Patents Assigned to Grand Rapids Controls Company, LLC
  • Cable length adjustment mechanism
    Patent number: 8215202
    Abstract: An automatic cable length adjustment mechanism includes first and second members that slidably engage one another. A spring biases the members apart, and a releasable one-way ratchet-type mechanism interconnects the parts after the parts shift relative to one another to take up slack in a Bowden cable or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the one-way ratchet arrangement includes a plurality of cantilevered levers having teeth or the like that engage rows of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Controls Company, LLC
    Inventor: Mark G. Tomandl
  • Control mechanism
    Patent number: 8066327
    Abstract: An energy storage mechanism for folding seats for vehicles and the like includes an energy-storing component such as a spring that assists in moving the seat or other component. The mechanism provides for relatively small user input forces and distances, yet provides a relatively large force acting over a relatively large distance as an output of the mechanism. The mechanism may be configured to provide for a single user input/release, without requiring powered actuators or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Controls Company LLC
    Inventor: Mark G. Tomandl
  • Remote release with powered actuator
    Patent number: 8047595
    Abstract: A powered actuator includes a rotating output member that may be operatively connected to one or more cables or mechanical links for release/actuation of a lock, latch, or the like, of a vehicle seat or other component. The powered actuator may be configured to provide a required force on the release cable and/or a required distance of travel. The actuator may also be configured to provide for proper timing of the movement of the release cables if required for a particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Controls Company, LLC
    Inventor: James W. Bach
  • Compensator for cables
    Patent number: 7841257
    Abstract: A compensator for cables includes a housing and a spring wrapped around inside the housing to form a loop. An inner strand of a Bowden cable or the like extends through the coil spring, and thereby forms a loop. The looped configuration of the coil spring provides a higher effective spring constant, and thereby permits a smaller coil spring to be used. The dimensions of the compensator can also be reduced, thereby reducing the space required for the compensator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Controls Company, LLC
    Inventor: Mark G. Tomandl
  • Stored energy control mechanism
    Patent number: 7631938
    Abstract: An energy storage mechanism for folding seats for vehicles and the like includes an energy-storing component such as a spring that assists in moving the seat or other component. The mechanism provides for relatively small user input forces and distances, yet provides a relatively large force acting over a relatively large distance as an output of the mechanism. The mechanism may be configured to provide for a single user input/release, without requiring powered actuators or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Controls Company, LLC
    Inventor: Mark G. Tomandl