Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for lifting a movable base of a toilet, and more particularly to an apparatus for lifting a movable base of a toilet, which can simplify a structure and assist a toilet user in safely standing up by making the movable base where the toilet user sits be automatically movable with a simple structure, be driven to have lifting movement and pivoting movement, and be structured to minutely generate the pivoting movement, and which can quickly deal with emergency situations of a user by making an alarm go off in the emergency situations and transmitting information about the emergency situations to at least one previously set terminal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a seatbelt strap sensor for automobiles. The seatbelt strap sensor could detachably fasten to a strap of a seatbelt of the automobile. The strap sensor comprises a plurality of LEDs disposed within a housing, and a pressure sensor and a bracket are disposed on the rear surface of the housing. The pressure sensor is positioned against the body of a child and configured to measure the tightness of the strap of a seatbelt. The bracket has capable to tightly hold the strap sensor to the strap of the seatbelt. The LEDs are configured to illuminate different colors for indicating the tightness of the strap based on the output of the pressure sensor. The housing having indications with letters or words and symbols corresponding to the LEDs. It helps users to determine the tightness of the strap and could be adjusted optimally.

Abstract: Situational-awareness controllers and methods to increase situational-awareness for an actor associated with a triggering event are described. An example method includes in response to receiving a notification of a triggering event generated by at least one sensor, a computing device accessing information that includes related to an actor associated with the triggering event. The computing device correlates the information to a compilation of historical information by (i) determining whether the actor's location is associated with one or more safety events stored as part of the compilation of historical information and (ii) determining a risk level of the actor based on whether the one or more associated safety events occurred within a predetermined range of time from the time associated with the triggering event. The computing device generates a command based on a result of the correlating and sends the command to at least one controllable device.

Abstract: A system (100) for supervising an occupant of a wheelchair relates to the field of electronics engineering. The system (100) enables an authorized person to effectively supervise the occupant. The system (100) further enables the occupant to control electrical appliances. The system (100) includes a plurality of sensors (102) configured to sense various parameters related to the occupant and the wheelchair. The sensed parameters are stored in a server (108), which enables the authorized person to effectively supervise the occupant and take necessary actions in case of the health of the occupant deteriorates. The system (100) also enables the authorized person to track the wheelchair, and to locate the wheelchair if the wheelchair meets an accident. Further, the system (100) enables the occupant to control the electrical appliances while sitting on the wheelchair.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a fastener assembly. The assembly comprises a stud having a head portion connectable to an actuator, and a shank extending from the head portion. At least a portion of the shank comprises threads, and an insulating material extends on the threads. A resistor module comprising one or more resistors is configured on the insulating material. One end of the one or more resistors is connectable to a power source, and other end of the one or more resistors is connectable to the power source through a nut engageable with the threads. A movement of the stud relative to the nut varies net resistance across the resistor module. The variation of net resistance across the resistor module may be used to determine position of the nut relative to the stud.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a safety device that makes a car perform emergency stopping is mounted to the car. A rope is installed in a loop inside a hoistway. The rope is connected to the car. A tensioning sheave around which the rope is wound is disposed in a lower portion of the hoistway. A tensioning sheave displacement detecting portion detects downward displacement of the tensioning sheave that accompanies dropping of the car due to breakage of the suspending body and activates the safety device.

Abstract: A cable drum receives a length of working cable that is wound in and out from the drum in response to powered rotation of the drum with an uppermost layer of working cable on the drum forming a working surface. A torque sensor in communication with the cable drum measures a torque applied to the cable drum due to tension on the working cable from a load. A drum height gauge is provided for measuring a height of the working surface of the cable on the cable drum. A processor receives the torque value from the torque sensor and the height of the working surface from the drum height gauge and computes a force applied to the length of working cable due to the load based on the torque and height of the working surface. The work performed by the cable may be calculated to assist in determining cable health.

Abstract: A connection element consists of a longitudinally oriented support structure that is at least partially hollow and a sensor unit that is arranged in the inside of the support structure, is connected to a signal transmission device, and is non-positively connected to the support structure. The required force for the non-positive connection is produced by internal stresses after a plastic deformation of the support structure during a joining process of the support structure and the sensor unit. A method for manufacturing a connection element consisting of a support structure that is at least partially hollow and a sensor unit includes positioning the sensor unit in a region of the support structure and, using radially movable tool segments, exerting a force on the support structure in the radial direction and at the same time reducing the periphery of the support structure in the region in which the sensor unit is positioned.

