Motor Actuated Patents (Class 297/344.17)
  • Patent number: 11932148
    Abstract: A bellows for a seat assembly for a cab of a vehicle can include a skirt configured to substantially surround a perimeter of a base of the seat assembly. The skirt can have a continuous perimeter extending between first and second free ends of the skirt along four sides of the base of the seat assembly. The bellows can include a break between the first and second free ends of the skirt to provide access to the base portion via the break, or to install or remove the skirt from the base portion without detaching the base portion from the cab or detaching the seating portion from the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: SEATS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joshua M. Justman, Jesse C. Boyarski, Mitchell E. Zank
  • Patent number: 11884193
    Abstract: A space-saving suspension apparatus comprising a coarse suspension device, a mechanical assembly, and a fine suspension device coupling a supported frame to a base frame at a neutral height such that forces and/or displacements of either the base frame or the supported frame result in oppositely directed forces and/or displacements of the other of the base frame and the supported frame. In some embodiments, the neutral height is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SUSPENSION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Peter Wallace Johnson
  • Patent number: 11873104
    Abstract: A leg assembly for a passenger seat includes a base member (102), a leg (104B), and an adjuster (106). The leg includes an upper end (110) and a lower end (112). The upper end of the leg includes an aperture (126) configured to receive a base frame tube, and the lower end is pivotally connected to the base member such that the leg is pivotable forward and aft from a base position. The adjuster is configured to pivotally position the leg relative to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventor: Tak Fu Cheung
  • Patent number: 11753119
    Abstract: A seating system for installation on a marine vessel includes a base to be connected to a deck of the marine vessel and a pedestal to be removably installed in an upright position on or in the base. The base includes a built-in first electrical connector to be electrically connected to a power source on the marine vessel. The pedestal includes a second electrical connector designed to mate with the first electrical connector in the base. A base for the seating system and a pedestal for the seating system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: John Witte, Michael J. Boks, Eric S. Deuel
  • Patent number: 11318864
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having a drive device for driving a adjustment kinematics of the vehicle seat may have an adjustment arm, and a tensioning device. The drive device may have a pinion which can be rotated about a pinion rotation axis and which is in toothed engagement with a tooth segment of the adjustment arm. The tensioning device pretensions the adjustment arm so that the tooth segment is pretensioned in the direction of the pinion. The tensioning device has at least one sliding element which is in abutment with the adjustment arm. During an actuation of the height adjustment kinematics, the at least one sliding element slides along the adjustment arm. The sliding element is resiliently pretensioned by a resilient element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Adient US LLC
    Inventors: Georg Fischer, Lars Kramm
  • Patent number: 10961553
    Abstract: Methods and compositions, including nucleotide sequences, amino acid sequences, and host cells, for producing fatty alcohols are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Genomatica, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhihao Hu, Vikranth Arlagadda
  • Patent number: 10492968
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base, a support frame, and a patient support deck. The patient support deck comprises articulating deck sections, such as a leg section and a foot section pivotally coupled to the leg section. A support link is arranged to support the foot section relative to the support frame. A leg section actuator is configured to move the leg section between a lowered position and one or more raised positions. A foot section adjustment device is configured to move the support link in order to move the foot section relative to the leg section. The support link has a first link end pivotally coupled to the foot section and a second link end slidably coupled to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Steven David Elku, Jason John Connell, Richard A. Derenne, Jason James Cerny
  • Patent number: 9421891
    Abstract: An adjustment drive for an adjusting device of a motor vehicle seat includes a drive motor, a two-stage reduction gear and a housing for mounting a drive motor and for accommodating the two-stage reduction gear. The gear elements of the first reduction gear stage are arranged in a housing shell of the housing, which can be closed by a housing cover. In a front-end assembly connectable with the housing shell at least a part of the gear elements of the second reduction gear stage is arranged between the housing cover and a cover plate or cover and guide plate connected with the housing cover and is supported in axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg
    Inventors: Christian Andres, Gregor Kroener, Bernd Muenekhoff
  • Patent number: 9120574
    Abstract: Described are passenger seats including a lower frame comprising a pair of supports, a seat pan adjustably coupled to the pair of supports via a coupling system, and a rear leg coupled to the lower frame, wherein the rear leg includes an extension component that is configured to adjust a height of the rear leg. The passenger seat may be adjusted into a bed position by compressing the rear leg, adjusting the seat pan into a forward position relative to the lower frame, and reclining the seat back until the seat back is substantially proximate the lower frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats France
    Inventors: Laurent Ligonniere, Philippe Roy
  • Patent number: 8998325
    Abstract: A vehicle seat carrier for a vehicle seat comprises a position adjustment arrangement adapted to enable the vehicle seat carrier to be displaced between a plurality of different positions and a position lock adapted to retain the vehicle seat carrier at a selected position. The position lock is adapted to be disabled as a response to a detected crash, or a detected imminent crash, so that the vehicle seat carrier is permitted to be displaced along a first path at least partly defined by the position adjustment arrangement, to provide for a passenger protective function. The passenger protective function utilizes the existing position adjustment arrangement to provide for a controlled displacement during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Tony Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8991925
    Abstract: A lift chair includes a frame assembly including a chair portion rotatable with respect to a base portion. A lift mechanism portion is positioned in a base portion cavity. The lift mechanism portion includes a lift motor and a drive assembly connected to the lift motor having a slide. A lift tube connects the slide to the chair portion. The lift tube upon actuation of the lift motor displaces the chair portion between a nominal and a full lift position by slide displacement in a slide lifting direction. First and second guide members are positioned on opposite sides of the drive assembly and connected to a base portion base platform. The lift tube is connected to both the first and second guide members to distribute a weight load from the chair portion via the lift tube to the slide, and by the guide members to the base platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • 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: 8960628
    Abstract: An adjusting device, in particular a height or longitudinal adjusting device for motor vehicle seats, including a threaded spindle that is rotatably mounted in a gearbox housing at one end and in a receiving unit at the other end, the receiving unit having an inner thread that is adapted to the spindle thread. The adjusting device also includes a motor unit that is operatively connected to the threaded spindle. An adjusting device and a seat base frame for motor vehicle seats with an adjusting device that transmits forces that occur in the event of a crash to the required degree are provided. A reinforcing element is provided in the gearbox housing such that said element is suitable for receiving forces that act in the longitudinal axial direction of the threaded spindle in the event of a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ivica Stanic, Oliver Kuntz, Christian Sturm
  • Patent number: 8876207
    Abstract: An adjustable booster seat can raise and lower to provide a variable height so that a seat belt can properly fit a child as they grow. Therefore, as the child grows, the booster seat height can be adjusted, providing the shoulder strap of the seat belt a proper, safe, and non-irritating fit about the child. The adjustable booster seat could include a knob for manual adjustment of the height of the seat, or could include a motor to provide for motorized adjustment of the height of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Chapman, Carl Stacy
  • Patent number: 8864232
    Abstract: A vehicle-seat control apparatus includes an operation determination device, an exit determination device, a forward/backward adjusting device and a height adjusting device. The operation determination device is configured to determine whether a passenger operates a vehicle. The exit determination device is configured to determine whether the passenger exits the vehicle. The forward/rearward adjusting device is configured to move the vehicle seat rearward or forward according to a case where the passenger exits the vehicle or a case where the passenger operates the vehicle equipment. The height adjusting device is configured to move a rear part of the seat cushion to an upward state or move a front part of the seat cushion to a downward state when the passenger exits the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8851570
    Abstract: A seat lifter smoothly lifts and lowers right and left seat frames relative to respective base members so that a seat can be lifted and lowered smoothly. The seat lifter has first to fourth links (4a to 4d), and a coupling (6) that couples the first link (4a) and the second link (4b), and has a first sun gear (62) and a second sun gear (162). The first link (4a) has a first link body (41) that is coupled interlockably to a first planetary gear group (40) with a plurality of first planetary gears (44), and a planetary-gear operating section (5). The second link (4b) has a second link body (141) that is coupled interlockably to a second planetary gear group (140) with a plurality of second planetary gears (144).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Fujihara, Jun Fukuda, Yasukazu Oki
  • Patent number: 8827366
