Abstract: This invention relates to a novel parachute comprising an auxiliary canopy which is slidably mounted to restrictor lines to enable automatic sliding through variable positions during deployment of the parachute for controlling the speed and geometry of main canopy inflation.

Abstract: Reusable parachute ground disconnecting devices provide constant release load percentages within a range of 25 to 70 percent of the load weight for more reliable delatching characteristics on ground contact even in the presence of high ground winds, and with virtually no risk of premature delatching occurring while airborne. Non-linear main springs consisting of stacked disk springs provide ever diminishing deflection to the load suspending assembly as the load size increases, in combination with fixed latch geometry produce constant load release characteristics for the entire capacity rating for a given device. Various time delay means, including an hydraulic dampened load release timer provide added safety and reliability by isolating the delatching system when fluctuations in load weight occur during initial deployment. Disclosed concepts are readily adaptable to high capacity devices for loads of up to 30 tons, and even more.

Abstract: This invention relates to annular canopy parachutes having a central cap canopy, in critically spaced arrangement at the central main vent, which assists in providing rapid controlled inflation and decreasing oscillation upon inflation as to allow incorporation of high drag coefficient, generally air impermeable canopy fabric.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable air support device having a plurality of air inflatable cells, arranged within a conveniently dissembled air support bag. The portable device comprises a novel air distribution manifold, control console and air distribution valve assembly to inflate a novel air flow quilt which provides an upward flow of air to a patient reclining thereon, to provide comfort and promote patient healing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid distribution valve comprising a port select valve structure wherein the flow of fluid from a fluid flow source is directed through a chamber of a rotatable member comprising a plurality of varying sized spaced ports which align with ports of a housing at various positions of rotation of the member to provide variations of fluid flow through the ports of the housing. The valve has particular utility as an air distribution valve in an air flow support mattress system.

Abstract: A vehicle sensitive inertia safety belt retractor (VSI) equipped with push button actuated automatic locking device (ALR) preventing belt extraction when manually pressed with the belt extracted to a buckle engageable extent. Automatic restoration of VSI mode is effected in response to the increased diameter of belt webbing on the retractor spool upon retraction following buckle disengagement.

Abstract: An improved sun visor assembly, particularly adapted for use with motor vehicles. The visor assembly has a retractable auxiliary glare shield featuring snap-in assembly into the visor and includes features which prevent inadvertent removal of the glare shield. An internal or external edge cap is provided which forms an outer edge of the visor and guides the auxiliary glare shield. The edge cap engages and secures the edges of the visor outer board around the opening for the auxiliary glare shield. On one preferred embodiment, an internal split end cap is provided, each half of which engages one of the edges of the outer board by means which allow exact location to allow the end cap halves to snap together permanently after being stitched to the wrapped-around soft trim and outer board. The visor thus has a normal appearance with the end cap which provides a firm opening for the glare shield, while the end cap being invisible.

Abstract: A dual spool seat belt retractor includes a comfort mechanism actuated by limited protraction of one belt relative to the other to provide a predetermined amount of slack in the one belt. A comfort limiting mechanism is drivingly coupled by a gear train to both the first and second retractor spools to disengage the comfort mechanism in response to relative rotation between the first and second spools caused by protraction of the one belt to an extent exceeding the limited protraction employed to actuate the comfort mechanism so as to allow retraction of the belt by the rewind spring. Slack in the belt in excess of the predetermined amount is thereby prevented. The comfort mechanism is also disengaged by the comfort limiting mechanism when the belts are unbuckled to allow full retraction of both belts.

Abstract: An improved visor assembly for motor vehicles is disclosed which includes one or more retractable glare screens which are integrated with the visor structure such that they can be extended and retracted from the visor as needed. The glare screens are preferably made from a transparent tinted material which reduces the intensity of bright lights or glare which the driver may be exposed to. The glare screens are guided for retracting movement through using slot followers which travel in elongated guide slots formed by the visor center board member. Clearance slots are formed along the perimeter edge of the visor by using elongated reinforcement members. The visor according to this invention can be produced economically and enables the glare screens to be extended and retracted without binding.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is disclosed which is particularly well suited for vehicle accessory application such as for vehicle sun visors for example. A hinge assembly according to the present invention includes a rod member interconnected with the vehicle interior or other fixed member. A generally hollow elongated sleeve member is interconnected with a movable member and is adapted for longitudinally receiving the rod member for relative rotation therewithin. A resilient biasing member, which is preferably a leaf-type spring, is received within the sleeve member for resiliently biasing the rod member laterally against the interior surface of the sleeve member in order to provide a frictional relative rotational engagement between the rod member and the sleeve member.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is disclosed which is particularly well suited for vehicle accessory applications, such as for pivotally interconnecting vanity doors with vanity housing structures for example. The hinge assembly, which is also applicable for other applications, includes a pivot means pivotally interconnecting first and second members for relative rotational movement about a longitudinal axis, with a cam on the first member protruding in a generally lateral direction to engage a resilient biasing means on the second member. The resilient biasing means, which is preferably a leaf spring, is slidably engaged and resiliently deflected by the cam on the first member and exerts a resilient biasing force on the cam in a generally lateral direction, generally toward the pivot axis.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory assembly is disclosed for mounting on an interior panel, such as on a visor, for example, and includes an accessory devce, such as a vanity mirror assembly, interconnected with the visor or other vehicle panel at a generally fixed location thereon. A preferred laterally sliding accessory door is interconnected with the visor or other interior panel for selective lateral movement between a closed position wherein the accessory device is substantially covered and an open position wherein the accessory device is substantially exposed. Preferably, a switch is provided for electrically energizing a light or other electrical component in response to movement of the accessory door from its closed to its open position, and a manually operable override feature is also preferably provided in the event that the user wishes to disable the switch and prevent such energization in response to the opening movement of the door.

