Abstract: The present invention is a foldable vehicular seat assembly (14) for providing increased floor space within a vehicle (10). The seat assembly (14) includes a seat portion (16) and backrest (18) both movable between an occupant upright seating or receiving position and a folded position. A linkage (46) and latch assembly (40) unlock both the seat portion (16) and backrest (18) from the upright seating position while simultaneously initiating the movement of the backrest (18) toward the folded position thereby assisting in the folding of the seat assembly (14).

Abstract: An assembly (10) for rapidly converting the payload-bearing main deck (20) of an aircraft (22) between cargo-carrying capability and crash-worthy passenger-carrying capability includes a cargo conveyor (12) for transporting pallets (14) along the main deck (20), At least one passenger seat (16) is disposed on each pallet (14) Connectors (18) pass through the pallets (14) and connect the passenger seats (16) directly to the aircraft's main deck (20) to transfer seat loads resulting from rapid aircraft decelerations directly into the main deck (20). The connectors (18) each have a fastener (32) with a rectangular flange (48) which rotates 90 degrees into engagement with a cavity (54) in a seat attach fitting (24) fastened to the main deck (20).

Abstract: An anti-roll system for wheeled vehicles has one selective, unidirectionally lockable device per each independent suspension assembly having telescoping members connected between the sprung and unsprung masses that are free to extend or contract during vehicle operation which results in minimal lateral acceleration of the vehicle's sprung mass as when traveling down a straight roadway. The telescoping members include a piston that partially defines first and second chambers interconnected through valves to one another and to a common reservoir. The valves are activated, by a control system signal, when the sprung mass is subjected to a lateral acceleration which exceeds a preset threshold as when rounding a curve, blocking flow from one or the other of the first or second chambers so as to lock the outboard device, with respect to the curve, only against contraction and to lock the inboard device only against extension.

Abstract: A radially expandable endoprosthesis device (10) comprises an elongated sleeve member (12) in which the radially outward expansion of the sleeve member (12) is initially limited by connecting strips (22) which are operatively connected to the sleeve member (12). The connecting strips (22) are selectively removable to allow further radial outward expansion. Further, the sleeve can be C-shaped in cross sections when expanded, allowing space for growth of a vessel contained therein.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) of the type for transmitting motion along a curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element (54) includes a conduit (12) and a cable (54) that is movably supported along its length within the conduit (12). A support member (48) attaches one end (14) of the conduit (12) to a support structure (46). An isolator (96) is disposed between the support member (48) and the conduit end (14). The conduit end (14) has an integral conduit end fitting (18). The isolator (96) dampens vibrations and shocks transmitted between the support member (48) and the conduit end (14). The isolator (96) is fixed against translational movement relative to the conduit end (14). An anti-stick coating (106) disposed on the outer surface (100) of the conduit end fitting (18) allows the conduit end (14) and conduit end fitting (18) to rotate relative to the support member (48).

Abstract: A drapery shield (10) for preventing cautery burns to the skin of a patient about the area to be cauterized has a first or upper layer (12) which is formed from a fire-retardant material and a second or underdrape layer (14) which is formed from a non-porous material. The two layers are bonded to each other, such as by sonic welding or the like. An adhesive tape (15) or similar material is used to removably adhere the shield to the skin of a patient about the area to be cauterized. The fire-retardant material prevents cautery burns or the like to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making dental restorations and the dental restoration made by the method comprising temporarily repairing a tooth area to be restored to a desired final shape, taking a first impression of the tooth area to be restored, preparing the tooth to be restored and forming a second impression within first impression with material that is non-adherent to the first impression material. The first impression and the second impression are separated. The second impression is scanned to electronically obtain an image of the final restoration.

Abstract: A power steering system for vehicles is disclosed using a stepping motor. The stepping motor is energized for power assist in executing turns and for reducing drag of the servomotor during the return of the dirigible wheels to the straight ahead position. A torque transducer operatively coupled with the steering wheel shaft and the steering gear generates a torque signal corresponding to the torque applied by the driver to the steering wheel. A resilient coupling also providing a range of unresisted lost motion is provided between the stepping motor and the steering gear and a transducer is operatively coupled therewith to develop a signal corresponding to lost motion. The torque signal and the lost motion signal are combined differentially and the resultant signal is used to control stepping of the stepping motor. When the driver applies torque to the steering wheel, the torque signal indicates driver input torque and the lost motion signal indicates the applied servo torque.

Abstract: A cover assembly for concealing a supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system in a vehicle passenger compartment is formed as an integral part of an automotive instrument panel. The cover assembly has a perforated substrate of ductile metal. The perforations are diamond shaped and form a lattice of stretchable cross members. Selected cross members are weakened to define a door edge. The inflating airbag pushes against the lattice to stretch and deform the cross members so as to create an opening at the door edge for deployment of the airbag into the passenger compartment. The cover assembly includes a decorative vinyl shell and a foam layer between the shell and substrate. The vinyl shell includes weakened sections aligned with the door edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A tray is adapted for use as a protective and organizational device in vehicles. The tray is comprised of bottom and side wall portions, the side wall portions rising above the perimeter of the bottom portion forming an opening into the tray. A separating organizer is provided having spaced apart vertical support members which support a horizontal support member. The horizontal support member has a plurality of extending separation arms which are used to abut and support a transported container, thereby resisting any tendency the container may have to tip. A protective tray is also provided which is supported by the tailgate or side wall of a pick-up truck. A cover is provided over the opening of the tray, eliminating any contact between outside elements and the contents of the tray.

