Abstract: A support surface overlay system includes a support surface overlay and a control system. The support surface overlay includes at least one selectively inflatable compartment. The control system includes a pneumatic controller configured to inflate and deflate the at least one selectively inflatable compartment. The control system also includes a memory, a sensor, and a processor. The memory is programmed with a predetermined data indicative of an operating parameter of the system vs. time with the support surface overlay in an unloaded state. The sensor is configured to detect and provide signals indicative of the operating parameter of the system vs. time during inflation and/or deflation of the at least one selectively inflatable compartment. The processor is configured to compare the predetermined data to the data provided by the sensor and to determine whether or not a load is present on the support surface overlay based on the comparison.

Abstract: A scroll pump includes a first scroll member and a second scroll member. An electromagnet is fixedly connected to one of the first scroll member and a second scroll member, and a magnetic target is fixedly connected to the other of the first scroll member and the second scroll member. The electromagnet is operable to generate a magnetic field between the electromagnet and the magnetic target, thereby establishing an axially-directed magnetic biasing force between the first scroll member and the second scroll member.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user’s body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A support surface overlay system includes a support surface overlay including a bladder having first and second selectively inflatable compartments and an envelope enclosing the bladder. A control system is connectable to the support surface overlay and operable to selectively inflate one of the selectively inflatable compartments while simultaneously evacuating the other of the selectively inflatable compartments and a volume between the bladder and the envelope.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A scroll pump includes first and second scroll members connected together by a plurality of idler assemblies configured to allow the second scroll member to move in an orbital path with respect to the first scroll member. A rotary bearing is connected to an end plate of the orbiting scroll member. A motor and motor coupler are coupled to the rotary bearing to move the bearing in an orbital path corresponding to the orbital path followed by the second scroll member. The rotary bearing may roll freely within the coupler.

Abstract: A scroll pump includes a first scroll member having a first involute, a second scroll member scroll member having a second involute, and a camshaft rotatably connected to the first scroll member and to the second scroll member. A link is pivotably connected to the first scroll member and the second scroll member. The first and second scroll members cooperate to define a working volume wherein a working fluid is pressurized during operation of the scroll pump. The second scroll member is configured to equalize pressure across first and second opposed surfaces of an end plate thereof. The second scroll member includes a piston and cavity configured to bias the second scroll member toward the first scroll member in response to pressure across the first and second opposed surfaces of the end plate of the second scroll member.

Abstract: An integrated user support system includes a point pressure support surface overlay disposed upon and integrated with an underlying support surface. The support surface overlay may permanently or removably enclose the support surface and/or be permanently or removably attached to the support surface.

Abstract: A support surface overlay system includes a support surface overlay and a control system. The support surface overlay includes a support bladder having first and second alternatingly inflatable compartments, and an envelope defining and interior region surrounding the support bladder. The control system is configured to alternatingly inflate and deflate the first and second alternatingly inflatable compartments, and to concurrently evacuate air from the interior region of the envelope.

Abstract: A support surface overly having first and second independently inflatable compartments is disposed within an envelope. Air may be removed from the envelope so that side panels of the envelope collapse against corresponding surfaces of the overlay to inhibit lateral motion of the panels with respect to the surfaces of the overlay.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A therapeutic device that reduces localized subcutaneous pressure while allowing capillary flow in a medical setting is disclosed.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A therapeutic device that reduces localized subcutaneous pressure while allowing capillary flow in a medical setting is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat control system for a vehicle. The system includes a substrate with a plurality of touch zones disposed on one surface of the substrate, and a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on the opposite surface. An inner electrode of each pattern is aligned with one of the touch zones. Each pattern is electrically coupled to an active electrical component, which energizes the electrodes of the pattern such that electric fields emanate therefrom. The pattern may be capacitively coupled to the component. When the electric field of the inner electrode is disturbed by a stimulus proximate the corresponding touch zone, the component is activated. Upon activation of one of the components, a controller causes the seat to move in a desired direction.

Abstract: A keyless entry touch pad system for a vehicle includes a substrate with a plurality of touch zones disposed on one surface of the substrate, and a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on the opposite surface. An inner electrode of each pattern is aligned with one of the touch zones. Each pattern is electrically coupled to an integrated control circuit, which outputs a signal to and energizes the electrodes of the pattern such that electric fields emanates therefrom. The electrode patterns may be capacitively coupled to the integrated control circuit. When the electric field of the inner electrode is disturbed by a stimulus proximate the corresponding touch zone, the component is activated. Upon activation of the components in a predetermined sequence, a controller causes the vehicle door to unlock. A method of unlocking a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A low impedance sensor includes thin conductive electrodes on a dielectric substrate and detects proximity of a target metal object or structure moving along defined path such as a track. The sensor includes a first conductive electrode pad having a closed, continuous geometric form and a second conductive electrode surrounding the first electrode and spaced from the first electrode by a channel of non-conductive dielectric. The first and second electrodes are optionally disposed on the same surface of the substrate. An integrated control circuit is located on the substrate proximate the first and second electrodes, and is electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes.