Abstract: A powered seat assembly for reducing end-play of an associated lead screw interconnecting a pivotally secured seat back to a motor gear box. A motor actuates the lead screw through an input to the motor gear box and in order to pivotally readjust the seat back. The seat assembly includes a base plate, the seat back pivotally securing to a forward location of the base plate, the motor gear box securing to a rearward location. A bracket secures to an intermediate location of the base plate, a slot defined in an extending portion of the bracket defining a passage therethrough for the lead screw. A spacer bushing is supported upon the lead screw and adheres against a face of the bracket opposite the pivotally secured seat back.

Abstract: A mechanism for a vehicle seat is includes a seat bottom supported by the vehicle and a seatback coupled to the seat bottom. The mechanism includes a first adjustment mechanism connected to the vehicle seat and operable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a first powered remote activation device coupled to the first adjustment mechanism. The first powered remote actuation device includes a motor and a transmission element operable to toggle the first adjustment mechanism into the unlocked position.

Abstract: A power folding seat for installation within a vehicle includes a seat cushion mountable to the vehicle, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion, and a power actuator disposed within the seat back for automatically rotating the seat back between an upright position and a folded position. The power actuator includes a power seat recliner, a latch assembly, a power head restraint adjuster, and a control system coupled to the power seat recliner, the latch assembly, and the power head restraint adjuster. The control system includes a signal receiver which is configured to receive commands from a remote transmitter, and a data processor coupled to the signal receiver. The data processor controls the power seat recliner, the power latch actuator and the power head restraint adjuster, and is configured to move the seat back between the upright position and the folded position in accordance with the received remote commands.

Abstract: A seat includes a first seat piece (10) and a further seat piece (12), which may be adjusted for inclination by a controllable operating device (14). The operating device (14) engages the further seat piece (12) by at least two adjusters (30), which are moved by a common drive mechanism (34) with a mechanical coupling (36) between the adjusters (30), for an effectively uniform motion. A uniform inclination adjustment of the further seat piece, such as backrest and/or leg rest is achieved. The drive includes an actuator device with a longitudinally displaceable operating piece (40), engaged with a rocker (44), connected to an adjuster piece (30) and operating the mechanical coupling (36), with a further rocker (46), for the other adjuster (30).

Abstract: An inertia increasing seat-recliner assembly for adjusting the angular position of a vehicle seat back relative to a seat bottom is provided. The seat-recliner includes a drive assembly, a driven assembly adapted to be coupled to a seat back, a transmission assembly operably connecting the drive assembly to the driven assembly, and a coupler disposed between the drive assembly and the transmission assembly. The coupler includes a first member and a second member adapted to selectively disengage, thereby increasing inertia in the drive assembly prior to driving the transmission. The first member includes a radial arm appending therefrom and the second member includes a longitudinal arm appending therefrom. The radial and longitudinal arms move relative each other, wherein relative motion causes the arms to engage, thereby driving the transmission.

Abstract: The method for controlling the dynamics applies to a seat (10) comprising at least three parts (16, 20, 22) which can move with respect to each other and at least two actuators (24, 26) for moving the three parts (16, 20, 22). The method comprises a step of operating the two actuators (24, 26) jointly to modify the configuration of the seat. The step of joint operation comprises the following successive steps: activating a first actuator (24) at a first instant; and activating a second actuator (26) at a second instant subsequent to the said first instant and separated from the first instant by a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive and fluid control system for a mechanism having at least two fluid actuated cylinder includes a bi-directional motor/gear pump. A monolithic block manifold has intersecting bores formed therein in which valving and control mechanism for the fluid circuit is mounted. The fluid control system includes a variety of elements for providing smooth action of the cylinders at start, stop, and intermediate operations. These include piston-style accumulators, self-actuating fluid flow rate control valves and cushion valves.

