Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and first and second metal separators for sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. In the membrane electrode assembly, a surface area of a gas diffusion layer is larger than a surface area of a gas diffusion layer. A seal member is provided at a position corresponding to an outer marginal region of the gas diffusion layer. The seal member includes a main seal inserted between a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the first metal separator, and an a flow field wall inserted between the gas diffusion layer and the first metal separator for defining a part of an oxygen-containing gas flow field.

Abstract: A control system for a compression ignition internal combustion engine is provided which is capable of expanding a region for executing compression ignition, on the low-load side, while positively obtaining a required power output from the engine. The amount of residual combustion gas is determined depending on operating conditions of the engine, and based on the determined amount of residual combustion gas, part of combustion gas is retained in each combustion chamber after combustion. It is judged whether or not supercharging of fresh air should be executed for self-ignition, based on the operating conditions of the engine, and when it is judged that the supercharging should be executed, supercharging of fresh air flowing to the combustion chamber is executed.

Abstract: In a three-wheel vehicle, right and left suspension arms are independently attached to a front swinging shaft and a rear swinging shaft so that the suspension arms can swing vertically, and the front swinging shaft and the rear swinging shaft function as a swinging shaft for swinging the body frame. A swinging mechanism is provided to restrict lateral rotation of the body frame.

Abstract: To secure a large space that can be utilized effectively above an air cleaner, a low-deck vehicle 10 is constructed to mount an engine shaped like a letter V in the fore-and-aft direction under a low-deck and an air cleaner. The air cleaner is adapted to be capable of being maintained and inspected from the side of the vehicle. A filter element is provided in the air cleaner, and is attachable and detachable by a lid member on the side of the air cleaner. An inspection lid opposing the lid member is provided on a vehicle body cover covering the air cleaner. A space for arranging vehicle accessories such as a fuel tank is provided above the air cleaner.

Abstract: A lubricating system for a power unit for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. A static oil hydraulic type non-stage transmission is disposed on a left lateral side of a crankshaft, and a lubricating oil tank is formed integrally with a main body of the internal combustion engine and is disposed on a right lateral side opposite to the side of the transmission, with the crankshaft therebetween.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and first and second separators for sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. A serpentine oxygen-containing gas flow field is formed on a surface of the first separator. A seal member is provided around the oxygen-containing gas flow field, i.e., around the anode. Filling seals are provided in a clearance between the seal member and the cathode at positions where the leakage of an oxygen-containing gas is likely to occur.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a structure in which a steering nozzle is mounted onto a jet nozzle so as to be swingable vertically and in the left-right directions, upper and lower support shafts for mounting the steering nozzle include upper and lower bolts, the upper and lower bolts set such that the heads thereof are directed toward the jet nozzle, and the lengths of the upper and lower bolts are set such that the upper and lower bolts can be fastened to the steering nozzle when the heads of the upper and lower bolts come into contact with the jet nozzle.

Abstract: A shuttle feed passage 7 is provided in each functional processing station from a coating booth 1 to an after-heating booth 6 for performing a series of operations from coating to baking and drying. A conveyance frame 12 is fed to each of the booths 1-6 using a shuttle feed method, and conveyance of the workpiece W is stopped to perform the coating operation and the like. An empty conveyance frame 12 from which the coated workpiece W is removed is circulated through a self-propelled feed passage 9. A carriage 39 of the conveyance frame 12 is caused to travel outside the booth 1, and the supporting arm 13 of the conveyance frame 12 is caused to travel inside the booth, wherein the supporting arm is caused to rotate around the axis.

Abstract: A trim operating lever device is disclosed which can downwardly or vertically swing a nozzle capable of adjusting the jet direction of jet water. When the trim operating lever is gripped with a finger of the hand which is gripping the steering handle, a lever of the lever lock means can be substantially simultaneously operated with the finger, to effect locking. Therefore, the number of operations by the left hand necessary for swinging the nozzle is reduced. Also, because the trim operating lever makes it possible to enlarge the operating force, the nozzle can be swung quickly.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for an engine of a vehicle which can suppress the changing frequency of the ratio of a continuously variable transmission by compensating for driving force upon low speed rotation upon which the torque generated by an engine is low, and can reduce the overall width of the engine to raise the degree of freedom in mounting of the engine to achieve reduction of the cost. A power transmission apparatus for an engine for a vehicle which includes a starting clutch for smoothly connecting rotation of a crankshaft to a transmission upon starting of the vehicle, a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission for performing speed change depending upon a capacity difference between a swash plate hydraulic pump and a swash plate hydraulic motor to transmit rotation of the crankshaft at a reduced speed to a driving wheel, and a slider for moving a ball screw back and forth to change the angle of the swash plate of the swash plate hydraulic motor.

Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus including a trapping detection structure which reliably implements detection of trapping of foreign objects, even at a structure at which an outer peripheral edge of a moving body or an inner peripheral edge of an opening includes corner portions with small radii of curvature. A pressure sensor which detects external forces from directions intersecting a length direction thereof is provided at an outer periphery portion of a back door. However, at a corner portion, at a lower end portion of a door side portion or the like, the pressure sensor is provided with a large curvature such that the pressure sensor keeps distant from the corner portion. In place thereof, another pressure sensor, with a facing pair of electrode sheets, is provided along the corner portion. When one or more of these pressure sensors detects an external force, the back door is moved for opening.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a small watercraft which can prevent corrosion or freezing in a water channel. Water outside the watercraft is fed through a pump 30 and piping P1 or the like to a engine in the watercraft and cools the same, and then is drained from the watercraft. Drain hoses DH1 to 3 are connected to portions of the engine and piping where water tends to remain, and drain ports DH1a to 3a, which are capable of being opened and closed, are provided at the other ends of the drain hose. A single drain valve DV is provided at the drain port for opening and closing the drain hose.

Abstract: Changeover clutch discs for a direct coupling clutch and a change-speed clutch, respectively, are disposed in two stages in a radial direction across a movable element which can move in axial directions of an input shaft. A carrier and the movable element are brought into meshing engagement with each other such that the movable element does not rotate relative to the carrier. The changeover clutch discs mesh with clutch discs which are disposed on the input shaft and a casing, respectively. A coned disc spring and an electromagnetic actuator are disposed such that operating directions of the spring and the actuator are opposed to each other. The coned disc spring keeps the direct coupling clutch in normally engaged condition with its biasing force, and the electromagnetic actuator brings a change-speed clutch into engagement after it has released the engagement of the direct coupling clutch by virtue of its thrust.

Abstract: A vehicle inner belt molding to be fitted along an interior of an opening edge of an elevating window in a vehicle wherein the vehicle has a door inner panel and a trim board being attached to the door inner panel and having a downward flange portion protruding from a position interior of an outer end of the trim board. The vehicle inner belt includes: a fitting portion to be attached to a vehicle body; and a sealing lip formed integrally with an exterior side of the fitting portion to be in elastic contact with an inner surface of a window pane of the elevating window. The fitting portion has an upward opening groove fittable with the downward flange portion.

Abstract: A thixocast Fe-based alloy material is provided, from which a cast product having mechanical properties uniform over the whole thereof can be produced.

Abstract: Vehicle identification number (VIN) data acquisition and stamping center control, wherein a main computer supplies VIN data to a PLC disposed at the stamping center, and the PLC stores a quantity of VIN data, up to a predetermined maximum, in an input buffer memory of the PLC in order to permit the stamping center to continue operating even when the network connection with the main computer is broken. The PLC also includes an output buffer memory in which stamped VINs may be stored until the network connection is restored, at which point the stamped VINs are transmitted to the main computer. Alternative semi-automatic and manual modes of operation permit the stamping center to continue operating even when the supply of VIN data from the input buffer memory is exhausted.

Abstract: A manufacturing facility includes a plurality of programmable logic controllers that contain operating programs and process parameters. The programmable logic controllers are connected to a network such that the operating programs and process parameters from the programmable logic controllers can be backed-up to a remote data storage device. Preferably, the backing-up of the programmable logic controllers takes place automatically and periodically in a manner that does not interrupt the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A conduit-supporting structure for a small watercraft allows the number of conduit guide components to be reduced, and the required number of processes in piping and wiring to be reduced during assembly. A vessel body includes a hull 14, constituting the lower portion thereof, and a deck for covering on top of the hull. A floatation insert block F1 is disposed between the hull 14 and the deck, and the block F1 is made with a supporting groove F1a formed therein, for guiding conduit such as a pipe and/or a cable. The conduit is guided along the supporting groove F1a, and is supported in the supporting groove F1a by being pushed therein, taking an advantage of the resiliency of the floatation insert block F1.

