Abstract: A pneumatic seat adjuster for moving a vehicle seat relative to a floor of the vehicle includes a body having a bore formed therein. The body is adapted to be connected to one of a floor and a vehicle seat. A piston is slidably disposed in the bore of the body. The piston and the body define first and second chambers. The piston is adapted to be connected to the other one of the floor and the vehicle seat. The seat adjuster further includes a source of pressurized gas and a valve for selectively supplying pressurized gas from the source into the first and second chambers for altering the pressure differential between the first and second chambers, thereby moving the piston relative to the body.

Abstract: A pneumatic seat adjuster for moving a vehicle seat relative to a floor of the vehicle includes a body having a bore formed therein. The body is adapted to be connected to one of a floor and a vehicle seat. A piston is slidably disposed in the bore of the body. The piston and the body define first and second chambers. The piston is adapted to be connected to the other one of the floor and the vehicle seat. The seat adjuster further includes a source of pressurized gas and a valve for selectively supplying pressurized gas from the source into the first and second chambers for altering the pressure differential between the first and second chambers, thereby moving the piston relative to the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle, such as a vehicle seat, includes a vehicle component having a first portion fixed relative to the vehicle, and a second portion movable relative to the first portion. An energy management device is connected to the first and second portions. The device controls the motion of the second portion relative to the first portion through a duration of time during rapid acceleration of the vehicle component to reduce peak acceleration forces acting on the vehicle component.

Abstract: Lightweight, cost-effective composite seat back frames comprise braided carbon fiber reinforced attachment portions connected by braided, glass fiber-reinforced, generally U-shaped back portions, all these portions impregnated with a polymeric matrix resin. One or more of the braided glass or carbon fiber portions are preferably woven by a multiaxial weaving machine to maximize composite properties. The braids may be woven around a permanent or removable mandrel, and may contain pivot bushings or seat articulation hardware. The seat back frames thus produced are lighter than their aluminum counterparts.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally connected with respect to the seat bottom, a seat track and an oscillating damped energy management device secured between the seat back and the seat bottom. The device includes a damper mechanism having a gear assembly coupled to a damper crank on a secondary gear shaft. Rotation of the damper crank causes an oscillating movement of a damper rod coupled to a damper cylinder. The viscosity of the fluid within the damper cylinder can be selected to vary the energy dampening characteristics of the damper mechanism. The damper mechanism may also include a pair of damper cylinders that can oscillate approximately ninety degrees out of phase with respect to each other to more smoothly control the damped energy during low and high impacts.

Abstract: Lightweight, cost-effective composite seat back frames comprise braided carbon fiber reinforced attachment portions connected by braided, glass fiber-reinforced, generally U-shaped back portions, all these portions impregnated with a polymeric matrix resin. One or more of the braided glass or carbon fiber portions are preferably woven by a multiaxial weaving machine to maximize composite properties. The braids may be woven around a permanent or removable mandrel, and may contain pivot bushings or seat articulation hardware. The seat back frames thus produced are lighter than their aluminum counterparts.

Abstract: An automotive seat back having a pair of spaced upright members with lower ends and upper ends interconnected by a cross member to define a substantially rectangular back frame. The upright members and the cross member also have a front surface and a rear surface. A shoulder belt housing extends upwardly between the upright members from below the cross member to an upper distal end disposed above the cross member. The shoulder belt housing also extends forward of the front surfaces of the upright members and the cross member. Specifically, the front surfaces define a frontal plane of the back frame and the distal end of the shoulder belt housing extends forwardly beyond the frontal plane of the back frame. The housing includes a coffin portion, defined by side walls and a bottom, and a cover disposed over and in sealing engagement with the side walls. A seat belt passes within the coffin portion and out through an opening in the cover to overlay a front surface of the seat back.