Abstract: The invention refers to a device (3) for actuating a membrane arranged in an opening to a space, and a vehicle having such a device. The membrane (1) has a first surface (1?) and a second opposite surface (1?), and is limited by an edge area. The device includes a first strip (5) to be attached to the first surface of the membrane in the edge area, and a second strip (6) to be attached to a surface of a frame portion extending around the opening. An exchanging number (8) is arranged between and connecting the first strip with the second strip. An actuating member (20) is arranged to transfer a reciprocating primary movement to the exchanging member converting the primary movement to a reciprocating secondary movement, which has a longer length of stroke than the primary movement and acts on the strips to move towards and away from each other.

Abstract: A kiln having a body with an internal chamber accessible via an opening which normally is closed by a closure that is movable. Lift apparatus effects movements of the closure between its closed and opened positions. The lift apparatus includes an arm which overlies the closure and is pivoted to a support independently of the kiln body for rotation about a second axis that is spaced a selected distance from the axis about which the closure rocks. The lift arm is connected to the closure by a pivot coupling which maintains the lift arm and the closure substantially parallel and uniformly spaced apart throughout the movements of the closure. The pivotal connection of the lift arm to the closure enables relative movement of the lift arm and the closure during movements thereof to avoid imposing appreciable stress on either the arm or the closure.

Abstract: The invention provides an article, a method and an apparatus of forming expanded plastic materials in a steam chest mold having out of die draw features. This is achieved by means of a cavity pull system. The cavity pull system allows for the provision of molded features outside the die draw and is designed to operate on a cam type system using two stainless steel rods running at a right angle to one another. A gear mechanism allows molded features, e.g. holes, to be formed at any angle on any part design where enough part geometry exists to accommodate the forming features and in the tool for mechanism components. The invention is advantageously employed in the formation of holes outside the die draw in vertically stacked injection tools for energy absorbers used in vehicle bumper fascias. The provision of out of die draw molded features is useful for fascia component locating or attachment.

Abstract: A step assembly includes an upper housing adapted to be fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A step is movable relative to the upper housing between a stowed position and a deployed position. A single arm is pivotal with respect to the upper housing and pivotal with respect to the step in order to form a three-bar linkage for moving the step between the stowed and deployed positions.

Abstract: For the manufacture of a photovoltaic module (1), there are attached to a transparent substrate (2) a transparent front electrode layer (3), a semiconductor layer (4) and a rear electrode layer (5) which, for forming cells (C1, C2, . . . , Cn, Cn+1) connected in series, are structured by dividing lines (6, 7, 8). A water-soluble detachment mass (12) is applied using an inkjet printer (15) to the regions of the semiconductor layer (4) at which the dividing lines (8) are to be formed in the rear electrode layer (5), whereon the rear electrode layer (5) is attached. The detachment mass (12), with the regions attached thereto of the rear electrode layer (5), is removed using a water jet (13) while forming the dividing lines (8) in the rear electrode layer (5).

Abstract: For manufacturing a photovoltaic module (1) having on a transparent substrate (2) a transparent front electrode layer (3), a semiconductor layer (4) and a back electrode layer (5) as functional layers, the functional layers (3-5) are removed in the edge area (10) of the substrate (2) with a laser emitting infrared radiation. Subsequently, a back cover (12) is laminated on the coated substrate (2) with an adhesive film (11).

Abstract: A tarp system with a knuckle arm assembly having a housing on an upper aim with a bent enclosure with a flexible torque shaft substantially within the enclosure, such as an extruded tube. A first end of the flexible torque shaft may be used in conjunction with a motor, preferably mounted away from the bend in the enclosure to minimize the envelope of the tarp system around a container of a container of a trailer or rail car. A second end of the flexible torque shaft is attached to an axle shaft for a roller or the like that is used in conjunction with a tarp.

Abstract: An attachment receptacle (10) which can be fixed on a head covering, such as a helmet 5, of a user and has a clamping device is provided. The attachment receptacle 10 is fixed by means of a fixing component, for example having hook-like retaining brackets 9a, 9b, on the back of a head covering and is connected via a clamping element to the front or to a sighting device mounted on the front, such as a night vision device 2. The attachment receptacle 10 with the clamping device is formed in such a way that externally accessible components are integrated in the form of the receptacle, in such a way that no projecting or protruding components can cause unintentional actuation of the clamping device. The attachment receptacle 10 is furthermore advantageously formed on the head covering so as to be adjustable in height.

