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 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 vehicle seat having a load sensor arranged on a seat body for generating a load signal corresponding to a load applied to the seat body, a detecting means for detecting whether a seat belt is buckled to the vehicle seat and generating a detection signal, and a determining means for comparing the load signal and a predetermined value in response to the detection signal when the seat belt is buckled and judging that an adult is not seated on the seat body when the load signal is less than the predetermined value. The seated condition of the vehicle seat is detected properly by the determination result of the determining means.

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: 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: The object of the present invention is to provide a seat-occupant sensing device for a car seat such that a heater can be installed in the seat without deterioration of sitting comfort.

Abstract: A variable support mechanism includes a plurality of pneumatic bladders and an electronic control system for controlling the inflation and deflation thereof. Each of the bladders communicates through a valve with a common manifold. The operations of the valves are individually controlled by a microprocessor. A pressure sensor communicates with the manifold and generates electrical signals that are representative of the magnitude of the fluid pressure in the manifold to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is also connected to a vent valve that provides selective fluid communication between the manifold and the atmosphere. The microprocessor is further connected to a pressure valve that provides selective fluid communication between the manifold and a pump. Initially, the magnitude of the pressure in each of the bladders is sampled, measured, and stored by the electronic control system.

Abstract: An alternative arrangement for a passive entry and ignition system for a vehicle is disclosed. The passive system uses an electronically coded card or ‘smart card’ that electronically conveys identifying information to a single on board antenna. The single on board antenna is integrated into the roof panel of the vehicle using conventional wire or flat cable technology. The single antenna communicates to a vehicle control unit to enable actuation of various predetermined mechanical systems of a vehicle such as the vehicle entry system or the vehicle ignition system. In an alternative embodiment, the single on board antenna is integrated in an existing occupant detection mat located in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat pressure sensor unit of the present invention is provided at a portion receiving a pressure of a seat. The sensor unit comprises a sensor provided on a top face of a base cloth and a heater wire provided on the top face of the base cloth not so as to overlap the sensor.

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: To provide a method of determining the presence and the kind of the object on the seat of the passenger vehicle accurately. When the seat weight w is below w1, it is determined that the seat vacant. When the seat weight is equal to or above w1, determination is made whether or not the output p of the living body proximity sensor is below the threshold value p1. In the case where the output p of the living body proximity sensor is below the threshold value p1, it is determined that a child is sitting on the seat when the seat weight is below w2, and that an adult is sitting on the seat when the seat weight is equal to or above w2. When the output of the living body proximity sensor is equal to or above threshold value p1, it is determined that a child seat is mounted on the seat.

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: A sensor attaching portion of an upper rail and a sensor attaching portion of a cushion frame are provided with a sensor attaching plate having a sensor disposed thereon. The upper rail and the seat cushion frame are connected with a bracket at a position facing the sensor attaching plate. When the passenger sits on the seat, the seat cushion frame moves down and a bent portion of the bracket is pressed and deformed downwards. At this time, the center in the vertical direction of the sensor attaching plate is bent outward in the lateral direction of the seat. The sensor serves to detect the generated deformation.

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 seat belt usage indicating device for indicating that a male portion of a seat belt is engaging a female portion of a seat belt buckle. The seat belt usage indicating device includes a housing. The housing has a front wall, a back wall, and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. The peripheral wall has a slot therein for releasably engaging a male portion of a seat belt buckle. A plate extends away from and is integrally coupled to the peripheral wall. The plate is adapted for removably extending into and releasably engages the female portion of a seat belt buckle. Control circuitry is adapted for sending a signal to a speaker. The control circuitry is securely mounted in the housing. A sensing means for sensing the male portion is positioned in the housing such that male portion may engage the sensing means. The sensing means is electrically coupled to the control circuitry. A speaker for emitting a sound is securably mounted in the housing and extends outwardly from the front wall.

