William S Brewer

US Patent:

7931246, Apr 26, 2011

Filed:

Nov 10, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/665425

Inventors:

William S. Brewer - Pinckney MI, US
Ganesh T. Ramaseshadri - Ypsilanti MI, US
Michael Leighton - LaSalle, CA
Simon Moore - Brighton MI, US
Stephen P. Telesco - Dexter MI, US

Assignee:

Johnson Controls Technology Company - Holland MI

International Classification:

F16M 13/00

US Classification:

248429, 248430

Abstract:

A track assembly for a vehicle seat includes a first track () having a first portion and a second track () coupled to the first track (). The track assembly also includes a first set () and a second set () of friction reducing members provided at first and second locations between the first track and the second track to facilitate sliding movement of the second track () relative to the first track (). A device for preventing the sliding movement of the second track is provided that includes a pin configured to lock the second track in place relative to the first track by engaging a first portion () of the first track (), a first portion () of the second track (), and a second portion () of the second track (). The pin extends between the first set () of friction reducing members and the second set () of friction reducing members when the second track is prevented from sliding.

US Patent:

7963605, Jun 21, 2011

Filed:

Jul 31, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/997521

Inventors:

Ganesh T. Ramaseshadri - Ypsilanti MI, US
William S. Brewer - Canton MI, US

International Classification:

A47C 1/00
B60N 2/16

US Classification:

29734415, 29734412

Abstract:

A vehicle seat having a lift structure for adjusting the position of the seat employs a load transfer link () to transfer the loads applied to the seat from a lift link () and an upper support () to a pivot bracket (), which is typically coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The load transfer link is coupled to the pivot bracket on one end and to the lift link on the opposite end, in order to transfer the load. The lift structure permits movement of a restraint seatbelt with the height adjustment of the vehicle seat, thus reducing the potential for discomfort of the occupant.

US Patent:

8029063, Oct 4, 2011

Filed:

Mar 23, 2007

Appl. No.:

12/293885

Inventors:

David A. Kazyak - Brighton MI, US
Michael J. Leighton - LaSalle, CA
William S. Brewer - Plymouth MI, US
Simon Moore - Brighton MI, US
Todd M. Tommelein - Saline MI, US

Assignee:

Johnson Controls Technology Company - Holland MI

International Classification:

A47C 1/00

US Classification:

2973441, 29734411, 248430, 248429

Abstract:

A track assembly for a vehicle seat includes a first track member and a reinforcing member. The first track member has a first portion defining a first set of apertures configured to receive a locking device. The reinforcing member, which may be in the form of a plate, is coupled to the first portion and defines a second set of apertures corresponding to the first set of apertures. The second set of apertures are also configured to receive the locking device. The reinforcing member is configured to reinforce the first track member in an area around and between the first set of apertures.

US Patent:

8146991, Apr 3, 2012

Filed:

Mar 26, 2007

Appl. No.:

12/302727

Inventors:

Kannan S. Stanz - Canton MI, US
Eugen F. Craciun - Ann Arbor MI, US
Ganesh T. Ramaseshadri - Ypsilanti MI, US
William S. Brewer - Plymouth MI, US

Assignee:

Johnson Controls Technology Company - Holland MI

International Classification:

A47C 1/00
F16H 27/02

US Classification:

29734417, 29734413, 74 8936, 74 8934, 74411

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.

