Abstract: An electronic system for adjusting a load bearing surface such as a chair or bed to provide a desired level of comfort includes an array of pressure sensors located within the load bearing surface. The pressure sensors generate data indicating the actual distribution of pressure exerted by a user on the load bearing surface. An electronic processor processes the data generated by the array of pressure senors. The processor compares the fraction of total load exerted on each of a plurality of regions of the load bearing surface with a desired range for each region. If the fraction of total load for any region is not within the desired range, a servo-mechanism is activated to change the shape of the load bearing surface so that the fraction of total load on each region is within the desired range, so as to provide a desired level of comfort to the user.

Abstract: An electronic system for adjusting a load bearing surface such as a chair or bed to provide a desired level of comfort comprises an array of pressure sensors located within the load bearing surface. The pressure sensors generate data indicating the actual distribution of pressure exerted by a user on the load bearing surface. An electronic processor processes the data generated by the array of pressure sensors. The processor compares the fraction of total load exerted on each of a plurality of regions of the load bearing surface with a desired range for each region. If the fraction of total load for any region is not within the desired range, a servo-mechanism is activated to change the shape of the load bearing surface so that the fraction of total load on each region is within the desired range, so as to provide a desired level of comfort to the user.

Abstract: A pad support for each wrist of a keyboard operator which is adjustable vertically, transversely and in pivotal traverses relative to the keyboard to minimize unsupported wrist and arm movements of the operator that contribute to fatigue and possible physical injury, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Abstract: An accessory device for use in connection with a video terminal comprises an attachment mechanism for mounting a display board on either or both sides of a video terminal. The display boards are pivotable about both horizontal and vertical axes. The accessory includes a lighting fixture for illuminating the surface of each display board and a circuit for automatically adjusting the intensity of light produced by each ligthing fixture to maintain a constant predetermined level of illumination on the surface of each display board. The video accessory increases the vertical work surface available for use by a video terminal operator and results in a work station area which is more comfortable for the video operator.

Abstract: A scissors which may be utilized by persons having weakened hand muscles is disclosed. The scissors comprises first and second blade elements. Each of the blade elements includes a front portion having a sharp cutting edge, a middle portion and a rear portion. The blade elements are pivotally mounted at the rear portions thereof and biased by a spring member towards the open position of the scissors. First and second handles are attached to the middle portions of the first and second blade elements, respectively. The handles increase the effective widths of the middle portions of the blade elements thereby increasing the mechanical advantage of the scissors. This permits a user of the scissors to close the scissors with a smaller force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for evaluating a load bearing surface such as a seat. Preferred apparatus for the practice of the invention comprises a plurality of sensors which are distributed across a load bearing surface such as a seat pan, apparatus for measuring the pressures exerted on the sensors when a weight is placed on the load bearing surface, and signal processing apparatus for evaluating the pressures that are measured. Advantageously, the signal processing apparatus can be utilized to store data which represents a comfort level for the load bearing surface and to evaluate the measured pressures in light of that data. For example, the data stored can be pressure measurements for a series of seats correlated with subjective appraisals of seat comfort and the evaluation can be performed by statistical analysis and comparison of the pressure measurements for a seat under test with the stored pressure measurements.

Abstract: An accessory device for use in connection with a video terminal comprises an attachment mechanism for mounting a display board on either or both isdes of a video terminal. The display boards are pivotable about both horizontal and vertical axes. The accessory includes a lighting fixture for illuminating the surface of each display board and a circuit for automatically adjusting the intensity of light produced by each lighting fixture to maintain a constant predetermined level of illumination on the surface of each display board. The video accessory increases the vertical work surface available for use by a video terminal operator and results in a work station area which is more comfortable for the video operator.

Abstract: A pad support for each wrist of a keyboard operator which is adjustable vertically, transversely and in pivotal traverses relative to the keyboard to minimize unsupported wrist and arm movements of the operator that contribute to fatigue and possible physical injury, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.