Abstract: A battery mounting structure for a small watercraft is constructed and arranged to improve turning performance of the craft and to provide waterproofing protection. A vessel body 11 includes a hull 14, constituting a lower portion of the vessel body, and a deck 15 for covering on top of the hull. An engine 20 is disposed in the vessel body 11, with a drive shaft 35 extending rearward from the engine 20 for driving a propeller 30, and a drive shaft supporting box 18 for supporting the drive shaft at the midsection thereof. The inventive mounting structure is substantially centrally located, so that the battery 53 can be disposed on the drive shaft supporting box 18.

Abstract: A front and rear wheel drive vehicle having a front wheel pair and a rear wheel pair, one of which is driven with an engine and the other one of which is driven with a motor. The vehicle includes an engine driving force setting section which sets a target driving force of the engine based on driving conditions of the vehicle, a motor driving force setting section which sets a target driving force of the motor based on driving conditions of the vehicle and a control section of the motor in accordance with changes of the target engine driving force and the target motor driving force.

Abstract: A die preparation and exchange method wherein dies to be inserted into an injection molding machine are electrically and fluidly heated prior to insertion so as to prepare the dies to make parts more quickly. The die exchange sequence wherein a first set of dies are removed from the machine and are replaced by a second set of dies has been changed from a generally serial sequence to a sequence wherein most steps are performed in parallel or simultaneously, greatly reducing the downtime associated with mold change.

Abstract: A high pressure die casting method including providing first and second accumulator assemblies, wherein the first accumulator assembly provides pressurized fluid toad die assembly while the second accumulator assembly provides pressurized fluid to remaining portions of the die casting machine. A barrel insert loader inserts cylinder barrels into the die assembly, and then the dies are closed to permit molten aluminum to be injected therein and thereby form the cast engine block. The dies include side gates and sub-gates through which molten aluminum is introduced into the mold. The dies are opened, and the cast engine is removed from the dies by operation of a robot arm, and a die spraying assembly is inserted between the open dies and sequentially sprays the dies, to clean and cool the dies in preparation for a subsequent casting operation.

Abstract: A unit cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, and first and second separators for sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly includes an anode and a cathode having a substantially square shape having a side length L1 in a range of 140 mm to 200 mm. The first and second separators have a substantially square shape having a side length L2 in a range of 200 mm to 300 mm.

Abstract: In a 4-cycle engine in which a side cover defining a first valve-operating chamber is bonded to one side of a crankcase, and a head cover defining a second valve-operating chamber is bonded to a head portion of a cylinder block, oil reservoir chambers are formed in the crankcase and the side cover to surround a crank chamber and the first valve-operating chamber. Oil supply passages are provided in the crankshaft to permit a portion of each of the oil reservoir chambers below an oil surface therein to communicate with the crank chamber so that the oil passed through the oil supply passages can be scattered by the rotation of the crankshaft to produce an oil mist. The crank chamber is put into communication with the first valve-operating chamber through a one-way valve. A recovery bore which opens into a bottom of the second valve-operating chamber for recovering liquefied oil is put into communication with a portion of each of the oil reservoir chambers above the oil surface.

Abstract: To provide a vehicular two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive switching system the configuration of which is simple and which can be built with minor changes to the existing configuration. The switching system hardly generates any noise and can be individually lubricated in a state separated from the other actuating parts. A vehicular two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive switching system according to the present invention is provided with an outer ring connected to a driving shaft and an inner ring connected to a driven shaft. A plurality of engaging/disengaging members are provided for connecting or disconnecting the shafts by being connected or disconnected to/from the respective opposite surfaces. A switching mechanism is provided for selectively positioning the drive shaft and the driven shaft in a position in which they are connected and in a position in which they are disconnected.

Abstract: To provide the electric motor assist type power steering apparatus, which can prevent the aggravation of the feeling of the steering, and which can transmit the assist steering force brought by the electric motor to the steering shaft completely, by preventing the flexure of the worm shaft of the electric motor assist type power steering apparatus, preferably the pinion assist type electric power steering apparatus.

Abstract: A jet pump for a personal watercraft is designed to prevent water from contacting an impeller shaft therein. The apparatus includes a stator 31 with a channel 18 formed therein. An impeller 32 and an impeller shaft 35 are rotatably disposed in the stator 31, and are connected to one another by a threaded connection therebetween. A collar 40 is integrally formed with the impeller 32, and a water-resistant seal 37 is provided between the collar 40 and the stator. The impeller shaft 35 is constructed so that a drive shaft 22 is connectable to the front thereof by a spline fit. A shock-absorbing member 50 is provided for placement between the impeller shaft and the drive shaft, and the shock-absorbing member includes structure adapted to allow air or grease to pass toward the drive shaft side thereof, when the impeller is screwed on to the impeller shaft.

