Electric Heating Element Patents (Class 297/180.12)
  • Patent number: 11933454
    Abstract: A fluid permeable heater assembly for an aerosol-generating system includes a cap and a substantially flat electrically conductive and fluid permeable heating element. The cap includes a hollow body with a first cap opening and a second cap opening. The first cap opening is opposite to the second cap opening. The heating element is configured to vaporise aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element is mounted on the cap, such that the heating element extends across the first cap opening. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system includes the heater assembly, a liquid storage portion, a mouth piece, and a retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Oleg Mironov, Ihar Nikolaevich Zinovik, Jean-Marc Widmer, Keethan Dasnavis Fernando
  • Patent number: 11904747
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes right and left side frames 10, and an elastic member (cushion spring 20) run between the right and left side frames 10. The right and left side frames 10 include side walls 11 disposed opposite to each other in a lateral direction, and flange portions (upper flange portions 12) respectively extending laterally inward from the side walls 11, and the elastic member is attached to the flange portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Teppei Ito
  • Patent number: 11897378
    Abstract: A ventilated molded seat trim cover for a vehicle seat and a ventilated vehicle seat having a ventilated molded seat trim cover, comprising a stacked assembly of an upper textile layer, a first adhesive layer, an air permeable polyurethane cellular foam interlayer thermo-moldable at temperatures between about 104° C. and about 127° C., a second adhesive layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, a third adhesive layer, and a scrim backing layer. The stacked assembly is compression molded in a 3-dimensional mold while at least a portion of the foam interlayer is heated to a temperature between about 104° C. and about 127° C. to form the ventilated molded seat trim cover. The TPU film prevents airflow passing through a bottom surface of the seat trim cover. Airflow in the foam interlayer can pass through the upper textile layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno D Carraro, Eric Kozlowski, Craig Prasatek, Cynthia Puchalski
  • Patent number: 11752828
    Abstract: A vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit includes a seating assembly that has a seat air duct assembly disposed within an interior of the seating assembly. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface. The seating assembly is disposed on the first surface of the housing. A seat-directed duct is disposed within the housing. The seat-directed duct is in fluid communication with the seat air duct assembly and an intake defined by the housing. A condenser is disposed within the housing proximate to the intake and an evaporator is disposed within the housing proximate to an inlet of the seat-directed duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Zoher Tajmahal, Marielle Beverly Conrad, Yejin Han, David Earl Ooms, Michael Moliterno, Andrew Smith
  • Patent number: 11747503
    Abstract: A system (1) and a method provide for detecting the presence or the absence of a hand on a steering wheel (9) that is provided with one or more conductive wires (2, 2a, 2b, 3), and the system (1) includes a detection device (5) with an input circuit (6) providing an input signal (11) to at least one conductive wire (2, 2a). The input signal (11) is an RF frequency electrical signal and an output circuit (7) is configured for sensing the impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2) or for sensing the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and at least one second conductive wire (2b) in response to the input signal. The detection device (5) is configured for detecting a change in impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2, 2b) or for detecting a change the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and the at least one second conductive wire (2b), to indicate the presence or the absence of a hand on said steering wheel (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Lorenzo Menaldo, Luigino Gugole, Valerio Poli
  • Patent number: 11613189
    Abstract: A distribution system for a vehicle seat The distribution system includes one or more plenums that each have a cap layer, a support layer, and an open space formed between the cap layer and the support layer. The support layer is a generally rigid material and the cap layer is a generally flexible material that is connected to the support layer. The open space includes one or more baffles that assist in directing fluid between a blower connected to the one or more plenums and one or more ventilation holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ajay Murgod, Ricardo Edmundo Flores Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 11613366
