Abstract: A method and a steering wheel suspension system for reducing the extent of injuries sustained by a driver in the event of a head-on collision of a vehicle that includes a steering wheel fitted with an air bag and having a steering shaft (8) which is rotatably carried in a holder device for steering purposes, wherewith the holder device is, in turn, mounted for rotation about a support shaft (2) which is based from the steering shaft and extends across the vehicle and, under normal conditions, is locked in a determined position relative to the support shaft (2) by means of a breakable locking device (14).

Abstract: An apparatus which is transformable from a boat lift to a trailer. The apparatus is movable on skids in a boat lift mode and on wheels in a trailer mode. A pair of posts on a main frame supports a pantographic linkwork to which is affixed a watercraft lifting cradle. A winch is connected to the main frame and to the linkwork for raising and lowering the cradle. A leveling mechanism is used for adjusting the cradle on a level when the apparatus is installed on a sloping shore. An upper deck framework is provided above the front end of the main frame. The cradle is usable for raising and moving a first recreational vehicle over the upper deck framework and for raising a second recreational vehicle above the rear end of the main frame. A third recreational vehicle is transportable on the main frame under the first and second recreational vehicles.

Abstract: A gasoline engine power assisted pedal operated vehicle. The amount of assist provided by the engine is varied in response to variations in the manual force applied by the operator to the pedal mechanism. However, in order to provide smoother power assist, rapid changes in manual power application and, specifically, rapid reductions are dampened in the engine response. In addition, the system includes a disabling device for disabling the connection between the engine and the vehicle propulsion system if the vehicle brakes are actuated.

Abstract: A steering system of a non-tracked motor vehicle whose steered vehicle wheels are connected in the normal operation with respect to the effect with a steering handle only by way of an electronic automatic control unit which continuously monitors itself with respect to a correct operation. As a function of a desired-value generator, which is operated by the steering handle, and an actual-value generator operated by the vehicle wheels, this automatic control system operates an adjusting drive for the steering adjustment of the steered vehicle wheels. In the event of a malfunctioning of the automatic control system, a forced coupling is automatically switched effective between the steering handle and the steered vehicle wheels. When the forced coupling is switched on, the steering system operates as much as possible in the manner of a conventional power steering system.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for use in a vehicle (12) having a steerable road wheel (14), a steering member (30) supporting the road wheel for rotation relative to the steering member, and at least one vehicle suspension part (22) supporting the steering member for pivotal movement about a steering axis (44). The steering apparatus (10) includes a bearing (70). The steering apparatus (10) also includes a ball stud (50) having a shank portion (54) fixed to the steering member (30). The ball stud (50) has a ball end portion (52) rotatably and pivotally mounted in the bearing (70). The ball stud (50) has an axis (56). The steering apparatus (10) includes an actuatable electric motor (90) having an output shaft (92) and operable to rotate the output shaft in opposite directions. The steering apparatus (10) also includes a joint assembly (100) connecting the ball end portion (52) of the ball stud (50) for rotation with the output shaft (92) of the electric motor (90).

Abstract: An anti-rollback system allows wheelchair users the freedom of travelling up and down inclines without enlisting the assistance of others to do so and includes a pair of non-rotatable axles fixed to the frame of a wheelchair, a pair of wheel hubs, each of which includes two sprags or one-way clutches mounted in opposing rotational directions therein, and a shifting mechanism for selectively engaging either or neither sprag with the associated axle. The user may thereby select normal free-wheeling operation of the wheelchair or anti-rollback in either the forward or reverse direction.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing the two lower steering arms (1) of a tractor, with the lower steering arms (1) actuated by a hydraulically operated power lever (9). The arms are each associated with a side strut (6) with a first single-acting hydraulic cylinder (7) for stabilizing and fixing purposes. A line connection between the first single-acting hydraulic cylinders (7) and the power lever (9) can be effected by a control valve (13). In order to center the lower steering arms (1) and set the arm to a pre-determined dimension of spread, even when no implement is attached, the line (14) which leads to the second single-acting hydraulic cylinder (10) of the power lever (9) contains a pressure-controlled first return valve. A bypass line (21) with a second return valve (22) is provided to lock in the direction opposite to that of the first return valve.

