Abstract: A shock absorbing bumper for vehicles, including a bumper face member formed of a synthetic resin and a metal back plate fitted in the bumper face member. The back plate includes upper and lower bent end portions provided with extensions for seizing the upper and lower edges of the bumper face member in association with the end portions of the back plate, thereby minimizing the number of parts required. The length of the back plate is substantially equal to the width of a vehicle body on which the bumper is mounted so as to effectively support the bumper face member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle which includes two front wheels and at least one rear wheel. A steering handle is arranged at a widthwise center of the frame of the vehicle, and a driver's seat is arranged substantially at a longitudinal center of the vehicle frame. The floor of the frame upon which the feet of the driver are positioned has substantially the same width as the width of the driver's seat, such that the handling and driving operations of the vehicle can be simplified and improved.

Abstract: A steering system for vehicle, comprising, in a steering force transmission route between a steering wheel and rear wheels of the vehicle, a crank mechanism having an input member, a movement-transmitting member connected to the input member, and an output member connected through a crank rod to the movement-transmitting member, the crank rod causing the output member to move linearly in response to the rotation of the input member. With respect to the steering angle of the steering wheel and that of the front wheels, the magnitude of the steering angle of the rear wheels can be freely selectively determined.

Abstract: A front wheel suspension system for motorcycles wherein only one front shock absorber is provided and is arranged adjacent the upper part of the front surface of an upper fork. The shock absorber and at least one link mechanism forming a quadrilateral on the side are connected with each other through a rod functioning as a load transmitting member. The number of shock absorbers is thus reduced, the weight of the suspension system is reduced, the moment of inertia required to rotate the suspension system to the right and left is reduced, and the shock absorber is protected from being adversely affected by mud or the like.

Abstract: An electric numbering machine which continuously prints a number of large figures by use of a single figure wheel, is compact in size, and reduces the printing operation time. A case of the machine is provided therein with a shaft interposed between a pair of support plates rocked by operation of a solenoid, and rotated by a pulse motor; a figure wheel fitted to the shaft to rotate integrally with same; a ratchet intermittently rotated by operation of the solenoid via a feed mechanism; a brake pawl cooperating with the ratchet to restrict return rotation of the ratchet; a drum cooperating with the ratchet to rotate integrally therewith; and a tensile member having one end fixed to the drum and the other end fixed to a support of the figure wheel.

Abstract: A track member for use in a track arrangement of a power driven overhead trolley conveyor apparatus, each track member including an upper enclosure which receives wheels of trolley load support members of the apparatus, and an integral lower enclosure which encloses an endless drive chain of the apparatus. The track members are longitudinally joined to form a continuous overhead track arrangement which encloses the trolley wheels, as well as the chain support portion, of trolley members riding therealong.

Abstract: A sewing aid device, particularly for inserting slide fasteners, collars, sleeves and the like into partly-finished garments, comprises a frame in which the materials to be sewn together are held in fixed relative position. A guideway on the frame cooperates with corresponding means on a sewing machine foot so that the machine sews around the guide without the need for constant operator adjustment.

Abstract: A motor vehicle which includes at least two rear wheels, wherein two leaf springs extend rearwardly from both sides of the frame of the vehicle, below the driver's seat, for supporting the axles of the rear wheels, respectively. An engine is interposed between the leaf springs.

Abstract: A rotary valve in an internal combustion engine in which the rotary valve proper is formed so as to be hollow and cylindrical and arranged in such a manner that its inner space forms a portion of an intake passage and a portion of an exhaust passage, which portions are separated from each other. In this manner, the valve proper, exhaust passage, and a housing are effectively cooled, and sealing for the rotary valve proper is made effectively and positively.

Abstract: An air cleaner system for a motorcycle having a single shock absorber disposed between an engine and a rear wheel so as to be close to the center of gravity of the vehicle body. The air cleaner system includes substantially one casing having an air intake opening and an air cleaner element provided therein, the casing being disposed between the engine and rear wheel substantially surrounding at least part of the shock absorber. The relatively large space between the engine and rear wheel is thus effectively utilized such that the air cleaner system has a desirably large capacity for supplying air to a multiple-cylinder, multiple-carburetor engine, and at the same time good maneuverability and high stability of the motorcycle is ensured.