    Abstract: A lumbar support system for use in an ejection seat of an aircraft, comprising may comprise a pump; a plurality of bladders fluidly coupled to the pump; and a controller electrically coupled to the pump, the controller operable to: select a bladder in the plurality of bladders to fluidly isolate the bladder from a remainder of bladders in the plurality of bladders; and command the pump to inflate the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Fahey, Glen Shaw
  • Patent number: 11577577
    Abstract: A method for air conditioning a vehicle seat that is occupied by a person and that comprises at least one seat ventilation system, wherein at least one humidity sensor is arranged in a seat part and/or a backrest part of the vehicle seat as an actual humidity value transmitter for the absolute air humidity within the cushion part of the at least one seat part and/or backrest part so that a target state of comfort for a person seated on the vehicle seat can be accomplished via a control and regulating device through engagement of the seat ventilation system, wherein the target state of comfort can be controlled to a specifiable target humidity limit value through variation of the air flow of the seat ventilation system as a function of at least one control algorithm that evaluates the detected actual measured humidity value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Viktor Bader
  • Patent number: 11571998
    Abstract: A vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, with a seat frame that can be attached to a vehicle floor, with a seat part supported by the seat frame, and with a ventilating device that has at least one controllable air-conveying device and at least one air outlet device flow-connected to the air-conveying device. Provision is made that a seat part element that lengthens the seat part is mounted on the seat frame so as to be longitudinally movable relative to the seat part, and that the seat part element has the ventilating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Friederike Binner
  • Patent number: 11548411
    Abstract: An extensively reconfigurable seat design can include a vehicle seat system including: a vehicle seat defining a vehicle occupant accommodating space, the vehicle seat including a seat cushion portion including multiple individually adjustable bladders, where each of the multiple individually adjustable bladders has a connected valve that controls fluid communication with an internal space of the individually adjustable bladder to adjust a pressure level within the internal space of the individually adjustable bladder, and an associated sensor configured to detect the pressure level within the internal space of the individually adjustable bladder. A computer can actively sense and control the pressure levels within the bladders, using the sensors and valves, to provide customization, adaptive, ride-active and intelligent control over a reconfigurable cushion for a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupendra Lodhia, Andriy Banadyha
  • Patent number: 11427139
    Abstract: A routing structure for routing an electric wire to a vehicle seat includes: a first cushion portion attached to the vehicle seat; and the electric wire fixed to the first cushion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamamoto, Housei Mizuno, Makoto Higashikozono, Kaho Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11400841
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a first heater which heats a first region, a second heater which heats a second region different from the first region, and a controller connected to the first heater and the second heater. The controller is capable of executing PWM control under which current applied to the first heater and the second heater is regulated by setting current-application timeframes within a unit time period, wherein a first current-application timeframe that is a period within the unit time period in which current is applied to the first heater and a second current-application timeframe that is a period within the unit time period in which current is applied to the second heater, as set under the PWM control, are shifted relative to each other when current is applied to the first heater and the second heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Sato, Takayoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 11383624
    Abstract: A car seat includes a first heater, a second heater, and a control unit which controls an output to the first heater and an output to the second heater. The control unit executes a temperature-difference adjustment control, in which the output of the second heater is controlled such that the temperature of the bulging portion heated by the second heater with respect to the temperature of the seating surface portion heated by the first heater is made lower when an ambient temperature is a first temperature than when the ambient temperature is a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Sato, Takayoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 11363890