Abstract: A nurse robot has a stand and a supporting assembly. The supporting assembly is mounted on the stand and has a seat, a backrest, a leg plate, step plate, a first driving device and a second driving device. The seat is attached to the stand. The backrest is pivotally attached to one end of the seat plate. The leg plate is pivotally attached to the other end of the seat. The step plate is pivotally attached to the other end of the leg plate. The first driving device is attached to the seat to drive the backrest and the leg plate to pivotally rotate relative to the seat. The second driving device is attached to the leg plate to drive the step plate to pivotally rotate relative to the leg plate. Accordingly, a patient can conveniently move to any desired place without any other person's help.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat with a first seat piece (10) and a further seat piece (12), which may be adjusted for inclination by means of a controllable operating device (14). Said operating device (14) engages with the further seat piece (12) by means of at least two adjusters (30), which are moved by a common drive mechanism (34) with a mechanical coupling (36) between the adjusters (30), for an effectively uniform motion thereof. A uniform inclination adjustment of the further seat piece, such as backrest and/or legrest is achieved, whereby the drive comprises an actuator device with a longitudinally displaceable operating piece (40), engaged with a rocker (44), connected to an adjuster piece (30) and operating the mechanical coupling (36), with a further rocker (46), for the other adjuster (30).

Abstract: A chair is electrically and mechanically adjustable through a wide range of positions in a cost-effective and reliable manner. The chair includes a seat and a back coupled to a control mechanism and supported on a base. A height adjustment mechanism is coupled to a motor and extends between the base and the seat for controlling a height of the seat with respect to the base. A limit switch controls an amount of movement of the seat with respect to the base. The control mechanism is pivotally coupled between the chair seat and the height adjustment mechanism and mechanically and electrically adjusts a position of the seat with respect to the base. More specifically, the control mechanism permits mechanical adjustments of a position of the seat to be made that are independent of electrical adjustments of the seat.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a chair that enables a plurality of mechanical adjustments to be made to the chair by a seated occupant in a cost effective and reliable manner is described. The mounting assembly is coupled to a control mechanism which includes a plurality of motor-gear groups and at least one control switch. The control switch is coupled to each motor-gear group, a rechargeable battery, and to a limit switch that limits an amount of electrical height adjustment of the chair seat with respect to the chair base. Each motor-gear group is coupled to a drive shaft and are used to electrically adjust the chair. As a result, a seated occupant may selectively engage mechanically adjust the chair seat relative independently of electrical adjustments available by the control mechanism.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a chair that enables a plurality of adjustments to be made to the chair by a seated occupant in a cost effective and reliable manner is described. The control mechanism includes a plurality of motor-gear groups and at least one control switch. The control switch is coupled to each motor-gear group, a rechargeable battery, and to a limit switch that limits an amount of height adjustment of the chair seat with respect to the chair base. Each motor-gear group is coupled to a drive shaft. As a result, a seated occupant may engage the control switch to selectively electrically raise or lower the chair seat relative to the chair base, tilt the chair seat relative to the control mechanism, tilt the chair back relative to the chair seat, adjust the height of the chair seat relative to the control mechanism, and adjust the chair seat depth relative to the chair back.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting a seat back (6) of a vehicle seat (4), in which a drive (9) that carries out adjusting processes is integrated. This acts on stagger gears (10, 22), with which the seat back (6) is moved within a range of inclination (13). A torsion element (24) is provided between the stagger gears (10, 22) that compensates the clearance in the stagger gears (10, 22) within a first range of adjustment (18) of the seat back (6) and functions as support for the driver motor within a further range of adjustment (19) of the seat back (6).

Abstract: An electrical actuator for a seat with an inclinable back in which irreversibility (or blocking of the mechanism) and efficiency are independent of each other, efficiency being obtained by the use of a reduction gear with straight gear wheels (8), and irreversibility being obtained by a current release blocking device (7) mounted in parallel on an electric motor (5) and energized by the same control device (9) as the motor.

Abstract: A seating device for maneuvering a body part comprising a fully adjustable chair including a base assembly, an occupant supporting assembly and an elevator assembly including drive mechanisms for raising, lowering and tilting the occupant supporting assembly. The chair has a head rest, leg rest, chest rest and a plurality of arm rests. The chair has full adjustment in all axes: rotation around a vertical central axis; vertical height adjustment; fully adjustable seat back for proper lumbar support; and tilt of the seat. The base assembly includes a power unit biased toward the floor. The chair permits support of the occupant with a full range of adjustment so that the occupant can have proper positioning for selected medical procedures and body part positions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a seat (1) with at least one seat base part (2) and at least one backrest part (3) which seat is supported on a seat carrier (4) and is movable in relation to said carrier by positioning drive (5, 6). Considering one of possibly multiple seats (1) it is of advantage, that the positioning drive (5, 6), is in controlling connection with at least one body position sensor (12, 13) to enable the advancing or retracting of a seat base part (2) and/or a backrest part (3) in accord with the bodily position assumed by a person on said seat (1), or, for the retraction of the seat base part (2) and or backrest part (3) in accord with a bodily movement of a person on the seat (1).

