The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 26, 2011
Filed:
Mar. 20, 2008
Jennifer P. Lawall, Waterford, MI (US);
Diane K. Mcqueen, Leonard, MI (US);
Nancy L. Johnson, Nothville, MI (US);
Alan L. Browne, Grosse Pointe, MI (US);
Paul W. Alexander, Ypsilanti, MI (US);
Jennifer P. Lawall, Waterford, MI (US);
Diane K. McQueen, Leonard, MI (US);
Nancy L. Johnson, Nothville, MI (US);
Alan L. Browne, Grosse Pointe, MI (US);
Paul W. Alexander, Ypsilanti, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations, LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A recliner adjustment system and method utilizing active material based actuation is adapted for use with a recliner defining an engaging surface and operable to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface, and includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the surface from pivoting, an unlocking actuator including at least one active material element configured to release the mechanism when activated or deactivated, a signal source operable to generate and deliver to the element an activation signal, and more preferably, a second adjusting actuator including a second active material element configured to rotationally displace the surface, so as to adjust the angle, when activated or deactivated and the mechanism has been released.