Patents by Inventor James F. Pywell
James F. Pywell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10040398Abstract: A number of variations may include a vehicle seatback support pivotally connected to the vehicle body, and wherein the seatback support includes an integrated storage cavity.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James F. Pywell, Matthew P. Meyer, Kevin T. Joy
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Patent number: 9610899Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: a removable seat bottom for a vehicle comprising a seat cushion and a storage unit, wherein the seat cushion is pivotally attached to the storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: James F. Pywell
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Publication number: 20160193949Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: a removable seat bottom for a vehicle comprising a seat cushion and a storage unit, wherein the seat cushion is pivotally attached to the storage unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2015Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventor: James F. Pywell
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Publication number: 20150298615Abstract: A number of variations may include a vehicle seatback support pivotally connected to the vehicle body, and wherein the seatback support includes an integrated storage cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2015Publication date: October 22, 2015Inventors: JAMES F. PYWELL, MATTHEW P. MEYER, KEVIN T. JOY
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Publication number: 20150298614Abstract: A number of variations may include a vehicle seatback having a storage sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2015Publication date: October 22, 2015Inventor: James F. Pywell
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Publication number: 20150202994Abstract: A stabilization assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat and a slide assembly. The vehicle seat includes a first frame member, a second frame member spaced opposite the first frame member, and a torque tube disposed between and attached to the first frame member and the second frame member. The slide assembly includes a track defining a channel therein, a rail translatable within the channel, and a bracket attached to the rail. A lift linkage interconnects the vehicle seat and the slide assembly, is attached to the bracket and the torque tube, and is rotatable with respect to the bracket about a pivot axis. The stabilization assembly also includes a locking sprocket attached to the bracket, rotatable about the pivot axis during a non-energy management condition, and not rotatable about the pivot axis during an energy management condition. A vehicle including the stabilization assembly is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2014Publication date: July 23, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James F. Pywell, Leigh A. Berger
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Patent number: 9085246Abstract: A stabilization assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat and a slide assembly. The vehicle seat includes a first frame member, a second frame member spaced opposite the first frame member, and a torque tube disposed between and attached to the first frame member and the second frame member. The slide assembly includes a track defining a channel therein, a rail translatable within the channel, and a bracket attached to the rail. A lift linkage interconnects the vehicle seat and the slide assembly, is attached to the bracket and the torque tube, and is rotatable with respect to the bracket about a pivot axis. The stabilization assembly also includes a locking sprocket attached to the bracket, rotatable about the pivot axis during a non-energy management condition, and not rotatable about the pivot axis during an energy management condition. A vehicle including the stabilization assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James F. Pywell, Leigh A. Berger
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Patent number: 8948962Abstract: A seat assembly includes a first member. There is a second member located proximate to the first member. A latch mechanism is located between the first member and the second member and is configured to selectively prevent movement of the second member relative to the first member. A latch release switch is positioned on the seat assembly and is configured to send a first signal when a user applies an adjustment force at a seat adjustment location. A controller is connected to the latch release switch and a latch release actuator and is configured to receive the first signal from the latch release switch and in response to generate an activation signal. The latch release actuator is activated in response to the activation signal to move the latch mechanism to a released position to allow relative movement between the first member and the second member.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James F. Pywell, Nilesh D. Mankame
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Patent number: 8657356Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle includes a first seat configured for supporting a driver of the vehicle and a second seat disposed adjacent the first seat and configured for supporting a passenger of the vehicle. The second seat includes a collapsible bin configured for storing one or more articles.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James F. Pywell, Robert R. Kubiak
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Publication number: 20130127201Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle includes a first seat configured for supporting a driver of the vehicle and a second seat disposed adjacent the first seat and configured for supporting a passenger of the vehicle. The second seat includes a collapsible bin configured for storing one or more articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James F. Pywell, Robert R. Kubiak
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Publication number: 20110301809Abstract: A seat assembly includes a first member. There is a second member located proximate to the first member. A latch mechanism is located between the first member and the second member and is configured to selectively prevent movement of the second member relative to the first member. A latch release switch is positioned on the seat assembly and is configured to send a first signal when a user applies an adjustment force at a seat adjustment location. A controller is connected to the latch release switch and a latch release actuator and is configured to receive the first signal from the latch release switch and in response to generate an activation signal. The latch release actuator is activated in response to the activation signal to move the latch mechanism to a released position to allow relative movement between the first member and the second member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: James F. PYWELL, Nilesh D. MANKAME
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Patent number: 7963603Abstract: A vehicle seat stabilization system configured for minimizing downward displacement of a seat cushion upon vehicle impact includes a vehicle seat and a stabilization device. The seat has a first and second vertical position and includes the cushion, a torque tube, mounting arrangement, slide assembly, and lift linkage. The device is configured for minimizing downward displacement of the cushion upon vehicle impact and includes a piston, rod, first cylinder, and a second cylinder disposed entirely within and cooperating with the first cylinder to define a conduit. The piston divides the second cylinder and defines a first and second chamber in fluid communication via the conduit. The device includes fluid and a member disposed within the second cylinder moveable upon vehicle impact to seal off fluid communication between the conduit and the second chamber to minimize downward displacement of the cushion upon impact when the seat is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: James F. Pywell
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Patent number: 7862074Abstract: A vehicle includes an energy absorber that is positionable rearward of a passenger seat to absorb energy from a force having a forward component and being directed toward the rear surface of the passenger seat. In one exemplary embodiment, the energy absorber is a cellular material. In another exemplary embodiment, the energy absorber is a selectively inflatable cushion. A corresponding seat assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Bing Deng, James F. Pywell
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Publication number: 20100176628Abstract: A vehicle seat stabilization system configured for minimizing downward displacement of a seat cushion upon vehicle impact includes a vehicle seat and a stabilization device. The seat has a first and second vertical position and includes the cushion, a torque tube, mounting arrangement, slide assembly, and lift linkage. The device is configured for minimizing downward displacement of the cushion upon vehicle impact and includes a piston, rod, first cylinder, and a second cylinder disposed entirely within and cooperating with the first cylinder to define a conduit. The piston divides the second cylinder and defines a first and second chamber in fluid communication via the conduit. The device includes fluid and a member disposed within the second cylinder moveable upon vehicle impact to seal off fluid communication between the conduit and the second chamber to minimize downward displacement of the cushion upon impact when the seat is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: JAMES F. PYWELL
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Patent number: 5492368Abstract: A vehicle seat system for a vehicle seat mounted on the vehicle floor is provided including a resilient vehicle seat bun for normally supporting a seated occupant at a given height above the vehicle floor; a lap restraint to cross over the seated occupant to restrain the occupant in the vehicle seat; a belt wrench tensionally associated with the lap restraint to tension the lap restraint to an extent to significantly pull down toward the vehicle floor the seated occupant into the seat bun such that the seated occupant's head is brought closer to the floor; and a sensor to activate the belt wrench when the vehicle undergoes a displacement condition indicative of a vehicle rollover condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1995Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: James F. Pywell, Harold J. Miller