Abstract: A power seat arrangement has concentrically arranged drives for a seat slide mechanism, a seat lifter mechanism and a reclining mechanism in a space defined in the vicinity of one rear end corner of a seat cushion.

Abstract: A reclining elevator chair having a power ram operably connected to both a recliner actuator means for moving a seat-footrest assembly between upright and recline positions in a first mode of operation and an elevator lift means for lifting and tilting the seat-footrest assembly to assist exit from the chair in a second mode of operation. The power ram has a base end and a screw end, the base end is detachably connected to the frame of the chair and the screw end is attached to a crank arm operationally connected to both the recliner actuator means and the elevator lift means. The base end of the power ram can be re-engaged with the frame without loss of synchrony between the power ram and the recliner actuator means and the elevator lift means.

Abstract: An adjustable chair includes a base having a pair of spaced, parallel, forwardly extending frame members and a vertically extending frame connected to, and projecting upwardly from, the base, the vertically extending frame having a pair of spaced, generally parallel uprights. The chair includes a seat, leg rest and knee rest that are connected to the base, and which are both vertically and pivotally adjustably connected to the base. The chair includes lower, middle and upper back rests, as well as a head rest that is disposed above the upper back rest. The back rests and the head rest are mounted for pivotal movement about laterally extending axes. The chair also includes a pair of vertically adjustable arm rests. The vertically extending frame is mounted for pivotal movement about a laterally extending horizontal axis located near the rear edge of the seat. The present invention enables the support portions of the chair to be adjusted to accommodate a person of any size or shape.

Abstract: The chair of the present invention includes a power-assisted linear actuation drive mechanism having a modified nut or "cam guide" which is linearly moveable upon rotation of the power screw for selectively actuating the lift and tilt linkage mechanism for causing forward lifting and tilting movement of the chair when the motor is operated in a first direction. Rotation of the screw shaft in a second opposite direction acts to lower the chair to the normal seating position. Continued rotation in the second direction causes sequential operative extension of the leg rest assembly followed by angular reclining movement of the chair. This sequential operation of the leg rest assembly and the reclining linkage are independent and may be easily disabled to selectively eliminate either of the features.

Abstract: A kit or assemble is provided which can be used in the manufacture of a new wheelchair or to retrofit an existing wheelchair. The basic wheelchair structure includes a base portion having a pair of cross members mounted in the rear half of the upper portion of the wheelchair base structure. A pair of parallel guide rails are mounted between the cross members with a seat support bar attached to a pair of pillow blocks mounted on the guide rails. A linear actuator is centrally positioned within the wheelchair base structure to longitudinally move the seat support bar forwardly or rearwardly within the wheel base of the wheelchair. A rear edge of a wheelchair seat unit is pivotally attached to the upper surface of the seat support bar. Cam plates, each having a curved cam slot, are provided on each side of the seat unit with the cam slots engaging cam followers mounted on a pair of stanchions provided on each side of the rear portion of the base structure.

Abstract: A height adjustable toilet for a handicapped person is provided and consists of a mechanism connected to a toilet bowl for selectively raising and lowering the height of its rim portions with respect to the floor, thereby causing an accordion pedestal portion and an extendable flush pipe to lengthen and shorten accordingly so that the handicapped person can conveniently sit upon and get off of a toilet seat on the rim portion of the toilet bowl.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a power operated chair that can be operated in a rock and swivel, recline, or lift mode or any combination thereof. The chair is specifically designed to prevent the rocking and swiveling motion when the occupant is using the lift or recline features of the chair. The chair uses a recline mechanical linkage and a seat lift mechanical linkage that are mechanically linked by a guide roller in a guide channel which permits the use of a single drive motor and provides for a smooth transition from the recline mode to the lift mode. The guide roller and guide channel also prevent the inadvertent lifting of the seat if the back of the chair is forcibly reclined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical seat apparatus for simulating motion which includes a novel spherical bearing located below each seat for providing realistic simulation of motion in the yaw, pitch and roll directions. The spherical bearing includes means for preventing movement of the spherical bearing in the event of a power failure or other similar event to avoid injury to the viewers. The mechanical seat apparatus of the present invention also includes supporting structure which enables movement of each seat in the backward and forward, side to side and upward and downward directions, for a total of six degrees of freedom. Common hydraulics are provided to simultaneously impart motion to a plurality of seats.

