US Patent:
20130247302, Sep 26, 2013
Inventors:
William Robert Rohr - Joplin MO, US
Avinash Madadi - Webb City MO, US
Assignee:
L & P Properly Management Company - South Gate CA
International Classification:
A47C 21/00
G01R 27/26
Abstract:
A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy using a detection pad coupled a portion of a bed. The detection pad may include an aluminized polymer material, a metalized and/or conductive fabric, an aluminum sheet, a metal screen, an aluminum tape, a wire grid, or other metalized material or fabric. A controller determines the corresponding response based on single-occupancy or dual-occupancy detection by one or more detection pads. A processor receives information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of occupancy, or lack thereof, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable bed may be activated.