Patent ID: 6053064
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: B60N,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
An actuator for manipulating a bowden cable assembly of a lumbar support structure for varying the shape of the lumbar support structure, the actuator comprising:a housing having a longitudinal passage formed therein;a screw positioned inside the housing and operable for moving longitudinally in the housing passage;a threaded nut positioned at one end of the housing, the nut being coupled to the screw and operable for rotating and moving said screw longitudinally through the housing passage;an opening formed in the screw and configured for receiving the end of a cable of a bowden cable assembly for drawing the cable through the housing passage;a barrel configured for receiving a bowden cable assembly, the barrel operable for providing movement of the cable of a bowden cable assembly completely therethrough and through the housing passage and further operable for engaging a sleeve of the bowden cable assembly for preventing movement of the sleeve completely therethrough;the barrel fixedly coupled to the housing to fix the movement of the bowden cable sleeve with respect to the housing passage;movement of said screw in the housing operable for drawing the cable through the fixed sleeve of the bowden cable structure for manipulating a lumbar support structure.