Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating an auditory exam of a patient can comprise auditorily coupling an audiologist device in a remote location to test headphones and virtual health practitioner headphones through a test device. The systems and methods can include switching, via an A/B switch device, between the examination mode and a pre-examination mode and vice versa.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for a vehicle seat weight detection system utilizing a metal deformation type energy attenuating device disposed in a load path between a seat and a vehicle structure. The energy attenuating device includes a weight sensing portion with a first end connected to one of the seat or vehicle structure, and a second end configured to transfer the seat weight load to a deformable portion of the energy attenuating device connected to the other of the seat and vehicle structure. An aperture in the weight sensing portion between the first and second ends divides a region adjacent the aperture into first and second sides. A slot intersecting the aperture and lying on a plane generally perpendicular to the load path divides the second side into upper and lower halves. A sensor on a surface of the first side of the weight sensing portion is configured to detect strain variations in the surface and produce a calibrated weight signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart vehicle health system. In one embodiment the system includes a smart vehicle equipped with sensors configured to detect health parameters indicative of a relative health of certain vehicle components or systems. A processor is configured to generate a data signal containing vehicle component or system health information based on data from the sensors, and to transmit the data signal from the vehicle to a remotely located data receiver configured to receive the data signal. The system may further include a monitor connected to the data receiver and configured to present a plurality of selectable visual displays indicating the health of the vehicle components or systems based on the vehicle component or system health information in the transmitted data signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a modular vehicle seating system. In one embodiment the seating system has a universal center module that is mountable to a seating position in a vehicle and includes seat pan and seat back portions. The seating system may further include a matched pair of modular side bolsters selectable from an assortment of matched pairs of side bolsters, where each matched pair has a particular physical property defined by a unique value in a range of values of the physical property in the assortment. The side bolsters are detachably connectable to the to left and right sides of the universal center module with fasteners.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a ballistic resistant shelter configured for emergency deployment in an open space. The shelter has a structural frame configured to rapidly convert from a stowed condition disposed substantially flat on the ground, to a deployed condition in which the frame is elevated substantially above ground level. One or more anti-ballistic panels are attached to the frame so as to be tilted or lifted above ground level when the frame is deployed. The anti-ballistic panels collectively present enough surface area to shield at least one person from a single source of gunfire.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a vehicle seat with a convertible seat back. In one embodiment the seat back has a seat back cushion with left and right spaced apart side portions and a lower lumbar portion, with a center cushion disposed in a first position between the side portions and above the lumbar portion of the seat back cushion. The center cushion has a lower end attached to the seat back, a back side facing the seat back, and a front side facing away from the seat back. The center cushion is configured to be moveable from the first position to a second position in which the upper end is proximate a lower end of the seat back, and the front side is facing a front side of a lumbar portion of the seat back cushion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a shock absorbing vehicle seating system. In one embodiment the seating system includes a seat moveably attached to a vehicle by a seat guide apparatus configured to constrain seat movement to a stroking direction. The system further includes a spring damper with opposed first and second ends, configured to compress along a longitudinal axis extending through the ends in response to an external compressive load, and an energy attenuating component with a deformable portion disposed between a first end and a second end thereof. The spring damper and energy attenuating component are arranged serially with respect to one another, and together form a seat supporting assembly disposed between the seat and the vehicle. The energy attenuating component is configured to deform in a predictable manner in response to a shock load that reaches a predefined threshold value, allowing the seat to stroke in the stroking direction as the energy attenuating component absorbs energy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a shock attenuation device configured for use in conjunction with a body movably mounted to a structure along a stroking direction to attenuate shock loads associated with a high energy impact event on the structure. The device includes an elongated metal frame with left and right sides symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal slot extending from proximate a first end of the frame to a second end. The frame is mountable to one of the body and structure in an orientation causing the longitudinal slot to align with the stroking direction. A mandrel mountable to the other one of the body and structure is positioned in the frame at one end of the slot. The mandrel has width and length dimensions measured in the plane of the frame, wherein a maximum width of the mandrel is greater than a width of the slot.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an energy attenuating vehicle seating system that includes a seat configured for guided motion relative to a vehicle compartment over a stroking distance, and an energy attenuating component with a first end attached to the seat, a second end configured for attachment to the vehicle compartment, and an intermediate point configured for guided motion relative to the vehicle compartment. The energy attenuating component is configured to remain rigid and prevent the seat from moving under loads less than a predetermined threshold value, yet deform in a progressive, predictable manner in response to a load exceeding the threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a pivot arm mounted energy attenuating vehicle seating system. In one exemplary embodiment the vehicle seating system includes a seat with a pair of left upper and lower seat pivots, and a pair of right upper and lower seat pivots; and apart from the seat a pair of left upper and lower stationary pivots, and a pair of right upper and lower stationary pivots. A pair of left and right upper pivot arms are connected at one end to a respective upper seat pivot, and at the other end to a respective upper stationary pivot; and a pair of left and right lower pivot arms are similarly connected at one end to a respective lower seat pivot, and at the other end to a respective lower stationary pivot. The seating system may further include an energy attenuating member with a first end attached to the seat and a second end configured for attachment to a vehicle compartment.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for an energy attenuating device. In one exemplary embodiment the device comprises an elongated metal tube having an expanded portion at a first end thereof, and an unexpanded portion extending from the expanded portion to a second end, wherein the first end is attached to a fixed structure. A mandrel is disposed in the expanded portion of the elongated metal tube, having a diameter greater than the inside diameter of the unexpanded portion of the metal tube. A tension member is attached to the mandrel and extends out of the second end of the metal tube.