Haeng Yoo