Abstract: A load carrier for a bicycle including a load carrier frame adapted to be mounted to a transport vehicle. A bicycle support is carried upon the load carrier frame and is configured for engaging a bicycle at a position proximate a rotatable connection of a bicycle pedal crank assembly to a frame of the bicycle. A securement mechanism is coupled to the load carrier frame and adapted for releasably-engaging the bicycle pedal crank assembly of the bicycle for securing the bicycle upon the load carrier frame. In one version of the load carrier, the securement mechanism is a substantially J-shaped hook securable about the bicycle pedal crank assembly. The J-shaped hook being of conventional design, it includes a hooked end portion and a straight end portion. A biasing member may be optionally associated with the J-shaped hook for urging the hooked end portion toward the load carrier when a bicycle is being transported upon the load carrier.

Abstract: Safety belt devices are disclosed for vehicles comprising a seat belt, a retractor for retracting the seat belt, a seat belt guide for guiding the seat belt, a rotatable drum for displacing the seat belt guide between a normal operating condition and a tightened condition for the seat belt, the seat belt guide mounted on the rotatable drum, and an activator for activating the rotatable drum into the tightened condition, the rotatable drum including an energy absorber for reducing the force exerted upon the seat belt guide by the seat belt during return of the seat belt guide from the tightened condition to its normal operating condition.

Abstract: A precast, modular spar system (10) having a cylindrical open-ended spar of relatively uniform cross section. The spar has a freeboard section (50), a buoyancy section (70), and a ballast section (90). The sections are formed by joining arcuate segments and stacking the sections. A pressurizing system allows for the injection of air into the segments to vary the buoyancy of the modular spar system.

Abstract: Exhaust gas analyzers are disclosed for analyzing the exhaust gases from a combustion process including a sensor unit mounted for direct contact with the exhaust gases in which the sensor unit includes a number of sensors such as lambda sensors, NOx sensors, oxygen sensors, and residual heat sensors, mounted on a common substrate for detecting specific gases and temperatures in the exhaust gases and generating signals based thereon, the substrate being an oxygen-ion-conductive ceramic material and the sensors elements including conductive patterns applied to the common substrate, and a common analyzer connected to the sensor units for analyzing the signals generated by the sensor elements.

Abstract: A bodily waste evacuation system, particularly adapted for use with an immobile patient, generally comprises a pair of shorts, or other like undergarment-type apparel, and a collection and storage unit in operable and fluid communication with the shorts. The shorts are provided with a plurality of connecting tubes for the removal of bodily wastes and a plurality of connecting tubes for the supply of cleansing liquid and drying air. The collection and storage unit generally comprises a plurality of removable chambers. Each chamber is in fluid communication with the shorts via the connecting tubes. A plurality of separate chambers are utilized for storing waste, liquid waste, and the cleansing fluids. A vacuum operated waste collection system is included, as well as a source of drying air to be diffused upon the patient. There is also a means for heating the cleansing liquid and/or the drying air so that it is assured to be at a desired temperature for patient comfort and increased drying efficacy.

Abstract: A support apparatus comprising a connector adapted to be releasably engageable upon a door hinge assembly. The support apparatus includes an attachment assembly coupled to the connector, with the attachment assembly configured for supporting articles to be suspended from the door hinge assembly. Adjustments of the attachment assembly include changes in configuration for supporting articles and variation in length where the attachment assembly is extendable and retractable.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting the occupant of a motor vehicle including a seat belt for restraining the occupant and a stress-bearing structure are disclosed. The apparatus includes a steering shaft, a steering column supporting the steering shaft, the steering column displaceably mounted with respect to the stress-bearing structure, a first energy absorber for absorbing energy upon displacement of the steering column with respect to the stress-bearing structure by the occupant, a sensor for detecting a condition in which the occupant is restrained by the seat belt, a second energy absorber for absorbing energy upon displacement of the steering column with respect to the stress-bearing structure by the occupant, and a lock for permitting absorption of energy by the second energy-absorbing unit by displacement of the steering column with respect to the stress-bearing structure by the occupant when the condition is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A fabric table cover assembly including a table cover body having a top portion configured for covering a top of a table and a bottom portion configured to at least partially cover a support portion of the table. The bottom portion of the table cover body is dark colored for forming an opaque skin about the support portion of the table. The top portion of the table cover body is light colored, and preferably white, so that light colored overlay fabrics positioned upon the top portion are colorwise unaffected in appearance by the top portion. The top portion and the bottom portion of the table cover body are separate fabric pieces joined together at a seam to form the table cover body. The seam is arranged to be located immediately below a top of the table when installed thereupon and therefore substantially concealed from sight. An overlay table top cover is configured to cover the top portion of the table cover body for presenting a contrasting appearance to the bottom portion of the cover body.

Abstract: A bracket for installation of equipment on the dashboard of a vehicle includes at least one attachment member, a flat part for holding the equipment and a support member. The attachment member is located at one end of the bracket and the support member is located at another end of the bracket at a distance spaced from the attachment member. In its installed position, the support member rests against the dashboard with a certain preload. The attachment member includes a U-shaped clamp which is designed to be installed into an unoccupied switch socket in the dashboard.

Abstract: A bicycle seat designed for optimized anatomical protection of a cyclist operating a bicycle having an upper seating surface adapted to incline from a lower forward portion, upward to an upper backward portion. The lower forward portion has an upward extending projection establishing a front catch for the gluteal fold region of the cyclist's buttocks. In addition, the bicycle seat includes a support having a forward frame member pivotally attached to a trailing beam that includes a first side extension and a second side extension coplanar with the first extension. The support provides reinforcement for a cushion including the upper seating surface and a stem portion which is aligned over the forward frame member. A channel, formed in the cushion, extends from the stem portion, flanked by a pair of elongate pads each having a front end and a rear end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for absorbing the vibration of a five-piston engine and to a vibration-absorbed five-piston engine. At least two separate piston units are synchronized to operate in a counter action such that a certain position of one piston unit actuates forcibly and simultaneously the operation of fuel pumps and injection nozzles intended for the two piston units. Operation of the fuel pumps can be effected mechanically by means of the actions of the piston unit.

