A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

A more reliable and fool-proof method and apparatus for assembling an article of assembly (e.g. with predetermined screw torque requirements) in which the article of assembly has multiple fastening locations. The method comprises holding the article of assembly fixed while providing at least two different types of targets fixed relative to the article of assembly that correspond to the individual fastening locations. Fasteners are fastened into the article of assembly at the fastening locations. When fastening is occurring at one of the fastening locations, one of the targets is being sensed. Based on the target sensed, a target output is generated that differentiates between different types of targets thereby indicating fastening location of the fastening tool. The electronic target output is used for electronic control such as for stopping a conveyor to keep the article of assembly at an assembly station until the fastening operations have been completed.

A system for supporting a user in a plurality of ergonomic positions that includes a first assembly and a second, separate assembly. The first assembly includes first and second components that are adjustable to support the user in first and second different postures. The second assembly includes separate first and second components that are adjustable to support the user in the first and second postures. Upon the relative position of the second assembly first and second components being changed from the first to the second position, a second assembly processor transmits a wireless signal to a receiver of the first assembly. Upon receiving the wireless signal, a first assembly processor controls an actuator to adjust the position of the first assembly first and second components from the first position to the second position.

A system for guiding a user while changing the juxtaposition of one furniture component with respect to another furniture component on a furniture assembly, the system comprising a sensor for sensing the position of the first component with respect to the second component, an indicator for indicating when the position of the first component with respect to the second component should be changed by the user from a current position to another position, a control mechanism activatable by the user for changing the position of the first component with respect to the second component and a processor programmed to use sensor signals to track the position of the first component and to provide periodic first reminders to change the position of the first component from the current position to another position, the processor continuing to track the first component position as a user moves the first component toward the another position and, when the repositioning stops short of the another position, controlling the indicator to generate a first alert.

A circuit arrangement for controlling a system for a seat comfort function includes at least one actuator with at least one adjusting element and at least one SMA element, wherein the adjusting element can be moved from a first position to a second position. At least one resistance measuring device measures a resistance of the at least one SMA element. At least one driver unit activates the actuator with the at least one SMA element. A control unit controls the driver unit, the driver unit being configured for processing an output signal of the resistance measuring device. The circuit arrangement is configured so that the resistance measuring device and the driver unit are alternatingly operationally connected to the SMA element. Related methods of operation and seats are disclosed.

A seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion, and a seat back. Sensors are operably connected to the seat cushion and the seat back to detect a seating position of an occupant. An actuator is operably connected to the seat cushion and the seat back for adjustment of a plurality of settings of the seat assembly. An interactive user interface permits manual adjustment of the actuator. A controller is in electrical communication with the plurality of sensors, the at least one actuator, and the user interface. The controller is configured to receive seating position data input indicative of a manually selected seating position. Detection data is received from the plurality of sensors, and compared to the manually selected seating position to determine if the occupant is seated evenly. The at least one actuator adjusts an occupant seating position to the manually selected seating position.

A work environment adjustment system includes multiple instances of controllable office equipment located within an office space, each instance associated with a specific office location and including an activator for controlling states of the instance, at least one presence sensor for detecting user presence within each space associated with each instance, and a master controller linked to each office equipment activator to control activation of each activator to control a current state of each instance. The master controller is programmed to perform the steps of receiving sensor signals from the at least a first presence sensor, determining user presence at each space associated with each instance, controlling states at each of the instances independent of user input when the space associated with the instance is vacant, and enabling user control of the state of each instance associated with a space that is occupied by a user.

A work environment adjustment system includes multiple instances of controllable office equipment located within an office space, each instance associated with a specific office location and including an activator for controlling states of the instance, at least one presence sensor for detecting user presence within each space associated with each instance, and a master controller linked to each office equipment activator to control activation of each activator to control a current state of each instance. The master controller is programmed to perform the steps of receiving sensor signals from the at least a first presence sensor, determining user presence at each space associated with each instance, controlling states at each of the instances independent of user input when the space associated with the instance is vacant, and enabling user control of the state of each instance associated with a space that is occupied by a user.