Abstract: A breather apparatus for a power train of vehicle is presented, which has a motor and a gear box connected to the motor, including a common case wall, first and second breather paths formed within the common case wall and a third breather path provided for communicating with both the first and second breather paths at an upper portion of the common case wall, and further communicating with the atmosphere. The apparatus has a feature that a blocking device is provided so that the lubricant coming through the second breather path can be prevented from entering the first breather path.

Abstract: A fluid-dispensing nozzle assembly automatically pivotally adjusts within a defined range of motion, to consistently project a fluid toward a windshield for contact at a designated area thereof, regardless of the velocity of ambient air therepast. The nozzle assembly adjusts automatically without requiring electric motors or other energy input. The pivotally adjustable fluid-dispensing nozzle assembly includes a support member and a nozzle member which is pivotally attached to the support member. The nozzle member is provided with an air engaging surface, to enable air moving therepast to pivotally move the nozzle member, once the passing air achieves a predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a rotary mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a cutting plane about a rotation axis within the cutter housing, a cover and a fin extending from the cover toward the cutting plane. The cover is movably mounted within the cutter housing in a plane parallel to the cutting plane and between a fill bagging position where the discharge opening is unobstructed by the cover and a full mulching position where the cover obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A bush cutting machine including an engine for rotatably driving a cutter blade, a throttle lever for adjusting a throttle of the engine, and a brake unit for stopping rotation of the cutter blade. By operating only the throttle lever, both releasing of the brake unit from a braking condition and adjusting the opening degree of the throttle can be achieved.

Abstract: A centralized power distribution unit for a vehicular thin brushless motor includes a plurality of bus bars and a resin insulating layer that covers the bus bars. The bus bars are disposed correspondingly with phases of the motor. Each of the bus bars has a terminal portion to be connected to a battery and one or more tabs to be connected respectively to one or more windings of a stator. Each of the bus bars is shaped into a substantially annular shape by bending a molded material in a thickness direction. The molded material is obtained by stamping out a conductive metal plate into a strip-like shape. Diameters of the annular shapes of the bus bars are set to be different from one another depending on the corresponding phase of the motor. The bus bars are stacked in a radial direction of the centralized power distribution unit, mutually separated by a predetermined gap.

