Abstract: Provided is a modular, scalable and decentralized high voltage battery system that employs signaling and communications between a plurality of battery modules of the system without a central battery management controller. Via signaling mechanisms, each battery module of the plurality of battery modules of the system can perform precharging, discharging, charging, and safety functions in a manner that is extensible regardless of a number of battery modules in the system in series and in parallel and in a manner that does not require significant operator intervention.

Abstract: Provided is a modular, scalable and decentralized high voltage battery system that employs signaling and communications between battery modules of the system without a central battery management controller. Via signaling mechanisms, the individual battery modules of the system can perform precharging, discharging, charging, and safety functions in a manner that is extensible regardless of a number of battery modules in the system in series and parallel and in a manner that does not require significant operator intervention.

Abstract: A method may include activating two or more bypassable battery modules in succession through a current-limiting circuit to precharge an application bus from a power source.

Abstract: A method may include activating two or more bypassable battery modules in succession through a current-limiting circuit to precharge an application bus from a power source.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back frame having an aperture extending therethrough, and a head rest guide tube disposed in the aperture. The guide tube has a radially extending swaged portion engaged with the seat back frame for securing the guide tube to the seat back frame.

Abstract: A seat track assembly having a first track member and a second track member that defines a first recess. A single slide member is disposed between the first and second track members. The slide member additionally has an integral flange extending therefrom wherein the flange is adapted to engage the first recess for fixing the slide member relative to the second track member. The sliding member has a contact surface engaging the second track member and a sliding surface in sliding engagement with the first track member.

Abstract: A method of attaching a head rest guide tube to a seat back frame having an aperture extending therethrough includes inserting the guide tube into the aperture, and swaging the guide tube to form a swaged portion engaged with the seat back frame to thereby secure the guide tube to the seat back frame.

Abstract: A seat track assembly having a first track member and a second track member that defines a first recess. A single slide member is disposed between the first and second track members. The slide member additionally has an integral flange extending therefrom wherein the flange is adapted to engage the first recess for fixing the slide member relative to the second track member. The sliding member has a contact surface engaging the second track member and a sliding surface in sliding engagement with the first track member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a seat back includes placing a steel support structure within a mold and blow-molding a hollow plastic body onto the steel support structure to form a seat back with the steel support structure integrally supported within the body. The steel support structure may be a hollow, U-shaped steel tube having first and second attachment features at distal ends thereof for attachment to a lower seat structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a seat back includes placing a steel support structure within a mold and blow-molding a hollow plastic body onto the steel support structure to form a seat back with the steel support structure integrally supported within the body. The steel support structure may be a hollow, U-shaped steel tube having first and second attachment features at distal ends thereof for attachment to a lower seat structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a seat back in a vehicle comprising an aluminum I-beam formed in a generally U-shaped configuration, and having opposing ends supported with respect to the vehicle for forming a seat back frame. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat back frame, comprising: a) extruding an aluminum I-beam; b) cutting the I-beam to a desired length; c) age-hardening the I-beam; and d) bending the I-beam into a substantially U-shaped configuration to form a vehicle seat back frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a seat back in a vehicle comprising an aluminum I-beam formed in a generally U-shaped configuration, and having opposing ends supported with respect to the vehicle for forming a seat back frame. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat back frame, comprising: a) extruding an aluminum I-beam; b) cutting the I-beam to a desired length; c) age-hardening the I-beam; and d) bending the I-beam into a substantially U-shaped configuration to form a vehicle seat back frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a seat back in a vehicle comprising an aluminum I-beam formed in a generally U-shaped configuration, and having opposing ends supported with respect to the vehicle for forming a seat back frame. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat back frame, comprising: a) extruding an aluminum I-beam; b) cutting the I-beam to a desired length; c) age-hardening the I-beam; and d) bending the I-beam into a substantially U-shaped configuration to form a vehicle seat back frame.