Temperature-based sensing device for detecting presence of body part
First Claim
1. A device for detecting a presence of a body part relative to an item, the device comprising:
- a first temperature sensor operable to generate a first electrical signal corresponding to a first temperature of a receiving portion of the item;
a second temperature sensor operable to generate a second electrical signal corresponding to a second temperature of an ambient environment surrounding the item; and
a controller adapted to determine the presence of the body part based upon a comparison of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A temperature-based sensing device (10) for detecting or determining a presence or proximity of a body or body part (12) in or near a garment, device, apparatus, or other item (14), such as, for example, an orthopedic device or exercise apparatus. The device (10) broadly comprises a first temperature sensor (20) for measuring a first or internal temperature of a an interior or receiving portion (16) of the item (14); a second temperature sensor (22) for measuring a second or external temperature of an ambient environment (18) surrounding the item (14); a controller (24) adapted to determine the presence of the body part (12) by comparing the first temperature with the second temperature; and connective circuitry (26) made of flexible material and adapted to electrically connect at least the first temperature sensor (20) with the controller (24).
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A device for detecting a presence of a body part relative to an item, the device comprising:
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a first temperature sensor operable to generate a first electrical signal corresponding to a first temperature of a receiving portion of the item;
a second temperature sensor operable to generate a second electrical signal corresponding to a second temperature of an ambient environment surrounding the item; and
a controller adapted to determine the presence of the body part based upon a comparison of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A sensing device for detecting a presence of a body part relative to an item, the sensing device comprising:
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a first temperature sensor incorporated into the item and operable to generate a first electrical signal corresponding to a first temperature of a receiving portion of the item;
a second temperature sensor operable to generate a second electrical signal corresponding to a second temperature of an ambient environment surrounding the item; and
a controller adapted to determine the presence of the body part based upon both of a rate of change of the first electrical signal relative to the second electrical signal and a degree of difference between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A sensing device for detecting a presence of a body part relative to an item, the sensing device being selected from the group comprising:
- garments, orthopedic devices, and exercise apparatuses, the sensing device comprising;
a first temperature sensor incorporated into the item and operable to generate a first electrical signal corresponding to a first temperature of a receiving portion of the item;
a second temperature sensor operable to generate a second electrical signal corresponding to a second temperature of an ambient environment surrounding the item;
a connective circuitry extending between and electrically connecting the first temperature sensor and the controller, wherein the connective circuitry and the first temperature sensor are each comprised of one or more substantially flexible materials; and
a controller adapted to determine the presence of the body part based upon all three of the rate of change of the first electrical signal relative to the second electrical signal, the degree of difference between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, and the first electrical signal corresponding to the first temperature being within a predetermined temperature range.
- garments, orthopedic devices, and exercise apparatuses, the sensing device comprising;
Specification