Presence detector mat
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.
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.
2 . The presence detector mat of claim 1 , said sensing mechanism further comprising a transmitter in electrical communication with said controller, whereby variation in the capacitance of said variable parallel-plate capacitor causes said controller to provide a signal to said transmitter, said transmitter being configured to transmit a signal responsive to the signal provided by said controller.
3 . The presence detector mat of claim 1 further comprising a dielectric surface disposed between said first and second conductive surfaces.
4 . The presence detector mat of claim 1 , wherein said first conductive surface is carried by said planar insulator, said planar insulator serving to insulate said first conductive surface from electrical conductivity with the surrounding environment.
5 . The presence detector mat of claim 1 , said elastomeric spacing system comprising a plurality of spring members disposed between said first and second conductive surfaces.
6 . The presence detector mat of claim 1 , said elastomeric spacing system comprising a layer of elastomeric foam disposed between said first and second conductive surfaces.
7 . The presence detector mat of claim 1 , said first and second conductive surfaces being arranged in a substantially parallel and overlapping configuration.
8 . The presence detector mat of claim 1 further comprising a dielectric surface disposed between said first and second conductive surfaces, wherein said first conductive surface is carried by said planar insulator, said planar insulator serving to insulate said first conductive surface from electrical conductivity with the surrounding environment.
9 . The presence detector of claim 1 further comprising:
a dielectric surface disposed between said first and second conductive surfaces;
said elastomeric spacing system comprising a plurality of spring members disposed between said first and second conductive surfaces;
wherein said first conductive surface is carried by said planar insulator, said planar insulator serving to insulate said first conductive surface from electrical conductivity with the surrounding environment.
10 . The presence detector of claim 1 further comprising:
a dielectric surface disposed between said first and second conductive surfaces;
said elastomeric spacing system comprising a layer of elastomeric foam disposed between said first and second conductive surfaces;
wherein said first conductive surface is carried by said planar insulator, said planar insulator serving to insulate said first conductive surface from electrical conductivity with the surrounding environment.
11 . The presence detector of claim 1 further comprising:
a dielectric surface disposed between said first and second conductive surfaces;
said elastomeric spacing system comprising a layer of elastomeric foam disposed between said first and second conductive surfaces;
wherein said first conductive surface is carried by said planar insulator, said planar insulator serving to insulate said first conductive surface from electrical conductivity with the surrounding environment, and wherein said first and second conductive surfaces are arranged in a substantially parallel and overlapping configuration.