Abstract: A one-piece box is disclosed which is foldable from a flat blank to an erect box. The box is provided with a corner interlock comprising a tab on the side wall extending through an opening in the front wall. A cover interlock is provided using a single panel front wall having a tab which extends through an opening in the cover. The box blanks may be cut from a single board in side-by-side nested relationship with a wall or flap of one box blank being of reduced height and receiving a protruding portion of the corresponding wall or flap of the adjacent box blank.

Abstract: A hose assembly (10) is of the type for carrying high pressure fluids therethrough. The hose assembly (10) includes a tubular member (11) and a pair of coupling members (20). The tubular member (11) includes an inner liner (12) of a fluorocarbon polymer. Yarns (15) fabricated from fibers (17), including glass fibers and aramid fibers (19), are braided together about the exterior of the inner liner (12) to form a braided layer (13). The assembly (10) further includes an outer fluorocarbon coating (14) dispersed throughout the braided layer (13) to prevent kinking or permanent deformation in the inner liner (12), in addition to preventing the crushing of the yarns (15) when the ends are crimped to receive the coupling members (20). A conductive strip (16) is formed on the inner liner (12) for dissipating electrical charges which may accumulate in the inner liner (12).

Abstract: A remote control assembly (10) of the type for translating rotational motion from a drive wheel (12) enclosed in a drive wheel housing (27) to a driven wheel (16) enclosed in a driven wheel housing (28) by means of a core element (18) entrained around both wheels (12,16) in a closed all-tension system is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes first and second rigid end members (24,26) attached to respective end portions (20,22) of the core element (18). The assembly is characterized by a connector (38) for interconnecting the rigid end members (24,26) and defining a first plurality of parallel pivot axes (42) and a second plurality of parallel pivot axes (45) perpendicular to said first plurality of parallel pivot axes (42) about which said end members (24,26) pivot.

Abstract: A venting device for a rotocast shell mold body having a neck and a flanged neck plate thereon. The venting device is a tube formed of black iron pipe of a predetermined diameter and length and mounted in an opening formed in one of the neck or a cover mounted on the neck plate, and extended for approximately half its length into the interior of the mold. When used with the neck of the mold, the tube is welded in place, and when used with a mold cover, the tube is threadedly mounted therein.

Abstract: A vehicular cupholder assembly (10) is designed to expand in an upward direction out from a sleeve housing (12) enabling the vehicular cupholder assembly (10) to be mounted to instrument panels (14) and armrest cushions alike. A base plate (24) telescopes in a substantially horizontal plane (A) out of the housing (12). A container stabilizing plate (32) moves from a collapsed position adjacent the baseplate (24) to a stabilizing position spaced vertically up and away from the base plate (24). A primary link (42) and a second link (50) maintain the container stabilizing plate (32) in a position parallel to the plane (A).

Abstract: An extruded metal chain pin (34) for connecting center and side links of a chain together. The chain pin (34) comprises an extruded solid cylindrical body (130), having two flattened transverse ends (132) and an extruded grain structure (134) extending parallel through the length of the cylindrical body (130). The pin is characterized by all of the extruded grain structures (134) extending parallel to the cylindrical body (130) and into the flattened transverse ends (132) before reaching flare-out points.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly 10 of the type for dispensing a precise stream of a fluid, such as a liquid and/or gas is disclosed. The fluid dispensing assembly 10 comprises of a fluid dispensing instrument or fluid source means 12, a needle apparatus 14, and is characterized by an adapter 16 for connecting the fluid dispensing instrument 12 to the needle apparatus 14 to establish fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: A buoyancy control system is disclosed for maintaining a buoyant vehicle at a controlled depth by jettisoning either a heavy liquid or a light liquid. The control system monitors the depth of the buoyant vehicle and determines the direction and magnitude of vertical velocity. If it exceeds the threshold velocity the system calculates how much fluid to jettison in order to decelerate the vehicle to a target velocity. The positive and negative threshold velocities are programmed for control of the average vertical velocity and for depth maintenance. First and second bladders contain heavy and light liquids, respectively. The bladders are subjected to ambient water pressure and are spring loaded and each is provided with an discharge valve. A pressure sensor monitors the vehicle depth and generates a depth signal. A computer derives a velocity signal from the depth signal and calculates the quantity of liquid which should be jettisoned.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control cable assembly (10) for transmitting motion in a curved path comprises a motion transmitting core element (12) having first and second segments (14,16) and a tension adjusting spring (20) disposed between these segments. The assembly also includes an angled flange (24) disposed on an end of the second segment (16) angled to thread into the spring (20) to enable adjustment to the slack length of the core element (12).

Abstract: A dual door arrangement is insert molded in a decorative automotive instrument panel to create an opening for air bag deployment. The arrangement comprises two self hinging sheet metal doors that are attached to a thermoplastic frame by integral clips. One door has an outwardly projecting lip embedded in the instrument panel that initiate a central slit in the instrument panel for propagating the air bag opening. The other door has a depressed shelf that underlies the lip and adjacent margin of the first door to provide several advantages including helping the lip to initiate the central slit.