Abstract: A clutch for an interior latch handle of a plug-type airplane door is described which decouples the handle from the latch-operating linkage so the handle will not be backdriven into the passenger space when the exterior latch handle is operated to open the door from outside the airplane. The clutch includes a probe mounted on the base of a handle mechanism assembly in line with the handle, and a pawl pivotally mounted in the handle and disposed to engage a lug splined to the handle shaft and torsionally coupled to the latch. When the handle is in its "home" or "closed" position, the probe engages a roller on the end of an arm connected to the pawl and rotates the pawl away from the lug so that the handle shaft will not backdrive the handle into the passenger space when the exterior latch handle is operated to unlatch the door. When the handle is moved away from the probe, the pawl engages the lug to establish two-way torsional coupling between the handle and the latch.

Abstract: A handle of a push cart includes two rods slidably engaged in two tubes and each having a number of teeth. Two sleeves are secured on top of the tubes and each has a pair of lugs. Two pins are secured between the lugs. A resilient arm has two ends slidably engaged with the pins, the ends each includes a tooth for engaging with the teeth of the rods so as to secure the rods to the tubes. The teeth of the resilient arm are disengaged from the teeth of the rods when the resilient arm is depressed. A fence is secured to the sleeves for preventing the resilient arm from being depressed inadvertently.

Abstract: A merchandise display apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a foldable/erectable tubular structure formed of a series of foldably connected wall panels. When erected, the tubular support has at least three sides, at least one of which has an intermediate hinge line to accommodate a bellows fold. A plurality of caster assemblies is provided, one for each corner of the polygonal configuration formed by the erected tubular support. The caster assemblies include rigid channel-forming flanges, arranged at a predetermined angle corresponding to the corner angles of the erected polygon. When the foldable polygon is erected, the caster assemblies are applied over the lower end portions, at each corner, providing mobile support for the structure and simultaneously rigidly securing the otherwise foldable wall panels in the desired, erected cross sectional configuration. A rigid forming panel is inserted into the erected structure and is supported by the caster assemblies.

Abstract: A self contained portable device for use on the roof of a building for retrieving a lifeline from along the side of the building. A motor and drum drive assembly is mounted on a movable cart. An adjustable davit arm is pivotally mounted on the cart and is adapted to extend over the edge of the roof. The lifeline extends around a sheave mounted on the outer end of the davit arm and through a rope grab clamp and then about the take-up drum of the drive assembly. The davit arm is formed by telescopically joined tubular arm sections. The motor is controlled by a foot operated switch for rotating the drum to retrieve the lifeline. A safety line is adapted to secure the cart to rigid structure on the roof in addition to a wheel brake.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ski incorporating an injected core and to a process for manufacturing such a ski. The ski includes an internal reinforcement of perforated, reinforced fabric which is short, located at the level of the runner, in the form of an upturned gutter and which is separated from the upper face of the ski by distance pieces in the form of beads of hot melt adhesive. When manufacturing in the mould, these beads enable the reinforcement to be pre-positioned whilst maintaining it at a distance from the upper face.

Abstract: A power steering control valve including relatively rotatable inner and outer valve members. A power steering resistance control system resists relative rotation between the inner and outer valve members with a force which varies as a function of variations in vehicle speed and steering demand. The power steering resistance control system includes a force transmitting member which is disposed adjacent to one end of an outer valve member. A spring force is applied against the force transmitting member urging it in a first direction along the axis of rotation of the valve member. Fluid pressure is applied against the force transmitting member to urge it in the first direction. In a first embodiment, a speed responsive valve is operable to vary the fluid pressure applied against the force transmitting member as a function of variations in vehicle speed. A hydraulic pressure responsive valve is operable to vary the fluid pressure applied against the force transmitting member as a function of steering demand.

Abstract: An operating method for a hybrid vehicle which has an electric motor for driving the vehicle and an internal combustion engine for power generation. Upon completion of the activation of a catalyst, the engine is operated in warm-up mode with a small throttle valve opening, and when the output of a water temperature gauge thereafter reaches a predetermined value and the warm-up operation has completed, the engine is operated with a large throttle valve opening for the power generation. Thus, the hybrid vehicle can enjoy improved exhaust gas characteristics and increased cruising range and power performances.

Abstract: A vehicle steering control system and apparatus for controlling steering radius to prevent vehicle and surface damage and to provide improved low speed vehicle maneuverability. The steering control system and apparatus provides a first controllably limited turning radius range in relation to a first condition and a second controllably limited turning radius range in relation to a second condition. Examples of the first and second conditions include speed related conditions, such as, the actual speed of the vehicle, a selected gear of the vehicle, and manual selection of the turning radius. The system and apparatus includes a dual stroke hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder body housing a hydraulically controllable primary piston. A shaft is attached to and extends from the primary piston, projects through the cylinder body, and connects to the steering linkage of the vehicle. Hydraulic operation of the primary piston transfers forces along the shaft to the linkage.

Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.

Abstract: An assembly capable of accommodating casters having a different attaching-bolt pitches to a load carrying wheeler is disclosed, which includes two segmented halves of a pair of sleeves each composed of a mouth to receive therein ends of horizontally spaced tubular crossbeams and segmented halves of a caster-attaching block interposed between each sleeve pair. The blocks have a plurality of elongated bolt holes in the direction perpendicular with the axis of the sleeves, laid out end-to-end, so as to accommodate a range of caster-bolt pitches, and at least a pair of elongated bolt holes in the direction parallel with the sleeves' axis, also provided to accommodate a range of bolt pitches for a caster being attached to the base of the wheeler's rectangular framework. The segmented sleeves are made to slide closer or farther away from each other, so that the spacing of bolt holes across the segments can be adjusted to meet a wide range of caster-bolt pitches.

