Abstract: An actuating device comprises a handle, a housing, and a driven member connected to the handle, the driven member being rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof, the housing containing: a brake mechanism, for restricting rotation of the driven member when the brake mechanism is engaged; a means for disengaging the brake mechanism; a means for rotating the driven member in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction; and, a clutch mechanism for restricting reverse rotation of the driven member when driven in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The actuating device of the invention is particularly suited for actuating a seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle.

Abstract: An actuating device comprises a handle, a housing, and a driven member connected to the handle, the driven member being rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof, the housing containing: a brake mechanism, for restricting rotation of the driven member when the brake mechanism is engaged; a means for disengaging the brake mechanism; a means for rotating the driven member in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction; and, a clutch mechanism for restricting reverse rotation of the driven member when driven in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The actuating device of the invention is particularly suited for actuating a seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided to aid in the maintenance and replacement of a drive member of a drive system. The tensioning device operates to maintain tension in the drive member during prolonged use of the drive system through a biased roller that receives and guides the drive member and adapts continuously to maintain tension as the drive member changes properties through use. The tensioning device further operates to ease the replacement of the drive member by being rotatable against the bias to provide slack within the drive member, such that the drive member may be removed from the belt drive system. The tensioning device includes an arm and a base, with the arm being capable of limited rotation about the base. The arm includes the roller for guiding the drive member and is biased in one direction to maintain tension within the drive member. The arm may be rotated against the bias towards an engaged position wherein the arm is restricted from counter rotation in the direction of the bias.

Abstract: A track assembly (24) is provided for use on an automotive seat assembly (10) for providing forward and rearward movement of a seat assembly within a comfort range (C) of seating positions and a forwardly extended position (D) in a vehicle. The track assembly comprises a lower track and an upper track slidably coupled to the lower track. A locking mechanism is coupled between the upper and lower tracks and moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position for selectively locking the upper track to the lower track. A seat dumping mechanism is operatively coupled to the upper track for automatically actuating the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions to extend the track assembly between the forwardly extended position (D) and a predetermined position (E) within the comfort range (c).

Abstract: A track assembly (24) is provided for use on an automotive seat assembly (10) for providing forward and rearward movement of a seat assembly within a comfort range (C) of seating positions and a forwardly extended position (D) in a vehicle. The track assembly comprises a lower track and an upper track slidably coupled to the lower track. A locking mechanism is coupled between the upper and lower tracks and moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position for selectively locking the upper track to the lower track. A seat dumping mechanism is operatively coupled to the upper track for automatically actuating the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions to extend the track assembly between the forwardly extended position (D) and a predetermined position (E) within the comfort range (c).

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle having a seat cushion and an seat back pivotally connected to the seat cushion for movement between a plurality of reclined seating positions and a forwardly dumped position. A track assembly has a pair of upper tracks mounted to the seat cushion and a pair of lower tracks mounted to the floor of the vehicle. The upper tracks are slidably coupled to the lower tracks for providing sliding movement of the seat assembly between a full forward position and a full rearward position. A locking mechanism is operatively coupled to the upper and lower tracks for movement between a locked position interlocking the tracks and an unlocked position allow sliding movement therebetween.