Abstract: A dental patient chair comprises an arrangement for adjusting the seat height, the inclination position of the seat and the backrest, as well as the position of the seat and backrest with reference to a longitudinal direction of the chair. The arrangement includes two pivotably connected arms having one arm pivotably connected to a pedestal and the other connected to the seat and being provided with a drive arrangement for shifting the arms relative to their pivotable connection to move the seat in both a vertical and horizontal direction, as well as to tilt the seat relative to a base plane. The arrangement includes a control device for operating the drive arrangement for pivoting the arms relative to the pivotable connections between themselves and to the pedestal and seat.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a headrest, in which the headrest is controlled its displacement between use and non-use positions as well as its fore-and-aft adjustment movement, through an automatic control system or a manual control system. A changeover switch is provided to select one of those automatic and manual control systems, and further, during operation of the automatic control system, the manual control system can be actuated simply by operating an associated manual adjustment switch. Additionally, a safety arrangements are included, which protects an occupant against the headrest which will contact him or her due to its erroneous operation.

Abstract: Method and device for controlling a slide motion of a vehicle seat, wherein when the seat is moved from a seating position to a backward position, the rotation number of a motor causing such movement is counted up from zero and memorized by a counter, so that the seat is returnable to the seating position precisely in accordance as the counter counts down that memorized rotation number to zero. This control is effected by switch means electrically arranged with the motor via electric circuits, and the counter is reset to zero every time of initial operation of the switch means, thus allowing free setting by different occupant of the seat positions without need for hitherto inputting works inherent in computer control.

Abstract: A lift base assembly for an upholstered recliner chair or the like comprises upper and lower frames with wooden outer surfaces and an electric motor operated linkage mechanism for elevating and tilting the upper frame on which a chair may be mounted.

Abstract: To minimize the width of a seat reclining device provided with a Taumel mechanism (planetary gear type angle adjusting mechanism), a motor unit is disposed on an inside surface of a base frame and within a seat cushion, and a motor output gear is disposed on an opposite outside surface of the base frame. Further, an outer gear of Taumel mechanism is formed in the base frame; an inner gear of the Taumel mechanism is formed in a reclining arm in mesh with the outer gear; and the reclining arm is disposed on the inside surface of the base frame and the reclining gear is disposed on the opposite outside surface of the base frame. Further, a shock absorbing member is disposed at the reclining gear to effectively absorb shock generated when the seat back is tilted to its extreme position stoppers.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting a seat in a motor vehicle forwardly or backwards has guide rails on the floor of the passenger compartment in the vehicle, seat supporting rails which are movable along the guide rails, toothed racks on the guide rails, pinions meshing with the racks, and a motor-driven transmission with a rotary output element which serves to rotate the pinions in order to move the supporting rails along the guide rails. The shaft which transmits torque to the pinions has an external gear in mesh with an internally toothed portion of an axially movable sleeve which is further provided with an externally toothed portion movable into and from mesh with an internal gear of the output element. A shifting element is provided to move the sleeve axially into and from mesh with the internal gear of the output element.

Abstract: A modular power drive wheelchair is provided for rapid assembly and/or disassembly of relatively compact modular components. The wheelchair comprises a base module including a base frame and related support wheels, wherein the base frame is adapted for facilitated mounting or dismounting of a seat module. A battery module including at least one storage battery is provided for relatively easy slide fit mounting onto the base frame at a position below the seat module. A controller module is also provided for mounting onto the base module and functions during wheelchair operation to control battery powered operation of one or more drive motors coupled to the wheelchair wheels. The various modules are designed for rapid disassembly to permit easy transporting of the wheelchair, for example, within the trunk of a standard automobile. Moreover, the base and seat modules are designed for relatively easy size adjustment to accommodate changing size requirements, for example, of a growing child.

