Abstract: A seat assembly includes a frame, a cushion and a sensor assembly. The cushion is positioned on the frame and includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The sensor assembly includes a capacitive sensing element and is positioned on one but not both of the top surface and bottom surface of the cushion.

Abstract: Height-adjusting wheelchairs allow an occupant of the wheelchair to adjust the height of the wheelchair seat above the ground. A height-adjusting manually propelled wheelchair may include a base frame supported by two rear wheels, and a vertically movable seat assembly is positioned above the base frame. A height adjustment system adjusts the height of the seat assembly relative to the base frame.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and an apparatus for transmitting data, in particular in aircraft, with wireless transmitting and receiving units which are operated on an operating frequency of more than 30 GHz and preferably in a frequency range of between 56 GHz and 64 GHz. Adverse health effects on people and signal interference phenomena are reduced and the method and the apparatus allows broadband data transmission independently of spatial configurations.

Abstract: Seating assemblies, principally for passenger vehicles such as aircraft, are detailed. Memory devices associated with the seats may receive information in the form of seat-adjustment preferences for the passengers to whom the seats are assigned for a journey. The information may be provided directly by a passenger while on-board the vehicle or in advance of the journey. Crew overrides of the adjustment preferences may occur. The seats additionally may include alarms or provide other functionality of interest to passengers and authorities.

Abstract: A safety dental chair includes a chair having a back and seat portions, the back portion having front and rear surfaces and upper and lower ends. The safety dental chair includes an automatic external defibrillator and a CPR safety board removably coupled to the chair back portion adjacent its rear surface. A vitals monitor may also be coupled to the chair which includes a pulse oximetry finger clip, a blood pressure cuff, and at least one display. The vitals monitor includes programming for determining pulse oximetry using data received from the pulse oximetry finger clip, for determining blood pressure using data received from the blood pressure cuff, and for actuating the display to present the oximetry and blood pressure. The safety dental chair may include a headrest constructed of memory foam for supporting a patient's neck and the patient's airway open. The chair may be automated for adjusting its position.

Abstract: A seat occupant sensing apparatus includes a notched foam bottom seat cushion and a pressure-responsive sensor disposed between the bottom cushion and a frame of the seat. The notch is a narrow-channel on the underside of the foam cushion that extends upward into the foam to limit and direct dispersion of occupant loading through the cushion. A rectangular notch smaller in dimension than a child seat frame is formed in a central region of the foam cushion, and a fluid-filled bladder or other force-responsive sensor mat is disposed substantially within the perimeter of the notch. The sensor will detect a normally seated occupant due to the relatively uniform seat load, but will not detect a cinched-down child seat because the notch limits dispersion of child seat loading in the direction of the sensor.

Abstract: A video game chair comprises a chair; a vibrating mechanism coupled to the chair; and an interface capable of receiving an audio signal from a portable game console during game play and of activating the vibrating mechanism in response to one or more aspects of the audio signal.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile headrest, the headrest including a headrest body in which the video system is mounted. The video system includes a housing in which a video monitor housing is pivotally mounted, the video monitor housing supporting a video monitor and a video source, the video monitor housing including a top, bottom, first and second sides, front surface and rear surface and wherein the video source is a DVD player mounted along the rear surface of the video monitor housing for accessed from behind the video monitor housing.

Abstract: Seat repositioning systems for vehicles comprise an operator's seat having a seat bottom and optionally, a seat back, where the operator's seat further comprises an adjustable characteristic, such as seat rotation, seat height adjustment, tilt, or X-Y position. A seat release control is operable to release the operator's seat from a locked position for repositioning of the adjustable characteristic of the operator's seat.

Abstract: A workspace system provides for payment units allowing electrical current and other workspace amenities to be purchased, internalizing the costs of electrical charging stations, thereby promoting their use within public spaces.

Abstract: A chair-side patient communication system for use with a chair having at least one armrest, the system including a display screen and light mounted in association with the chair, a computer system coupled to the display screen; a controller mounted in the armrest of the chair for controlling the computer system to provide access to the information to be displayed on the display screen; and at least one speaker mounted in the headrest of the chair. The system enables a user in the chair to remain stationary while controlling the display of the information via the controller on the armrest of the chair.