Abstract: An improved orthotic has a strap that secures the orthotic to a wearer, and comprises a tension indicator coupled to the strap. The tension indicator includes a first element disposed to produce a tactile signal when a tension in the strap reaches a threshold that is less than a permanent deformation threshold.

Abstract: A safety monitoring system for a catenary system that includes an overhead wire, a support pole and a counterweight attached to the end of the overhead wire and suspended by the support pole. The catenary safety monitoring system includes a temperature sensor for detecting an ambient temperature, a position sensor for detecting a position of the counterweight and an electronic controller. The electronic controller compares a detected position of the counterweight with a predicted position determined by the electronic controller using an ambient temperature from the temperature sensor. A message transmitter provides a warning to a user if the detected position of counterweight is not within a predetermined percentage of the predicted position.

Abstract: A safety harness includes at least one of integrally formed electrical conductors or optical conductors. The conductors can be energized by a replaceable electrical supply. An electrical or an optical sensor can couple an associated signal to sensing circuitry. The sensing circuitry responds to variations in the signal as the condition of the harness changes. A fault indicating output device, such as an audible or visual indicating device, carried on the harness can alert a user to a potential harness failure. Harness condition can be transmitted wirelessly to a displaced monitoring site.

Abstract: A tension detector may detect and help correct tension in a lift cable. The cable may include a lift cable within a telescopic structure, such as a telescopic tower. The tension sensor may detect when the cable tension is outside a high tension threshold and a low tension threshold and trigger an alert when outside the thresholds. The alert may be an audible alert or a visual alert. A controller may prevent a user from making the tension worse and encourage an operator to correct the tension problem by preventing a winch from expanding or retracting the telescopic structure. The tension sensor may use springs to calibrate the thresholds for the high tension and low tension and a series of pulleys to manipulate an arm to engage a tension sensor.

Abstract: A compression testing assembly for compression testing of a test material includes a testing stage with a first surface and a second surface. The test material is disposed between the first and second surfaces. The assembly also includes a thickness detector that automatically detects a thickness of the test material. Moreover, the assembly includes an actuator that moves at least one of the first and second surfaces toward the other of the first and second surfaces to compress the test material to a predetermined percentage of the detected thickness of the test material. Additionally, the assembly includes a load detector that detects a compression load of the test material and that detects a change in the compression load over time.

Abstract: A tension detector may detect and help correct tension in a lift cable. The cable may include a lift cable within a telescopic structure, such as a telescopic tower. The tension sensor may detect when the cable tension is outside a high tension threshold and a low tension threshold and trigger an alert when outside the thresholds. The alert may be an audible alert or a visual alert. A controller may prevent a user from making the tension worse and encourage an operator to correct the tension problem by preventing a winch from expanding or retracting the telescopic structure. The tension sensor may use springs to calibrate the thresholds for the high tension and low tension and a series of pulleys to manipulate an arm to engage a tension sensor.

Abstract: A control system and a method for a back-and-forth cable system is provided. The cable system includes a running cable, a first pulley and a second pulley, the pulleys being located at both ends of a course for guiding the running cable. A controllable motor assembly drives of the pulleys and a carrier is connected to the running cable, for pulling or towing a boarder. The control system includes first and second tracking devices to generate first and second tracking signal indicative of the rotation of the pulleys. Two limit positions along the course are stored in storing means and a controller has inputs to receive the first and the second tracking signals and inverts rotation of the controllable motor assembly when the two positions of the carrier detected go beyond either one of the two limit positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting a change in tension of a taut wire fence system, where the system includes a connector including a main body member having a first attachment portion at one end of the member and a second attachment portion at the opposite end of the member and a sensor located on the main body between and aligned with the first and second attachment portions, the method including the steps of attaching a first wire of the fence to the first attachment portion and attaching the second attachment portion of the connector either to an end support mount for the fence, or to a second wire of the fence system such that the connector is held independently of direct contact with any fence support, and such that the first wire, the sensor on the main body of the connector and the second attachment portion respectively, are aligned.

