Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the angle of flexure between an elongated body limb and the portion of the body to which the limb is affected. The apparatus can be used to monitor flexure between a thigh and lower portion of a human leg. The apparatus is useful during the performance of rehabilitative knee-bends includes means for coupling the apparatus to the thigh, and two gravity actuated switches for monitoring the angle between a long axis of the thigh and vertical axis. The apparatus indicates when the extreme points of the knee-bend have been crossed.

Abstract: A safety cane incorporates an ambient light sensitive illumination device for conserving battery power. A tipping detector is also incorporated which sounds an audible alarm after a first time delay. If the cane is not retrieved by the end of the second time delay, the cane broadcasts an initiating instruction to a telephone dialing device.

Abstract: An earthquake sensor includes a base support, a first element pivotably supported onto the base support at a first pivot location, a second element pivotably supported onto the first element at a second pivot location and sensor apparatus operative to sense earthquake actuated vibration of the second element and to provide an output indication thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle tilt alarm system including a tilt angle responsive switch having a pendulum that can swing to make contact with conductive bolts provided on either side of the pendulum's pivot point. The amount of the protrusion of the bolts into the pendulum housing can be adjusted, thereby allowing the user to set the angle of vehicle tilt at which the switch will activate the alarm system. The switch is incorporated in an circuit including an alarm device such as a buzzer or flashing light. The alarm system is mounted on a vehicle whereby the tilting of the vehicle past a predetermined angle will activate the alarm system, thus informing the vehicle operator that the vehicle is dangerously close to rolling over.

Abstract: An independent alarm system which is carried by a housing member designed to be located adjacent to or within building openings, and at various other site locations, or adjacent to specific to-be-protected objects. The housing member is free standing, for example, swingably suspended from a window frame, ceiling or a separate frame. The housing member has an agitation sensor and a proximity or tilt sensor incorporated therein and electrically wired to a first signal. When the housing member is agitated while in its original position, or when it is moved from its original position to a second position, the agitation sensor and/or the proximity/tilt sensor is activated, which in turn causes the first signal to be actuated. The agitation and proximity/tilt sensors are both battery powered. By being pulsed, the alarm circuit may be always "on", yet be fully operational for a period of thirty six months, and greater using a single set of batteries.

Abstract: A safety alarm for a weapon such as a hand gun is provided that is mounted in the hand grip of the weapon to warn of possible impending use by either an authorized or an unauthorized person. The safety alarm is mounted within the hand grip and has an alarm connected electronically to a battery in a normally open circuit that is closed only when a switch within the circuit is activated. In one embodiment the switch is in the form of a plunger that extends outside of the grip and is engaged by the hand to be depressed to connect two electronic contacts to complete the circuit and sound the alarm. In another embodiment the switch is in the form of a motion detector such as a mercury switch so that when the weapon is moved from one position in which the circuit is normally opened, the circuit is closed to connect the alarm to the battery and sound the alarm.

Abstract: A device (10) for signaling the felling of a tree (50) includes a transmitter, an inclination switch (14) which is positioned or mounted within the trunk (52) of the tree (50), the inclination switch (14) being responsive to detect inclination such that the inclination switch (14) is off when the trunk (52) is in an upright position and the switch (14) is on when the trunk (52) has been felled and a fire alarm switch (15) which is responsive to detect a threshold temperature such that the fire alarm switch (15) is off when the environment's temperature is lower than the threshold and the fire alarm switch (15) is on when the threshold temperature is exceeded. The transmitter is connected to the inclination switch (14) and the fire alarm switch (15) and is energized to transmit a signal to a remote location when either or both of the switches is on. The device (10) may be part of a system which includes a plurality of like devices (10) each of which are installed into different trees (50).

Abstract: An electronic level includes two loudspeakers, one located at each end of the level housing (beam) and controlled in a stereo-like manner. Thus the volume balance between the two loudspeakers is controlled by the angular inclination of the level. The user hears the volume difference between the two loudspeakers and thus has an auditory cue in which direction to rotate the level to achieve exact level or plumb. The loudspeakers are located at the extreme ends of the level housing to achieve maximum stereo separation. The separation reinforces the user's natural binaural hearing capability in order to distinguish which loudspeaker is turned on or off. The loudspeakers are turned on or off so that at level or plumb both loudspeakers are on. For an out of level conditions one loudspeaker is on and the other is off; the end of the level which is high when out of level has its loudspeaker on, and the other loudspeaker is off.

