Abstract: An improved rear end design for a vehicle body including a first, upper cross member and a second, lower cross member fitted one over the other to form a compound beam. Each cross member is preferably formed as an aluminum extrusion. The upper cross member has the same contour shape as the lower edge of the access door for the trunk. The lower cross member lies below the level of the trunk floor and includes a middle region contour having a curve which matches a corresponding overlying middle region of the upper cross member. Each side end of the lower cross member curves forward under the trunk floor and is joined to a corresponding end of a pair of transversely spaced longitudinal side bearer members or impact-absorption units. The invention provides for a stable rear-end construction, particularly at the joints with the rear impact-absorption units, and also forms a support edge for the trunk-access door. The invention also results in less extensive repairs in the event of a rear collision.

Abstract: A method of synthesis of taxanes from pseudocallus of Taxus species, particularly T. baccata , and methods for pseudocallus production are described. Pseudocallus of the invention can be distinguished from callus tissue and cell suspensions by (1) its unique morphology which is characterized by an amorphous aggregation of cells lacking both differentiated tissues and clearly defined meristematic zones; by (2) very poor intercellular adhesion resulting in marked tissue friability; and by (3) relatively high initial rate of mass doubling. Production of taxanes is achieved by culturing the pseudocallus on support culture medium.

Abstract: A safety device in a motor vehicle including a lifting mechanism for raising a front or leading edge section of a seat cushion of a motor vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle seat assembly is supported on a set of longitudinally disposed seat rails attached to the interior floorboard of the vehicle. The seat assembly is adjustable forwardly or rearwardly in a lengthwise direction along the seat rails. The seat assembly is locked at selected positions along the seat rails by a catch mechanism. A bracket is attached to the seat rails and is connected to the lifting mechanism via a motion transmitting element or control cable device. The lifting mechanism is mounted onto the front edge section which is pivotally attached to the seat cushion. The catch mechanism includes a load-dependent breaking element which fails during a significant frontal impact to the vehicle thereby releasing the seat assembly to move in the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A method for controlling a generator associated with an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle such that the generator is connected to provide electricity only under specific operating conditions. The method includes the following steps: (1) inputting engine consumption characteristic map values for various engine operating parameters to a logic module; (2) determining an operating point of the engine as defined by the operating map; (3) determining whether or not the operating point is less than or equal to a predetermined value; (4) connecting the generator to a load circuit associated with the motor vehicle if the operating point is at or falls below the predetermined value; and (5) disconnecting the generator from the load circuit if the operating point is greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: An improved bearer joint in a vehicle bodywork consisting of extruded light metal bearer members connected together by cast metal joining elements. According to the invention, an end portion of at least one bearer member is received within a concave region of at least one joining element and is connected thereto at two connection points on either side of the coverage region so that the portion of the bearer member between the connection points and overlying the concave region acts as a tension member or steadying strut depending on the direction of the load. In a preferred embodiment, the improved bearer joint is the node connector type joining element located at the middle of the A post where the downwardly and obliquely oriented forward roof post joins the substantially vertically upright forward door post. The invention provides a rigid connection with high expansion and energy absorption capabilities, thereby strengthening an otherwise critical weak point in the vehicle roof structure.

Abstract: A safety belt restraint arrangement for a motor vehicle which automatically adjusts the height of the head rest to an optimal position during a collision. In a principle embodiment a seat belt guide or follower member is formed into the side of the head rest for directing the seat belt, from an upwardly and rearwardly disposed seat belt deflecting member associated with the motor vehicle interior, to pass obliquely downward across the front portion of vehicle seat for connection with the seat belt buckle assembly in a conventional way. The follower member includes a pressure or stopping face for the seat belt so that, upon collision, the tightening of the seat belt acts against the pressure face of the follower to automatically raise the head rest to a pre-selected desired optimal position. The pre-selected optimal height adjustment is accomplished by positioning the follower member with respect to the head rest.

Abstract: A bearer joint for a vehicle bodywork, and in particular a longitudinal front bearer joint, and a process for placing an aluminum bearer on the bearer joint in the vehicle bodywork. The bearer joint comprises a cast aluminum connector for joining together a first forward bearer and a second adjacent bearer. The connector includes a tubular aluminum recess for receiving the rearward end of the first aluminum bearer which is fixed thereto by a transverse weld seam at the front receiving edge of the recess. To replace a damaged front bearer, a ring cut is made to the outer wall of the aluminum recess at a distance from the forward receiving edge corresponding to the zone of thermal influence of the heat affected zone adjacent the weld. A damaged front bearer is then withdrawn from the recess and replaced by a new front bearer which is also welded to the new forward cut edge of the aluminum recess. In this way the front bearer is replaced without compromising the original strength of the bearer joint.

