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Relaxor Perfects the Fine Art of 'Driving by the Seat of Your Pants'

1 March 1999

Relaxor Perfects the Fine Art of 'Driving by the Seat of Your Pants'

    LOS ANGELES, March 1 --  At this year's SAE International
Congress and Expo, Relaxor/JB Research introduces an entirely new dimension in
vehicle-driver communication and operational safety:  the ComfortAlert TACT
in-seat Tactile-Alert Communication Technology.  The TACT system will be
available to "feel" in an auto and truck simulator at booth #5317.
    The TACT feature interfaces with the on-board computer (and future
drowsiness detection technology) and ComfortAlert in-seat massage systems
creating patterned "intensified" pulses to the driver's back and legs.  TACT
pulses use 1) simple pattern recognition to communicate vehicle and traffic
conditions, including turn signal indication, low gas, check engine, emergency
vehicle presence and, 2) intense-erratic-random surges to help deter driver
drowsiness.
    According to Charles Sleichter, Relaxor Executive Director of Commercial
Seating, the "TACT (patent pending) concept is based on extensive academic and
military research.  Relaxor is the first to apply the tactile-cutaneous 'pulse
communication' theoretical concepts to vehicle-operator communication and
drowsy driver deterrence."
    Tactile communication is intended as an adjunct to, and in some cases a
replacement for, traditional visual and audible alert displays and has several
advantages over these traditional displays; primarily 1) our sense of touch is
not distracted, cluttered or confused by competing stimulation and 2)
responses to tactile stimulation are more controlled and less overreactive
than response to audible alerts, particularly when in a fatigued or drowsy
state.
    "TACT represents the type of ground-breaking continuing research and
development that distinguishes JB Research in the marketplace," said JB
Research president Gayle B. Gerth.
    Relaxor/JB Research is the leading manufacturer of OEM vibro-tactile
in-seat massage systems for residential, aircraft, auto, truck, RV,
heavy-equipment and healthcare applications.  For additional information
contact:

    Charles G. Sleichter
    Executive Director Commercial Seating Technology
    1-800-RELAXOR