    Abstract: An infant care apparatus includes a base; a drive mechanism disposed on the base; a controller electronically coupled to the drive mechanism; and a support device coupled to the drive mechanism. The support device is configured to be moved in both a horizontal and vertical direction relative to the base by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is controlled by the controller to move the support device in a plurality of motion profiles relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Thorley Industries LLC
    Inventors: Frederick Karl Hopke, Henry F. Thorne, Mary J. Koes, Robert D. Daley
  • Patent number: 8770646
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a support base. A seat is supported on the support base and cantilevered forwardly therefrom. The support base includes a first brace operably connecting the frame with a first slide assembly disposed on a rocker panel of the vehicle. A second brace operably connects the frame with a second slide assembly disposed on a transmission tunnel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Kendrick Alden Harper, John W. Jaranson, Michael John Kitti, Daniel Ferretti
  • Patent number: 8764111
    Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat includes an adjustment parallelogram. The adjustment parallelogram includes a seat frame part, an upper rail and lateral links connecting the seat frame part and the upper rail. A spindle drive can adjust the adjustment parallelogram such that a distance between the seat frame part and the upper rail is changed by changing a length of the spindle drive. The spindle drive connects two obliquely opposing corners of the adjustment parallelogram (1) together in a reinforcing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Foelster, Dirk Kirchner, Stephan Kuenzel
  • Patent number: 8684462
    Abstract: An adjuster mechanism (14) includes a tilt bracket (52), a sector (54), and a motor and transmission assembly (56) and has minimal mass. The adjuster mechanism (14) is useful hi providing adjustability to a vehicle seat (12) for adjusting the front portion of a seat base cushion (16) between a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: William Shawn Brewer, Ronald R. Siegrist
  • Patent number: 8662585
    Abstract: A motion seat for use in a vehicle motion simulator comprises a seat back, a seat pan, a first actuator coupled to a linkage assembly located on one side of the seat pan, a second actuator coupled to an identical linkage assembly on the other side of the seat pan, and a third actuator coupled to a linkage assembly on the aft end of the seat pan, wherein the first and second actuators are effective to independently produce roll right and roll left motion of the seat pan while collectively creating upward and downward heave motion of the seat pan and the third actuator is effective to create surge motion of the seat pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Smoke & Mirrors, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Garvis, Dennis P. Wilhelm, Richard E. Johnson, Steven G. Lansrud
  • Patent number: 8616645
    Abstract: A seat lifter device includes a seat support member; a front link rotationally coupled to a front section of the seat support member; a rear link rotationally coupled to a rear section of the seat support member; a frame member including a front section rotationally coupled to the front link and a rear section rotationally coupled to the rear link at a position rearward of the coupling portion between the seat support member and the rear link; a cushion member including a front section rotationally coupled to the frame member and a rear section rotationally coupled to the rear link at a position further separated from the coupling portion between the seat support member and the rear link than the coupling portion between the rear link and the frame member; and a rotation transmitting member for rotating one of the front link and the rear link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sadao Ito
  • Patent number: 8602491
    Abstract: An adjustable seat structure (1) extends over substantially the width of the seat. An electric drive unit (12) is on one side (4) of the seat but adjusts the seat structure (1) on both sides of the seat. Locks (17) for fixing the seat structure (1) are provided on both sides. The seat ensures a structurally simple adjustment and fixing of the seat on both sides. The adjustment forces are transmitted by the seat structure from the drive unit located on one side of the seat to the other side of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Tassilo Gilbert, Dieter Jungert
  • Patent number: 8590971
    Abstract: A seat adjusting apparatus for a vehicle includes a supporting member pivotally supported at a base member by a first bearing, a pinion gear driven by a driving device, a sector gear engageable with the pinion gear and a restriction mechanism formed at the sector gear for restricting a relative rotation between the pinion gear and the sector gear. The restriction mechanism includes a contact portion coming in contact with the pinion gear so that a component force of a reaction force, which works in a direction in which the first bearing is separated from the second bearing, acting on the pinion gear is reduced. A thickness of a first tooth root of a tooth included in the teeth formed at the sector gear is larger than a thickness of a second tooth root of the other teeth formed at the sector gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sadao Ito, Toshiaki Nagata, Eiichiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8469450