    Abstract: Radiant furniture made of a concrete mix includes one or more heating elements or hot water supplied hydronic tubing that provide comfortable radiant heat. Radiant furniture for sitting includes a radiant seating panel with a bottom cushion overlying the radiant seating panel that provides a heated seating surface for the radiant furniture. A back cushion or a portion of a back cushion can be moved from a first position for sitting to a second position overlying the bottom cushion. A controller senses the temperature of the radiant seating panel and the ambient temperature, then applies power to one or more heating elements in the furniture according to programmed temperature thresholds to provide comfortable radiant heat from the furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: David A. Gober
  • Patent number: 11325344
    Abstract: A back panel of a motor vehicle seat element includes at least a first foam layer with at least two areas of different stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges D'Automobile
    Inventors: Anne-Sophie Cabouillet, Fabrice Etienne
  • Patent number: 11266245
    Abstract: A linkage for use in reclining furniture may include a back bracket supported by forward and rear back pivot links. The bottom of the rear back pivot link may be pivotably coupled to a rear lift link and the bottom of the forward back pivot link may be pivotably coupled to the rear lift link in a different location. A control link may be pivotably coupled on one end to one of the forward back pivot link and the rear back pivot link. The control link may pull the pivoting linkage of the back bracket and the forward and back pivot links as the overall linkage is moved from a closed to a TV to a full-recline position. The resulting pivot point for the back is projected upwardly and forwardly, to a point where an upholstered back and seat meet on a finished chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: LEGGETT & PLATT, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Mark Lawson, Walter Clark Rogers, Jr., Cheston Brett Crawford
  • Patent number: 11271433
    Abstract: Systems and methods for leveraging multipath wireless transmissions for high data rate communication and charging devices within multipath vehicle environments are described. The techniques include deploying a wireless charger, including an array of antennas, within a vehicle interior. The wireless charger may detect an incoming signal from a client device. Each antenna in the array may determine an offset for the received signal, which is then used to tune parameters for each antenna individually. Upon transmission, the resulting signal is directionally biased toward the least lossy pathways between the device and the charger. These pathways avoid passengers and other sources of signal attenuation. Thus, for a given total power envelope, a greater total signal amplitude may be delivered to the device, with reduced exposure to any occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, the interior of the vehicle may be provisioned to help improve multipath focusing of transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Ossia Inc.
    Inventors: Hatem Ibrahim Zeine, Siamak Ebadi
  • Patent number: 11186338
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle having a longitudinal axis has a seat pan, a cover support adjacent to the seat pan and a seat cover comprising an upper surface and a first longitudinally extending side surface and a second longitudinally extending side surface. A heating and cooling module is disposed at least partially within the cover support. An air inlet is in communication with the heating and cooling module. The air inlet communicates air from a port in the seat cover to the heating and cooling module. An ambient condition sensor generates an ambient condition signal. A user interface generates a user setting corresponding to a comfort condition. A controller is coupled to the ambient condition sensor and the heating and cooling module. The controller controls the heating and cooling module in response to the user setting and the ambient condition signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Rafferty, Scott M. Schwintek, Kent A. Underland, Trevor A. Carlson, Joel M. Notaro
  • Patent number: 11173816
    Abstract: The present teachings relate to an air conditioner device with at least one ventilation device, which has at least one fluid transport device and at least two fluid exchange devices, wherein the fluid transport device has at least two attachment openings, of which one is a fluid inlet and one additional a fluid outlet. Provision is made that in at least one operational state at least a first fluid exchange device is attached to a fluid inlet of a fluid transporting device and a second fluid exchange device is attached to a fluid outlet of a fluid transporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: GENTHERM GMBH