Abstract: A preferred illuminated vehicle accessory according to the present invention includes a light-emitting and light-conducting light bar, an electric light source operatively associated with the light bar, and an electrical connection device for electrically connecting the light source with a source of electrical current on the vehicle. The light bar is adapted to be interconnected with the vehicle accessory, and a light-directing apparatus is provided for directing the light emitted from the light bar toward at least one predetermined portion of the vehicle. The light bar preferably includes an elongated rod member composed of a light-conducting material, such as an acrylic material for example, that is at least semi-transparent. In various forms of the invention, the light bar can be located either on an internal surface of the vehicle accessory or on an exposed surface of the vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is disclosed for application in pivotable or rotatable vehicle accessories, such as visors, vanity covers, storage covers, or other vehicular or non-vehicular applications. A preferred, one-piece resilient sleeve member frictionally engages a preferably compact pivot rod and retains the rotated member in any of a number of pre-adjusted pivoted positions, while still providing for one or more positive, predetermined detent positions.

Abstract: An accessory cover apparatus for selectively covering or exposing an open vehicle compartment includes an adjustable mounting assembly interconnectable with the vehicle for mounting and supporting the cover apparatus generally adjacent the compartment opening at an intermediate longitudinal position between the compartments ends. The cover apparatus includes a first cover member that is longitudinally movable between retracted and extended positions. A second cover member protrudes generally in an opposite direction from that of the extended first cover member and is pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position. Preferably, the cover apparatus according to the present invention further includes an open enclosure member disposed beneath the second cover assembly for defining a storage sub-compartment, with the second cover member substantially closing off the sub-compartment when in its closed position and providing access to the interior of the sub-compartment when in its open position.

Abstract: An improved visor assembly for motor vehicles is disclosed which includes one or more retractable glare screens which are integrated with the visor structure such that they can be extended and retracted from the visor as needed. The glare screens are preferably made from a transparent tinted material which reduces the intensity of bright lights or glare which the driver may be exposed to. The glare screens are guided for retracting movement through using slot followers which travel in elongated guide slots formed by the visor center board member. Clearance slots are formed along the perimeter edge of the visor by using elongated reinforcement members. The visor according to this invention can be produced economically and enables the glare screens to be extended and retracted without binding.

Abstract: Retractor for front seat belt having inertia responsive pivoted latch bar for engaging main ratchet sprocket gears to arrest belt extraction, and an auxilliary sprocket gear with radially elongated teeth engaged by pivoted lever finger actuated by inertia pendulum for raising lever and latch bar into main gear arresting engagement characterized by auxilliary sprocket gear teeth each having a concave surface for finger point engagement adapted to increase the lever actuating moment arm at the extremity of tooth contact relative to that of prior straight tooth surfaces.

Abstract: Combination lap and shoulder belt restraining system, including a mounting frame with belt windup spool and with comfort feature release means for automotive vehicle occupant, responsive to tension lap belt engagement independent of belt spool rotation for enabling the comfort feature, and to relaxation of tension by lap belt disengagement independent of belt spool rotation for releasing the comfort feature to thereby assure belt retraction upon occupant leaving the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory assembly is disclosed for mounting on an interior panel, such as on a visor, for example, and includes an accessory device, such as a vanity mirror assembly, interconnected with the visor or other vehicle panel at a generally fixed location thereon. A preferred top-hinged accessory door is pivotally interconnected with the visor or other interior panel for selective pivotal movement about a pivot axis between a closed position wherein the accessory device is substantially covered and an open position wherein the accessory device is substantially exposed. A resilient biasing device is provided for resiliently biasing the accessory door toward the open position, and an overrideable latch apparatus is adapted for retaining the accessory door in the closed position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is disclosed which is particularly well suited for vehicle accessory applications, such as for pivotally interconnecting vanity doors with vanity housing structures for example. The hinge assembly, which is also applicable for other applications, includes a pivot pivotally interconnecting first and second members for relative rotational movement about a longitudinal axis, with a cam on the first member protruding in a generally lateral direction to engage a resilient biasing springs on the second member. The resilient biasing springs, which is preferbly a leaf spring, is slidably engaged and resiliently deflected by the cam on the first member and exerts a resilient biasing force on the cam in a generally lateral direction, generally toward the pivot axis.