Abstract: A system to detect subsurface activity. The system employs vibration sensor pairs, with each sensor pair having a shallow sensor and a deep sensor. Outputs of the sensors of a pair are processed together and events are detected based on the relative values detected by the sensors of the pair. When signal energy departs from a detected background level, the relative amplitude and frequency content of vibrations measured at the shallow and deep sensors may be compared. The comparison may be performed, at least in part, using a classifier that discriminates between subsurface activity and surface activity. The outputs of sensor pairs may be aggregated to make a determination of whether subsurface activity exists and/or its location. Aggregation may involve comparing the outputs of the same sensor pair at multiple time intervals or may involve comparing the outputs of arrayed sensor pairs.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a tension indicator for indicating when a strap (2) has reached a predetermined tension level, comprising an audible signal producing member (7) having an abutment surface for engagement with said strap, said audible signal producing member altering its physical configuration in reaction to tension in said strap reaching a predetermined value, wherein the change in physical configuration creates an audible signal.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A printer, a printer control method and control program, a POS terminal device, and a cash drawer drive device detect when a non-standard cash drawer is connected, and prevents a non-recoverable overcurrent protection device from operating (such as a fuse blowing) by preventing an overcurrent from flowing to the cash drawer. A printer 10 that can be connected to and drive a cash drawer 20 has a cash drawer drive circuit unit 12 that supplies drive current for driving a lock release coil 21 to open/close the cash drawer 20, a coil resistance detection unit 14 that detects the resistance of the lock release coil 21, and a drive switching unit 15 that connects the cash drawer drive circuit unit 12 or connects the coil resistance detection unit 14 to the lock release coil 21.

Abstract: A wire fence accessory is provided including a connector configured to secure the accessory to a support post of a wire fence system; and a tension sensor configured to measure tension in a wire connected to the accessory and output a signal indicative of the tension, wherein the accessory includes an indicator configured to output, at the accessory, an indication of the tension in the wire according to the signal output by the tension sensor.

Abstract: Reversibly activating or deactivating a radio frequency identification (RFID) data tag comprising a circuit responsive to an environmental factor. An RFID tag includes an RFID chip for storing an RFID code, an antenna for communicating a radio frequency (RF) signal, and an environmentally sensitive switch.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding articles, such as keys, which is attachable to a person's clothing, handbag or a purse, and wherein a physical or electronic tether is used to allow the user to use the articles stored thereupon without removing them from the holder or from their clothing, handbag, purse, briefcase or other hand carried item. The tension on the tether is manageable by the use of a tension management system, so that the tension of the tether will not damage the article or the mechanism that the article is used with and the article is tracked by use of the tether so that the user does not lose the article. Infrared, radio frequency, and transponder and polling versions of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a force measuring ratchet tie down in the field of goods holding. The force measuring ratchet tie down of the invention addresses the technical problems such has insufficiently tight binding, severe difficulty in control and trouble in adjustment. The force measuring ratchet tie down includes a body assembly, a handle, a teeth stop board, a catch and a scroll. The handle is connected with the body assembly through the scroll. A binding belt having a fixable outer end is connected to the body assembly. Another binding belt having a fixable outer end is rolled on the scroll. A ratchet is fixed on the scroll. The body assembly is movably connected with a teeth stop board the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet. The handle is movably connected with a catch the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet.

Abstract: The smart lid for smart bolts and probes is an electronic sensor for use with a smart bolt or probe having a color indicator for indicating tension. The smart lid includes a color sensor that provides electrical data corresponding to light received from the color indicator of the smart bolt or probe, a microcontroller that receives electrical data from the color sensor and converts that data to a digital form and compares the data against at least one limit, and provides a digital indication wirelessly to a remote monitor if the at least one limit has been exceeded. In this fashion a warning or emergency condition can be indicated when the tension experienced by the smart bolt is too low or too high. The smart lid may include an electrical power source that scavenges electrical power from ambient electromagnetic fields (EMF) and stores the electrical power in a battery.

Abstract: An improved orthotic has a strap that secures the orthotic to a wearer, and comprises a tension indicator coupled to the strap. The tension indicator includes a first element disposed to produce a tactile signal when a tension in the strap reaches a threshold that is less than a permanent deformation threshold.

Abstract: An assembly (20) for controlling movement of an automatically moveable door panel (22) includes a sensor (30, 32, 34) positioned on at least one of a door panel (22) or a door frame member (24, 26). The sensitive portion provides an indication of when an object is in contact with or in very close proximity to a sensitive portion. A sensitive portion is established over an area of the door or door frame member at which an object may become caught during automated door movement. A disclosed example includes using an electromechanical film as a sensor so that the sensitive portion is responsive to pressure applied by the object on the sensitive portion. Another disclosed example includes a field effect sensor that generates an electric field that is at least partially interrupted when an object contacts or comes in very close proximity to the sensitive portion.

