Abstract: The present invention provides a device for reinforcing the rear end of a vehicle having a ladder-type frame. The device includes a first bar that is adapted to be secured between the left side rail and right suspension attachment of the vehicle frame and a second bar adapted to be secured between the right side rail and left suspension attachment such that the first and second bars are mounted to the frame in a crosswise fashion with respect to each other between the side rails. The device is mounted adjacent the rear of the vehicle frame whereby torsional stiffness and rigidity can be added to the rear of the frame and lateral deflection of the suspension attachments that occurs during aggressive driving is sharply minimized.

Abstract: A cutting tool piece is provided including a rear portion and a lead portion, the lead portion including a front section having an upper side angled downwardly and forwardly and a lower side angled upwardly and forwardly to form a transverse lead cutting edge. The rear portion includes a hole to secure the tool piece to a cutting tool and transverse cutting edges extending outwardly from side walls of the front section. A system is also described for cutting a bowl by coring out an interior portion of a wood block by applying the cutting tool which is curved and rotatably mounted to a post. Its lead end with the tool piece attached creates a circular groove. The cutting tool is advanced on a path which curves toward the central axis of the lathe.

Abstract: A slider for assembly over first and second extending and reclosable portions associated with a resealable bag, each of the reclosable portions includes an opposing and biasingly mating profile extending along upper edges of the bag. The slider includes a main body exhibiting a central portion and first and second hingedly attached and foldable wings. The central portion exhibits a splitter element, the foldable wings defining therebetween a resealing element. A substantially “U” shaped and assembleable cap portion is engageable upon the main body and upon the body being pre-positioned relative to the extending reclosable portions such that the splitter element separates a first location of the reclosable portions. The wings further fold downwardly against opposite sides of the bag such that the resealing elements define therebetween a narrowed passage for rejoining a second location of the reclosable portions.

Abstract: An exercise system for use in a vehicle includes a frame that has a pair of spaced apart base members. Support legs extend from each base member and a crossbeam is connected to and extends between each support leg. Mounting fixtures are positioned on each support leg and on each base member. Additionally, one or more exercise devices may be removably secured to each mounting fixture. In operation a user may attach an exercise device to the frame and undertake resistance exercises for the arms, legs and torso. Various sized individuals at various strength levels can be accommodated via altering the resistance of exercise device.

Abstract: A release latch for use with a vehicle seat. A latch plate is rotatably secured to the seat and engages a floor mounted striker. A cam is rotatably secured to the seat and defines a shoulder biasingly seating against a support surface of the latch plate. A lever actuates the cam away from the support surface. A coil spring extends between the cam and a location of the latch plate offset from its pivot point. Forward pivoting of the seat occurs upon the shoulder separating from the support surface, the coil spring causing the latch plate to further rotate in a disengaging direction relative to the striker and upon the coil spring exceeding an over center portion relative to the pivot point of rotation of the latch plate.

Abstract: Liquid feed flame spray pyrolysis of solutions of a metal oxide precursor which is an alkoxide or C1-6 carboxylate and at least one second metal oxide precursor and/or second metal compound dissolved in oxygenated solvent by combustion with oxygen lead to the formation of sub-micron mixed-metal oxide powders not accessible by other processes or by the pyrolysis of metal chlorides or nitrates. The powders have numerous uses in advanced materials applications including particulate solid state lasers, advanced ceramic materials, and as catalysts in organic synthesis and automobile exhaust systems.

Abstract: A protective kneepad for detachable attachment to an attaching portion mounted on the exterior of the workman's pants in which the kneepad is larger lengthwise of the pants that the attaching portion for a range of adjustment both longitudinally and laterally greater than the dimensions of the detaching portion. The kneepad is detachable from the work pants allowing ease of movement and laundry of the work pants without any interference from the kneepad. The method of attachment of the system to the pants of a workman is simple and requires no special skills. Adhesion of the attaching portion to the workpants is enhanced by the application of heat.

Abstract: A multi-function toilet seat having a body including an oval and arcuate shaped portion, defining an ergonomically configured upper surface and an open interior. A rear portion interconnects opposite extending ends of the arcuate shaped portion. A fluid inlet plug extends from a first location associated with the body and communicates with a plurality of succeeding and interior extending passageway channels. The channels communicate in turn with a plurality of spray nozzles located at spaced locations along an inner defining surface of the seat. A suction outlet extends from a second location associated with the body and communicates with an exhaust motor incorporated into the rear portion. A plurality of exhaust apertures extend along spaced inner locations of the seat and evacuate an airflow from within an associated toilet bowl interior and through the suction outlet.

Abstract: An electronically controlled pedal assembly with hysteresis includes a housing having a front wall and an arcuate friction wall having a radius of curvature centered on a pedal arm pivot point and extending from an edge of the front wall. The pedal assembly also includes a pedal arm rotatably supported at the pedal arm pivot point by a mounting means operatively connected to the housing, and a hysteresis generating means pivotally mounted to the pedal arm. The pedal assembly further includes a spring positioned between the housing and the hysteresis generating means, such that the spring biases the hysteresis generating means against the housing, so that depression of the pedal arm compresses the spring while generating an increasing frictional hysteresis force between the arcuate friction wall and the hysteresis generating means that is translated back through the pedal arm, and release of the pedal arm reduces the frictional hysteresis force.

Abstract: A container for gasoline for use in a two-cycle engine has indentations formed on its four sides so that when viewed from any of the four sides it presents the appearance of the Arabic numeral two, indicating that it is for use with two-cycle engine fuel. The container includes a recess in one of its sidewalls for receiving a smaller container for oil for mixing with the gasoline before insertion in the engine. The oil container may be similarly contoured to give the appearance of the Arabic numeral two.

Abstract: A system for remote maintenance for a machine. Using an imaging device, such as a digital camera, the customer can transmit images of the machine to an off-site expert and receive real-time information related to the assembly, installation, repair or maintenance of the machine.

Abstract: A method for determining the absolute angle of an angle position sensor over a predetermined rotation range and in which the sensor generates a repeating periodic analog signal across the rotation range. The initial position of the sensor is stored in memory when the sensor is in a predetermined initial angular position. Thereafter, the angular position of the sensor within the rotation range is determined as a function of both the sensor output signal and the stored angular position of the sensor. The current position of the sensor is iteratively stored in memory. Additionally, the sensor output is calibrated by dividing the sensor output into a plurality of arc segments across the rotation range. A polynomial curve fit is then applied to each arc segment to determine the calibration for the sensor and this calibration data is subsequently utilized to provide a signal representative of the absolute angle of the position sensor over the rotation range.