Abstract: A method, system, and device for interfacing with a portable electronic device such as a laptop computer on an airplane, while the laptop computer is stowed in a seat pocket. A keyboard, touch screen display, and electrical interfaces are attached to the back of each display-enabled passenger seat on an airplane, such that the passenger seated behind each enhanced passenger seat may access the keyboard, touch screen display, and electrical interfaces. Display, mouse, and keyboard data interface connections are located in each seat pocket. The electrical interfaces allow a laptop computer user to utilize the keyboard, which is preferably waterproof and embedded in a fold-down tray table attached to the back of the seat in front of the user. The electrical interfaces allow a touch screen display, which is preferably embedded in the back of the seat in front of the user, to regenerate data from the laptop computer.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat assembly has a seat body including a seat base portion and a seat back portion. A swivel mechanism moves the seat body between a first position for entering or exiting the vehicle and a second position for operating or traveling in the vehicle and includes a weight sensor and a motor for rotating the seat body. When a vehicle door is opened, the motor rotates the seat body into the first position and when the weight sensor detects the presence of an occupant, the motor rotates the seat body into the second position and a seat belt is moved into a position to secure the occupant in the seat body. A pulse sensor triggers an alarm if it detects a pulse rate indicating that the occupant is falling asleep. The assembly further includes a massage system, a heating unit and a cooling unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat part for a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a seat pan (1) made of sheet metal, a seat cushion applied to the seat pan (1) and a cable assembly (17) running in the seat cushion. In order to make possible simple and economical installation of the cable assembly and manufacture of the seat part, the invention provides that the seat pan (1) is formed as a deep-drawn part and channels (8, 11, 12) are formed in the seat part (1), in which the cable assembly (17) is accommodated.

Abstract: A chair-type massage machine is provided which comprises a seat, backrest and leg portion having a plurality of preset reclining angles for giving an effective massage to the user in various postures. The massage machine comprises a seat pivotally movably supported by a base, a backrest pivotally movably supported by the seat at the rear end thereof, a leg portion pivotally movably supported by the seat at the front end thereof, control means for controlling seat moving means, backrest moving means and the leg portion moving means and a manual controller. The control means has stored therein a plurality of preset reclining angles with respect to the angle of the seat, backrest and the leg portion. The manual controller has reclining selection buttons for selecting one of the reclining angles and an initial position button.

Abstract: A seat of an apparatus in one example comprises a front subportion and a rear subportion that is adjustable in height and/or angle relative to the front subportion. A backrest of the apparatus in one example is adjustable in shape. Based on a user contact pressure against one or more portions of the seat and/or one or more portions of the backrest, the rear subportion of the seat and the backrest are adjustable between: a first height and/or angle of the rear subportion of the seat and a first shape of the backrest; and a second height and/or angle of the rear subportion of the seat and a second shape of the backrest.

Abstract: A portable footrest including a foot platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and a heater in thermal communication with the bottom surface. A housing is disposed in supporting relation to the foot platform and the heater. The housing is shaped and dimensioned to maintain the foot platform and the heater above a level of a surface upon which the footrest is placed. An electronic assembly is in electrical communication with the heater. The electronic assembly includes an electrical connector for connection to an power source, means for manually energizing and de-energizing the heater, and means for automatically de-energizing the heater.

Abstract: A pop-up display suitable for use in a seat back of an occupant seat, such as but not limited to those employed within vehicles to carry vehicle occupants. The display being configured to pop-up from the seat back in response to mechanical and/or electrical stimulation. The mechanical actuation optionally being localized relative to the display such that the occupant may be required to be in reach of the display in order to impart the mechanical stimulation. The electrical actuation optionally being imparted with electrical signals communicated thereto by a switch or vehicle controller such that the display may be ejected without being in reach of the same.

Abstract: A massage chair of the invention includes an electric reclining mechanism for moving a backrest into different sloping positions, a holding mechanism for holding at least one forearm of a user to fix to the base side, and a controller that controls operations of these mechanisms. The controller controls to allow the holding mechanism to hold the at least one forearm and allow the electric reclining mechanism to move the backrest into at least one sloping position before moving the backrest into an end position. An inclination of the at least one sloping position from a sloping position of the different sloping positions when the at least one forearm is held by the holding mechanism is smaller than an inclination of the end position from a sloping position of the different sloping positions when the at least one forearm is held by the holding mechanism.

