Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems including massage subassemblies for a seat, such as a seat of an automobile. The massage subassemblies are configured to provide a relatively intense massage. In an example, a system includes a first source of fluid, and a first bladder fluidly coupled to the first source of fluid and configured to be selectively inflated with the first source of fluid. The example system further includes a second source of fluid and a second bladder fluidly coupled to the second source of fluid and configured to be selectively inflated with the second source of fluid. Further, in the example, the second bladder projects from a surface of the first bladder, and the second bladder is fluidly isolated from the first bladder.

Abstract: An electrical heating element (1) comprises a core string (2) and an electrically conductive wire (4), which is wrapped about the core string (2), follows the core string (2) and is electrically insulated with respect to the core string (2). A path (10) defined by the core string (2) includes a sequence of alternating first (11) and second (12) sections, wherein the wire (4) is wrapped in a pitch which, in the first sections (11), is generally smaller than in the second sections (12). The electrical heating element (1) can be used, e.g., in a heatable seat assembly.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for controlling a plurality of components of a vehicle that are configured to emit heat when activated. A controller receives heat demand information about the activated components and determines from the heat demand information, an amount of power available for consumption by all of the activated components. The controller actively allocates power between the activated components according to the determined amount of power available such that an actual amount of power consumed by all of the activated components does not exceed the determined amount of power available.

Abstract: An electrical heating assembly (1), in particular for use in a heatable seat device, comprises a plurality of heating wires (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) and a support structure (8) adapted to fix the heating wires (11, 12, 13, 14, 15). The heating wires (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) are arranged to form a plurality of hot points (10), a respective hot point (10) being defined by a circular area of 6 mm in diameter in which there are present at least three sections of heating wire (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) which are not interconnected to each other within the area of the hot point (10).

Abstract: A massage system includes a common line, first and second restrictors for flow, an air pump, and first and second pairs of air cells. The line includes, and extends between, first and second portions. The line alternately flows supply and venting air. The first and second restrictors are in series along the line for controlling the alternating flow of the supply and venting air. The air pump provides the supply air, and is in communication with the second portion. The first pair of air cells is in communication with, and individually branches off from, the first portion. The second pair of air cells is in communication with, and individually branches off from, the line between the first and second portions. The second restrictor is disposed between the second pair of air cells and the pump, and the first restrictor is disposed between the first and second pair of air cells.

Abstract: An electrical heating assembly (1), in particular for use in a heatable seat device, comprises a plurality of heating wires (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) and a support structure (8) adapted to fix the heating wires (11, 12, 13, 14, 15). The heating wires (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) are arranged to form a plurality of hot points (10), a respective hot point (10) being defined by a circular area of 6 mm in diameter in which there are present at least three sections of heating wire (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) which are not interconnected to each other within the area of the hot point (10).

Abstract: An electrical heating element (1) comprises a core string (2) and an electrically conductive wire (4), which is wrapped about the core string (2), follows the core string (2) and is electrically insulated with respect to the core string (2). A path (10) defined by the core string (2) includes a sequence of alternating first (11) and second (12) sections, wherein the wire (4) is wrapped in a pitch which, in the first sections (11), is generally smaller than in the second sections (12). The electrical heating element (1) can be used, e.g., in a heatable seat assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly and method for allocating power in the same is disclosed. A plurality of vehicle seats each have heating zones disposed in cushion and back seating surfaces of the vehicle seats. A controller controls power to the heating zones. At least two of the heating zones are activated such that the heating zones emit heat. Heat demand information associated with the activated healing zones is generated. The generated heat demand information is provided to the controller. The controller is utilized to determine an amount of power available for consumption by all of the activated heating zones using the heat demand information. The controller actively allocates power between the activated heating zones according to the determined amount of power available such that an actual amount of power consumed by all of the activated heating zones does not exceed the determined amount of power available.