Abstract: A wheel and leg assembly fastened to one short side of a travel bag at the bottom, including a leg assembly which fits over one corner of the short side and has an oblong hole on a horizontal extension thereof, and a wheel assembly, which fits over an opposite corner of the short side and has an oblong hole on a horizontal extension of the wheel holder thereof, the oblong hole on the leg assembly being overlapped on the oblong hole on the wheel holder and connected with it to the travel bag at the bottom by a rivet.

Abstract: A combination golf pull cart and golf bag in which the cart wheel-supporting legs vertically suspend, when not in an open tripod bag-supporting use, from a semi-circular bracket in encircling relation about the rear of the golf bag, which is a position forward and almost entirely within the width of the golf bag, and contributes to an optimum compact storage condition.

Abstract: An air intake device for introducing air into an engine includes an intake duct, part of which is disposed in a space defined by a front wheel apron forming an inner wall of an engine compartment, and a front fender for forming an outer wall of a vehicle body. A hole is formed in the wheel apron for providing an opening through which an upstream portion of the intake duct passes so as to have its intake opening open into the engine compartment.

Abstract: An in-line skate has a wheel mounted on a rocker arm so as to be pivotable toward and away from the main platform. The pivoting is restrained by a compression spring whose pre-load is adjustable with a screw arrangement. A fixed brake pad depends downwardly an adjustable distance from the main platform in the vicinity of the rocker arm mounted wheel. As the user tilts the platform the rocker arm and its associated wheel are pivoted toward the fixed brake pad. When the wheel contacts the brake pad, further tilting pressure arrests the wheel rotation and thus generates a frictional braking force between the wheel and the support surface.

Abstract: A wheeled suspension unit for elevating a vehicle platform from ground engagement to operational height, characterized by a lever that swings a wheel axis to and from alignment with a vertical plane extending between a raised fulcrum of the lever and a transverse axis of the vehicle, there being separate manually operable suspension units at opposite sides of the vehicle and each with a releasable latch for securing the elevated condition.

Abstract: A snowboard binding that can readily attach and release a boot from a snowboard. The binding includes a binding housing that is mounted to the snowboard. The housing has a pair of pin holes that receive locating pins which extend from the sole of a boot. When the snowboarder inserts the pins into the holes, a pair of locking pins extend through apertures in the locating pins to secure the boot to the board. The locking pins are coupled to a lever which can be rotated by the user. Rotation of the lever moves the locking pins out of the locating pin apertures so that the boot can be detached from the board. The binding housing includes a base plate that is mounted to the snowboard and a cover plate which contains the locking pins and release mechanism. The cover plate is coupled to the base plate by a tie down bolt which can be unscrewed to allow rotation of the cover plate relative to the board. Rotating the cover plate also rotates the pin holes and the corresponding foot position of the snowboarder.

Abstract: An improved bicycle rear suspension system comprises a main frame (20) and a swingarm (22), the former having a seat (32) and the latter having a rear wheel (34) and a pedal crankset assembly (38) mounted on it. The suspension has predetermined proportions which provide long travel, or bump absorbing motion, without exhibiting pedaling-induced motion. The swingarm (22) is hinged to the main frame (20) at a single pivot axis (24). The specified location of the pivot axis is such that the suspension is several times firmer when the rider is standing than when the rider is sitting. This pivot location also ensures that the pedaling forces applied to the swingarm (22) are substantially balanced throughout the pedal stroke. This mechanism also provides a frame geometry which can adjust to different terrain conditions. A lightweight structure for the swingarm (22) provides high strength and stiffness. The swingarm (22), when viewed from the side, presents a diamond shape divided into a plurality of triangles.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dolly with an upwardly extending edge about 3 to 5 inches high, that generally conforms to the size of a standard five gallon bucket. The purpose of the invention is to be able to push around whatever materials one is working with, without having to pick the bucket up to move it. The upwardly extending edge on the dolly prevents the bucket from tipping as it is being pushed or pulled. Also, additional wheels can be added to distribute the weight load more evenly, and the wheels can be raised or lowered to lower the center of gravity, to help avoid tipping of the bucket within the dolly. The dolly can be used by a person sealing a driveway with a five gallon pail bucket. Painters or spacklers can also benefit from the bucket dolly. Spacklers can stack pails on top of each other as they normally do so that they can reach into the uppermost pail and move their materials around without reaching down and getting down out of their elevated stilts or scaffolds.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system of a steerable wheel of a dump truck facilitates the attaching and detaching of a hydraulic motor and allows for a large hydraulic motor to be used. In the drive system, a wheel axle is rotatably supported within a receptacle seat supported on a yoke. The steerable wheel is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the receptacle seat. The steerable wheel and one end of the wheel axle are connected via a speed reducer. A motor casing 33 of a hydraulic motor is connected by bolts to the receptacle seat at an end of the seat remote from the steerable wheel so that the hydraulic motor can be attached to and detached from the receptacle seat by tightening and loosening the bolts.

Abstract: A drive unit (10) is provided for extending or retracting a telescopic seating system and includes a frame (14) into which a front axle (24) and a rear axle (26) are journaled, a plurality of transversely spaced wheels (28) mounted on the front axle (24) and on the rear axle (26), drive means supported by the frame (14) for imparting rotation to the axles, preferably powered by a reversible electric motor (32), and a mounting assembly temporarily attaching the drive unit (10) to a row (92) of the telescopic seating system, the mounting assembly preferably including upright connectors (80, 82, 84, 86) fastened to the row (92) proximate their upper ends and fixed at their lower ends to longitudinal beams (76, 78) detachably interconnected to the frame (14) through threaded spacers (66). The unit (10) may be additionally provided with weight support brackets (94) supporting an external weight (122) to increase traction between the wheels (28) and a floor upon which the unit (10) travels.