Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for measuring the likelihood that detected stationary objects are not normally present at a sensed location. Such systems and methods may be used by other systems to which information from the present invention are communicated, for minimizing nuisance alerts in onboard object detection systems such as collision warning, collision avoidance, and/or adaptive cruise control systems. The system includes at least one vehicle mounted sensor capable of sensing at least a target object and providing data related to the target object. The system also comprises a locating device which is capable of determining and providing data related to the location of the machine or vehicle and a processing unit which receives the data from the sensor and the data from the locating device.

Abstract: An optical compensation film for a liquid crystal display is provided wherein the film is a polymer that is capable of producing light induced anisotropy. The film is irradiated with light to form an optical axis or axes.

Abstract: A coil car has a pair of deep side sills and a trough structure mounted to, and suspended between, the deep side sills for carrying coils. The side sills extend between the rail car trucks and act as a pair of deep side beams for carrying vertical loads. The deep side sills are arranged to extend above and below the center sill of the coil car to give vertical stiffness to the coil car. The top chord members of the side sills are outwardly splayed relative to the bottom chord members of the side sills. Cross-bearers extend outwardly and away from the center sill to attach to the side sills. The trough structure has three parallel, longitudinally extending troughs—a central trough lying between two laterally outboard outer troughs. Each trough is shaped to cradle steel coils, or other similar loads, between its inwardly and downwardly sloping shoulder plates. The shoulder plates are lined with cushioning to buffer coils during loading or travel.

Abstract: A sieving device having a mesh screen detachable from a frame body is capable of easily removing particulate material remained on the mesh screen and cleaning of the mesh screen and being installed even in a confined space requiring a sanitary condition. The particulate material sieved through the mesh screen is prevented from getting out of a collecting container or scattering around. With a vibration generating means in the sieving device, sieving vibration can be efficiently produced with a relatively small power with preventing coagulation and agglomeration of the particulate material. By corrugating the bottom of the mesh screen, the efficiency of sieving the particulate material be increased remarkably.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of one or more electrically-operated pumps (11, 12) to pump a liquid from a well or sump (10) which, in use, receives a substantially continuous inflow of said liquid, characterized in that the method includes the step of starting or stopping each pump in relation to the approach of a change of tariff for the electricity supplied for the operation of each said pump (11, 12).

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a human spine for the purpose of fixing one vertebra with respect to other vertebrae and with respect to other parts of the spinal column. This device comprises a plate and bone screws fabricated from metals. The bone screw maintains the plate in contact with the vertebrae. A tapered screw head is pulled into a machined tapered hole, locking the screw to the plate. The taper is configured to be self-locking preventing the screw from backing out. The taper may be within the fixed structure of the plate, or within an insert placed into the plate.

Abstract: A rise assist apparatus comprising a handrail in the form of a convoluted section attached to a vertical pole, and stabilized by a bed frame attachment member and a floor contacting base frame. Alternatively, the rise assist apparatus may be wall mounted, being stabilized by a system of mounted wall brackets. The rise assist apparatus further includes an upper curved, horizontal leveraging handle, which extends from the pole-like support structure. Specifically, the rise assist apparatus allows the user to build momentum by pushing off the upper hand grip, and allows the user to control the momentum by regaining balance, and readjusting posture, by gripping the lower handrail member. Additionally, the user can use the curved grip with one hand, while simultaneously reaching for the handrail during the rising movement thereby allowing the user to support himself or herself as they rise out of bed.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle having an engine, a starter, a motor/generator, a driving shaft, a compound planetary-gear device and a vehicle control device is disclosed. The vehicle control device is used for powering the hybrid vehicle by the motor/generator alone when a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed detection device is below a predetermined switching vehicle speed, and for starting the engine by the starter as well as turning off the motor/generator when the vehicle speed reached the predetermined switching vehicle speed, and for modulating an output driving torque by controlling a torque and a speed of the motor/generator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable, locking cargo control system for a vehicle such as a flat bed trailer, van type trailer, train, airplane or the like. The tie down system comprises at least one groove within the floor of the truck trailer. Each groove has a flange extending inward on either side of the groove. One of the flanges has a plurality of notches formed in it. The system includes at least one tie down member comprising an anchor hook insertable into the groove wherein the hook registers against an anchor flange opposite the flange having the plurality of notches. Each tie down member further comprises at least one boss extending therefrom which is positioned and sized to engage at least one of the notches in the notched flange in a manner preventing the tie down member from sliding along the groove. A tie down chain or cable is attached to the tie down member in a manner to secure a load to the floor of the or other portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a retractable door assembly in a panel van type of vehicle comprising a cargo area having at least one door opening for access thereto. The retractable door assembly is positioned in at least one door opening, with the retractable door assembly comprising a flexible door member slideable between open and closed positions within opposing track assemblies. Access to the cargo area is provided by selectively sliding the flexible door to the open position. The vehicle conversion system comprises a retractable door assembly of predetermined dimensions, and a frame assembly selectively secured in a door opening of a vehicle. The retractable door assembly is mounted to the frame assembly to substantially close the door opening. A method of vehicle conversion is also set forth, comprising the steps of providing a door opening in a vehicle, and securing a frame assembly in association with the door opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of trace analysis of organic compounds which calls for the steps of setting a test piece in a flow cell, and thereafter removing organic compounds from the test piece by heating it at high temperature in an oven. The compounds are concentrated in a trap tube and then removed from the trap tube and carried into a concentrating/inlet unit, such as a thermal desorption cold trap injector. In this unit, cryofocusing of the compounds is performed, and then the organic compounds are introduced into a gas chromatograph to be analyzed therein, wherein a part of the purified inert gas is caused, except during the process of trapping the organic compounds, to flow into the flow cell from the direction opposite the direction from which the gas flows along the trapping line.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solution feeding apparatus and a solution feeding method that are capable of feeding solution from a container until the container is completely empty while maintaining a precise feeding rate to the end of the feeding process. The solution feeding apparatus may include a solution-feeding pump connected via a tube to a container which hermetically contains a solution and is capable of changing its shape in accordance with the amount of its content is provided with a gas-liquid separation tank and a gas detection sensor. The gas-liquid separation tank serves to separate gas from solution and may be disposed in the portion of the apparatus between the container and the pump. The gas detection sensor may be disposed in the gas-liquid separation tank and serves to detect gas that has entered the solution channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for measuring the likelihood that detected stationary objects are not normally present at a sensed location. Such systems and methods may be used by other systems to which information from the present invention are communicated, for minimizing nuisance alerts in onboard object detection systems such as collision warning, collision avoidance, and/or adaptive cruise control systems. The system includes at least one vehicle mounted sensor capable of sensing at least a target object and providing data related to the target object. The system also comprises a locating device which is capable of determining and providing data related to the location of the machine or vehicle and a processing unit which receives the data from the sensor and the data from the locating device.

