Abstract: A method of accurately maintaining, in position registers of memory modules, a net count of rotor signals received from a motor equipped with a rotor position sensor. A vehicle apparatus includes the memory modules and motor, as well as a driven component and processors that: (a) adjust the net count while the motor is driven; (b) monitor for, and terminate power upon encounter of, a mechanical stop; and (c) correct the net count for rotor signals received thereafter. Storage media and memory modules are encoded with processor instructions and processor-readable code that, when executed by processors, cause them to perform the method.

Abstract: A rotary recliner includes rotatable plate members that pivotally interconnect a vehicle seat back and cushion. A pawl defines a pawl axis and slides between a guide pair on one plate member. An outer end of the pawl includes a gear segment that is lockable with a ring gear on the other plate member. A cam rotates between locked and unlocked positions, and has a camming surface eccentric of the pivot axis. When locked, the camming surface engages a cam-follower surface on the pawl, with the pawl being engaged by the cam solely at the cam-follower surface, and with the pawl axis being askew of a radial axis, such that the gear segment locks with the ring gear, and such that the plate members are restrained from rotating. When unlocked, the gear segment is removed from the ring gear, such that the plate members may be rotated.

Abstract: A method of accurately maintaining, in position registers of memory modules, a net count of rotor signals received from a motor equipped with a rotor position sensor. A vehicle apparatus includes the memory modules and motor, as well as a driven component and processors that: (a) adjust the net count while the motor is driven; (b) monitor for, and terminate power upon encounter of, a mechanical stop; and (c) correct the net count for rotor signals received thereafter. Storage media and memory modules are encoded with processor instructions and processor-readable code that, when executed by processors, cause them to perform the method.

Abstract: A webbing guide for redirecting a seat-belt webbing in a vehicle, having a seat-belt system, and a vehicle seat assembly. This webbing guide allows the seat-belt webbing to be readily secured to and released from the upper portion of the seatback member of the vehicle seat assembly. The preferred webbing guide comprises a guide body mountable to the upper portion of the seatback member of the vehicle seat assembly. An arm member pivotally engages the guide body, and is thereby movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration for selectively securing the seat-belt webbing to the guide body in readily releasable relation. Further embodiments provide means, such as magnetically biasing means, for releasably retaining the arm member in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A seatbelt usage sensing apparatus for use with a vehicle which includes a seat assembly, an occupant sensor, a seatbelt sensor, and a warning signal generator. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be occupied by a seat occupant in an occupied configuration. The seat assembly also includes a seatbelt assembly which has a seatbelt webbing and a seatbelt fastening member. The seatbelt assembly is moveable between fastened and unfastened configurations. In the unfastened configuration, the seatbelt fastening member is removed from secure engagement with the seatbelt webbing. The warning signal generator can generate and transmit a seatbelt warning signal when the occupant sensor determines that the seat cushion is in the occupied configuration and the seatbelt sensor determines that the seatbelt assembly is in the unfastened configuration. The seatbelt warning signal is transmitted substantially exterior relative to an interior seating compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary recliner includes rotatable plate members that pivotally interconnect a vehicle seat back and cushion. A pawl defines a pawl axis and slides between a guide pair on one plate member. An outer end of the pawl includes a gear segment that is lockable with a ring gear on the other plate member. A cam rotates between locked and unlocked positions, and has a camming surface eccentric of the pivot axis. When locked, the camming surface engages a cam-follower surface on the pawl, with the pawl being engaged by the cam solely at the cam-follower surface, and with the pawl axis being askew of a radial axis, such that the gear segment locks with the ring gear, and such that the plate members are restrained from rotating. When unlocked, the gear segment is removed from the ring gear, such that the plate members may be rotated.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for storage in a floor tub within a vehicle floor. The seat assembly includes a seat frame defining a translational axis and a longitudinal axis. The seat assembly also includes a mounting system for mounting the seat frame to the floor tub for selective rotation between a deployed design configuration and a fully tumbled stored-in-floor configuration, with the seat frame being inside the floor tub in the stored-in-floor configuration. Notably, the seat assembly further includes a lateral translation system for positive inboard displacement of the seat frame along the translational axis during the selective rotation of the seat frame from the design configuration towards the stored-in-floor configuration. In the design configuration, the medial seat axis is laterally off-set from a central tub axis defined by the floor tub. In the stored-in-floor configuration, the medial seat axis is aligned with the central tub axis.