Abstract: A flow compensator valve for use in a hydraulic system which includes a cylindrical body having inlet and outlet ports, and a slidable, spring-biased hollow piston insert disposed within a center bore of the body, which insert has a plurality of ports for flow control depending on the position of the insert as it reciprocates axially within the center bore of the valve body. In a preferred embodiment, the valve is used in connection with a hydraulically actuated lift which is particularly useful for assistance of handicap persons for vans and mass transit vehicles. The axially-reciprocable, spring-biased flow rate controlling insert has a small central axial bore for slow lift movement in the loaded condition and at least one larger transverse bore, which when exposed, permits flow therethrough for faster movement of the lift in the unloaded condition.

Abstract: A motor vehicle battery cooling arrangement wherein the battery is enclosed by a housing which includes an air inlet port connected to an air guide disposed in front of the vehicle's radiator and cooling fan and an air outlet port connected to the outside. When the vehicle is moving, air impacting at the air guide enters the air inlet port and exits the air outlet port thus cooling the battery. When the vehicle is stationary or when it is very hot and the fan is turned on, the direction of air flow through the battery housing is reversed as the fan induced air flow at the air guide produces a partial vacuum which sucks hot air away from the battery housing through the air inlet port. Cooler fresh air is drawn into the battery housing through the air outlet port. In an alternate embodiment, the air inlet port is connected to the front portion of the engine compartment and the air outlet port is connected to the scoop or shroud housing for the cooling fan located behind the radiator.

Abstract: A safety device in a motor vehicle having side windows fabricated from toughened laminated safety glass with an intermediate plastic film layer. The safety device includes a sensor device for detecting a side collision, and a window striker device for breaking a side window, which striker is activated by an appropriate signal generated by the side collision detecting means. In its broken condition, the window provides a yielding, flexible surface for cushioning the impact of a passenger's head. In various embodiments of the invention, the striker device may be actuated mechanically, or electrically by use of a pyro-technic charge. The side collision detection means is an elongated, fluid filled sensor chamber disposed in a side region of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the fluid filled chamber is contained hidden within an external door guide or bumper. In a second embodiment, the fluid filled chamber is disposed internal of the door body to prevent incidental triggering.

Abstract: The invention comprises a bearing structure for the bodywork of a passenger car wherein front suspension strut mounts are arranged above front longitudinal bearers running down both sides of the vehicle body and are supported by vertical connecting members thereon. A hollow section bearer, acting as a suspension strut bearer, connects the suspension strut mount to a joining element (node) at the middle region of the forward doorpost. According to the invention, the suspension strut bearer is curved such that it will buckle due to a reduction in the radius of curvature in the event of a head-on collision. The buckling action of the suspension strut bearer reduces the force acting on the doorpost, thereby counteracting any possible stressing of the vehicle door. In a further embodiment of the invention, slots and/or notched grooves are provided in the side walls of hollow section bearer to promote the buckling process.

Abstract: A seat adjustment latch, selectable at two different force levels, is attached to a slide adjustable seat in a motor vehicle equipped with a seat belt assembly, an inflatable air bag, and a knee restraint. The seat adjustment latch is interlocked with the seat belt assembly of the seat such that when the seat belt is unfastened, the seat adjustment latch is set to release the vehicle seat in the event of a rapid deceleration or impact to the vehicle above a predetermined level of severity. When the seat belt is fastened, the seat latch is set in its firmest possible retention setting and operates such that the inertia and kinetic energy forces of the seat and the occupant seated thereon will not move the seat forward in response to a severe frontal collision. In a preferred embodiment, the seat adjustment latch includes a shearing element configured as a tubular bolt for retaining the slide adjustable vehicle seat to the seat rails.

Abstract: A pneumatic variable resistance rehabilitation/therapy apparatus for the balanced strengthening of musculature surrounding injured, weakened, and post-operative ligaments associated with the major joints of the lower extremities. In a preferred embodiment, a leg press machine is provided comprising a frame, a foot rest assembly including a foot rest pad, and a reciprocating carriage having a patient supporting bed surface thereon. A pneumatic circuit comprising a cylinder having a reciprocating piston therein, an accumulator, an air supply and a pressure regulator is provided for the variable progressive resistance against the movement of the carriage during the working stroke (where the patient straightens his/her leg(s)). The reciprocating piston rod is linked to the reciprocating carriage by a cable and pulley system to provide a longer and more physiologically tolerable working stroke.