Abstract: The Child Seat Safety System provides drivers (common vehicles) with an alarm and monitoring system for the attachment of safety harnesses and temperature readings for respective child seat occupants within the car. The monitoring component details the attached “status” of said harnesses through indicator lights on the main operator dashboard along with on the system device. Alarm features automatically warn either the driver or surrounding bystanders or emergency personnel of alarm situation including temperature variances, harness disengagement, accident or unattended occupant warnings. The Child Seat Safety System can reduce the risk of small children being injured due to unattached seat belts during accident, braking or collision, and can reduce exposure to unhealthy temperatures either during driving or from extended lengths of time being unattended in a car.

Abstract: The system comprises a multiplicity of control and signaling devices (3), at least one for each line segment, each provided with a circuit able to detect the presence, in the segment of contact line (1), of the traction voltage and to signal its presence or absence locally.

Abstract: A movable barrier that is at least partially counterbalanced by a spring is moved from a first position to a second position while substantially simultaneously monitoring at least one characteristic associated with moving the movable barrier to provide at least one monitored characteristic. The at least one monitored characteristic is compared to a predetermined criterion. When the at least one monitored characteristic does not meet the predetermined criterion, an alarm condition is set to indicate a failure of the spring.

Abstract: A tension detector may detect and help correct tension in a lift cable. The cable may include a lift cable within a telescopic structure, such as a telescopic tower. The tension sensor may detect when the cable tension is outside a high tension threshold and a low tension threshold and trigger an alert when outside the thresholds. The alert may be an audible alert or a visual alert. A controller may prevent a user from making the tension worse and encourage an operator to correct the tension problem by preventing a winch from expanding or retracting the telescopic structure. The tension sensor may use springs to calibrate the thresholds for the high tension and low tension and a series of pulleys to manipulate an arm to engage a tension sensor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A control system and a method for a back-and-forth cable system is provided. The cable system includes a running cable, a first pulley and a second pulley, the pulleys being located at both ends of a course for guiding the running cable. A controllable motor assembly drives of the pulleys and a carrier is connected to the running cable, for pulling or towing a boarder. The control system includes first and second tracking devices to generate first and second tracking signal indicative of the rotation of the pulleys. Two limit positions along the course are stored in storing means and a controller has inputs to receive the first and the second tracking signals and inverts rotation of the controllable motor assembly when the two positions of the carrier detected go beyond either one of the two limit positions.

Abstract: an apparatus comprising a sensor system and a controller. The sensor system may be configured to provide information about an angle of a ski rope relative to a ski pylon. The controller may be configured to provide (i) a first indication if the sensor indicates the ski rope reaches a target angle within a target time and (ii) a second indication if the sensor does not indicate the ski rope reaches the target angle be within the target time.

Abstract: A safety device for a storage rack can include a length of webbing configured to span across a rear side of the storage rack. A sensor device can be coupled to one end of the webbing and a signaling device can be configured to communicate with the sensor device. The signaling device can include a selectively actuatable alert indicator. The sensor device can be operable to sense an increase in tension in the webbing when an item is placed in a position on the storage rack so as to engage the webbing. The sensor device can generate a signal indicative of the increase in tension and communicate the signal to the signaling device. The signaling device can be operable to actuate the at least one alert indicator responsive to the communicated signal so as to provide an indication of a position of the item relative to the storage rack.

Abstract: A device for controlling and monitoring an installation that is composed of sequentially disposed sub-sections in a chain so that each sub-section lies between a forward sub-section and a rearward sub-section, with the exception of the terminal sub-sections of the installation. Each sub-section is connected to a first control unit and a second control unit and the control units of the sub-sections communicate at least partially with one another, with the sub-sections, and/or with a higher-level control center. Increased safety requirements are satisfied with the novel device, while at the same time being cost-effective, in that the first control unit is also connected to the forward sub-section and the second control unit is also connected to the rearward sub-section.

Abstract: Reversibly activating or deactivating a radio frequency identification (RFID) data tag comprising a circuit responsive to an environmental factor. An RFID tag includes an RFID chip for storing an RFID code, an antenna for communicating a radio frequency (RF) signal, and an environmentally sensitive switch.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a tension indicator for indicating when a strap (2) has reached a predetermined tension level, comprising an audible signal producing member (7) having an abutment surface for engagement with said strap, said audible signal producing member altering its physical configuration in reaction to tension in said strap reaching a predetermined value, wherein the change in physical configuration creates an audible signal.

