Abstract: An actuation system for concurrently actuating a first mechanism and a second mechanism from a first state to a second state includes an actuator and a sliding member operatively engaged with the actuator and movable from a first position to a second position in response to actuation of the actuator. A connecting member has a relaxed state and a taut state. The connecting member includes a first end coupled to the first mechanism, a second end coupled to the second mechanism, and a medial portion cooperative with the sliding member. Movement of the sliding member from the first position to the second position changes the connecting member from the relaxed state to the taut state, whereby the tension is increased in the connecting member.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump for a seat adjusting device comprises a diaphragm and a valve member which define a pump chamber therebetween. An inlet valve and an outlet valve are formed on the valve member. A pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet valve and receives fluid discharged from the pump chamber via the outlet valve. One of the diaphragm and the valve member comprises a valve membrane of a pressure relief valve integrated in the pump. The valve membrane is integrally formed with the one of the diaphragm and the valve member. The valve membrane is moveable between a first configuration in which the valve membrane closes a pressure relief channel and a second configuration in which the valve membrane opens the pressure relief channel to allow fluid to be discharged from the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An actuation system for concurrently actuating a first mechanism and a second mechanism from a first state to a second state includes an actuator and a sliding member operatively engaged with the actuator and movable from a first position to a second position in response to actuation of the actuator. A connecting member has a relaxed state and a taut state. The connecting member includes a first end coupled to the first mechanism, a second end coupled to the second mechanism, and a medial portion cooperative with the sliding member. Movement of the sliding member from the first position to the second position changes the connecting member from the relaxed state to the taut state, whereby the tension is increased in the connecting member.

Abstract: An adjustable support system for a seat having a fixed frame includes a support movable from a first position to a second position relative to the frame. An actuator is coupled to only the support and is configured to move the support between the first and second positions. A member is operatively associated with and movable by the actuator. A flexible cable has a first end coupled to the member for travel along the length of the member and a second end coupled to the fixed frame such that movement of the member by the actuator causes the flexible cable to move the support between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A lumbar support system for a seat backrest having a fixed frame includes a lumbar support coupled to the fixed frame that is movable from a first position to a second position and a motor for moving the lumbar support. A threaded member is operatively associated with the motor such that the motor rotates the threaded member about an axis. A traveling member is operatively associated with the threaded member such that rotation of the threaded member translates the traveling member along the threaded member. The system further includes a flexible cable having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the traveling member for movement therewith and the second end is coupled to the fixed frame such that translation of the traveling member in response to rotation of the threaded member moves the lumbar support element from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A lumbar support system for a seat backrest having a fixed frame includes a lumbar support coupled to the fixed frame that is movable from a first position to a second position and a motor for moving the lumbar support. A threaded member is operatively associated with the motor such that the motor rotates the threaded member about an axis. A traveling member is operatively associated with the threaded member such that rotation of the threaded member translates the traveling member along the threaded member. The system further includes a flexible cable having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the traveling member for movement therewith and the second end is coupled to the fixed frame such that translation of the traveling member in response to rotation of the threaded member moves the lumbar support element from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus in a multiprocessor system, whereby a set of rules relating to memory access are created and implemented in a hardware element. The rules can be updated dynamically, for example by the sequence processor (or sequencer) used to control the multiple processing elements.

Abstract: A digital data processing system that is designed to facilitate use of UML activity diagrams.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump for a seat adjusting device comprises a diaphragm and a valve member which define a pump chamber therebetween. An inlet valve and an outlet valve are formed on the valve member. A pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet valve and receives fluid discharged from the pump chamber via the outlet valve. One of the diaphragm and the valve member comprises a valve membrane of a pressure relief valve integrated in the pump. The valve membrane is integrally formed with the one of the diaphragm and the valve member. The valve membrane is moveable between a first configuration in which the valve membrane closes a pressure relief channel and a second configuration in which the valve membrane opens the pressure relief channel to allow fluid to be discharged from the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A measurement device and method for measuring a portion of an animal's leg to more accurately and fairly determine the height setting required for a jump apparatus to be jumped by the animal. The device, which is particularly useful for measuring dogs for Flyball competitions, comprises an elongated body member and a sliding mechanism slidably attached thereto. The preferred body member has a curved cross-section. A preferred sliding mechanism comprises a slot disposed in the body member and a slide member that slidably engages the slot. In use, the body member is placed against the ulna of the dog's front leg with the first end of the body member positioned at the intersection of the ulna and the accessory carpal bone so a contact plate of the slide member can be slid against the elbow. A color coded and labeled chart on the body member provides the jump height setting.

Abstract: A method of filtering messages received by a telecommunications device comprises inputting a rule set into the telecommunications device, and then reading an incoming message. The message is then modified if that message breaks a rule of the rule set; and the modified message is displayed. The rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which relates to a respective predetermined message content.

Abstract: A winch assembly is provided for use with a tire carrier having a mounting plate. The winch assembly includes a spool, a torque limiter and a housing. The housing has a closed end and an open end. The open end is adapted to be fixedly secured to the mounting plate to define a single cavity between the closed end and the mounting plate for substantially enclosing both the spool and the torque limiter therein.

Abstract: A winch assembly is provided for use with a tire carrier having a mounting plate. The winch assembly includes a spool, a torque limiter and a housing. The housing has a closed end and an open end. The open end is adapted to be fixedly secured to the mounting plate to define a single cavity between the closed end and the mounting plate for substantially enclosing both the spool and the torque limiter therein.