Abstract: A berth apparatus and method for promoting relaxation and/or inducing sleep in a recumbent passenger occupying a berth belonging to the berth apparatus. The apparatus is mounted in a vehicle and has a secondary suspension with a vibration detection system and a motion management system. The berth may execute motion in all six degrees of freedom with at least the vertical degree of freedom being monitored for unwanted motion. The motion management system has a motion removing component for removing unwanted motion in at least the vertical degree of freedom, and it also has a motion adding component to add to the berth a desirable motion of low frequency and small amplitude in at least one degree of freedom based on a physiological parameter, e.g., the inhalation cycle of the recumbent passenger. The apparatus and method may further use a vibration transfer element to transfer motion in one degree of freedom, such as horizontal displacement, to another degree of freedom, such as roll.

Abstract: The Wrapping Hammock is the only product of its kind that imitates a mother's womb environment providing a tight wrap around a child for comfort. Also known as “The Next To Me Baby Hammock,” the disclosure is uniquely designed with a breathable, durable, hammock material to guarantee babies have a familiar and safe sleeping experience. The disclosure includes a sheet gathered at a first end attached to a first point and gathered at a second end attached to a second point. The disclosure also includes a high durometer lengthwise wiring looping from the first point to the second point and configured to provide a lengthwise antibunching characteristic. The disclosure additionally includes a suspension cord attached to the first end and to the second end. The disclosure further includes a stand comprising a free standing arm and an anchor attached thereto configured to suspend the hammock system therefrom.

Abstract: A rocker assembly for settling a child, the assembly including a base, an upper platform attached to the base by a mounting assembly, the mounting assembly including at least one linking arm pivotally attached to both the base and the upper platform to space the upper platform from the base and to limit the movement of the upper platform relative to the base, wherein the upper platform is connected to a rotating drive via a connecting arm and the connecting arm is attached circumferentially relative to the rotating drive such that rotation of the rotating drive is translated into an at least partially reciprocating movement of the upper platform.

Abstract: A method for processing a search query according to one embodiment includes receiving a search query containing terms; combining at least some consecutive terms in the search query to create biwords; looking up at least some of the terms and biwords in a search index for identifying sections of documents containing the at least some of the terms and/or biwords; generating a content score for each of the identified sections based at least in part on a number of the terms and biwords found in the sections of each document, wherein the biwords are given a higher priority than matched terms, wherein the priority affects the content score; and selecting and outputting an indicator of at least one of the sections, or portion thereof, based at least in part on the content score.

Abstract: A bed assembly (1) has a stationary frame (2), which sits on a floor and supports the entire bed assembly. A central frame (4) moves in a first horizontal direction relative to the stationary frame, and is moveably supported by the stationary frame. An outer frame (8) moves in a second horizontal direction relative to the second frame, and is moveably supported by the second frame.

Abstract: An infant support structure with a collapsible frame is disclosed. In one embodiment, the infant support structure includes a frame with a coupling or lock mechanism that is configured to maintain the collapsible frame in a deployed or use configuration.

Abstract: A rocking bed includes a driving and support assembly comprising first and second drive sources each including a rotating shaft, a wheel fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft, and a first link having one end contacting the wheel, a plurality of second links each coupled to the other end of the first link, front and rear transverse beams mounted at a height above a bottom of the driving and support assembly, a plurality of braces each secured to either end of each of the transverse beams, and a plurality of third links each coupled to the second link; a bedstead comprising four legs and a plurality of fasteners each having a lower bearing for rotatably supporting the third link passing through; and a plurality of guy members each having an upper member pivotably coupled to the brace and a lower end secured to the leg.

Abstract: An animated-figures-rocked cradle for amusing and rocking an infant. The animated-figures-rocked cradle includes a cradle and a pair of animated figures. The cradle is pivotally mounted to the pair of animated figures and holds the infant. The pair of animated figures amuse the infant and support and rock the cradle.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an infant in a bathtub includes a base, a fabric frame, a frame support, and a fabric cover. The base has a peripheral structure and an inner aperture. The fabric frame defines first and second planes forming a frame angle. The fabric frame is coupled to the base at the frame angle. The frame support is coupled to the base and to the fabric frame. The fabric cover is removably attached to the fabric frame.

Abstract: A foldable cradle assembly includes a cradle made of a flexible material, a foldable frame supporting the cradle, and an attachment device for attaching the cradle to the frame such that the flexible material hangs down freely from an open top of the cradle. Four lines may be attached to four spaced apart corners of the cradle at the first line ends. A first two of the lines at a first cradle end of the cradle may be attached to a first position on the frame and a second two of the lines at a second cradle end of the cradle may be attached to a second position on the frame such that the first and second positions are spaced apart a distance greater than a cradle length of the cradle. Spreading bars for holding the top of the cradle spread open may be disposed between each of the two lines attached to each of the cradle ends. The cradle may have a spread out rectangular shape and the lines may be strings, ropes, or chains.

