A remote-control device for controlling an appliance having a plurality of appliance components is provided. The remote-control device includes a plurality of pushbutton units, each pushbutton unit including at least one physical operating pushbutton configurable to control at least one appliance component. Each of the pushbutton units is provided with a visually detectable distinguishing feature for visually distinguishing one pushbutton unit from another pushbutton unit. The remote-control device also includes a display unit configured to display representations of each controllable appliance component. Each representation of an appliance component includes the same visually detectable distinguishing feature as a corresponding pushbutton unit to which the appliance component is assigned.

User comfort control system having non-invasive bio-patch. In some embodiments, a system for providing comfort of a person can include a wearable patch configured to be attached to a skin of the person and sense a biological condition of the skin, and to transmit information representative of the sensed biological condition. The system can further include a controller configured to receive the information and generate a control signal. The system can further include an adjustment element associated with a furniture item implemented to support and provide comfort for the person. The adjustment element can be in communication with the controller and be configured to adjust a comfort level of the furniture item for the person in response to the control signal.

An alert system includes an audio speaker or video display, and a communications unit. The communications unit is retained and supported by a power and data unit, and is configured to access data sources that include at least one of schedule information, environmental information, news reports, fire/police alerts, weather statements/information, and user-specific information, and to communicate with the audio speaker based upon the accessed data sources. The communications unit is configured to network with a computing device associated with a first user. The communications unit is configured to access the one or more data sources as defined by user-specific parameters associated with the first user. The first user is identified based upon a user ID associated with the networked computing device. The communications unit is configured to direct the audio speaker or the video display to issue an alert in response to the one or more accessed data sources.

A method for operating an assembly includes providing a furniture part which can be arranged by a furniture drive in at least two operating positions relative to a furniture body. In chronological order, a command transmitter spatially separated from the furniture drive transmits at least one digital command to a data transmission device of the furniture drive via the data transmission device of the command transmitter. A computing unit of the furniture drive compares the at least one digital command with at least one digital data set stored in a storage unit, and the computing unit makes a selection on the basis of the result of the comparison to carry out the at least one digital command.

An encasement for protecting a household item from bug intrusion includes a fabric cover having an elongated opening with a first end location and a second end location, the fabric cover being of a size for receiving the household item in the interior of the cover, a zipper configured to seal the opening, a first inside securing member attached inside the fabric cover along a first edge of the elongated opening, the first inside securing member comprising hook or loop fasteners, a second inside securing member attached inside the fabric cover along a second edge of the elongated opening, the second inside securing member including hook or loop fasteners, and an inside patch comprising the other of the hook or loop fasteners, the inside patch configured to be attached to the first inside securing member and the second inside securing member when the zipper is closed.

A self-checking system for an air bag includes a client, a detection module, an air bag control unit and an air bag device. The air bag control unit is connected with the air bag device; the air bag device includes an air bag and an air path; and the detection module is configured for detecting the air bag device and the air bag control unit according to preset steps.

A self-checking system for an air bag includes a client, a detection module, an air bag control unit and an air bag device. The air bag control unit is connected with the air bag device; the air bag device includes an air bag and an air path; and the detection module is configured for detecting the air bag device and the air bag control unit according to preset steps.

Shock and vibration mitigation baseplates and related manufacturing methods. A shock and vibration mitigation baseplate includes a mounting frame configured for placement between a console operator chair and a rigid floor surface, and one or more viscoelastic polymer shock absorption and vibration dampening pads. The mounting frame houses the one or more viscoelastic polymer shock absorption and vibration dampening pads therein.

A sleep system comprises at least one mattress including a first sleep area for a first occupant, the first sleep area including a first section for a portion of a body of the first occupant, and a second sleep area adjacent to the first sleep area for a second occupant, the second sleep area including a second section for a portion of a body of the second occupant, an articulation system for articulating the first section and the second section, a first user controller configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to control articulation of the first section, and a second user controller configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to control articulation of the second section, wherein the first user controller is further configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to move the second section into a predetermined position.

A bed system with multiple functions includes a frame structure; a plurality of platforms disposed on the frame structure; an adjustable assembly coupled with the frame structure and the plurality of platforms for operably adjusting one or more of the plurality of platforms in desired positions; a plurality of fans mounted onto openings in the plurality of platforms and adapted for operably providing air circulation in a surrounding space of the bed system, and an aromatherapy system attached onto the one or more platforms for producing desired fragrance in the surrounding space so as to promote health and well-being of a user. Each aromatherapy device is configured to produce a fragrance when said aromatherapy device is turned on, and one or more working modes. The fragrance is identical to or different from that produced by other aromatherapy device of the one or more aromatherapy devices.