    Inventors: Jonathan Zhang, Johannes Grau, Steve Kang, Marco Ranalli, Martin Adldinger, Dumitru-Cristian Leu
  • Patent number: 11124098
    Abstract: Provided is a channel cover for a ventilation seat, the channel cover including a ventilation passage blocking layer which has the shape of a plate that extends in the planar direction and of which a lower surface is positioned on an upper portion of a seat frame; an adhesion layer which extends in the planar direction, of which both upper and lower surfaces have an adhesive property, of which the lower surface is adhered to an upper surface of the ventilation passage blocking layer, and in the upper surface of which a cutting line for separating a release paper sheet is formed; and a non-woven fabric layer which covers an air flow path groove, a lower surface of which is adhered to an upper surface of the adhesion layer, a lateral end portion of which extends more outward than the cutting line, and which covers the cutting line from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: HYUNDAI TRANSYS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ho Sub Lim, You Jeong Jeong
  • Patent number: 11118732
    Abstract: A fluid permeable heater assembly for an aerosol-generating system includes a cap and a substantially flat electrically conductive and fluid permeable heating element. The cap includes a hollow body with a first cap opening and a second cap opening. The first cap opening is opposite to the second cap opening. The heating element is configured to vaporize aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element is mounted on the cap, such that the heating element extends across the first cap opening. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system includes the heater assembly, a liquid storage portion, a mouth piece, and a retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Oleg Mironov, Ihar Nikolaevich Zinovik, Jean-Marc Widmer, Keethan Dasnavis Fernando
  • Patent number: 11091076
    Abstract: An occupant-support base includes a seat assembly and a heater mat coupled to the seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat frame, a foam pad coupled to the seat frame, and a trim cover coupled to the foam pad. The trim cover is coupled to the seat assembly by one or more attachments. The heater mat is arranged between the trim cover and the foam pad and includes a carrier sheet and a heating element coupled to the carrier sheet. The heater mat is secured to the seat assembly with a fastener system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Harshavardhan Upendram, Diane Jones, James Wehrle
  • Patent number: 10988195
    Abstract: The seat comprises a padded body (2) and at least one heating element (4), and also at least one cavity (3) in said padded body (2), in the interior of which said at least one heating element (4) is arranged. The assembly method comprises the stages of forming at least one cavity (3) in said padded body (2); and arranging said at least one heating element (4) in the interior of said at least one cavity (3). It makes it possible to enhance the positioning accuracy of the heating elements and enables greater speed of execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: NAD, S.L.
    Inventor: Jaume Xicola Serrano
  • Patent number: 10946839
    Abstract: An exemplary extruded heater assembly includes, among other things, a backing, a heating layer having a conductive ink printed on a film, and a wear layer. The heating layer is sandwiched between the backing and the wear layer. An exemplary method includes, among other things, extruding together a backing, a heating layer having a conductive ink printed on a film, and a wear layer to provide an extruded structure. The method further includes mounting the extruded structure within a wheel well of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Annette Huebner, Pietro Buttolo, David Brian Glickman
  • Patent number: 10946769
    Abstract: A capacitive seat occupancy detection and classification system with a capacitive sensor having at least two distinct antenna electrodes and a method of operating is proposed to reduce an impact of the sensor-to-object impedance ZSO on an object-to-ground impedance ZOG measurement that the system performs. By measuring the impedance between the different antenna electrodes by the system, additional information is obtainable that can be used to compensate the impact of the sensor-to-object impedance ZSO on the object-to-ground impedance. As one effect of combining both impedance measurement results, the proposed system is able to determine the object-to-ground impedance ZOG completely independent from wear of ISOFIX anchorages or human objects touching the electric ground of the vehicle, thus ensuring a stable classification of the object over the entire vehicle lifetime. The method further enables high-resolution seat occupancy classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.
