Abstract: An adjustable bearing system, one ideally suited for use in vehicle seat suspension for aft positioning assemblies and isolator assemblies, and having an adjustment mechanism that is readily accessible and easy to use. The adjustable bearing system includes a first structure, a second structure, and a bearing adjustably disposed between said first and second structures for facilitating movement of one structure relative to the other. A bearing driver is positioned to engage a non bearing surface of the bearing and to adjust the position of the bearing relative to said first and second structures, and an actuator cooperates with the bearing driver to permit adjustment of the bearing's position.

Abstract: A fore and aft vehicle seat adjustment apparatus comprising a base having a plurality of opposingly located tracks disposed thereon. Also provided is a fore and aft adjustment apparatus in communication with the base. The adjustment apparatus includes a first member connected to an opposingly located second member. The first member is positionable with respect to the second member between a first and second position. The first member also includes a plurality of locking mechanisms which are adapted to releasably engage the tracks. In the first position, the locking mechanisms engage the tracks to lock the seat in position. In the second position, the locking mechanisms are disengaged from the tracks to permit fore and aft adjustment of the seat.

Abstract: A seat cushion is provided having a foam cushion body with a perimeter section. A cover is disposed over the body and has a border that extends around the periphery of the cushion body and juxtaposed with the perimeter section of the cushion body. An insert is positioned within the cushion body and has an outer wall extending along and spaced from the periphery of the cushion body to accommodate the cushion body perimeter section. The perimeter section has a foam density greater than that of the main cushion body and the border of the cover is bonded directly to this perimeter section. In addition, a support wall or pan is used having a size and configuration to receive the covered cushion with the border of the cover disposed within the support wall when the seat is fully assembled. A method of forming such a seat cushion is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle seat suspension apparatus that is mechanically simple, inexpensive, occupies little space, and operates effectively with force inputs from any horizontal direction. The invention comprises a base, an isolator, and a plurality of links connected to both the base and isolator so that the isolator is suspended from the base and can move or swing horizontally in all directions relative to the base. The isolator has an upper plate with two flanges that depend from the plate. The base is positioned directly below the upper plate and between the two flanges. The links are connected to the base and the flanges of the isolator by means of ball and socket connectors that permit the isolator to move in all horizontal directions relative to the base. A travel limit system is used to permit adjustment in the travel of the isolator relative to the base.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for measuring the vibration an operator of a piece of the equipment encounters while operating the equipment. The system includes at least one motion measuring means, such as an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be affixed to the equipment or integrated into the equipment. In addition, motion data recording equipment that is in electrical communication with the accelerometer may also be provided. An alarm may be used to indicate that a preset limit has been or is about to be exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat support pan, a seat cushion, a spring biased lever and an operator present switch. Both the lever and the switch are located between the cushion and the pan, effectively integrated within the seat. The lever is movable between upper and lower positions, with its associated spring biasing the lever toward its upper position. The switch is designed and located so that all of its components are housed within the support pan and none of these components extends below or outside of the pan. When the seat is occupied, the occupant's weight depresses the cushion and, in turn, the lever moves against the force of the spring toward its lower position and the switch is actuated. Because the switch is located completely within the seat cushion, the seat assembly's vertical dimension or envelope is minimized and the design of the seat support and/or suspension located below the seat pan is simplified.

Abstract: A force isolating apparatus for use in a vehicle seat suspension, where the suspension has a base frame and an upper frame mounted to move horizontally relative to the base frame. The force isolating apparatus comprises: a first pair of in line springs comprising a first coiled wire compression spring and a first elastomeric compression spring; a second pair of in line springs comprising a second coiled wire compression spring and a second elastomeric compression spring; and an actuator disposed between said first and second pairs of springs, the actuator being horizontally movable to actuate one of the spring pairs when the base frame and upper frame move relative to one another. A force isolating apparatus may be used with a cooperating shock absorber which is also preferably mounted in line to the spring pairs.

Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension apparatus that is mechanically simple, inexpensive, occupies little space, and operates effectively with force inputs from any horizontal direction. The preferred embodiment includes a base, an isolator, and a plurality of links connected to both the base and isolator so that the isolator is suspended from the base and can move or swing horizontally in all directions relative to the base. The isolator has an upper plate with two flanges that depend from the plate. The base is positioned directly below the upper plate and between the two flanges. The links are connected to the base and the flanges of the isolator by means of ball and socket connectors that permit the isolator to move in all horizontal directions relative to the base.

Abstract: A seat suspension includes a first section and a second section which are moveably connected. A deformable isolator is located between the sections. The isolator is held in place by a retaining means such a ring, post and in other ways. The isolator is comprised of a plurality of gaps separating solid sections which cooperate to resist the movement of at least one of the sections. This may be accomplished by resisting the movement of the section as it is urged against the isolator.

Abstract: A vehicle seating apparatus has first and second seat suspensions and a seat assembly. The first seat suspension is located at a first longitudinal location on the vehicle and incorporates a first seat platform having a pair of seat brackets. The second seat suspension is located at a second longitudinal location on the vehicle and incorporates a second seat platform having a fixed pivot bracket. The seat assembly has first and second occupant support members, a pivot rod mounted to the support members, and at least one latch cam connected to the pivot rod. Each of the seat brackets cooperates with the seat assembly pivot rod and to permit rotation of the seat assembly from a first to a second orientation. In the first orientation the seat occupant faces one end of the vehicle. In the second orientation the seat suspension and the seat occupant faces the other end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A height adjustable seat suspension having first and second bases connected by a linkage assembly with an air spring and shock disposed between the bases. The shock dampens vertical movement of the bases and the air spring increases in air volume to raise the seat height of the suspension and decreases in air volume to lower the seat height of the suspension. A threaded rod is also included as part of the shock which is threadably engaged with a collar that is rotated by a drive source. The engagement between the threaded portions of the rod and collar axially repositions the rod with respect to said collar to change the effective length of, the shock.

Abstract: An improved seat suspension assembly with axially adjustable roller and guide assemblies. The suspension uses an adjustment member the actuation of which causes the axial movement of either the roller or guide so as to adjust the spatial relationship between the roller and guide.

Abstract: A roller and guide assembly for use in an actuating seat suspension having a roller assembly comprised of a first and second roller that articulate on upper and lower guide surfaces formed by a channel. The first roller rotatingly engages the lower guide surface and the contact between the first roller and guides surface permits the roller to move horizontally along the guide surface while preventing the downward movement of the roller assembly. The second roller rotatingly engages the upper guide surface an the contact between the roller and guide surface permits the roller to move horizontally along the guide surface while preventing the upward movement of the roller assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable seat support assembly and controls which allow the operator to independently or simultaneously swivel or slide the seat using control handles which are fixed relative to the seat and which may be operated independently and simultaneously.