Abstract: A hydraulically or pneumatically operated relaxation chair has a floor engaging base, a padded seat-thigh rest member pivotally secured to the top of the base, and a padded back and head rest assembly pivotally secured to the top of the base at the rear of the seat-thigh rest. A calf rest is pivotally secured to the front of the seat-thigh rest. Padded arm rests are pivotally secured to each side of the back rest member. Controls in the arm rest control the operation of fluid rams to selectively move and position the seat-thigh rest, the calf rest, the back and head rest, and each arm rest relative to one another and to the base independently or as units. The arm rest members may have separate upper and forearm members pivotally connected and powered by fluid rams whereby the members pivot relative to one another and to the back and head rest assembly independently or as a unit.

Abstract: A load bearing structural assembly comprising a threaded lead screw having a central axis, the lead screw having a mounting mechanism and an anchor mechanism affixed to one end thereof; the lead screw having mounted thereon a first drive nut having an opening therethrough, the first drive nut having a predetermined load bearing capacity, the structural assembly having a second drive nut having an opening therethrough the second nut affixed to the first drive nut, the second nut having a much greater predetermined load bearing capacity than the first drive nut; the structural assembly having a collet having an interior and exterior, the collet in communication with the exterior surface of the second drive nut upon the interior of the collet, having an opening therethrough, having a transmission mechanism affixed to the first drive nut and the collet, when the transmission mechanism subjects a load upon the first drive nut in a direction along the lead screw, such load will be subjected upon the collet which wi

Abstract: The jack comprises a tubular primary screw (10) provided with an outer screw thread and an inner screw thread having opposite thread hands, a secondary screw (11) cooperative with the inner screw thread and having an end (11a) articulated to a fixed point, a nut (9) fixed in rotation and connected to move in translation with the element to be adjusted and cooperative with the outer screw thread, a speed reducer associated with a motor (M) for driving the primary screw (10) in rotation, and means for preventing a rotation of the speed reducer (13) relative to the nut (9). These means comprise an articulated compass structure (18) having two branches (18a, 18b) articulated together. One of the branches is also articulated to the speed reducer (13) while the other branch is articulated to a part (9) of the jack which is fixed in rotation. The compass structure (18) considerably reduces the friction and improves the efficiency of the jack.

Abstract: A power-assisted lift platform for a chair includes a base, a lift frame, left and right side lift linkages and an electrically powered linear actuator connected between the base and the lift frame. The chair may be mounted to the lift frame. The lift linkages are pivotally connected at their forward ends to the base and at their rear ends to the lift frame. The lift linkages are arranged so that when the actuator is extended, the lift frame and chair are raised in a generally vertical path to reduce the fore-to-aft motion of the occupant's feet from the rest or seated position. While raising the occupant, the mechanism also tilts the occupant forwardly and transfers the occupant's center of gravity forwardly, more directly over his or her ankles to provide greater stability to the occupant in alighting from or entering the chair.

Abstract: A seat housing a multiplicity of adjustable horizontal planes connected to a processor in turn connected to an input device responding to a prerecorded spinal profile information of an individual's spinal configuration submitted to the input device. A seat pan, inclinable and pivotally mounted, on rails that permit horizontal movement relative to the back rest is also supported by a viscoelastic layer. Horizontally adjustable headrest is mechanically linked to vertically adjustable arm supports to allow vertical movement of the assembly, matching that of the vertical displacement of the seat pan when the seat is in use.

Abstract: A vehicle power seat, wherein the seat portion presents a carriage having a center cavity for a spring cushion, and hinged at the rear to a reclinable backrest. The carriage is mounted in axially-sliding manner on two substantially horizontal lateral guides located on opposite sides of the center cavity, and supported on a slide traveling along two fixed inclined lateral guides. Backrest rotation in relation to the carriage, axial slide of the carriage along the horizontal lateral guides, and slide travel along the inclined lateral guides, are each controlled by a pair of electric linear actuators on opposite sides of the carriage center cavity.

