Abstract: A release mechanism generates a force on a cable to operate an adjustment mechanism or the like in a seat or other device. The release mechanism includes a rotor, a housing, a spring, and a cover that attaches to the housing. The spring generates a torque, and the spring also axially biases the rotor into engagement with the cover to prevent rattling.

Abstract: A release mechanism generates a force on a cable to operate an adjustment mechanism or the like in a seat or other device. The release mechanism includes a rotor, a housing, a spring, and a cover that attaches to the housing. The spring generates a torque, and the spring also axially biases the rotor into engagement with the cover to prevent rattling.

Abstract: A release mechanism generates a force on a cable to operate an adjustment mechanism or the like in a seat or other device. The release mechanism includes a rotor, a housing, a spring, and a cover that attaches to the housing. The spring generates a torque, and the spring also axially biases the rotor into engagement with the cover to prevent rattling.

Abstract: A release mechanism generates a force on a cable to operate an adjustment mechanism or the like in a seat or other device. The release mechanism includes a rotor, a housing, a spring, and a cover that attaches to the housing. The spring generates a torque, and the spring also axially biases the rotor into engagement with the cover to prevent rattling.

Abstract: A release mechanism generates a force on a cable to operate an adjustment mechanism or the like in a seat or other device. The release mechanism includes a rotor, a housing, a spring, and a cover that attaches to the housing. The spring generates a torque, and the spring also axially biases the rotor into engagement with the cover to prevent rattling.

Abstract: A release mechanism generates a force on a cable to operate an adjustment mechanism or the like in a seat or other device. The release mechanism includes a rotor, a housing, a spring, and a cover that attaches to the housing. The spring generates a torque, and the spring also axially biases the rotor into engagement with the cover to prevent rattling.

Abstract: A release mechanism generates a force on a cable to operate an adjustment mechanism or the like in a seat or other device. The release mechanism includes a rotor, a housing, a spring, and a cover that attaches to the housing. The spring generates a torque permitting the rotor to form a temporary subassembly with the housing prior to final assembly. The spring also axially biases the rotor into engagement with the cover to prevent rattling.

Abstract: An automatic cable length adjustment mechanism includes first and second members that slidably engage one another. A spring biases the members apart, and a releasable one-way ratchet-type mechanism interconnects the parts after the parts shift relative to one another to take up slack in a Bowden cable or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the one-way ratchet arrangement includes a plurality of cantilevered levers having teeth or the like that engage rows of teeth.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable lift strut includes a support tube, a guide rod fixedly attached at the support tube, an extension tube that is extendable and retractable relative to the support tube and guide rod, and a biasing element that biases or urges the extension tube towards an extended position relative to the support tube. The biasing element may be a compression spring having a coiled wire formed of a shape memory alloy material. The biasing element provides a substantially constant biasing force over substantially the entire range of extension and retraction of the extension tube relative to the support tube. A locking mechanism may be disposed in the extension tube and may be selectively actuatable to lock relative to the guide rod to limit movement of the extension tube relative to the support tube.

Abstract: An energy storage mechanism for folding seats for vehicles and the like includes an energy-storing component such as a spring that assists in moving the seat or other component. The mechanism provides for relatively small user input forces and distances, yet provides a relatively large force acting over a relatively large distance as an output of the mechanism. The mechanism may be configured to provide for a single user input/release, without requiring powered actuators or the like.

Abstract: A compensator for cables includes a housing and a spring wrapped around inside the housing to form a loop. An inner strand of a Bowden cable or the like extends through the coil spring, and thereby forms a loop. The looped configuration of the coil spring provides a higher effective spring constant, and thereby permits a smaller coil spring to be used. The dimensions of the compensator can also be reduced, thereby reducing the space required for the compensator.

Abstract: An energy storage mechanism for folding seats for vehicles and the like includes an energy-storing component such as a spring that assists in moving the seat or other component. The mechanism provides for relatively small user input forces and distances, yet provides a relatively large force acting over a relatively large distance as an output of the mechanism. The mechanism may be configured to provide for a single user input/release, without requiring powered actuators or the like.

Abstract: An energy storage mechanism for folding seats for vehicles and the like includes an energy-storing component such as a spring that assists in moving the seat or other component. The mechanism provides for relatively small user input forces and distances, yet provides a relatively large force acting over a relatively large distance as an output of the mechanism. The mechanism may be configured to provide for a single user input/release, without requiring powered actuators or the like.

Abstract: An automatic cable length adjustment mechanism includes first and second members that slidably engage one another. A spring biases the members apart, and a releasable one-way ratchet-type mechanism interconnects the parts after the parts shift relative to one another to take up slack in a Bowden cable or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the one-way ratchet arrangement includes a plurality of cantilevered levers having teeth or the like that engage rows of teeth.

Abstract: A compensator for cables includes a housing and a spring wrapped around inside the housing to form a loop. An inner strand of a Bowden cable or the like extends through the coil spring, and thereby forms a loop. The looped configuration of the coil spring provides a higher effective spring constant, and thereby permits a smaller coil spring to be used. The dimensions of the compensator can also be reduced, thereby reducing the space required for the compensator.

Abstract: A suspension seat assembly for an office chair is provided which has a support frame and a suspension fabric connected about its periphery to the frame. The fabric is first laid across the frame and then the peripheral edges of the suspension fabric are secured in place on the frame by over-molded trim. The suspension fabric may also be formed as a multi-layer composite comprising an aesthetic upper layer, a stretchable suspension layer and an optional cushion layer therebetween. The suspension layer is a fabric-type material which is preferably air permeable and resilient to support the weight of a chair occupant.

Abstract: A suspension seat assembly for an office chair is provided which has a support frame and a suspension fabric connected about its periphery to the frame. The fabric is first laid across the frame and then the peripheral edges of the suspension fabric are secured in place on the frame by over-molded trim. The suspension fabric may also be formed as a multi-layer composite comprising an aesthetic upper layer, a stretchable suspension layer and an optional cushion layer therebetween. The suspension layer is a fabric-type material which is preferably air permeable and resilient to support the weight of a chair occupant.

Abstract: A suspension seat assembly for an office chair is provided which has a support frame and a suspension fabric connected about its periphery to the frame. The fabric is first laid across the frame and then the peripheral edges of the suspension fabric are secured in place on the frame by over-molded trim. The suspension fabric may also be formed as a multi-layer composite comprising an aesthetic upper layer, a stretchable suspension layer and an optional cushion layer therebetween. The suspension layer is a fabric-type material which is preferably air permeable and resilient to support the weight of a chair occupant.