Abstract: A seat arrangement, particularly for a vehicle, that includes a second row seat arrangement. The second row seat arrangement includes a first seat, a second seat and a third seat. The first seat can be stored such that direct access to a third row seat arrangement is not limited by the second row seat arrangement. In a two row vehicle, the second row seat arrangement with the first seat stored provides extra space in the second row for placing cargo.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for providing seating for an occupant within a vehicle may include an anchoring mechanism and a reversible seat cushion. The reversible seat cushion may be configured to be reversible between a seating position and a storage position and to be removable from and attachable to the anchoring mechanism in each of the seating position and the storage position. The reversible seat cushion may include a seating side and a storage side. In the seating position, the seating side may be exposed to provide support beneath the occupant and the storage side is concealed. In the storage position, the storage side may be exposed to provide a storage area and the seating side is concealed.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for providing seating for an occupant within a vehicle may include an anchoring mechanism and a reversible seat cushion. The reversible seat cushion may be configured to be reversible between a seating position and a storage position and to be removable from and attachable to the anchoring mechanism in each of the seating position and the storage position. The reversible seat cushion may include a seating side and a storage side. In the seating position, the seating side may be exposed to provide support beneath the occupant and the storage side is concealed. In the storage position, the storage side may be exposed to provide a storage area and the seating side is concealed.

Abstract: A seat arrangement, particularly for a vehicle, that includes a second row seat arrangement. The second row seat arrangement includes a first seat, a second seat and a third seat. The first seat can be stored such that direct access to a third row seat arrangement is not limited by the second row seat arrangement. In a two row vehicle, the second row seat arrangement with the first seat stored provides extra space in the second row for placing cargo.

Abstract: A charging system for charging a device within a vehicle may include a vehicle component, a securing mechanism, and a wireless charging mechanism. The securing mechanism may be configured to physically secure the device within a user's field of view such that the device is usable by the user while the device is being charged. The wireless charging mechanism may be integrated with the vehicle component and configured to charge the device. The securing mechanism may align and orient the device with respect to the charging mechanism.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a vehicle seat structural member may include identifying a reinforcement region of the vehicle seat structural member based on an area of the vehicle seat structural member that will be subjected to higher operational stress than another area of the vehicle seat structural member and attaching a reinforcement member to the reinforcement region of the vehicle seat structural member. The reinforcement member may include at least one of structural epoxy, a plastic, a metallic member, and a composite member. The reinforcement member may be configured to reinforce the vehicle seat structural member in the reinforcement region.

Abstract: A passenger seating system (26) for a vehicle (5) comprising a seat back (12), a seat cushion (14), and a seat base (16). The passenger seating system (26) may be configured to utilize, expose and/or create various storage areas. The storage areas may be located on or within the seat back (12), the seat cushion (14), and/or the seat base (16). Other storage areas may be utilized, exposed and/or created by configuring the passenger seating system (26) in particular positions with vehicle interior components, such as a glove box.

Abstract: A passenger seating system (26) for a vehicle (5) comprising a seat back (12), a seat cushion (14), and a seat base (16). The passenger seating system (26) may be configured to utilize, expose and/or create various storage areas. The storage areas may be located on or within the seat back (12), the seat cushion (14), and/or the seat base (16). Other storage areas may be utilized, exposed and/or created by configuring the passenger seating system (26) in particular positions with vehicle interior components, such as a glove box.

Abstract: An article attachment system for a vehicle includes an elongated rail attached to the interior of the vehicle. The rail has a partially enclosed space with at least one slide interface and a series of projections. A bracket engages the rail for mounting at least one article to the rail. A positioning device engages the bracket and has at least one extension movable between an engaged position for securing the article to the rail and a released position for moving the article relative to the rail.

Abstract: A console system which may translate longitudinally in a vehicle includes a forward end which is capable of being at least partially nested with a vehicle instrument panel. The range of movement may extend to the front seats or further toward the rear of the vehicle to provide functionality for occupants of second or even third row seats. The translation mechanism preferably includes a track similar to those employed in the vehicle art for manual seat adjustment. In the most preferred embodiment, a storage drawer is included in the instrument panel which may be used when the console is in any position, including its nested position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that is easily attachable onto existing articles of furniture without requiring the modification of the furniture. The present device allows users to lie comfortably face down on such furniture without neck or other body strain.

Abstract: A modular system for a vehicle is provided which includes one or more elongated members adapted to be coupled to an interior portion of a vehicle, where one or more removable articles are configured for attachment to one or more of the members and a utility system provides utilities to the articles. One or more holders are positioned to align with the members and are coupled to the articles for attaching the articles to one or more of the members.