Abstract: A drive system for adjusting parts of motor vehicle equipment, in particular parts of a vehicle seat, having an electrical drive motor (10) which includes a drive motor shaft (12) and a worm (14) disposed on that shaft, also having a mechanical adjusting device, which includes at least one worm wheel (16) cooperating with the worm (14), one coupling unit, and one power takeoff unit. It is proposed that the coupling unit has at least two couplings (28), which are disposed on at least one auxiliary shaft (18) connected in a manner fixed against relative rotation to the at least one worm wheel (16), and which independently of one another couple the drive motor (10) to at least two power takeoff elements (54) of the power takeoff unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a management system for the movements of the parts of at least one vehicle seat, which at each connection (11, 12, 13) positioned between a first and a second seat part, comprises an actuating means (A1, A2, A3) of the first part relative to the second part, associated with memorisation and control means (R1, F1; R2, F2; R3, F3) of the end positions of each part and of the limit transmission forces of the actuating means.

Abstract: A constant engagement linear recliner assembly is provided for implementation with a seat assembly. The constant engagement linear recliner assembly includes a recliner rod in constant mesh engagement with a gear system. As the gear system is caused to rotate, the recliner rod moves linearly with respect to the linear recliner assembly. The linear motion of the recliner rod translates into pivotable motion of a seat back relative to a seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is movable between a seating position and a storage position to form a relatively flat horizontal load floor. The seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. A side member extends upward from the seat bottom. The seat back is rotatably mounted on the side member such that the seat back is rotatable about a horizontally extending axis. The seat back is preferably mounted on the side member so that the seat back can be rotated or flipped around by about 180 degrees so that a seating surface and a back surface of the seat back are rotatable to a reverse position. Preferably, the side member is pivotally attached to the seat bottom and is capable of moving the seat back into a generally horizontal position to define the load floor. An optional panel can be movably attached to the seat back. The panel is movable between a first position adjacent the seat back, and an extended position extending outward from the seat back and covering the seat bottom to further extend and define the load floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical or dental treatment chair (1) having a seat part (2), a back part (4), a carrier part (16) arranged on the back part (4), an intermediate lever (23) which with its one end is pivotably connected with the carrier part (16), a head support lever (24) which with its one end is pivotably connected to the other end of the intermediate lever (23) and carries a head support pad (21), and an intermediate lever adjustment motor (M3) which is effective between the carrier parts (16) and the intermediate lever (23). For the support function there is provided a head support lever adjustment motor (M4) which is effective between the intermediate lever (23) and the head support lever (27).

Abstract: A powered movable chair controllable by a user. The chair includes a frame, a powered apparatus mounted to the frame to power the movable chair, and a controller including a control circuit coupled to the powered apparatus. The control circuit includes at least two switches for selectively controlling a change of the status of the powered apparatus between a locked state and an unlocked state. The control circuit is operable to generate an output signal allowing control of the powered apparatus in the unlocked state and preventing control of the powered apparatus in the locked state. The control circuit is further operable to change from the unlocked state to the locked state when a user operates only a first switch of the at least two switches, and to change from the locked state to the unlocked state when a user operates two switches of the at least two switches.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a chair that enables a plurality of adjustments to be made to the chair by a seated occupant in a cost effective and reliable manner is described. The control mechanism includes a plurality of motor-gear groups and at least one control switch. The control switch is coupled to each motor-gear group, a rechargeable battery, and to a limit switch that limits an amount of height adjustment of the chair seat with respect to the chair base. Each motor-gear group is coupled to a drive shaft. As a result, a seated occupant may engage the control switch to selectively electrically raise or lower the chair seat relative to the chair base, tilt the chair seat relative to the control mechanism, tilt the chair back relative to the chair seat, adjust the height of the chair seat relative to the control mechanism, and adjust the chair seat depth relative to the chair back.

