A method and system for anonymously associating a workstation user's station control preferences with a workstation, the method comprising the steps of correlating anonymous user IDs with user preference sets in a database, obtaining input from a user at a workstation, comparing the user input to the anonymous user IDs to distinguish one distinguished user from other users without determining the identity of the user, accessing the user preference set associated with the distinguished user and controlling workstation affordances per the accessed user preferences while the user is located within a present zone proximate the workstation.

A load-detecting device 1 includes a load detection sensor unit SU and a base 2 on which the load detection sensor unit SU is mounted, and the load detection sensor unit SU includes an upper surface 47S configured to be pressed by a seat cushion SC, a first electrode 52, and a second electrode 62. The upper surface 47S moves with respect to the mount surface 21S such that an angle of the upper surface 47S with respect to the mount surface 21S changes.

The invention relates to a furniture system, consisting of a height-adjustable chair and a height-adjustable table. According to the invention, the chair and the table can be height-adjusted synchronously by means of a common control device, wherein the height adjustment of the table and the height adjustment of the chair are synchronized with each other in such a way that, at different heights, an ideal distance between the tabletop and the seat surface of the chair is always maintained.

In a seat height adjustment method for a chair, a body height of a user of an electronic device is acquired from the electronic device which is in communication with the chair. The method further computes a target seat height suitable for the user according to the user's body height and a preset formula. The lifting device can automatically adjust the seat height for a user when the user has leave the chair and further returning the seat of the chair to an original height.

A chair comprises a seat pan member, a seat back member having a lumbar support member, a lumbar support assembly operatively connected to the lumbar support member and configured for moving the lumbar support member, with respect to the seat pan member and the seat back member, between at least a first position and a second position, and an actuator configured to operate the lumbar support assembly for movement of the lumbar support member between at least the first position and the second position. When the lumbar support member is in the second position, the lumbar support member is positioned forwardly, in a direction toward the seated user's lower back, relative to the seat back member so as to enable the user to be seated forwardly on the seat pan member while being engaged with the lumbar support member.

A support surface including a cutout on a bottom surface of the support surface. The cutout, which can include a set of cutouts, provides a controlled structural collapse of the support surface by varying a stiffness in a cross-section. That is, the area in which the cutouts are positioned collapses more easily than the surrounding area of the support structure, thus making the area with the cutouts perceived as being softer. The cutouts can reduce the peak pressures on the portion of the user's body (for example, the user's ischial tuberosities) that is positioned over the cutouts. The support surface can also include a low-friction interface extending across a top surface of the support surface.

A furniture system includes an office productivity structure (OPS). The furniture system also includes a sensor coupled to the OPS, the sensor operable to detect occupancy of the OPS and generate an output signal indicative of the occupancy; and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor is operable to receive the output signal generated by the sensor, determine, based on the output signal, that the OPS is occupied, and, in response to determining that the OPS is occupied, generate a command to initiate at least one action associated with the OPS or an operator of the OPS.

A chair having a backrest coupled to a seat. The backrest has at least one spinal support plate for supporting a user's spine, in use, and the seat has at least one support pad for supporting a user's buttocks, A motive means is coupled to the at least one spinal support plate for selectively moving the spinal support plate toward or away from a user's thorax, to increase or decrease the pressure exerted. A pressure monitor monitors pressure exerted on the user's thorax when using the chair, and a control system receives data representative of the pressure exerted on the user's thorax, compares it with a pressure threshold or range, and, if the monitored pressure falls outside of the pressure threshold or range, generates control data and transmits it to the motive means, to cause movement of a spinal support plate toward or away from the user's thorax.

A cushion module is provided herein and includes a mounting manifold and a retaining plate. An array of pneumatic assemblies is coupled to and disposed between the mounting manifold and the retaining plate. Each pneumatic assembly includes a pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod and configured to receive pressurized air for moving the piston rod to a selected position. The pressurized air supplied to each pneumatic cylinder is variable and the piston rods collectively define a support surface having variable contour and firmness, and on which an object is rested to assess the comfortability of the support surface.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of providing a bed using a plurality of interchangeable adjustable firmness springs to provide localized comfort and support to the user of the bed. The plurality of interchangeable springs may have a plurality of different firmnesses to provide customizable local comfort to a user. The foam springs are color coded based on the firmness associated with the foam spring. The foam springs have markings and/or health devices attached to an end of the foam spring.