Abstract: A system and method of active stain prevention for an automotive seat which reduces visible staining on automotive seating surfaces by adding ozone to a ventilation system within the automotive seat.

Abstract: A heating and cooling mechanism disposed between a trim cover and foam pad of a seat assembly for increasing the thermal conductivity of the seat assembly. The mechanism comprises at least a pair of spaced apart elongated thermally conductive heat pipes and a thermally conductive distribution pad coupled between each of the heat pipes for disbursing thermal energy about the pad and between the heat pipes. A thermoelectric generator is electrically coupled to each of the heat pipes for generating thermal energy to the heat pipes for distribution across the pad.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided for detecting drowsiness or the alertness level of a driver of vehicle. A driver's heart rate variability level is determined based on signals received from one or more sensors placed in the vehicle, such as biometric sensors located in a seat assembly. In response to a low heartbeat variability indicating a drowsy or non-alert driver, one or more output signals may be generated to warn or notify the driver.

Abstract: A thermoelectric engine for heating and cooling a surface. The thermoelectric engine includes a top circuit and bottom circuit. A thermoelectric device is electrically connected between the top and bottom circuits. The top and bottom circuits include a plurality of spaced apart conductors bonded to a base layer. The base layer includes a plurality of elongated slots spaced apart by a bridge of base layer material for allowing the top and bottom circuits to flex between the conductors.

Abstract: A heating and cooling engine comprises a center isolator for isolating electric and thermal energy. The center isolator has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. A plurality of spaced apart thermoelectric elements are supported by the center isolator between the top and bottom surface. The thermoelectric elements have a top side and an opposite bottom side. A first plurality of electrically and thermally conductive buss bars are secured to the top surface of the center isolator and electrically connected to the top side of at least a pair of the thermoelectric elements. A second plurality of electrically and thermally conductive buss bars are secured to the bottom surface of the center isolator and electrically connected So the bottom side of at least a pair of the thermoelectric elements wherein thermal energy is generated to the first and second plurality of buss bars by the thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A thermally conductive padding 20 for transferring heat comprising a layer of cellular foam padding 10 having a plurality of spaced apart openings 22 formed therein. A thermal tunneling pad 24 is seated in each of the openings for creating a thermal path through the thermally conductive padding wherein the thermal tunneling pad includes a cellular foam block 12 encased in strip of thermally conductive graphite ribbon 26.

Abstract: A thermally conductive trim cover is provided for use on a seat assembly. The trim cover comprises a layer of leather material having a top surface and a bottom surface and thermally conductive particles embedded in the leather material between the top and bottom surface for dispersing heat therethrough.

Abstract: A flexible heat sink with a flexible base having a first side configured to engage a heat generating component, and a second side opposite the first side. A plurality of groups of fins extend from the second side of the base. The groups of fins are positioned in an array and spaced apart lengthwise and width wise across the base to enable the heat sink to flex lengthwise and width wise. The heat sink is able to flex lengthwise and width wise between the groups of fins. The fins and groups of fins also may provide some flex. The fins may define triangular, rectangular, or u-shaped channels to enable air flow through the heat sink.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a urethane foam pad comprising the steps of: providing a urethane resin and a filler agent; mixing a predetermined amount of the filler agent with the urethane resin to create a urethane mixture within a mold container; drawing a vacuum on the urethane mixture; allowing the urethane mixture to expand and gel for a predetermined amount of time to form an expanded urethane foam pad; releasing the vacuum on the urethane mixture; and removing the expanded urethane foam pad from the mold container.

Abstract: A trim cover assembly for use on a seat assembly. The trim cover assembly comprises a trim cover layer of material having a topside and an opposite backside. A conductive coating is applied over one of the topside or backside of the tri cover. A capacitive sensing antenna array is positioned between the trim cover and the conductive coating wherein the conductive coating increase the signal strength of the capacitive sensing antenna array through the trim cover and thus the conductivity of the trim cover assembly.

Abstract: A thermally conductive trim cover is provided for use on a seat assembly. The trim cover comprises a layer of leather material having a top surface and a bottom surface and thermally conductive particles embedded in the leather material between the top and bottom surface for dispersing heat therethrough.

Abstract: A heating and cooling mechanism disposed between a trim cover and foam pad of a seat assembly for increasing the thermal conductivity of the seat assembly. The mechanism comprises at least a pair of spaced apart elongated thermally conductive heat pipes and a thermally conductive distribution pad coupled between each of the heat pipes for disbursing thermal energy about the pad and between the heat pipes. A thermoelectric generator is electrically coupled to each of the heat pipes for generating thermal energy to the heat pipes for distribution across the pad.

Abstract: A heating and cooling mechanism is used in a seat assembly wherein the seat assembly includes a cellular foam pad encased by a trim cover. The mechanism includes a thermoelectric generator seated between the foam pad and the trim cover for generating heat in response to a first polarity of electrical power and generating cooling in response to a second polarity of electrical power opposite the first polarity of electrical power. A heat sink is coupled to the thermoelectric generator for dissipating heat generated by the thermoelectric generator and a fan coupled the heat sink for generating air flow to cool the mechanism. A skin layer of thermally conductive material is coupled to thermoelectric generator and seated between the foam pad and trim cover for providing uniform thermally conductive energy to the upper surface of the foam pad and trim cover.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for use with a vehicle includes a seatback frame having a first locking element, and a head restraint arrangement movably associated with the seatback frame. The head restraint arrangement includes a second locking element that is engageable with the first locking element. Upon a sufficient impact to the vehicle, the head restraint arrangement is configured to move with respect to the seatback frame from an initial position toward a support position. Furthermore, the locking elements are configured to allow movement of the head restraint arrangement toward the support position, while inhibiting movement toward the initial position.