Abstract: A C-pillar assembly for a vehicle that lacks a B-pillar, the C-pillar assembly including an inner reinforcement member, an outer reinforcement member, upper and lower hinge assemblies, and an outer garnish member. The outer reinforcement member is disposed over the inner reinforcement member. The inner and outer reinforcement members are secured to one another so as to define a C-pillar having, in cross section, a generally box-like shape. The outer reinforcement has an upper mounting location to which the upper hinge assembly is secured and a lower mounting location to which the lower hinge assembly is secured. A portion of the lower hinge assembly is disposed within a hinge pocket formed in the outer reinforcement member. The outer garnish member is secured to the outer reinforcement member and defines a slotted opening through which the lower hinge assembly extends.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated choke system for use with an internal combustion engine and method of using the same including a vacuum actuator for moving an actuating arm for connection to a choke valve of an internal combustion engine from a first position to a second position, an air valve in communication with the vacuum actuator, and a vacuum mechanism in communication with the vacuum actuator and the air valve for causing air to discharge through the air valve whereby the vacuum actuator can move the actuating arm from the first position to the second position and whereby the air valve is operable to allow air to enter the air valve whereby the vacuum actuator can move the actuating arm from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A centrifugally actuated coupling apparatus having an internal hub, an annular rotatable external hub coaxially disposed about the internal hub, and a locking element. The internal hub is rotatable about an axis, and includes an outer circumferential surface and a first recess formed on the outer surface. The external hub includes an inner circumferential surface and at least one circumferentially spaced second recess formed on the inner surface. The locking element includes a pivot end and a contact end. The pivot end is pivotably retained by the internal hub, and the contact end movably contacts the first recess. The contact end is pivotable radially outwardly by centrifugal force into engagement with one of the second recesses in response to rotation of the internal hub in a forward direction with respect to the external hub.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission lubrication communication system including a pump, a torque converter, an oil cooler, a shifting control assembly, a sump, a main shaft, a counter shaft, and a secondary shaft. The pump withdraws lubricating oil from the sump and pumps the lubricating oil throughout the lubrication system. The pump directs a first flow to the torque converter, a second flow to the shifting control assembly, and a third flow to the main shaft. Oil from the torque converter flows through the oil cooler and, downstream the oil cooler, separates into a first portion of cooled oil that is directed to the secondary and counter shafts and a second portion of the cooled oil that is directed to the sump. Increased flow through the torque converter and oil cooler, as well as directing cooled oil to the secondary and counter shafts, reduces the oil temperature during normal and lockup modes of operation.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a blade circle within the cutter housing, a mounting ring rotatably mounted in the cutter housing, and a plate connected to the mounting ring. The plate translates along an arcuate path in the cutting chamber between a full bagging position where the plate is laterally spaced from the discharge opening and a full mulching position where the plate obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A vent system associated with a vapor outlet is coupled to a container (e.g., a fuel tank). The vent system can be used for onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) for vehicles. The vent system includes a first elongated member (e.g., a vent tube), a rotating device, and a second elongated member (e.g., a breather tube) that is coupled between the rotating device and a buoyant device. The buoyant device interacts with materials (e.g., fuel) input into the fuel tank to actuate rotation of the rotating device. Once a predetermined amount of fuel has been input into the fuel tank, the buoyant device rotates the rotating device a predetermined amount, which stops venting of fuel vapor through the vent system. The fuel level continues to increase up the filler pipe until an automatic shut off mechanism of the device controlling fuel input stops fuel flow.

Abstract: The state discrimination means 301 detects or infers the state of each frictional surface of the synchronizeres 51, 52, - - - , and 56. The synchronizer selection means 302 selects a synchronizer for forming an intermediate transfer path according to a parameter indicating the state of the frictional surface detected or inferred by the state discrimination means 301. The engine torque control means 303 reduces the engine torque according to a parameter indicating the state detected or inferred by the state discrimination means 301.

Abstract: A control device for starting a fuel cell is provided which is capable of preventing an excessive reduction of the terminal voltage of the fuel cell. A primary precharge portion, provided with a high voltage switch and a current limiter, is disposed at the output portion of a power storage unit, and a secondary precharge portion, provided with a DC-DC chopper and a control portion, is disposed at the output side of a fuel cell. The primary precharge portion controls the output current to flow in a path via a resistor having a predetermined resistance. The secondary precharge portion controls an output current of the fuel cell based on a current command value IFCCMD for the fuel cell.

Abstract: Control method for an electric power steering apparatus feeds back a motor current, flowing through a motor whose operation is controlled in accordance with a target motor current, so that the driving of the motor is controlled with the fed-back motor current. Peak value of the motor current is detected, and, for feedback control based on the detected peak value, the detected peak value is corrected to decrease. The thus-corrected peak value is fed back to control the motor current to conform to a target motor current value.

Abstract: There are provided a control apparatus capable of controlling a controlled object with reduce dead time in sign inversion between the input to and the output from one of &Dgr;&Sgr; and &Sgr;&Dgr; modulation algorithms, thereby attaining improved convergence of the output from the controlled object to a target value and improved controllability. An ECU of the control apparatus calculates a limiting value DSMVO2L of a reference input DSMVO2, as DSMVO2L=−1 when DSMVO2<−1, DSMVO2L=1 when 1<DSMVO2, and DSMVO2L=DSMVO2 in the other cases. By inputting the limiting value DSMVO2L to a &Dgr;&Sgr; modulation algorithm, a DSM output is calculated, according to which the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to an internal combustion engine is controlled such that output from an oxygen concentration sensor converges to a target value.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is provided for use in a vehicular suspension arm. A through-hole is formed in one end of the suspension arm, and a bearing fits centrally in the through-hole. A pair of cylindrical spacer members are inserted into the opposed ends of the through-hole. Annular sealing members are interposed between the cylindrical spacer members and the through-hole. One end of the suspension arm is installed to the frame by means of a bolt inserted through the bearing and the cylindrical spacer members. At one end of each cylindrical spacer member, there is integrally molded a flange portion, having a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the through-hole. Using the described apparatus, it is possible to substantially prevent water splash, earth and sand from directly contacting the sealing member, in order to reduce the possibility of contamination.

