Abstract: An actuator includes a pinion engaging a seat height adjustment mechanism. A brake drum fixed to the seat defines an outer brake race. A brake hub integrated with the pinion, rotatable in the brake drum, defines an inner brake race. Rolling brake elements between the brake races lock the brake hub to the brake drum in the absence of actuator input. A clutch drum covers the brake races, defines an outer clutch race, and includes clutch tabs to displace the rolling brake elements, unlocking the brake hub, responsive to actuator input. A driver cam rotatable within the clutch drum defines an inner clutch race. Rolling clutch elements in the clutch races transmit actuator input to the clutch drum and permit rotation of the driver cam relative to the clutch drum in the absence of actuator input. An exterior cup fixed to the brake drum defines a housing for the actuator.

Abstract: An actuator includes a pinion engaging a seat height adjustment mechanism. A brake drum fixed to the seat defines an outer brake race. A brake hub integrated with the pinion, rotatable in the brake drum, defines an inner brake race. Rolling brake elements between the brake races lock the brake hub to the brake drum in the absence of actuator input. A clutch drum covers the brake races, defines an outer clutch race, and includes clutch tabs to displace the rolling brake elements, unlocking the brake hub, responsive to actuator input. A driver cam rotatable within the clutch drum defines an inner clutch race. Rolling clutch elements in the clutch races transmit actuator input to the clutch drum and permit rotation of the driver cam relative to the clutch drum in the absence of actuator input. An exterior cup fixed to the brake drum defines a housing for the actuator.

Abstract: An actuating device comprises a handle, a housing, and a driven member connected to the handle, the driven member being rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof, the housing containing: a brake mechanism, for restricting rotation of the driven member when the brake mechanism is engaged; a means for disengaging the brake mechanism; a means for rotating the driven member in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction; and, a clutch mechanism for restricting reverse rotation of the driven member when driven in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The actuating device of the invention is particularly suited for actuating a seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle.

Abstract: An actuating device comprises a handle, a housing, and a driven member connected to the handle, the driven member being rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof, the housing containing: a brake mechanism, for restricting rotation of the driven member when the brake mechanism is engaged; a means for disengaging the brake mechanism; a means for rotating the driven member in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction; and, a clutch mechanism for restricting reverse rotation of the driven member when driven in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The actuating device of the invention is particularly suited for actuating a seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided to aid in the maintenance and replacement of a drive member of a drive system. The tensioning device operates to maintain tension in the drive member during prolonged use of the drive system through a biased roller that receives and guides the drive member and adapts continuously to maintain tension as the drive member changes properties through use. The tensioning device further operates to ease the replacement of the drive member by being rotatable against the bias to provide slack within the drive member, such that the drive member may be removed from the belt drive system. The tensioning device includes an arm and a base, with the arm being capable of limited rotation about the base. The arm includes the roller for guiding the drive member and is biased in one direction to maintain tension within the drive member. The arm may be rotated against the bias towards an engaged position wherein the arm is restricted from counter rotation in the direction of the bias.