Abstract: A horizontal drive apparatus for use with a vehicle seat slide having mating fixed and movable track members which are movable between forward and rearward configurations. The horizontal drive apparatus includes an elongate spindle, a spindle nut, a transmission, and a mounting apparatus. The spindle defines a spindle axis, and has a longitudinally extending spindle thread. The spindle nut is securely mountable to a first track member, and has an internal thread that is engagable with the spindle thread. The transmission is mountable to a respective other track member, and selectively rotates the spindle about the spindle axis. The mounting apparatus is interposable between the transmission and the other track member in securable relation to each. The mounting apparatus includes a damping apparatus for attenuating noise and vibration emanating from the transmission during use.

Abstract: A webbing guide for redirecting a seat-belt webbing in a vehicle, having a seat-belt system, and a vehicle seat assembly. This webbing guide allows the seat-belt webbing to be readily secured to and released from the upper portion of the seatback member of the vehicle seat assembly. The preferred webbing guide comprises a guide body mountable to the upper portion of the seatback member of the vehicle seat assembly. An arm member pivotally engages the guide body, and is thereby movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration for selectively securing the seat-belt webbing to the guide body in readily releasable relation. Further embodiments provide means, such as magnetically biasing means, for releasably retaining the arm member in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A fold flat vehicle seat comprises a seat assembly mounted on a movable track member slidably engaging a fixed track member, and lockable by a track lock. The seat assembly includes a seatback member mounted on a seat cushion member for forward folding between an upright occupiable design position and a horizontal load supporting position. A link arm member is mounted on the seatback member for movement therewith between a lowered track engagement position and a raised track clearing position. When the link arm member is in the lowered track engagement position, it interacts with a link engaging portion of the fixed track member to permit the forward folding of the seatback member to the substantially horizontal load supporting position and to thereat preclude longitudinal motion of the seat assembly relative to the fixed track member, so as to retain the seat assembly in its predetermined rear longitudinal position.

Abstract: A seatbelt usage sensing apparatus for use with a vehicle which includes a seat assembly, an occupant sensor, a seatbelt sensor, and a warning signal generator. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be occupied by a seat occupant in an occupied configuration. The seat assembly also includes a seatbelt assembly which has a seatbelt webbing and a seatbelt fastening member. The seatbelt assembly is moveable between fastened and unfastened configurations. In the unfastened configuration, the seatbelt fastening member is removed from secure engagement with the seatbelt webbing. The warning signal generator can generate and transmit a seatbelt warning signal when the occupant sensor determines that the seat cushion is in the occupied configuration and the seatbelt sensor determines that the seatbelt assembly is in the unfastened configuration. The seatbelt warning signal is transmitted substantially exterior relative to an interior seating compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: An armrest adjustment mechanism for use with a vehicle seat defining a lateral seat axis and an armrest member defining a longitudinal axis. The mechanism includes a mounting system for pivotally mounting the armrest member on the vehicle seat for selective pivotal rotation about the lateral seat axis between a deployed design configuration, wherein the longitudinal axis has a substantially horizontal orientation, and a raised stowed configuration, wherein the longitudinal axis has a substantially vertical orientation. The mechanism also includes a lateral translation system for positive inward displacement of the armrest member along the lateral seat axis relative to the vehicle seat as the armrest member is rotated from the deployed design configuration towards the raised stowed configuration.

Abstract: A stowable vehicle seat assembly for use in a vehicle cabin having a cabin floor. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion member having downwardly extending front and rear legs. A mounting means is positioned on the front and rear legs for releasable engagement with the cabin floor. A control rod system is pivotably interconnected between the seat cushion member and the cabin floor, and is adapted to enable selective pivoting of said seat cushion member between a deployed design configuration and a raised stowed configuration. In the deployed design configuration, the mounting means is in engagement with the cabin floor as aforesaid, and the seat cushion member has a substantially horizontal orientation. The raised stowed configuration is located rearwardly of the deployed design configuration, whereat the mounting means is released from engagement with the cabin floor, with the seat cushion member has a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A fold flat vehicle seat comprises a seat assembly mounted on a movable track member slidably engaging a fixed track member, and lockable by a track lock. The seat assembly includes a seatback member mounted on a seat cushion member for forward folding between a substantially upright occupiable design position and a substantially horizontal load supporting position. A downwardly and rearwardly sloped ramp is mounted on the fixed track member. A drive link assembly is mounted on the seatback member for translational engagement of a ramp contact member with the ramp. As the seatback member is forwardly folded from the upright occupiable design position to the load supporting position the track lock releases and the ramp contact member moves downwardly and rearwardly along the ramp to thereby cause rearward longitudinal movement of the seat assembly relative to the fixed track member to a predetermined rear longitudinal position.