Abstract: A molded resin laminate in which the dimensional accuracy and the strength are excellent at a bent portion and a method for producing the same are provided. One, in which an average diameter of small cells existing in a region on a side of a resin cover to be formed into a surface layer is smaller than an average diameter of large cells existing in a region on a side of a base resin component to be formed into a base layer, is used as a foamed resin component to be formed into an intermediate layer of the molded resin laminate. After the base resin component is molded with a molding machine, the base resin component is held on a male mold of a forming machine different from the molding machine described above. A sheet-shaped laminate, which is obtained by joining the foamed resin component and the resin cover, is arranged between the base resin component and a female mold. Subsequently, the forming machine is subjected to mold clamping.

Abstract: An image sensor comprising a matrix of solid-state light sensor elements each representing a unit pixel, which is capable of reading out sensor signals from respective pixels in a time series by sequentially selecting pixels on a line-by-line basis and sequentially selecting pixels in a selected line, wherein each pixel line is divided into a plurality of blocks with each block composed of the same specified number of pixels and a first scanning means sequentially reads pixel sensor signals on the block-by-block basis starting from the first block and a second scanning means reads pixel sensor signals of the readout block. The image sensor thus constructed can achieve high speed scanning of respective pixels with a minimal increase in power consumption.

Abstract: Multiple components of a motorcycle theft-deterrent device are enclosed within a single weather-resistant module, to ensure that wiring thereof is protected from the elements. The theft-deterrent device permits secure starting of the engine with a remotely operated device. The theft-deterrent device includes a CPU 41, a remote control receiver 42 for detecting a locking/unlocking signal from a remote operation device, and a vibration sensor 43 as theft-deterrent equipment in a handlebar lock module 12, including a handlebar lock mechanism. As a result of this inclusion, wiring is protected. The protected wiring sends locking/unlocking signals, which have been received by the remote control receiver 42, to the CPU 41, as well as vibration sense signals from the vibration sensor 43 to the CPU 41, for protecting the vehicle body.

Abstract: A structure for transmitting the power of a motorcycle engine includes an intermediate shaft arranged between a crankshaft and an input shaft of a transmission, and a method for making the structure. The structure and the method have the objective of shortening the distances between these three shafts, improving workability of assembling, and providing freedom of setting a speed reduction ratio. An intermediate shaft driven gear and an intermediate shaft driving gear having a diameter smaller than the intermediate shaft driven gear and are mounted in two steps, with the former overlaid on the latter, on an end of the intermediate shaft projecting outside a right case. Similarly, the intermediate shaft driven gear is engaged with a primary gear of the crankshaft, and the intermediate shaft driving gear is engaged with a primary driven gear of the input shaft at a location outside the right case.

Abstract: Mowing machine chute cleaner apparatuses and methods are disclosed including a housing and at least one rotatable blade positioned at least partially within the housing for cutting grass. The mowing machine includes a discharge chute for discharge of cut grass, wherein the discharge chute defining an exit opening, and the mowing machine includes a cover flap attached to the grass mowing machine and being movable from a closed position covering the discharge chute exit opening to an open position wherein the discharge chute exit opening is uncovered by the cover flap. The mowing machine also includes a movable clearing flap attached to the grass mowing machine which can be moved in a clearing motion through at least a portion of the discharge chute by movement of the cover flap to at least partially clear cut grass from the discharge chute.