Abstract: A load floor seat assembly for an adjustable seat is disclosed movable from a normal position to a load floor position. A seat base is adapted to be attached to a motor vehicle floor, at least one seat back arm is pivotably mounted to the seat base about a seat back pivot, and a seat back is pivotably attached to the seat back arm about a load floor pivot. A load floor assembly is attached to the seat back so that in the normal position the seat back is generally perpendicular to the seat base, and in the load floor position the seat back is generally parallel with the seat base and rotated about the load floor pivot, so that the load floor assembly covers the seat back and the seat base.

Abstract: A seating device for maneuvering a body part comprising a fully adjustable chair including a base assembly, an occupant supporting assembly and an elevator assembly including drive mechanisms for raising, lowering and tilting the occupant supporting assembly. The chair has a head rest, leg rest, chest rest and a plurality of arm rests. The chair has full adjustment in all axes: rotation around a vertical central axis; vertical height adjustment; fully adjustable seat back for proper lumbar support; and tilt of the seat. The base assembly includes a power unit biased toward the floor. The invention permits support of the occupant with a full range of adjustment so that the occupant can have proper positioning for selected medical procedures and body part positions.

Abstract: A set of vehicle electrically actuated reclining seats are provided to replace stationary seats in a van permitting comfortable sleeping. The invention consists of a pair of side walls (30) attached to the van interior, with each side wall including a slotted frame (31) having a horizontal slot (32) therein. A set of rollers (42) on a bench frame (40) interface with the slots permitting the frame to slide horizontally as driven by a first electric motor drive. A pair of seats (60) and back rests (72) are attached to the bench frame, connected to a second electric motor drive such that when the back rest is substantially upright the back of the seat is lower than the front of the seat and when the back rest is pivoted flat the seat is simultaneously raised to a horizontal position parallel to the back rest.

Abstract: A leg rest and a seat back are rotatably mounted at the front and the back of a seal; cushion of a motor-driven seat, respectively. A foot rest is mounted on the leg rest so that it can be extended and retreated. Motor-driven actuators each having a potentiometer are individually connected to them. The motor-driven actuators are controlled by a controller in response to an input of an operation switch, based on a position determined by the potentiometer, and in accordance with a predetermined reference position, thereby adjusting the angles and the positions of the seat parts. The motor-driven actuator is temporarily moved to the end of the stroke, so that limit switches are activated, and the reference position is adjusted based on the position determined by the potentiometer, thereby significantly reducing the amount of adjustment work.

Abstract: An electric seat in which other members are prevented from being damaged and thus safety is ensured.

Abstract: There is provided a seat preventing the baggage or the like from being damaged. A leg rest strain gauge is provided on the bark surface of the leg rest frame on the proximal side. When a baggage is placed in the operating space of the leg rest in the bed position, and the leg rest is moved downward and is abutted against the baggage, the leg rest warps to form a convex on the upper surface in response to a reaction force from the baggage (a force in the direction opposite to the direction of the inclining movement of the leg rest). Therefore, the leg rest strain gauge expands, and thus the resistance and the gauged voltage value exceed the inclining direction determination value and the stoppage determination value. Consequently, the operation of the motor is stopped and the further downward movement of the leg rest is stopped. Therefore, the leg rest is prevented from pressurizing the baggage unnecessarily, thereby preventing the baggage from being damaged.

Abstract: An automobile seat or recliner has a recliner adjuster for adjusting the inclination of a seat back relative to a seat cushion. The recliner adjuster is provided with a backlash reducing structure that includes a worm gear attached rotatably to the seat cushion, a sector gear fixed to the seat back and held in engagement with the worm gear, and a pressing member for pressing the sector gear to the worm gear to reduce backlash therebetween.

Abstract: A no-back drive mechanism for use in aircraft seat actuator assemblies. The mechanism provides a general interface between an electric motor and a seat actuator. The mechanism prevents an aircraft seat actuator from back driving under passenger induced loads on the seat. The no-back drive mechanism comprises an input member, an output member, and a housing. The input and output members include driving and driven members respectively. The driven members include cam surfaces on which ride rolling members. The cam surfaces are designed to cause the rolling members to wedge against the cam surfaces and the housing when the output member experiences either clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation due to passenger induced loads on the aircraft seat actuator assembly.

Abstract: A fold-flat hinge assembly for use with a seat assembly includes an arm pivotably supported by a support member and adapted to support the seat back, as well as a gear fixedly attached to a shaft that is rotatably supported within a first slot of the support member. The shaft also includes a gear fixedly attached thereto and interfacing said arm. A blocking pin slidably supported by the support member between a first position and a second position and mechanically communicating with the shaft blocks rotation of the arm relative to the support member when in a first position. When the blocking pin is moved to a second position by the shaft interacting with the gear teeth of the arm, the arm is in rotate relative to the support member.

Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the inclination of a back rest of a vehicle seat with an electric motor and a hand wheel as adjusting drives which act on the adjustable back rest frame via an adjusting gear. The hand wheel is arranged coaxial with the rotor of the electric motor and accommodates the motor components as a hood-shaped housing in its interior. The hand wheel and the electric motor have a common output shaft connected to the adjusting gear.

Abstract: A seat recliner that controllably adjusts the angular position of a seat back relative to a seat base structure and is responsive to remote actuation by an operator. The recliner includes a driven mechanism adapted to be connected to the seat back, a drive mechanism rotatable in a first and second direction, and a transmission assembly operably interconnecting the drive mechanism and the driven mechanism. The transmission assembly includes a gear retainer assembly and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is adapted to be connected to one of the seat base and seat back. The gear retainer assembly includes a gear housing formed of a polymeric material and adapted to accommodate the drive and driven mechanisms for operative interconnection, whereby rotation of a transmission rod in the first or second direction causes a recliner rod to move relative to the housing in a corresponding first and second linear direction.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has an adjustable backrest connected to a driving device that can be activated in the event of a rear end collision. The backrest is inclined forwardly during the rear end collision and then performs an opposing rearward movement decelerated by an energy absorber.

Abstract: A drive assembly for mechanically displacing and positioning two profile parts relative to each other includes at least one tooth path connected to a first profile part, at least one toothed wheel connected rotatably to a second profile part for engaging on the tooth path, drive means, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting to the toothed wheel the power produced by the drive means, wherein the transmission mechanism is provided with at least one right-angled transmission. Also disclosed is a piece of furniture provided with such a drive, a profile part for assembly with the drive and a method for manufacturing such a profile part.

Abstract: Multi-function, adjustable seats and methods and systems for their manufacture and utilization are disclosed. Such seats are especially, although not exclusively, designed for use in commercial aircraft in response to consumer requests for enhanced comfort during long-haul flights. In addition to providing rocking motion, the seats have bottoms whose lengths are adjustable and provide stowable tables adapted not only to permit vertical adjustment, but also to tilt out of a horizontal plane and latch in an as-tilted position to function as a rest for a book, magazine, computer, or other object. Digital control technology, including a touch screen or similar device, may be employed to actuate features of the disclosed seats.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat part and a backrest part swivellably arranged thereon as well as an adjusting device for adjusting the inclination of the backrest part. The backrest adjusting device including at least one rod element which is arranged crosswise in the transition area between the backrest part and the seat part and is supported with its upper end on the backrest part and with its lower end on the seat part. The rod element is a control-arm-type lever whose upper end is coupled to the backrest part with respect to movements and whose lower end can be displaced for adjusting the inclination of the backrest part by a driving mechanism along a circular-arc-shaped path between end positions.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a structured vehicle seat assembly accommodates loads applied to the seatback through a safety belt restraint system carried by the seat assembly. The pivot assembly includes a connector member including an upper portion extending into a hollow channel defined by the seatback frame. The connector member is fixedly attached thereto. The pivot assembly further includes a housing attached to a lower seat structure for movement therewith between fore and aft positions. The connector member is pivotally mounted to the housing to thereby permit the seatback to rotate relative to the lower seat structure between a generally upright position and a reclined position. The pivot assembly further preferably includes a drive arrangement for rotating the connector member about a pivot axis. The pivot assembly functions to efficiently and effectively transfer loads from the seatback to the lower seat structure, and in turn, to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the spatial relationship between the bottom and the bade of a chair which may be subjected to seven mechanical stress, as in the case of a vehicle crash, the seat and the back being operatively connected respectively to two oppositely threaded portions of a rotatable shaft which is adapted to be routed in one direction or the other to produce the desired change in spatial relationship, the arrangement providing the combination of exceptional strength in the event of a crash and reduced cost. The operative connection between the chair parts and the shaft includes two non-rotatable parts engaged respectively with the oppositely threaded shaft portions so as to move in and out with respect to the shaft as the latter is rotated, and a housing which permits those parts to thus move while preventing their motion.