Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back and a cushion seat. The cushion seat includes a seat frame, a cushion pad portion above the seat frame, a first submarining suppression portion below the cushion pad portion, and a second submarining suppression portion below the cushion pad portion, the second submarining suppression portion arranged on a side of the first submarining suppression portion closer to the seat back.

Abstract: A state of a shape memory material member in an actuator can be monitored and controlled to protect the shape memory material member. When activated, the actuator can be configured to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension (e.g., the height) of the actuator increases. A sensor configured to acquire sensor data. A portion of the shape memory material member can operatively engaging the sensor. One or more processors can be operatively connected to monitor a state of the shape memory material member based on the sensor data.

Abstract: A device for reducing the health stress on a user is disclosed. The device has the following features: a) a sensor for detecting the posture of the user; b) a neural network that is trained for the following activities: i. categorizing the posture of the user in relation to categories of posture; ii. classifying the posture in relation to a degree of stress on the body of the user due to his posture; and c) an output unit for outputting feedback to the user in order to reduce the health stress.

Abstract: A furniture-type apparatus on which a user can sit includes a leg sensor configured to be disposed on a surface in proximity to user legs and obtain a measurement value representing a displacement of each of the left and right legs as a virtual movement amount of the user in the virtual space, and a back sensor configured to be disposed on a part in proximity to a back of the user and recognize forward movement or backward movement in the virtual space, based on a displacement of the back, wherein the virtual movement amount and a recognition result indicating forward movement or backward movement are output as a virtual movement amount of forward movement or backward movement.

Abstract: A child safety seat is provided and includes a base, a seat body and a notifying system. The seat body is movable relative to the base between a first position and a second position. The notifying system includes at least one actuated device, an actuating component and a notifying device. The at least one actuated device is disposed on one of the base and the seat body. The actuating component is disposed on another one of the base and the seat body and for actuating the at least one actuated device when the seat body reaches at least one of the first position and the second position. The notifying device is electrically connected to the at least one actuated device and configured to generate different types of notifying signals in response to the at least one actuated device when the seat body reaches the first position and the second position.

Abstract: In a first aspect, provided is a cushion for an aircraft seat including at least one cushion having an upper side and a lower side of at least one plastic foam; at least one sensor system, where at least one sensor system is arranged in a region of the cushion adjacent the bottom surface of the cushion; and at least one flame retardant fabric covering at least one side of the at least one cushion. In a second aspect, provided is a cushion for an aircraft seat including at least one pad made of at least one plastic; at least one stabilizing means embedded in the at least one plastic; and at least one sensor system arranged on the at least one stabilizing means.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vibration device configured to be integrated into a vehicle seat and comprising a vibrator capable of generating vibrations. This device further comprises an attachment mechanism capable of attaching the vibrator to the back or underside of a support layer integrated into a member of the seat, and a damper which is in contact with this support layer and with the vibrator, and which is capable of reducing, in the support layer, the vibrations generated by the vibrator.

Abstract: A device and a method for automatically restoring a seatback is provided in which a seatback is electrically deployed at a predetermined angle by being interlocked when a seat of a vehicle is moved to a predetermined position to facilitate a passenger to get into and out of the vehicle. The device includes a seat cushion, a seatback installed in the seat cushion to be adjustable in angle, a seat rail, and a seat track slidably installed in the seat rail. A seat position detection sensor detects a position of the seat track and a seat position detection member operates the seat position detection sensor. A seatback angle adjustment motor adjusts an angle of the seatback. When the seat position detection sensor detects that the seat track reaches a predetermined operating position, the seatback angle adjustment motor deploys the seatback.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seating frame. A plurality of cellular supports include multiple base cells and multiple support cells. The multiple support cells are disposed directly above and include a different air pressure than the base cells. A diaphragm is proximate the base cells and the support cells. An air passage is defined through the diaphragm between adjacent cellular supports. An open air distribution layer extends over the cellular supports. A breathable coverstock extends over the distribution layer.

Abstract: A control system for a machine with a rotatable operator station includes sensors to produce data indicative of suitability and unsuitability of the machine for initiating and completing adjustment, respectively, between a first control configuration where the operator station is at a first orientation and a second control configuration where the operator station is at a second orientation. A control device in the control system transitions the control system between a locking state for inhibiting rotation of the operator station and an unlocking state for permitting rotation, based on the suitability data and the unsuitability data.

