Abstract: A commode chair is provided having a seat comprising a generally central opening, a lateral outer edge and a support surface disposed between the lateral outer edge and the opening sloping downwardly in a direction towards the opening. The seat includes a depression disposed between the right lateral outer edge and a left outer edge, rearwardly of a front outer edge, and extending forwardly from the opening. The seat is pivotally coupled to a frame and has a first seating position and a second seating position, wherein the first seating position is characterized by a position of tilt which is different than that of the second seating position.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A wheeled chair is provided which permits patients to propel themselves with their feet while seated in the chair, and which is also capable of being used by patients of a wide range of heights. Accordingly, the present invention provides a wheeled chair having frame members, seating members, rolling means, and means to cause vertical adjustment of the seating member. In one embodiment, the seating member has means to allow it to be tilted. In this respect, the seating member is pivotally coupled to the frame members. In another aspect, such point of pivotal coupling is located proximate to the front portion of the seating member, thereby causing relatively less upward movement of the front portion of the seating member when the seating member is tilted than where such point of pivotal coupling is located rearward of the seating member. In a further embodiment, the frame members include vertically extendible arm rest members for supporting the arms of a person sitting in the chair.

Abstract: A footrest is provided herein for use with health care chairs fur invalids and patients. The footrest includes two footplate members independently pivotally coupled to the leg rest or the frame of a health care chair such that each footplate member is capable of being swung upwardly and downwardly, independent of the other footplate member to facilitate access to the health care chair. Stop means are further provided for positioning one or both footplate members at a fixed position of tilt relative to the leg rest and/or the chair frame, and thereby increasing the general comfort of the occupant of the health care chair.

Abstract: A reclining chair having a back rest member which may be reclined. In one embodiment the reclining chair has means to allow it to be tilted. A pivotable joint is provided along the upper support members of the chair which allow such members to be pivotably bent proximate their midsection thereby allowing a greater degree of tilt of the seat member situate thereon than would otherwise be the case if there was no pivotable joint and the upper support members and the seat member thereon were tilted by simply lowering one end thereof. In another aspect, a lower leg support member is provided which rotatably extends upon the back rest of the chair being reclined, so as to support the calves of a user of the chair in a substantially horizontal position when the chair back is likewise reclined to a substantially horizontal position.