Abstract: Provided is breakaway adjustable bed system that includes a bed frame and a breakaway system. The bed frame includes at least one breakaway member. The breakaway system includes a coupling assembly, signal mechanism, control box and alarm devices. The coupling assembly includes elements that selectably couple a breakaway member to another member of the bed frame. The control box includes a processing unit that, upon sensing a signal from the coupling assembly or signal mechanism that the selectable coupling between the breakaway member and another member of the bed frame is decoupled, provides an indication to an alarm device. The alarm device sends an alert to a user that the selectable coupling between a breakaway member and a member of the bed frame is decoupled.

Abstract: A method of user identification in association with an automated furniture item is provided. In embodiments, a user identification method for an automated furniture item utilizes occupancy detection and proximity detection, such as via a BLE PXP. In some embodiments, a system associated with an automated furniture item is provided, which identifies a particular user's smart device (i.e., a device configured to connect to one or more other devices and/or networks, such as a tablet computing device or smartphone) within range of the automated furniture item controller, and generates a corresponding response based on occupancy detection of that particular user. In another embodiment, one or more environment features may be controlled and/or activated, in association with the automated furniture item, based on the coordinated response of both the proximity indication of user identity and the presence detection of a particular user with respect to the automated furniture item.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically pairing wireless remotes to the control components of automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a pairing mode selection indication is received, indicating a universal mode selection or a normal mode selection. In universal mode, the control component and the remote device are automatically paired based on commands received from the remote device. In normal mode, the control component and the remote component are automatically paired upon confirmation that the unique ID of the remote device corresponds to an ID database. Having paired the control component with the remote device, the control component may execute commands received from at least one remote device. In embodiments, the pairing method includes applying priority rules for particular remote devices. Further, the automatic pairing of remote devices may include varying levels of authorization for different users.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating furniture accessories and generic devices with automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a communication protocol enables a remote device to wirelessly control a generic device wirelessly coupled to a control component of an automated furniture item. The remote device may control features of the generic device based on wireless communication with the control component. In some embodiments, the remote device receives a user environment selection, which is communicated to the control component of the automated furniture item. The automated furniture item then communicates at least a portion of the received command to a corresponding generic device, according to the settings of the selected user environment. In further embodiments, an occupancy detection indication for the automated furniture item may result in a change in one or more settings corresponding to the user environment, as communicated to the generic device(s) by the control component.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating furniture accessories with automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a communication protocol enables a remote device to control an automated furniture accessory coupled to a control component of an automated furniture item. Items of identifying information are provided to a control component based on coupling the automated furniture accessory to the CAN bus of the control component. According to the communication protocol, one or more packets of information are provided to the remote device using a wireless communication device of the control component. The remote device may then be used to control features of the automated furniture accessory, based on wireless communication with the control component. In some embodiments, the firmware of the remote device may be updated to enable the control component to be coupled to updated automated furniture accessories, and enable the remote device to control such accessories.

Abstract: Provided is breakaway adjustable bed system that includes a bed frame and a breakaway system. The bed frame includes at least one breakaway member. The breakaway system includes a coupling assembly, signal mechanism, control box and alarm devices. The coupling assembly includes elements that selectably couple a breakaway member to another member of the bed frame. The control box includes a processing unit that, upon sensing a signal from the coupling assembly or signal mechanism that the selectable coupling between the breakaway member and another member of the bed frame is decoupled, provides an indication to an alarm device. The alarm device sends an alert to a user that the selectable coupling between a breakaway member and a member of the bed frame is decoupled.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is provided having a mattress, a mattress support, and an attachment panel for removably attaching the mattress to the mattress support. The attachment panel can be disposed along at least a portion of at least one side of the mattress and extends below a bottom surface of the mattress. The attachment panel is attached to an underside of the mattress support.