Abstract: The invention provides a proton conductive membrane excellent in heat resistance, which has sulfonic acid as ion exchange groups.

Abstract: A method for detecting and reducing an offensive noise in a vehicle having an engine. A noise is sensed in an area of interest of the vehicle. The area of interest contains a plurality of parts capable of generating the offensive noise. The sensed noise is analyzed to determine components of the noise. The offensive noise is determined based on the sensed noise and the determined noise components. Which one of the plurality of offensive noise generating parts is generating the offensive noise is determined. The offensive noise generating part is affected to reduce the offensive noise coming therefrom and thereby reducing the offensive noise in the area of interest of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle meter unit has a control unit and a controller area network (CAN) constituting a communications network. On-vehicle systems such as an engine control system, anti-lock braking system and electric power steering system are also provided with CANs and fault diagnostic functions for decentralized control. Faults in the systems are displayed in fault codes through the control unit on a liquid crystal display on which the indications of an odometer and trip recorder are displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring effects of various conditions on deposit build up in an exhaust gas recirculation system. The apparatus includes a testing jig having a main branch, a test branch, and a control branch. The test and control branches are connected, at an inlet and outlet, to the main branch. Each branch includes a flow control valve so that fluid flow through the test branch can be equalized with fluid flow through the control branch. A parameter of interest, such as temperature, oil, or humidity, in the test branch is modified, and the jig is connected to an engine exhaust, and the flows are equalized. Pressures and temperatures at various points in the jig are monitored and, after a predetermined period of time or when a pressure drop is sensed, the test is complete and the deposits in the test branch are compared with those in the control branch to determine the effect of the altered parameter.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling an internal combustion engine and for correlating engine information with a vehicle identification number. The engine includes an engine block and a plurality of pistons. The engine block has a plurality of cylinders formed therein, and the inner diameter of each cylinder is measured and recorded as cylinder information. A specific outer diameter of each of the plurality of pistons is measured and recorded as piston information. One of the pistons is selected for each cylinder based upon the recorded cylinder information and the recorded piston information so as to provide a desired piston clearance for each piston/cylinder combination. Engine information, which includes the piston information for each of the selected pistons and the cylinder information, is recorded, and the engine information is correlated with the vehicle identification number to permit the engine information to be accessed via the vehicle identification number.

Abstract: An air bag deployment control system, comprises a weight sensor which detects weight of an occupant sitting on a seat of a vehicle, and a controller which switches between deployment and non-deployment modes of an air bag based on the occupant weight detected by the weight sensor. The controller switches to the deployment mode permitting deployment of the air bag when the detected weight of the occupant is equal to or larger than a first threshold value, and switches to the non-deployment mode prohibiting deployment of the air bag when the detected weight of the occupant is smaller than a second threshold value. The second threshold value for switching from the deployment mode to the non-deployment mode is set smaller than the first threshold value for switching from the non-deployment mode to the deployment mode.

Abstract: A first half part includes a second raised portion and a third raised portion respectively on the inner side of the hollow body and on the outer side of the hollow body with respect to a first raised portion, the second raised portion and the third raised portion being separated from the first raised portion with a spacing and being lower than the first raised portion. A second half part includes a third raised portion on the outer side of the hollow body with respect to a first raised portion, the third raised portion being separated from the first raised portion with a spacing and being lower than the first raised portion. An internal member includes a second raised portion on the inner side of the hollow body with respect to a first raised portion, the second raised portion being separated from the first raised portion with a spacing and being lower than the first raised portion. As a result, there is provided a high quality hollow body that can be provided at low cost and is cosmetically appealing.