Abstract: A container for transporting, storing, and handling sensitive items has a housing within which at least one sensitive item is stowable, and a monitoring system for monitoring a plurality of separate parameters to which the sensitive item(s) are sensitive. The monitoring system records and provides data regarding the parameters to which the sensitive item(s) are sensitive. The monitoring systems preferably utilizes such sensors as a vibration sensor, a shock sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, an unauthorized opening sensor, and/or an attitude sensor.

Abstract: An ambulation aid warning device for warning the uses when an ambulation aid is about to be used improperly. The device includes one or more gravity sensitive switches to activate an auditory, visual and/or sensory alarm when the ambulation aid is tilted beyond a specified angle.

Abstract: Transducer apparatus (10) responsive to external perturbations is disclosed having an electrically responsive transducer circuit (12) energized when a display member (18) and an elongate member (20) move from a gravity determined quiescent orientation (30A) therebetween to an external perturbation driven activate orientation (30B) therebetween. In various embodiments, the members are respectively responsive to air movement and acceleration. In one embodiment, the elongate member carries a first electrical contact (21) to abut a second electrical contact (22) carried by the display member.

Abstract: A device for detecting tampering of a utility meter includes sensors to detect a positional displacement of the meter and loss of power to the meter. On sensing a positional displacement of the meter, indicative of an attempt to remove the meter, a timer is activated to enable sensing a power loss to the meter. In response to detection of a power loss during the time period defined by the timer, an indication is stored in a nonvolatile memory of the tamper event. In response to loss of power with or without a detection of tampering, required parameters including utility consumption data are stored in nonvolatile memory. Remote access to and data retrieval from the nonvolatile memory and system are provided over telephone lines, power lines, or a radio frequency circuit.

Abstract: Transducer apparatus (10) responsive to external perturbations is disclosed having an electrically responsive transducer circuit (12) energized when a display member (18) and an elongate member (20) move from a gravity determined quiescent orientation (30A) therebetween to an external perturbation driven activate orientation (30B therebetween. In various embodiments, the members are respectively responsive to air movement and acceleration. In one embodiment, the elongate member carries a first electrical contact (21) to abut a second electrical contact (22) carried by the display member.

Abstract: The realty sign lighting and display assembly is in the form of a real estate standard having a vertical post and a horizontal cross-arm from which depends a display panel. The cross-arm is specially constructed to incorporate within it anti-theft and display components and components for powering the anti-theft display components. Thus, the cross-arm includes a solar panel, preferably at the top of the cross-arm, and a rechargeable battery connected to the solar panel. The battery powers one or more spot lights located in the bottom of the cross-arm and directed at the display panel below the cross-arm. The solar panel includes electrical heating elements which keep the solar panel free of snow. A thermal sensor may be disposed in the top of the cross-arm and be connected to a switch operating the solar panel. An alarm connected to the battery prevents theft of the cross-arm. Preferably, the alarm includes a pendulum switch activatable by moving the cross-arm.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher is provided with a voice synthesizer attached thereto that is activated by a position sensitive switch such that upon the fire extinguisher being tilted the voice synthesizer broadcasts instructions on use of the fire extinguisher. The voice synthesizer may be activated in response to other situation sensitive sensors to produce messages appropriate to the situation sensed.

Abstract: An aftermarket mechanical shock detector for mounting to protected property containing an existing alarm system. The shock detector incorporates a piezoelectric transducer detecting mechanical vibration and generating an electrical vibration signal, and circuitry for comparing the vibration signal to thresholds. The shock detector includes two separately adjustable thresholds. If the vibration signal exceeds either threshold, the shock detector creates an electrical connection between two terminals, thereby triggering a previously-installed alarm circuit to create an alarm.

Abstract: An anti-theft alarm (10) for protecting movable articles has a motion sensing means (A) that generates an actuating signal when movement of a protected article is sensed, and a transducer (D) which receives the actuating signal and emits an audible or visible alert. The alarm (10) is housed within a container (12) having adhesive (20) disposed on a portion of its exterior surface (14). The alarm (10) is attached to the protected article by pressing the adhesive (20) against the article. The alarm (10) is armed and disarmed through a disarming circuit (C) containing manually setable code generators (CG1) and (CG2) and associated logic circuitry.

Abstract: An electronic bubble level display is provided for determining surface normality when coupled with three sensors (18, 20, 22) sensing distance to the surface. The signals from the sensors are provided to an electronic processor (34) for computing the surface angularity and translating the angularity to specific positions on an LED dot matrix display chip (38).

