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: A passenger suite seating arrangement including a first passenger suite including a first seat and a first video monitor fixed in position directly forward of the first seat, and a second passenger suite including a second seat facing the first seat and laterally offset relative thereto, the second suite including a second video monitor configured to move parallel to a viewing angle of a passenger seated in the second seat to selectively connect and divide the first and second suites.

Abstract: A device configured to be installed in a vehicle seat for estimating an occupant weight. The device includes a bladder and a pressure sensor. The bladder is configured to define a cavity characterized as having a center of gravity. The bladder is effective to retain a fluid and pressurize the fluid in response to an occupant weight upon the bladder. The bladder is also configured to define an opening to the cavity. The pressure sensor is coupled directly to the opening in a manner effective to seal the opening and locate the pressure sensor proximate to the center of gravity. The pressure sensor provides a pressure signal indicative of the occupant weight.

Abstract: A flexible flat structure has a flexible, flat resistance heating element that is connected to electrodes that are spaced apart from one another for supplying electrical current that is pressed on to the resistance heating element by staples or clamps in a force-fit manner and/or a form-fit manner and provides a more flexible connection.

Abstract: In some example embodiments, an apparatus that includes a wagering game chair for a wagering game machine that is configured to present a wagering game. The wagering game chair includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seat post that is part of a split-post configuration. The seat post has a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end of the seat post is coupled to the seat bottom. The wagering game chair also includes a first electrical connector positioned within and approximately at the bottom end of the seat post. The wagering game chair includes a first electrical cable is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector, wherein the first electrical cable runs approximately a length of the seat post within the seat post. The first electrical cable configured to communicate audio of the wagering game, from the wagering game machine to a speaker coupled to the wagering game chair.

Abstract: A system of controlling various actuators associated with human support surfaces is disclosed. Such a system is made up of a support surface, a controller, and an actuator. The system may optionally include batteries, a means of charging the batteries, and a graphical user interface as well as a communication link between the graphical user interface and the support surfaces. The actuators are capable of altering contour and/or firmness, of a support surface, they may be vibrational or heating/cooling in nature, and they may also alter the overall relative position of a support surface.

Abstract: A seat (1), in particular a vehicle seat, is provided with massage functionality. In a seat surface (2) and/or in a backrest (3) and/or in a headrest (4), there is arranged in each case at least one actuation device (5) which is in the form of an artificial muscle and which exerts a massaging action on a seat occupant during operation.

Abstract: A seat cushion of a vehicle seat includes a cushion made of foam and at least one motor assembly located on or near an upper surface of the cushion. The at least one motor assembly includes a plurality of transducer cells.

Abstract: A seatback entertainment display system for a vehicle is provided having a support member extending from a seatback frame, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the support member, and a display device coupled to the adjustment mechanism. The support member may be a cantilever type beam or frame extending upwardly from the seatback at a position behind and adjacent to a headrest. The support member may also be a pair of rods arranged to fixedly receive the display device and movably receive the headrest. The adjustment device may include any one or more of a forward-rearward tilting mechanism, a side to side pivoting mechanism and an up-down translation mechanism. The seatback entertainment display system is adaptable to optimize a viewing angle for a rear seat occupant of the vehicle, throughout a normal adjustment range of the seat.

Abstract: A configurable seating device comprising a first portion configured to engage at least one object when in an open position, a second portion operably connected to the first portion, and a third portion operably connected to the second portion, wherein, when in the open position, a user is accommodated by the configurable seating device a distance above a ground surface, and the third portion is configured to contact the ground surface and is capable of supporting a weight of the user accommodated by configurable seating device is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided. The vehicle seat assembly includes a bottom seat member with a seat pan with a first side and a second side, a first bolster positioned on the first side of the seat pan, and a second bolster positioned on the second side of the seat pan. The first bolster defines a first depression. The vehicle seat assembly further includes a haptic alert assembly with a first actuator having a first housing and a first motor within the first housing. The first housing is mounted within the first depression.

Abstract: Haptic feedback systems, vehicle seat assemblies, and vehicles are provided. The haptic feedback system includes a bottom seat member, a first motor, and a second motor. The bottom seat member includes a seat pan with a first side, a second side, a first bolster, and a second bolster. The first bolster is positioned on the first side of the seat pan and the second bolster is positioned on the second side of the seat pan, wherein the first bolster and the second bolster include a resilient material. The first motor supported by the resilient material of the first bolster and the second motor is supported by the resilient material of the second bolster.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a holder assembled to a back frame, the holder configured to receive a backrest load of a seated person via a pad member; a vibration device assembled to a rear side of the holder, the vibration device configured to give a local stimulus to a seated person's waist; an air massage device disposed in a through hole formed in a thickness direction of the pad member, the air massage device configured to locally press a seated person's back; and a lumbar support device configured to change a projecting amount of a receiving surface of a seat back, wherein the lumbar support device has a rod configured to be movable between an advancing position and a retreating position to change the projecting amount of the receiving surface of the seat back, and wherein the rod is disposed between the holder and the vibration device.

