Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node.

Abstract: A seating structure has an articulated seat and back. A rear portion of the seat is automatically pivotable relative to a forward portion of the seat as the seat is tilted between upright and reclined tilt positions. An upper portion of the back is pivotable relative to the lower portion between a neutral position and an extended position, with the upper portion being pivotable relative to the lower portion independent of the tilt position of the back. In one aspect, an adjustment mechanism is coupled between lower and upper back support members and pivots the upper support member between at least first and second support positions. A seat with an adjustable seat depth is also provided, along with various methods for operating the different aspects and embodiments of the seating structure.

Abstract: A crutch having a first side direction, a second side direction opposite the first side direction, a third side direction perpendicular to the first side direction and a fourth side direction opposite the third side direction, the crutch including an elongate leg having a top end, a top portion, a middle portion, a bottom portion, and a bottom end, wherein the elongate leg extends from a saddle to a foot and has a handle disposed on the middle portion, wherein the saddle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the handle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the third side direction of an axis extending between the leg and the foot, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the first side direction of an axis extending between the top end of the elongate leg and the bottom end of the elongate leg; and wherein the handle is cantilevered and has a

Abstract: A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.

Abstract: Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support.

Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.

Abstract: A polygonal shaped container is provided which includes a wrapper surrounding a food product. The shape of the container is defined by either a frame containing a food product or rigid material incorporated with the wrapper. Access to contents in the container is provided by withdrawing a resealable sealing layer sealed to the top or side surface of the container and withdrawing the sealing layer from the container or by pivoting a rigid lid away from the top of the container.

Abstract: A method and system for relief of heat exhaustion symptoms through evaporative and conductive cooling is provided, and, more particularly, involves a rapidly deployable mobile fogging system suitably designed for relief of heat exhaustion symptoms, including a mobile platform for transporting the rapidly deployable mobile fogging system to locations where relief of heat exhaustion symptoms is needed, one or more fogging nozzles disposed on the mobile platform and oriented for dispensing a cooling pocket area of fog adjacent to the mobile platform, a coolant delivery system fluidly connected to the one or more fogging nozzles, and one or more controls for regulating the dispensing of the cooling pocket area of fog. In one embodiment, the rapidly deployable mobile fogging system comprises an emergency response vehicle. In one embodiment, the emergency response vehicle comprises a fire truck.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for predicting responsiveness of a subject to therapy with a CTLA-4 blocking agent. The methods involve assaying for at least one CTLA-4 polymorphism in the subject and predicting responsiveness of the subject to therapy with a CTLA-4 blocking agent based on presence or absence of a CTLA-4 polymorphic allele in the subject. The methods can further comprise selecting a treatment regimen with a CTLA-4 blocking agent in a subject based upon presence or absence of a CTLA-4 polymorphic allele in the subject. The methods can further comprise administering a CTLA-4 blocking agent to the subject according to the selected treatment regimen. Kits comprising a CTLA-4 blocking agent and means for assaying one or more CTLA-4 polymorphisms, optionally including a vaccine, are also provided.

Abstract: A phone synchronization device and method of synchronizing electronic address book data between multiple phone devices is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the phone synchronization device includes a housing having a support base, a first phone device reception slot, and a second phone device reception slot. The first phone device reception slot includes a first data synchronization port configured to receive and transmit data with respect to a first phone device when the first phone device is disposed within the first phone device reception slot and is in electrical contact with the first data synchronization port. The second phone device reception slot includes a second data synchronization port configured to receive and transmit data with respect to a second phone device when the second phone device is disposed within the second phone device reception slot and is in electrical contact with the second data synchronization port.

Abstract: A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area is provided. The system includes a rigid spine extending upward from a base surface. At least one worksurface is connected to the spine and extends outward therefrom. A support structure for the worksurface is connected to the spine and the worksurface. The support structure is capable of being adjusted in size to support worksurfaces of different sizes.

Abstract: Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support.

Abstract: A workspace habitat and community of workspace habitat habitats, wherein each workspace habitat includes a first wall having a generally semi-circular horizontal cross section. Each habitat further includes at least one door having a horizontal cross section in the shape of at least one sixth of a circle, but not more than three quarters of a circle. Each door is moveable between an open and closed position. When each door is in the closed position, each workspace habitat is fully enclosed.

Abstract: A workstation comprising a beam having a length and comprising longitudinally extending first and second channels. The first channel is spaced apart from the second channel in a substantially parallel relationship therewith. A first component has an insert portion disposed in the first channel, and the second component has an insert portion disposed in the second channel. In one preferred embodiment, a second beam is spaced apart from the first beam in a substantially parallel relationship therewith. The second beam has a length and comprises longitudinally extending first and second channels, wherein the first channel of the second beam is spaced apart from the second channel of the second beam in a substantially parallel relationship therewith.

Abstract: An inflatable lumbar support system that includes a plurality of thermoplastic layers sealed together to form at least two laterally spaced bladders. A resiliently flexible face panel is disposed between the back of the user and the inflatable chambers. The panel is composed of form stable outer portions overlying the laterally spaced bladders and a medial portion therebetween of substantially greater yieldability than the outer portions of the panel. The inflatable lumbar support system is incorporated within a chair having a one-piece shell with a backrest that is cantilevered from the top of the backrest. The lumbar support system is carried by a mounting plate that includes a pair of mounting hooks that attach to and can slide vertically along the side edge of the cantilevered portion of the backrest. The lumbar support system can be slid vertically along the cantilevered backrest and can be inflated and deflated by a person setting in the chair.

Abstract: An inflatable lumbar support system that includes a plurality of thermoplastic layers sealed together to form at least two laterally spaced bladders. A resiliently flexible face panel is disposed between the back of the user and the inflatable chambers. The panel is composed of form stable outer portions overlying the laterally spaced bladders and a medial portion therebetween of substantially greater yieldability than the outer portions of the panel. The inflatable lumbar support system is incorporated within a chair having a one-piece shell with a backrest that is cantilevered from the top of the backrest. The lumbar support system is carried by a mounting plate that includes a pair of mounting hooks that attach to and can slide vertically along the side edge of the cantilevered portion of the backrest. The lumbar support system can be slid vertically along the cantilevered backrest and can be inflated and deflated by a person setting in the chair.

Abstract: An adjustable arm rest assembly for use on a chair including an arm rest post and an arm rest support surface. According to one aspect of the invention, the support surface is pivotably attached to a top surface of the arm rest post. The support surface includes a front portion and a rear portion and is pivotable about a pivot axis that extends in parallel with the seat back of the chair. A locking element is attached to one of the arm rest post and the support surface. The locking element includes a front portion and a rear portion with the front portion including a first mating element. The front portions of the support surface and locking element are farther from the seat back than the rear portions. A guide member is attached to the other of the arm rest post and the support surface. The guide member is located adjacent the front portion of the locking element and is adapted to receive the first mating element into one of a plurality of second mating elements.