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Proximity sensor

  • US 20060244466A1
  • Filed: 04/27/2006
  • Published: 11/02/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An immersion sensor for use with a cushion or mattress for measuring the depth of immersion of a person within the cushion or mattress comprising:

  • a sensor comprising a conductive material;

    a ground comprising a second conductive material electrically isolated from the sensor and at least partially surrounding the sensor;

    a circuit comprising a reference capacitor, the circuit adapted to send short bursts of electrical current to the sensor and the reference capacitor, the circuit adapted to measure the length of time the burst of current takes to charge the reference capacitor and the circuit adapted to calculate the proximity of the object based upon the time taken to charge the reference capacitor.

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