Abstract: In a chair having a base, a seat defining a fore-to-aft longitudinal axis, a seat back and a tilt control mechanism, a horizontal adjustment mechanism is provided for allowing fore-to-aft movement of the seat relative to the seat back. The mechanism includes a first plate adapted to be coupled to the seat; a second plate adapted to be coupled either directly to the base or to the tilt control mechanism, the second plate being slidably coupled to the first plate such that the two plates can move relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the seat; an intermediate element positioned between the first and second plates for facilitating relative sliding movement therebetween, and a handle positioned between first and second plates that selectively positions the first plate in relation to the second plate.

Abstract: A dual drive actuation system includes a driver gear, a pair of actuators with driven gears, and a transmission for switching the driver gear between the pair of actuators. The transmission is controlled by a solenoid, and the driver gear is powered by a motor. The dual drive actuation system can be used with different actuators that are changed based on their required usage, sizing and range of motion.

Abstract: Printhead-to-panel spacing is controllable to maintain a predetermined constant distance from the printing element to the surface of the panel where the ink is to be applied. Each of a plurality of printheads may be independently moveable to control the spacing of the printheads from the substrate surface. Sensors on the printhead carriage measure the shape, or vertical position of, the printhead's distance from the printhead carriage to the surface of the substrate being printed. The position or focal length of the UV light curing head may be varied to maintain focus of the UV light on the ink on a contoured surface of the substrate. UV curing heads may be located on the printhead carriage, one on each side of the printheads, and activated alternately as the carriage reciprocates, to spot cure and freeze the dots of ink immediately after being deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing properties of a product comprising a thermal barrier layer comprises an ignition source, a test stand that extends a sample of the product over the ignition source, and a means for measuring thermal transfer across the sample. The apparatus may further comprise a means for measuring thermal transfer across each layer of the sample. A method for testing properties of a product comprising a thermal barrier layer comprises supporting a sample of the product over an ignition source, heating the sample via the ignition source, and determining a thermal differential across the sample. The method may further comprise determining a thermal differential across each layer of the sample.

Abstract: A rocker mechanism for a rocker recliner chair having a seat, a back, a pair of armrests, and a recliner mechanism. The rocker mechanism includes a support portion and a pair of rocker cams. The support portion includes a pair of side rails with a cross plate interconnecting the side rails and extending between the sides of the chair. The rocker cams include a cam portion and a sidewall. The cam portion rests upon an upper surface of the side rails. The sidewall projects upwardly from the rocker cam. A second cross plate interconnects the sidewalls of the rocker cams. The cross plates contain a number of tabs formed therein. The tabs on the first and second cross plates are used to mount a pair of spring sets there between.

Abstract: An adjustable bed having an upper frame mounted to translate with respect to a lower frame. A center support is connected to the upper frame and has a head support pivotally connected to one end thereof. A thigh support is pivotally connected to the other end of the center support and a foot support is connected to the other end of the thigh support. The bed includes an improved mounting for a massage motor in which a massage motor is suspended from a mounting plate having openings therein resting on a mattress pad or base supported by an articulated support platform.

Abstract: Adjustable storage units for a vehicle and a method for providing such units are disclosed. The storage units generally include opposing end panels connected by a connecting member along the rear of the end panels. One or more shelf supports are releasably connected to the inner surface of the end panels only through apertures in the end panels. Shelves and/or drawer systems are made from polymer materials are then disposed between the end panels. The end panels may also be made of polymer materials. The storage units are adjustable or reconfigurable by removing the shelves or drawers and repositioning the shelf supports or drawer supports as desired.

Abstract: A bulkhead assembly for a vehicle such as, for example, a van or truck comprises a first panel adjacent and substantially perpendicular to a street-side wall of the vehicle, a second panel adjacent and substantially perpendicular to a curb-side wall of the vehicle, and a door panel disposed between the first and second panels, the door being hingedly attached to one of the first and second panels, wherein the panels are formed from a polymer material. In one embodiment, the panel adjacent the street-side wall of the vehicle (i.e., the driver-side panel) defines a cavity extending rearwardly into the cargo area, the cavity being sized (in terms of the cavity's width) to accommodate the seat-back of the driver's seat.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle seat comprising a support wire having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion between the first and second ends, such that the support wire is folded approximately in half at the middle portion. The suspension system further comprises a coating of overmolded plastic applied to the first and second ends such that the first end second ends are held together by the coating; a bend in the middle portion of the support wire to attach the support wire to a frame of the vehicle seat, wherein the bend is coated with overmolded plastic; a crossbar overmolded on the support wire; an integral attachment clip molded onto the crossbar; and a seat cushion module held adjacent the support wire using the integral attachment clip.