Abstract: A seat position control device for a vehicle includes a lateral direction actuator for moving a position of a seat of the vehicle in a lateral direction of the vehicle, a turning direction actuator for moving the position of the seat of the vehicle in a turning direction of the vehicle a motion condition identification device for identifying a motion condition of the vehicle, a lateral direction drive control device for moving the position of the seat in the lateral direction of the vehicle by driving the lateral direction actuator based on the motion condition of the vehicle identified by the motion condition identification device and a turning direction drive control device for moving the position of the seat in the turning direction of the vehicle by driving the turning direction actuator based on the motion condition of the vehicle identified by the motion condition identification device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention has a headrest restraint incorporating a remote-controlled, video monitor with a monitor safety cover and concealed video input and power supply cable. It can serve as an OEM headrest or as an after-market headrest replacement. This embodiment of the invention maintains headrest safety requirements and meets vehicle manufacturers' specifications, unlike headrests specially modified to incorporate a rearward facing video monitor. The monitor safety cover protects rear seat occupants from impact with the monitor. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A child safety device for a vehicle including a seat including a shell, a harness including at least one strap for retaining an occupant in the seat, and a sensor between a device on the strap and the seat shell indicating a tension status of the harness.

Abstract: A holster for a passenger seat has a rear face and a peripheral wall which defines a pocket for receiving an IFE device. The holster is moveable between stowed and deployed positions. In the deployed position, an IFE device may be positioned in the pocket for convenient viewing. The tilt angle of the holster may also be adjusted.

Abstract: A video game chair for enhancing the enjoyment of a video game includes a chair member formed of a horizontal seat portion with a backrest portion vertically extending therefrom. Adjacent each of two opposing sides of the seat portion is an adjustable arm with a game controller mounted thereon. A speaker and adjustable leg are mounted adjacent each of two opposing sides of the backrest portion. An interface box is removably attached to a lower surface of the seat portion for electrically connecting the speakers and controller to a conventional game box.

Abstract: A monitor adapted for mounting in an automobile headrest is provided. A screen structure of the monitor is pivotable about an upper edge thereof, such that the monitor occupies little volume within the headrest. A viewing angle of the screen structure is independently adjustable by a viewer, such that the viewer can continuously select the optimum viewing angle with changing conditions inside the automobile. The screen structure automatically retracts into a housing when struck. Thus, the monitor poses little risk of injury to passengers. The housing of the monitor is attachable to the headrest with screws, which provides a very sturdy connection and reduces the chances of the housing becoming detached from the headrest during a vehicle collision. The hinged connection between the screen structure and the housing is preferably constructed of interconnected components made from sturdy materials, such as metals.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a sensor assembly that is used to provide data for an occupant classification system. The data is used to determine such characteristics as seat occupant weight and position. These characteristics are used to control deployment of a safety restraint mechanism such as an airbag. The sensor assembly is part of a mat that is placed on top of a foam cushion used to form a seat bottom. Fasteners are used to permanently attach the mat to the foam to restrict lateral and vertical movement of the mat relative to the foam.

Abstract: A video monitor support movable between stowed and deployed positions includes a base attachable to a surface and a carriage fixed to the base. The carriage includes a shaft extendible between the stowed and deployed positions. A constant linear force is applied to the shaft between the stowed and deployed positions, and a mount is fixed to the shaft opposite the carriage for supporting a video monitor.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system adapted for detecting a condition of a vehicle seat assembly including at least one emitter and at least one sensor disposed spaced relative to the emitter. The sensor is operable to detect relative distance between the emitter and the sensor to thereby detect the condition of the vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle occupant sensing system also includes at least one sensor assembly having a base and an upper slide member moveable toward and away from the base. The upper slide member includes at least one interference member that generates an interference fit between the emitter and the interference member to thereby securely mount the emitter to the upper slide member. The vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a vehicle seat to detect a condition of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable furnishing such as a lift chair including a support member with a surface for supporting a user. A mechanism is connected to the support member for adjusting a position of the support member. One or more infrared radiation sensors are positioned beneath the surface of the support member to generate a signal when a heated body is detected in proximity to the mechanism. A controller is provided for receiving the signal from the infrared radiation sensors and inhibiting travel of the mechanism and the support member in a direction of the detected heated body.

Abstract: A magnet is attached to springs of a sheet cushion. A connecting member is attached to side portions of a seat cushion frame. A magnetic sensor having a magnetic impedance element is fixed on the connecting member while being positioned right below the magnet. By seating of an occupant on the seat cushion, springs are downwardly bent to bring the magnet closer to the magnetic sensor and to thereby change the magnetic field of the magnet detected with the magnetic sensor. The load applied by an occupant to the seat cushion is detected on the basis of the change of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A seating arrangement for a vehicle, especially an aircraft, in which seats are arranged in a plurality of generally parallel ranks (20, 22, 24), each rank extending in a fore-and-aft direction, and in a plurality of rows, each row extending at an angle other than a right angle with respect to said fore-and-aft direction and wherein adjacent seats (30) in a row overlap in a transverse direction in the preferred embodiment, the seats of a row also overlap in said fore-and-aft direction and include a truncated armrest (34) at one side of the seat arranged to fit behind an adjacent seat. The seats further include an armrest (32) at the other side of the seat, the armrest comprising a bar which extends from the rear of the seat so that a portion of one seat is located beneath the armrest provided at said other side of an adjacent seat.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for automobile seats is disclosed. In particular, a heating wire is installed in the interiors of a seat. A piezoelectric element is installed between an automobile engine and each engine mount. The heating wire is energized by the power generated by each piezoelectric element when an engine vibrates. The seat is heated based on a heating operation of the heating wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for easily and safely releasing a brake interlock function of a vehicle audio/video system. The vehicle audio/video system is designed to enable both a driver and a passenger to watch a video with a display unit. For safety reasons, a brake interlock function is incorporated to disable the display unit when the vehicle is in motion. The brake interlock function is released if the display unit is installed for passengers in the rear seats. Various release devices including a mechanical and an electrical switch are disclosed for releasing the brake interlock function for the display unit in the vehicle audio/video system. The release device is established within a display compartment mounted on a front or middle seat when the display unit is installed in the display compartment.

Abstract: To allow for optimum arrangement of the rows of seats for any individual flight, the distance between rows is adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the passenger plane, optionally according to sections, by storing in a control device an actually desired arrangement of rows, and automatically displacing (via the control device) every row whose position has to be changed to achieve the actually desired arrangement of rows on its fastening rails to the position determined by the actually desired arrangement of rows. In this way, it is possible to provide a passenger plane, preferably prior to landing, with the data of the actual passenger distribution and the resulting optimum arrangement of rows for the next flight so that it can be prepared after landing for the next flight in the shortest possible time.

Abstract: An infant car seat comprising: (a) a seat adapted to receive an occupant; and (b) an illumination system that includes a focused light emitting source in electrical communication with a switch adapted to be in electrical communication with a power source to illuminate the focused light emitting source and downwardly directing light in front of the occupant proximate a lap region. A method of illuminating a child car seat, the method comprising the step of illuminating a seat portion of a child car seat by at least one of focusing an illumination source and orienting an illumination source to direct light downward onto the seat portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a rear seat entertainment device easily and quickly on a seat of a vehicle without affecting the height adjustment of a headrest. The method includes the steps of preparing a bracket having an attachment portion for attachment with the seat and a mounting wall for attachment with a rear seat entertainment device, shifting a headrest upwardly to expose a headrest support tube and a flange of the support tube, placing the attachment portion of the bracket between the flange and a top surface of the seat in such a way that an opening of the attachment portion surrounds the support tube, attaching the rear seat entertainment device to the mounting wall of the bracket, and fixedly attaching a lower part of the rear seat entertainment device to the back of the seat.

Abstract: The invention discloses a mounting apparatus of displayer suitable for external installation and inset installation by applying a modularized design with two aspects of installation method. One of the methods is that a displayer frame is fastened on a supporting rack by means of a joint portion located at the backside of displayer frame to form a displayer frame for an external displayer. On the other hand, the modularized displayer frame is also applicable to a mounting apparatus of displayer for inset installation. This method is first to provide a pair of removable fastening sheets at two sides of displayer frame so as to form an assembling area at the outer wall of two sides of displayer frame. Then, a pair of positioning members will be joined together through two sides of a base so that a connecting portion with flexibility provided as a protrusion can be formed at the inner wall of each of two sides of base.

Abstract: In the case of a vehicle seat (1), in particular rear seat or rear seat bench, having a seat part (2) and having a backrest (3) which has a foldover function brought about with an electric drive, the foldover function bringing about a folding over of the backrest (3) or of a backrest part (4, 5) relative to the seat part (2), an adjustment of the inclination and the folding over are to take place in a simple and convenient manner. This is achieved by the electric drive (6) having an inclination-adjusting function, it being possible for the adjusting speed of the electric drive (6) to be changed in such a manner that a different speed can be set in each case for the inclination-adjusting function and for the foldover function.

Abstract: The child restraint system comprises a harness that extends through one of a plurality of slots in the shell for restraining a child occupant within the child restraint system, and a control unit for determining whether the harness is properly adjusted based upon the size of the child. Belt location sensors are disposed at the slots to detect the presence of a harness belt. The child restraint system also includes temperature sensors responsive to body temperature of the child. The control unit processes the signals from the belt location sensors and the proximity sensors and issues an alert signal if the belt location is not the recommended belt location based upon the size of the child.

Abstract: A plurality of levers each having one end adapted for attachment below a chair seat for controlling separate movements of a chair, each said lever having another end presenting a substantially planar surface terminating at a periphery, said periphery defining a geometric shape different from one another so as to tactually distinguish said levers and the associated movements of said chair controlled by said levers.

Abstract: A high-back automobile seat having an opening defined by the seat's rear surface. The opening allows mounting of utility or entertainment components for use by a passenger behind the high-back seat. Entertainment components such as a video screen or an integrated DVD player/screen may be mounted for viewing enjoyment. A formed seat bun with the opening provides the space for mounting of such components. The formed seat bun may be prewired to allow easier installation of electronic components. An area about the opening may be contoured to provide sufficient depth for flush mounting of components.

Abstract: A seating unit for a vehicle has a pair of seats facing in opposite directions with each seat having a seating space for receiving the seated body of an occupant and an extension space in which the legs of the occupant may be placed. The seats are positioned on each side of a notional dividing axis with the seating space of one extending over the axis at the extension space of the other. The pair of seats is suitable for use in an aircraft cabin with one of the seats facing substantially forward in the cabin and the other of the seats facing substantially aft.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly that includes a seat cushion having at least one recess disposed thereon. The vehicle seat assembly also has a plurality of sensor assemblies, each including a base and an upper slide member. The upper slide member is supported for movement toward and away from the base in response to a condition of the seat cushion. Additionally, the vehicle seat assembly includes at least one seat cushion insert disposed within the recess of the seat cushion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat system, control arrangement, actuating arrangement, and process are used to control a lumbar support device of a motor vehicle seat. The lumbar adjustment device has a first drive for adjustment in a first adjustment direction and a second drive for adjustment in a second adjustment direction. The adjustment directions differ from each other. A first adjustment position is ascertained in the first adjustment direction and the drive movement of the second drive is controlled as a function of at least one of the first adjustment position and the temporal change in the first adjustment position.

Abstract: Office components are described that include an electrical conduit electrically coupled to a fuel cell, and an electrically powered device coupled to the electrical conduit and configured to receive electricity generated by the fuel cell. The electrically powered device includes at least one of an automatic adjustment mechanism, a control system, a sound masking system, and an office accessory. Chairs, methods of using chairs, and systems of chairs are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrical power supply for mounting to floor tracks adjacent an aircraft passenger cabin seat assembly, the seat assembly having at least one passenger seat supported on legs secured to the floor tracks, the electrical power supply including: a housing having an interior chamber and a base plate with floor track mounting fasteners; an electrical power supply unit within the chamber having an inlet connector for communication with an aircraft electrical power source; and at least one electrical power outlet mounted to an exterior surface of the housing and in communication with the electrical power supply unit.

Abstract: A vehicular seat apparatus has a first slide rail unit including a first stationary rail and a first moving rail and a second slide rail unit including a second stationary rail and a second moving rail. Load sensors are provided between the seat cushion assembly and the moving rails. The first stationary rail and the second stationary rail are connected to each other by a rigid frame. The rigid frame can maintain the relative positions of the first and second slide rail units. Body mounting leg portions provided on the rigid frame are fixed to a seat mounting portion of a vehicle body.

Abstract: An interior cabin configuration determination system (10) includes multiple objects (16), including two or more monuments or passenger service units, that are within an interior cabin (13). The objects (16) include card readers (12). Object controllers (18) are coupled to the card readers (12) and determine the position of the objects (18) in response to the position information on the cards (12). A remotely located controller (20) determines the configuration of the objects (18) in response to the position information.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a heating device arranged in connection with the vehicle seat and connected to a control unit which includes a current-feeding apparatus for feeding a current to the heating device. The vehicle seat also includes a temperature sensor connected to the control unit for detecting the temperature at the heating device. The control unit is arranged to feed the current if the measured temperature falls below a pre-determined temperature value. An occupant sensor is also provided for detecting the presence of an occupant or an object in the vehicle seat. The occupant sensor is arranged as a single integral unit together with the heating device in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A work station having a base, a user support affixed to the base; and an overhead hanger affixed to said base. The overhead hanger has a rear portion extending upwardly behind the user support and an overhead portion extending forwardly above the user support a sufficient distance so that when a user is positioned in the user support, the overhead portion is above the user and a peripheral mounting system affixable to the overhead portion proximate a distal end of the overhead portion.