    Abstract: An adjustable seat suspension for a vehicle seat that includes a linkage arrangement disposed between a seat frame and seat base whose collapse is opposed by a spring lever arm linkage arrangement supported on a fluid powered spring actuator carried by the base that has a plurality of pivotable spring lever arms that are each coupled to a portion of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid powered spring actuator is an air spring whose pressure is adjustable and which is powered by an air compressor to tailor suspension characteristics and provide a desired preload. The base includes an upright to which the spring lever arm linkage arrangement is pivotally mounted with its spring lever arms supported by a saddle carried by the air spring at a location disposed between the upright and where the spring lever arms couple with the seat suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Milsco Manufacturing Company, a Unit of Jason Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert J. Wahls, Ronald Uecker
  • Patent number: 8382205
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustment device for a motor vehicle seat having an adjusting element adjustably disposed in its longitudinal direction and in the area of one end, connectable in an articulated manner to a vehicle seat structure, and a drive unit driving the adjusting element. In order to provide an adjustment device of the initially named type, that can be disposed at a vehicle seat component in a simple and reliable manner, it is provided that the drive unit comprises means for the articulated, particularly pivotal, connection to a vehicle seat component, particularly a side member of a seat base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: C. Rob Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Antal Teer
  • Patent number: 8292368
    Abstract: An electrically-operated seating apparatus for use on a boat which assists a user in standing up or sitting down is intended for use by elderly and/or disabled users, particularly in low-riding boats such as bass-boats, ski-boats and the like. The apparatus comprises a chair assembly mounted to the boat deck and a drive assembly which raises the seat up and down and tilts seat portion forward with the aid of electrical drive motors. In such a manner, the user can be assisted when getting into or out of the chair. Each side of the seat portion is provided with a small armrest to help secure the individual as well as aid in the lifting and lowering process. The electric motors would be powered from the boat battery and controlled through a set of arm-mounted switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: William S. Yarbrough
  • 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: 20120187735
    Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat includes an adjustment parallelogram. The adjustment parallelogram includes a seat frame part, an upper rail and lateral links connecting the seat frame part and the upper rail. A spindle drive can adjust the adjustment parallelogram such that a distance between the seat frame part and the upper rail is changed by changing a length of the spindle drive. The spindle drive connects two obliquely opposing corners of the adjustment parallelogram (1) together in a reinforcing manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Foelster, Dirk Kirchner, Stephan Kuenzel
  • Patent number: 8220872
    Abstract: A sitting device that gives the user an option to sit with a lower portion of the body supported by a half seat, while maintaining a standing posture with the unsupported leg. The sitting device includes two, left and right, half seats and a foot stool. The device also includes a seat support frame and two half-seat-position-adjusting actuators. The frame includes a horizontal crossbar and a vertical guide tube, wherein the back end of each of the two half seats is pivotally secured on the horizontal bar. The vertical guide tube houses a length-changing mechanism to vary the height of the sitting device and a height fixing mechanism which prevents yielding of the height of the sitting device when the user sits. Also comprising are the two half-seat-position-adjusting actuators attached at one end of each to the vertical tube and at the other end to the respective half seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Simon Yeonjun Hong
  • Patent number: 8197004
    Abstract: An adjustable seat suspension for a vehicle seat that includes a linkage arrangement disposed between a seat frame and seat base whose collapse is opposed by a spring lever arm linkage arrangement supported on a fluid powered spring actuator carried by the base that has a plurality of pivotable spring lever arms that are each coupled to a portion of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid powered spring actuator is an air spring whose pressure is adjustable and which is powered by an air compressor to tailor suspension characteristics and provide a desired preload. The base includes an upright to which the spring lever arm linkage arrangement is pivotally mounted with its spring lever arms supported by a saddle carried by the air spring at a location disposed between the upright and where the spring lever arms couple with the seat suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Milsco Manfacturing Company, A Unit Of Jason Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert J. Wahls, Ronald Uecker
  • Patent number: 8197005