Abstract: A base frame is provided as well as a forward seat support, a rear seat back support and a kick panel support. First linkage structure is connected between the base frame and the seat back support for guided movement thereof between a raised generally upright position and a lowered generally horizontal position, second linkage structure is connected between the base frame and the seat support for guided movement thereof between a first generally horizontal position and a second slightly rearwardly and downwardly inclined position and third likage structure is operatively connected between the base frame and the kick panel support for movement thereof between a lowered upstanding position disposed foward of the main frame and a raised horizontal position.

Abstract: An improved reclining chair particularly for dental and medical patients utilizes structure and mechanism of a prior conversion unit for mounting such a chair on a pedestal base. Novel features that improve stability of the chair during use are provided. The conversion unit includes an elongate chassis frame having respective chair back and chair seat frame sections that are pivotally interconnected end-to-end and provided with a mounting plate adpated to fasten the unit to a pedestal base and on which the chassis frame is cradled for back or forth rocking movement under the control of the dentist, doctor, or other operator.

Abstract: Each front seat has under the base plate in its median longitudinal axis a rack connector rod and a mechanical bolt, this rack connector rod cooperating with a box joined to the floor of the vehicle via a framing and a brace, this box containing a blockable motor device. The entire afore-mentioned unit cooperates with two parallel arms first of all joined to the rear part of the seat and secondly joined to the floor of the vehicle via a spindle containing a memory constituted by a ring with a notch and the nose of the lever.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a base for a recliner lift chair in which the push links and flying links are dimensioned to provide constant velocity motion to the seat and back without dwell during movement in the lifting and reclining modes. The base is provided with a flexible tie to afford shifting of the base members to accommodate uneven floors and maintain four-point contact.

Abstract: An air supply and control apparatus has an air pump to supply air under pressure to air mattresses of an air bed. A hand control having a pair of valves functions to control the operation of the air pump to supply air to the air mattresses and vent air from the air mattresses. A second embodiment of the air supply and control apparatus has a motor driven impeller for supplying air under pressure to air mattresses. Solenoids having two coils operate valves to allow air to flow to the air mattress or vent air from the air mattress to adjust the firmness of the mattress. A normally closed switch is opened when the solenoid opens the valve. The switch turns off one coil of the solenoid. The other coil remains energized to hold the valve open. Hand controls having switches are electrically coupled to the motor and solenoids to control the operation thereof.

Abstract: The jack (V) comprises a tubular primary screw (10) movable in rotation and translation and provided with an outer screw thread (10a) and an inner screw thread (10b) which have opposite thread hands, a fixed secondary screw (11) engaged in the inner screw thread (10b), a nut (9) connected to the movable element and engaged with the outer screw thread (10a) of the primary screw (10). The nut (9) is composite and comprises a first nut (9a) composed of a plastics material having a good coefficient of friction and a second nut (9b) composed of a mechanically strong material. Axial forces of normal amplitude are absorbed by the plastics nut (9a), while the exceptional overloads, resulting for example from an impact on the front of a vehicle whose seat structure is provided with the jack of the invention, are absorbed by the second nut (9b). In normal operation, the friction between the plastics nut (9a) and the screw (10) are considerably reduced, which provides a jack having an excellent efficiency.

