Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods of making materials, where at least one surface of the material utilizes an emulsion to controllably release active agents, which can include hydrophilic agents, into the surrounding environment. Preferably, the materials are ‘slippery’ in that liquid droplets and other compounds, such as aqueous fluids, organic compounds and microorganisms, are able to easily slide off the surface without adhering to the surface. The active agents released by the emulsion may include antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents, antibacterial agents and other molecules that can kill or otherwise reduce the number of the pathogens. The resulting materials have improved anti-fouling behaviors compared to many other existing types of anti-fouling surfaces.

Abstract: An elevation device for a refrigerator drawer includes a lower frame, an upper frame, and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly includes: a pair of first rods having a first end rotatably coupled to the lower frame and a second end that translates along the upper frame; and a pair of second rods having a first end rotatably coupled to the upper frame and a second end that translates along the lower frame. The second rod is rotatably coupled to and crosses the first rod. The first or second rod is connected to a driving device via the first end of the first or second rod, with the driving device disposed outside the upper frame and the lower frame. The first and second rods are configured to, based on power from the driving device, rotate about their respective first ends to elevate the upper frame relative to the lower frame.

Abstract: A position change apparatus and method for changing a position of a convertible-position item of furniture.

Abstract: A tactile handle integrated scale that measures the weight of an attached element and provides tactile output. The handle with an integrated scale can be attached onto luggage, a briefcase, a backpack, or other liftable objects. The scale provides tactile output and a tactile gauge, so that users can ascertain the weight using touch only and without requiring visual inspection of the gauge. A switch may be provided to enable or disable the measurement feature of the handle. The handle may be attached to the liftable object using linkages that permit rotation of the object relative to the handle.

Abstract: A sofa bed (1a, 1b) with facilitated opening, particularly with automatic actuation, comprising a fixed framework (2) which defines a compartment (7) for accommodating a mattress (8) that can fold into at least four parts and is supported by at least four movable frames (9, 10, 11, 12), one for each one of the parts of the mattress (8), the first movable frame (9) being associated with the fixed framework (2); the four movable frames (9, 10, 11, 12) are mutually articulated sequentially with respect to each other to define a kinematic chain, with one degree of freedom, which can move between a closed configuration, in which the four movable frames (9, 10, 11, 12) are substantially mutually opposite in pairs so as to define a cage-like structure that encloses the mattress (8) folded into at least four parts, and an open configuration, in which the four movable frames (9, 10, 11, 12) are substantially mutually aligned to define a resting surface on which the unfolded mattress (8) lies; motor means (13) are also

Abstract: A seating unit that includes a foldable bed includes: a base with an internal cavity; a foldable bed that includes a plurality of sections, wherein in a folded position, the bed sections are folded relative to each other and stored within the base cavity, and in an unfolded position, the bed sections are generally horizontally disposed and in serial alignment with each other, with a first bed section being positioned forwardly of the base; a bed folding mechanism that is attached to the base and the bed sections that controls the movement of the bed between the folded and unfolded positions; a foldable leg attached to the first bed section, and a leg folding mechanism attached to the leg and the first bed section configured to extend the leg downwardly from the first bed section when the bed is in the unfolded position, and to fold the leg under the first bed section when the bed is in the folded position, the leg being pivotable about an axis that is parallel with the forward direction.

Abstract: A combination couch trundle bed wherein the trundle bed mattress serves as support for the couch cushions when the trundle bed is concealed within the couch and the trundle bed can be pulled out without having to remove any of the couch cushions. Such a combination results in a couch bed with the look of a traditional couch and the comfort of a traditional couch and a traditional bed thereby overcoming the deficiencies of existing couch bed combinations.

Abstract: A new simple novel Layout methodology for high integration VLSI chip is proposed, which is reduced dramatically the complexity, the cost and the schedule for implementing a complex chip such as System On a Chip (SOC) that required hierarchical layout implementation. A set of rules is provided for the place and route process.

Abstract: A support deck for a sofa bed having a plurality of support members is interconnected at joints such that when a force is applied to one side of the deck the deck will yield but when a force is applied to the opposite side, the deck will be relatively resilient. The support members consist of molded plastic links which are serially and pivotally interconnected to form the deck from a number of generally parallel longitudinal columns of links. Each link includes a planar upper surface for supporting the mattress and a reinforcing rib on the lower surface for added strength. Pivot pins are used to interconnect the links and a stop is provided on each end of the link to restrict the upward flexing or movement of the joined links. The links are economically and easily manufactured thereby providing a commercially competitive sofa bed without the detrimental aspects associated with prior sofa bed structures.

