Toggle Or Link Patents (Class 248/421)
  • Patent number: 9061621
    Abstract: A seat-cushion shell unit is configured to include a support panel provided to be movable up and down and tiltable to an arbitrary angle below a seat cushion shell, and a support pad provided between the seat cushion shell and the support panel. A front end part and a rear end part of a support panel are fixed to the seat frame, and the seat-cushion shell unit is attached to the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadanori Hisamoto
  • Patent number: 9027993
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: a vehicle body side member; a seat cushion having left and right side frames; left and right front links provided respectively between front end sides of the left and right side frames and the vehicle body side member, the left and right front links configure a portion of a lifter mechanism that moves the seat cushion, and one end side of the respective left and right front links is coupled to the vehicle body side member so as to be rotatable about an axis along the seat left-right direction; and a coupling member coupling together front end sides of the left and right side frames along the seat left-right direction, that is rotatable with respect to the left and right side frames about an axis along the seat left-right direction, and that is joined to other end side of the respective left and right front links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomu Munemura, Hironobu Nakane, Ryo Nagahara, Tadanori Hisamoto
  • Patent number: 9010737
    Abstract: A seat height adjusting apparatus for a vehicle includes an air spring configured to raise or lower a seat of the vehicle, a control valve connected to the air spring and configured to selectively supply air to the air spring, a push rod configured to selectively press an air injection pin or an air discharge pin of the control valve, an arm rod fastened to the push rod and configured to rotate the push rod, a height adjusting cable fastened to one side of the arm rod and configured to rotate the arm rod, and a height adjusting lever configured to move the height adjusting cable in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Han Il E Hwa, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 9007752
    Abstract: An interlocking system for connecting a programmable logic controller and a power supply of an industrial control and automation system is provided. The interlocking system includes features configured to facilitate coupling with a panel or rail and a plurality of vertical slots and a latch disposed on a side surface of the power supply. The latch includes a first attachment feature disposed along a flexible tongue cantilevered proximate an opening in a housing of the power supply such that the tongue can flex into the opening. The interlocking system also includes a plurality of hooks and a second attachment feature formed on a side surface of the programmable logic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Asia Pacific Business Center Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Karen Chin, Chee Lim Wong
  • Publication number: 20150076310
    Abstract: A handle returning apparatus includes an input member rotating in conjunction with an operation handle operated to rotate in first and second directions including a neutral position, and a spring member including a plurality of spring portions integrally formed and including different spring forces, each of the spring portions including first and second spring end portions separating from each other in a circumferential direction and being configured to generate a returning force for returning the operation handle to the neutral position by being resiliently deformed on a basis of the rotation operation of the operation handle to bias the input member in a state where one of the first and second spring end portions engages with the input member and the other engages with a fixation member. The plurality of spring portions is selectively switchable therebetween to generate the returning force depending on a condition of the rotation operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukifumi YAMADA, Naoki Goto
  • Publication number: 20150076309
    Abstract: Seat height adjustment having vertical slots (21, FIG. 3) provided on the seat structure (20) and a displacer (14) which is provided with tilted slots (15) and which can be moved horizontally in order to lift or lower the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Kurt Seibold, Alexander I Balin, Ingo Kienke, Jorg Linnenbrink
  • Patent number: 8973886
    Abstract: An active vibration control device is provided that is configured to control the position of a body relative to a reference frame. The control device includes sensors that provide input signals corresponding to movement of the body in at least one direction, a rotary rotary actuator configured to control the position of the body, and four-bar linkage connecting the rotary rotary actuator to the body. The linkage converts the rotary motion output from the rotary actuator into a linear motion of the body. The controller, based on the input signals from the reference frame sensors, provides control signals to the rotary rotary actuator which acts through the linkage to position the body in the at least one direction relative to the position of the reference frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Breen, Mark A. Hayner
  • Patent number: 8960802
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle seat with a seat upper part comprising a seat part and a back rest, and with a seat lower part, wherein between the seat upper part and the seat lower part is arranged a height-adjustable seat frame with at least two scissor arms connected rotatably together, wherein at least a first end of at least one of the scissor arms is connected with at least one slide element for sliding displacement of the first end in at least one displacement direction along at least one guide rail, wherein the slide element has at least one flexibly formed pressure force element to exert a pressure force directed against the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Frank Himmelhuber
  • Patent number: 8944398
