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 includes a resistance heating wire comprising at least one uninsulated conductor strand and at least one additional strand spirally wound about a core strand in one layer, the at least one additional strand, the core strand, or both being non-conductive or conductive and having a non-conductive layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conductor having a conductive element and a covering surrounding at least a portion of the conductive element Preferably, the covering has an inner portion and an outer portion formed of different materials such that the melting point of the inner portion is higher than the melting point of the outer portion. The conductor is particularly useful for forming heaters, which may be integrated into a seat of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: There is described a heating tape structure and a method of forming the same. The heating tape structure includes a base film strip that is typically elongated and includes strips of conductive material extending adjacent sides of the base film strip. The heating tape can be formed by providing the base film strip to an automated system and layering the strips of conductive material thereon.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heater for an automotive vehicle or other article of manufacture. The heater typically includes a first conductive medium and a second conductive medium disposed upon a carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first conductive medium includes a first section and a second section that are electrically connected by a second conductive medium. The second conductive medium preferably exhibits a positive thermal coefficient.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat. The system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual. Preferably, the insert includes a heater or heater layer for providing heat for the individual.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a seat for a vehicle having at least one temperature conditioned component. The temperature conditioned component comprises a cushion, a trim surface, an insert located beneath the trim surface and a cushioning layer. The cushioning layer comprises one or more pouches with a filler material, and preferably a liquid filler material, that distributes the downward pressure of the occupant across a larger area of the seat. This distribution of downward pressure reduces or eliminates pressure points in the seat. The seat may also include an air mover assembly that facilitates the heating, cooling or ventilation function of the seat by blowing air to or drawing air from the seat.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert preferably includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also preferably includes a blower or air pump for providing ventilation and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conductor having a conductive element and a covering surrounding at least a portion of the conductive element. Preferably, the covering has an inner portion and an outer portion formed of different materials such that the melting point of the inner portion is higher than the melting point of the outer portion. The conductor is particularly useful for forming heaters, which may be integrated into a seat of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing an insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert preferably includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also preferably includes a blower or air pump for providing ventilation and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat. The system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual. Preferably, the insert includes a heater or heater layer for providing heat for the individual.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conductor having a conductive element and a covering surrounding at least a portion of the conductive element. Preferably, the covering has an inner portion and an outer portion formed of different materials such that the melting point of the inner portion is higher than the melting point of the outer portion. The conductor is particularly useful for forming heaters, which may be integrated into a seat of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat. The system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual. Preferably, the insert includes a heater or heater layer for providing heat for the individual.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat. The system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual. Preferably, the insert includes a heater or heater layer for providing heat for the individual.

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: There is disclosed an insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert preferably includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also preferably includes a blower or air pump for providing ventilation and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert preferably includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also preferably includes a blower or air pump for providing ventilation and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat with a ventilated component such as a seat component or a backrest component, where at least one of the components has a seat cushion and a trim surface. The invention also includes an absorption refrigeration system having a boiler in thermal contact with a heat source of the vehicle, a condenser, and an evaporator located in thermal contact with the vehicle seat. The absorption refrigeration system also includes a conduit fluidity connecting each of the boiler, condenser and evaporator to each other. A refrigerant is located in the conduit and circulates among the components to facilitate temperature conditioning of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat. The system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual. Preferably, the insert includes a heater or heater layer for providing heat for the individual.