Presence detector mat
First Claim
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1. A presence detector mat for detecting and monitoring the presence of an animal within a defined area, said presence detector mat comprising:
- a variable parallel-plate capacitor comprising first and second conductive planar members;
an elastomeric spacing system disposed between said first and said second conductive planar members;
a planar insulator coupled to said first conductive member;
an electrical power source in electrical communication with said first and second conductive surfaces, said electrical power source configured to provide an electrical charge differential to said first and second conductive surfaces; and
, a sensing mechanism comprising a controller responsive to variation in the capacitance of said variable parallel-plate capacitor;
whereby detection by said controller provides an indication of the presence of an animal within the confines of the detector mat.
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Abstract
A presence detector mat for monitoring the presence of an animal within a defined area. The presence detector mat includes a variable parallel-plate capacitor separated by an elastic spacer, and a sensing mechanism. An electrical power source is provided to establish an electrical charge differential to the variable parallel-plate capacitor. The sensing mechanism is capable of detecting changes in the capacitance of the variable parallel-plate capacitor and transmitting a signal based upon such change in capacitance.
17 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A presence detector mat for detecting and monitoring the presence of an animal within a defined area, said presence detector mat comprising:
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a variable parallel-plate capacitor comprising first and second conductive planar members;
an elastomeric spacing system disposed between said first and said second conductive planar members;
a planar insulator coupled to said first conductive member;
an electrical power source in electrical communication with said first and second conductive surfaces, said electrical power source configured to provide an electrical charge differential to said first and second conductive surfaces; and
,a sensing mechanism comprising a controller responsive to variation in the capacitance of said variable parallel-plate capacitor;
whereby detection by said controller provides an indication of the presence of an animal within the confines of the detector mat. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification