With Horizontal Adjustment Patents (Class 248/419)
  • Patent number: 11794613
    Abstract: A long rail assembly for use in an automotive vehicle includes a fixed long rail, a rail drive assembly having a drive wheel for transposing the rail drive assembly along the fixed long rail, an upper gearbox attached to a vehicle seat, and an auto-centering quick connection mechanism for operatively coupling a guide pin extending from the upper gearbox to the drive wheel when the vehicle seat is attached to the rail drive assembly. The auto-centering quick connection mechanism further automatically rotates the guide pin to a home position when the vehicle seat is decoupled from the rail drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventor: Kai Zhao
  • Patent number: 11679694
    Abstract: A power long rail assembly is attached to a vehicle floor for repositioning vehicle seats in a vehicle between a plurality of seating positions. The power long rail assembly includes a fixed long rail and a power rail drive assembly configured to travel along the fixed long rail. The power rail drive assembly has an upper channel having a driving wheel configured to frictionally and/or meshingly engage with the fixed long rail, a fore/aft motor operatively coupled to the driving wheel, a latch assembly for locking the upper channel to the fixed long rail, and a latch release mechanism having a latch motor operatively coupled to a release plunger for automatically unlocking the latch assembly from the fixed long rail, and a fore/aft button operatively coupled to the fore/aft motor and to the latch motor to selectively activate the fore/aft motor and the latch motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc
    Inventors: Kai Zhao, Michael D Nacy, Detjon Marini, Louis Vetere, II, Cheikh Dioum
  • Patent number: 11584261
    Abstract: A power seat track assembly may include an elongated first rail, a second rail, a motor assembly, and a power-transfer assembly. The second rail may engage the first rail and may be movable along a length of the first rail. The motor assembly may be mounted to the second rail and may be operable to drive the second rail along the length of the first rail. The power-transfer assembly may include a first component mounted to the first rail and a second component mounted to the second rail. The first component may wirelessly transmit power to the second component. The second component may be electrically connected to the motor assembly to provide electrical current to the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventors: Antal Teer, Burckhard Becker, Sapan M. Poptani
  • Patent number: 11447044
    Abstract: A seat support assembly has a lower member with a first channel extending in a front-back direction of the seat support assembly and an upper member positioned above the lower member and having a second channel extending in the front-back direction. A first linkage has a lower end pivotably coupled to the lower member and translatable in the front-back direction by way of the first channel and an upper end pivotably coupled to the upper member. A second linkage has a lower end pivotably coupled to the lower member and an upper end pivotably coupled to the upper member and translatable in the front-back direction by way of the second channel. The first and second channels are offset from one another in the front-back direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Boks
  • Patent number: 11440791
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a seat cushion receives data of a specific occupant. A seat cushion is designed from the occupant data. The seat cushion is provided with a cellular structure from the occupant data. Another method for manufacturing a seat cushion receives boundary conditions for a seat cushion. Applicable mechanical properties are determined for the boundary conditions of the seat cushion. Applicable thermal properties are determined for the boundary conditions of the seat cushion. A seat cushion is designed with a varying cellular structure to satisfy the applicable mechanical properties and the applicable thermal properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Francesco Migneco, David Gallagher, Sajad Arabnejad, Mark Weaver
  • Patent number: 11377000
    Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame moveable between a sitting position and a standing position and a support bracket coupled to a vehicle floor. A linkage assembly extends between the support bracket and the seat frame. The linkage assembly is positionable between a collapsed position if the seat frame is in the sitting position and an extended position if the seat frame is in the standing position and includes a first end rotatably coupled to the support bracket and a second end slidably coupled to the seat frame. A pawl assembly is engageable with the linkage assembly and positionable in an unlocked position if the linkage assembly is in the collapsed position and a locked position if the linkage assembly is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Macit Aktas, Joseph Michael Kish, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Jason Matthew Koberstein, Anna Hendrickson, David Frederick Lyons
  • Patent number: 11260775
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat frame and at least one rail pair that has a seat rail which is connected to the seat frame and a base rail which is to be connected to the vehicle base and on which the seat rail is movably guided along a longitudinal direction. A drive device is used to move the seat rail along the longitudinal direction relative to the base rail and has a spindle, a rotatable spindle nut which is mounted on the spindle via a threaded engagement, a drive unit which is operatively connected to the spindle nut, and an electric motor for driving the spindle nut via the transmission unit. The spindle is arranged on the seat rail, and the spindle nut and the transmission unit are arranged on the base rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg
    Inventors: Juergen Schukalski, Gregor Kroener, Joerg Gropp, Jochen Hofmann
  • Patent number: 11167667
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a vehicle seat includes: a first plate and a second plate, mounted rotatable relative to each other about a transverse direction; a hinge arranged between the first plate and the second plate; and a tilt sensor configured to measure an angle formed between the first plate and the second plate about the transverse direction. The tilt sensor is arranged next to the hinge and at least partially between the first plate and the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: FAURECIA SIÈGES D'AUTOMOBILE
    Inventors: Didier Duriez, Rodolphe Babonneau
  • Patent number: 11046211
    Abstract: A spring assembly (1) is provided for an unlocking mechanism for a longitudinal adjustment system for a vehicle seat. The spring assembly (1) includes a clip wire (2), a spring guide (3) and a leg spring (4). In an installed state, the spring guide (3) can be disposed or is disposed in an axially movable but not rotatable manner on a straight first clip section (2.1) of the clip wire (2). The spring guide (3) can be brought or is brought into an operating state, in which it is rotatable with respect to the first clip section (2.1), via an axial movement on the first clip section (2.1). A method is further provided for installing a spring assembly (1) in an unlocking mechanism for a longitudinal adjustment system for a vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Adient Luxembourg Holding S.á r.l.
    Inventor: Paul Frank
  • Patent number: 10688895
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster (10) for a vehicle seat (1), including at least one rail pair which is formed from a first seat rail (12) and a second seat rail (14), the seat rails (12, 14) of the rail pair encompassing one another and being movable relative to one another in the longitudinal direction (x) and being able to be locked to one another via a locking device (16), the locking device (16) having at least one locking element, in particular at least one latching plate (18) which is movable in the vertical direction (z), the longitudinal adjuster (10) having an additional locking means (30) which is normally inoperative and is actuated only in the event of a crash by mass inertia. A vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, includes a seat part (2) and a longitudinal adjuster (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Adient Engineering and IP GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Emrich, Ute Jeblick, Michael Koenig, Martin Reischmann, Ralf Velten
  • Patent number: 10589641
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle which can be operated in an automated driving mode in which the motor vehicle is driven automatically by means of a computing device includes receiving at least one input for activating the automated driving mode, determining the current position of a first component of the motor vehicle and, depending on the input received and the determined current position, predetermining an adjusting region including the determined current position within which adjusting region movements of the first component relative to a second component of the motor vehicle caused by the driver via a motor allocated to the first component are permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Juergen Schmidt, Miriam Hosak, Hanna Bellem
  • Patent number: 10434902
    Abstract: A seat track includes a stopper. The stopper includes a hole formed in a first rail and a stopper main body that projects in a direction of intersecting with a relative sliding direction of a second rail from an edge portion of the hole and is configured to restrict a move of a retainer. When a distance between centers of two steel balls disposed at both ends in the relative sliding direction of the second rail is L1 among steel balls and a distance between inner walls of the hole in the relative sliding direction of the second rail is L2, L1?L2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10343556
    Abstract: A seat track assembly including a first rail configured to move along a second rail. The assembly may include a roller cage disposed at least partially between the first rail and the second rail. In embodiments, the assembly includes a stopper that projects from an inner surface of the second rail and is configured to restrict movement of the roller cage while the movement of the first rail relative to the second rail is independent of the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Laumeier, Klaus Walter, Michael Wojatzki, Peter Stutika, Frantisek Kotulak
  • Patent number: 10327566
    Abstract: An infant carrier includes an upper frame, a seat mount frame, a base frame, and at least one folding mechanism. The seat mount frame is pivoted to the upper frame. The base frame is pivoted to the seat mount frame. The at least one folding mechanism is disposed between the seat mount frame and base frame and for allowing the seat mount frame to pivot relative to the base frame between an unfolded position and a folded position. In such a way, when the infant carrier is not in use, it can provide convenient way to fold infant carrier by operating the at least one folding mechanism for easy storage and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Wonderland Switzerland AG
    Inventor: Jonathan K. Mountz
  • Patent number: 10106058
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a cushion frame, a base portion, and a guide structure. The guide structure includes a rail and a rolling mechanism. The rolling mechanism includes an upper guide roller, a lower guide roller, and a roller holder. The rolling mechanism is sandwiched by an upper rolling surface and a lower rolling surface of the rail. The guide structure is configured such that when an occupant load is input to the cushion frame, the guide roller and the rolling surface at one of a first contact point or a second contact point come relatively close together, such that pressure increases, due to a relative position of the roller holder and the rail changing, with the other of the first contact point or the second contact point as a reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sohei Matsuyama, Tomonori Ishikawa, Komei Yano, Kento Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10059232
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom. The vehicle seat further includes a seat-bottom foundation arranged to interconnect the seat bottom and seat back to translate back and forth relative to a vehicle floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Dale J. Frye, Jeffery T. Bonk, Christopher L. Hogg, Adam M. Deck
  • Patent number: 9908441
    Abstract: A seat actuation control system is disclosed. The seat actuation control system may permit multiple functions to be controlled by a single actuator. For example, a seat floor tracking function, and a seat pan track and swivel function may be individually controlled by a single actuator, such as a rotary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith M. Ferguson, Douglas E. Hoover
  • Patent number: 9758059
    Abstract: A seat actuation control system is disclosed. The seat actuation control system may permit multiple functions to be controlled by a single actuator. For example, a seat floor tracking function, and a seat pan track and swivel function may be individually controlled by a single actuator, such as a rotary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith M. Ferguson, Douglas E. Hoover
  • Patent number: 9655451
    Abstract: A furniture member rocker spring assembly includes first and second bracket members arranged in mirror image configuration. First and second springs are positioned between and in direct contact with each of the first and second bracket members. A restrictor bolt assembly is positioned intermediately between the first and second springs. The restrictor bolt assembly includes at least one sleeve member received in an aperture of the first and second bracket members and a fastener that extends through a sleeve bore in the sleeve member. The sleeve member is arranged in sliding contact with at least one of the first and second bracket members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric B. Harwood, Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 9642474
    Abstract: An infant care apparatus includes a base; a drive mechanism disposed on the base; a controller electronically coupled to the drive mechanism; and a support device coupled to the drive mechanism. The support device is configured to be moved in both a horizontal and vertical direction relative to the base by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is controlled by the controller to move the support device in a plurality of motion profiles relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Thorley Industries LLC
    Inventors: Frederick Karl Hopke, Henry F. Thorne, Mary J. Koes, Robert D. Daley
  • Patent number: 9623768
    Abstract: A holding device for an adjustment drive of a motor vehicle seat, having at least one connection flange formed from plastic material for fastening the holding device to the vehicle seat. A fastening clip having at least one holding clip, which can be adjusted between a locking position and an assembly position in an elastic manner, is formed on the connection flange on one side and a locking element is removably formed in a rest position on the other side. The locking element can be manually relocated through an opening in the connection flange from the rest position to a locked position in which the locking element blocks an elastic relocation of the holding clip into the assembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Robert Landskron, Thorsten Schürmann
  • Patent number: 9499073
    Abstract: A slide rail of a vehicle seat includes a first rail to which a screw having a screw thread formed on an outer periphery is fixed; a second rail that retains a nut into which the screw screws, and moves relative to the first rail by the nut rotating; a protruding portion that is provided on the first rail, and protrudes toward the screw; and an elastic member that connects the protruding portion and the screw. The elastic member has a retaining body that retains the screw, and an engaging body that engages with the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiichiro Tsuji, Jueru Shimizu, Wataru Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 9499204
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a grounds maintenance vehicle such as a ride-on lawn mower. In one embodiment, the suspension system provide at least a first suspension apparatus positioned between a chassis of the mower and an operator support platform. The first suspension apparatus may include one or more suspension units that may be quickly reconfigured to provide variable suspension characteristics. The system may also include a second suspension apparatus longitudinally spaced-apart from the first suspension apparatus. A pivot member may be provided to assist in reducing or eliminating all but certain degrees of freedom of the platform relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Jackie R. Gust, David J. Scherbring, Jeffrey W. Stern, André A. Sheats
  • Patent number: 9387777
    Abstract: A seat underframe for motor vehicle seats, with two pairs of rails arranged at a distance from each other and each having a seat rail and a floor rail, a seat carrier, in each case two pivoting arms which are connected at one end in an articulated manner to the seat carrier and at the other end in an articulated manner to the seat rails and fix the maximum distance between the seat carrier and the seat rails, and a drive unit adjusting the seat carrier between a lower starting position and an end position. The drive unit for adjusting the seat carrier is formed beyond a height end position which is fixed during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: C. ROB. HAMMERSTEIN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Mark Domgörgen, Markus Gumbrich, Nils Magnus
  • Publication number: 20150129736
    Abstract: Position-indexed storage device comprising a support and a basket installed on the support, the basket comprising a plurality of compartments distributed around a longitudinal axis, the basket comprising a central passage with a longitudinal axis, the support comprising a shaft with a longitudinal axis, the shaft being housed in the passage such that relative displacement is possible between the basket and the support along the longitudinal axis, and mechanical means for displacement of the basket relative to the support by a given angle about the longitudinal axis are supported by the internal surface of the passage and the external surface of the shaft, said mechanical displacement means being actuated in each cycle, each cycle comprising a relative separation or approach displacement along the longitudinal axis of the basket and the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: AREVA NC
    Inventors: Bruno Colin, Luc Collette
  • Patent number: 8960628
    Abstract: An adjusting device, in particular a height or longitudinal adjusting device for motor vehicle seats, including a threaded spindle that is rotatably mounted in a gearbox housing at one end and in a receiving unit at the other end, the receiving unit having an inner thread that is adapted to the spindle thread. The adjusting device also includes a motor unit that is operatively connected to the threaded spindle. An adjusting device and a seat base frame for motor vehicle seats with an adjusting device that transmits forces that occur in the event of a crash to the required degree are provided. A reinforcing element is provided in the gearbox housing such that said element is suitable for receiving forces that act in the longitudinal axial direction of the threaded spindle in the event of a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ivica Stanic, Oliver Kuntz, Christian Sturm
  • Publication number: 20150042966
    Abstract: A portable projection screen system includes a structure defining a viewing area. A projector mounting assembly includes first and second mounting arms spaced a selected distance apart. Each of the first and second mounting arms including a horizontal projector member located above the viewing area and extending forward of the viewing area. A vertical projector member pivotally connects to a backside of the viewing area in a plurality of positions. Each of the plurality of positions locates the horizontal projector member at a different height above the viewing area. A projector crossbar member connects and moves between a plurality of positions that are each a different distance from the viewing area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: LEROY FRANCIS KEPLEY, JR.
  • Patent number: 8938182
    Abstract: A stand of the image forming apparatus includes at least one plate unit including a first plate member which includes a first surface unit which forms an external appearance and a first bent unit which is provided to at least one of the opposite end parts of the first surface unit, and a second plate member which includes a second surface unit and a second bent unit which is provided to at least one of the opposite end parts of the second surface unit, and is capable of being inserted into the first plate member, at least one of the first bent unit and the second bent unit being bent so that each bending direction thereof may start from at least one of the first surface unit and the second surface unit, and then bend toward at least one of the first surface unit and the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-hyun Lee, Jong-cheon Hong
  • Publication number: 20140353453
    Abstract: An adjuster is to control operation of a lower joint and an upper joint. The lower joint couples a base to an arm, and the upper joint couples the arm to a mount. The adjuster controls the joints according to a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is to secure the lower and upper joints against adjustability. The second mode is to release the lower and upper joints for adjustability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: David Quijano, George Janour, Ken Robertson, Bruce Eisenhauer
  • Patent number: 8899545
    Abstract: An apparatus for affixing an object to a rail includes, but is not limited to at least one base body, at least one locking body and at least one operating element. The locking body is held so as to be movable relative to the base body and is connected to the operating element by way of at least one bearing. The operating element is arranged so as to be rotatable in the base body, includes, but is not limited to a cam that acts on the base body, and when rotated moves the locking body towards the base body. In this way apparatus is created which makes possible the manual affixing and undoing, without the need for tools, of an object on and from a rail, for example, if needed, in order to reposition displaceable monuments in a cabin of an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Blees, Dieter Krause, Ralf Koblitz, Oliver Gehlen, Dirk Humfeldt, Mark Herzog
