Abstract: The invention relates to a cabriolet vehicle having a roof which is provided with lateral roof linkage parts and can be stowed away in the rear of the vehicle. At least one hold-down device acts on the roof linkage parts of the stowed roof and is associated with the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for selectively consuming and storing electrical energy in a hybrid vehicle. The system includes an electric motor/generator unit having a rotary shaft and an internal combustion engine having a main shaft. A continuously variable transmission mechanically couples the electric motor/generator rotary shaft to the engine main shaft. A control circuit varies the amount of torque of the electric motor/generator unit rotary shaft between a negative and a positive value as a function of the operating condition of the vehicle. The control circuit also controls the transmission to vary the transmission ratio as a function of the engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A fuel system for a direct injection internal combustion engine having a fuel rail and at least one annular cup secured to the fuel rail so that fuel from the fuel rail flows into the cup. A direct injection fuel injector has a portion axially insertable into the fuel cup to a connected position. A recessed channel on the fuel injector registers with a slot in the annular cup when in the connected position so that a U-shaped clip insertable into the cup slots and the fuel injector channels secures the fuel injector and cup together against axial movement.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle in which, even if during traveling of the hybrid vehicle, a battery defect arises in a high-voltage power source, battery-less emergency traveling can be achieved over a sufficiently long distance, and the steering assist force can be effectively prevented from changing rapidly during traveling. The control section includes high-voltage power source defect processing unit. During execution of a mode in which the high-voltage power source, is reduced so that the reduced voltage is supplied to an electric power steering device (EPS), when a defect occurs in the high-voltage power source, the high-voltage power source defect processing unit shifts to a mode in which the low voltage of a low-voltage power source is increased so that the increased voltage is supplied to the EPS. The high-voltage power source defect processing unit then disconnects the high-voltage power source and the driving circuit from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatuses used for the heating of water and relates more specifically to water heaters in which the volume of water heated and stored may be fluctuated in response to the changing demand for heated water. The household demand for hot water depends on a variety of factors, including the number of people living in the household. It is therefore desirable to have a water heater in which the amount of water heated and stored may be varied so as to compensate for the changing hot water demand. The present invention is a variable volume water heater that can be used to accomplish this goal of matching the supply and demand of heated water.

Abstract: A method for retaining an intra-discal material within an annulus fibrosis is described. The annulus fibrosis has a posterior annulus, an inside surface, and an opening with a lateral and a vertical dimension. A single wire and a band is provided. The single wire is made of shape-memory material and has a first compressed configuration and a second expanded configuration. The band and the single wire, which is in the first compressed configuration, is inserted through the opening in the annulus fibrosis. After insertion through the opening, the single wire expands to the second expanded configuration. The single wire and the band are positioned near the posterior annulus to rest against annulus fibrosis tissues adjacent the opening on the inside surface of the annulus fibrosis, such that the band is positioned to rest against annulus fibrosis tissues adjacent the opening, thereby preventing escape of intra-discal material through the opening.

Abstract: A vehicle framing system for framing an automotive vehicle body from a plurality of separate body components wherein the body components each include a reference surface. The system includes an assembly station having spaced-apart frame members positioned so that, when a vehicle carrier supporting the vehicle body components is positioned at the assembly station, the frame members extend along opposite sides of the vehicle carrier. At least two docking stations are secured to each frame member at predetermined locations. A robot mounts its associated tool arm with a docking station. At least one set of reference block and framing clamp is secured to each tool arm and these framing clamps maintain the reference surfaces of the vehicle body components against the reference blocks to hold the vehicle components at a predetermined position relative to each other.

Abstract: Indicator light apparatus and methods associated with a laser beam having a primary wavelength enable an operator to see the indicator while wearing protective eyewear tuned to the primary wavelength. The apparatus includes a source of indicator light other than the primary wavelength, a first optical element for co-injecting the indicator light into the laser beam to form a co-propagating beam, and an optical or physical configuration enabling an operator to view light from the co-propagating beam. The first optical element may be some form of beam splitter or combiner, and the configuration enabling an operator to view light from the co-propagating beam uses a diffuser upon which the co-propagating beam impinges. The indicator light is preferably derived from an inexpensive source, such as a diode laser operating in the 670-690 nm range.

Abstract: An example apparatus comprises an electromagnetic source, such as an antenna, a metamaterial lens, and a reflector. The antenna is located proximate the metamaterial lens, for example supported by the metamaterial lens, and the antenna is operable to generate radiation when the antenna is energized. The reflector is positioned so as to reflect the radiation through the metamaterial lens. The reflector may have a generally concave reflective surface, for example having a parabolic or spherical cross-section. The metamaterial lens may have an area similar to that of the aperture of the reflector. In some examples, the antenna is located proximate a focal point of the reflector, so that a generally parallel beam is obtained after reflection from the reflector.

Abstract: A shipping carrier having a frame with an elongated tube and an elongated retainer attached to the tube. Dunnage made of a compressible material is attached to the retainer and that dunnage has a plurality of space for recesses, each of which has spaced-apart sides and are dimensioned to receive an edge of a component. A guard is attached to the dunnage so that the guard overlies at least a portion of one side of the dunnage recess. Additionally, a subcomponent may be attached to the dunnage with a screw anchor.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having a fuel cell with an anode and a cathode wherein both the cathode and anode each have a flow path with an inflow and outflow. A gaseous source containing oxygen is connected to the inflow of the cathode flow path while a gaseous fuel source is connected to the inflow of the anode flow path. Upon shutdown of the fuel cell, a control system reduces the stoichiometric ratio at the anode to less than or equal to one to thereby deplete the oxygen from the gas at the cathode. A normally closed valve is fluidly connected between the cathode outflow and the anode inflow. The control system opens the valve upon shutdown of the fuel cell to thereby purge the fuel from the anode flow path with the oxygen depleted outflow from the cathode flow path.

Abstract: A toe link for the suspension system of a vehicle includes means for adjusting the axial length of the toe link while preventing relative rotation of the extending ends of the toe link.

Abstract: Omnidirectional strength plywood includes at least one ply disposed so that its grain runs diagonal to the length and width of the plywood sheet, and as such its grain diagonally intersects the grain of at least one other ply of the sheet. In some instances, two diagonal plies are disposed so that their grains intersect at approximate right angles and both run diagonal to the length and the width of the sheet. Further disclosed is a method for the manufacture of the diagonal grain plies.

Abstract: Various compounds can be administered orally to humans or animals for the purpose of enhancing nitric oxide production. Enhancing nitric oxide production is beneficial for those looking to increase lean body mass or enhance exercise performance. Such administration can also be used for the purpose of enhancing nutrient transport for purposes of athletic performance and controlling bodyweight and body fat levels. L-Arginine and alpha amino n-Butryate work synergistically to enhance nitric oxide production and may further be coupled with either and/or a) an inhibitor of nitric oxide breakdown or b) a nitric oxide potentiators or other precursor and serve to accomplish this goal of enhance nitric oxide. The composition may be administered in a variety of ways including capsules, tablets, powdered beverages, bars, gels or drinks.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprises a polymer network, including silicon atoms and oxygen atoms, a first organic side-chain attached to at least some silicon atoms within the polymer network comprising a flexible linking group and a terminal group, the terminal group including at least one atom providing a lone pair of electrons. The composition of matter can be used to form a proton-conducting membrane. In illustrative examples, the polymer network can be an organic-inorganic hybrid network and the terminal group can includes a nitrogen-containing heterocycle.