Abstract: A seat device 5 according to the present invention includes a cushion pad 60, a support member 70 for supporting the cushion pad 60, a pressure sensitive switch SW disposed with a spacing from the under face of the cushion pad, and a pressing member 90 disposed below the cushion pad 60 and deformed by a pressure applied from the under face of the cushion pad to press the pressure sensitive switch SW. The deformed amount of the pressing member 90 per unit displacement amount in which the under face of the cushion pad is displaced downwardly is greater in a second stage after the pressure sensitive switch SW is turned on than in a first stage before the pressure sensitive switch SW is turned on.

Abstract: A head restraint for a vehicle seat has at least one sensor. The sensor is intended to determine the relative position of the head restraint in relation to the head of an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat. The sensor can include an optical sensor.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive seat occupancy sensor unit (10) for detecting an occupancy state of a seat comprises a support plate (12) with a support area (14), a pressure-responsive membrane switch (15), one or more spacers (16) arranged around the support area and a compressible foam. The membrane switch comprises a first carrier film and a second carrier film spaced from each other by a spacer film The spacer film has therein an opening defining a cell. The membrane switch comprises at least two electrodes arranged in facing relationship with each other in the cell on the first and the second carrier film, respectively, in such a way that they are brought closer together, possibly into contact with each other, when sufficient pressure is applied on the membrane switch. The one or more spacers (16) protrude from the support, and define an upper surface (20) raised with respect to the support area. The compressible foam (18) rests with its bottom surface (22) on the upper surface of the one or more spacers.

Abstract: The present invention introduces an interactive sitting system that measures and analyzes the forces exerted on a human body during contact with other objects such as a seat to provide a feedback for the user to assess the risk of such forces on the spine and the skin to avoid complications of abnormal or prolonged sitting.

Abstract: The present invention (also known as the HOT SEAT™) discloses and claims a vehicle occupant detection and alerting system comprising a vicinity motion detector capable sending a wireless transmission and a transmission receiving means capable of receiving the motion detector's wireless transmission and triggering a vehicle alarm system, vehicle horn, a mobile device or other form of notification if a child is left unattended in a vehicle.

Abstract: A support base for a child safety seat includes a shell body, an adjustable arm assembled with the shell body and having a rear end provided with a fastener operable to attach with an anchorage fixture of a vehicle, a safety lock, and a coupling portion assembled through an interior of the adjustable arm. The shell body is movable along the adjustable arm to adjust a distance between the fastener and a rear of the shell body. The safety lock is assembled with the shell body, and includes a latch operable to engage and disengage an opening of the adjustable arm. The latch is operable to lock the shell body with the adjustable arm, and a locking engagement of the fastener with the anchorage fixture causes a displacement of the coupling portion that pushes the latch to disengage from the opening for allowing displacement of the shell body toward the fastener.

Abstract: A method and a structure of electrically connecting a conductive fiber in fabric to an external device electrically connects the conductive fiber to the external device by pressing a conductive member that is electrically connected to the external device against the fabric.

Abstract: A sensor system and seat assembly includes a sensor assembly configured to detect a seating force exerted on a portion of a seat cushion of a seat. The sensor assembly includes a base, a force transducer configured to output a signal indicative of the seating force, and a lever pivotably coupled to the base. The lever defines a sensing end configured to be disposed proximate to the portion of the seat cushion such that the seating force operates on the sensing end. The lever also defines an actuating end configured to apply an actuation force to the force transducer. The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality of levers. Each sensing end of each lever may be disposed in a separate location within the portion of the seat cushion. The sensor assembly may be configured to detect a child exerting a seating force on a portion of the seat cushion.

Abstract: A seat load detection apparatus includes: a load detector detecting part of a load acting on a vehicle seat which is capable of changing the posture of a seatback forward from the first stage position as a most upright position of a seatable position to the forwardly inclined position which is a forwardly inclined position on which the passenger cannot be seated; a load body determination unit determining a load body acting on the vehicle seat on the basis of a detected load detected by the load detector; a seat posture detector detecting the forwardly inclined position of the seatback; and a state determination unit determining the state change of the vehicle seat on the basis of the variation of the detected load and restrict the determination of the state change of the vehicle seat on the basis of an output from the seat posture detector.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat pan, where the seat pan front edge defines a first pivot point and the seat pan rear edge defines a second pivot point. A swivel is disposed beneath and supporting the seat, permitting the seat to rotate about a pivotal axis. First and second armrests are disposed on either side of the seat pan. A first control is positioned in the first armrest to lock and unlock movement of the seat in at least one of lateral and longitudinal directions. A second control is positioned in the second armrest to lock and unlock at least the swivel.