    Inventors: Frank Althaus, Erik Holzapfel, David Hoyer
  • Patent number: 10793218
    Abstract: A Method and Apparatus for Heating and Cooling a Motorcycle Seat have been disclosed. In one implementation a plurality of heating and cooling elements are used to affect heating and cooling a motorcycle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Hanagan, Rick Walterson
  • Patent number: 10752091
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiant heater for a vehicle, the radiant heater including: a base fabric; a heating member stacked on the base fabric; a fixing member fixing the heating member to the base fabric; and a laminated fabric stacked on an upper side of the fixing member and combined with the base fabric. Thus, the heater can be formed in a woven form and thus manufactured quickly and simply, and a heating temperature of the heater can be easily controlled according to a location by only controlling a resistance pattern, thereby provide a more uniform warmth to a passenger of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Dong Hoon Oh, Soo Doo Park, Kil Sang Jang, Man Ju Oh, Jae Woong Kim, So La Chung
  • Patent number: 10618439
    Abstract: An occupant armrest is configured for use in a vehicle. The occupant armrest includes a substrate, a cover, and a thermoelectric module. The substrate is configured to support an arm of an occupant of the vehicle. The cover is arranged around the substrate. The thermoelectric module is configured to provide at least one of heating and cooling the arm of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Chad W. Durkee, Shaun D. Tait, Charles J. Cauchy
  • Patent number: 10557602
    Abstract: A illuminated stroller assembly includes a stroller that has handle. A control circuit is coupled to the handle, a heating element is coupled to the handle and a cooling unit is coupled to the handle. A blower is coupled to the handle and the blower urges air into the seat when the blower is turned on to enhance comfort for the child in the stroller. A receiver is coupled to the handle and the receiver is in remote electrical communication with an audio source for receiving an audio signal. A pair of speakers is each coupled to the handle for emitting audible sounds outwardly therefrom and each of the speakers receives the audio signal from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Hidalberto Dejesus
  • Patent number: 10518681
    Abstract: A seat headrest assembly (16) includes a core (54) that includes a core bottom (56). A thermal conditioning device (22) includes a housing (26) that provides a fluid passage (28) that extends to a vent (62). A heating module (36) and a blower (38) are arranged in the fluid passage. The thermal conditioning device is arranged beneath the core bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: David Brian Marquette, Daniel Charles Guerithault, Ryan Michael Redwood
  • Patent number: 10485267
    Abstract: A fluid permeable heater assembly for an aerosol-generating system includes a cap and a substantially flat electrically conductive and fluid permeable heating element. The cap includes a hollow body with a first cap opening and a second cap opening. The first cap opening is opposite to the second cap opening. The heating element is configured to vaporise aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element is mounted on the cap, such that the heating element extends across the first cap opening. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system includes the heater assembly, a liquid storage portion, a mouth piece, and a retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Oleg Mironov, Ihar Nikolaevich Zinovik, Jean-Marc Widmer, Keethan Dasnavis Fernando
  • Patent number: 10479243
    Abstract: A seat cushion assembly includes a first foam pad defining at least one air cooling column disposed therethrough. A topper pad is disposed over the first foam pad and the at least one air cooling column. A second foam pad is disposed below the first foam pad. The second foam pad and the first foam pad define a flow channel in fluid communication with the at least one air cooling column. An air mover moves air from an air intake of the flow channel to an air exhaust of the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Alan George Dry, Spencer Robert Hoernke
  • Patent number: 10356847
    Abstract: Described herein is a composite panel that includes a first layer made from an electrically non-conductive material. The composite panel also includes a resistance heater printed onto the first layer and a capacitive sensor applied onto the first layer. The capacitive sensor is operably coupled with the resistance heater. The composite panel additionally includes a second layer adjacent the resistance heater and the capacitive sensor. The resistance heater and the capacitive sensor are positioned between the first layer and the second layer. Furthermore, the second layer is made from an electrically non-conductive material. The resistance heater is configured to generate heat at least partially in response to input sensed by the capacitive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Duce, Marcus K. Richardson, Myles E. Brown
  • Patent number: 10308150
    Abstract: The invention discloses a seat pan (20), being formed from a first thermoplastic composite material into a one-piece pan, the seat pan (20) having a weight loading portion (201), wherein at least one slot (2010) is provided in the area of the weight loading portion (201) of the seat pan (20), and covering strips (2012) are formed by overmolding on the side edges of straps (2011) separated by the slot (2010) and extending along at least a portion of the circumference of the slot (2010) so as to reinforce the straps (2011), the covering strips (2012) being made of a second thermoplastic composite material. Furthermore, the invention discloses a seat (1) comprising the above seat pan (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: HeeWon Seo, Martin Baumert, Tsung-Chieh Cheng, Sangcheol Jun, Daewoo Lee, Sunghyun Kang
