Abstract: A wireless charging system for a vehicle. The system includes a wireless power transmitter, a detector device associated with the wireless power transmitter, and a controller operatively associated with the wireless power transmitter. The controller senses whether a vehicle control signal is present using the detector device, stops transmission of electromagnetic energy from the wireless power transmitter to a receiving device if a vehicle control signal is present, and resumes transmission of electromagnetic energy from the wireless power transmitter to the receiving device after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A four way lumbar support for an automobile seat includes a wire array, a fixed frame, and a basculating arm. When in its extended position, the basculating arm exerts pressure on the wire array thus providing lumbar support to the seat occupant at that point. A system of cables and sliding connections allows the basculating arm to slide along the fixed frame so that the lumbar support may be provided at different heights within the seat.

Abstract: A lumbar system for use in a seat includes a frame having a first side and a second side substantially opposite the first side, a pump mounted to the second side of the frame and operable to pressurize air, and a control module mounted to the second side of the frame. The control module is in communication with the pump to receive pressurized air. The lumbar system also includes a plurality of air cells mounted to the first side of the frame. Each of the plurality of air cells individually communicates with the control module to receive variable amounts of pressurized air provided by the pump such that each air cell is independently inflatable. The frame, the pump, the control module, and the plurality of air cells are installable in the seat as a single unit by coupling the frame to the seat.

Abstract: A variety of cushion presenters may be provided in seats such as motorcycle. These cushion presenters are filled with air to envelop and support the hips of a rider. The cushion presenters may further be used to provide sacrum, support. Additional cushion presenters may be used in the buttock region to relieve tail burn. A linkage may further be provided to provide a actuated backrest.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes: an output gear, a pinion, a drive shaft, a housing, and a spring. The output gear is adapted to receive a traction element. The pinion is in driving communication with the output gear. The drive shaft is interconnected with the pinion. The housing is adapted to receive the output gear and the drive shaft. The coil spring is circumjacent the drive shaft and located in a position intermediate the drive shaft and the housing, whereby rotation of the drive shaft causes the coil spring to frictionally disengage from the housing such that the output gear may rotate.

Abstract: An ergonomic device (10, 110) for a vehicle seat includes a pressure surface (106, 206) oriented toward a seat cushion so that the pressure surface deploys to support a seat occupant. A mount bracket (102,202) fixes the device to a frame of the automobile seat. A linkage (112, 144, 166) between the pressure surface and said mount bracket allows the pressure surface to be selectively positionable between a first position disposed to extend for support of a seat occupant and a second position that is retracted. A power actuator (20, 130) is in operative communication with the linkage such that the power actuator mediates travel of the pressure surface between the first and second positions. The power actuator (20, 130) is in communication with a use anticipation indicator (40) such that the power actuator is engaged to place the pressure surface in the second, retracted position upon a signal from the use anticipation indicator.

Abstract: The present invention is a lumbar support system that retreats into the seat back when reclined, providing a constant pressure support. The lumbar support system has a lumbar support basket that can retreat into the seat back. The lumbar support basket is supported by a crossbar that is pivotably connected to opposite sides of a seat frame via a pair of connecting members. A spring is provided for biasing the connecting members to a biased position.

Abstract: The present invention is a lumbar and bolster support for a seat, especially for an automotive second row seat or a chair back rest. The lumbar and bolster support has a lumbar support member adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a first bolster member and a second bolster member adjustable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A four way lumbar support for an automobile seat includes a wire array (16), a fixed frame (20), and a basculating arm. When in its extruded position, the basculating arm (50) exerts pressure on the wire array (16) thus providing lumbar support to the seat occupant at that point. A system of Bowden cables and sliding connections allows the basculating arm to slide vertically along the fixed frame so that the lumbar support may be provided at different heights within the seat.

Abstract: A belt-type lumbar support includes a belt having first and second end portions. A first attachment tab is located at the first end portion, and a second attachment tab is located at the second end portion. A spring is located at the first end portion and is connected to the first attachment tab. A cable is located at the second end portion and is connected to the second attachment tab. A first belt extension is located at the first end portion and proximate to the first attachment tab and has a first belt extension tongue, wherein at least a portion of the belt extension tongue extends over the spring. A second belt extension is located at the second end portion and proximate to the second attachment tab and has a second belt extension tongue, wherein at least a portion of the second belt extension tongue extends over the cable.

