Abstract: A seat base includes a base portion, slide channels, a sled coupled to the base portion via the slide channels, and a lock extendable between the base portion and the sled. The sled is slidable relative to the base portion along a slide axis defined by the slide channels, and includes a latch that releasably attaches a seat body to the sled. The lock selectively controls sliding movement of the sled relative to the base portion. The channels effect a change in an incline orientation of the seat body relative to the seat base as the sled slides relative to the base portion. The lock includes pin(s) movable along an axis transverse to the slide axis, between (i) an extended position that restricts the sliding movement and the change in the incline orientation, and (ii) a retracted position that allows the sliding movement and the change in the incline orientation.

Abstract: A seat base includes a base pan and a base lid secured to the base pan. The base lid and the base plan together define a cavity therebetween. An energy absorber is disposed within the cavity and includes an impactor piston provided on the base lid and an energy absorbing member supported by the base pan. The energy absorbing member is configured to translate away from the base pan and towards the base lid during a deceleration of the safety base. The impactor piston is configured to deform the energy absorbing member and to dissipate impact forces imposed on the seat base during the deceleration of the seat base.

Abstract: A seat base includes abase, an arm and a release mechanism. The base includes a capture mechanism. The arm is coupled to the base and rotates through release, tension and unloaded positions. The arm frictionally engages a vehicle belt disposed between the arm and the base. The belt is disengaged from the arm when the arm is disposed in the release position. The capture mechanism is movable between an engaged position in which the arm is precluded from moving into the release position, and a disengaged position in which the arm is free to move into the release position. When the arm is disposed in the tension position and the capture mechanism is disposed in the engaged position, the capture mechanism is precluded from moving into the disengaged position.

Abstract: A seat base includes a base pan and a base lid secured to the base pan. The base lid and the base plan together define a cavity therebetween. An energy absorber is disposed within the cavity and includes an impactor piston provided on the base lid and an energy absorbing member supported by the base pan. The energy absorbing member is configured to translate away from the base pan and towards the base lid during a deceleration of the safety base. The impactor piston is configured to deform the energy absorbing member and to dissipate impact forces imposed on the seat base during the deceleration of the seat base.

Abstract: A seat base includes abase, an arm and a release mechanism. The base includes a capture mechanism. The arm is coupled to the base and rotates through release, tension and unloaded positions. The arm frictionally engages a vehicle belt disposed between the arm and the base. The belt is disengaged from the arm when the arm is disposed in the release position. The capture mechanism is movable between an engaged position in which the arm is precluded from moving into the release position, and a disengaged position in which the arm is free to move into the release position. When the arm is disposed in the tension position and the capture mechanism is disposed in the engaged position, the capture mechanism is precluded from moving into the disengaged position.

Abstract: An air flow control system and method for vehicle ventilation operates such that the operating speed of the blower providing ventilation air is changed to substantially maintain a selected air flow rate despite changes to the state of one or more passenger-operable vents. In a first embodiment, a pressure sensor in the air flow plenum provides a signal to a speed controller which alters the operating speed of the blower in view of the measured backpressure in the plenum.

Abstract: A novel damper system for controlling airflow through a plenum provides an effective seal between a rotatable damper door and the plenum to substantially inhibit airflow through the plenum without requiring additional sealing materials such as rubber or foam. When the damper door is in the closed position, an upstanding rib on each of the upper and lower portions of the damper door engage a complementary groove in a respective sealing member on the interior of the plenum against which the damper door faces abut. The engagement of the ribs in the groove provides a seal comprising three surface-to-surface interfaces. The sealing members are relatively small, compared to the size of the plenum, and thus pesent little impediment to airflow through the plenum when the damper door is rotated to an open position.

Abstract: A control wheel for controlling a control in an automotive vent has a resilient bushing which provides a frictional force to retain the control wheel in a desired position. The frictional force is substantially independent of tolerances of the components of the control wheel due to expected manufacturing variations.

Abstract: A closed control knob for a vent having vanes and louvers includes a resilient member integrally molded within the control knob. The resilient member acts between the control knob and the louver on which it is mounted to provide a frictional force to retain the knob in the position it is placed by a passenger in a vehicle of other user. By integrally forming the resilient member with the control knob, assembly is simplified and failure of glued, snapped or welded joints is avoided.