Abstract: System for a vehicle, comprising a seat fitted with a measuring device of the electromagnetic field type, an airbag arranged to protect the occupant of the seat in the event of an accident, this airbag having several modes of operation, and an operating device designed to cause the airbag to inflate in the event of an accident, selectively according to one of the modes of operation of this airbag on the basis of a parameter representing the mass of the occupant of the seat, as measured by the electromagnetic field-type measuring device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining several parameters of a seated person, comprising the following steps: subdividing the seat surface (4) into at least two sections, determining the barycenter position of the active weight in each section, and evaluating said parameters of said person based on said determined positions. The evaluation of said parameters can include the evaluation of the size and/or weight of said person, the evaluation of the position of the said person on said seat based on the distribution of the barycenter positions on the seat or the evaluation of the orientation of said person on said seat based on the longitudinal positions of the barycenters of the active weight in each section.

Abstract: A passenger detection system for detecting seating status of a passenger on a seat of a vehicle in which fixing structure of electrodes placed on the seat is improved is proposed. A plurality of electrodes are placed apart on the upper side of the seat, and a weak alternating electric field is generated between a transmission electrode selected from the electrodes and reception electrodes other than the transmission electrode, and displacement currents passing in the reception electrodes caused by the weak alternating electric field are detected. The seating status of the passenger on the seat is determined by analyzing the detected displacement currents. An electrode structure is preliminarily formed by fixing the electrodes apart on an electrical insulating base material, and the electrode structure is placed between a cushion material and a covering material of the seat. Preferably, the electrode structure is fixed to one or more components of the seat.

Abstract: A seat weight measuring apparatus and supporting structure that can be installed in a vehicle without changing the height of the existing seat frame. This is done by shifting the centerline of the sensor unit from the centerline of the seat frame to take advantage of a space for the insertion of the sensor on the side of the frame. Accordingly, the seat height does not need to be raised by the thickness of the sensor unit as required in the conventional seat weight measuring apparatus. Depending on where space is available underneath the seat, the sensor units may also be positioned perpendicular to the seat rail, in an “X” shape, a “Y” shape, or a “T” shape.

Abstract: A description is given of a passenger detector comprising a flexible support of insulating material, at least two electrode structures placed on said insulating substrate at a certain distance from each other, and a layer of semiconducting material placed above said electrode structures in an active zone of the detector. In conformity with the invention, said layer of semiconducting material has an internal resistance that varies with a deformation of said layer and said layer of semiconducting material is placed in intimate contact with said electrode structures.

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 magnetic field sensor comprising a plurality of magnetic sensing elements and a means for generating an image signal from the plurality of the signals generated thereby is used i) to sense a magnetic field proximate to a body portion of a vehicle for adjusting a magnetic circuit thereof, ii) to sense an occupant in a seat of a vehicle, or iii) to sense from within a body portion of a vehicle magnetic-field-influencing objects proximate thereto. In another aspect, the magnetic field sensor further comprises a plurality of magnetic focusing elements proximate to the magnetic sensing elements for improving the clarity of the magnetic image.

Abstract: The simplified signal-processing circuit arrangement for processing and evaluating signals indicative of the status of an FSR-foil pressure sensor utilized in a seat-occupancy detection device, makes use of the fact that an application-oriented, integrated circuit, present in a motor vehicle having digital open-loop and closed-loop control functions implemented in a microcontroller MCU, contains a highly precise, switchable test-voltage source. One end of a circuit containing the FSR-foil is connected to a switching output VTA of the ASIC carrying the highly precise test voltage. The other end of this circuit is connected to a port of the MCU. A measuring voltage, which is a function of the status-contingent current intensity through the FSR-foil, drops off across a reference resistor connected in series to the FSR-foil, is fed to an analog-digital converter input of the MCU, and is converted therein into a digital signal indicating the occupancy status of the FSR-foil.

Abstract: A collision-determining device arranged to prevent a passenger protection mechanism from erroneously operating by determining the polar relationship between an acceleration signal indicative of vehicle acceleration and a pseudo signal used to determine whether a vehicle collision has occurred. A G sensor generates the pseudo signal having a polarity opposite from that of a deceleration signal based on a control signal from a microcomputer. An A-D converter receives the pseudo signal via a signal processing circuit and generates a pseudo voltage. The microcomputer determines whether a collision has occurred based on whether the pseudo voltage has been generated and based on the polarity thereof.