  • Patent number: 10259484
    Abstract: A steering wheel is provided with a sensor structure for detecting the occupancy of a heated contact surface. The steering wheel includes a contact surface which forms at least one part of the outer layer of the steering wheel; a steering wheel frame; a sensor heating layer which is equipped with at least one sensor electrode for occupancy detection and at least one heating wire; and a potential layer which is arranged between the sensor heating layer and the steering wheel frame. A defined potential can be applied to the potential layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Streifinger, Stefan Heller
  • Patent number: 10252651
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seatback, a seatback heater, a child restraint bracket, and a wire harness. The seatback is moveable between a seated position and a folded position. The seatback heater is connected to the seatback. The child restraint bracket includes a pair of isofix anchors. The wire harness includes a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is connected to the child restraint bracket. The second end is connected to the seatback heater. The wire harness accommodates movement of the seatback between the seated position and the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Vikas Bhatia, Robert J. Stauffer
  • Patent number: 10112029
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a therapeutic method applicable to learning, attention, cognitive and developmental disorders. This method combines auditory, visual and vestibular stimuli into a systematic method which can be customized to address individual learning, attention and processing disorders. This method may be wirelessly implemented in a group setting. A device for providing vestibular and somatosensory stimulation through bone conduction of sound waves to skeletal bones is provided in the form of a pad that is applied to or wrapped around the individual in treatment, which is comfortable in use and may contain particulate filler material capable of providing bone conduction stimulation adjacent to the location of a bone conduction transducer and expand the sound conduction site over a larger area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: INTEGRATED LISTENING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Randall Redfield, Kate O'Brien Minson
  • Patent number: 10106063
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a cold/warm headrest for a vehicle and a method of controlling operation thereof. It is possible to provide cold air to an occipital region, a head, and a face of a seated occupant, and to provide warmth to a neck and shoulders of the occupant, in which the trapezius muscles are located along with peripheral nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Woong Kim, So La Chung, Jae Woo Park, Ji Hyun Jang, Man Ju Oh, Sang Shin Lee, So Yoon Park
  • Patent number: 10075024
    Abstract: An article of furniture having an internal frame and an upholstery covering is provided with at least one transmitting resonator carried by said frame and disposed at least partially beneath said upholstery covering. The resonator is tuned for resonance at a predetermined frequency and driven by a high frequency power source also carried by said frame. The high frequency power source is adapted for coupling to a source of electric power external to the article of furniture, such as to an AC outlet. The high frequency power source and transmitting resonator producing in the near field adjacent the at least one transmitting resonator a magnetic field that couples and transfers power at the predetermined frequency. A complementary receiving resonator or a compound passive resonator having two or more coils is coupled to the load to be powered and power is transferred by magnetic induction when the receiving resonator is positioned within the near field of the transmitting resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Tahir Ahmad, Chad E. Adams, Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 10059239
    Abstract: A seat includes a seat portion with an air bladder having an outer casing. Multiple fluidly interconnected cells are disposed within a cavity of the outer casing and are configured to inflate the outer casing from a deflated condition to an inflated condition. The cells may be arranged within the air bladder so as to provide a directional inflation of the air bladder from a first portion of the air bladder towards a second portion. First and second support substrates may be disposed within the seat portion, wherein the air bladder is positioned between the first and second substrates. The air bladder may be configured to inflate and displace the first and second substrates relative to one another from an at-rest position to an actuated position. A biasing mechanism may be coupled to at least one of the first and second substrates for biasing the substrates towards the at-rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Wayne Jaranson, Tejaswi Nandam, Jeroen Lem, Grant A. Compton
  • Patent number: 10029593
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a cushion that has a main portion that configures part of the seat cushion or the seat back and is placed in the seat width direction middle portion of the cushion and a pair of right and left side support portions that project toward the seat upper side or the seat front side relative to the main portion; and a cover that has side support portion cover portions and a main portion cover portion, with both seat width direction end portions of the main portion cover portion being joined to the side support portion cover portions, and with the seat width direction dimension of the main portion cover portion being longer than the seat width direction dimension of a surface on the seated occupant side of the main portion in a deformed state resulting from an occupant being seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Gen Takahashi, Hiroki Hori