    Abstract: A portable lift facilitation assembly assists in lifting a person from a seated position. The assembly includes a base and a top. A biasing member urges the top away from the base into an extended position. Extension arms are coupled to the base and the top. Each extension arm is extendable between a retracted position and an elongated position. A latch is coupled to the base and selectively secures the top to the base. A release is coupled to the base and operationally coupled to the latch for selectively releasing the latch from the top wherein the biasing member urges the top into the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Carol D. Miller
  • Patent number: 8894152
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) with an upper part (5) and a lower part (6) and a frame (4) arranged between them and vertically adjustable by means of at least one fluid spring (11) capable of being retracted and extended, wherein a component (17) with at least one element (24) of resilient material for the damping of vibrating movements of the vehicle seat (1) is provided, wherein the component (17) is connected to a first end (20) of the fluid spring (11) and the upper part (5) of the seat or the lower part (6) of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Konstantin Lorey
  • Patent number: 8851563
    Abstract: Fitting system including base seat surface and leg support segments. The seat surface segment is displaceable in relation to the base segment, and the leg support segment is pivotable between a storage position and a use position, and wherein the relative positions of the seat surface and leg support segments with respect to the base segment are forcibly coupled to each other. The seat surface segment is connected to the base segment by a first bracket. The leg support segment is pivotable about a pivot axis fixed in position with respect to the base and leg support segments. The leg support segment is connected to the seat surface segment by a second bracket pivotable about a pivot axis on the leg support and seat surface segment sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kintec-Solution GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hortig, Boris Besler
  • Patent number: 8844894
    Abstract: A scissor suspension mechanism, optionally used as a seat base, comprising both small footprint base and movable element, a set of two pairs of crossed first and second scissor arms and a linkage assembly including a plurality of pivot interfaces and linkages; which are designed in a way that the crossed first and second scissor arms describe, during the total elevation stroke of the movable element with respect to the base element, both positive and negative angles with respect to each other while passing through a null angle at which the overall mechanism length is maximal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Baultar I.D. Inc.
    Inventor: Etienne Archambault
  • Patent number: 8807507
    Abstract: A lifting mechanism of a vehicle seat for adjusting a seating height position of the vehicle seat is provided. The lifting mechanism includes a lifter link having one side that is rotatably shaft-supported to a floor-side member provided on a vehicle floor and the other side that rotatably shaft-supports a frame member of a seating-side configuring part for seating; and a stopper link having one side that is rotatably shaft-supported to the floor-side member and the other side that is loosely fitted in a long hole formed in the lifter link. A rotation of the lifter link in a rear direction is restrained by a loosely fitted portion of the stopper link contacting an inner circumferential part of the long hole. A rotation of the lifter link in a front direction is restrained by a restraining contract part provided to the lifter link contacting a stopper part provided to the floor-side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ito, Shunsuke Kuwayama, Teruyuki Hadatsuki, Shou Terada, Satoshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 8800947
    Abstract: A stepped lowering device includes a lifting/lowering link having a pivot on a base and on an ascending/descending body; a toothed link pivoted on the base or the ascending/descending body, includes a link ratchet and swings in association with the lifting/lowering link; an input member, supported by the ascending/descending body or the base; a first lowering prevention latch mechanism engaged with the link ratchet to prevent the toothed link swinging downward when the input member is in a neutral position and allows the toothed link to swing downward when the input member is swung in a lowering direction; and a second lowering prevention latch mechanism which allows the toothed link to swing downward by one tooth of the link ratchet and which is engaged with the link ratchet to prevent the toothed link further swinging downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Shiroki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Hidehiko Fujioka, Hiroshi Koga
  • Patent number: 8794580
    Abstract: A bracket is provided for mounting conduit clamps or pipe clamps to the face of the bracket. The height of the bracket can be adjusted by removing pins that are attached to mounting bracket feet and mounting bracket arms. Multiple holes may be formed in the mounting bracket arm and mounting bracket feet to allow for various alignments of the bracket arms, which will vary the height of the bracket. The height is adjusted through a pair of four-bar linkages that enable a linear motion of the bracket face. The bracket may have a footprint that is smaller than conventional adjustable mounting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael O. Koehler
  • Patent number: 8789804
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for adjusting a seat height of a vehicle, comprising a height adjusting lever engaged in a gear tooth structure with a height adjusting pivot and changing the gear tooth engagement structure by means of the upward and downward rotations, a height adjusting cable rotating along a cable guide by means of the upward and downward rotations of the height adjusting lever and a rotor connected with the height adjusting cable for thereby selectively pressurizing an air injection pin or an air discharge pin of a control valve depending on the rotation direction of the height adjusting cable, and adjusting an amount of air in an interior of an air spring which is connected with the control valve and adjusts the height of the seat, so the height can be conveniently adjusted, and the riding quality can be improved, and the manufacture cost can be saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Han Il e Hwa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 8763969
    Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable display support, wherein when a support arm is in a standing state, a limiting sheet is located in a limiting part of a screen support rack for blocking, so only the forward/backward tilted angle of a screen can be adjusted, thereby preventing being unstable and falling due to the gravity center being overly backward. When the support arm is folded to a horizontal state, the gravity center is lowered, and a protrusion of a first cam abuts a protrusion of a second cam, such that the second cam axially moves and pushes the limiting sheet to be released from the limiting part of the screen support rack, at this moment, the screen is enabled to be backwardly rotated and folded to a horizontal state for reducing the occupied space, thereby ensuring the folding process to be smooth and stable and preventing from falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen Hao Wu, Kuo Feng Chang
  • Patent number: 8733508
    Abstract: A lift assembly includes a base and a platform at a relatively greater distance from the base in an extended state than in a contracted state. The lift assembly includes a pair of scissor arms with each arm having opposed first and second ends, and pivotably connected to each other about a central axis. The lift assembly includes a drive screw mechanism including a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, and further includes a drive motor, a block, and a collar. The lift assembly further includes first and second pairs of links. Each link has opposed first and second ends and an edge facing away from the central axis and defining a recess in the link. The collar and block are spaced from the central axis and indirectly coupled to the pair of scissor arms through a pair of links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Herkules Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Todd J. Bacon
  • Patent number: 8727441
    Abstract: A aircraft seat having a seat tracking mechanism constructed of interlocking boxes, a seat suspension system having webbed netting, a retractable armrest, a movable headrest and a movable leg rest. The headrest has wings which extend outward from the side of the headrest to increase the size of the headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Brigitte Giasson, Stephen J. Brown
  • Patent number: 8690114
    Abstract: A support assembly includes a first support frame having a first bearing surface, and a second support frame spaced a vertical distance from the first support frame. A biasing member is connected to the first support frame and includes a first end and a second end. The first end bears against the first bearing surface. An adjustment assembly is connected to the second support frame and is adjustable with respect to the second support frame. The second end of the biasing member bears against the adjustment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Seats, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse C. Boyarski
  • Publication number: 20140091191
    Abstract: Piano seat that has a structure for raising and lowering that is formed by two pairs of “L”-section profiles arranged in a facing manner, two at the bottom and two at the top, which are connected together by individual pairs of scissor-type mechanisms, or assemblies in the form of an “X”, which are articulated and arranged in a facing manner, and also by a series of transverse bars, there being, at the end of the scissor-type mechanisms, articulations connecting to the upper and lower profiles, which are stationary and movable, these latter running via oblong slots in the upper and lower “L”-profiles; the entire assembly is moved by gas springs actuated by actuators, which results in a seat that is noiseless when adjusted and used, which requires no effort on the part of the user, is easy and convenient to use and also to assemble, and which has no rebound effect and is rigid and robust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Antonio Raul Romera Carrion
  • Patent number: 8622363
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having an oscillatory scissor-type stand and a damper that is articulated at two parts of the scissor-type stand which are movable relative to one another. One end of the damper is articulated at a pin that extends in transverse direction of the seat and extends between two structural parts arranged at a distance from one another in transverse direction of the seat at a part of the scissor-type stand. A bearing bushing is arranged with its axial bushing opening on a tubular component part enclosing the pin, wherein the bushing opening has a spherical longitudinal section with the greatest diameters at the two axial ends and the smallest diameter in the middle of the bushing opening. The bearing bushing is enclosed by a bearing ring of the damper having a shorter axial length than the bearing bushing and is arranged on the bearing bushing at an axial distance from the two ends of the bearing bushing so as to be secured against axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Ellerich
  • Patent number: 8622362
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a base frame, a carrier frame and a linkage mounted on the base frame and supporting the carrier frame. The linkage includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frames and a second arm pivotally coupled to the frames and pivotally coupled to the second arm about a linkage pivot axis. A rotary motor has a housing and a shaft which rotates with respect to the housing. The shaft is aligned with the linkage pivot axis. The housing is non-rotatably coupled to the first arm. The shaft is coupled to a transmission which is coupled to the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Eric A. Keen
  • Patent number: 8596721