Abstract: A passive exercise apparatus includes an oscillating back portion incorporated in a conventional reclining chair. A drive assembly is mounted to a lower back portion. An upper back portion is pivotally connected to the lower back portion. The drive assembly is activated to oscillate the upper back portion when the recliner is in either an upright or an extended position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lift base for converting a manual reclining chair to a powdered lift and reclining chair. The base is readily attached to the reclining hinge and drives the hinge parts as well as the chair frame. A simplified base linkage uses linkage plates as a common pivot mount for link connections inbetween the base and the chair.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating and lowering a freestanding seating structure, such as a house chair, recliner, or sofa. The apparatus is comprised of a base, an elevator assembly, a power assembly connected between the base and the elevator assembly, and a control assembly. The elevator assembly releasably receives, supports, elevates and lowers the seating structure. The power assembly provides power and supportingly moves the elevator assembly. The control assembly controls the power assembly and the position of the elevator assembly relative to the base. The invention also includes riser arms which are pivotally connected between the base and the elevator assembly for structurally supporting the stabilizing the elevator assembly.

Abstract: A seat which is used as a passenger seat in a vehicle and which is adapted to assist passengers, particularly elderly and/or handicapped persons, in entering or leaving the vehicle. The seat includes a motorized control which permits the seat to be moved forward or backward, up or down, and to rotate on its vertical axis approximately 90.degree., as well, to tilt from back to front. The seat can be adjusted to fit the requirements of the person, and selectively rotate until the seat faces the door of the vehicle, extend outwardly toward the door opening, and then, tilt to assist the person in being seated or unseated. The swivel seat uses substantially the same space as is currently required for conventional adjustable seats in a vehicle.

Abstract: A curved slide member having an inner section and an outer section, with one of these inner and outer sections being movable relative to the other, which is fixed. A Z-shaped rack is fixedly mounted on one of the inner and outer sections. A pinion is carried by that inner or outer section on which the rack is not mounted, with the pinion meshing with the rack.

Abstract: In a motor-driven seat, the seat cushion and the seat back are driven by a slider motor and a knuckle motor in response to operation of respective switches. The motor-driven seat is further provided with an additional driving circuit which is adapted to receive power from a power source other than the battery mounted on the vehicle body and drives the slider motor and the knuckle motor so that the seat back is inclined rearward in response to forward or rearward sliding movement of the seat.

Abstract: An air supply and control apparatus has an air pump to supply air under pressure to air mattresses of an air bed. A hand control having a pair of valves functions to control the operation of the air pump to supply air to the air mattresses and vent air from the air mattresses. A second embodiment of the air supply and control apparatus has a motor driven impeller for supplying air under pressure to air mattresses. Solenoids having two coils operate valves to allow air to flow to the air mattress or vent air from the air mattress to adjust the firmness of the mattresses. A normally closed switch is opened when the solenoid opens the valve. The switch turns off one coil of the solenoid. The other coil remains energized to hold the valve open. Hand controls having switches are electrically coupled to the motor and solenoids to control the operation thereof.

Abstract: A drive control device for a seat in a vehicle has a driver entry detection unit, a battery capacity detection unit, a seat drive unit, and a controlling circuit unit for generating a seat drive control signal. The controlling circuit unit has a function of deciding whether or not the capacity of the battery is lower than a predetermined reference value when an entry is detected by the entry detection unit, a function of prohibiting the driving of the seat when the decision of the battery capacity decision function is affirmative, and a function of effecting the driving of the seat when the decision of the battery capacity decision function is negative. The controlling circuit unit can provide a door opening degree monitoring function and a rear monitoring function.

Abstract: A wheelchair apparatus is disclosed and includes a frame having a base portion and spaced side portions to define a space for receiving an operator's body. A device is provided for supporting the frame above a ground surface for movement therealong and includes a mechanism for moving the apparatus over the ground surface. A device is provided to permit an operator within the space to control movement of the apparatus along a ground surface. Finally, a seat assembly supports and selectively moves an operator between a fully seated position and a substantially upright position within the apparatus to permit the operator to control and move the apparatus over the ground surface from both the fully seated position as well as the substantially upright position.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a seat of vehicles comprising mode selecting means for cyclically switching the control modes with respect to the position and the posture of said seat, a displaying section for displaying said control mode in accordance with the output from said mode selecting means, a selecting switch connected to the input of said mode selecting means for switching said control mode, an increasing/decreasing switch for controlling the amount of control with respect to the posture of said seat, and a control section for controlling the vehicle's seat in accordance with the output signal from said mode selecting switch and the switching signal from said increasing/decreasing switch, wherein the number of switches may be reduced thereby reducing the space for providing the switches and making simple the switching operation.