Abstract: A motor vehicle interaxle differential including a bevel gear design and utilizing an interaxle differential housing having a one-piece construction. A splined input shaft extending from the motor vehicle transmission mates with the inside diameter of a splined trunnion on the interaxle differential housing to provide input torque. The interior of the interaxle differential housing includes four (4) substantially flat thrust surfaces for support of left and right side gears and first and second pinion mate gears. The first pinion mate gear and the second pinion mate gear are retained in the interaxle differential housing by stub shafts which are threaded into the interaxle differential housing wall. The stub shaft design includes a shoulder to provide controlled perpendicularity and torque retention and a recessed socket head to facilitate installation. A housing endcap is utilized for sealing and supporting the interaxle differential housing bearing and the input shaft.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a marine vessel and method of construction, wherein the vessel hull is formed to have a bottom and side portions, and includes a frame comprising a plurality of at least frame and/or stringer members extending crosswise or lengthwise and selectively fixed to the bottom or side portions of the hull. The frame and/or rib members are fixed to the hull to provide structural integrity. The frame and/or rib members are fixed into engagement by an adhesive bond; wherein the adhesive bond provides an amount of resiliency to dampen vibrations and other forces at the location of engagement. The invention is also directed to a method of forming the hull using a plurality of sheet members, each of which is formed with a plurality of complex or differential bends. The sheets are formed by imparting consecutive and sequential bends in the various sheets to form at least a part of the side and bottom portions of the hull, while concomitantly imparting a desired curvature from fore to aft.

Abstract: A brake wear indicator to provide visual and tactile indication of unacceptable brake wear. The brake wear indicator has a hub drive attached to a cam shaft, a brake wear disk attached to the hub drive and a body attached to a slack adjuster lever. The brake wear disk has a wear detector lug. The body has two the travel limit lugs which extend towards the centerline of the brake wear disk and are on the end of flexible fingers. When the brake linings are approaching unacceptable wear, the wear detector lug contacts one of the travel limit lugs and pushes the travel limit lug and the end of the corresponding finger away from the adjacent outer surface of the body. The rising of the end of the finger above the adjacent surface provides visual and tactile indication of unacceptable brake wear.

Abstract: Apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear, which is collapsible into its sleeve to form a fanny pack, shoulder pack, hand pack or back pack configuration which includes a releasable fastener which retains two (2) outwardly extending ends of an adjustable belt member attached to the apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear. The length of the adjustable belt member is readily adjustable by the user to permit the apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear, to be carried as a fanny pack, shoulder pack, hand pack or back pack, as desired by the user, when the apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear, is not in use. When it is desired to use the apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear, it is quickly and readily converted from its fanny pack, shoulder pack, hand pack or back pack configuration into apparel, such as a jacket or rain gear, ready for use.