Abstract: A downshift control method for an automatic transmission, which transmission is normally downshifted, to increase a gear ratio, when a vehicle throttle is opened more than a preset value. The method includes a step of selecting a slip-determining threshold on the basis of an instantaneous steering angle of a vehicle. The method also includes steps of detecting a perceived rear wheel speed Vs, and averaging a number of rear wheel speeds Vs to derive an average vehicle speed Va. The normal downshift procedure is overridden, and the automatic transmission is prevented from downshifting, if a difference between the perceived rear wheel speed and the average vehicle speed exceeds the slip-determining threshold T, and the rear wheels are determined to be slipping.

Abstract: In a fuel cut-off device for an engine in which one of a plurality of generating coils of a generator is connected to a normally-opened type solenoid valve adapted to block a fuel passage in a carburetor upon energization of the solenoid valve through an engine control switch adapted to be operated to a turned-off position and a turned-on position so that the solenoid valve can be energized from the one generating coil in the turned-off position of the switch, an output from the one generating coil is supplied to an electric load in the turned-on position of the engine control switch, together with outputs from the other generating coils. Thus, during operation of the engine, also the output from the one generating coil conventionally prepared for cutting off fuel is effectively supplied to the electric load, together with the outputs from the other generating coils, whereby the generating performance of the generator can be enhanced.

Abstract: A wireless network system for enabling good communications, while minimizing the electricity consumption of a portable terminal, is described. Included are: a first relay device 4a including first and second Bluetooth® (BT) modules {circle over (1)} and {circle over (2)}. Each of the BT modules performs a cable communication irrespective of which is a master/slave. The system also includes a second relay device 4b including a fourth BT module {circle over (4)}; a wireless terminal 3 including a third BT module {circle over (3)}; and a wireless terminal 3 including a fifth BT module. The first and third BT modules structure a first piconet in which the first BT model {circle over (1)} is a master and the third BT module {circle over (3)} is a slave, and the second, fourth, and fifth BT modules structure a second Piconet in which the fourth BT module {circle over (4)} is a master, and the second and fifth BT modules {circle over (2)} and {circle over (5)} are slaves.

Abstract: An image processing device for emphasizing a specified luminance area of an image taken by an image sensor. The contrast between a bright portion and a dark portion of an image taken by the image sensor having a wide dynamic range of a logarithmic output characteristic can be increased by selectively emphasizing the image sensor output of any luminance area by using an output characteristic conversion table.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motorcycle includes an anti-theft locking mechanism, a remote control, a receiver that receives a locking release signal transmitted from the remote control, a controller that releases locking by the locking mechanism according to the locking release signal, and a locking release mechanism that unlocks the locking mechanism by manual operation of a dedicated key. The locking release mechanism is normally covered with a cover member of the motorcycle such that it is not easily detected by unauthorized persons.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes cell assemblies connected to each other by a fuel gas connection passage, an oxygen-containing gas connection passage, and a coolant connection passage. A fuel gas adjusting mechanism, an oxygen-containing gas adjusting mechanism, and a coolant adjusting mechanism are connected respectively to the fuel gas connection passage, the oxygen-containing gas connection passage, and the coolant connection passage. These adjusting mechanisms adjust the temperatures in the cell assemblies, the relative humidity in the fuel gas, and the relative humidity in the oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: This invention provides a new through weld method to carry out welding of a base metal made of aluminum or that of aluminum alloy using high energy beams wherein a shield gas ambience (an inert gas ambience) to cover a welding site in a submerged-scar is formed, even a shield gas ambience (an inert gas ambience) to cover a welding site irradiated by the high energy beams. Since the former shield gas ambience to cover the submerged-scar pushes the keyhole against the gravity and/or the gas pressure force of the latter shield gas supplied to the laser irradiation side, then the forming of hang down of beads and the resultant projection of the welding base metal are prevented.

