Patent ID: 8052112

Claim:
A fore-aft position adjuster adapted for use with a seat, said adjuster comprising: a locking member securely connected to the seat, so as to be translatable therewith; a fixed structure connected to a base, wherein the member and structure are cooperatively configured so as to be caused to achieve one of disengaged and engaged conditions, wherein the member and seat are free to translate in the disengaged condition, and fixed in the engaged condition, relative to the base; and an actuator drivenly coupled to the structure or member, including an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change when exposed to or occluded from an activation signal, wherein the element defines a bowstring configuration of predetermined trigonometry, and produces an actuation force that acts upon the member or structure, said actuator being configured to selectively cause the member and structure to achieve the other of said conditions, as a result of the change, and amplify the force so as to provide mechanical advantage.