Patents by Inventor Chris Branov

Chris Branov has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Planocentric disc recliner
    Patent number: 6805650
    Abstract: A continuously engaged recliner assembly (20) selectively locks a seat back in one of a plurality of reclined positions about a pivot axis relative to a seat cushion on a vehicle seat. The recliner assembly includes a cylindrical housing (30) having an annular rim of gear teeth (34). A carrier plate (40), having outwardly extending drive pins (42), is rotatably nested within the cylindrical housing (30). An input shaft (50) is rotatably journaled to and extends between the cylindrical housing (30) and the carrier plate (40). Rotation of the shaft (30) causes the first and second gear (60, 62) to move in a hypocycloidal motion around the annular rim of gear teeth (34). A biasing member (58) operatively interconnecting the first (52) and second (55) cams rotatably biases the first and second cams in opposing directions, in turn biasing the first (60) and second (62) gears, respectively, in opposing directions against the cylindrical housing (30), thereby minimizing play within the recliner mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Magna Seating Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Branov, Pius Ng
  • Planocentric disc recliner
    Publication number: 20040014545
    Abstract: A continuously engaged recliner assembly (20) selectively locks a seat back in one of a plurality of reclined positions about a pivot axis relative to a seat cushion on a vehicle seat. The recliner assembly includes a cylindrical housing (30) having an annular rim of gear teeth (34). A carrier plate (40), having outwardly extending drive pins (42), is rotatably nested within the cylindrical housing (30). An input shaft (50) is rotatably journaled to and extends between the cylindrical housing (30) and the carrier plate (40). Rotation of the shaft (30) causes the first and second gear (60, 62) to move in a hypocycloidal motion around the annular rim of gear teeth (34). A biasing member (58) operatively interconnecting the first (52) and second (55) cams rotatably biases the first and second cams in opposing directions, in turn biasing the first (60) and second (62) gears, respectively, in opposing directions against the cylindrical housing (30), thereby minimizing play within the recliner mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Chris Branov, Pius Ng