Abstract: An engine is supported on a vehicle body frame through an active vibration-isolating device. The vibration of the engine is prevented from being transmitted to the vehicle body frame by controlling the active vibration-isolating device. A speaker is disposed within a vehicle compartment. The noise is reduced by adaptively controlling the speaker based on a rotational speed of the engine and a noise detected by a microphone disposed within the vehicle compartment. Thus, the vibration and noise characteristics of the vehicle can be improved by a synergic effect of reducing both the vibration and the noise. Further, because the microphone is inexpensive and the speaker for an audio set can be used without any modification, the present invention can be achieved with a low cost.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus is provided, which includes a steering torque sensor for detecting steering torque exerted on a steering system, a motor for exerting assist steering torque on the steering system, a motor current sensor for detecting drive current of the motor, a target current setting section for determining target current to be supplied for the motor based on the steering torque, a feedback control section for executing feedback control based on a deviation between the target current and the drive current of motor and a feedforward control section for executing feedforward control based on the target current. The apparatus has a feature that gain of the feedforward control is adapted to be greater as the speed of a vehicle increases.

Abstract: A ride plate positioning mechanism for a personal watercraft can reduce the burden on an operator during assembly, and can also raise manufacturing productivity. In a ride plate positioning mechanism 30 of a personal watercraft 10, a portion of a bottom wall 15a of a stern 15, that is located below a water jet propeller 17, is formed from a ride plate 31 removable from a craft body 11. Further, a pair of left and right positioning projections 32, 32 are formed integrally on the ride plate 31, while a pair of left and right tab stops 33, 33 corresponding to the positioning projections 32 are provided on the craft body 11 side.

Abstract: A personal watercraft includes an inner lid attached in covering relation over a rear portion opening provided in a deck of the personal watercraft, in which a rear edge of the rear portion opening is pressed by a locking member disposed in a locking position thereof to assure the air-tightness of the inner lid, and a rear cover 48 is provided in covering relation over the inner lid. A projection is provided integrally on the locking member which allows attachment of the rear cover when the locking member is in the locked position, but blocks attachment of the rear cover by being sandwiched between the deck and the rear cover, when the locking member is at an unlocked position thereof. A torsion spring (biasing member) which biases the locking member toward the unlocked position is provided between the locking member and the deck. The attaching structure prevents the inner lid from being not attached inadvertently.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system is composed of first and second recording devices, first and second execution modules, and an install module. The first and second recording devices respectively store therein first and second computer programs used for vehicle navigation. The first and second execution modules respectively execute the first and second computer programs. The install module transfers data stored in the second recording device, including the second computer program, to the first recording device. The install module is allowed to operate during operation of the second execution module, while the first execution module is prohibited from operating during operation of the second execution module. The second execution module executes the second computer program by using transferred data which are transferred from the second recording device to the first recording device.

Abstract: A personal watercraft deck structure includes a deck, a rear portion opening provided continuously to the rear of a seat underlying opening in the deck, and a bridge member is removably attached at a boundary between the seat underlying opening and the rear portion opening (or at the rear portion opening). A rear portion of a seat is supported by the bridge member, while the rear portion opening is operatively closed with a rear cover. When maintenance of an engine and other equipment disposed within the deck structure is to be performed, the bridge member may be removed. As a result, the seat underlying opening and the rear portion opening are connected to each other and fully exposed, and therefore, a large opening can be obtained for facilitating maintenance of the engine and other equipment.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system is composed of first and second recording devices, first and second execution module, and an install module. The first and second recording devices respectively stores therein first and second computer programs used for vehicle navigation. The first and second execution module respectively executes the first and second computer programs. The install module transfers data stored in the second recording device, including the second computer program, to the first recording device. The install module is allowed to operate during operation of the second execution module, while the first execution module is prohibited from operating during operation of the second execution module.

Abstract: A four-wheeled vehicle includes a steering mechanism having a bar handle, right and left front wheels, and right and left rear wheels. The vehicle includes a front cover and a windshield disposed in front of the bar handle. The vehicle includes a driver's seat, and a rear passenger seat disposed behind the driver's seat and between the rear wheels. The rear passenger seat is directed forwardly. The vehicle includes a power unit part disposed below the rear passenger seat, and a body cover disposed rearwardly of the driver's seat.

Abstract: A fuel inlet apparatus is provided for a personal watercraft of the type having a fuel tank 13 disposed in a craft body 11, and a fuel supply hose 81 extending from the fuel tank 13 with an end thereof connected to a fuel filler member 82 on a deck 20. One end of a chain 83 is fastened inside the fuel filler member 82, and the other end of the chain 83 is fastened to a fill cap 84 used for sealably closing the top of the fuel filler member 82. The chain 83 has a protective tube 86 surrounding a portion thereof, to contact the fuel filler 85 when the fill cap 84 is removed. The provision of the protective tube 86 reduces the risk of damage to the fuel filler or the deck, and the chain itself can also be protected by the tube.