Abstract: A structure for housing a bed, for protection of a sleeper against serious injury or death from damage or collapse of the surrounding residence in an earthquake. The bed protection structure has two kinds of for this purpose: various structural integrity preservation, including means to both enhance the structural strength of the bed protection structure and to also allow the bed protection structure to respond to severe mechanical shocks resulting from impact of parts of the residence structure, while maintaining structural integrity of the bed protection structure; and anti-ballistic penetration, to resist ballistic penetration of residence structure debris fragments into the interior of the bed. The structural integrity preservation include an overall geometry of the form of a modified tetragonal anti-prism or MTAP; triangular spacing of structural members in the MTAP geometry; axially reinforced structural members; and vertical support members containing shock absorbing.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting, inclining, and reclining a rear section of a folding bed frame structure of a sofa bed includes a rear bed section; an intermediate bed section pivotally connected to the rear bed section; a slide link extending between and pivotally connected at opposite ends thereof to the rear bed section and to the intermediate bed section; a ratchet element pivotally connected to the slide link and including a notch for engaging the intermediate bed section and supporting the rear bed section when inclined at a first inclination relative to the intermediate bed section; and a cam surface located on the ratchet element that causes the ratchet element to automatically disengage from the intermediate bed member for reclining of the rear bed section relative to the intermediate bed section when the rear bed section is inclined at a second inclination greater than the first inclination.

Abstract: A combination ottoman, table or desk and a foldable sleeper bed comprises upper and lower wooden frame sections, the lower frame section being configured as an open top box, atop which the upper frame section is located. The two frame sections are interconnected by a pair of opposed four-bar linkages which permit the upper frame section to be moved between a first position in which it rests atop and encloses the lower frame section, and a second raised position in which it is spaced upwardly and rearwardly from the lower frame section. Contained within the enclosure defined by the upper and lower frame sections, there is a foldable sleeper bed having pivotally interconnected head, body, intermediate and foot sections, which sections are extendable forwardly from the lower frame section when the upper frame section is in the second raised position to form a bed and foldable to fit and be contained within the enclosure when the bed is collapsed and stored.

Abstract: A folding sofa bed frame structure has a TV control link and an associated toothed ratchet element connected thereto, by which the rear end section of the structure can be selectively positioned in two differing "TV" positions. A cam portion on the ratchet element automatically effects disengagement from either TV position upon pivoting of the rear end section into a substantially perpendicular relation to the main intermediate section of the structure. The ratchet arrangement is effective to automatically engage into and disengage from either TV position without manual manipulation, other than manual lifting of the rear end section, and is automatically effective to disengage when the bed frame structure is folded into the sofa frame.

Abstract: A sofa-bed having an articulated folding structure comprises a fixed carrying framework (2) to which a main movable frame (3) is engaged through a pantograph linkage (4), which main frame is movable in a vertical direction. Consecutively and rotatably connected to the main movable frame (3) are first and second auxiliary movable frames (17, 18). An interconnecting lever (20) operating between the main movable frame (3) and the second auxiliary movable frame (18) interconnects the rotational movements of the movable frames (17, 18). A synchronization lever (21) operatively connects the pantograph linkage (4) to the auxiliary movable frames (17, 18) for the purpose of timing the upward and downward displacement of the main movable frame (3) with the rotations of the auxiliary movable frames (17, 18).

Abstract: A patient support apparatus such a surgical table or a stretcher is provided. The apparatus includes a top assembly for supporting a patient in a variety of selected positions. The top assembly is supported by first and second hydraulic column assemblies which are, in turn, mounted to a base assembly. A stabilizing mechanism is provided for exerting a constant downward force upon the hydraulic column assembly supporting the head end of the top assembly. The stabilizing mechanism counteracts the lifting force at the head end of the apparatus when a patient's weight is located at or beyond the foot end thereof. The stabilizing mechanism includes a gas spring which is mounted to the base assembly and a cable connected between the base assembly and top assembly. The gas spring exerts a constant force upon the cable in all elevational positions of the top assembly.

