A support structure for supporting the user of a mobility device or the like, the support structure comprising a fluid flow channel, the fluid flow channel comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein at least part of the fluid flow channel is tapered, the at least part tapered fluid flow channel comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least part tapered fluid flow channel being located proximal to the fluid inlet and the second end of the at least part tapered fluid flow channel being located distal to the fluid inlet, and wherein the width of the second end of the at least part tapered fluid flow channel is greater than the width of the first end of the at least part tapered fluid flow channel.

A system including a self-adjusting chair is provided. The system includes a chair that is configured to be adjustable to an occupant. The system also includes a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure a characteristic of the occupant and to transmit a signal that indicates the characteristic of the occupant. In addition, the system includes a plurality of actuators, wherein each actuator of the plurality of actuators is configured to adjust a property of the chair. Further, the system includes a controller that is configured to receive at least one signal from at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors and to instruct at least one actuator of the plurality of actuators to adjust at least one property of the chair based on at least one characteristic of the occupant.

A thermoelectric device comprising an elongated panel of two foam layers, and having an inserted thermoelectric string is incorporated into a seat cushion, planting pot, and battery thermal manager. Several enhancements to the string and the panel improve its durability, visual appeal, and tactile appeal over the prior art.

A spacer includes: projections each of which has a frame; multiple standing portions each of which has one end connected to the frame and that stand on the frame; and a standing-end connector that connects other ends of the standing portions, the frames being disposed close to each other such that the projections are connected; and flexible connectors that connect the frames. The projections have a three-dimensional shape. The flexible connectors are elastically deformable. At least either the projections or the flexible connectors have different shapes depending on a part of the spacer.

A ventilating or heating/cooling element having a first side having an air permeability of 15-800 m.sup.3/m.sup.2/h at 120 Pa. The first side is for directing an air flow toward a person. The ventilating/cooling/heating element may form or form part of a mattress, a duvet/blanket, a pillow, a sleeping bag, a seat, a clothes item or the like. A pump may be provided for providing air into the ventilating/cooling/heating element, or one or more openings may be provided for receiving air when a person is moving, such as when riding a motor cycle.

The present invention relates to a feedback device and a method of providing thermal feedback using the same. A method for calibration of an intensity of a thermal feedback of a feedback device may comprise: outputting the thermal feedback in order from a weak intensity to a strong intensity among a plurality of intensities of the thermal feedback; obtaining a first user input; setting an intensity of the thermal feedback outputted at the time of the obtaining the first user input to a lowest intensity of the thermal feedback; obtaining a second user input; setting an intensity of the thermal feedback outputted at the time of the obtaining the second user input to a highest intensity of the thermal feedback; setting at least one intermediate intensity; and outputting the thermal feedback by using the lowest intensity, the highest intensity and the at least one intermediate intensity.

A thermoelectric device comprising an elongated panel of two foam layers, and having an inserted thermoelectric string is incorporated into a seat cushion, planting pot, and battery thermal manager. Several enhancements to the string and the panel improve its durability, visual appeal, and tactile appeal over the prior art.

A power source resident in furniture provides power to at least one charging port or socket used to provide power to an electronic device. The furniture may be an articulated furniture having at least one motor. The furniture may have at least one type of switch that manages the power to the charging port. The switch may reduce wasted energy consumption due to heat lost at the charging port.

The present invention relates to a feedback device and a method of providing thermal feedback using the same. A method for calibration of an intensity of a thermal feedback of a feedback device may comprise: outputting the thermal feedback in order from a weak intensity to a strong intensity among a plurality of intensities of the thermal feedback; obtaining a first user input; setting an intensity of the thermal feedback outputted at the time of the obtaining the first user input to a lowest intensity of the thermal feedback; obtaining a second user input; setting an intensity of the thermal feedback outputted at the time of the obtaining the second user input to a highest intensity of the thermal feedback; setting at least one intermediate intensity; and outputting the thermal feedback by using the lowest intensity, the highest intensity and the at least one intermediate intensity.

The present invention relates to a feedback device and a method of providing thermal feedback using the same. A method for calibration of an intensity of a thermal feedback of a feedback device may comprise: outputting the thermal feedback in order from a weak intensity to a strong intensity among a plurality of intensities of the thermal feedback; obtaining a first user input; setting an intensity of the thermal feedback outputted at the time of the obtaining the first user input to a lowest intensity of the thermal feedback; obtaining a second user input; setting an intensity of the thermal feedback outputted at the time of the obtaining the second user input to a highest intensity of the thermal feedback; setting at least one intermediate intensity; and outputting the thermal feedback by using the lowest intensity, the highest intensity and the at least one intermediate intensity.