Abstract: An apparatus for electronically displaying indicia in a selectively scrolling sequence within a vehicle, including a speed-dependent interrupt function. The apparatus may include a selecting member for selecting a data signal, a controller for controlling how information corresponding to the selected data signal is displayed, and a display member for displaying the information. The apparatus electronically displays the information as indicia on the display member, either in a scrolling sequence or statically. The controller includes a temporary interrupt function, which disengages the scrolling sequence and displays information in static position when the vehicle is traveling within a predetermined speed range. A method of displaying indicia on a display member includes a step of comparing vehicle speed to specified parameters, and a step of choosing whether or not to dynamically scroll data across a display field.

Abstract: In an axial flow compressor, an apical angle at a leading edge of a stator blade progressively increases from a root end to a tip of the stator blade whereby the stator blade loss and noises caused by unsteady inter-blade airflow can be minimized. Preferably, the apical angle at the tip of the stator blade is 1.5 to 2.5 times of the apical angle at the root of the stator blade.

Abstract: After an internal combustion engine 1 has started to operate, a changing timing is detected at which a humidity represented by the output signal of a humidity sensor 23 disposed downstream of a hydrocarbon adsorbent 12 changes to a tendency to monotonously increase from a low humidity to a high humidity. Data representing a total amount of moisture carried by an exhaust gas emitted by the internal combustion engine 1 to the hydrocarbon adsorbent 12 up to the changing timing is acquired as a deterioration evaluating parameter. The deteriorated state of the hydrocarbon adsorbent is evaluated based on the deterioration evaluating parameter. The changing timing is detected as a timing at which the relative humidity represented by the output signal of the humidity sensor 23 has changed from a low humidity to a high humidity by a preset value. The preset value is variably set in order to compensate for characteristic changes of the humidity sensor 23 and variations of individual humidity sensors.

Abstract: A transfer system includes transfer lines (L) each of which forms a closed loop and has transfer-in stations (S1 and S3) and transfer-out stations (S2 and S4) for assembling parts to a work, while circulating the work along the transfer line (L); and a work and part transfer passage (51) for transferring the work and the parts. Transfer-in stations (S1 and S3) and the transfer-out stations (S2 and S4) are disposed at each of the longitudinal ends of each of the transfer lines (L). Sub-transfer-passages (521 and 522) branching out rightward and leftward from the work and part transfer passage (51), are disposed along longitudinal sides of the transfer lines (L). With this layout, a plurality of the transfer lines (L) can be disposed in a required minimum space, while securing a smooth supply and discharge of the works and parts with respect to the plurality of the transfer lines L.

Abstract: The fuel cell of the present invention comprises: a membrane electrode assembly having a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode side diffusion electrode (an anode electrode, and a second diffusion layer) disposed at one side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and a cathode side diffusion electrode (a cathode electrode, and a first diffusion layer) disposed at the other side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane; a pair of separators which hold the membrane electrode assembly; a projecting portion which extends from the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and which projects from the peripheries of the anode side diffusion electrode and the cathode side diffusion electrode; and a seal, provided on the separators, which was liquid sealant at the time of application. The seal makes contact with the projecting portion while the membrane electrode assembly is disposed between the separators.

Abstract: An output compensating device of an image sensor using a number of light-sensor circuits, each of which represents a unit pixel and works by producing in a photoelectric converting element a sensor current proportional to a quantity of light falling thereon, converting the current into a voltage signal by using sub-threshold region characteristic of a transistor having a logarithmic output characteristic in a weak inverse state, which enables the image sensor to compensate for variations in each pixel output by using a sensor signal obtainable when changing a gate voltage and drain voltage of the transistor with shut-off light falling on the photoelectric converting element to a value lower than normal voltages of the transistor for taking video. This enables the image sensor to easily compensate for variations in output characteristics of respective light sensor circuits in a pseudo output state created therein with no actual light falling thereon.