    Abstract: An infant care apparatus includes a base; a drive mechanism disposed on the base; a controller electronically coupled to the drive mechanism; and a support device coupled to the drive mechanism. The support device is configured to be moved in both a horizontal and vertical direction relative to the base by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is controlled by the controller to move the support device in a plurality of motion profiles relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Thorley Industries LLC
    Inventors: Frederick Karl Hopke, Henry F. Thorne, Mary J. Koes, Robert D. Daley
  • Patent number: 8177280
    Abstract: A vehicle seat device is designed to perform tilt adjustment of a seat cushion in a construction which is high in rigidity, downsized and high in the quality of external appearance. The device comprises rotational links; floor attached front brackets and front swing links which make couplings between first joint portions of the rotational links and upper rails; flank brackets coupled to the rotational links at front portion thereof; floor attached rear brackets and rear swing links which make couplings between rear portions of the flank brackets and the upper rails; a front drive device secured to one of the flank brackets for rotationally driving the rotational links; and cushion frames coupled to the flank brackets and second joint portions of the rotational links respectively at rear portions and front portions thereof. The second joint portions and the cushion frames are coupled to respective both ends of cushion frame swing links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Sadao Ito
  • Patent number: 8172326
    Abstract: A pivot joint assembly includes a bar generally defining an outer cylindrical surface. The bar has first and second beads extending outwardly from the outer cylindrical surface. The first and second beads are spaced apart from one another along the length of the bar. At least one of the first and second beads is an integrally formed portion extended outwardly from the outer cylindrical surface. The assembly further includes a mounting member having opposed first and second sides. The mounting member has a hole formed therein. The bar is disposed in the hole such that the mounting member is disposed between the first and second beads such that bar rotates relative to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Adragna, David J. Abdella, Kevin Fudala
  • Patent number: 8146991
    Abstract: A transmission device for a vehicle component adjuster, such as a seat adjuster, may include a drive screw, a drive member and a load transfer member. The drive member engages the drive screw and has a first end with an outer periphery and an end surface. The load transfer member has a first portion disposed at least partially around the periphery of the drive member and a second portion configured to be positioned between the end surface and a support structure supporting the seat adjuster relative to a track arrangement or system. The load transfer member is configured to transfer an axial load applied to the drive member to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Kannan S. Stanz, Eugen F. Craciun, Ganesh T. Ramaseshadri, William S. Brewer
  • Patent number: 8141946
    Abstract: A system (1) for adjusting the position of at least one seat component such as head rest (4), back rest (6), seat component (8), leg rest (10), or foot rest (12) of a passenger seat (2) of a vehicle, an aircraft passenger seat in particular, by means of actuators, a seat control (14, 18) being mounted locally on the aircraft passenger seat (2) and being provided with at least one operating element (15) and data being transmissible between the seat controls (14, 18) of a plurality of passenger seats (2), preferably of all passenger seats (2) of the vehicle, including data relating to the position of the seat components and/or data relating to operation of the actuators, and a common control unit (24; 124), characterized in that the seat control (14, 18) and the common control unit (24; 124) each has a data transmission unit (20, 21, 32, 34, 36) for wireless data transmission and an associated common control unit (24; 124).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Marco Krämer
  • Patent number: 8113588
    Abstract: The base frame of the motor vehicle seat comprises two rail pairs, two front rockers, two rear rockers and one seat support. The seat support has two side parts, a front cross member and a rear cross member. Each rail pair is hinged to a side part via a front rocker and a rear rocker. An adjustment device is provided for the height adjustment of the seat support. A rocker is connected to a transverse part. A support part is provided which is connected to the transverse part and comprises a hinge area for an adjustment part of the adjustment device and a contact area on the adjacent cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Beneker, Burckhard Becker, Waldemar Luft
  • Patent number: 8051512
    Abstract: A patient treatment device includes a patient supporting table supported above a platform and having an auxiliary table segment pivotally coupled to a primary table segment, and a back support segment pivotally coupled to the primary table segment, an anchor assembly adjustably anchors the auxiliary table segment to the primary table segment at selected angular positions, and an anchoring mechanism adjustably anchors the back support segment to the auxiliary table segment at required angular positions. A frame is pivotally coupled to the primary table segment, and a latch mechanism adjustably anchors the frame to the primary table segment at the required angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Roger C. Teeter
