Abstract: A bolster assembly for a seat includes a fixed frame and a housing coupled to the fixed frame. The housing includes a track and a bracket moveable along at least a portion the track between a first position and a second position. A paddle is moveably coupled to the bracket and a drive shaft is configured for rotation about a drive axis. Rotation of the drive shaft about the drive axis moves the bracket between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A bolster assembly for a seat includes a fixed frame and a housing coupled to the fixed frame. The housing includes a track and a bracket moveable along at least a portion the track between a first position and a second position. A paddle is moveably coupled to the bracket and a drive shaft is configured for rotation about a drive axis. Rotation of the drive shaft about the drive axis moves the bracket between the first position and the second 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: There is disclosed a heated handle (e.g. a steering wheel) and a method for forming the handle. The handle typically includes a core, an outer cover layer and a heater, which is preferably disposed at least partially between the outer cover layer and the core. The heater typically includes one or more of a conductor, a cushion and a separator.

Abstract: A ventilation, temperature regulation, and ergonomic comfort system for a vehicle seat, comprising a cushion comprising a ventilation layer comprising non-woven plastic fibers fused together in such a manner as to permit airflow therethrough, the ventilation layer having a seat surface side and a reverse side, wherein the ventilation layer is disposed within a substantially air-tight compartment having an access hole for air input on the reverse side of the ventilation layer and a plurality of output holes on the seat surface side; an adjustable ergonomic support device, wherein the ergonomic support device is disposed on the reverse side of the ventilation layer and moves together with the cushion; a temperature regulation system comprising an air-moving device operably coupled to the access hole on the reverse side of the ventilation layer, such that the air-moving device moves conditioned air into the ventilation layer and out through the plurality of output holes; and a control module comprising controls

Abstract: The present invention includes a ventilated seat for a vehicle having at least one ventilated component. The ventilated component has a cushion, a trim surface and an insert located beneath the trim surface of each ventilated component. The insert includes at least two layers, at least one of which is a molded layer. The at least two layer define an open space, that may include a spacer. The seat also includes an air mover assembly that is in fluid communication with the open space and servers to blow air to or draw air from the insert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilated seat having an insert with a seat portion, and having a flow control layer with first and second ports, a spacer having an inlay and a main portion, and a first fluid barrier where the inlay is substantially isolated from the main portion by a fluid-tight boundary. The present invention also relates to a ventilated seat having an insert with a seat portion and having a first flow control layer with at least one port, a first and a second spacer, and a fluid barrier comprising at least one port. The present invention also relates to a ventilated seat with an insert having a seat portion and having a flow control layer with a port and a plurality of flow holes in the seat portion, a spacer, a fluid barrier and at least one conduit with a plurality of flow holes located adjacent to the seat portion of the flow control layer. The seat also may include a fan in fluid communication with the spacer and a fluid conditioning device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilated seat having an insert with a seat portion, and having a flow control layer with first and second ports, a spacer having an inlay and a main portion, and a first fluid barrier where the inlay is substantially isolated from the main portion by a fluid-tight boundary. The present invention also relates to a ventilated seat having an insert with a seat portion and having a first flow control layer with at least one port, a first and a second spacer, and a fluid barrier comprising at least one port. The present invention also relates to a ventilated seat with an insert having a seat portion and having a flow control layer with a port and a plurality of flow holes in the seat portion, a spacer, a fluid barrier and at least one conduit with a plurality of flow holes located adjacent to the seat portion of the flow control layer. The seat also may include a fan in fluid communication with the spacer and a fluid conditioning device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heated handle (e.g. a steering wheel) and a method for forming the handle. The handle typically includes a core, an outer cover layer and a heater, which is preferably disposed at least partially between the outer cover layer and the core. The heater typically includes one or more of a conductor, a cushion and a separator.

Abstract: A heated handle (e.g. a steering wheel) is provided for an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle along with a method for forming the handle. The handle typically includes a core, an outer cover layer and a heater, which is preferably disposed at least partially between the outer cover layer and the core. The heater typically includes one or more of a conductor, a cushion and a separator.