  • Patent number: 10021988
    Abstract: An actively ventilated chair includes a first distribution layer, a second distribution layer, and a fan, wherein the first distribution layer includes a large aperture on a first side and a plurality of small apertures on the second side, the second distribution layer couples to second side first distribution layer, and the fan couples to the first side of the first distribution layer such that it covers the large aperture, enabling the fan to direct air through the large aperture, into the first distribution layer, through the plurality of small apertures, and through the second distribution layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Practechal Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Chris Samuels, David Shamoon, Jacob Marlay
  • Patent number: 9931796
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a method for producing an interior trim part. The method includes introducing a planar heating element into a cavity of a mold tool. The planar heating element has a first planar side facing away from a visible side of the interior trim part and a second planar side opposite to the first planar side, the mold tool has a plurality of protrusions protruding into the cavity, and the first planar side is seated on at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions. The method further includes adding a foam material into the cavity to cover the planar heating element, such that a foam layer is formed on both the first and second planar sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Thalhammer
  • Patent number: 9925900
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat pad. The seat pad includes a foam cushion and a cushion cover arranged to extend around and cover the foam cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Faurecia Autmotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Lola Lafferty, Raghvendra T Joshi, John M Perraut
  • Patent number: 9744880
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for supporting a member on a frame assembly of a seat assembly includes a base with a mounting feature provided on a first side and a plurality of attachment features provided on a second side. The mounting features are adapted to engage a frame assembly of the seat assembly, and the attachment features are adapted to engage the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Jamieson, Mark Palmer
  • Patent number: 9738191
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly in which an impervious insert (41, 141) including a heating element and having a plurality of channels (42, 142) extending from an aperture (44, 144) positioned on a first side of at least one of a seat cushion (22) and a seat back (124) and in which a ventilation system (60) is coupled to a second side of the at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back for drawing air along the plurality of channels through the aperture and through a hole (30, 130) in the seat cushion or seat back for controlling the temperature of the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Langensiepen, Ian Fletcher, Daniel Josefsson
  • Patent number: 9675180
    Abstract: A portable solar powered heated seat cushion wherein the solar cell supplies energy to a heating element inserted into a portable seat cushion to create a heated seat cushion that can be used in the outdoors, especially for use in hunting, fishing and camping and that can be fitted onto existing seats or surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Charles N Currie
  • Patent number: 9421884
    Abstract: A pressure-responsive seat occupancy sensor unit (10) for detecting an occupancy state of a seat comprises a support plate (12) with a support area (14), a pressure-responsive membrane switch (15), one or more spacers (16) arranged around the support area and a compressible foam. The membrane switch comprises a first carrier film and a second carrier film spaced from each other by a spacer film. The spacer film has therein an opening defining a cell. The membrane switch comprises at least two electrodes arranged in facing relationship with each other in the cell on the first and the second carrier film, respectively, in such a way that they are brought closer together, possibly into contact with each other, when sufficient pressure is applied on the membrane switch. The one or more spacers (16) protrude from the support, and define an upper surface (20) raised with respect to the support area. The compressible foam (18) rests with its bottom surface (22) on the upper surface of the one or more spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Boyer, Markus Kordel, Dietmar Jungen, Sanel Imamovic
  • Patent number: 9320087
    Abstract: In a conductive fabric that includes conductive yarn and non-conductive yarn, a fabric end edge in a region that includes an end portion of at least a portion of the conductive yarn is provided in a position recessed farther to an inside of a fabric surface than a fabric end edge in another region. The end portion of the at least a portion of the conductive yarn is provided to the inside of the fabric surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akari Takahashi, Fumitoshi Akaike
  • Patent number: 9211825
    Abstract: A conveyance seat includes: a seat cover; a seat pad foamed so as to be integrated with part of the seat cover; and an interrupting portion provided in part of the seat cover and inhibiting integration of the seat pad with the seat cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoki Nii, Yoshiyuki Murata