Abstract: A bicycle is provided with a body frame, a swing arm structure, a rear wheel, and a transmission. The transmission includes a drive rotation body to be rotation-driven by a crankshaft, and a plurality of gear-change rotation bodies. The transmission is provided with an output axis supported to be rotatable to a support member fixed to the bicycle body frame, and drive-coupled to the plurality of gear-change rotation bodies, and a gear-change pulley for drive-coupling the drive rotation body and the operation rotation body alternatively selected from the plurality of gear-change rotation bodies by being placed thereacross by a gear shifting mechanism. The output axis is drive-coupled to the rear wheel via an output pulley, thereby preventing the gear-change pulley from sagging even if the swing arm swings.

Abstract: An electromagnetic brake, interposed between a stationary housing and a rotational member, includes a multi-plate brake mechanism, a ring-like core member fixed within the housing, an exciting coil accommodated in a groove in the core member, and a ring-like armature disposed so as to confront the annular groove in the core member. The electromagnetic brake includes a cylindrical press member which having one end fixed to an outer circumferential portion of the armature and the other end engaged with the multi-plate brake mechanism and fitted on the core member, and also a cylindrical guide member having one end fixed to an inner circumferential portion of the armature and the other end fitted in the core member so that the armature is guided by the core member so as to move in the direction in which the multi-plate brake mechanism is pressed.

Abstract: A low floor vehicle is a scooter-type motorcycle in which a power unit with a longitudinal V-type engine is mounted below a low floor. The power unit is substantially U-shaped when the power unit is viewed from the top by configuring the transmission unit so that the transmission unit is connected to the engine on one side of the V-type engine, is extended backward on one side of the vehicle and drives a rear wheel from the other side of the vehicle in the vicinity of a pivot of a swing arm for the rear wheel. A first exhaust pipe connected to a rear cylinder in a bank of the V-type engine is extended backward from the cylinder, the rear end is extended downward via space which is an opening substantially U-shaped when the opening is viewed from the top, the lower end is extended backward and the rear end is connected to a second exhaust pipe connected to a front cylinder in the bank of the V-type engine.

Abstract: An air cleaner device 41 which includes a main air cleaner 56 and a sub air cleaner 67 which is connected to the main air cleaner 56, and the sub air cleaner 67 is arranged parallel to the main air cleaner 56 in the longitudinal direction of main frames 55. In this arrangement, the air cleaner device does not projected sideward from a vehicle body and hence, the interference of the air cleaner device with an occupant and lowering of aesthetic appearance of a vehicle can be prevented. Further, since there is no restriction imposed by the interference of the air cleaner device with an occupant and lowering of aesthetic appearance of the vehicle, a capacity of air cleaner device can be easily ensured.

Abstract: A cooling air path is formed by an air duct provided in front of an engine and below main frames. The air duct has a cooling air port that is almost the same width, in plan view, as the lateral width of the main frames and a discharge port is formed thinner than the cooling air port, further to the rear than the cooling air port and in the vicinity of the engine.

Abstract: A trim operating wire is disclosed wherein the length of the pull wire connecting between the push-pull converter and the trim operating lever can be made short, and the push wire can be made long. As a result, even where the pull wire, which is thin and highly flexible, is disposed in the state of being bent at several portions thereof, the sliding resistance of an inner wire of the pull wire is small, and operability is enhanced.

Abstract: A small-sized surface boat is configured such that a seat extending in the fore-and-aft direction is mounted on the center of a deck that constitutes an upper surface of a hull. An approximately horizontal flat portion is formed behind the seat and on a rear end portion of the deck. An inclined surface portion having an upward gradient toward a front from a front end of the flat portion is formed, and a finger catching groove to be caught by fingers of an extended hand from a rear side of the hull is integrally formed in a front end of the inclined surface portion.

Abstract: To provide a shock absorber that can effectively absorb a large amount of energy generated in case of a collision. A lattice body of synthetic resin is formed by reducing the thickness of a plurality of plate ribs gradually from the proximal ends to the distal ends and disposing the plate ribs intersecting with each other. The lattice bodies are arranged in a stack such that the direction of the plate ribs extending from the proximal ends toward the distal ends is oriented in an impact direction.