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, two front and two rear links are pivotally connected between a seat cushion frame and a floor of vehicle. Each of the two front links has an arcuate gear region meshed with a corresponding pinion provided to the seat cushion at a point backwardly of that arcuate gear region. Two connecting links are pivotally connected between the respective two front and rear links, such that forward pivot points respective of the two connecting links in the respective two front links are always maintained forwardly of the respective pinions, irrespective of vertical rotation of the two front links. In the case of rear-end collision, such link arrangement allows an excessive backward and downward load to be transmitted through the two connecting links and front links to the two lateral sides of seat cushion frame and dispersed therein, thereby absorbing a corresponding excessive impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8585004
    Abstract: An adjustable seat pedestal that allows a user to adjust the height of the seat without sacrificing ride quality. The seat pedestal has a top carrier onto which a seat is mounted and a base that is mounted to the floor of a vehicle. A scissor linkage is employed to allow movement of the carrier toward the base when force is applied through the seat to the carrier when the vehicle hits bumps and forces the user downward. An air bag biases the top carrier upward away from the base. As the upper ends of the scissor linkage move closer together by being pushed upward, a sliding end of the scissor linkage is restrained from movement inward and therefore, limits the maximum height of the pedestal. The pressure in the air bag may be varied which will not change the height above the maximum, but will change the ride quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Atwood Mobile Products LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Roeglin, Robert Cooling, Michael Pequignot, II
  • Patent number: 8561748
    Abstract: A seat suspension includes a lower support frame having a first slot, an upper support frame having a second slot, and a biasing member between the upper and lower support frames. A first suspension arm is connected to the lower support frame at a first end for rotation with respect to the lower support frame and connected to the upper support frame at a second end for rotation with respect to the upper support frame. A second suspension arm is connected to the first slot in the lower support frame for rotation with respect to the lower support frame and for translation with respect to the lower support frame along the first slot, and a second end coupled to the second slot in the upper support frame for rotation with respect to the upper support frame and for translation with respect to the upper support frame along the second slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Seats, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Hahn, Jesse C. Boyarski
  • Publication number: 20130270410
    Abstract: A support assembly includes a first support frame having a first bearing surface, and a second support frame spaced a vertical distance from the first support frame. A biasing member is connected to the first support frame and includes a first end and a second end. The first end bears against the first bearing surface. An adjustment assembly is connected to the second support frame and is adjustable with respect to the second support frame. The second end of the biasing member bears against the adjustment assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Jesse C. Boyarski
  • Patent number: 8544813
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, particularly a commercial-vehicle seat is provided with a scissor-type stand (3) which is able to vibrate and which is provided with a top frame (7), two first rocker arms (8a) and two second rocker arms (8b), which intersect in pairs at a scissor axis (10) extending in a transverse seat direction (y). The first two rocker arms (8a) are connected with one another at one end via a transverse tube (18) which extends in the transverse seat direction (y) and are pivotably mounted on the top frame (7) and able to vibrate in the longitudinal seat direction (x) via a bearing mechanism (20). The transverse tube (18) can be locked with the top frame (7) via at least one locking device (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Viktor Enns, Thomas Weber, Thomas Gundall
  • Patent number: 8540203
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat (1) with a spindle (13), which is arranged in a hollow space formed by a pair of rails (5, 7), and with spindle holders (15). The area of connection of at least one of the spindle holders (15a) to one of the rails (5) lies outside of the hollow space formed by the rails (5, 7). The spindle holder (15a) extends with a partial area, with which it is connected to an end (13a) of the spindle (13), into the hollow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Ruess, Jürgen Krebs, Heinrich Hammann, Thomas Dill, Ulf Schäffling, Andreas Rüth
  • Patent number: 8540316
    Abstract: To be able to produce a scissors-type frame of a vehicle seat in a quick and easy manner, the present invention is directed to a scissors-type frame for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first scissors element and a second scissors element, wherein the scissors-type frame is height-adjustable by means of the two scissors elements, and wherein the scissors-type frame is characterized in that one of the two scissors elements passes through the other of the two scissors elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Johann Deml, Erich Dieling, Josef Kohl, Alexander Lorey, Manfred Renner
  • Publication number: 20130206949
    Abstract: A scissor suspension mechanism, optionally used as a seat base, comprising both small footprint base and movable element, a set of two pairs of crossed first and second scissor arms and a linkage assembly including a plurality of pivot interfaces and linkages; which are designed in a way that the crossed first and second scissor arms describe, during the total elevation stroke of the movable element with respect to the base element, both positive and negative angles with respect to each other while passing through a null angle at which the overall mechanism length is maximal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: BAULTAR I.D. INC.
