Abstract: A mechanism for a seating unit is provided that allows a reclining mechanism to freely rock on a rocker assembly when a locking actuator is in a first position, and that provides an auto-rocking motion, via a rocking actuator, when the locking actuator is in a second position.

Abstract: A motorized positioning apparatus for a seating unit includes a motor assembly that is configured to move a pair of linkage mechanisms though a series of positions that arrange the seating unit in a closed position, open position, or extended position. The motor assembly is selectively and releasably coupled to the linkage mechanisms, to allow the motor assembly to be de-coupled from the linkage mechanisms to allow the seating unit to be manually closed by a user.

Abstract: A motorized positioning apparatus for a seating unit includes a motor assembly that is configured to move a pair of linkage mechanisms though a series of positions that arrange the seating unit in a closed position, open position, or extended position. The motor assembly is selectively and releasably coupled to the linkage mechanisms, to allow the motor assembly to be manually closed by the user and automatically coupled via a coupling mechanism.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to systems and methods for synchronization of actuators to reposition furniture units. Specifically, a master control box receives input to reposition a furniture unit from one position to another and communicates the input to a plurality of control boxes. Then, each of the plurality of control boxes assigns a virtual axis to each of a plurality of actuators attached to each associated control box. Furthermore, each of the plurality of control boxes assigns a transfer function to each of the plurality of actuators. The transfer function is used by the actuators to transform an output of the virtual axis to determine a target position. In this way, the plurality of actuators can reference the same virtual axis for synchronization purposes, but use different transfer functions to maintain complex relationships between the positions of each actuator. Based on the target position, the actuators reposition the furniture unit.

Abstract: A motorized positioning apparatus for a seating unit includes a motor assembly that is configured to move a pair of linkage mechanisms though a series of positions that arrange the seating unit in a closed position, open position, or extended position. The motor assembly is selectively and releasably coupled to the linkage mechanisms, to allow the motor assembly to be manually closed by the user and automatically coupled via a coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A motorized positioning apparatus for a seating unit includes a motor assembly that is configured to move a pair of linkage mechanisms though a series of positions that arrange the seating unit in a closed position, open position, or extended position. The motor assembly is selectively and releasably coupled to the linkage mechanisms, to allow the motor assembly to be de-coupled from the linkage mechanisms to allow the seating unit to be manually closed by a user.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to systems and methods for synchronization of actuators to reposition furniture units. Specifically, a master control box receives input to reposition a furniture unit from one position to another and communicates the input to a plurality of control boxes. Then, each of the plurality of control boxes assigns a virtual axis to each of a plurality of actuators attached to each associated control box. Furthermore, each of the plurality of control boxes assigns a transfer function to each of the plurality of actuators. The transfer function is used by the actuators to transform an output of the virtual axis to determine a target position. In this way, the plurality of actuators can reference the same virtual axis for synchronization purposes, but use different transfer functions to maintain complex relationships between the positions of each actuator. Based on the target position, the actuators reposition the furniture unit.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating one or more sensing features for a furniture item detection is provided. More particularly, embodiments relate to determining a first noise state associated with an environment of the furniture item based on a first measured noise received from one or more sensors associated with the furniture item. A first baseline noise level for the furniture item can be generated based on filtering the first noise state associated with the environment of the furniture item. A second noise state associated with the environment of the furniture item can be determined based on a second measured noise received from the one or more sensors associated with the furniture item. A second baseline noise level for the furniture item can be generated based on filtering the second noise state associated with the environment of the furniture item. The first baseline noise level can then be adjusted to the second baseline noise level.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy by a standalone capacitance detection device. The standalone capacitance detection device is configured for integration with any number of furniture items. Further, the detected capacitance may be used to determine commands for controlling a variety of devices associated with the standalone capacitance detection device. Additionally, methods for determining occupancy of a furniture item and a system for monitoring occupancy are described herein.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating one or more sensing features for a furniture item detection is provided. More particularly, embodiments relate to determining a first noise state associated with an environment of the furniture item based on a first measured noise received from one or more sensors associated with the furniture item. A first baseline noise level for the furniture item can be generated based on filtering the first noise state associated with the environment of the furniture item. A second noise state associated with the environment of the furniture item can be determined based on a second measured noise received from the one or more sensors associated with the furniture item. A second baseline noise level for the furniture item can be generated based on filtering the second noise state associated with the environment of the furniture item. The first baseline noise level can then be adjusted to the second baseline noise level.

Abstract: A method of detecting impairment of a driver of a vehicle. The method includes sensing, using a sensor, a position of the driver's head at a plurality of time points; determining, using a microprocessor, changes in the position of the driver's head between the plurality of time points; evaluating, using a microprocessor, whether the changes in the position of the driver's head between the plurality of time points exhibit at least one of a periodic and a quasi-periodic pattern; determining whether the driver is impaired based on the pattern of the changes in the position of the driver's head; and if the driver is impaired, alerting the driver using an alarm.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for tracking operation of a comfort product include determining an occupancy record for the comfort product. An indication of whether an action relating to the comfort product is recommended is provided based on the occupancy record.

Abstract: An inductive-charging device mounts into a through hole of a furniture item, such as a desk. The device generally includes a housing that mounts into the through hole and that provides a compartment for a controller, primary coil, and other electronic components used to provide inductive charging. The device might be mounted so that it at least partially extends above a work surface of a desk. Alternatively, a top of the device might be flush with the work surface.

Abstract: A shelving system for the display of items, such as retail products and merchandise, is disclosed. The shelving system includes a first sheet that forms a bottom layer. This first sheet rests on top of an existing display shelf. A second sheet is placed over the first sheet. The second sheet forms a top layer, and supports the products on the shelf. At least one inductive transmission coil is located between the first and second sheets. The coil is located along the front edge of the display shelf. A circuit board is electrically coupled to the transmission coil, and to a power source. The shelving display system provides a retrofit solution to provide power to the front edge of an existing display shelf. In an alternate embodiment, a ramp is used at the front of the existing display shelf to replace the first and second sheets.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy by a standalone capacitance detection device. The standalone capacitance detection device is configured for integration with any number of furniture items. Further, the detected capacitance may be used to determine commands for controlling a variety of devices associated with the standalone capacitance detection device. Additionally, methods for determining occupancy of a furniture item and a system for monitoring occupancy are described herein.

Abstract: A product display apparatus is provided. The display has a forward face with at least one display element disposed thereon. The display element is activated in some way upon receiving power. An inductive receiving coil is located on a flap that is below the forward face. This inductive receiving coil receives power from an inductive transmission coil located in proximity to the display apparatus. The receiving coil provides power to the display element when the coil is in proximity to the transmission coil. This power is used to activate the display element, such as by, for example, illuminating it.

Abstract: An inductive-charging device mounts into a through hole of a furniture item, such as a desk. The device generally includes a housing that mounts into the through hole and that provides a compartment for a controller, primary coil, and other electronic components used to provide inductive charging. The device might be mounted so that it at least partially extends above a work surface of a desk. Alternatively, a top of the device might be flush with the work surface.

Abstract: A method of detecting impairment of a driver of a vehicle. The method includes sensing, using a sensor, a position of the driver's head at a plurality of time points; determining, using a microprocessor, changes in the position of the driver's head between the plurality of time points; evaluating, using a microprocessor, whether the changes in the position of the driver's head between the plurality of time points exhibit at least one of a periodic and a quasi-periodic pattern; determining whether the driver is impaired based on the pattern of the changes in the position of the driver's head; and if the driver is impaired, alerting the driver using an alarm.

Abstract: A method of detecting impairment of a driver of a vehicle. The method includes sensing, using a sensor, a position of the driver's head at a plurality of time points; determining, using a microprocessor, changes in the position of the driver's head between the plurality of time points; evaluating, using a microprocessor, whether the changes in the position of the driver's head between the plurality of time points exhibit at least one of a periodic and a quasi-periodic pattern; determining whether the driver is impaired based on the pattern of the changes in the position of the driver's head; and if the driver is impaired, alerting the driver using an alarm.

Abstract: A system for monitoring operator alertness. The system includes a sensor for detecting a head position property of a head of an operator and a controller in operative communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to collect a first plurality of time points of the head position property of the head of the operator, determine a baseline of the head position property of the head of the operator based on the first plurality of time points, collect a second plurality of time points of the head position property of the head of the operator, determine an operating condition of the head position property of the head of the operator based on the second plurality of time points, and evaluate the alertness of the operator based on a comparison of the operating condition to the baseline to identify a period of head stillness.