Abstract: The device for adjusting an endplay of an axle shaft in a differential assembly includes an axle shaft supported in a differential case for rotation about a longitudinal axis, and an endplay adjustment member threadedly mounted on a terminal shoulder provided at an inboard end of the axle shaft. The axle shaft has external splines adapted to mate with internal splines of a differential side gear and an annular groove located adjacent to the terminal shoulder. The annular groove receives a retainer ring provided to limit an axial displacement of the axle shaft in an outboard direction. The endplay adjustment member is selectively positionable on the terminal shoulder along the axial direction of the axle shaft to variably limit an axial movement of the retainer ring within the annular groove, thus adjusting the axle shaft endplay.

Abstract: A ventilation module optimized as to size, accessibility and air circulation, including an motorized fan unit (MFU) (2) for at least one suction turbine (16), a shell housing (15) accommodating the turbine (16) driven in rotation by an electric motor about a central rotational axis (Z′Z), the shell (15) being coupled to at least one air intake (11, 12) and outlet (13) formed in an outer casing (10), the incoming air being sucked in by the turbine (16) through at least one central orifice (&OHgr;1, &OHgr;2) formed in the shell (15). An air-inlet flap (17) extends on either side of the shell (15) and is driven in rotation by actuating means about an axis parallel to the rotational axis (Z′Z) of the turbine (16).

Abstract: The air-treatment housing of an air-conditioning apparatus includes, in an upper face, an air outlet for demisting and aeration. A diffusion module is arranged between this upper face of the dashboard. This diffusion module features a demisting vent and aeration vents in its upper front region. The aeration vents are directed towards the passenger compartment and extend over the major part of the width of the dashboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for lipid matrix-assisted chemical ligation and synthesis of membrane polypeptides that are incorporated in a lipid matrix. The invention is exemplified in production of a prefolded membrane polypeptide embedded within a lipid matrix via stepwise chemoselective chemical ligation of unprotected peptide segments, where at least one peptide segment is embedded in a lipid matrix. Any chemoselective reaction chemistry amenable for ligation of unprotected peptide segments can be employed. Suitable lipid matrices include liposomes, micelles, cell membrane patches and optically isotropic cubic lipidic phase matrices. Prefolded synthetic and semi-synthetic membrane polypeptides synthesized according to the methods and compositions of the invention also permit site-specific incorporation of one or more detectable moieties, such as a chromophore, which can be conveniently introduced during synthesis.

Abstract: A fire escape device includes first and second cable drums rotatably mounted on a mounting shaft and spaced apart from each other axially, first and second support cables respectively wound around hub portions of the cable drums, and a coupling mechanism disposed between the cable drums to interconnect releasably the same. The first support cable is unreeled to generate a jerking force to permit rotation of the second cable drum with the first cable drum. Unreeling of the second support cable can rotate the first and second cable drums to reel the first support cable. Thus, alternately lowering people one after another from an elevated floor to a safe location can be achieved.

Abstract: A microcomputer-based electronic control system for a full time four wheel drive torque transfer case monitors the relative slip between the front and rear output shafts of the transfer case, and generates a signal to engage an electromagnetic clutch for a predetermined time period in the event a predetermined slip threshold is exceeded. The control system continuously interrogates two Hall effect sensors positioned over toothed wheels on the front and rear outputs of the transfer case. Tooth counts are stored in two numerical stacks (one for each sensor), the depth of which may be adapted to the requirements of the particular design. Upon detecting a tooth count, the system adds the count to the sensor's current stack register and pushes all of the registers of the other stack down one register. The last register is pushed out or deleted from the stack memory.

Abstract: Paper machine felt for use in a papermaking machine, and especially at the press section, incorporates an adhesive which takes up the draw forces on the seam joint between the stepped surfaces of the ends of the belt when mated together to form a continuous belt.

Abstract: A pillow securing device for releasably holding a pillow in position on an elevated surface comprising a plurality of straps with one end attached to a connector ring and a clasp secured to the other end of each of the straps so that in use at least one of the straps is secured by means of the clasp to the pillow and at least one of the straps is secured by means of the clasp to the elevated surface. The straps may have varying lengths and adjustment means.

Abstract: The present fishing rod comprises a pair of hood portions (14, 16) which are respectively disposed back and forth in such a manner that they are opposed to each other, while the two hood portions (14, 16) respectively include openings for receiving the leg of the reel. At least one of the pair of hood portions, that is, the hood portion (16) is of a movable type, while the movable hood portion (16) can be moved back and forth as a nut member (18) is rotated.

Abstract: A device (1) for locking the steering spindle (2) of a steering gear of a vehicle, having a blocking pin (6) which is arranged in a housing (3) and can be displaced from a release position into a locking position and vice versa. In order to prevent manipulation of the device (1) by an unauthorized third party if the housing (3) of the device (1) has been forcibly opened and the blocking pin (6) is located in its locking position, a spring-actuated securing element (17; 17′) is arranged in a guide part (12; 12′) of the blocking pin (6), said securing element being fixed in its position by a closure element (20) which is fastened on the inside of the housing (3). If the housing (3) is opened by an unauthorized third party, then the closure element (20) is also removed together with the corresponding housing region and the securing element (17; 17′) is at least partially displaced into a recess (21) of the blocking pin (6) and secures the latter in its locking position.