    Inventor: BAULTAR I.D. INC.
  • Patent number: 8464496
    Abstract: Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Northern States Metals Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Cusson, Robert J. Voytilla, Michael G. Greenamyer, Thomas P. Kilar, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130146737
    Abstract: A support mechanism includes a base, two guide poles positioned on the base, two guide poles positioned on the base, a support block slidably sleeved on the two guide poles, a V-shaped rod rotatably connected to a side of the base, a support rod rotatably connecting the V-shaped rod to the support block, and a L-shaped hook rotatably positioned on the V-shaped rod. The L-shaped hook comprises a support pole for supporting the support block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: QING-SONG WEN
  • Patent number: 8408510
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing rotation of a seat frame for a vehicle having the seat frame that includes an inner link portion and an outer link portion that may be provided with a height adjustment device to adjust a height of a seat and a rack gear link may include a height link, wherein one end portion of the height link may be pivotally connected to a set bracket and the other end portion thereof may be pivotally connected to a cushion side member, and a rotation prevention link provided on the inner link portion wherein one end portion of the rotation prevention link may be pivotally hinged to the height link and the other end portion thereof may be movably installed on the set bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Dymos Inc.
    Inventors: Chan Ho Jeong, Sang Do Park, Hak Gyun Kim, Bong Ku Kim, Tae Hoon Lee, Jong Kweon Pyun, Sang-Nam Park, Yong-Hee Shin
  • Patent number: 8360387
    Abstract: An active vibration control device is provided that is configured to control the position of a body relative to a reference frame. The control device includes sensors that provide input signals corresponding to movement of the body in at least one direction, a rotary motor configured to control the position of the body, and four-bar linkage connecting the rotary motor to the body. The linkage converts the rotary motion output from the motor into a linear motion of the body. The controller, based on the input signals from the reference frame sensors, provides control signals to the rotary motor which acts through the linkage to position the body in the at least one direction relative to the position of the reference frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Breen, Mark A. Hayner
  • Patent number: 8360524
    Abstract: What is shown is a vehicle seat having parts for carrying out a vibration movement in the height direction, with the parts comprising the following: a base part, a top part spring mounted relative to the base part, wherein a height adjustable connection frame comprising at least one first frame arm, at least one second frame arm and at least one spring element is arranged between the base part and the top part, wherein a motion sequence of the parts, which may be carried out in a vibration condition by applying a constant force onto the base part and/or the top part, may be varied in a further vibration condition by applying a variable force onto the base part and/or the top part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Johann Deml, Alexander Lorey
  • Patent number: 8276868
    Abstract: A seat adjuster for an article of sports equipment includes a base, a locating frame pivotally connected with the base for connection of a seat, a first locating plate mounted with the base, and a second locating plate pivotally connected with the locating frame so as to be pivotable between a first position where a second teeth portion of the second locating plate is engaged with a first teeth portion of the first locating plate such that the locating frame can't be pivotable relative to the base for fixing the seat in position, and a second position where the second teeth portion of the second locating plate is disengaged from the first teeth portion of the first locating plate such that the locating frame can be pivotable relative to the base for allowing the angle of inclination of the seat to be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Healthstream Taiwan Inc.