  • Publication number: 20140346304
    Abstract: A linear motion guide includes a guide rail disposed on a floor, a block movably mounted on the guide rail, a height adjustment module disposed between the guide rail and the floor, where the height adjustment module includes a support disposed on the floor to support the guide rail and a heating unit heating the support, where a gap between the floor and the guide rail is adjusted as the support is thermally heated by the heating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Ho KIM
  • Publication number: 20140339262
    Abstract: A holding stand for a multicoupling for filling and/or emptying a chemical plant container is provided, having a mounting device for the essentially stationary fastening of the holding stand and at least one compensating device, couplable indirectly or directly to the multicoupling, for varying a position of the multicoupling in relation to the mounting device in the vertical direction and/or in the horizontal direction and/or for varying an angular position of the multicoupling in relation to the mounting device about a vertical and/or horizontal axis of rotation. It thereby becomes possible for a multicoupling to be coupled simply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Florian Lipski, Gerhard Monscheuer, Lars Frye, Oliver Reinold, Yasar Guendogan, Reinhard Engelstaedter
  • Patent number: 8882073
    Abstract: A support arrangement for a solar module includes a post having a first surface section. A support structure includes a connecting element presenting a second surface section facing the first surface section in a direction of a joint surface normal of the first and second surface sections. A stop element is arranged in the surface normal direction offset to the first and second surface sections. A first form-fitting connection exists between the stop element and the post and a second form-fitting connection exists between the stop element and the connecting element, providing vertical support of the connecting element relative to the post. The first and second form-fitting connections are producible at different heights of the connecting element relative to the post. A fastening element holds in place the first surface section and the second surface section relative to each other in the direction of the joint surface normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Habdank PV-Montagesysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Habdank, Peter Habdank, Ralf Baumann
  • Patent number: 8870147
    Abstract: A track assembly is provided and may include a track, at least one slide mechanism, and a lock mechanism. The at least one slide mechanism may be slidably attached to the track. The lock mechanism may be associated with the at least one slide mechanism and may operate between a locked state restricting movement of the at least one slide mechanism relative to the track and an unlocked state permitting movement of the at least one slide mechanism relative to the track. The lock mechanism may include a plurality of lock plates independently movable relative to one another between a first position engaging the track and a second position disengaged from the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher & Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew J. Simms, David L. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20140131542
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension has lower and upper housings with the upper housing adapted to support the seat and having longitudinally extending side tracks. A linkage assembly having a plurality of links connects the lower and upper housing. A plurality of side rollers are mounted to the links and ride in the side tracks, each rotating on a horizontally extending axis. Each of the side rollers has an outer conical bearing surface and each of the side tracks has an angled outside wall. The outer conical bearing surface of each side roller and the angled outside wall of each side track have an angle relative to vertical to facilitate their rolling engagement. The side rollers engage the longitudinal tracks at spaced locations to stabilize the upper housing in a direction generally perpendicular to its fore and aft travel path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Nic Hodnefield, Wayne Ward
  • Patent number: 8708297
    Abstract: A support structure for an electronic product includes a base (20), a support block (21), at least one connecting block (22), and an extension block (23). The base has a first guide channel (201) and a second guide channel (202). The support block has a first guide rail (210), a first connecting channel (211) and a side rail (212). The connecting block has a second guide rail (220), a first connecting rail (221) and a second connecting channel (222). The extension block has a third guide rail (230) and a second connecting rail (231). Thus, the base, the support block, the connecting block and the extension block are combined in different manners so that the inclined angle, space and height of the support structure can be adjusted arbitrarily so as to support the electronic product of different specifications and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsien Shen
  • Patent number: 8646742
