Abstract: A pitch assembly for a vehicle seat includes a drive pinion having a slot, a pinion actuator having a key positioned within the slot, a cam fixedly coupled to the pinion actuator by a drive shaft, a drive motor operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to rotate the drive shaft, and an actuator lever operatively coupled to the cam and operatively coupled to a disc mechanism. The drive motor rotates the drive shaft causing the cam to move the actuator lever to an actuated position causing the disc mechanism to be unlocked prior to the key engaging with the slot. Additional rotation of the drive shaft after the key is engaged with the slot rotates the drive pinion causing the vehicle seat to be pivoted between a first and second position.

Abstract: A seat assembly for use by an occupant in an automotive vehicle includes a seat cushion pivotally coupled to a seat base at a cushion pivot. The seat assembly further includes a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion at a lower recline pivot. A tilt mechanism is further coupled between the seat cushion and the seat base for pivoting of the seat cushion at the cushion pivot to move the seat assembly to and from a zero-gravity position. A first line extends vertically through an H-point of the occupant when the seat assembly is disposed in a design position. The lower recline pivot is positioned under the H-point approximately on the first line and the cushion pivot is positioned forward of the first line to facilitate optimal comfort for the occupant when the seat assembly is disposed in the zero-gravity position.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a cushion motor linked to a pinion gear for providing concentric rotation of a linkage through rotational engagement of the pinion gear with a sector gear. The seat assembly includes a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat cushion and a seat base adapted for mounting the seat assembly within an automotive vehicle. The linkage includes a front link and a rear link extending between the seat cushion and the seat base, wherein pivoting of the linkage moves the seat assembly between a plurality of positions. A recliner mechanism is operatively coupled to the front link for selectively allowing pivoting thereof, and the sector gear is fixed to the front link. Actuation of the cushion motor when the recliner mechanism is unlocked rotates the pinion gear, causing the sector gear to rotate for pivoting the linkage to move the seat assembly between the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A long rail assembly attached to a vehicle floor for repositioning vehicle seats in a vehicle between a plurality of seating positions. The long rail assembly includes a fixed long rail having a C-shaped cross-section in profile and an elongated opening in a side wall of the long rail, a power rail drive module configured to travel along an interior of the long rail and having at least one striker extending laterally away from the rail drive module through the elongated opening in the side wall of the long rail, and a vehicle seat having at least one leg releasably coupled to the at least one striker by a seat latch assembly.

Abstract: A long rail assembly attached to a vehicle floor for repositioning vehicle seats in a vehicle between a plurality of seating positions. The long rail assembly includes a fixed long rail having a C-shaped cross-section in profile and an elongated opening in a side wall of the long rail, a power rail drive module configured to travel along an interior of the long rail and having at least one striker extending laterally away from the rail drive module through the elongated opening in the side wall of the long rail, and a vehicle seat having at least one leg releasably coupled to the at least one striker by a seat latch assembly.

Abstract: A power return mechanism for restoring a seat track assembly for a vehicle from a first position, such as a full forward position used for easy-entry, to a second position, such as a passenger use position. The power return mechanism includes a return cable assembly with a return cable adapted to be fixedly secured to one of the upper or lower rails of the seat track assembly, and a selectively actuated cable draw assembly. The cable draw assembly is adapted to be connected to the other of the upper or lower rails of the seat track assembly. The cable draw assembly permits free movement of the return cable when the cable draw assembly is inactive. When actuated, the cable draw assembly draws in the return cable, thereby moving the upper rail of the seat track assembly from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A power adjuster (30) for adjusting the position of an upper track (16) relative to a lower track (18) of a seat track assembly (10). The power adjuster includes a lead screw (22) fixedly secured to the upper track, a drive assembly (32) operatively coupled to the upper track and selectively coupled to the lead screw, a driven assembly (34) operatively coupled to the lead screw and selectively coupled to the drive assembly, and a release mechanism (36) coupled to the upper track. The release mechanism is operable between a locked condition coupling the driven assembly to the drive assembly and the upper track wherein the driven assembly and the drive assembly move longitudinally along the lead screw with the upper track relative to the lower track and an unlocked condition wherein the driven assembly is decoupled from the upper track and retained along the lead screw during movement of the upper track relative to the lower track.