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: A human body detector for a seat which does not deteriorate comfort of sitting even when it is disposed on the seat, has a high sensitivity and can be easily fitted to the seat. Vibration detection means (5) is disposed in such a manner that even when a person is seated, the means (5) comes into contact with the bottom surface of a seat pad (16) of a seat (19) and accordingly the person does not feel the means (5). According to this construction, the human body does not easily feel the means (5) by the provision of the seat pad (16), the existence of the vibration detection means (5) is hardly felt even when the hardness and the shape are changed, and various measures for improving the sensitivity of the vibration detection means (5) can be taken. The vibration detection means (5) may be merely bonded to the seat pad (16) or may be fixed to a seat spring (17) or a seat frame (18), and can be fitted more easily to the seat (19) than when it is disposed below a surface cloth (15) of the seat (19).

Abstract: A system for determining the weight of the occupant of a vehicle seat includes a hinge near the forward edge of the seat and a force sensor responsive to downward force at a point well to the rear of the hinge thereby indicating torque about the hinge. The occupant weight sensing system is particularly responsive to weight applied to the rearward part of the seat and is less responsive to weight applied to the forward edge of the seat thereby being less affected by the weight of the lower legs and feet of a normally seated adult. The force sensor is preferably of the type that converts mechanical force to fluid pressure and provides a force signal from a pressure sensor responsive to the fluid pressure. The system includes a microprocessor connected for receiving the output of the force sensor. The microprocessor may, optionally, also receive outputs from an accelerometer responsive to vertical accelerations, a seat back recline angle sensor and a seat track position sensor.

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: The present invention is directed to a weight sensing apparatus (10) for a vehicle seat (22). The weight sensing apparatus (10) includes a differential capacitor (150) including a first capacitor (152) and a second capacitor (176). The first capacitor (152) includes first and second opposed plate assemblies (154 and 156). The second capacitor (179) includes a third plate assembly (180) and the second plate assembly (156). Each plate assembly (154, 156, and 180) includes a plurality of electrically conductive elongated members that extend in an axial direction. The second plate assembly (156) is interposed between the first and third plate assemblies (154 and 180) and is movable in an axial direction relative to the first and third plate assemblies (154 and 180) in response to a load being applied to a vehicle seat. A source of alternating current supplies electrical energy to the differential capacitor (150) and an output circuit is electrically connected with the differential capacitor (150).

Abstract: A load sensor for a vehicle safety belt 10 comprises means for determining an electrical characteristic of the belt 10 and control means for comparing the sensed characteristic with a reference level for the characteristic. In one embodiment, conductive fibers 26, 28 are interwoven into the belt 10 and electrical contacts 30, 32 are provided at each end thereof. Excessive loading of the belt results in a break in the fibers 26, 28 which, in turn, results in electrical discontinuity. The discontinuity is sensed by an electrical sensor and indicator means is provided to indicate to the driver of the vehicle that a belt has been excessively loaded.

Abstract: A seat weight measuring apparatus that simplifies the circuit configuration of the load sensors to reduce the circuit costs and which, when the load sensors fail, immediately detects the failure of the load sensors, thereby improving the reliability. In the case where four load sensors are arranged at four locations, for example front and rear on both sides, of the bottom of the automotive seat, the seat weight measuring apparatus includes two pairs of load sensors, a detection circuit for detecting a difference between outputs from the two antiphase-connected pairs of load sensors, and a seat weight calculator for calculating the weight of the automotive seat based on an output from the detection circuit. This can simplify the circuit configuration and eliminate problems of circuit costs and reliability.

