Abstract: This application describes methods and devices for controlling the firmness of a substrate. In response to detecting the presence of a subject on the substrate, one method includes setting the firmness of the substrate to a base firmness equalized with atmospheric pressure. In response to receiving a request to modify the firmness of the substrate from the base firmness to a requested firmness, the method further includes setting the firmness of the substrate to the requested firmness. In response to detecting the absence of the subject, the method further includes restoring the firmness of the substrate from the requested firmness to the base firmness.

Abstract: A seat monitoring system comprises a first layer of one or more fluid bladders packaged within a seat, a pump in fluid communication with the first layer, the pump operable to increase fluid pressure of each bladder within the first layer, an array of one or more sensors in fluid communication with the first layer and operative to sense pressure and pressure changes within each bladder within the first layer and a controller configured to: collect pressure data; determine from the pressure data a monitored parameter relevant to a subject in the seat; and change an aspect of the seat based on the monitored parameter. Methods of using the seat monitoring system can include determining a drowsiness threshold and altering a user that he or she is getting drowsy.

Abstract: Methods and devices for monitoring the position of a subject are disclosed. One such method includes sensing pressure waves generated by the subject moving on a divided bladder comprising interleaved portions, generating signals indicative of the pressure waves for each of the interleaved portions, and sending the signals to a processor. The method further includes determining the position of the subject based on the difference between the signals from each of the interleaved portions and generating a pattern for the subject. The pattern includes the presence and/or position of the subject over time. The method further includes predicting an action such as an exit of the subject from the divided bladder based on comparing a current pattern for the subject to previous patterns for the subject.

Abstract: Methods and devices for monitoring the position of a subject are disclosed. One such method includes sensing pressure waves generated by the subject moving on a divided bladder comprising interleaved portions, generating signals indicative of the pressure waves for each of the interleaved portions, and sending the signals to a processor. The method further includes determining the position of the subject based on the difference between the signals from each of the interleaved portions and generating a pattern for the subject. The pattern includes the presence and/or position of the subject over time. The method further includes predicting an action such as an exit of the subject from the divided bladder based on comparing a current pattern for the subject to previous patterns for the subject.

Abstract: A seat monitoring system comprises a first layer of one or more fluid bladders packaged within a seat, a pump in fluid communication with the first layer, the pump operable to increase fluid pressure of each bladder within the first layer, an array of one or more sensors in fluid communication with the first layer and operative to sense pressure and pressure changes within each bladder within the first layer and a controller configured to: collect pressure data; determine from the pressure data a monitored parameter relevant to a subject in the seat; and change an aspect of the seat based on the monitored parameter. Methods of using the seat monitoring system can include determining a drowsiness threshold and altering a user that he or she is getting drowsy.

Abstract: Pressure sensing devices for use with an inflatable bladder and monitoring apparatus for an at rest subject are disclosed herein. The device can comprise a housing comprising a recess and configured to be welded in a seam of the inflatable bladder. A pressure sensor can be located within the recess with a sensing side configured to be exposed to the cavity of the inflatable bladder and a reference side configured to be exposed to ambient air. A printed circuit board can be located within the recess and coupled to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is operable to detect a pressure change within the cavity due to a force exerted by a subject on the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A sleeping monitoring system includes a first padding layer. A fluid bladder is beneath the first padding layer. A sensor is in fluid communication with the fluid bladder. The sensor is configured to output a vital sign signal.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for monitoring on site near an emergency field at least one vital sign of a patient reclined thereon includes a fluid bladder transformable between a stowable arrangement and a deployed arrangement. The fluid bladder in the deployed arrangement has a comfortable top surface of sufficient size to fully support at least a torso of the patient in a reclined position, and the fluid bladder has a ruggedized puncture resistant bottom layer. A sensor is configured to detect a pressure within the fluid bladder. A controller is configured to determine the at least one vital sign based on the pressure within the fluid bladder. A triage condition indicator is configured to indicate a care urgency level based on the at least one vital sign.