  • Patent number: 8042868
    Abstract: A power seat system for a vehicle, includes an operational switch configured to be operated by an occupant for changing positions and attitudes of a vehicle seat whose positions and attitudes are electrically adjusted, a sensor portion positioned in the vicinity of the operational switch and detecting a hand of the occupant approaching the operational switch without contacting the hand of the occupant, and a control portion changing the positions and attitudes of the vehicle seat by actuating an actuator on the basis of an output from the operational switch, the control portion configured to display an operational display indicating adjusting portions and directions of the vehicle seat, which is adjustable by means of the operational switch on the basis of the output from the sensor portion, at an display device provided in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Morio Sakai, Masaki Mori, Toshiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 8038216
    Abstract: The portable seat is positioned on the two seat rail tubes of a standard wheelchair with brackets. The seat has a lower frame and an upper frame having four pivoted legs slidably mounted in channels. A horizontal arm connects the two front legs at the lower part thereof and has a pivoting and threaded drive nut. Another horizontal arm connects the two rear legs at the lower part thereof and has a pivoting and threaded drive nut, being oppositely threaded. A drive screw is mounted to both drive nuts and when rotated the legs are pushed together to raise the seat thereon. As an additional feature, a tilt seat section may be attached to the upper frame causing the seat to tilt forward allowing the user too more easily dismount. This feature may be activated when the seat is or is not elevated. Appropriate electronics operates the portable seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Marjorie H. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8033589
    Abstract: A vehicle seat of the present invention has an engaged member, an engagement member and a guide portion. The engagement member is provided on the seat body so as to be movable between a restraint position and a restraint release position. The engagement member is capable of moving to the restraint position, so as to be advanced to a position in which the engagement member faces the engaged member, and is capable of moving to the restraint release position, so as to be retracted to a position in which the engagement member does not face the engaged member. The guide portion is capable of moving the engagement member to the restraint position when the seat body moves to the retracted position, and is capable of moving the engagement member to the restraint release position when the seat body is advanced from the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Kusanagi, Yoshiyuki Miura
  • Patent number: 7997654
    Abstract: A recliner seat assembly for a passenger vehicle. The recliner seat assembly includes a fixed supporting portion for supporting the assembly off a floor of the vehicle, a reclinable seat portion having a seat-pan and a back-rest, and a seat connecting device adapted for connecting the seat portion to the supporting portion. The connecting device includes a seat reclining mechanism adapted for allowing and controlling translational movement of the seat portion relative to the supporting portion between a first upright position and a second fully reclined position. The connecting device further includes a selectively operable, bi-directional motor adapted for driving the seat portion between the first and second positions. The seat reclining mechanism includes a guiding device for reclining the back-rest progressively rearwardly relative to the supporting portion as the seat portion is moved from the first upright position to the second fully reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited
    Inventors: David Ferry, Adam Bernard Wells, Luke Miles, Andrew Leslie Lawler, David Edward Starkey, Simon Frederick Mills, Gary Doy
  • Patent number: 7971937
    Abstract: A seat adjuster assembly includes an electric motor having an output shaft with a worm gear positioned in a gearbox, a spur gear meshing with the worm gear in the gearbox, a spindle shaft fixed to and driven by the spur gear coacting with a nut contained in a tube, and a linkage system connected to both a vertically movable upper vehicle seat part and a non-vertically movable lower vehicle seat part that positions vertically the upper vehicle seat part responsive to the position of the nut relative to the spindle shaft. At least one washer is provided on the spindle shaft. The spur gear is a plastic spur gear molded over the washer. A pair of leaf springs disposed in the gearbox bears against the spur gear and a wall of the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ishii, Zhi Song Wang
  • Patent number: 7926876
    Abstract: A chair lift includes a jack movable between lowered and raised configurations and a motor in communication with the jack for moving the jack between the lowered and raised configurations. A switch is in communication with the motor to selectively actuate the motor. A mounting bracket is coupled to the jack to move vertically as the jack moves between the lowered and raised configurations, the mounting bracket having opposed first and second ends. First and second clamping mechanisms are configured for attachment to respective chair legs, the first and second clamping mechanisms being below the mounting bracket. A first flexible connecting link extends between and coupled to the mounting bracket first end and the first clamping mechanism. A second flexible connecting link extends between and coupled to the mounting bracket second end and the second clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Robert F. Zadai, Larry R. Elliott
