Patent ID: 8100471

Claim:
An adjustable seat ramp adapted for use with a seat base defining an engagement surface, wherein the surface defines a distal edge and an interior region, and the edge and region cooperatively define a first height, said ramp comprising: a moveable structure disposed within the base, presenting a first position and orientation relative to the surface; and an actuator drivenly coupled to the moveable structure and including an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change when exposed to or occluded from an activation signal, wherein the actuator is configured to cause the moveable structure to translate to a second position or orientation and the moveable structure and base are cooperatively configured to modify the edge or region, so as to define a second height therebetween, as a result of the change, the actuator further includes an overload protector connected to the active material element opposite the moveable structure, and configured to present a secondary work output path, when the active material element is activated and the moveable structure is unable to be moved, the overload protector includes an extension spring in series connection to the active material element, the protector further includes a lever intermediate the active material element and spring, the lever defines first and second arms and a pivot axis, the active material element is attached to one of said arms and spaced from the axis a first distance, and the spring is attached to the other of said arms and spaced from the axis a second distance greater than the first.