US Patent:

20080023613, Jan 31, 2008

Filed:

Aug 1, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/882367

Inventors:

William Brewer - Canton MI, US
Vasile Bozintan - Farmington Hills MI, US
Ganesh Ramaseshadri - Ypsilanti MI, US
David Kazyak - Brighton MI, US

International Classification:

B60N 2/06
F16M 13/00

US Classification:

248429000, 296065010

Abstract:

A track system for coupling a seat having a seat cushion within a vehicle includes a first track arrangement, a second track arrangement, a motor, and a gear box. The first track arrangement is configured to be coupled to the seat cushion and the vehicle. The second track arrangement is configured to be coupled to the seat cushion and the vehicle so that the second track arrangement is parallel to and spaced apart from the first track arrangement. The motor is coupled to the first track arrangement and the second track arrangement and comprises a first output that includes an axis of rotation generally parallel to the first track arrangement. The gear box is operably coupled to the first output of the motor, the first track arrangement, and the second track arrangement. The first track arrangement and the second track arrangement are configured to adjust the position of the seat cushion within the vehicle when the motor is operated. Each of the motor and the gear box are located closer to the first track arrangement than to the second track arrangement.

US Patent:

20120049597, Mar 1, 2012

Filed:

Jun 19, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/997657

Inventors:

William S. Brewer - Plymouth MI, US
Ronald R. Siegrist - Grass Lake MI, US

Assignee:

Johnson Controls Technology Company - Holland MI

International Classification:

B60N 2/10
B60N 2/04

US Classification:

297313, 297311

Abstract:

An adjuster mechanism () includes a tilt bracket (), a sector (), and a motor and transmission assembly () and has minimal mass. The adjuster mechanism () is useful hi providing adjustability to a vehicle seat () for adjusting the front portion of a seat base cushion () between a plurality of positions.

US Patent:

20130161992, Jun 27, 2013

Filed:

Feb 18, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/579851

Inventors:

Ornela Zekavica - Novi MI, US
Phillip W. Wilson - Wixom MI, US
Anthony M. Kestian - Highland MI, US
Elizabeth A. Allen - Ypsilanti MI, US
Mark S. Williamson - Canton MI, US
Joseph F. Prosniewski - Brownstown Twp. MI, US
Catherine M. Amodeo - Livonia MI, US
Miodrag Mitch Petrovich - Ann Arbor MI, US
Ronald G. Bedro - Plymouth MI, US
Edward J. Lamont - Livonia MI, US
Michael J. Leighton - LaSalle, CA
William Shawn Brewer - Plymouth MI, US
David J. Hayes - West Bloomfield MI, US
Robert J. Hicks - Canton MI, US
Andrew J. Erard - Ceresco MI, US
Michael G. Buss - Kalamazoo MI, US
Mark A. Harris - West Bloomfield MI, US
Alexander I. Balin - Ann Arbor MI, US
Alex Saveski - South Lyon MI, US
Eric B. Michalak - Northville MI, US
Daniel J. Sakkinen - Highland MI, US
Nicholas L. Petouhoff - South Lyon MI, US

Assignee:

Johnson Controls Technology Company - Holland MI

International Classification:

B60N 2/22
B60N 2/44

US Classification:

2973541, 2974521, 29592, 29428

Abstract:

A seat back structure includes a web extending about a central opening, and an inner flange extending about an inner perimeter of the web adjacent to the central opening. The seat back structure also includes an outer flange extending about an outer perimeter of the web. The inner flange, the outer flange and the web form a channel extending about the seat back structure, and the seat back structure is formed from a single piece of material.

US Patent:

61391042, Oct 31, 2000

Filed:

Jan 29, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/240300

Inventors:

William Shawn Brewer - Pinckney MI

Assignee:

Johnson Controls Technology Company - Plymouth MI

International Classification:

B60N 202

US Classification:

297353

Abstract:

An adjusting mechanism for a vehicle seat back provides for recliner adjustment of the seat back, rotation of the seat back to a forward dump easy entry position and rotation of the seat back to a fold flat position for storage. In the fold flat position, the seat back is locked in place. A single actuating handle is operated to adjust the recline position of the seat and to rotate the seat back to the fold flat position. A second handle is actuated to rotate the seat back to the forward dump position in which the seat back is unlocked. Upon return of the seat back from the dump position, the seat back locks in the previously adjusted recline position. A lock out is provided to prevent release of the recliner when the seat back is in the forward dump position.