Patent ID: 8460218
Filing Date: 2013-06-11
Classification: A61B,G01G

Abstract:
1. A method of actuating an alarm when the weight of a patient applied on a lower limb of the patient exceeds predetermined weights, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first sensor as a first electrically insulative compressible pad between two first pad electrodes that are spaced across the thickness of the first pad, the first pad being comprised of a material having a first density; (b) selecting said first density to calibrate the first sensor such that, in response to application of a force exceeding a first predetermined force across the first pad thickness, compression of the first pad effects electrical contact between the two first pad electrodes; (c) providing at least a second sensor as a second electrically insulative compressible pad between two second pad electrodes that are spaced across the thickness of the second pad, the second pad being comprised of a material having a second density; (d) selecting said second density different from said first density to calibrate the second sensor such that, in response to application of a force exceeding a second predetermined force across the second pad thickness, compression of the second pad effects electrical contact between the two second pad electrodes, wherein said second predetermined force is different from said first predetermined force; (e) alternatively positioning said first and second sensors beneath the foot of the patient to enable weight of the patient to be applied through the lower limb across the sensor thickness; (f) providing an electrical signal in response to electrical contact between the two first pad electrodes and in response to electrical contact between the two second pad electrodes; and (g) actuating said alarm with said electrical signal.