  • Patent number: 7887133
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stand-up wheelchair comprising a frame (29) to which two drive wheels (30) and at least one steerable wheel (31) are fixed. A stand-up unit (33) provided with a height-adjustable seat (3), a back rest (7), and at least one foot rest (32), is pivotably arranged on said wheelchair. The inventive wheelchair is characterized in that the seat (3) is mounted, on both sides, on an articulation parallelogram structure consisting of an upper longitudinal rail (1) which is connected to the seat (3) in a fixed manner and comprises a front articulation point (10) and a rear articulation point (11), a lower longitudinal rail (2) comprising a front articulation point (12) and a rear articulation point (13), and two guides (4, 19) connecting the front articulation points (10, 12) and the rear articulation points (11, 13). The inventive wheelchair is also characterized in that the parallelogram structure can be displaced by a lifting device (36) in order to adjust the height of the seal (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare IP GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinrich Perk
  • Patent number: 7871116
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly that elevates and rotates to enhance passenger seat access is disclosed. The vehicle seat assembly includes a seat and a plurality of links pivotally coupled to a lower surface of the seat at one end of each of the links and pivotally mounted with respect to a vehicle floor at the opposite end of each of the links. A motor may be used to drive at least one link to actuate the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: 89908, Inc.
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Bernard Leitner
  • Patent number: 7866747
    Abstract: A theater seat providing a multi-dimensional sense is provided which allows the audience to directly or indirectly sense various special effects to be absorbed in a movie by stimulating the audience's five senses and presenting environmental conditions substantially similar to the movie. The theater seat providing a multi-dimensional sense includes: a seat having a seat section, a backrest, and a headrest; a motion unit allowing the seat to move vertically, horizontally, and anteroposteriorly; a vibration unit applying local vibrations to a user's hips, femoral region, and back and waist; a speaker transmitting sounds to the user; an actuator stimulating the user's back and waist; an ejection device ejecting a predetermined special effect material to the user; and a controller controlling operations of the motion unit, the vibration unit, the speaker, the actuator, and the ejection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sigongmedia Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Seok Park
  • Patent number: 7819476
    Abstract: A support frame for use in a lift chair. In one embodiment, the support frame includes a base frame having longitudinally spaced transversely extending front and rear frame base rails; a first longitudinally extending side frame base rail connected to the front and rear frame base rails and a second longitudinally extending side frame base rail connected to the front and rear frame base rails, respectively, the first and second side frame base rails and the front and rear frame base rails being co-planar for supporting the lift chair on a surface; and a force balance member mounted to the rear frame base rail. The force balance member has a transversely extending base portion, a first arm portion extending from the base portion at a first angle ?a, and an opposite, second arm portion extending from the base portion at a second angle ?b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: I-Trust Better Life Corp.
    Inventors: Jiaxiong Gong, Ming Yin, Xiaojun Gong, Quan Liu, Xiaoxiang Zhang, Yongyong Mao
  • Publication number: 20100237216
    Abstract: A power seat height adjuster mechanism for a seat of a vehicle includes a motor having an output shaft, a speed reduction mechanism cooperating with the output shaft of the motor to reduce an output speed of the motor, a nut drive mechanism cooperating with the speed reduction mechanism and having a translatable output member to rotate an adjustment component of the seat to adjust a height of the seat, and a locking mechanism cooperating with the speed reduction mechanism to allow the height of the seat to be adjusted and to prevent the height of the seat from moving once the height has been adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Mircea Napau, Ioan Napau, Mike Chupa, Robert James Bachula
  • Patent number: 7780235
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, is provided including a seat substructure (5), a seat cushion (31, 33) with a seat shell (31) and an inclination adjuster (21) with a drive (43). The inclination adjuster (21) with drive (43) is used to change the inclination of the seat cushion relative to the seat substructure (5). The inclination adjuster (21) is loosely positioned on the seat substructure (5) or on the seat cushion (31, 33) and movably attached to the other respective sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: RECARO GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ingo Teufel, Hans Edrich, Kai Schumann