Abstract: A sofa system includes a unitary perimetric baseframe including a front panel, a rear panel and opposing side panels. The system also includes a hollow back portion having front and rear edges and an integral internal rigid frame, the back portion rotationally mounted between the side panels and to the rear panel by rear longitudinal hinge elements secured between said rear edge of a top portion and the rear panel. The system also includes a unitary seat portion having a front and rear edge and a rigid base, in which the seat portion is rotationally mounted between the side panels and to the front panel by a front longitudinal hinge element that is secured between the front edge of the rigid base of the seat portion and the front panel. Arms may, if desired, be rotationally mounted to the sides of the baseframe.

Abstract: A convertible sofa bed system includes a sofa seat with a convertible sofa bed in which the seat is rotationally connected to the top of a front panel of the sofa. Prior to unfolding of the bed portion of the sofa bed system, the sofa seat may be rotated forwardly in the direction of the user so that, after the bed portion is unfolded, the sofa seat will be situated beneath the unfolded bed portion in an unobstructive position which will not interfere with normal use of the unfolded sofa bed. After the sofa bed has been used and folded back into the structure of the sofa, the sofa seat may be readily rotated upwardly and in the direction of the back of the sofa bed and into its normal position within the seat of the sofa structure.

Abstract: A convertible sofa-bed which includes a bed support frame which is shiftable with respect to the sofa frame to convert the sofa-bed between sofa and bed positions. The bed support frame is attached to one of the arm supports and is extended into a bed position by pulling on the sofa arm. The sofa-bed may also include a unique two-piece bed support frame connected by an over-center pivot linkage which locks the bed support frame into the bed position.

Abstract: A fabric covering system for use with a hinge element of a convertible sofa bed a system includes a sofa base and sofa cushions having rigid bottom rotatably connected by hinge means to the top of a vertical front panel of a sofa. The fabric of the cushions is positioned beneath a resilient longitudinal strip which is situated between the lower face of the hinge and the top of the vertical front panel. The fabric of the cushions extends past the axial of the hinge and between the top of the vertical front panel and the bottom of the resilient strip.

Abstract: A piece of furniture convertible from a chair to a cot and vice versa comprising connected inner and outer carriages which can telescope out of a frame from a chair position within the frame to a cot position outside the frame and having a head cushion hinged to the inner carriage and guidingly received in a frame guide such that it is movable from a stowed position behind a fixed back cushion when the inner carriage is in the chair position to a cot position when the inner carriage is moved into the cot position thereof. The outer carriage has a cushion carrier frame carrying a fixed cushion and a folding cushion, which carrier frame is connected to the outer carriage by a lever system for adjusting the carrier frame from a lowered position when the carriages are in the chair position to a raised position when the carriages are moved into the cot position.

Abstract: In a sofa bed mechanism which includes a foldable bed frame, a support member on which the bed frame is movably supported, a linkage assembly operable to govern movement of the bed frame and a control member for guiding movement of the mechanism into and out of a storage position in a supporting framework.

Abstract: A bed-convertible composite lounge chair comprises a base body whereto a backrest is removably associated in such a way as to define a structural framework. In the base body a cavity is formed housing a collapsible bedspring, a covering being laid on the framework and having a first portion spanning from the backrest and the side surface of the base body and a second portion spanning the seat, these portions being effective to house a backrest cushion and a seat cushion respectively.

Abstract: An ottoman convertible having a base, lower cushion and upper cushion. As an ottoman, the lower and upper cushions are stacked on top of the base. When the unit is assembled as a bed, the upper cushion is placed directly on the base while the lower cushion rests on the floor beside the stacked base and upper cushion. In this arrangement, the top surfaces of the upper and lower cushion are coplanar. A bolster may also be provided which may serve as a back rest on the ottoman to convert it to a chair, and which may also be placed on the floor in alignment with the base and upper cushion and with the lower cushion to form an inclined head rest for the bed.

Abstract: A furniture assembly such as a sofa bed which moves between a sitting configuration and a bed configuration including a metal support frame having end units with interconnecting beam members removably connected to the end units by bolts. A metal plate is secured to each end unit and includes a pair of slots inclined or slanted upwardly and forwardly from the rearward ends with U-shaped metal track members having flanges secured to the metal plates for defining laterally extending track surfaces. Inner and outer frames are pivotally connected together by an intermediate frame and are movable between a folded position and an unfolded position to define the bed configuration. The inner frame has bifurcated brackets secured thereto and shafts are connected to the bifurcated brackets and extend through the slots in the adjacent plates to support rollers which roll along the track members. The shafts have threaded nuts thereon and the shafts are the sole means for supporting the bed frames on the support frame.