Abstract: Disclosed is an FR barrier that may be used to enhance the fire resistance characteristics of a product, and an associated method for forming such an FR barrier. The FR barrier includes a chemical barrier layer and an FR nonwoven fiber batt. The chemical barrier layer improves the FR characteristics of the FR nonwoven fiber batt, often by depriving flame of oxygen, while the FR nonwoven fiber batt may shield a combustible layer of a product from direct contact with flame. The chemical barrier layer is often applied to the distal side surface of the FR nonwoven fiber batt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat absorptive bi-layer FR nonwoven fiber batt and an associated method of enhancing the fire resistance characteristic of a product employing the same. The heat absorptive bi-layer FR nonwoven fiber batt includes a heat reactive layer and a barrier layer having a lower side surface disposed against an upper side surface of the heat reactive layer. In response to a heat source located beyond the barrier layer, a cavity may form in the heat reactive layer, extending from the upper side surface to an interior side surface thereof. The cavity is fully enclosed, within the heat absorptive bi-layer FR nonwoven fiber batt, by the lower side surface of the barrier layer.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support for a seat comprising a pair of parallel lateral rails, wherein each of the lateral rails has a lower end and an upper end, a support panel having a top end and a bottom end, the support panel pivoting at the top end while remaining fixed with respect to the lateral rails, a rail bracket slidably attached to the lateral rails, a spring operatively connected to the rail bracket, wherein the spring biases the rail bracket in a first position, a cable operatively connected to the rail bracket, wherein the cable pulls the bracket from the first position to a second position, and a lift wire pivotably attaching the support panel to the rail bracket.

Abstract: An ergonomic support mountable on various seat frames has a static portion (52) with anchors and mounts. The mounts adapt to fix said static portion to varying seat frames. An active portion (54) is operatively engaged with the anchors of the static portion such that the active portion can move in and out of a plane defined by the frame of the seat. The active portion has a pressure surface with a smooth base level (64). There are convexities (62) in the base level that impart a massage effect on a seat occupant. At least one actuator engages the active portion but only by an actuating linkage.

Abstract: An automated reciprocator for applying lubricant to the cavity of a die casting system having a safety bar for preventing the reciprocator from injuring a person or damaging equipment which may be present in the reciprocator travel path. The safety bar is movably carried on the lower side of the reciprocator and includes a sensor to detect relative movement between the safety bar and the reciprocator. The proximity sensor is coupled to a control system. If the safety bar contacts an object as the reciprocator is moving down, the sensor signals the control system and the reciprocator is stopped.

Abstract: A system and method for making molded foam parts having a reinforcing sheet integrally molded onto a surface of the finished part. One or more magnetic elements, e.g. magnets, are positioned on an inner surface of a mold. Magnetic particles, e.g. iron, are bonded to or embedded in a surface of a reinforcing sheet. The magnetic particles may be mixed with a binder and sprayed, screen printed or otherwise applied to a surface of the sheet. The sheet is positioned in the mold adjacent the magnetic elements and held in place by magnetic attraction. Foam forming chemicals may then be reacted in the mold to form a foam part with the sheet bonded to the foam part in a desired location.

Abstract: This invention is related to a sleep over recliner chair having a footrest mechanism and a recliner mechanism that operate independently of one another. The sleep over recliner chair includes a footrest, a seat, back, and a pair of spaced apart armrests. Further, the sleep over recliner chair includes a base, a reverse tilt mechanism coupled with the base, and a linkage mechanism coupled with the reverse tilt mechanism. The linkage mechanism includes a recliner mechanism and a footrest mechanism. The footrest mechanism is adapted to move between a first, closed position and a second, open position. The recliner mechanism is adapted to move between a first, upright position and a second, fully reclined position. Further, the footrest and recliner mechanisms operate independently of one another.

Abstract: Ink jet printing is provided onto rigid panels such as foamboard and contoured material using ultraviolet (UV) light curable ink, which is first at least partially cured with UV light and then may be subjected to heating. Printhead-to-panel spacing is controllable to maintain a predetermined constant distance from the printing element to the surface of the panel where the ink is to be applied. Each of a plurality of printheads may be independently moveable to control the spacing of the printheads from the substrate surface. Sensors on the printhead carriage measure the shape, or vertical position of, the printhead's distance from the printhead carriage to the surface of the substrate being printed. The position or focal length of the UV light curing head may be varied to maintain focus of the UV light on the ink on a contoured surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A chair having a base, a seat support mounted on the base, and a seat back support coupled with the seat support. The chair further includes a seat support assembly coupled with the seat support and a back support assembly coupled with the back support. The seat support assembly is a multi layered piece having a base layer, an intermediate layer, a gel pad, a tail pad, and a top layer. Once assembled the seat support assembly has a relief area that corresponds to the tail bone region of the user. The back support assembly is multi layered piece having a base layer, an intermediate layer, a support pad assembly, and a top layer. The ordering of the layers and the orientation of the support pad assembly provide support to the user without any direct or focalized pressure being distributed to specific regions of the body.

Abstract: A composite carpet cushion incorporating a film layer, a foam layer and a fiber layer and a process of forming the composite carpet cushion. The film layer of the composite carpet cushion is a polyethylene film having a lateral dimension in the range of about 0.4 to 3 millimeters. The foam layer is urethane in an amount ranging from about 20 to 90 grams per square foot of the composite carpet cushion. The fiber layer is comprised of natural or synthetic fibers or a combination thereof having a lateral dimension in the range of about 1/16 to 7/16 inches. The process of forming a composite carpet cushion comprises applying an uncured urethane foam mixture uniformly on a polyethylene film layer. The combination foam and film layer is applied to a fiber layer which is proximate the foam layer. The composite layers are moved through a heated press which compresses the layers and causes the foam layer to react and cure to form a bond with the fiber layer and the film layer.