Abstract: A system of controlling various actuators associated with human support surfaces is disclosed. Such a system is made up of a support surface, a controller, and an actuator. The system may optionally include batteries, a means of charging the batteries, and a graphical user interface as well as a communication link between the graphical user interface and the support surfaces. The actuators are capable of altering contour and/or firmness, of a support surface, they may be vibrational or heating/cooling in nature, and they may also alter the overall relative position of a support surface to another support surface, and/or to the ground plane.

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 cushion of a vehicle seat includes a cushion made of foam and at least one motor assembly located in the cushion. The at least one motor assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion, and one of the first portion and the second portion includes a meltable feature located near a location of contact of the first portion and the second portion. The meltable feature melts to secure the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing to retain a motor within the housing.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a mobile entertainment system includes a screen assembly with a display and a signal generating device. A housing pivotally coupled to the screen assembly can have a lower portion, an upper portion, and a housing cavity sized and shaped to receive the screen assembly. The upper portion can receive at least a portion of the signal generating device. At least a portion of the screen assembly can rotate through an opening in the lower portion. A shell can receive the housing.

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: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for monitoring and displaying occupancy of a seating area, such as a theater. In a seating area there are chairs for use by patrons. There is a system and method for determining and communicating occupancy information to a display corresponding to the chairs in the seating area. On each chair there is affixed a wireless sensing device that detects when a patron has sat in the chair. When a patron sits in the chair, the wireless sensing device sends an occupied signal to an occupancy monitoring computer system. The occupancy monitoring system changes the status of the corresponding chair to occupied and updates the output on the display available for viewing by all patrons. When the occupied state of the chair changes, the wireless sensing device updates the occupancy status at the occupancy monitoring system.

Abstract: A prisoner seat security device includes a retractable strap which hooks or clasps onto a prisoner, preferably by a restraint device on the prisoner, such as hand-cuffs. As the prison seats in the seat, the strap retracts. The officer can then lock the retraction mechanism so that the strap will not extend and the prisoner is held in place. When it is desired for the prisoner to get out of the chair, the lock is released, allowing the prisoner to stand the strap to be disconnected.

Abstract: A vibrating pillow comprising a cover extending around a pliable filling and a vibrator capable of providing sensation to a user of the pillow positioned within the cover includes a connector for connecting the vibrator to an entertainment medium. An attachment component is further provided on the pillow for fixing the pillow with respect to a furniture piece.

Abstract: A wire harness guide for routing a wire harness through a seat back of a vehicle seat includes a guide tube and an attachment member. The guide tube has a first end that defines a first opening, and a second end that is spaced apart from the first end and defines a second opening. A guide passage extends through the guide tube from the first opening to the second opening, and the wire harness enters the guide passage at the first opening and exits the guide passage at the second opening. The attachment member is connected to the guide tube and is connectable to the seat back.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seat main body including a seat cushion that supports buttocks and thighs of an occupant and a seatback that supports the upper body of the occupant; and a USB connector provided at the seat main body.

Abstract: The magnetically suspended chair device provides cushioned seat suspension above the base, as well as a unique aesthetic appeal. As proximity of the magnets increases repulsive forces, the second electromagnet of the seat bottom will not contact the first electromagnet of the seat base. Depending upon the seat bottom and seat back design, and the load imposed by a user thereon, the electromagnets are either centrally or off-center disposed. The arm assemblies guide the seat assembly in upward and downward movement away from and toward the base.

Abstract: A deployable in-flight entertainment monitor attached to a supporting fixture and configured to move between a stowed position wherein the monitor is in a portrait orientation, to a deployed position wherein the monitor is in a landscape orientation, wherein in the deployed position a portion of the monitor overhangs the supporting fixture.

Abstract: An entertainment chair system for providing a comfortable means of resting and being entertained. The system features a first half platform and a second half platform mounted atop a base, the first half platform can be reclined or elevated. An inner storage compartment is disposed in the base, wherein a door disposed in the base allows and prevents access to the inner compartment of the base. A television with a mounting system is pivotally attached to the first half platform. The mounting system functions to position the television parallel to the first half platform. A dispensing system is disposed below the base.

