This disclosure relates to improved massage chairs that include air cell apparatuses. A massage chair can include at least one air cell apparatus, which can be integrated into a shoulder portion, leg rest portion, arm portion, and/or other portion of the massage chair. An inflatable air bladder can be connected to each air cell apparatus. Each air cell apparatus can transition between a retracted position and an extended position. The air cell bladder can be configured to inflate when the air cell apparatus is in the extended position, thereby securing an individual to the massage chair. Various assemblies can be used to transition the air cell apparatus between the retracted and extended positions. Other embodiments are disclosed.

A method includes disposing a plurality of actuators about a subject, each actuator being configured to generate a respective vibration signal, each vibration signal applying a normal force to the subject, and controlling the plurality of actuators such that the respective vibration signal of each actuator of the plurality has a respective vibration characteristic. Each actuator is oriented such that the respective vibration signal propagates along a longitudinal axis of the subject for stimulation of the subject remote from the plurality of actuators.

A jet pump has an impeller with a magnet that can be rotated by a shaft having a magnetic drive plate and wherein the impeller and the magnetic drive plate are separated from one another by at least one solid wall surface. The impeller can be located in a pump housing having a base and a cover. The base can have a surface bearing so that the impeller can contact therewith and rotated against the surface of the surface bearing.

An automatically adjusting comfort method includes measuring pressure applied by a user via a pressure-sensor array, determining a pressure profile based on measurements from the pressure-sensor array, comparing the pressure profile to a first limit, determining a cumulative pressure profile over a predetermined duration, comparing the cumulative pressure profile to a second limit, and adjusting one or more of a plurality of adjusting mechanisms configured to alter the pressure profile for increased comfort of the user when the pressure profile exceeds the first limit or the second limit. An automatically adjusting comfort system includes a pressure-sensor array communicatively coupled to a controller for determining a cumulative pressure profile over time, and a plurality of adjusting mechanisms configured to alter the pressure profile to increase a user's comfort, wherein the controller automatically adjusts one or more of the plurality of adjusting mechanisms based on the cumulative pressure profile.

A massage device for a seat, in particular for a vehicle seat, is provided. The massage device includes at least one air cushion. The at least one air cushion has an air inlet so as to allow individual filling thereof with air via an air supply system. A vibration generating device is arranged between the air supply system and the air cushion and is in fluid communication with the air cushion so as to apply pressure vibrations to the air cushion. In addition, a seat including the massage device is also provided.

A reconfigurable water distribution system for a walk-in tub bathing installation including two or more types of discharge ports for discharging water. The system includes a single motorized pump having an input connected to a suction port of the bathing installation, and an output port delivering pressurized water. A pipe system selectively connects the pump to the two or more types of discharge ports to selectively direct the pressurized water to the different ones of the types of discharge ports. The system selectively enables the bathing installation to perform a plurality of different functions using a single pump.

A wheelchair includes massaging units integral with both the seat and the backrest. A first massaging unit includes a plurality of vibrating members positioned about the periphery of the backrest that can be activated simultaneously, sequentially, individually or in a random pattern to knead the user's back, shoulders and neck. A second massaging unit includes motorized massaging discs that rotate and linearly reciprocate to provide a unique “rolling” massage to the buttocks and thighs.

A process to treating urinary dysfunction in humans, male or female, comprises the steps of: (a) placing a wave front generator capable of generating a wave front to and through the perineum; (b) generating a wave front directed towards and into the pelvic floor and applying said wave front for a suitable period of time; and (c) repeating steps a and b for a suitable number of consecutive days.

A method and apparatus include attaching a lighted cup holder to a seating arrangement. The lighted cup holder includes a cup holder body and a light-producing light source, with the cup holder body being attached to the seating arrangement and having a cup receptacle therein, the light-producing source being disposed within the cup receptacle for illuminating the receptacle. A light-sensitive element operatively connected to the light source selectively controls production of light by the light source in such a manner that illumination of the cup holder is provided only under conditions where visibility is reduced to the point that it becomes difficult to locate the cup holder. The light-sensitive element is mounted on a master lighted cup holder and controls illumination of the master lighted cup holder and one or more slave lighted cup holders operatively connected to the master lighted cup holder.

There is provided a technique by which posture changing can be given to an occupant while the forward shift of his/her hip portion is prevented. A seat for vehicle includes a seat cushion, and a seat back coupled to the seat cushion, and the seat back includes a posture changing mechanism having a back face supporting mechanism. There is provided a technique by which a fatigue reduction operation using the posture changing mechanism includes a) moving the back face supporting mechanism set to a position of a lumbar spine portion of an occupant from a first position state to a rear direction side and setting the back face supporting mechanism to a second position state, and b) thereafter, moving the back face supporting mechanism stepwise to a front direction side from the second position state to the first position state.