Abstract: A cable assembly is provided for use with Bowden cables that combines a splitter and compensator. The cable assembly includes a hollow housing having a longitudinal axis, a first end defining a first aperture for receiving the wire of an input cable, and a second end defining a second aperture for receiving the wires of the output cables. A slider is provided within the housing for joining the wires of the input and output cables. The slider is configured for movement within the housing and along the axis. A conduit cap fixes the conduits of the output cables to one another. The conduit cap is configured for movement within the housing. A compression spring is configured to bias the conduit cap away from the first end of the housing.

Abstract: A power adjuster for adjusting an upper track relative to a lower track of a seat track assembly. An elongated lead screw extends axially between opposite fore and aft ends and is fixedly secured to the lower track. A driven assembly is selectively coupled to the lead screw for axial travel along the lead screw between the fore and aft ends. A drive assembly is fixedly coupled to the upper track and operatively coupled to the driven assembly for selectively rotating the driven assembly in opposite first and second directions for axial travel along the lead screw in a power operation mode. A release mechanism is coupled to the upper track and operable between a locked condition.

Abstract: A disc recliner assembly has a guide plate including one pair of spaced apart and parallel guide walls and an outer peripheral rim having a plurality of radially projecting teeth. A tooth plate has an outer peripheral rim with a plurality of radially projecting teeth axially aligned with the teeth of the guide plate. A pawl is mounted between the guide plate and the tooth plate. The pawl is guided by the pair of guide walls between an unlocked position with the teeth of the pawl spaced and disengaged from teeth of the guide plate and the tooth plate to allow rotational movement of the guide plate relative to the tooth plate and a locked position with the teeth of the pawl in messed engagement with the teeth of the guide plate and the tooth plate to prevent rotational movement of the guide plate relative to the tooth plate.

Abstract: A power return mechanism for restoring a seat track assembly for a vehicle from a first position, such as a full forward position used for easy-entry, to a second position, such as a passenger use position. The power return mechanism includes a return cable assembly with a return cable adapted to be fixedly secured to one of the upper or lower rails of the seat track assembly, and a selectively actuated cable draw assembly. The cable draw assembly is adapted to be connected to the other of the upper or lower rails of the seat track assembly. The cable draw assembly permits free movement of the return cable when the cable draw assembly is inactive. When actuated, the cable draw assembly draws in the return cable, thereby moving the upper rail of the seat track assembly from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A quick adjust power adjuster for adjusting the position of an upper track relative to a lower track of a seat track assembly comprises an elongated guide rod extending axially between opposite first and second ends and fixedly secured to the lower track. A tubular lead screw is slidably coupled to the guide rod. A driven assembly is operatively coupled to the tubular lead screw for axial travel along the tubular lead screw in response to rotation of the driven assembly. A drive assembly is fixedly coupled to the upper track and operatively coupled to the driven assembly for selectively rotating the driven assembly in opposite first and second directions for axial travel along the tubular lead screw.

Abstract: A cable assembly is provided for use with Bowden cables that combines a splitter and compensator. The cable assembly includes a hollow housing having a longitudinal axis, a first end defining a first aperture for receiving the wire of an input cable, and a second end defining a second aperture for receiving the wires of the output cables. A slider is provided within the housing for joining the wires of the input and output cables. The slider is configured for movement within the housing and along the axis. A conduit cap fixes the conduits of the output cables to one another. The conduit cap is configured for movement within the housing. A compression spring is configured to bias the conduit cap away from the first end of the housing.

