Patent ID: 8291779
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: A61B,G01D

Abstract:
1. A system for detecting movement, the system comprising: a) at least two contactors configured to be mounted directly or indirectly to parts of a person or object that move relative to each other, such that when in use, the spacing between the contactors can change as a result of the person or object moving; b) an elongate electrical element electrically connected to the contactors such that, when in use, the electrical element conducts an electrical current, said electrical element being slidably connected to at least one of the contactors such that when the contactors are moved apart, the element slides in electrical connection with the one contactor; and c) a guide structure that guides the element along a particular path between the contactors, and wherein the element is substantially un-extendable along its longitudinal axis and resiliently deformable in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis, wherein the resiliently deformable nature of the element minimizes deformation of the element in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis and thereby minimizes the effective length of the element that defines a path of least electrical resistance between the contactors, and wherein relative movement of the contactors can cause the effective length of the element between the contactors to change such that movement can be measured or detected as a change in electrical resistance between the contactors.