Abstract: A load assist to a vehicle rack carrier that includes a brace bar coupleable to a vehicle rack carrier where the brace bar is positionable between extended and retracted configurations relative to the vehicle rack carrier when coupled thereto. A connector is adapted for coupling the brace bar to the vehicle rack carrier and includes a brace bar receiver adapted for accommodating reciprocating motion of the brace bar therein. A handle is coupled to an outer distal end of the brace bar and is adapted for preventing slippage of an object off of the distal end of the brace bar. The couplement of the handle to the outer distal end of the brace bar is by a threaded fastener that establishes a friction fit between the handle and the brace bar. The brace bar has an insert pin receiving aperture therein and there is also included a biased insert pin adapted for insertion into the insert pin receiving aperture.

Abstract: An electrically controlled transmission system for a marine vessel that is adapted to avoid vibration to the vessel during a shifting process of the transmission system. The transmission system includes a marine vessel having an inboard motor and an outboard propulsion drive. The motor is coupled to the propulsion drive by the transmission assembly which is at least partially located within a portion of the outboard propulsion drive and is adapted to provide substantially vibration-free shifting of the transmission assembly. The transmission assembly has a drive shaft selectively engageable with at least a forward and reverse gear of the propulsion drive for establishing forward and reverse configurations of the transmission assembly, respectively. The transmission assembly is also electrically and remotely controlled from a distance therefrom between the forward and reverse configurations utilizing electrically actuatable solenoids.

Abstract: Method an apparatus for providing a thrilling amusement ride to a passenger stemming predominantly from the inducement of a feeling of dropping through the air and falling from the ride's supporting chair. The method includes positioning a passenger in a passenger support or chair of an amusement ride in a forward facing orientation. The passenger support is located at a drop position in a pre-fall orientation. This drop position may be an origination position, or may be a position to which the support is raised. The passenger support, together with the passenger, is tilted forward into a falling orientation which is at a predetermined tilt-angle to the pre-fall orientation. The passenger support, together with the passenger, is dropped from the drop position to a lower position while the passenger support and the passenger are in the forward tilted falling orientation thereby providing a thrilling amusement ride to the passenger.

Abstract: Vehicle alarm devices and methods for activating such devices are disclosed. The alarm device includes a first sensor for detecting the presence of living beings within the vehicle and generating a first signal, a second sensor for detecting the exit of a passenger from a vehicle and generating a second signal, an alarm, a controller for activating the alarm based upon receipt of one of the two signals, and a time delay unit for initiating a first time delay for activation of the alarm after receipt of the second signal from the controller and for initiating a second time delay for activation of the alarm after receipt of the first signal during the first time delay, and thereby extend the first time delay, and for further initiating the second time delay for activation of the alarm after receipt of the first signal during the second time delay to thereby further extend the second time delay.

Abstract: A power saving dimming apparatus for gas discharge lamps activates a system of gas discharge lamps through a phototransistor network sensitive to the infrared spectrum rather than the normal visible spectrum. The phototransistor network allows power to be supplied to the apparatus, resulting in the turning on of the lamps whenever daylight conditions exist which are insufficient to produce infrared light. When power is applied to the apparatus, either at initial turn on or after a momentary interruption, the apparatus applies full power to the primaries of the lamp ballasts for a preselected time period, thus ensuring all the lamps in the system light. After the preselected time period has passed, the apparatus automatically dims the lamps and maintains them in the dimmed state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for determining the oxygen buffer capacity in a catalytic converter (1) of an exhaust system. The arrangement includes an oxygen sensor (3, 32, 33) located downstream of at least one converter matrix (30, 31), where the sensor (3, 32, 33) supplies an input signal to a fuel injection control unit (4). The arrangement includes an analyzer circuit (13) for determining time information (TP) about the fluctuation of said input signal (25, 26), and calculating means for calculating the oxygen buffer capacity based on said time information (TP) when the downstream sensor is used to provide a primary control input signal (26). The invention also relates to a method of determining the buffer capacity.

Abstract: A retainer 30 for a seat belt strap assembly 81 that includes an anchor body 35 having a securement portion 45 and a seat belt engagement portion 79. The securement portion 45 is adapted for being releasably mountable upon a front side panel 92 of a vehicle passenger seat 90. The seat belt engagement portion 79 is adapted for releasable engagement with the seat belt assembly member 84. The securement portion 45 is alternatively substantially U-shaped or J-shaped with an interior leg 50 adapted for abutting engagement with an interior surface 94 of a front side panel 92 of a vehicle passenger seat 90 and an exterior leg 60 adapted for abutting engagement with an exterior surface 96 of the same front side panel 92 of the vehicle passenger seat 90. In the J-shaped configuration, however, the interior leg 50 is shorter than the exterior leg 60.

Abstract: A diagnostic system (10) particularly though not exclusively for use in an engine management system is provided for generating a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) to indicate the operational status of a component or sub-system which is being evaluated by the diagnostic system. The diagnostic system includes a diagnostic function module (DF Module) (20, 20', 20") for each DTC or a group of related DTCs associated with a component or sub-system. The DF module including device (22) for executing an evaluation routine to evaluate the operational status of a component or sub-system to which the DTC of the specific DF module relates, and a diagnostic function scheduler (DF scheduler)(30) for determining which DF module may be allowed to execute an evaluation routine ant a particular time.