Abstract: A power adjuster (30) for adjusting the position of an upper track (16) relative to a lower track (18) of a seat track assembly (10). The power adjuster includes a lead screw (22) fixedly secured to the upper track, a drive assembly (32) operatively coupled to the upper track and selectively coupled to the lead screw, a driven assembly (34) operatively coupled to the lead screw and selectively coupled to the drive assembly, and a release mechanism (36) coupled to the upper track. The release mechanism is operable between a locked condition coupling the driven assembly to the drive assembly and the upper track wherein the driven assembly and the drive assembly move longitudinally along the lead screw with the upper track relative to the lower track and an unlocked condition wherein the driven assembly is decoupled from the upper track and retained along the lead screw during movement of the upper track relative to the lower track.

Abstract: A disc recliner assembly having a guide plate including at least one pair of spaced apart and parallel guide walls and an outer peripheral rim having a plurality of radially projecting teeth. A tooth plate having an outer peripheral rim with a plurality of radially projecting teeth axially aligned with the teeth of the guide plate. At least one pawl is mounted between the guide plate and the tooth plate. The pawl includes an inner proximal edge and an outer distal edge defined by a plurality of teeth. The pawl is guided by the pair of guide walls between an unlocked position with the teeth of the pawl spaced and disengaged from teeth of the guide plate and the tooth plate to allow rotational movement of the guide plate relative to the tooth plate and a locked position with the teeth of the pawl in messed engagement with the teeth of the guide plate and the tooth plate to prevent rotational movement of the guide plate relative to the tooth plate.

Abstract: A quick adjust power adjuster for adjusting the position of an upper track relative to a tower track of a seat track assembly comprises an elongated guide rod extending axially between opposite first and second ends and fixedly secured to the lower track. A tubular lead screw is slidably coupled to the guide rod. A driven, assembly is operatively coupled to the tubular lead screw for axial travel along the tubular lead screw in response to rotation of the driven assembly. A drive assembly is fixedly coupled to the upper track and operatively coupled to the driven assembly for selectively rotating the driven assembly in opposite first and second directions for axial travel along the tubular lead screw.

Abstract: A power adjuster for adjusting an upper track relative to a lower track of a seat track assembly. An elongated lead screw extends axially between opposite fore and aft ends and is fixedly secured to the lower track. A driven assembly is selectively coupled to the lead screw for axial travel along the lead screw between the fore and aft ends. A drive assembly is fixedly coupled to the upper track and operatively coupled to the drives assembly for selectively rotating the driven assembly in opposite first and second directions for axial travel along the lead screw in a power operation mode.

Abstract: A seat assembly comprises a seat cushion and a seat back having a bottom portion coupled to the seat cushion and an opposite top portion. A head restraint is coupled to the seat back for movement between a stowed position adjacent the top portion of the seat back and a deployed position spaced above the top portion of the seat back. A cable carriage is coupled to the seat back for actuation along a longitudinal axis between a home position and a lift position. A cable extends between a first end coupled to the head restraint and a second end coupled to the cable carriage for moving the head restraint between the stowed position and the deployed position in response to actuation of the cable carriage between the home position and the lift position.

Abstract: A seat assembly comprises a seat cushion and a seat back having a bottom portion coupled to the seat cushion and an opposite top portion. A head restraint is coupled to the seat back for movement between a stowed position adjacent the top portion of the seat back and a deployed position spaced above the top portion of the seat back. A cable carriage is coupled to the seat back for actuation along a longitudinal axis between a home position and a lift position. A cable extends between a first end coupled to the head restraint and a second end coupled to the cable carriage for moving the head restraint between the stowed position and the deployed position in response to actuation of the cable carriage between the home position and the lift position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back operatively coupled to a seat cushion for pivotal movement between an upright seating position, a folded position disposed forwardly of the upright seating position, and a spring engagement/disengagement position between the upright seating position and the folded position. A recliner return mechanism is operatively coupled to the seat back during pivotal movement of the seat back between the upright seating position and the spring engagement/disengagement position such that the recliner return mechanism biases the seat back forwardly toward the spring engagement/disengagement position. The recliner return mechanism is operatively decoupled from the seat back during pivotal movement of the seat back between the spring engagement/disengagement position and the folded position such that the seat back pivots freely between the spring engagement/disengagement position and the folded position.