Abstract: An automotive door lock having a lock mechanism (3) for releasably engaging a striker (4), and a release mechanism (5) interacting with the lock mechanism (3) to release the lock (1). The release mechanism (5) has a control member (18) which interacts with the lock mechanism (3), is loaded elastically into a rest position, and can be set to a work position to release the lock (1). The release mechanism (5) has an actuating member (31) activated selectively to move the control member (18), in a forward movement, from the rest position to the work position; and, during a return movement of the control member (18) to the rest position, the control member (18) and the actuating member (31) are disconnected to minimize the time taken to complete the return movement.

Abstract: In a snowboard boot having a soft inner shoe and a soft outer shoe, a tension member connected to the sole of the outer shoe is provided which is guided on the inner side of the outer shoe from one side over the inner shoe to a turning point connected to the sole on the other side on the inner side of the outer shoe. For operation, the tension means extends out of the outer shoe, whereby it is fixable in the tightened state.

Abstract: A multipurpose leash including an elongated strap, a fastener on each end of the strap, an adjustable ring that is movable along the strap, and at least one stationary ring attached to the strap, such as a first stationary ring affixed at an end of the strap and a second stationary ring attached along the length of the strap. The adjustable ring preferably slides along the strap with an oval, circular or D-shaped ring transverse to the strap. The multiple uses and functions include use with two pets, hands-free use with one end of the strap capable of being wrapped around the waist of the human user, and an adjustable length with fasteners connected to various rings.

Abstract: A fillet is disclosed for enhancing the appearance of a frame or mat and comprises a flexible material, an elastomeric cord and an adhesive securing the fabric to the cord. The flexible material may have one or more flairs which may have a tape adhesive which adheres the flairs to the frame, the matt, or parts of both of the frame and the mat. The fillet is flexible and may be bent to various geometries.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an apparatus for preparing food (10), in particular baby food made from fresh vegetables or the like, the apparatus comprising a body (12) and heating means (32) adapted to heat and/or cook food placed within the body, preferably by steaming, the apparatus (20) also comprising a blending assembly (18) which is operable to blend food located within the body (12), preferably after said food has been cooked using the apparatus (10).

Abstract: A roll tarp system with a rear assembly including a pivoting arm and cable to help deploy the roll tarp system. The pivoting arm and flexible cable can articulate to allow a rear door to open. The roll tarp system includes a conventional roll tarp on a roller attached to one side of a container of a truck or trailer and an actuator to operate the tarp. A pivoting arm can be attached to the outside of a rear opening door on the container. A flexible cable has one end attached to the distal end of the pivoting arm and another end attached to the tarp axle of the roller of the roll tarp. Preferably, the flexible cable consists of the only structure between a cable attachment at the pivoting arm and an attachment at the axle of the roller.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to a clathrate that includes chlorine dioxide (ClO2) are provided. Clathrates trap gaseous chlorine dioxide to provide a dry solid material that is stable and easy to use and handle. Stable formulations of gaseous chlorine dioxide are useful as disinfectants.

Abstract: A display table movable between a standing position and a folded position is disclosed, comprising a back, a table top pivotable with respect to the back, a middle leg pivotable with respect to the back, and a brace pivotable with respect to the back and slidably received in the middle leg. In the standing position the brace engages the middle leg so as to resist movement of the middle leg with respect to the brace.

Abstract: A beverage container is provided for mounting to vehicles such as power boats, sailboats and recreational vehicles. The beverage container holder is adapted for mounting to support platforms on the vehicle which may be any suitable vehicle structure such as the armrest of a chair. The beverage container holder comprises a mounting ring which is first rigidly affixed to the support platform, and further comprises a cylindrical can having an upper circumferential rim which fits over the mounting ring and includes detents that positively lock the rim onto the mounting ring.

Abstract: A unit for returning a cover of a trailer comprising a first portion, a cord, and a spring. The spring is connected to the first portion. The cord having first and second ends, the first end of the cord being connectable to the first portion, the second end of the cord being connected to the cover, and the cord being wrappable around the first portion.