Patent ID: 6422087
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
A method of operating a variable support mechanism in a vehicle having a controlled device, the variable support mechanism including a support mechanism including a plurality of bladders having respective valves connected to a manifold and an electronic control system for selectively inflating and deflating the bladders, said method comprising the steps of:(a) measuring a magnitude of a pressure in each of the bladders; (b) associating first and second users with respective measured pressures from each of the bladders; (c) comparing the measured pressures from each of the bladders with respective target values; (d) adjusting the pressures in each of the bladders such that the measured values achieve the target values; (e) identifying the first or second user of the variable support mechanism based upon the measured pressures in each of the bladders; and (f) controlling the operation of the controlled device in response to the identity of the user of the variable support mechanism.