Abstract: Pressure sensing devices for use with an inflatable bladder and monitoring apparatus for an at rest subject are disclosed herein. The device can comprise a housing comprising a recess and configured to be welded in a seam of the inflatable bladder. A pressure sensor can be located within the recess with a sensing side configured to be exposed to the cavity of the inflatable bladder and a reference side configured to be exposed to ambient air. A printed circuit board can be located within the recess and coupled to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is operable to detect a pressure change within the cavity due to a force exerted by a subject on the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A reaction vessel having a reaction chamber for holding a sample is fabricated by producing a housing having a rigid frame defining the minor walls of the chamber. The housing also defines a port for introducing fluid into the chamber. At least one sheet or film is attached to the rigid frame to form at least one major wall of the chamber. In preferred embodiments, two sheets or films are attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form two opposing major walls of the chamber, the major walls being connected to each other by the minor walls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for monitoring a subject at rest. One such device comprises a sensing unit having a fluid-filled bladder configured to be placed under a substrate on which the subject lays and a sensor in fluid communication with the bladder. The sensor is configured to sense pressure variations within the bladder generated by a heart beat, respiration and body weight of the subject and to generate signals indicative of the pressure variations. A processor is configured to receive the signals and to determine and generate output indicative of the subject's heart beat and respiration and presence on the substrate. An external device is configured to display one or more of the output.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and budgeting television viewing in order to influence and manage television-viewing habits in a manner that promotes self-monitoring. Example embodiments provide a Content Viewer Control System (“CVCS”), which enables devices and systems connected to a head-end, such as through a standard set-top box or a media center, to track and potentially control differing aspects of television viewing according to a viewing budget. For example, the CVCS can allow tracking and control over what content is viewed according to a variety of criteria, during which time periods, and for what duration on an individual or on a per-location basis, and/or based upon other configurable parameters. In summary, the CVCS receives notification of content as potential viewing events, compares a potential viewing event to stored viewing budget “allocations,” and reconciles the potential viewing event against the viewing budget.

Abstract: A system comprising: an IP telephony interface communicatively coupled to an IP telephony service; a secondary telephony interface communicatively coupled to a secondary telephony service; and a telephone connection module to select between the IP telephony service and the secondary telephone service based on one or more specified telephony connection conditions.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for monitoring on site near an emergency field at least one vital sign of a patient reclined thereon includes a fluid bladder transformable between a stowable arrangement and a deployed arrangement. The fluid bladder in the deployed arrangement has a comfortable top surface of sufficient size to fully support at least a torso of the patient in a reclined position, and the fluid bladder has a ruggedized puncture resistant bottom layer. A sensor is configured to detect a pressure within the fluid bladder. A controller is configured to determine the at least one vital sign based on the pressure within the fluid bladder. A triage condition indicator is configured to indicate a care urgency level based on the at least one vital sign.

Abstract: A sleeping monitoring system includes a first padding layer. A fluid bladder is beneath the first padding layer. A sensor is in fluid communication with the fluid bladder. The sensor is configured to output a vital sign signal.

Abstract: A sleep monitoring system includes a fluid bladder. A pump is in fluid communication with the fluid bladder, and the pump is operable to increase a fluid pressure within the fluid bladder. A sensor is packaged with the pump, and the sensor is in fluid communication with the fluid bladder and is operative to determine a pressure within the fluid bladder. A controller is configured to determine the at least one vital sign based on the pressure within the fluid bladder.

Abstract: A system comprising: an IP telephony interface communicatively coupled to an IP telephony service; a secondary telephony interface communicatively coupled to a secondary telephony service; and a telephone connection module to select between the IP telephony service and the secondary telephone service based on one or more specified telephony connection conditions.

Abstract: A reaction vessel having a reaction chamber for holding a sample is fabricated by producing a housing having a rigid frame defining the minor walls of the chamber. The housing also defines a port for introducing fluid into the chamber. At least one sheet or film is attached to the rigid frame to form at least one major wall of the chamber. In preferred embodiments, two sheets or films are attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form two opposing major walls of the chamber, the major walls being connected to each other by the minor walls.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for rapidly heating and/or cooling a sample in a reaction vessel. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes optics for the efficient detection of a reaction product in the vessel. The invention also provides a reaction vessel having a reaction chamber designed for optimal thermal conductance and for efficient optical viewing of reaction products in the chamber.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a reaction mixture comprises at least one heating device for heating the mixture and a power regulator for regulating the amount of power supplied to the heating device. A controller in communication with the power regulator includes program instructions for heating the reaction mixture by setting a variable target temperature that initially exceeds a desired setpoint temperature for the mixture. When the heating device reaches a threshold temperature, the variable target temperature is decreased to the desired setpoint temperature. In another embodiment, the controller includes an adaptive control program for dynamically adjusting the duration or intensity of power pulses provided to the heating device.