Abstract: A seat includes a seat pan, having a seat pan front edge and a seat pan rear edge. The seat pan front edge defines a first pivot point and the seat pan rear edge defines a second pivot point. A lumbar cushion, having a lumbar cushion top edge and a lumbar cushion bottom edge, is articulately disposed adjacent to the seat pan rear edge. A backrest, having a backrest top edge and a backrest bottom edge, is articulately disposed adjacent to the lumbar cushion top edge. A headrest, having a headrest top edge and a headrest bottom edge, is articulately disposed adjacent to the backrest top edge. The seat pan, the lumbar cushion, the backrest, and the headrest are positionable with respect to one another such that seat is configurable into at least one of a taxi, takeoff and landing position, a limited recline position, a napping position, and a sleeping position. The first pivot point remains in a substantially fixed position for each of the positions.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for managing an interface between a machine or work vehicle and a surface that the machine/work vehicle travels on in order to provide an optimum work performance level that balances fuel efficiency and surface adversity. Fleet management and reporting capabilities pertaining to such interface management are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adaptive, multi-axis suspension system providing both coarse and fine suspension for a passenger seat. Coarse suspension control is provided to maintain the passenger seat and passenger within a selected position regardless of the weight of the passenger seat and the passenger. Fine suspension control is provided by monitoring and analyzing vibration characteristics in time and/or frequency domains to determine a variable amount of damper resistance to be exerted by a magnetorheological (MR) device. A nominal damper resistance of the MR device is selected based on the combined weight of the passenger seat and the passenger.

Abstract: A restraint system (120, 120a) for protecting at least one aircraft occupant, the aircraft including a cabin having at least one seat (54, 56, 58) facing a longitudinal center line of the aircraft, the restraint system including a first airbag (162) inflatable from a stored position to an inflated position, the airbag when inflated being adjacent the seated occupant and located on a side of the occupant facing the front of the aircraft, the airbag reducing occupant movement toward the front of the aircraft and cushioning the occupant from any impact, the system also includes a mechanism (222, 240) to lessen movement of the lower legs of the occupant.

Abstract: A Comprehensive and Retrofittable Occupant Sensor Suite (CROSS) for logging of accurate occupant dynamics during blast events encountered on the battlefield. The CROSS system is low cost, can be retrofit to any vehicle seat, will not restrict soldier mobility, and is highly expandable to include both wired and wireless sensors. The CROSS system reliably measures and sends all data channels to a vehicle data recorder (VDR), and internally stores data (with its own power backup) in case connectivity to the VDR or vehicle power is lost during a blast event. The CROSS system yields critical information for forensics analyses, the modeling of occupant dynamics during blast events, and the design of protective devices.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat has at least one seat element characterized by at least one monitoring apparatus for monitoring the seat element. The seat arrangement has a plurality of seats, wherein at least one seat includes at least one sensor module for monitoring a seat element and a control unit for checking and controlling the monitoring, wherein the at least one sensor module is in a data exchange relationship with the control unit.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat, left and right first frames extending in a front-rear direction are disposed apart from each other in a lateral direction. Each first frame includes a bottom wall to which a load sensor for measuring a weight of an occupant is attached, and sidewalls extending upward from left and right sides of the bottom wall. One or each of front and rear end portions of the left first frame is connected to a corresponding end portion of the right first frame by a connecting member. The bottom wall of at least one of the left and right first frames includes a connecting portion that is an end portion of the bottom wall to which the connecting member is connected and which extends outward in the front-rear direction farther beyond outer edges of the sidewalls, bending around the connecting member to its outer side in the front-rear direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for controlling an actuator for moving a mobile element of a seat in a vehicle. The control device comprises: a measuring device for determining a reference parameter relating to a passenger in the seat and/or to the state of the vehicle, and power-limiting means for defining a maximum limit for the power generated by the actuator in accordance with said parameter. The invention further relates to a seat or aircraft comprising the aforementioned device, and to a control method using said device.

Abstract: A kiosk may include a main body with a front surface and a seat assembly located near the main body adjacent to the front surface of the main body.

Abstract: The present invention introduces an interactive sitting system that measures and analyzes the forces exerted on a human body during contact with other objects such as a seat to provide a feedback for the user to assess the risk of such forces on the spine and the skin to avoid complications of abnormal or prolonged sitting.

