Abstract: A linear motor provides stepwise, incremental advance of a moveable output member. First and second, spaced latches are movably coupled to the output member. A selectively energizable driver engages and moves the first latch into fixed engagement with the output member and continues to move the engaged first latch and output member a predetermined incremental advance distance. The second latch is biased to retain the output member in each successive incremental advance position while the first latch is being reset. In one embodiment, the driver is a motor having a rotatable output shaft with an eccentric cam mounted thereon. The eccentric cam engages the first latch to move the first latch into fixed engagement with the output member and to advance the fixedly engaged first latch and output member an incremental advance distance. A second latch is provided to hold the output member from movement in a direction opposite from the incremental advance direction.

Abstract: A linear motor provides stepwise, incremental advance of a moveable output member. First and second, spaced latches are movably coupled to the output member. A selectively energizible driver engages and moves the first latch into fixed engagement with the output member and continues to move the engaged first latch and output member a predetermined incremental advance distance. The second latch is biased to retain the output member in each successive incremental advance position while the first latch is being reset. In one embodiment, the driver is a solenoid having a movable plunger operably coupled to the first latch. In another embodiment, the drive is a motor having a rotatable output shaft with an eccentric cam mounted thereon. The eccentric cam engages the first latch to move the first latch into fixed engagement with the output member and to advance the fixedly engaged first latch and output member an incremental advance distance.

Abstract: A seat includes a plurality of flexible belts, each extending in a loop about a fixed tubular member and an opposed rotatable tubular member, the tubular members being mounted in a seat frame. A pair of spaced extensible outer support arms are associated with each belt. Each pair of outer support arms is pivotally mounted on one end to rotatable support shafts on the seat frame and have upper ends slidably disposed in a belt loop to engage the points of contact between the top and bottom surfaces of a belt loop on opposite sides of a user of the seat. The belts and outer pivotal support arms are releasably latchable in the conformed position about a user. Pivotal inner leg support arms are coupled to an endmost pair of outer support arms to conform the inner portions of an endmost belt about a user.

Abstract: A linear motor provides stepwise, incremental advance of a movable member. A linear motor includes an electric coil surrounded by a magnetic core. A co-axially aligned magnetic movable pole member and a magnetic plunger extend through the core and coil. Opposed faces of the movable pole member and the plunger are separated by an air gap. A biasing spring is connected between the plunger and the pole member to bias the pole member away from the plunger when electric current has been removed from the coil to re-establish the air gap between the pole member and the plunger. Latches act on the pole member and the plunger to provide unidirectional movement of the pole member and plunger when a magnetic field induced in the core when current is applied to the coil causes advance of the plunger into contact with the pole member.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a plurality of spaced electrical contacts serially arranged in the electrical connector body and adapted to receive mating electrical contacts mounted in a mating electrical connector member. Insulator members are mounted in the electrical connector and are movably disposed between the spaced electrical contacts. A pressure applying device acts on the serial arrangement of electrical contacts and movable insulator members to secure mating electrical contacts together in a fixed electrical connection and to provide a low insertion and removal force when pressure is released therefrom. In one embodiment, a biased wedge member is mounted in the electrical connector and normally applies pressure to the serial arrangement of movable insulator members and mating electrical contacts.