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 8240766
    Abstract: A device is provided for electrically adjusting a vehicle seat (1). The device has left and right articulated constructions (6, 6) arranged respectively on left and right sides (3, 4) of the vehicle seat (1). The device also has at least one electric motor (13) coupled to left and right gear mechanisms (10) for moving the respective left and right articulated constructions (6, 6) and left and right locking mechanisms (11) for locking the respective left and right articulated constructions (6, 6). The design permits a precise adjustment of the vehicle seat and secure locking of the vehicle seat in the event of a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Tassilo Gilbert, Dieter Jungert, Joachim Muller
  • Publication number: 20120097822
    Abstract: A seat suspension arrangement includes an upper structure for receiving a seat and a lower structure for mounting the seat in a work machine or vehicle. The tipper structure and the lower structure are interconnected by at least one intermediate structure and displaceable towards and away from each other. The seat suspension arrangement includes a guide rail and a guided member which is connected to the intermediate structure and arranged at the guide rail. The guided member is arranged to be displaced forwards and backwards along the guide rail when the upper structure and the lower structure are displaced relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Volvo Construction Equipment
    Inventor: Matthias Hammarskiöld
  • Patent number: 8160475
    Abstract: This involves a cart that can be used in changing a marking module in a xerographic color marking system. The cart has a lifting mechanism securely attached to its upper surface. When the marking module is to be changed and a new replacement module installed, the lifting mechanism is used to support the marking module during each of these procedures. Since the marking modules are relatively heavy (30-35 lbs.), to prevent accidental damage to the module, the cart and its attached lifting mechanism are conveniently used by the customer. The lifting mechanism is made up of an upper cradle, a bottom plate attached to the cart and a movable linkage. The module securely rests in the cradle in both removal and installing operations. It is not uncommon for a customer to want to change a color or colors in one or more modules. This cart and its attached lifting mechanism makes it relatively easy to accomplish this change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Atwood, James J. Spence
  • Patent number: 8132518
    Abstract: A substantially vertical lift system is disclosed herein. The substantially vertical lift system is comprised of a platform, base, and a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is designed to displace the platform in a substantially linear manner, and if desired, in a position parallel to the base. Multiple lifting mechanisms may be used, and displaced either in a side-by-side or stacked orientation. The configuration of the lifting mechanism is implementation dependent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Han-su Kim, Kyung-dong Lee, Chang-hoon Baek
  • Publication number: 20120032057
    Abstract: A lifting mechanism of a vehicle seat for adjusting a seating height position of the vehicle seat is provided. The lifting mechanism includes a lifter link having one side that is rotatably shaft-supported to a floor-side member provided on a vehicle floor and the other side that rotatably shaft-supports a frame member of a seating-side configuring part for seating; and a stopper link having one side that is rotatably shaft-supported to the floor-side member and the other side that is loosely fitted in a long hole formed in the lifter link. A rotation of the lifter link in a rear direction is restrained by a loosely fitted portion of the stopper link contacting an inner circumferential part of the long hole. A rotation of the lifter link in a front direction is restrained by a restraining contract part provided to the lifter link contacting a stopper part provided to the floor-side member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicants: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsutomu ITO, Shunsuke KUWAYAMA, Teruyuki HADATSUKI, Shou TERADA, Satoshi MASUDA
  • Patent number: 8081901
    Abstract: This invention provides a xerographic marking module that has a built-in lifting mechanism that is useful in installing a new module in a xerographic marking system. The lifting mechanism forms the bottom portion of the marking module and comprises an upper cradle to hold the remaining module portion, a lower plate that constitutes the bottom of the module when in a collapsed position, and a movable linkage that connects the cradle to the lower plate. When in installation mode, the linkage creates a vertical force which will upwardly push the cradle (holding the module) away from the lower plate into an installation elevation. After slides in the module and in the color marking system are mated, the lifting mechanism is collapsed and the module pushed into the color marking system or apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Atwood, James J Spence
  • Publication number: 20110290978
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a base frame, a carrier frame and a linkage mounted on the base frame and supporting the carrier frame. The linkage includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frames and a second arm pivotally coupled to the frames and pivotally coupled to the second arm about a linkage pivot axis. A rotary motor has a housing and a shaft which rotates with respect to the housing. The shaft is aligned with the linkage pivot axis. The housing is non-rotatably coupled to the first arm. The shaft is coupled to a transmission which is coupled to the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Eric A. Keen