Abstract: An athletic training system includes a position processor which can be mounted on the head of an athlete by means of, for example, a head band. The position processor includes a sensor in the form of two tilt sensors mounted at right angles to each other. The direction of tilt is sampled by a microprocessor as output voltages from the sensors for further processing. Software of the microprocessor processes the sensed directions by filtering and hysterisis algorithms in order to eliminate rapid changes of state of the switches of the sensor due to sporadic movement caused by the motion of the athlete. The positional information is conveyed to the athlete as a pattern of lights and tones. Proper and improper head positions are indicated for a plurality of directions of tilt. The training system is user controllable by means of rotary switches to adjust, among other things, the level of sensitivity of the system. The system can also self-center by adjusting all sampled directions by a sampled reference value.

Abstract: A garage door position indicating system includes a tilt switch attached to a garage door, an RF transmitter coupled to the tilt switch, an RF receiver, and an indicator controlled by the RF receiver. The tilt switch supplies an enable signal to the RF transmitter at selected first tilt positions and blocks the enable signal at selected second tilt positions. The RF transmitter generates an RF signal in response to the enable signal. The RF receiver is responsive to the RF signal and controls an indicator to indicate the position of the garage door.

Abstract: A torso attitude sensor for attachment to a human A torso at the waist. It senses when a human torso bends past a predetermined lumbosacral angle and sounds an alarm. The sensor may be worn on the left or right side of the waist because it includes two attitude responsive switches which are inclined in directions opposite to each other. The device further includes a counter for determining the number of times the electrical circuit is connected thereby providing the person, or his or her manager, with an indication of the number of times improper bending occurs. A timer is included with which actuation of an attitude responsive switch must persist for a minimum time interval before an alarm signal or excessive bending signal is generated.

Abstract: An electronic level includes a visual display (similar to a ruler scale) having a number of parallel line segments. The inclination of the device is shown by illuminating various of the scale line segments on either side of the central line. When the device is at a null (typically level or plumb) only the central scale line is illuminated, indicating the inclination away from the null. Each scale line segment indicates 1/64th of an inch of inclination per foot of horizontal distance which conforms to the normal use of such levels by building tradesmen. A multi-tone audio output corresponds to the visual display line segments, with one tone being provided for each increment of inclination arranged in order of the musical scale. A fixed offset mode is provided showing if the device is at a particular slope such as 1/8" per foot. In addition, a variable user offset mode allows indication of any predetermined inclination within the full 360.degree. range.

Abstract: A seismic circuit controller includes a ring-shaped first conductor; a second conductor defining a concave conductive surface; a base for supporting the first conductor horizontally oriented above the second conductor, the second conductor being concave upwardly, the conductors being connected in a circuit having first and second circuit nodes. A conductive ball that rollably contacts the second conductor makes electrical contact between the first and second conductors in response to lateral movement of the conductors, an SCR latch circuit of the controller maintaining a low-impedance current flow between the first and second circuit nodes in response to the electrical contact between the first and second conductors when the controller is connected in series with a battery and a load. A control switch that is also connected in series with the load arms the controller when ON and resets the latch circuit when OFF.

Abstract: A position processor can be mounted on the head of an athlete by means of, for example, a head band. The position processor includes a sensor in the form of a twelve position mercury switch for sensing the direction and angle of tilt of the head. The ON/OFF states of the switches of the sensor are sampled by a multiplexer under the control of a microprocesor. The multiplexer presents the ON/OFF states to the microprocessor for further procesing. Software of the microprocessor processes the sensed ON/OFF states through filtering and hysterisis algorithms and conveys the processed states as positional information to the athlete as a pattern of lights and tones. Proper and improper head positions are indicated for a plurality of directions of tilt. The system uses software filtering to provide hysterisis in order to eliminate rapid changes of state of the switches of the sensor due to sporadic movement caused by the motion of the athelete.

Abstract: An automobile theft sensor has a piezo-electric element adhered at one side to a base member and which generates a voltage in response to vibration of the automobile body, a weight adhered to the opposite side of the piezo-electric element, a silicon rubber coating covering at least a portion of the surface of the piezo-electric element and weight, a low pass filter for receiving the output voltage of the piezo-electric element and for providing an ultra low frequency signal within the range of 1-5 Hz produced by the above mentioned piezo-electric element; and a band pass filter for receiving the output voltage of the piezo-electric element and for providing a low frequency bandpass signal centered on the 30-50 Hz produced by the above mentioned piezo-electric element in response to vibration of the above mentioned automobile body. When either of the filter outputs exceeds a predetermined level it is judged that theft or tampering is occurring.

Abstract: A container has a container cavity bounded by top, bottom, and side walls, as well as a rear wall, with an entrance cavity at forward ends of the side walls, with the side walls having recesses arranged for ease of displacement and removal of a pizza container positioned within the delivery container. Rollers are mounted in a parallel relationship coextensively relative to the top wall for ease of insertion and removal of a pizza container relative to the delivery container. An audio alarm is mounted to the container actuated in response to inclination of the container in use.

Abstract: A device for the angularity of a hole has a housing, a pivotally movable probe, and a digital display for displaying angular deviation of the probe from a home position. The device can additionally or alternatively have a signaling device to signal angular deviation of the probe past a predetermined angular deviation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved inclination sensor and an improved inclinometer. A pair of plates in combination with a metallic housing provides accurate inclination information over ranges of 0.degree..+-.60.degree. and 180.degree..+-.60.degree.. A second pair of plates rotated 90.degree. in the plane of the first pair of plates, provides accurate inclination information over ranges of 90.degree..+-.60.degree. to 270.degree..+-.60.degree.. Coverage is thereby provided over 360.degree.. The inclination sensor is combined with a microprocessor which is programmed to weight the contribution of the plates so as to provide a smooth transition for angles in the region of coverage overlap. A EEPROM memory stores and provides calibration input information to correct the inclination sensor output to accurate output angles.

Abstract: A process for operating a coating device provides for capturing variations of the angle of the coating edge of a doctor element, for instance in relation to the horizontal, directly by a signal generator attached to the doctor element in the vicinity of its coating edge. This signal generator may work on electromagnetic basis so that the signal will be transmitted to a receiver without any line. Preferably a tilt switch is provided which determines slight variations of a set angle of the coating edge relative to, for example, the horizontal by means of displacement of a mercury pearl and two electrodes which will be short-circuited by the mercury pearl. Other embodiments can include a laser or LED as a signal source and a CCD camera as a receiver, or an ultrasound source can be used as a signal generator.

Abstract: A sensor device to detect and signal the exercise or movement of a subject's craniofacial and cervical muscles that includes a trigger attached to the subject, sensitive to movement in at least one direction and communicating with a signal emitter in order to emit an appropriate signal upon the sensing of movement that indicates the performance of the exercise.

Abstract: An inductive motion sensor (MS) connectable to a subject (16), the motion sensor having a coil (4) and a magnet member (3) movable relative to the coil (4). The magnet member (3) has at least four magnetic poles, whereby the number of south poles (S) is equal to the number of north poles (N). The pole strength of the magnetic poles is dimensioned and the magnetic poles are located on the magnet member (3) such that the magnet member (3) is situated in a neutral equilibrium position in a uniform magnetic field with respect to the forces exerted on the magnetic poles by the magnetic field.

Abstract: An electronic posture position sensor device for alerting the user whenever an incorrect posture is assumed. The posture position sensor includes an electrical circuit that includes, a power means, a switch assembly, an electronic timer capable of being set at predetermined cycles, and an alerting means. The switch assembly comprises a first conducting pendulum and two sensor terminals attached, respectively, to second and third selectively positionable conducting pendulums. The second and third pendulums have a clamping means which allow the user to manually position the second and third pendulums for different sitting positions. When an incorrect posture is assumed, the switch assembly is opened which allows current to flow from the power means through the circuit to the timer. When the predetermined timer cycle elapses, the current causes the alert means to alert the user when sitting in an incorrect sitting position.

Abstract: A portable anti-theft device has a gravity operated switch, settable manually or by action of gravity to an open position. This switch is connected in series with a key switch and an alarm, to provide an alarm when the gravity operated switch is moved. The gravity operated switch may be a mercury switch. The gravity operated switch may be pendularly mounted, and be restrained from movement by operation of the key switch.

Abstract: An automobile theft alarm apparatus for detecting the variation of the inclination angle of the automobile includes: a sensor of a bridge configuration mounted in the automobile for sensing the angle of inclination of the automobile; a differential amplifier for amplifying the output of the sensor; an offset compensating circuit which produces a reference voltage for the differential amplifier by comparing the output of the differential amplifier with a constant value and by then integrating the differential output; an alarm device for issuing an alarm when the output of the differential amplifier exceeds a predetermined value; and a switching device for increasing a time constant for making the total integration time constant for the offset compensating circuit larger than the time constant of the integrating elements thereof by intermittently supplying the output of the differential amplifier to the offset compensating circuit.