Abstract: Continuous feed, chemical switching unit for supplying an uninterrupted flow of chemical fluid to a processing system including a control unit and a reservoir for containing a predetermined volume of chemical fluid wherein the reservoir is in hydraulic communication with a processing system. A plurality of float level sensors are provided within the reservoir for locating the fluid level in the reservoir wherein at least one level sensor provides an interlock to the processing system when energized to halt the processing system operation, and the other level sensors communicate reservoir level information to the control unit. The switching unit also includes a plurality of replaceable chemical fluid bottles for storing the fluid, e.g. a first active bottle and a second standby bottle, wherein the bottles are in independent hydraulic communication with the reservoir. Each fluid bottle has associated therewith an inert-gas actuated isolation valve for isolating the bottle from the reservoir.

Abstract: A chair conversion device for a backpack of the type having an external H-bar frame configuration which includes a pair of generally straight tubular side members each of which are pivotally connected adjacent their middle portions to existing side frame members of a provided backpack frame. The tubular side members are swingable through an arcuate range of motion between a first generally upright, storage position to a second open, chair use position. While in the open, chair use position, the bottom end portions of each tubular member form chair rear leg members for the resulting backpack folding chair. A pair of side strap members connect the bottom portions of each chair rear leg member to a bottom portion of the backpack frame to form right and left triangular side supports. An additional transverse strap connects each chair rear leg portion to each other to provide lateral stiffness for the backpack folding chair.

Abstract: An improved hammock stand including a central base pipe, a pair of canted upstanding arm pipes, a set of four foot extension pipes, and a pair of connector assemblies to which the individually mountable/demountable feet extension, arm and base pipes may be telescopingly mounted. Each connector unit has a pair of extension pipes welded to a bowed crosspiece pipe oriented concave down. The extension pipes are identical in character and disposed on the crosspiece pipe such that the pipes lie in a vertical plane which passes transversely through the crosspiece at the center of the bend. The arm and base pipes telescopingly mount onto the extension pipes; the foot extension pipes telescopingly mount onto the crosspiece pipe so that they are canted downwardly and outwardly from about one to about five degrees.

Abstract: A multi-stage, batch or continuous, manual or automated process and apparatus for safely depressurizing, de-capping (decrimping plus pulling caps), and recycling aerosol cans, propellants, solvents, chemicals, dip tubes, and can tops. The apparatus includes a synchronized sorting and loading unit for guiding the cans onto an advancing line. The cans are first depressurized by a vacuum head unit comprising a vacuum seal and a reciprocable hollow needle which punctures the can recessed top cap and removes the propellants by suction for later reuse or disposal. The cans are advanced to a decapping unit where the cap member is removed by decrimping to crack the seal followed by being vertically pulled off without damage to the can's rolled lip.

Abstract: Method for improved in vivo production of taxanes by inoculation of tissue of the genus Taxus with virulent or avirulent strains of Agrobacterium. In the preferred embodiment, virulent Agrobacterium is the inoculant which induces gall formation at all stages of the plant, from saplings to mature trees. Incomplete harvesting of galls permits regeneration on the trees, resulting in a renewable resource. Unexpectedly, the inoculant tissue (both virulent and avirulent) produces approximately twice the concentration of taxanes per unit tissue weight as compared to normal tissue. In addition, the virulent strain induced gall biomass is 2-3 times greater than normal tissue per unit growth time, while avirulent inoculants show approximately the same growth as normal. The net yield increase is 2-6 times normal, (4-6 for galls), is renewable, does not require special growth hormones or media, does not result in sacrificing the tree, and can be started at the sapling stage.

Abstract: A method of killing roaches and ants by using an insecticidal composition consisting essentially of a mixture of boric acid, sugar, condensed milk, and an aqueous liquefier.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body assembled from a plurality of metal frame profiles held together by node connector elements. Each metal frame profile includes an extruded metal portion and a pre-shaped sheet metal portion attached thereto to form a portion of the outer skin of the completed motor vehicle body. Each pre-shaped sheet metal portion is secured to the extruded metal portion so that it overlaps a part of the outer contour of the extruded metal portion to define an enclosed hollow space. This provides a box-type construction which increases strength and rigidity of the combined frame profile.