Abstract: A fatigue safety factor testing apparatus includes a FEM calculating section, a normalized stress calculating section and a fatigue safety factor calculating section. The FEM calculating section carries out a FEM calculation to meshes of a part to calculate a stress of each of the meshes of the part. The normalized stress calculating section calculates a normalized stress of a stress applied to each of the meshes with respect to a fatigue limit as a function of a temperature and material of each of the meshes. The fatigue safety factor calculating section calculates a fatigue safety factor of each of the meshes based on a normalized fatigue limit obtained by normalizing the fatigue limit and the normalized stress.

Abstract: A seal includes a deformable body portion and a base portion. The base portion defines a base cavity and an aperture extending from the base cavity to a groove extending along the outer surface of the base portion. The aperture is adapted to receive a post fastener, while the groove is adapted to receive a radial stop of the post fastener in a recessed position. The base portion includes first and second lips that are received within clip portions provided by a clip. The seal is secured to the peripheral surface of the door such that a first portion of the seal is attached to the door with the clips while a second portion of the seal is attached to the door with the post fasteners.

Abstract: In a personal watercraft with an engine 17 disposed at a central portion of a craft body and a water jet propeller 18 disposed at a stem of the watercraft, a propeller shaft 33 of the water jet propeller is connected to an end 31 of a crankshaft of the engine by a shaft coupling 32. The shaft coupling as well as the ends of the crankshaft and propeller shaft are covered from the top and from both sides with a cover apparatus 22, including a first cover section 35 for removable attachment to the engine or the hull, and a second cover section section 36 for removable attachment to the first cover section. When the cover is removed, it only of the second cover section section, and even if the space for working is small, not much time is required for removal and re-attachment thereof.

Abstract: A lever-support bracket apparatus for a small waterboat allows a lever-support bracket and a socket section to be increased in strength and rigidity, by combining these functions in a single unitary apparatus. Using the described apparatus, a lever-support bracket and a socket section can be laid out rather easily, and the number of members can be reduced. With a lever support bracket apparatus 30, a reverse operation lever 34 is allowed to operate a reverse bucket 21, and the reverse operation lever 34 is arranged proximate the front end of a seat 23 and is attached, to swing freely, to a hull 11 using the lever-support bracket 31. Further, to the lever-support bracket 31, a socket section 55 is formed, to be a piece therewith, into which a tongue-shaped piece 51 at a front end 50 of the seat 23 can be inserted.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes a hard disk drive, which stores an old navigation software set; an optical disk drive which is accessible to an optical disk which stores a new navigation software set; a first executing section which drives the hard disk drive; and a second executing section which drives the optical disk drive. An install section responds to a navigation instruction to control the first executing section to drive the hard disk drive such that a vehicle navigation is carried out based on the old navigation software set, when the optical disk is not available. Also, the install section controls the second executing section to drive the optical disk drive such that the vehicle navigation is carried out based on the new navigation software set and the first and second executing sections to drive the hard disk drive and the optical disk drive such that the new navigation software set is installed from the optical disk into the hard disk drive, when the optical disk is available.

Abstract: A gas generated by an inflator is supplied through a branching pipe to first and second air bags, which are deployed from a side of a seat to a space between an inner surface of a side of a vehicle compartment and an occupant. A one-way valve mounted in the branching pipe permits the gas to move from the second air bag to the first air bag and inhibits a back flow of the gas, whereby the internal pressure in the first air bag can be maintained higher than that in the second air bag, to thereby restrain the occupant' waist more strongly than the occupant's breast. Moreover, the gas generated by the single inflator is diverted by the branching pipe and supplied to the two air bags. Therefore, the two air bags can be deployed while minimizing the number of the inflator.

Abstract: A two-piece rear grip apparatus 22 for a personal watercraft includes a body member 23 having either a U-shaped or an H-shaped cross-sectional shape. The body member includes a recessed portion 28, which opens upwardly. The apparatus also includes a grip face member 24 for placement covering the sculpted recess. The two component parts of the apparatus may be formed from a plastic resin. The grip face member 24 may be injection molded, and has slipresistant textured irregularities 36 formed thereon to provide purchase for the palm of a user's hand. The two component parts of the apparatus may be formed by compression molding or injection molding. Even if the surface of the grip face member includes fine detail work, injection molding can effectively transfer such detail from a metal mold into the finished part. Accordingly, the grip face member can be made to include fine detail work.