Abstract: A stowable vehicle seat assembly for use in a vehicle cabin having a cabin floor. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion member having downwardly extending front and rear legs. A mounting means is positioned on the front and rear legs for releasable engagement with the cabin floor. A control rod system is pivotably interconnected between the seat cushion member and the cabin floor, and is adapted to enable selective pivoting of said seat cushion member between a deployed design configuration and a raised stowed configuration. In the deployed design configuration, the mounting means is in engagement with the cabin floor as aforesaid, and the seat cushion member has a substantially horizontal orientation. The raised stowed configuration is located rearwardly of the deployed design configuration, whereat the mounting means is released from engagement with the cabin floor, with the seat cushion member has a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for storage in a floor tub within a vehicle floor. The seat assembly includes a seat frame defining a translational axis and a longitudinal axis. The seat assembly also includes a mounting system for mounting the seat frame to the floor tub for selective rotation between a deployed design configuration and a fully tumbled stored-in-floor configuration, with the seat frame being inside the floor tub in the stored-in-floor configuration. Notably, the seat assembly further includes a lateral translation system for positive inboard displacement of the seat frame along the translational axis during the selective rotation of the seat frame from the design configuration towards the stored-in-floor configuration. In the design configuration, the medial seat axis is laterally off-set from a central tub axis defined by the floor tub. In the stored-in-floor configuration, the medial seat axis is aligned with the central tub axis.

Abstract: An armrest adjustment mechanism for use with a vehicle seat defining a lateral seat axis and an armrest member defining a longitudinal axis. The mechanism includes a mounting system for pivotally mounting the armrest member on the vehicle seat for selective pivotal rotation about the lateral seat axis between a deployed design configuration, wherein the longitudinal axis has a substantially horizontal orientation, and a raised stowed configuration, wherein the longitudinal axis has a substantially vertical orientation. The mechanism also includes a lateral translation system for positive inward displacement of the armrest member along the lateral seat axis relative to the vehicle seat as the armrest member is rotated from the deployed design configuration towards the raised stowed configuration.

Abstract: A hinge is disclosed, which forms part of a vehicle seat which includes a seat cushion and a cushion plate attached thereto. The fixed part of a rotary recliner, having a handle extending therefrom, is mounted to the cushion plate. An idler plate is mounted to the movable part of the recliner, for rotation therewith. A sector plate, which carries a seat back, has a first position relative to the idler plate, and is lockable thereat by a latch, for rotation with the idler plate under control of the handle. This permits the seat back to be pivoted to a preferred seating position via the recliner when the latch is engaged. When the latch is disengaged, the sector plate is forwardly rotatable, relative to the idler plate, from the preferred position. A spring biases the latch to re-engage the sector plate upon rearward rotation thereof back to its first position.

Abstract: The seat has a rotary recliner providing for selective pivotal movement of the seat back about an axis between occupiable and frontmost positions, and a dumped position therebetween. The improvement comprises a handle mounted on the back for movement between design and tipping positions, and an intermediate position therebetween; a member mounted on the back for pivotal movement therewith and for relative movement between first and second positions; a ring having a portion for, when the member is at its second position and the back is at its dumped position, engaging the member to arrest frontward pivotal movement thereof; and a first linkage for moving the member between its first and second positions upon movement of the handle between its design and intermediate positions and for controlling the recliner to permit said pivotal movement of the back when the handle is at its tipping position.

Abstract: A fold flat vehicle seat comprises a seat assembly mounted on a movable track member slidably engaging a fixed track member, and lockable by a track lock. The seat assembly includes a seatback member mounted on a seat cushion member for forward folding between a substantially upright occupiable design position and a substantially horizontal load supporting position. A downwardly and rearwardly sloped ramp is mounted on the fixed track member. A drive link assembly is mounted on the seatback member for translational engagement of a ramp contact member with the ramp. As the seatback member is forwardly folded from the upright occupiable design position to the load supporting position the track lock releases and the ramp contact member moves downwardly and rearwardly along the ramp to thereby cause rearward longitudinal movement of the seat assembly relative to the fixed track member to a predetermined rear longitudinal position.