Abstract: For estimating a person's age and for providing an emergency alarm function, a stationary pressure sensitive means (2, 3, 4) contacts part of that person's (1) body, and generates a signal in correspondence to that person's body movements relative to said means. A detector/filter circuit (5) connected to said means, separates signals corresponding to true body movements, heartbeat-related body movements, and respiration-related body movements. Calculation and comparison circuits (6, 9; 7, 10; 8, 11) are adapted to receive these signals and compare them with previously received signals to determine possible changes. A correlator (12) correlates the output signals from the calculation and comparison circuits to produce a resulting change signal which is compared with a preset threshold in a threshold detector circuit (13). The output signals can be used for activating/inactivating an air-bag system or for triggering an emergency alarm via a mobile telephone and a GPS system.

Abstract: A load sensor for measuring engine cylinder pressure and vehicle seat occupant weight in a nonintrusive manner that is easily adaptable to existing vehicle components and occupancy support structures. The sensor of the invention provides a toroidal-shaped ferromagnetic steel core that defines a hollow space within which an excitation coil and a detection coil are wound. For engine cylinder pressure sensing, this toroidal sensor is placed on a spark plug, much in the nature of a washer, and is clamped between the spark plug and the spark plug seat in the chamber. For seat occupant weight sensing, the sensor is placed under a seat leg around a fastening bolt, again much in the nature of a washer, and is clamped between the bolt and the floor of the vehicle. Changes in the load or force produced by the cylinder pressure or the occupant weight, alters the stress in the steel core of the sensor. These stress changes in turn induce changes in the magnetic properties of the steel core.

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: An weight sensor (16) for use in the crash management system of a motor vehicle's safety restraint system (10). The weight sensor (16) functions to determine the weight of an occupant sitting on a vehicle seat (12) and is mounted between the seat frame (42) and mounting structure (46) of the vehicle seat (12). The weight sensor (16) includes a position sensing unit (52) retained in an enclosed housing assembly (50). The weight of a seat occupant causes a portion (56) of the housing assembly (50) to deflect and the position sensing unit (52) measures the corresponding displacement caused by such deflection. The position sensing unit (52) includes a Hall effect sensor (70) fixed to the rigid portion (54) of the housing assembly (50) and a magnet (74) fixed to the deflectable portion (56) of the housing assembly (50).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for warning when a child has been left in an infant seat and a vehicle as been turned off. The apparatus includes an occupant detection mechanism for detecting the presence of an occupant within an infant seat located within a vehicle; an ignition detection mechanism for detecting the state of the vehicle's ignition system; a control unit for generating an alarm signal when the occupant detection mechanism detects the presence of an occupant within the infant seat and the ignition detection mechanism detects that the vehicle's ignition system has been turned from an "on" state to an "off" state; and an alarm units for generating an alarm in response to the alarm signal. The components of the apparatus can be located within the infant seat, within the vehicle or combined within the infant seat and the vehicle.

Abstract: Several force sensor assemblies are disposed within a vehicle seat to determine seat loading and assist in safety device activation. Each force sensor assembly has a sealed body filled with a liquid or a gel. A pressure transducer, together with a supporting integrated circuit, is positioned to respond to the pressure of the liquid or gel. Loads are applied to the pressure transducer through the gel by a piston riding within the body. Compressive loads are thereby transformed into a pressure on the sensor and its support electronics, resulting in a low cost, accurate, and durable sensor. The sensor functions well for relatively low loads of less than a few hundred pounds.

Abstract: A plurality of hydrostatic weight sensors, each incorporating a fluid and a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure thereof, are incorporated in a vehicle seat to sense occupant weight, position, and stature. In one aspect, a hydrostatic weight sensor is located in the seat back and a separate hydrostatic weight sensor is located in the seat bottom. In another aspect, a plurality of laterally or longitudinally proximate hydrostatic weight sensors, or a single bladder with a plurality of chambers, is incorporated in the seat bottom to sense occupant position. In another aspect, a hydrostatic seat weight sensor is provided by forming a fluid filled cavity within a seat cushion and sensing the pressure of the fluid therein. A signal processor calculates the occupant weight, position, and stature from the respective pressure sensor output signals and controls a safety restraint system responsive thereto.