Abstract: A motion sensor includes an array of interdigitated zig zag shaped conductors, a metal sphere for bridging adjacent conductors and a housing formed of an electrically insulative material in a one-piece molded assembly defining a chamber in which the sphere rolls upon the indigitated conductors. The chamber contains a cylindrical wall and an annular wall, the latter of which is of the geometery of a right conic section coaxial with the cylindrical wall. Movement of the ball bridges and unbridges adjacent conductors to cause electrical current surges. Electronic detector provides audible signal upon detection of such current surges. The cylindrical wall serves to rigidize the housing and the tapered inner wall renders the sensor more tolerant of positioning on an installed object.

Abstract: An attitude sensor device for sensing deviations from a reference orientation which includes a sensor cup having a capacitor and a damped dielectric fluid with a bubble disposed between the electrodes of the capacitor. When the sensor cup is tilted, the bubble is displaced within the damped dielectric fluid and a capacitance change results. A controller circuit detects this capacitance change and outputs a warning signal to an LED and/or a speaker. In an alternate embodiment, the attitude sensor device is mounted to the inner housing of a gyroscope, which is insensitive to movement in two dimensions, thereby allowing the sensing of deviations of rotational movement.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact security alarm circuitry and apparatus for a portable container comprising a power unit, an alarm unit, a switch unit and a sensor unit all connected in series, whereby the sensor unit can detect an alert event and switch on to activate the alarm unit. It may further comprise a latch unit for keeping the alarm unit activated once the alert event has occurred even if the sensor unit later switches off. It may be built into the portable container, or further comprises housing means for housing the compact security alarm circuitry and apparatus and attaching means for attaching the housing means onto the portable container.

Abstract: The invention is a monitoring device used to monitor bending of the back and spinal column that counts and displays the number of bends of the back beyond a predetermined angle during a specified time of operation, and also provides the option to emit an audible tone each time the predetermined angle is exceeded.

Abstract: A posture adjusting mechanism according to the present invention is used for a cargo handling device for a cargo truck in which an arm member is mounted in such a manner that it can swivel about a vertical shaft provided on an upper end portion of a pole member, such as a pole, mounted on a bed of the cargo truck upright and above a cab of the truck and in which a cargo supporting member, such as a hook, hangs from the distal end of the arm member in such a manner that it can be raised or lowered freely. The vertical shaft provided on the upper end portion of the pole member so as to swivel the arm member thereabout is made pivotal relative to a vertical axis.

Abstract: An electronic trailer guide includes sensors and associated logic and display circuitry that serve to present information to the driver of a towing vehicle as to the direction in which he must turn the steering wheel of the towing vehicle to back a trailer into a desired position, as to whether the trailer is tilted to the left or to the right, as to whether, when backing a boat trailer down a boat ramp into a body of water preparatory to launching a boat, the water level has risen to a point beneath the towing vehicle at which there is a risk of damage to the vehicle and, as to whether, when backing a boat trailer down a boat ramp into a body of water, the water has buoyantly lifted the boat off of the trailer so that it may be launched.

Abstract: A device giving warning when an undesired lifting position is assumed by a worker preparing to lift an object has a case having a longitudinal axis. A switch is mounted in the case and has operative and inoperative positions and assumes an operative position when the switch is tilted from the vertical beyond a predetermined angle. An alarm is carried by the case and electronic circuitry is connected to the tilt switch and to the alarm for actuating the alarm when the tilt switch is moved from the vertical beyond the predetermined position.

Abstract: The apparatus described herein is a chain with a warning sign attached to it, that incorporates an audible alarm signal which is activated when a person moves the chain away from an egress that it is blocking, such as a supermarket check-out lane. The apparatus solves the problem of how to block a check-out lane so as to draw attention to any patron who is exiting the store by way of an unattended check-out lane, yet is a device that can be easily discarded from the egress, in the event of an emergency. The unique sign incorporates circuitry within. In the preferred embodiment, the sign is a sandwich with outer layers that have something appropriate printed on them, such as "ALARMED EXIT--For Emergency Use Only", and the inner, hidden portion contains an audible alarm, a battery, an arming switch and position sensitive contacts for detecting when an unauthorized person tampers with the barrier.