    Abstract: A seat rail device provided with an upper rail 1 engaged with and mounted onto a lower rail 2 such that an upper bottom wall section 11 is located above a lower bottom wall section 21 and also such that an upper sloped wall section 16 is located within a lower groove 26 surrounded by a lower wall section 23, a lower top plate section 25, and a lower downwardly extending section 27; a roller 31 provided and rollably supported between the lower bottom wall section 21 and the upper bottom wall section 11; an upper ball-shaped rolling body 33 provided and rollably supported in an upper in-groove space 26a partitioned and defined in the lower groove 26 by the upper sloped wall section 16; and a lower ball-shaped rolling body 35 provided and rollably supported in a lower in-groove space 26b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shiroki Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Hayashi, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Hiroshi Koga
  • Publication number: 20130306825
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension comprises a scissors assembly connecting lower and upper housings and permitting vertical movement of the upper housing; reciprocating means; an elongated guide member; and guide engaging rollers. Laterally extending front and rear cross members engage upper ends of the scissor links. The reciprocating means allows the upper housing to move fore and aft, and includes horizontally disposed rollers supported by the scissors assembly and received within side tracks forming part of the upper housing. The guide member is mounted to the upper housing and oriented parallel to the fore and aft travel path. Two vertically disposed guide engaging rollers are mounted to the scissors assembly cross members. The guide engaging rollers cooperate with the guide member at spaced locations to stabilize the upper housing in a direction generally perpendicular to its fore and aft travel path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Cole T. Brodersen
  • Publication number: 20130284874
    Abstract: A seat underframe for motor vehicle seats, with two pairs of rails arranged at a distance from each other and each having a seat rail and a floor rail, a seat carrier, in each case two pivoting arms which are connected at one end in an articulated manner to the seat carrier and at the other end in an articulated manner to the seat rails and fix the maximum distance between the seat carrier and the seat rails, and a drive unit adjusting the seat carrier between a lower starting position and an end position. The drive unit for adjusting the seat carrier is formed beyond a height end position which is fixed during normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mark Domgörgen, Markus Gumbrich, Nils Magnus
  • Publication number: 20130236167
    Abstract: Described herein is an elevated system that can be used for various purposes including capturing images or video at an elevated height. In one embodiment, the elevated system includes support members and a mechanism (e.g., gimbal, pivot) that is coupled to at least one support member. The mechanism provides a range of motion along independent axes. An elongated member is coupled to the mechanism. The mechanism is capable of providing movement of the elongated member with a range of motion of three hundred and sixty degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Bert Gerard Tardieu
  • Patent number: 8528974
    Abstract: A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes first and second lower rails, first and second upper rails, first and second lock levers, first and second biasing members, first and second support brackets fixed to the first and second upper rails and including first and second support portions, an operation handle including first and second power transmission portions pressing the first and second lock levers so as to release the restriction of the movement of the upper rails relative to the lower rails against a biasing force of the biasing members, and a release lever rotatably connected to the first upper rail and rotating in association with a forward folding of a seat back of the seat to release the restriction of the movement of the upper rails relative to the lower rails by directly pressing the first power transmission portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Nihonmatsu, Ryousuke Mizuno, Genta Moriyama
  • Publication number: 20130200242
    Abstract: An adjustable seat support (100, 200, 300) for a vehicle (10) having a frame (12), comprising a support member (102) adapted to support a seat (110), at least one support bracket (104a, 104b, 204a, 204b, 304a, 304b) pivotally connecting the support member (102) to a first position of the frame (12) of the vehicle (10) and an actuator (109) pivotally connecting the at least one support bracket (104a, 104b, 204a, 204b, 304a, 304b) to a second position of the frame (12) of the vehicle (10), wherein movement of the actuator (109) raises and lowers the support member (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Legris
  • Patent number: 8453948
    Abstract: An adjustable inverted-sprinkler system for irrigation. The system includes a sprinkler support base fashioned to accept and retain plurality of sprinklers in a generally inverted orientation. The sprinkler support base is supported by a frame having adjustable vertical, horizontal and slanted support members to allow precise direct, efficient and uniform watering from above. The frame is coupled to a base which allows it to be securely grounded during use and quickly moved as needed by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Karim Altaii
  • Patent number: 8413942
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat suspension system comprising a support assembly, a regulating system, and a control system. In an exemplary embodiment, the control system, which can comprise a hardware control for setting-selection by a human operator, directs the regulating system to adjust the support assembly as needed. Based on the human operator's chosen settings, the regulating system, in conjunction with the support assembly, can emulate a passive, semi-active, or active suspension. Preferably, the regulating system comprises a rotary motor, which drives the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne Ward