Abstract: A safety device for a storage rack can include a length of webbing configured to span across a rear side of the storage rack. A sensor device can be coupled to one end of the webbing and a signaling device can be configured to communicate with the sensor device. The signaling device can include a selectively actuatable alert indicator. The sensor device can be operable to sense an increase in tension in the webbing when an item is placed in a position on the storage rack so as to engage the webbing. The sensor device can generate a signal indicative of the increase in tension and communicate the signal to the signaling device. The signaling device can be operable to actuate the at least one alert indicator responsive to the communicated signal so as to provide an indication of a position of the item relative to the storage rack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a force measuring rigid load binder in the field of goods holding. The force measuring rigid load binder of the invention address the problems of conventional force measuring rigid load binders, such as potential damages to goods, adverse affection on goods transportation, increased difficulty in manual control, time and labor consumption and inconsistent tensioning forces of the binding belt. The force measuring rigid load binder of the invention includes a tensioning mechanism having a handle. Each of both ends of the tensioning mechanism is connected with a hook respectively. The tensioning mechanism is made of a rigid material. The distance between two hooks could be adjusted by the tensioning mechanism when the handle is pulled. A sensor is provided at a forced part of the tensioning mechanism, which could generate a signal corresponding to the size of the tensioning force when the load binder is in operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a force measuring ratchet tie down in the field of goods holding. The force measuring ratchet tie down of the invention addresses the technical problems such has insufficiently tight binding, severe difficulty in control and trouble in adjustment. The force measuring ratchet tie down includes a body assembly, a handle, a teeth stop board, a catch and a scroll. The handle is connected with the body assembly through the scroll. A binding belt having a fixable outer end is connected to the body assembly. Another binding belt having a fixable outer end is rolled on the scroll. A ratchet is fixed on the scroll. The body assembly is movably connected with a teeth stop board the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet. The handle is movably connected with a catch the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet.

Abstract: A method for detecting faults in sheet material, particularly folds in steel sheet which is being rolled to final specifications, consists in coupling a sensor which is sensitive to vibration in the rolling apparatus and monitoring an oscillating electric signal generated from the sensor to detect spikes which correspond to faults in the sheet material. A system for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding articles, such as keys, which is attachable to a person's clothing, handbag or a purse, and wherein a physical or electronic tether is used to allow the user to use the articles stored thereupon without removing them from the holder or from their clothing, handbag, purse, briefcase or other hand carried item. The tension on the tether is manageable by the use of a tension management system, so that the tension of the tether will not damage the article or the mechanism that the article is used with and the article is tracked by use of the tether so that the user does not lose the article. Infrared, radio frequency, and transponder and polling versions of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automobile seat for children. The seat includes a safety harness and a system of tightening the safety harness.

Abstract: The system comprises a multiplicity of control and signaling devices (3), at least one for each line segment, each provided with a circuit able to detect the presence, in the segment of contact line (1), of the traction voltage and to signal its presence or absence locally.

Abstract: The Tie-Line-Attendant (“TLA”) identifies a distressed animal and alarms its owner for immediate assistance. The TLA Transmitter is connected between the tie line and the tether line. The owner sets the maximum time duration (“MTD”) allowed for an animal to exert pressure on the tether line. When an animal exerts pressure on the tether line, the tether line and tie line will pull the TLA eyelets closing the normally open contacts. A timer will count the duration of the pressure. If the pressure is released before MTD is reached, the timer will reset itself automatically. Otherwise, the transmitter will sound an alarm and send a signal to the owner's receiver. The receiver will then alarm the owner that his animal needs immediate assistance. The transmitter and the receiver contain: control switches, LED indicators, and an audible alarm.

Abstract: A tension indicator for alerting a user when a predetermined tension has been applied to a flexible elongate element is provided. The tension indicator includes a housing having at least one opening for receiving the elongate element, a tension responsive element positioned in the housing in cooperative engagement with the elongate element and including an actuator mounted in the housing and engaging the elongate element, the tension responsive element being movable in response to an increase in tension on the elongate element from a normally inoperative position into an operative alert position, and an alert element cooperating with the tension responsive element for providing an alert when the tension responsive element is in the operative alert position.

Abstract: A door alarm system is provided which activates an alarm when a door (such as the door to the patient's room, a bathroom door within the patient room, etc.) is closed with something (such as a sheet, cord or the like) over the top of door.

Abstract: A door alarm system is provided which activates an alarm when a door (such as the door to the patient's room, a bathroom door within the patient room, etc.) is closed with something (such as a sheet, cord or the like) over the top of door.