Abstract: A seat for supporting the bottom area of a seated person, which seat is intended and adapted to form part of an article of seating furniture, such as a chair or a couch, a seat for a means of transport such as a car, a bus or an aircraft, or a wheelchair, has the feature that the seat consists of two parts, i.e. a left-hand seat part and a right-hand seat part, which seat parts are separated from each other along the nominal median plane of a user, each of the seat parts is pivotable around a pivot zone extending at least roughly perpendicularly of said median plane; and the projected position of the pivot zone lies in front of the tubera.

Abstract: A lower rail is fixed to a vehicle floor, and an upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to the lower rail. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail. A rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor, a rod of the load sensor sequentially penetrates a web of the rectangular frame and a spring holder upward, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A nut is screwed to the rod, and the nut tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between a flange of the spring holder and the web and is compressed by tightening the nut.

Abstract: A method for detecting a weight of at, least one occupant of a motor vehicle includes the steps of detecting a first load which acts on a chassis of the motor vehicle as first weight value at a time point prior to entering of the at least one occupant into the motor vehicle, detecting a second load which acts on the chassis as second weight value at a second time point after entering of the at least one occupant into the motor vehicle; and determining the weight of the at least one occupant by forming a difference between the first and second weight values.

Abstract: A medical examination chair kit includes a group of sensors including electrodes in finger-tip sensors, various other types of sensors incorporated in covers attachable or placeable on a chair and load cells on an adjustable grid supporting the chair, all of which provide data which is partially processed in a transmission pocket mounted on the chair.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a seat, one or more wheels and a seat weight sensing mechanism. The wheel includes a brake for stopping the wheel. The seat weight sensing mechanism is placed below the seat and is connected to the brake. When the seat is loaded by a weight more than a predetermined value, the seat weight sensing mechanism releases the brake to free the wheel. When the seat is not loaded by a weight more than a predetermined value, the brake stops the wheel.

Abstract: A chair with a control mechanism with a base structure, a seat bottom structure supported by the base structure, a seat back structure supported by the base structure, a control mechanism supported by the base structure, a power source and means for electrically coupling the power source to the control mechanism and an electrical port, wireless transmitter, or other electrical communicator for producing electrical communication relative to the control mechanism. The power source can be a portable power source that plugs into the connector of the control mechanism. One or more electrical sensors can be retained relative to the seat bottom or seat back structures and memory can be provided for retaining data from the electrical sensor.

Abstract: A posture control apparatus is provided. More specifically, a memory stores positional information of a seat corresponding to a sex, a stature, a sitting stature and a body type of a driver. An information collector receives the sex, the stature, the sitting stature and a weight of the driver and a sitting stature section determinator determines a sitting stature section of the driver based on the received stature and sitting stature of the driver. A Body Mass Index section determinator determines a body type section of the driver based on the received sex, stature, and weight of the driver. A controller then determines a position of the seat corresponding to the sex, the stature, the sitting stature section and the body type section of the driver based on the positional information of the seat stored in the memory.

Abstract: To allow more reliable detection of occupancy of a seat by a person, the invention includes a detection device for detecting occupancy of a seat, in particular of a vehicle seat or motor vehicle seat, comprising at least one elongate light guide having at least one elongate core element and at least one elongate sheath at a distance from the core element. The light guide is deformable by mechanical actuation means in at least one direction running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the light guide by the deformation brought about by the seat being occupied causes the light to exit from the light guide on the side opposite the mechanical means.

Abstract: A device for locking to a vehicle seat having a child car seat mounting system includes a pair of pawl assemblies with hooks that connect to the loops of a child car seat mounting system. The hooks are spring-actuated pawls. The device includes two indicator windows that can respectively display the open or locked status of the first hook and the second hook, which move in unison and also lock and open in unison. The indicator windows separately confirms the condition of both of the hooks. A button is interconnected to both of the hooks to simultaneously control opening and locking thereof. The button is also interconnected to a ratchet to permit simultaneous relocation of the hooks for custom adjustment. A child car seat can be mounted to the device to secure the child seat to a vehicle seat that includes a child car seat mounting system.