Abstract: A seating unit is provided with a detachable bezel that is selectively engaged and disengaged to a receiving module. The receiving module is assembled to an interior of the seating unit and operably coupled to the activation device (e.g., linear actuator for adjusting the position of the seating unit). In operation, the receiving module is configured to receive command signals via a communication interface between the receiving module and the detachable bezel. Typically, an intermediate material of the seating unit intersects the communication interface. Further, the receiving module is configured to invoke the activation device as a function of the command signals. The detachable bezel resides external to the seating unit and is freely wielded by a user upon being disengaged from the receiving module. Additionally, the detachable bezel includes touch-activated controls that, upon receiving user-initiated actuation, generate the command signals via the communication interface.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is provided having a mattress, a mattress support, and an attachment panel for removably attaching the mattress to the mattress support. The attachment panel can be disposed along at least a portion of at least one side of the mattress and extends below a bottom surface of the mattress. The attachment panel is attached to an underside of the mattress support.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and materials for manipulating the sense of satiety developed from the gastrointestinal transit of a substance in a mammal, whether the substance be a food or drug compound. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount, by a direct delivery route, of a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation comprising nutrients and pharmacological agents to the mammal's gastrointestinal tract. The present system is designed to maximize satiety feedback from normal intestinal sensors by small amounts of nutrients or nutrient derivatives, in essence, to “fool” body sensors that are not usually in contact with nutrients unless very large amounts are ingested.

Abstract: A femoral knee implant includes a fourth compartment of articulation. The superior posterior articulating surface is achieved by first increasing the thickness of the superior posterior condylar portion of the femoral component to widen the superior posterior edge of the posterior condyle. Second, the newly created surface at the superior posterior condyle is smoothly rounded to provide an articular surface with no sharp changes in the surface contours. In one embodiment, the fourth articular compartment of this invention is provided in a one piece femoral design. In another embodiment, it is provided as a modular addition to an existing prior art femoral component. In another embodiment, the fourth compartment is combined with a posterior stabilized (PS) TKR design that includes a tibial post and cooperating femoral cam characterized by low engagement of the cam on the spine.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an articulating bearing surface for use in an orthopaedic implant uses a supply of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene particles which are irradiated with sufficient radiation energy to crosslink at least a portion of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The irradiated particles are then formed into an orthopaedic bearing surface.

Abstract: A femoral knee implant includes a fourth compartment of articulation. The superior posterior articulating surface is achieved by first increasing the thickness of the superior posterior condylar portion of the femoral component to widen the superior posterior edge of the posterior condyle. Second, the newly created surface at the superior posterior condyle is smoothly rounded to provide an articular surface with no sharp changes in the surface contours. In one embodiment, the fourth articular compartment of this invention is provided in a one piece femoral design. In another embodiment, it is provided as a modular addition to an existing prior art femoral component. In another embodiment, the fourth compartment is combined with a posterior stabilized (PS) TKR design that includes a tibial post and cooperating femoral cam characterized by low engagement of the cam on the spine.

Abstract: An instrument 2 used to install both the outer shell 40 and bearing liner 50 of a conventional acetabular cup assembly 4. Instrument 2 includes an impactor 30 and a reversible cup or head component 10, which is adapted for driving shell 40 into the acetabulum and for seating bearing liner 50 into the shell. Head component 10 has a rounded semi-spherical surface 12 on one end and a substantially flat surface 14 on the opposite end. Impactor 30 includes a longitudinal extension 36 which can be inserted into a bore 20 in head component 10 from either direction to secure the head component to the impactor. When instrument 2 is used to seat shell 40 into the acetabulum, head component 10 is fitted to impactor 30 with semi-spherical surface 12 facing outward for abutment against inner surface 44 of shell 40. Shell 40 is connected to the distal end 39 of extension 36, which protrudes from semi-spherical surface 12 of head component 10.

Abstract: The metal lock ring of the invention has an oblong exterior periphery which allows the ring to have a small "width" and a larger "height." The small "width" provides a strong locking mechanism on the poly liner and the larger "height" allows the ring to remain secure within the groove of the metal shell prior to and during assembly of the polyethylene liner. The ring has a chamfer on its inside leading edges defining its width to facilitate assembly of the liner. This optimizes the ease of assembly and is simpler and more economically to produce than a chamfer all the way around the oblong ring. In the preferred embodiment, the lock ring has a constant thickness such that the inner periphery and the outer periphery are oval.In an alternative embodiment, the metal lock ring has a round inner diameter and a round outer diameter that are not concentric, thereby creating a thickening of the ring at one end.

Abstract: Compliant soldering pads allow for expansion and contraction between an hermetic chip carriers (HCC) and printed wiring boards (PWB) due to coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch and prevent solder cracking which in turn causes electrical discontinuities. The pads allow for flexing in three axes.