  • Publication number: 20110284713
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having an oscillatory scissor-type stand and a damper that is articulated at two parts of the scissor-type stand which are movable relative to one another. One end of the damper is articulated at a pin that extends in transverse direction of the seat and extends between two structural parts arranged at a distance from one another in transverse direction of the seat at a part of the scissor-type stand. A bearing bushing is arranged with its axial bushing opening on a tubular component part enclosing the pin, wherein the bushing opening has a spherical longitudinal section with the greatest diameters at the two axial ends and the smallest diameter in the middle of the bushing opening. The bearing bushing is enclosed by a bearing ring of the damper having a shorter axial length than the bearing bushing and is arranged on the bearing bushing at an axial distance from the two ends of the bearing bushing so as to be secured against axial displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: KEIPER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Frank ELLERICH
  • Publication number: 20110233364
    Abstract: An active vibration control device is provided that is configured to control the position of a body relative to a reference frame. The control device includes sensors that provide input signals corresponding to movement of the body in at least one direction, a rotary motor configured to control the position of the body, and four-bar linkage connecting the rotary motor to the body. The linkage converts the rotary motion output from the motor into a linear motion of the body. The controller, based on the input signals from the reference frame sensors, provides control signals to the rotary motor which acts through the linkage to position the body in the at least one direction relative to the position of the reference frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: John J. Breen, Mark A. Hayner
  • Publication number: 20110226930
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, particularly a commercial-vehicle seat is provided with a scissor-type stand (3) which is able to vibrate and which is provided with a top frame (7), two first rocker arms (8a) and two second rocker arms (8b), which intersect in pairs at a scissor axis (10) extending in a transverse seat direction (y). The first two rocker arms (8a) are connected with one another at one end via a transverse tube (18) which extends in the transverse seat direction (y) and are pivotably mounted on the top frame (7) and able to vibrate in the longitudinal seat direction (x) via a bearing mechanism (20). The transverse tube (18) can be locked with the top frame (7) via at least one locking device (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Viktor Enns, Thomas Weber, Thomas Gundall
  • Patent number: 8016258
    Abstract: A seat support assembly includes a base, a plurality of arms each mounted at a first end to the base for movement with respect to the base, and mounted to a seat at a second end opposite the first end for movement with respect to the seat. A torsion spring has a first end defining a length, a second end defining a length, and a coil defining an axis. A first bearing surface abuts the first end of the torsion spring at a first abutment point to define a first moment arm distance. A second bearing surface abuts the second end of the torsion spring at a second abutment point to define a second moment arm distance. An adjustment mechanism simultaneously causes relative movement between the torsion spring and the bearing surfaces to simultaneously change the first moment arm distance and the second moment arm distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Seats, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse C. Boyarski, Pieter J. van Zyl
  • Patent number: 7988232
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) is disclosed, particularly a commercial vehicle seat, with a seat base (3) which is designed as a scissors-type stand and is provided with intersecting rockers (15) and at least one frame (11, 13) that movably guides at least one of the rockers (15) in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle seat (1) by a bearing mechanism (21). The bearing mechanism (21) features at least one compensating element that rests against a first guide (33), at least some sections of which are inclined at an angle (a) relative to the transversal direction (y) of the vehicle seat (1), and can be moved along the first guide (33) in the longitudinal direction (x). The bearing mechanism (21) further features at least one rotatably mounted wheel (23) which is supported on a second guide (35) and can be rolled along the second guide (35) in the longitudinal direction (x). A slider (31) which can be displaced along the first guide (33) is used as a compensating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Weber, Georg Ruess, Harald Klein, Rüdiger Nissen
  • Patent number: 7950618
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing platform includes a bottom plate and a top plate joined to one another along at least two sides by elongate rigid links that enable the plates to remain in parallel relation to one another as the plates are displaced responsive to externally-imparted forces. An air spring resists relative vertical motion between the bottom and top plates as external forces are applied to the platform. A shock-absorbing damper damps the natural oscillation of the air spring. The resistance presented by the air spring is adjustable through an inlet and outlet port in fluid communication with a remote source of air under pressure. In a second embodiment, a seat bottom includes arched leaf springs that supplant the air spring to increase the range of relative movement between the top and bottom plates and to lower the profile of the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Peter J. Burer