Abstract: A heater/sensor assembly to perform heating of a surface and proximity sensing comprises a heater wire, a sensor wire, and an electrically conductive glue. The heater wire is disposed on a heater wire carrier. The heater wire carrier is electrically non-conducting. The sensor wire is disposed on a sensor wire carrier. The sensor wire carrier being electrically non-conducting. The electrically conductive glue is disposed between the heater wire carrier and the sensor wire carrier.

Abstract: A heater/sensor assembly is configured to perform heating and proximity sensing and includes a heater carrier substrate including first and second surfaces. A heater wire is arranged in a predetermined pattern adjacent to and in contact with the first surface of the heater carrier substrate, wherein the heater wire is insulated. A proximity sensor includes a conductive thread attaching the heater wire to the first surface of the heater carrier substrate.

Abstract: A heater/sensor assembly is configured to perform heating and proximity sensing and includes a heater carrier substrate including first and second surfaces. A heater wire is arranged in a predetermined pattern adjacent to and in contact with the first surface of the heater carrier substrate, wherein the heater wire is insulated. A proximity sensor includes a conductive thread attaching the heater wire to the first surface of the heater carrier substrate.

Abstract: An air distribution device that includes a seat plate. The seat plate includes one or more cushion engaging features. The one or more cushion engaging features are configured to engage one or more corresponding plate engaging features provided on a seat cushion of a vehicle seat.

Abstract: An air distribution device that includes a seat plate. The seat plate includes one or more cushion engaging features. The one or more cushion engaging features are configured to engage one or more corresponding plate engaging features provided on a seat cushion of a vehicle seat.

Abstract: An insert comprising: (a) a cover layer; (b) a spacer layer located below the cover layer; (c) a connection material that is adapted to extend between and connect the cover layer to a trim layer so that the insert is fixed to the trim layer.

Abstract: An air distribution device that includes a seat plate. The seat plate includes one or more cushion engaging features. The one or more cushion engaging features are configured to engage one or more corresponding plate engaging features provided on a seat cushion of a vehicle seat.

Abstract: An insert comprising: (a) a cover layer; (b) a spacer layer located below the cover layer; (c) a connection material that is adapted to extend between and connect the cover layer to a trim layer so that the insert is fixed to the trim layer.

Abstract: An insert comprising: (a) a cover layer; (b) a spacer layer located below the cover layer; (c) a connection material that is adapted to extend between and connect the cover layer to a trim layer so that the insert is fixed to the trim layer.

Abstract: An insert comprising: (a) a cover layer; (b) a spacer layer located below the cover layer; (c) a connection material that is adapted to extend between and connect the cover layer to a trim layer so that the insert is fixed to the trim layer.

Abstract: An improved heating element, comprising: (a) an electrically insulated resistive heating wire; (b) a flexible substrate that supports the electrically insulated resistive wire: (c) one or more electrical connection for an operational component of the heating element, the electrical connection including at least two wires that are joined together; (d) a spacer controlling spacing between the at least two wires approaching the electrical connection; wherein at least a portion of the electrical connection including the spacer is encapsulated in a shrunken heat shrinkable sheath that includes at least one mass of hot melt adhesive within the sheath so that the electrical connection is insulated from fluid penetration.

Abstract: An improved heating element, comprising: (a) an electrically insulated resistive heating wire; (b) a flexible substrate that supports the electrically insulated resistive wire: (c) one or more electrical connection for an operational component of the heating element, the electrical connection including at least two wires that are joined together; (d) a spacer controlling spacing between the at least two wires approaching the electrical connection; wherein at least a portion of the electrical connection including the spacer is encapsulated in a shrunken heat shrinkable sheath that includes at least one mass of hot melt adhesive within the sheath so that the electrical connection is insulated from fluid penetration.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat.

Abstract: There is disclosed a temperature conditioned assembly for use in a component (e.g., a seat or steering wheel) of a transportation vehicle (e.g., an automotive vehicle, a plane, a train or the like). The assembly typically includes one or more conditions such as a heater and/or a ventilation or cooling system. A controller and a temperature sensor are also included in the assembly. Preferably, the controller is programmed to effect an energy output sequence that is based upon the ambient temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat.