Abstract: A powered apparatus includes a driven component that is movable along a path and a drive motor that moves the driven component along the path. A motor speed detector monitors an instantaneous speed of the drive motor at each position along the path. An electronic control unit operates the drive motor and includes load profile data representing a number of motor loads associated with respective positions of the driven component along the path. A calculating component determines a calculated final rest position of the driven component by adding a current position of the driven component along the path and an adjustment coefficient representing an additional distance of travel along the path based on the instantaneous speed of the drive motor and a respective motor load associated with the additional distance of travel. A non-volatile memory component stores the calculated final rest position of the driven component.

Abstract: A trunk compartment may include a trunk lining having a trunk top coat member and a trunk spacer member. The trunk coat top member may have an inner surface that may define a portion of the trunk lining and an outer surface. A trunk spacer member may be operatively connected to the trunk coat top member and the vehicle frame. The trunk coat top member and the trunk spacer member may be formed in the same mold.

Abstract: A snowplow assembly may include a moldboard frame and a moldboard. The moldboard frame may include an angle member operatively connected to a top member, wherein a space is defined between the angle member and the top member. The moldboard frame may also include a first stop member. The moldboard may include a first recess near a top portion of the moldboard. The top portion of the moldboard is positioned within the space between the angle member and the top member. The first stop member is positioned in the first recess.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring friction, especially friction between tire treads and road surfaces is disclosed. The portable friction tester is shaped as an equilateral triangle providing three points of contact for samples in the road surface.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor for storing seatbelt webbing that can be utilized to restrain an occupant of a motor vehicle. The retractor includes a retractor frame and a plurality of spools rotatably coupled to the retractor frame and spaced a distance apart from each other. Seatbelt webbing can be withdrawn from the seatbelt retractor to extend about an occupant of a seat of the motor vehicle and releasably coupled to a buckle provided to the motor vehicle in a withdrawn state, and collected by the seatbelt retractor in a retracted state. A length of the seatbelt webbing adjacent to a terminal end thereof is collected at least partially around the plurality of spools in the retracted state.

Abstract: An engine's power may be gradually reduced during a torque phase of a clutch-to-clutch up-shift within an automatic transmission and then reduced fully during a subsequent inertia phase.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes and/or devices that are capable of stopping a vehicle in response to a remote signal. Some embodiments are capable of preserving electrical power to one or more safety-related devices or systems after the engine is shut down. Some devices embodying the present invention can include a receiver, an engine-shutdown means, and a power maintaining means.

Abstract: A headrest assembly may include a first frame member operatively connected to a seat, a second frame member that is selectively movable with respect to the first frame member, and a locking mechanism for use in adjusting the first locking member between a first locked condition that prevents the second frame member from moving relative to the first frame member and a second adjustable condition that permits the second frame member to move relative to the first frame member.

Abstract: A rigid arm pendulum is combined with a helical device attached to the pendulum horizontal axle to provide a double reciprocating action. While the pendulum reciprocates in rotary fashion about the axle, describing successive arcs of less than 360 degrees, the axle simultaneously produces a reciprocating action about its longitudinal centerline. A pumping action is thereby developed in line with the longitudinal centerline of the axle. This pumping (linear reciprocating) action can be utilized for a variety of requirements, including a hydraulic pump and a system to drive an electric generator.

Abstract: An article includes a cover member, which can reversibly slide between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The article includes at least one track member disposed on one or opposing sides of the cover member. The article includes at least one support structure adapted to be received by the at least one track member in a sliding relation. The article includes at least one vertical support structure disposed in a fixed position relative to the cover member and adapted to mate with a bottom surface of the cover member in a vertically supporting relation. The article includes at least one mechanical stop limiting the range of motion of the cover member in an opening direction.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to self-aligning electrical coupling devices and related methods. For example, one embodiment can include an aligning means for aligning a central axis of a male connector component with a central axis of a female connector component. The embodiment can also include a rotationally-aligning means for rotationally aligning a male connector component with a female connector component so as to achieve a predetermined rotational orientation. Some embodiments can also an electrically-communicating means for electrically communicating between the male connector component and the female connector component. Some embodiments relate to processes for assembling self-aligning electrical coupling device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to steering column covers, and related assembly methods. According to some embodiments a steering column cover assembly can include a plurality of alignment and fastening means. For example, some embodiments include one or more sets of male/female clips, one or more track-and-barrel devices, one or more means for accepting a fastener, and one or more pivoting means. In some embodiments, the track-and-barrel device can include a feature for seating the barrel in the track in a snap fitted relation. Some embodiments comprise a process for using one or more of the foregoing structures to assemble a column cover.