Abstract: Inductively coupled consoles and vehicle consoles with integrated primary coils, and apparatuses for charging, supporting, and securing portable computers with integrated primary coils are provided. Power is inductively coupled from a primary coil to a device containing a secondary coil, such as a PDA, cellular phone, rechargeable flashlight, remote control, power tool, or laptop computer. Primary coils may be integrated into consoles to charge devices containing secondary coils placed in the consoles. Primary coils may similarly be integrated into vehicle consoles. Inductively coupled consoles may be configured to receive and hold devices containing secondary coils. Primary coils may also be integrated into an apparatus for charging, supporting, and securing a portable computer. Integrated primary coils may provide varying amounts of power.

Abstract: A motorized wheelchair kill switch for improving the safety of motorized wheelchairs is described. The motorized wheelchair kill switch includes a photoelectric sending unit and a photoelectric receiving unit that are used to kill the operation of a wheelchair joystick. The photoelectric sending unit emits a light beam toward the photoelectric receiving unit along a path that will be broken if a user is safely seated in the wheelchair. If the light beam is detected a determination is made that the user is not properly seated. In that case the joystick operation is disabled, locking the wheelchair motor and preventing accidental movement.

Abstract: A cushioned bed chair attached to a bed that includes a vertical support with an inside portion to provide vertical support to a user, a horizontal support with a bottom surface, a distal end and an inside portion secured in a perpendicular position to the vertical support when the user is sitting in the bed chair and a pair of support legs attached to the bottom surface and distal end of the horizontal support. The bed chair also includes a plurality of polyurethane foam pads disposed on the inside portion of the horizontal support and the inside portion of the vertical support to provide comfort to the user sitting on the bed chair and a control dial that controls a massage unit disposed on the vertical support that provides a massaging action on the user.

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: An occupant detection system including a seat assembly comprising a seat cushion having a seating surface, a heating element adjacent the seating surface, said heating element formed of electrically conductive material, a heating circuit electrically coupled to the heating element, said heating circuit configured to supply an electrical current to the heating element effective to generate heat by the heating element, an occupant detection circuit electrically coupled to the heating element, said occupant detection circuit configured to detect an occupant presence near the heating element, and an isolation circuit interposed between the heating circuit and the heating element, said isolation circuit configured to prevent the heating circuit from influencing the occupant detection circuit, said isolation circuit comprising a common mode choke.

Abstract: This object is attained by the combination of a motor-vehicle safety belt formed as a flexible longitudinally extending band and formed with a longitudinally extending and laterally substantially closed passage with an insert fittable into the passage and comprised of a flexible and elongated support strip and at least one electrical or electronic element usable by a motor-vehicle passenger employing the belt secured to the strip.

Abstract: Arrangements for safety and comfort in vehicles.

Abstract: A display mount is provided for a vehicle, such an aircraft. The display mount includes, but is not limited to a support frame and a display accommodation device. The support frame is designed for incorporation in a supply channel, and the display accommodation device is designed to receive a display. The display accommodation device is connected to the support frame such that the display accommodation device is movable with a combined rotational movement and translational movement relative to the support frame between a first operating position and a second operating position.

Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat and a seat back that is pivotally connected to the seat. A back cover is disposed on a rear portion of the seat back. The back cover includes an interior side and an exterior side. The interior side includes a plurality of laterally-extending ribs aligned with a plurality of engagement members. At least one vertically-extending channel is disposed on the exterior side of the back cover.

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 vehicle seat includes a subwoofer enclosure seat support structure and a seat cushion supported on the subwoofer enclosure seat support structure. The subwoofer enclosure seat support structure includes a shell including a base, a seat cushion support wall connected to the base, and an internal space defining a subwoofer enclosure volume. The seat cushion is supported on the seat cushion support wall. A subwoofer speaker is connected to the shell. The seat cushion support wall of the shell includes at least one concave submarine protection layout recess adapted to accommodate compression of the seat cushion when the seat cushion is compressed by a seat occupant supported thereon during a collision. The seat comprises one or more cushion mounting brackets connected to the base of the shell by bracket support channels connected to or defined as part of the shell adjacent a front of the base. Alternatively, the cushion mounting brackets are defined as part of the shell by a polymeric or other structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for assisting the pilot of an aircraft, which comprises aboard the aircraft: a computer, a set of sensors able to provide data to the computer and, a seat for the pilot equipped with haptic actuators controlled by the computer. The computer comprises means for controlling each actuator or groups of actuators independently of one another, as a function of the data provided by the sensors. The seat comprising a back and a cushion, the actuators of the back and of the cushion comprise single-axis mini-rams distributed in the back and the cushion of the seat, whose displacement axes are respectively perpendicular to the back and to the cushion of the seat.