Abstract: In a low floor type vehicle 10, a banking angle &thgr;1 of a longitudinal V-type engine 100 mounted below a low floor is set to an angle equal to or exceeding approximately 90°. The V-type engine is arranged with a bisector L1 of the banking angle directed toward a head pipe 21 of a body frame 20. The body frame is composed of a pair of right and left upper frames 22 extended backward and downward from the head pipe and a pair of right and left down frames 23 extended downward from the head pipe and coupled to the front of a crankcase 104 of the V-type engine and is a diamond type frame from which the V-type engine can be suspended.

Abstract: A step garnish is attached to a rear bumper via a plurality of connectors that are adapted to reduce or eliminate damage to a tailgate in the event of a rear impact. The connectors include first connectors that releasably secure a proximal end of the step garnish to a top portion of the bumper body, and second connectors that affix a distal end of the step garnish to the bumper body top portion. In the event of a rear impact, the proximal end of the step garnish is released from the bumper while the distal end of the step garnish remains attached to the bumper body. Accordingly, the step garnish moves up away from damaging contact with the tailgate.

Abstract: In a personal watercraft 10, an access port structure is provided in which a main service opening 93 and a secondary service opening 98 for maintenance are provided in a deck 20 of the personal watercraft 10, the main service opening 93 and the secondary service opening 98 are provided at positions at which a maintenance operation can be performed with one hand of an operator M let in the main service opening 93 and with the other hand of the operator M let in the secondary service opening 98. For example, the operator can let the left hand thereof into the main opening and let the right hand into the secondary service opening to perform a maintenance operation using both hands. As a result, improvement of the operability of the maintenance operation can be achieved.

Abstract: A welding condition monitoring device for monitoring the welding state of a welding work portion by taking an image thereof by an image sensor having a wide dynamic range and capable of taking an image covering a very bright welding portion and relatively dark portion. The monitoring device selectively emphasizes the outputs of the image sensor for any of luminance areas of the image taken by the image sensor using a sensor output characteristic table and can provide an image clearly showing both the very bright welding portion and the dark bead portion with a sufficient contrast allowing an observer to reliably recognize the objects in the image.

Abstract: A personal watercraft with a steering nozzle for determining the jet direction of jet water is movably disposed on the rear side of a water jet propeller, a connection portion is provided at an upper portion of the steering nozzle, and a reverse bucket has a recessed portion for obviating the interference with the connection portion.

Abstract: A personal watercraft having an engine, a water jet propeller on the rear side of the engine, a jet nozzle for ejecting jet water, and a steering nozzle swingable in the left-right direction. The axis of the water jet propeller is set with a rearwardly downward gradient at an angle &thgr;1, and the bottom surface of a ride plate is set with a rearwardly upward gradient at an angle &thgr;2.

Abstract: A low floor type vehicle 10 is disclosed with a housing box 59 having substantially similar longitudinal length to the longitudinal length of a seat is provided under the seat 58 and a rear cushion for the rear wheel is transversely arranged under the housing box. The housing box is provided with a lid for checking the rear cushion for the rear wheel at the bottom. The engine is suspended from a diamond type frame 20. The rear cushion for the rear wheel is arranged along the rear of an upper frame extended backward and downward from a head pipe.

Abstract: A power unit for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine including a cylinder block and a crankshaft. A speed change drive shaft is disposed at a position on the upper side of a static oil hydraulic type non-stage transmission and in parallel to the axis of the transmission. A plane connecting the axis of the speed change drive shaft and the axis of the transmission does not intersect with the axis of the crankshaft, and intersects with the axis of the cylinder center axis of the cylinder block at a position on the lower side of the axis of the crankshaft while making an acute angle with the axis of the cylinder center axis of the cylinder block.