  • Patent number: 8328154
    Abstract: An adjustable motor vehicle seat comprises an adjustment device. The adjustment device comprises a spindle drive equipped with a spindle, and having a first articulation area and a second articulation area. The adjustment device is adjustable in an adjustment direction. The spindle extends in an angle of one of alpha (?) >2° and alpha >10°, to the adjustment direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Beneker, Burkhard Becker, Antal Teer
  • Patent number: 8320116
    Abstract: A built-in dual purpose interposer device for a data storage device carrier mechanism is provided. The interposer device may fill empty or voided space in the carrier mechanism created when a data storage device is changed between a “direct plug” position, or first configuration, and an “interposer” position, or second configuration. The interposer device may be changed back and forth between the first and second configuration multiple times. When in the first configuration, the interposer device may provide structural support to a front end of the carrier mechanism and when in the second configuration, the interposer device may provide an internal mounting base for the data storage device at the base or bottom end of the carrier mechanism. The ability to interchange the interposer device may provide for a built-in base for attaching the interposer device without having to add in additional parts or costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Sanmina-SCI Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Publication number: 20120273645
    Abstract: A compact type fine-tuning lifter, which may have a volume of 8 cm×5 cm×4 cm and is able to support an article with the weight of several hundreds of kilograms, and can achieve a fine-tuning of micrometer scale. The lifter can achieve the efficacies of miniaturization, fine-tuning and low-cost by utilizing the combination of simple mechanisms comprising a base, a sliding seat, a sliding block and an adjustable screw bolt to perform the fine tuning in X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions, respectively, to position the adjustable screw bolt. The present invention also relates to a use of the lifter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: LEADING PRECISION INC.
    Inventor: Hwa-Fu CHEN
  • Publication number: 20120273632
    Abstract: A spray gun adjusting device for adjusting painting position of spray gun includes a first axis mechanism and a second axis mechanism slidably positioned on first axis mechanism. First axis mechanism includes a screw rod extending along first direction, a first sliding block, a screw nut sleeved on the screw rod, a first bevel gear fixed to screw nut, a second bevel gear meshing with first bevel gear, and a first driving shaft fixedly connected to second bevel gear, and the screw nut and first driving shaft are rotatably positioned on first sliding block. Second axis mechanism includes a sliding rod along second direction, a second sliding block slidably sleeved on sliding rod, a gear rack fixed to sliding rod, a gear meshing with gear rack, and a second driving shaft fixed to the gear, and second sliding block is fixed to first sliding block of first axis mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: MAN-CANG LI, FENG-YUEN DAI, YUNG-TA LO
  • Publication number: 20120267504
    Abstract: A motion platform system for displacing the top frame in three degrees of translational freedom and three degrees of rotational freedom along and about the three axes comprising a base frame, a middle frame, a centre column and six actuators and; wherein said base frame is connected to said middle frame by three links capable of providing translational freedom to the said middle frame, said centre column and said top frame along the X-axis and Y-axis and sway actuator and surge actuator to control the said translational freedom; said middle frame is connected to said centre column by a cylindrical joint capable of providing translational and rotational freedom to the said centre column and said top frame along and about the Z-axis and heave actuator and yaw actuator to control the said translational and rotational freedom; said centre column is connected to said top frame by a joint capable of providing rotational freedom to the said top frame about the X-axis and Y-axis and pitch actuator and roll actuator t
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: ZEN TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Kishore Dutt Atluri, Ravikumar Midathala
  • Patent number: 8276868
    Abstract: A seat adjuster for an article of sports equipment includes a base, a locating frame pivotally connected with the base for connection of a seat, a first locating plate mounted with the base, and a second locating plate pivotally connected with the locating frame so as to be pivotable between a first position where a second teeth portion of the second locating plate is engaged with a first teeth portion of the first locating plate such that the locating frame can't be pivotable relative to the base for fixing the seat in position, and a second position where the second teeth portion of the second locating plate is disengaged from the first teeth portion of the first locating plate such that the locating frame can be pivotable relative to the base for allowing the angle of inclination of the seat to be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Healthstream Taiwan Inc.
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Chang