L&p Property Management Company

Neeco-tron, Inc.

David M Linhoff

William Robert Rohr

Ryan Edward Chacon

Chad Baker

Dave Jones

Michael R Mahoney

L Nicholas Nibert

Vinod Kumar Gopalakrishnan

Larry Nicholas Nibert

William Rohr

A system and method for integrating furniture accessories and generic devices with automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a communication protocol enables a remote device to wirelessly control a generic device wirelessly coupled to a control component of an automated furniture item. The remote device may control features of the generic device based on wireless communication with the control component. In some embodiments, the remote device receives a user environment selection, which is communicated to the control component of the automated furniture item. The automated furniture item then communicates at least a portion of the received command to a corresponding generic device, according to the settings of the selected user environment. In further embodiments, an occupancy detection indication for the automated furniture item may result in a change in one or more settings corresponding to the user environment, as communicated to the generic device(s) by the control component.

Wireless two-way communication protocol for automated furniture accessory integration

A system and method for integrating furniture accessories with automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a communication protocol enables a remote device to control an automated furniture accessory coupled to a control component of an automated furniture item. Items of identifying information are provided to a control component based on coupling the automated furniture accessory to the CAN bus of the control component. According to the communication protocol, one or more packets of information are provided to the remote device using a wireless communication device of the control component. The remote device may then be used to control features of the automated furniture accessory, based on wireless communication with the control component. In some embodiments, the firmware of the remote device may be updated to enable the control component to be coupled to updated automated furniture accessories, and enable the remote device to control such accessories.

A system and method for automatically pairing wireless remotes to the control components of automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a pairing mode selection indication is received, indicating a universal mode selection or a normal mode selection. In universal mode, the control component and the remote device are automatically paired based on commands received from the remote device. In normal mode, the control component and the remote component are automatically paired upon confirmation that the unique ID of the remote device corresponds to an ID database. Having paired the control component with the remote device, the control component may execute commands received from at least one remote device. In embodiments, the pairing method includes applying priority rules for particular remote devices. Further, the automatic pairing of remote devices may include varying levels of authorization for different users.

Remote and controller synchronization for automated furniture controls

A control housing is provided which encases a control board. The housing has a cover and a backing which are fixed together to secure the control board within the housing. The control board includes a plurality of switches, and the housing includes a plurality of corresponding buttons to activate the switches. The cover includes a cover surface having at least one button hole in register with the control board switch; operating insignia integrally formed on the cover surface adjacent the button hole; and a membrane which closes said button hole to form a button surface. The insignia is exposed through the membrane to be exposed and visible. The membrane is fused to the cover, thereby providing a housing which is sealed to substantially prevent gases, liquids or solids from entering the housing.

Growing community of inventors

St. Peters, MO, United States of America

David M Linhoff