Abstract: A person-on-board protecting apparatus having ignition timing estimating means for outputting an ignition signal by determining a collision on the basis of an output from an acceleration sensor and estimating timing at which the head of a person on board reaches a predetermined position, expansion rate control means for outputting a control signal for controlling the expansion force of an air bag according to the head position of the person on board from a forward predetermined reference position, and an inflator having a plurality of detonators. The ignition modes of the plurality of detonators provided for the inflator are controlled according to an ignition signal from the ignition timing estimating means and a control signal from expansion force control means, so that the expansion rate and timing of the air bag are controlled.

Abstract: A weight sensor (10) for sensing a load applied to a vehicle seat (14) includes a light source (16) for providing light and detectors (18, 20, 22, 24) for detecting light received from the light source (16). A member (50, 52, 54, 56) impedes the passage of light between the light source (16) and the detectors (18, 20, 22, 24) in response to the load applied to the seat (14). The light detectors (18, 20, 22, 24) provide a signal to a control device (27) indicative of the amount of light received. In response to the light detector signals, the control device (27) determines a value in accordance with the load applied to the seat (14).

Abstract: A bathroom hygiene training system for teaching of proper bathroom hygiene to a child. The bathroom hygiene training system includes a toilet. A toilet sensing housing is removably coupled to the tank. A toilet sound play back assembly is orientated within the toilet sensing housing. A seat sensor is coupled to the toilet sensing housing. A handle sensor is coupled to the toilet sensing housing. A step stool having a platform and a plurality of legs. A step stool sound play back assembly is orientated within the platform of the step stool. A sensor pad is coupled to the platform of the step stool. A sink having a counter top, a washbasin and a pedestal. A soap dish sensing housing is for resting upon the countertop proximate the washbasin. A soap dish sound play back assembly is orientated within the soap dish sensing housing. A soap dish sensor is coupled to the soap dish sensing housing.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising occupant sensing systems for use in headrest adjusting and/or air bag actuation systems. One sensing system includes a passive transducer array in the form of pressure transducers such as force sensing resistors vertically spaced in a first embodiment in a headrest cushion of the vehicle seat. In a second embodiment, the pressure transducers are vertically spaced in a backrest cushion of the seat. The pressure transducers generate signals which are processed by a controller to generate a control signal to control a bidirectional headrest motor coupled to the headrest of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle has a seat configured to receive a person or object. An array of flexible potentiometers is positioned in the seat to sense the mass or weight and the footprint or profile of that which is in the seat. The flexible potentiometers supply a signal through circuitry to enable or disable an air bag system in the vehicle. The air bag system operates under selected conditions such as what may be experienced in a crash of the vehicle to deploy the air bag to preclude movement of a seat occupant into vehicle structure.

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: 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: An improved weight estimation apparatus includes a closed elastomeric bladder filled with fluid and installed in the foam cushion of a vehicle seat bottom, with at least one pressure sensor installed in a closed exit port of the bladder. A temperature sensor disposed in proximity to the bladder provides a temperature signal, and a controller estimates the weight of the occupant based on the temperature and pressure signals. The pressure sensor is preferably configured to sense the gage pressure--that is, the differential pressure between the fluid and atmospheric pressure--at the center of gravity of the fluid in order to provide a stable output independent of changing atmospheric pressure and changing orientation of the bladder due to vehicle pitch and roll.

Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor comprises one or more fluid containing bladders in fluid communication with one another and with a pressure sensor, each constructed from a plurality of sheets of semi-rigid material sealably connected at the periphery thereof so as to form one or more enclosed volumes, and filled with a fluid so as to cause deformation of the bladder faces. The hydrostatic weight sensor is located within the seat, and the pressure of the fluid contained therein is responsive to the applied load. In another embodiment, a plurality of sheets of semi-rigid material are sealed at a periphery and are secured to one another at a plurality of locations within the periphery so as to create a plurality of fluid containing zones which can hinge with respect to one another. The sensing fluid is either a liquid, a Bingham plastic, or a thixotropic material.