Abstract: A hollow axle motor assembly (10) includes an armature (13) and a hollow axle (12) attached to the armature (13). The hollow axle (12) has an outer diameter (14) and an inner diameter (16). The inner diameter (16) of the hollow axle (12) receives a shaft or tube, such as a drive shaft (52). A gear (20) is attached to the outer diameter (14) of the hollow axle (12). The gear (20) is in driving communication with a planetary gear drive assembly (30). In turn, the planetary gear drive assembly (30) is in driving communication with a drive shaft mount (40). The drive shaft mount (40) can be used to drive any number of conventional items, including, for example, the drive shaft (52).

Abstract: A system and method for remote release actuation is disclosed. The system includes a control mechanism, a switch, a power supply, an actuator assembly, a position sensor, a ground, a cable, and a latch mechanism. The method includes the steps of: providing a remote release actuating system; powering the control mechanism with the power supply; powering the position sensor via the control mechanism; and using the control mechanism to check the electrical connection of the position sensor and powering the actuator assembly to release the cable which releases the latch mechanism into a home position if the position sensor is not connected.

Abstract: The invention is a lumbar support basket with a sliding support structure which provides curvature and vertical travel of the apex of curvature. The basket is provided with an open area at the top half or third for receiving duct work.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support has a guide wire assembly and a support basket, at least one of which comprises overmolded plastic components, wherein the support basket is slidably engaged with the guide wire assembly, and at least one actuator operably engaged with the support basket.

Abstract: The present invention is a lumbar support system that retreats into the seat back when reclined, providing a constant pressure support. The lumbar support system has a lumbar support basket that can retreat into the seat back. The lumbar support basket is supported by a crossbar that is pivotably connected to opposite sides of a seat frame via a pair of connecting members. A spring is provided for biasing the connecting members to a biased position.

Abstract: An integrated thermoelectric cooling element and a positive temperature coefficient heating element are integrated into a single package. A heat sink is shared between the thermoelectric cooling element and the positive temperature coefficient.

Abstract: A configurable vehicle seat having at least two configurations is disclosed. The configurable vehicle seat has a seat base, a seat bottom supported by the seat base, and a seat back coupled to the seat base. The seat back or seat bottom has one or more adjustable profile members, wherein the adjustable profile members may be adjusted such that the seat is adjusted from at least a first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: A folding seat for a vehicle includes a seat base fixed to an intermediate bracket, a seat back having a lower end and a support bracket fixed to the vehicle. An intermediate bracket has a first hinge point where the seat back lower end is hingedly attached to the intermediate bracket. The intermediate bracket has a second hinge point where the intermediate bracket is hingedly attached to the support bracket, and which is spatially removed from the first hinge point. Upon folding of the seat base into a vertical position, the intermediate bracket rotates on the second hinge point, which remains stationary and the first hinge point rotates upwardly and rearwardly around the second hinge point, so that the first hinge point and the lower seat back move rearwardly as the seat back and the seat base are folded into vertical orientation close to the rear vehicle wall.

Abstract: A a lumbar support has a flexible seat suspension and a supporting mechanism. The lumbar support device is capable of providing an infinite number of vertical adjustment points. The supporting mechanism is connected to the flexible seat suspension by slide elements and travels up and down the side rails of the flexible seat suspension to the seat occupant's desired position. The movement of the supporting mechanism is accomplished both vertically along the flexible seat suspersion and horizonally relative to the seat by using wire cables, tractions cables, and a series of pulleys. The pulley system reduces the load of the actuators used in the lumbar device making it possible to use smaller, less expensive actuators.

Abstract: An actuator for a lumbar support device possessing a symmetrical housing in that key holes are present on both sides of such housing. The present invention's housing, with key hole slots diametrically opposed on one end, allows the actuator to be installed more easily in any orientation, in either driver or passenger side seats. With the dual key hole housing, the extra time and effort associated with ensuring that the correct side of the housing is being used is eliminated as the dual key holes allow the tension cable wire and tension cable wire end to be inserted into either side of the housing during assembly of the lumbar support system. The elimination of this concern will save valuable time and money in the actuator assembly process.