Abstract: A vehicle travel route indicating apparatus comprising detectors for detecting current travel distance and bearing of a vehicle, respectively; a signal processor for obtaining a current location of the vehicle on two-dimensional coordinates; a memory for storing continuous locational information; a display for indicating a path of travel and a sense mark; and a manual selector for optionally changing the manner of visual indication settings. With such simplified construction, the driver of the vehicle can incessantly determine the status of travel of the vehicle in terms of both distance and bearing aspects during the travel by following the first-hand information displayed at his seat with greater ease and reliability.

Abstract: A front wheel suspension for a motorcycle including at least one first linkage in the form of a four-bar linkage having an upper fork assembly pivoted to the vehicle frame and a lower fork assembly supporting the front wheel, the upper fork assembly and the lower fork assembly being connected with each other through front and rear arms which are both pivotable, and at least one shock absorber, wherein at least one second linkage is interposed between the first linkage and the shock absorber, the second linkage having an input part pivotably connected to the first linkage and an output part pivotably connected to one of the ends of the shock absorber, the output part being movable by a progressive displacement additional to a displacement of the input part with respect to a direction substantially effective for the shock absorber to exhibit the function thereof.

Abstract: A process of partial synthesis of vincamine and related indolic alkaloids for use as the active principal ingredient in drugs for treatment of diseases of the circulatory system and the central nervous system. The process includes the technique of activating oxygen in the elementary state in situ into an excited singlet state for chemical reaction by subjecting a reaction mixture to gaseous oxygen blowing under substantially ambient temperature and pressure conditions while effecting irradiation of the mixture by a light source. Operating conditions of the partial synthesis process are simplified, treatment times are reduced, and conversion yields are high.

Abstract: A leveling system for motor vehicles including leveling dampers at front and rear road wheels, a solenoid-operated selector valve assembly connected between an air compressor and the leveling dampers, and a central processing unit programmed so as to be responsive to command signals from level sensors or a manual override control switch for controlling the selector valve assembly to direct pressurized air through selected pneumatic circuits to the level dampers, thus adjusting the riding height of the vehicle frame, even in opposite directions, at the front and rear road wheels. A drier is disposed in the pneumatic circuit downstream of the air compressor to remove water from the pressurized air for preventing the leveling system from malfunctioning due to the presence of water in the system.

Abstract: A device for holding a vehicle license plate fuel opening cover or the like open during fueling. The device comprises a rod which springs into action when the plate is swung open, and retains the plate in open position through engagement with the plate frame or vehicle body. The rod can easily be swung to an inactive position to permit the plate to swing to a closed position.

Abstract: A method for continuously treating an iron member wherein the iron member is first subjected to furnace-brazing in a controlled gas environment and subsequently to a soft-nitriding treatment by addition of ammonia gas (NH.sub.3) to the controlled gas for the brazing. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided, and includes three partitioned chambers for brazing, annealing and soft-nitriding the iron member, each chamber being partitioned by a member such as a stainless steel film curtain at opposite sides thereof. A controlled gas feed system communicates with each of the chambers, and an ammonia gas feed system is connected to the soft-nitriding chamber.

Abstract: A device for live trapping of rodent and other small animals including a ramp up which the animal walks to reach a food pellet. Upon doing so the animal traps himself and cannot get out until released.

Abstract: An instrument panel for vehicles including a base and a trough-shaped meter casing fastened to the base by stays disposed in the meter casing. Each of the stays includes a pair of leg portions which are angularly inclined relative to a principal direction in which severe impacts are likely to occur against the meter casing. When the meter casing is subjected to impacts, the leg portions of the stays give way and buckle such that the meter casing is displaced or yields without being broken or damaged. The impacting force is thus absorbed, and a person in the vehicle who collides with the meter casing is protected from serious injury.