Abstract: A console system which may translate longitudinally in a vehicle includes a forward end which is capable of being at least partially nested with a vehicle instrument panel. The range of movement may extend to the front seats or further toward the rear of the vehicle to provide functionality for occupants of second or even third row seats. The translation mechanism preferably includes a track similar to those employed in the vehicle art for manual seat adjustment. In the most preferred embodiment, a storage drawer is included in the instrument panel which may be used when the console is in any position, including its nested position.

Abstract: A modular system for a vehicle is provided which includes one or more elongated members adapted to be coupled to an interior portion of a vehicle, where one or more removable articles are configured for attachment to one or more of the members and a utility system provides utilities to the articles. One or more holders are positioned to align with the members and are coupled to the articles for attaching the articles to one or more of the members.

Abstract: A binocular endoscope which uses a pair of coherent fiberoptic channels and associated objective lens systems which incorporate a "zoom" feature of magnification while preserving depth perception for the user. There are two longitudinally spaced lenses in each objective lens system. The endoscope is inserted into a body cavity and the object to be examined is brought into focus with the lenses separated at or near their minimum spacing in order to establish orientation within the body cavity. After orientation is established, the spacing between lenses is reset to be at or near its maximum distance between lenses and the scope is advanced axially to its fixed focal plane. Thereafter, the field of view and its concomitant magnification are varied without changing the axial position of the scope with respect to the patient.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning a pair of electrodes on either side of the end portion of an optical fiber extending through a contact, to establish an arc through a cross-aperture in the contact and across the fiber to melt the fiber into a lens, which assures close control of the arc and which prolongs the life of the electrodes. The tips of the electrodes are positioned to lie slightly within opposite ends of the cross-aperture, to avoid establishing an arc between the electrodes which passes around the contact instead of through the cross-aperture. The electrodes are spaced apart by at least about eight times the diameter of the optic fiber, to avoid deposition of vapors from the heated optic fiber onto the electrodes. The cross-aperture extends to the tip of the contact, so the contact can be moved along its axis to a position where the electrodes lie on opposite sides of the fiber end portion.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting an optical fiber cable to an electro-optical device which is suitable for both single and multi-channel applications. The coupling utilizes a standard connector contact which is releasably mounted in the coupling by means of a contact retention clip. An O-ring is mounted in the coupling between a shoulder in the contact cavity and a shoulder on the contact which prevents the forward mating end of the contact from damaging the active face of the electro-optical device in the coupling, and prevents longitudinal rattle of the contact.

Abstract: An optic fiber connection system is provided which enables the forming of a lens or bead at the end of an optic fiber by an electric arc established between a pair of electrodes, which avoids degradation of the electrodes with use. The contact has a forward portion with a hole along its axis for receiving the optic fiber, and a cross aperture extending perpendicular to the hole to receive the end of the optic fiber. The forward portion of the contact is formed of a ceramic or other high melting temperature dielectric, to allow the electrodes to be widely spaced to avoid their degradation, without shorting out the electric arc.

Abstract: The axial position of the fiber is controlled in three grinding or polishing stages. The fiber (72) is first ground flush with the guide (120) in which it is housed. The fiber end and face of the guide are then ground flat and square. The fiber is thereafter polished to its optical quality and required length. The tool for accomplishing these steps includes a retainer (74) which holds the fiber optic ferrule (70) and its optical fiber (72) therein at a tool surface (16). This tool surface is protected by a guard (18) from being too rapidly ground away while the fiber and fiber/guide combination are ground flush with the surface. The surface and its retailed guide and fiber are then moved to an unprotected position (FIG. 3) so that the surface and the fiber within its ferrule may be polished on a suitable polishing wheel or similar device.

Abstract: The axial position of the fiber is controlled in three grinding or polishing stages. The fiber (72) is first ground flush with the guide (120) in which it is housed. The fiber end and face of the guide are then ground flat and square. The fiber is thereafter polished to its optical quality and required length. The tool for accomplishing these steps includes a retainer (74) which holds the fiber optic ferrule (70) and its optical fiber (72) therein at a tool surface (16). This tool surface is protected by a guard (18) from being too rapidly ground away while the fiber and fiber/guide combination are ground flush with the surface. The surface and its retailed guide and fiber are then moved to an unprotected position (FIG. 3) so that the surface and the fiber within its ferrule may be polished on a suitable polishing wheel or similar device.