Signal stabilization in a non-resistive contact sensor assembly

Abstract

A non-resistive contact sensor assembly includes an electric field sensor device, a cover, and a biasing structure. The electric field sensor devices has a dry electrode component for receiving an electrical signal from an object of interest by capacitively coupling with the entity. The signal processing component is surrounded or embedded in the cover. The biasing structure is disposed on the outside of the cover and is adapted to press the dry electrode component against a surface of the object interest when biased by an external structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A non-resistive contact sensor assembly, comprising:
 (a) an electric field sensor device, including a dry electrode component for receiving an electrical signal from an object of interest by capacitively coupling with the entity;   (b) a cover in which the signal processing component is surrounded or embedded; and   (c) a biasing structure, disposed on the outside of the cover, that are adapted to press the dry electrode component against a surface of the object interest when biased by an external structure.   
     
     
         2 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the biasing structure is a spring. 
     
     
         3 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the spring is a mechanical spring with a polymeric, metallic, and/or fiber material construction. 
     
     
         4 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the biasing structure is comprised of compressive material. 
     
     
         5 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the compressive material is selected from a group comprising rubber, felt, elastomeric, polymeric, closed cell foam and analogues. 
     
     
         6 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 1 , arranged in a helmet that comprises the external structure. 
     
     
         7 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 1 , arranged beneath a belt that comprises the external structure. 
     
     
         8 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 1 , arranged beneath jewelry that comprises the external structure. 
     
     
         9 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 1 , arranged beneath an article of clothing that comprises the external structure. 
     
     
         10 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 1 , arranged in a piece of furniture that comprises the external structure. 
     
     
         11 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 1 , arranged in a vehicle seat that comprises the external structure. 
     
     
         12 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 11 , arranged in an automobile seat. 
     
     
         13 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 11 , arranged in an airplane seat. 
     
     
         14 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 11 , arranged in a rail locomotive seat. 
     
     
         15 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 11 , arranged in a wheelchair seat. 
     
     
         16 . The non-resistive contact sensor assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the assembly is in the form of a sensor head.