Abstract: A capacitive type, multi-electrode inclination sensor device utilizes a conductive fluid acting as a common capacitive electrode contained within a cylindrical cavity. Two or more coplanar sensor electrodes are covered by a thin dielectric film and are mounted on an end wall of the cavity. Each insulated electrode forms one plate of a capacitive element with the conductive fluid forming the other plate. The geometry of the sensor electrodes is such that for a given physical position of the device (such as level or plumb), equal conductive fluid coverage of a given pair of sensor electrodes occurs, yielding two identical value capacitances. Any inclination of the device within the plane of the capacitive plates then increases one capacitance's value while decreasing the other, with the differential change in capacitance being proportional to the angle of inclination.

Abstract: A system for dispensing hazardous fluid particular suitable for gasoline service stations utilizing an electrical impact sensing switch mounted upon each dispenser wherein the contacts of the normally open switch close upon impact occurring at the dispenser and the switch controls a primary electrical circuit energizing the pumps providing pressurized fluid to the dispenser whereby impact forces de-energizes the pumps minimizing to actuate alarms and alert personnel of the impact.

Abstract: Apparatus for influencing a person preferentially to sleep on his side and not on his back. A gravity actuated sensor apparatus is attached to a sleeping person for detecting body position and to sound an alarm informing the person when he is resting on his back; thereby enticing the person to sleep on one side or the other and not on his back. Appropriate circuitry connects the sensor apparatus and alarm so that the alarm is actuated in response to the sensor apparatus detecting an undesirable body position. The sensor apparatus is positioned on one's head, or alternatively, is positioned on one's body. The alarm can be sensed by a sleeper to thereby induce the sleeper to move to an alternate position whenever he attempts to rest on his back for more than a few seconds.

Abstract: A fail safe auto theft alarm includes a sound maker coupled to a complex switch includes a plurality of switches in series. One switch can deactivate the alarm. An activation switch is coupled to the shock absorber so that the alarm is activated only by motion up and down of the auto such as occurs during driving. A delay can prevent activation by single impacts. A pulser can generate an alarm unique to stolen autos. The switch is activated during theft by a rod coupled to the rear shock, then up into the trunk to activate the switch. The switch deactivation switch may be hidden on the dash panel of the auto.

Abstract: An improved security storage assembly (9) that is lockable, that can store many different items, and that can warn the owner or user thereof if someone is attempting to break into it is disclosed. The assembly (9) includes a container (10) having walls (11,12), a closed bottom (16) and a cover (19) hingedly connected to the top (T) of a wall. A lock assembly (40) is disposed in the cover (19) for interconnecting the cover (19) to a wall (11). A motion-detecting alarm member (50) having a sensing mechanism for detecting a greater than threshold amount of motion and having a coupled alarm element therein for emitting an alarm signal when said greater than threshold amount of motion has been detected is removably mounted within the container (10). A fastening element (61) is fixedly secured to the motion-detecting alarm member (50) and a plurality of cooperating fastening receiving elements (60) are spaced apart on and fixedly secured to the upper portion of the interior of the walls (11,12 ).

Abstract: A personnel activity sensor and alarm system is provided which incorporates one or more remote personnel safety units each incorporating a multi-axis motion detector and reset timing and logic circuit coupled with a radio transmitter or transceiver. Under the command of the logic circuit, the radio automatically transmits an alarm signal and causes the circuitry to generate a local audio signal in the event of personnel inactivity for a predetermined period of time. This enables personnel assistance to be initiated without delay. A base station is also provided which incorporates a radio transceiver to which is coupled control logic circuitry for commanding transmission of radio integration and control signals to the radio receiver of the remote personnel units for acknowledgment of alert signal reception and for cancellation of the radio alarm signal to clear the radio channel for other activities.

Abstract: A sleep posture monitor and alarm system detects one or more of four possible sleep positions and sounds an alarm when an individual wearing the apparatus assumes one or more of the detected positions. In addition, interface units for providing a monitoring output of the device to a polysomnograph are included as well as circuitry to record the commutative total time spent by the individual when in the selected positions.

Abstract: A motion sensor for use within an implantable medical device provides a digital output signal that can be connected directly to the digital processing and control circuits of a pacemaker or other device. This signal may be used to adjust the basic pacing rate of the pacemaker as a function of the physical motion or activity that is sensed. The motion sensor includes an enclosed housing having conductive element therein that partially fills the space of a cavity within the enclosed housing. The conductive element is free to roll, flow or otherwise move around the inside of the housing in response to external forces. The external forces that cause the conductive element to move include the physical motion of the patient as well as the force of gravity. As the conductive element moves within the enclosed housing, it makes electrical contact with at least two of three electrodes that are selectively spaced around the inside periphery of the housing.