Abstract: An arrangement for the deployment of seismic sensor units, such as sensor nodes (24), on the seabed includes a frame structure that is adapted to carry a container (11) for containment of a data registration unit and additional auxiliary equipment for the sensor node. The arrangement has supports (12, 13) that can rest against the seabed, and an attachment means (17) for a lifting hook, for raising and lowering by means of a crane. There is a holder (20) for the sensor node (24) that can be positioned on the seabed and which is connected to the container through a signal cable (32). A releasable attachment means (22) holds the sensor node (24) in a downwardly extending position with respect to the supports (12, 13). The attachment means (22) is located with a horizontal distance from the container (11). A latch mechanism (25) for the attachment means (22) is adapted to release the sensor node (24).

Abstract: An integrated rear spoiler and hinge cover that covers a flip-glass window hinge that is not attached to the flip glass window hinge and rotates from a fully closed position to a fully open position substantially simultaneously with the flip-glass window hinge.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having an adjustable thigh support, the vehicle seat comprising an adjustable thigh-support component, wherein the component is an adjustment plate that is moveable in the fore and aft directions of the vehicle; and wherein the adjustment plate is positioned generally toward the front edge of the seat; a motor-driven vertical power screw for rotatably moving the adjustment plate in the fore and aft direction of the vehicle, wherein tile seat length is increased when the screw rotatably causes the adjustment plate to move in the fore direction of the vehicle, and wherein the seat length is decreased when the screw rotatably causes the adjustment plate to move in the aft direction of the vehicle; and a seat cushion having an underside that contacts at least a portion of the front face of the adjustment plate, wherein the surface area of the seat-cushion underside that contacts the front face of the adjustment plate varies as a function of the adjust-plate position.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention generally relate to pillow devices comprising a pair of opposing lobe cushions connected by a cross member comprising a neck supporting cushion. In some embodiments the cushions may define a region for receiving a back portion of a human head in a cradling relation. Furthermore, according to some embodiments the cradle region can optionally be adjustable by the user.

Abstract: A snowplow assembly includes an adjustment mechanism for use in adjusting the position of a snowplow frame member on a lift frame member into at least two positions: (1) a first position where the snowplow frame member is on the bottom portion of the lift frame member, the snowplow is positioned to plow snow, and the snowplow operation axis is substantially parallel to a ground surface; and, (2) a second position where the snowplow frame member is on the top portion of the lift frame member and the snowplow operation axis is at an angle A1 that is between 10° and 90° with respect to the ground surface.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for auscultation training is provided including a transmitter associated with an audio device for transmitting an audio signal to an auscultation device. The auscultation device may include a receiver for receiving the audio signal from the transmitter and a speaker for relaying the sound to the end user. The arrangement may allow for the broadcast of simulated medical sounds to a generally, normal appearing auscultation device for the purposes of teaching or testing using simulated patient scenarios, while allowing for normal person-to-person interaction between the simulated patient and physician.

Abstract: A modular hydraulic power mechanism provides hydraulic power to a snowplow system for use in moving a snowplow. The hydraulic power mechanism includes a base unit including a base plate, a hydraulic reservoir and a hydraulic pump unit. To the base unit may be added a first hydraulic module that can be mounted to the base plate and that is designed to meet a specific hydraulic need, such as up and down motion, for the snowplow of a first snowplow system. To the same base unit a second hydraulic module may be mounted that is designed to meet a different hydraulic need, such as side to side motion, for the first snowplow system. Alternately, to the same base unit one or more hydraulic modules can be mounted to the base plate in order to provide all the hydraulic needs of a second snowplow system, such as a V-plow.