Abstract: A massage cell arrangement comprising a plurality of inflatable/deflatable cells arranged in a first series of successive cells, a plurality of inflatable/deflatable cells arranged in a second series of successive cells, the cells of a series of successive cells being substantially aligned along the main direction of extension of the series of successive cells, the first and second series being aligned such that the main direction of extension of the first series coincides with the main direction of extension of the second series, the first and second series being arranged such that two successive cells of the first series together cover 10-100% of a major surface area of a cell of the second series and wherein each of said two successive cells of the first series cover 5-95% of the major surface area of said cell of the second series.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly in which an impervious insert (41, 141) including a heating element and having a plurality of channels (42, 142) extending from an aperture (44, 144) positioned on a first side of at least one of a seat cushion (22) and a seat back (124) and in which a ventilation system (60) is coupled to a second side of the at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back for drawing air along the plurality of channels through the aperture and through a hole (30, 130) in the seat cushion or seat back for controlling the temperature of the seat assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a massage system for a vehicle seat comprising a plurality of inflatable air cells arranged in a series of subsequent air cells, a supply line structure from and to each of the air cells, a pump for supplying air under pressure to the supply line structure, a control or switch unit for controlling the operation of the pump, venting means for venting the supply line structure, means for controlling air flow to and from the air cells to provide a sequential inflation/deflation along said series of air cells. The means for controlling air flow are provided by a plurality of flow restrictors having reduced flow cross-sections that are arranged in such a manner that between each pair of subsequent air cells a flow restrictor is disposed in the supply line structure.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly and method for allocating power in the same is disclosed. A plurality of vehicle seats each have heating zones disposed in cushion and back seating surfaces of the vehicle seats. A controller controls power to the heating zones. At least two of the heating zones are activated such that the heating zones emit heat. Heat demand information associated with the activated healing zones is generated. The generated heat demand information is provided to the controller. The controller is utilized to determine an amount of power available for consumption by all of the activated heating zones using the heat demand information. The controller actively allocates power between the activated heating zones according to the determined amount of power available such that an actual amount of power consumed by all of the activated heating zones does not exceed the determined amount of power available.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly in which an impervious insert (41, 141) including a heating element and having a plurality of channels (42, 142) extending from an aperture (44, 144) positioned on a first side of at least one of a seat cushion (22) and a seat back (124) and in which a ventilation system (60) is coupled to a second side of the at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back for drawing air along the plurality of channels through said aperture and through a hole (30, 130) in the seat cushion or seat back for controlling the temperature of the seat assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heated cushion (100) for a vehicle seat, comprising an upper part (110) having a first and a second main surface and a lower part (130) having a first and a second main surface. The parts (110, 130) are arranged with their first main surfaces one against the other and on one first main surface there is disposed a heating coil (120). The upper part (110) and the lower part (130), on their respective first main surfaces, each have one half (115, 135) of a fastening system in Velcro material, and the heating coil (120) is secured in its main surface by the Velcro elements (115, 135) of the main surface. Expediently, at least one part (110, 130) is made in a fabric material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heated cushion (100) for a vehicle seat, comprising an upper part (110) having a first and a second main surface and a lower part (130) having a first and a second main surface. The parts (110, 130) are arranged with their first main surfaces one against the other and on one first main surface there is disposed a heating coil (120). The upper part (110) and the lower part (130), on their respective first main surfaces, each have one half (115, 135) of a fastening system in Velcro material, and the heating coil (120) is secured in its main surface by the Velcro elements (115, 135) of the main surface. Expediently, at least one part (110, 130) is made in a fabric material.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a heating device arranged in connection with the vehicle seat and connected to a control unit which includes a current-feeding apparatus for feeding a current to the heating device. The vehicle seat also includes a temperature sensor connected to the control unit for detecting the temperature at the heating device. The control unit is arranged to feed the current if the measured temperature falls below a pre-determined temperature value. An occupant sensor is also provided for detecting the presence of an occupant or an object in the vehicle seat. The occupant sensor is arranged as a single integral unit together with the heating device in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a seat such as a vehicle seat are disclosed. The apparatus includes an electrical heater disposed in the seat, a cooling unit such as a cooling element and a fan, a detector for detecting the temperature associated with the electrical heater, and a controller for controlling the electrical heater and the cooler based upon the detected temperature and upon the humidity algorithm comprising a predetermined set of calculations of the humidity of air at different temperatures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a seat such as a vehicle seat are disclosed. The apparatus includes an electrical heater disposed in the seat, a cooling unit such as a cooling element and a fan, a detector for detecting the temperature associated with the electrical heater, and a controller for controlling the electrical heater and the cooler based upon the detected temperature and upon the humidity algorithm comprising a predetermined set of calculations of the humidity of air at different temperatures.