Abstract: A method for measuring a profile of a manikin. The method comprises the steps of: suspending the manikin by a suspension frame, connecting one or more measuring devices to the manikin at one or more measuring points, raising a support surface to meet the manikin, supporting the manikin by the support surface, and measuring by the one or more measuring devices, differences in angles of the manikin profile between the suspended configuration of the manikin and the supported configuration of the manikin. The manikin comprises one or more articulating joints defining a manikin profile. The manikin also defines a suspended configuration when suspended by the suspension frame, and a supported configuration when supported by the support surface. The method provides a process to replicate and measure human physiology when engaged with a surface.

Abstract: An adjustable resistance hinge system for a joint connecting at least a first articulating member and a second articulating member, the hinge system comprising a central element defining a hinge axis. The central element comprises a first and a second elongate arm, each elongate arm extending away from the hinge axis, and a first and a second keeping element hinging on the hinge axis are attached to the first and the second articulating members, respectively. A first and a second biasing device are also engageable with the first and the second elongate arms, respectively. The first and the second elongate arms extend into the first and the second articulating members, respectively, and the first and the second biasing devices engage the central element to resist relative motion of the first and the second articulating members about the hinge axis. The adjustable resistance hinge system allows two joined members to be adjusted to replicate desired physiology, limits, and resistance.

Abstract: A system for measuring spinal and/or skeletal angles of a manikin in a lateral position. The system comprises a manikin, the manikin comprising one or more articulating joints and a spinal and/or skeletal profile defining a manikin profile, a suspension frame, the suspension frame suspending the manikin, one or more measuring devices connected to the manikin at one or more measuring points, and a support surface, the support surface adjustable in at least a vertical axis. The manikin comprises a suspended configuration when suspended by the suspension frame, and a supported configuration when supported by the support surface. The one or more measuring devices measures differences in the spinal and/or skeletal angles of the manikin profile between the suspended configuration and the supported configuration. The invention provides a system to replicate and measure human physiology when engaged with a surface.

Abstract: A system for measuring spinal and/or skeletal angles of a manikin in a lateral position. The system comprises a manikin, the manikin comprising one or more articulating joints and a spinal and/or skeletal profile defining a manikin profile, a suspension frame, the suspension frame suspending the manikin, one or more measuring devices connected to the manikin at one or more measuring points, and a support surface, the support surface adjustable in at least a vertical axis. The manikin comprises a suspended configuration when suspended by the suspension frame, and a supported configuration when supported by the support surface. The one or more measuring devices measures differences in the spinal and/or skeletal angles of the manikin profile between the suspended configuration and the supported configuration. The invention provides a system to replicate and measure human physiology when engaged with a surface.

Abstract: A method for measuring a profile of a manikin. The method comprises the steps of: suspending the manikin by a suspension frame, connecting one or more measuring devices to the manikin at one or more measuring points, raising a support surface to meet the manikin, supporting the manikin by the support surface, and measuring by the one or more measuring devices, differences in angles of the manikin profile between the suspended configuration of the manikin and the supported configuration of the manikin. The manikin comprises one or more articulating joints defining a manikin profile. The manikin also defines a suspended configuration when suspended by the suspension frame, and a supported configuration when supported by the support surface. The method provides a process to replicate and measure human physiology when engaged with a surface.

Abstract: An adjustable resistance hinge system for a joint connecting at least a first articulating member and a second articulating member, the hinge system comprising a central element defining a hinge axis. The central element comprises a first and a second elongate arm, each elongate arm extending away from the hinge axis, and a first and a second keeping element hinging on the hinge axis are attached to the first and the second articulating members, respectively. A first and a second biasing device are also engageable with the first and the second elongate arms, respectively. The first and the second elongate arms extend into the first and the second articulating members, respectively, and the first and the second biasing devices engage the central element to resist relative motion of the first and the second articulating members about the hinge axis. The adjustable resistance hinge system allows two joined members to be adjusted to replicate desired physiology, limits, and resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing roll together of a mattress using two weights, preferably weighted cylinders, and moving one of the weights towards the other while measuring change in distance between the weights and changes in angle of the stationary weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing rolling resistance of a mattress by rolling a cylindrical weight across at least a portion of the mattress and measuring torque of the cylindrical weight moving across the mattress. The apparatus is preferably automated and preferably continuously measures torque as the cylinder is continuously moved across the mattress at a constant speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing roll together of a mattress using two weights, preferably weighted cylinders, and moving one of the weights towards the other while measuring change in distance between the weights and changes in angle of the stationary weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing rolling resistance of a mattress by rolling a cylindrical weight across at least a portion of the mattress and measuring torque of the cylindrical weight moving across the mattress. The apparatus is preferably automated and preferably continuously measures torque as the cylinder is continuously moved across the mattress at a constant speed.