Abstract: A suspension system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The suspension system may have at least one sensor configured to detect a performance parameter of the mobile machine, and a seat operatively connected to a cabin floor of the mobile machine. The suspension system may also have a cylinder connected between the seat and the cabin floor, and a spring associated with the cylinder. The suspension system may additionally have a controller in communication with the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to make a classification of an operation currently being performed by the mobile machine based on input from the at least one sensor, and to select for use in controlling movement of at least one of the cylinder and the spring one of a plurality of available maps stored in the memory of the controller based on the classification.

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 gaming system includes a chair having an electrical connector and a gaming machine having an electrical connector, wherein the chair electrical connector is removably couplable to the gaming machine electrical connector.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a mobile entertainment system includes a screen assembly with a display and a signal generating device. A housing pivotally coupled to the screen assembly can have a lower portion, an upper portion, and a housing cavity sized and shaped to receive the screen assembly. The upper portion can receive at least a portion of the signal generating device. At least a portion of the screen assembly can rotate through an opening in the lower portion. A shell can receive substantially the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a wire harness assembly for routing a wire harness through a vehicle seat back having an active head restraint system. The assembly can comprise a movable member configured to move relative to a seat frame in a vehicle fore-aft direction and can have a sleeve with a first end configured to receive a headrest. A harness guide is included with a guide tube and an attachment member that is connected to the guide tube and to the movable member, the guide tube having a first open end and a second open, and a guide passage that extends through the guide tube from the first open end to the second open end. A second end of the sleeve opposite the first end is located within the attachment member and configured such that the sleeve and the attachment member move with the movable member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a backrest and a back massage device provided at the backrest. The massage device exhibits electrically and/or mechanically operated pressure elements for exerting pressure onto the back of an occupant. The pressure elements are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the backrest between the seat area and the head area at different heights with pressure elements located nearer the seat (lower pressure elements) provided essentially in the area of the lumbar vertebrae of the backrest and pressure elements located above them (upper pressure elements). In the area of at least one of the upper pressure elements, the backrest is designed such that when at least operating the at least one upper pressure element, a force is exerted onto an occupant perpendicular to the surface of the back rest, said force being increased in this area compared to the area of the lower pressure element.

Abstract: A mounting system includes a cradle disposed in a headrest in a vehicle, and a primary adapter. The cradle is shaped and dimensioned to receive the primary adapter. The primary adapter includes first to fourth lips forming a recess in the primary adapter. The recess is shaped and dimensioned to receive a first computing device or a secondary adapter. The first computing device, or a bezel of the secondary adapter, is substantially flush with an outer surface of the headrest upon mounting the first computing device or the secondary adapter to the primary adapter.

Abstract: Seat-occupancy-detection-sensor-element featuring double-body/compression/spring (DBCS) in a recess of a base-member (BM); and slidable-member (SM) having a force-application-side (FAS) and inside facing the BM; measuring-coil (MC) arranged in the recess and surrounded by the DBCS and having wound-coil-wire (WCW); and current-generating/measuring/evaluating-unit (CGMEU) connected to the WCW; the DBCW abutting the BM on one side and being fixed to the SM on the side of the SM compressed by a force on the FAS, from a spring length either uncompressed or compressed by a predetermined extent; spring wire ends connected and electrically forming a spring-coil (SC); MC and SC coils constituting an inductively-coupled coil assembly (ICCA); and the CGMEU applying AC to the MC inducing AC in the DBCS, measuring voltage on the MC proportional to the ICCA's impedance, and ascertaining force on the SM's FAS.

Abstract: A wire harness for a vehicle seating assembly includes a body portion having a plurality of engagement hooks adapted for engagement with a vehicle seat cushion pan. A latticework of interconnected lateral support members are bound by a peripheral frame.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuation system for an aircraft passenger suite for allowing passenger-initiated adjustment of a passenger seat and related passenger accoutrements including a suite control unit configured to receive command signals from a user interface, and a first line replacement unit comprising a first integral electronic control unit and a second line replacement unit coupled to the first line replacement, wherein the first electronic control unit controls operation of the first line replacement unit and the second line replacement unit in response to command signals received from the suite control unit.

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: Disclosed is a headrest position adjusting device provided with a distance measuring device and drive motor units. The distance measuring device is provided with a plurality of detection electrodes and a detection circuit including a plurality of capacitance detection circuits and a computation circuit. The computation circuit uses capacitance values, position information from the detection electrodes, and a high-degree function with a degree of at least 3 to compute a high-degree curve in a two-dimensional coordinate system with capacitance on the y-axis and detection-electrode position on the x-axis. The computation circuit computes the highest-degree coefficient of the high-degree curve and determines the distance between a head and a front part of a headrest on the basis of the computed highest-degree coefficient. On the basis of the measurement result, the headrest position adjusting device moves the front part of the headrest towards the front or back of a vehicle.