Patents Assigned to Schukra of North America Co.
  • Publication number: 20130110318
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Schukra of North America Co.
    Inventor: Schukra of North America Co.
  • Patent number: 8382204
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Schukra of North America Co.
    Inventors: Renato Colja, Stephen M. Certossi, Horia Blendea, Iulian Mitea, Robert J. McMillen
  • Patent number: 8162398
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schukra of North America Co.
    Inventors: Renato Colja, Robert J. McMillen, John Koopman
  • Patent number: 8157321
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schukra of North America Co.
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Renato Colja, Larry D. Janzen, Niels S. Mossbeck, Alan Prettyman
  • Patent number: 8136423
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Schukra of North America Co.
    Inventor: Jintao Liu
  • Patent number: 8126615
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schukra of North America Co.
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Isa Rosli