Abstract: A rotary seat for a vehicle has a seat cushion member rotably supported on a support shaft vertically mounted on the vehicle floor. Driving apparatus is connected to the seat cushion member for automatically rotating the seat cushion member between a direction toward the front of the vehicle and a direction toward a side door of the vehicle when the seat cushion member is not occupied. Disconnecting equipment is included for disconnecting the driving apparatus from the seat cushion member to allow the seat cushion member to be manually rotated when the seat cushion member is occupied. Control devices are provided for controlling the driving apparatus and the disconnecting equipment to place the seat cushion member in an automatic rotating mode or a manual rotating mode depending upon whether the seat is occupied.

Abstract: A powered walker apparatus includes a frame assembly defining a central space for containing an operator in a standing position. A mechanism is included for selectively moving the apparatus over a ground surface. A gate is provided for closing an entryway into the central space and is adapted to define the front surface of the apparatus when in a closed position. Finally, a seat assembly arrangement is provided having a seat member movable between a substantially horizontal position within the central space wherein the operator is maintained in a sitting position and a substantially vertical position wherein the operator is maintained in a standing position within such central space.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating and lowering a freestanding seating structure, such as a house chair, recliner, or sofa. The apparatus is comprised of a base, an elevator assembly, a power assembly connected between the base and the elevator assembly, and a control assembly. The elevator assembly releasably receives, supports, elevates and lowers the seating structure. The power assembly provides power and supportingly moves the elevator assembly. The control assembly controls the power assembly and the position of the elevator assembly relative to the base. The invention also includes riser arms which are pivotally connected between the base and the elevator assembly for structurally supporting and stabilizing the elevator assembly.

Abstract: A seat adjusting apparatus for a saddle-type vehicle having a seat provided with a backrest is disclosed. It is provided with an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the state of the backrest, such as the longitudinal position or the tilting angle of the backrest with respect to the seat. A manual operating apparatus connected to this adjusting mechanism and adapted to drive the adjusting mechanism is disposed on the side of the seat below the backrest. The rider can freely adjust the position, angle, etc. of the backrest by operating the manual operating apparatus while maintaining his attitude astride the seat. The backrest may be provided on both sides with waist holding members which are opened and shut sidewards by operating the manual operating apparatus.

Abstract: Convertible chair of the kind consisting in a seat, a back and a foot-rest, each mobile with respect to the other and all together, characterized in that in a fixed base that assures the stability of the chair on the ground, is lodged a sole jack and all of the connecting rods that control the tilting of the seat itself, of its back and of the foot-rest, and the operation of the piston of this sole jack controls a main lever that sequentially exerts its action to tilt the back, then, either separately or simultaneously, to tilt the seat, and then, either separately or simultaneously, to tilt the foot-rest; this moving of the main lever itself results from direct contact or through the intermediary of secondary levers, with stops activating the moving of levers, each interdependent on the respective rotating axles of the three parts of the chair, in one direction or the other.

Abstract: The reclining chair frame disclosed is for use principally in dentistry, and has an adjustable seat and back-rest, the seat connecting with the base at one side, or both, by way of two struts that converge slightly toward the top ends and form an articulated quadrilateral with the seat and base. One of the struts extends upwards and is hinged to a connecting link, this hinged in turn to the back-rest at a point lower than the point at which the back-rest itself is hinged to the seat. An actuator impinges on the remaining strut, rotating it about the pivot by which it is anchored to the base in such a way that the chair is maneuvered through an infinitely variable range of adjustments from a normal sitting position, with the back-rest upright, to a fully reclined position in which the back-rest is disposed substantially horizontal and the seat ultimately positioned above the level of the back-rest.