Abstract: A bed suitable for use by infants or invalids includes a stationary base and a mattress-holding bed frame of box-like rectangular configuration in surrounding relationship about the base. Four tether arms pivotably and pendently attach the bed frame to the base in a manner permitting an axial glider movement of the bed frame.

Abstract: An exercise glider has its motion resisted by a spring mechanism cooperatively associated with a friction damping mechanism. In one embodiment, the damping mechanism may be varied.

Abstract: Sitting or reclining furniture with an upper and a lower part that can move relative to each other. The upper part is suspended so as to be able to oscillate on the lower part and at least two sets of ropes are arranged functionally in series. One set of ropes is suspended by way of bridge pieces and an approximately gallows-like frame. The bridge pieces are, in turn, joined to each other through the frame.

Abstract: A bi-motional cradle has a base with rollers affixed along each of two sides. A motor mounted on the base drives a crank arm which imparts to and fro translational motion to a cradle frame which rests upon the rollers of the base. A mediate frame member which lies within the cradle frame supports a second motor. The second motor has a crank arm rotably attached thereto. A cradle is suspended from the cradle frame by means which allow the cradle to hang freely and oscillate. The second motor's crank arm engages the cradle during a part of that crank arm's rotational motion. As the second motor's crank arm engages the cradle, it imparts a motion to the cradle that causes the cradle to swing, or oscillate. A baby lying in the cradle is soothed by a gentle, steady, two-directional motion.

Abstract: A power rocked cradle with timed control and supplemental music. The cradle is rocked by a motor through a crank and linkage.

Abstract: A free floating bunk bed includes a bed framework supported on a base framework which in turn is supported on a bed support floor of a truck or tractor cab. The base framework includes first and second subframes. The bed framework is supported on the base framework by a suspension means which includes two pairs of rigid hanger brackets each pair is pivotally mounted to a one of the suspension subframes. Hanger straps extend between the end of each hanger bracket and a portion of the bed framework spaced below the end of the hanger bracket, and two universal joints connect each hanger strap between the end of its hanger bracket and the bed framework. A pair of opposed and balanced compression coil springs are operative between the base framework and each pair of hanger brackets to tend to keep the hanger bracket from pivoting with respect to the base framework.

Abstract: On the fixed stand (1) of a piece of reclining furniture, a pendulum frame (2) is suspended in a freely oscillating manner via several tension members (52). Supporting elements (51) of the pendulum frame (2) project into the box-shaped bases (3) of the stand, which supporting elements (51) can be combined there with an amplitude limitation (54) on the one side and with a damping device (56, 57) on the other side.

Abstract: A pendulum frame (2) is suspended on a fixed stand (1) by means of four pendulums (16). The amplitude of each of the pendulums (16, 17) is limited by a plate (24) provided with an orifice (23). The plates (24) carry locking projections (28), into which detent pawls (26), arranged on the pendulum frame (2) can engage. When only one of these detent pawls (26) is in the locking position, the bedding furniture can swing about this detent pawl which functions as a pivot pin. When two detent pawls (26) located behind one another in the longitudinal direction of the bedding furniture are locked, the pendulum frame (2) is blocked and is held outside its mid-position on one side. A free-swinging mid-position, four pendulum positions locked at one point and two fixing positions locked off-center are therefore available for each piece of bedding furniture.The bedding furniture can be adapted to meet individual sleeping requirements and is also characterized in that bed care becomes considerably easier.

Abstract: A housing 50, provided with a flat top 60 adapted to receive a carry cot or similar infant carrying device, is pivotally attached 36, 38 to respective lower ends of two pairs of swinging arms 26,28. The upper ends 22, 24 of these arms 26, 28 are pivotally secured to beams 16, 18 which in turn are secured to a structure 14 mounted on a base 10. Drive means 70 is provided fixed to the structure 14 and the arms 26, 28 so that the arms may be reciprocated about the upper pivotal connections 22, 24 thereby effecting a rocking movement of the housing. Preferably the drive means 70 comprises a dual coil solenoid arrangement including a sensing coil to determine the direction of movement of the arms 26, 28.

Abstract: A seating or sleep furniture piece having a frame in which an upper portion is pendularly suspended from a lower stationary portion supported on the floor. The upper portion supports the seating or sleep support surface for a user and allows for comfortable pendular and sleep-inducing or restful movements. The pendulum lengths may be adjusted to vary the pendulating effects, or the frame portions latched together to prevent relative movements when desired by a user.

Abstract: A baby cradle constructed from a barrel and having the opposite ends thereof supported from a frame by a pivot connection whereby the relatively great weight of the barrel produces an extended time period for rocking of the cradle between manual initiation of the rocking motion.

Abstract: A portable mattress support adapted to be readily installed and removed from a confined space and especially in a tractor cab sleeping quarter area, whereby the support permits the absorption of various forces without imparting the same to the user.