Abstract: Exemplary surface debris removal systems and methods are operable to remove debris from a signal transmitting/receiving surface. An embodiment provides power to, and then removes power from, a conductive memory wire that is secured to a moveable portion of a two-position snap spring. In response to providing the power to the conductive memory wire, a length of the conductive memory wire decreases so that the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring is pulled from an extended position to a retracted position. When power is removed from the conductive memory wire, the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In response to the moving of the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring from the retracted position to the extended position, an energy is generated and transferred to the surface that dislodges the debris from the surface.

Abstract: A powered movable chair controllable by a user. The chair includes a frame, a powered apparatus mounted to the frame to power the movable chair, and a controller including a control circuit coupled to the powered apparatus. The control circuit includes at least two switches for selectively controlling a change of the status of the powered apparatus between a locked state and an unlocked state. The control circuit is operable to generate an output signal allowing control of the powered apparatus in the unlocked state and preventing control of the powered apparatus in the locked state. The control circuit is further operable to change from the unlocked state to the locked state when a user operates a first switch of the at least two switches, and to change from the locked state to the unlocked state when a user operates a second switches of the at least two switches for a predefined time period.

Abstract: A powered movable chair controllable by a user. The chair includes a frame, a powered apparatus mounted to the frame to power the movable chair, and a controller including a control circuit coupled to the powered apparatus. The control circuit includes at least two switches for selectively controlling a change of the status of the powered apparatus between a locked state and an unlocked state. The control circuit is operable to generate an output signal allowing control of the powered apparatus in the unlocked state and preventing control of the powered apparatus in the locked state. The control circuit is further operable to change from the unlocked state to the locked state when a user operates only a first switch of the at least two switches, and to change from the locked state to the unlocked state when a user operates two switches of the at least two switches.

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling the actuation of control levers through an actuator unit from a remote location by a moveable operator. The system includes a control position detector for detecting the position of the operator which is directly connected to the operator to reduce the manual effort required for actuation of the control levers and to improve the responsiveness of the system.

Abstract: An adjustable chair including a control system based around a microprocessor and operated by way of switches preferably located on each side of the seat back. The switches are low voltage flat membrane switches by which the operator moves the chair to a desired position. The switches present a low voltage and sterile environment for both the operator and the patient. The switches can also be easily programmed by the operator to act either in a "momentary" fashion to cause movement of the chair only as long as they are depressed or in a "maintaining" fashion whereby a single depression of a switch causes selected movement of the chair until such movement is stopped by, for example, a limit switch. In addition, one of the switches can also easily be programmed by the operator to alternatively act as either a recline switch or an "auto up" switch. The auto up switch causes the chair to assume a raised and reclined position suitable for performing a specific medical procedure.