Abstract: This chair (10) includes a base portion (12), a seating portion (14) mounted for arcuate movement on said base portion (12), and an adjustable footrest assembly (40). The footrest assembly (40) includes opposed guide members (46) and a footrest (52) having opposed arms (54) which are received by the guide members (46) in sliding relation and are adjustably movable between an extended, elevated position to a retracted stored position. A drive assembly (62) is provided which includes spaced shafts (64, 66) carrying endless conveyor members (70) which are connected to the arms (54). The guide members (46) and the received arms (54) are arcuately configurated. A control system (100) including a longitudinal belt (102) attached to the upper seating portion (14) and received by a clamping assembly (106) attached to the base portion (12) provides for selective arresting of the seating portion (14) relative to the base portion (12) in a desired position.

Abstract: A barber shop or beauty parlor chair for back shampooing, i.e. the shampooing of the hair and scalp of the head of a person seated in the chair, from the rear of the person, by tilting the chair into a reclined and substantially horizontal position, so that the person or customer's neck may be readily fitted onto the shampoo bowl. The present chair features pivoted frame members manipulatable by an integral hydraulic cylinder, so that the chair is adjustable from an upright position into a reclined and substantially horizontal position, whereby back-shampooing of the head of a person sitting in the chair may readily be accomplished. The chair features pivoted frame members which are pivoted by activation of the upper plunger of a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A reclinable children's chair or child's chair for use on a motor vehicle seat, comprising a base frame to be placed on such vehicle seat, and a reclinable child's seat operatively engaged with the base frame and movable generally longitudinally back and forth relative to the base frame selectively angularly between an upright rearward position and a reclined forward position, a drive mechanism, e.g. a motor and drive shaft and connecting rod linkage, mounted on the base frame and operatively connected to the reclinable seat for so moving the reclinable seat, and a control mechanism for controlling the operation of the drive mechanism e.g. a manual handle for rotating the shaft and/or a switch for operating the motor.

Abstract: A motor driven recliner chair in which a power transfer or drive tube is rigidly connected to the linkage actuating arms and operationally connected to the power screw of the motor by a nut threaded on the screw and slidably but non-rotatably positioned in the drive tube. A spring-biased latching member is pivotally mounted on the drive tube and captively retains the nut in the power screw-engaged position. The latching member may be withdrawn by the chair occupant whereupon the power drive is effectively disengaged and the chair may be manually operated to quickly return to the upright position.

Abstract: A seat switch and system for operating a power seat are disclosed. The seat switch includes a seat bench knob and a seat back knob, each mounted to be displaced by the operator to indicate the desired displacement of the seat bench and seat back. A mechanical connection is provided from the knob to a set of contacts such that the contacts are appropriately displaced relative to a pattern of contact pads. Appropriate signals are generated to indicate the desired motion of the seat based on the contacts engaging the contact pads. These signals are interpreted and appropriate motors actuated to displace the seat to obtain the desired seat positions.

Abstract: A power reclining chair positionable by the operation of independent electric motors to which the leg portion, the seat portion and the back portion of the chair are each selectively responsive movement-wise. The leg portion is characterized by an extendable foot section which is movable from a normal position to an in-line position with respect to the longitudinal direction of the leg portion, and conversely. The instant power reclining chair may assume a variety of use positions, as, for example, an upright or sitting position; comfort, as reclining, positions; and, a substantially flat position.

Abstract: A therapeutic traction chair for extending the middle and lower back including a seat receiving the patient and a backrest. The seat and backrest comprise a subframe pivotally mounted to a supporting frame wherein the angle of the backrest to the vertical may be adjusted. Arm supports extend from the backrest under the armpits of a seated patient, and the seat is vertically adjustable relative to the backrest to drop the seat away from the backrest transferring the patient's weight to the arm supports placing the spine and back under traction and extension. The adjustment of the subframe and seat position is through an electric-powered actuator, and the arm supports may be positioned to an inactive storage condition.