Abstract: A chair-based scale for weighing a person in a seated position is disclosed. The scale includes a system for electronically displaying data and other information. In one embodiment, the chair-based scale is a stand-alone scale, and in other embodiments, it communicates with a remote computer. According to one embodiment, the chair comprises a collapsible chair. A collapsible chair provides certain advantages, such as lower manufacturing and shipping costs, and ease of shipping to and storage and use at a user location (e.g., a patient's home or apartments), or a health care facility. According to an embodiment of the invention, the collapsible chair may be a folding chair, e.g., of the deck chair or director chair type. According to one embodiment, the chair comprises a protective cover that is movable to prevent loading of a load sensor in a non-weighing condition of the chair. In another embodiment, the chair is provided with wheels and e.g., is of the transport type.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an impact on a vehicle includes: a load detecting portion attached to an end portion of a seat portion of a seat for the vehicle, and detecting a compressing-direction load, and a pulling-direction load; and an impact determining portion determining that the impact is applied on the vehicle in a case where the compressing-direction load, which is equal to or larger than a first predetermined value, is detected and subsequently the pulling-direction load, which is equal to or larger than a second predetermined value, is detected within a first predetermined time period, or in a case where the pulling-direction load, which is equal to or larger than a third predetermined value, is detected and subsequently the compressing-direction load, which is equal to or larger than a fourth predetermined value, is detected within a second predetermined time period.

Abstract: A seat system for a mass transit vehicle configured to provide at least one seating position, which includes a seat cushion configured to support at least one occupant; a seat back configured to support at least one occupant; one seat belt device for each seating position configured to provide restraint to an occupant, which includes a first sensing mechanism to detect and output a first signal indicating whether the seat belt device is configured in one of two positions, a first unbuckled position and a second buckled position; an electronic control unit, coupled to a vehicle voltage source, having at least one input connection, at least one output connection, a microprocessor to process data received through any input connection, and a memory device to store data processed by the microprocessor; at least one communication means coupled to the electronic control unit for communicating externally to the seat system; and a second sensing mechanism to determine whether the seat is configured in one of two posit

Abstract: There are provided a bio-signal analyzer using a sensor capable of detecting, even though it is non-invasive, a more prominent bio-signal, and a seat using the bio-signal analyzer. Air cushions (10), which are sensors detecting a bio-signal in a non-invasive manner, are disposed at the positions corresponding respectively to left and right iliocostalis lumborum muscles of a person, in a substantially vertically long state along the iliocostalis lumborum muscles, with upper ends thereof being set at least at the height corresponding to a lower face of a human diaphragm. In the diaphragm, bio-signals such as heartbeats, breaths, or pulsations of aorta passing through the vicinity of the diaphragm are resonated and amplified. Further, the iliocostalis lumborum muscles are at positions where they are easily vibrated by pulsations of aorta passing through the vicinity of the lumbar region.

Abstract: A locking mechanism comprises an elongate body having first and second rails each having a first end and a second end and a void disposed therebetween. Lock slots are disposed in the first end of each rail and a pad is connected to each of the rails at the second ends to join the first and second rails. A mid bar is rotatably connected to the first and second rails and positioned within the void. An extension is disposed on a second end of the mid bar, wherein the extension provides a visual indication of both a locked state and an unlocked state.

Abstract: A medical examination chair kit includes a group of sensors including electrodes in finger-tip sensors, various other types of sensors incorporated in covers attachable or placeable on a chair and load cells on an adjustable grid supporting the chair, all of which provide data which is partially processed in a transmission pocket mounted on the chair.

Abstract: A capacitive occupant detection system comprises a capacitive sensor and a seat frame located under the capacitive sensor through a seat cushion. The seat frame is electrically connected with the ground potential level of the vehicle. A water proof layer is placed above the seat frame. The water proof layer prevents water from penetrating the seat cushion to reach to the seat frame, even if water poured on the seating part. The water proof layer suppresses resistance decrease of resistive component between the capacitive sensor and the seat frame resulting from water poured on the seat.

Abstract: A seat occupancy detection unit (10) has at least one sensor (12) which has a reed switch (14) and a magnet (22) movable relative thereto in a switching direction (z). The seat occupancy detection unit (10) can be inserted in the seat padding of a vehicle seat, It is used to produce a warning signal for the wearing of a seat belt.

Abstract: A passenger distinguishing apparatus is provided. The passenger distinguishing apparatus includes: a weight detection sensor that is assembled in a vehicle seat to detect a passenger's weight; and a first bracket and a second bracket that assemble the weight detection sensor in the seat, wherein the weight detection sensor has a length direction in a horizontal direction of the seat, and a first damper for absorbing assembling tolerance of the weight detection sensor is disposed between the first bracket and the weight detection sensor. Therefore, assembling tolerance can be absorbed with minimum parts, production can be improved, contact noise can be reduced, and a weight and cost can be reduced.