Abstract: A piston ring assembly includes a piston, and at least one piston ring positioned within a piston groove. Stabilization and support of the piston is provided by a support arrangement, including at least one support member positioned radially between a back wall of the ring groove and the piston ring. The support arrangement desirably acts to accommodate transverse loads exerted upon the piston during normal operation, and can optionally be configured for enhanced sealing of gasses. Improved engine output and efficiency are achieved.

Abstract: A method of draining fluid from a self-supporting transportable storage tank having a rear wheel chassis, a rear drain fitting, and a jack assembly at the forward end of the storage tank is disclosed. The forward end of the storage tank is elevated by extending the jack assembly to lift the forward end thereof off the ground. The rear drain fitting is opened to allow fluid to drain from the storage tank. Alternatively, a front drain fitting may be provided, and the storage tank is drained by lowering the rear wheel chassis to lift the rear-end of the storage tank off of the ground, and opening the forward drain fitting.

Abstract: An extension tube assembly is provided for a bicycle of the type having a hub with an extended member and a fork with an attachment plate. The extension tube assembly includes an extension tube with a polygonal compartment defined in an end thereof and a positioning member formed corresponding to the polygonal compartment and thus fittingly yet releasably received in the polygonal compartment. The extended member of the hub is extended through the attachment plate, the positioning member, and a bottom wall defining the polygonal compartment and then releasably secured by a nut.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing frame structure for bicycle includes a front frame unit formed of a head tube, a down tube, a seat tube, and a top tube, a bottom forks unit pivoted to the front frame unit, and a shock-absorbing device coupled between the front frame unit and the bottom forks unit, the seat tube having a seat pillar for holding a saddle and a top end for holding a seat back, the bottom forks unit including two bottom forks, and a connector connected between the bottom forks at a front side and pivoted to a bottom lug at the front frame unit, a cross tube connected between the bottom forks on the middle, an upward lug formed integral with the cross tube to support the shock-absorbing device, and an arched frame rod bridging the bottom forks at a rear end for the mounting of a luggage-carrier and a rear fender.

Abstract: A chain roller for supporting a chain when a rear wheel is lowered a given distance or more is mounted to a body frame. The chain roller is elastically deformable. The chain roller includes a hard rubber or hard resin roller having a plurality of axial holes like a lotus root. When a depression load of the chain acts on the roller, the roller is elastically deformed with the axial holes being depressed, thereby relaxing tension of the chain. In a modification, a shock absorber is provided between the body frame and a roller supporting member to relax the tension, or a roller supporting member having elasticity is mounted to the body frame to relax the tension. The absorptivity of displacement and shock can be easily improved with a simple structure.

Abstract: To facilitate the joint raising and lowering and pivoting of the steering wheel (2) or the steering column (1) and the dashboard (4) of a motor vehicle, it is suggested to form an assembly consisting of the steering column (1) and the dashboard (4), which can be secured in a motor vehicle as a pre-manufactured unit by using a suitable bracket (7). The dashboard (4) is associated with a stabilizing device (18) including slideway guide arrangements (40/41 and 37) combined with a toothed wheel/rack connection (35/36 and 33/34) provided on each of widely spaced guide rails (19/20).

Abstract: A mechanical face-type seal assembly which provides substantially annular, axially biasing force along the annular seal created between the rotary seal face and the stationary seal face of the seal assembly. The device preferably employs a substantially annular segment of interconnected canted coils in conjunction with a cartridge-type configuration to provide substantially annular, axial biasing force to the rotary and stationary seal faces, while also providing an improved configuration for maintaining the sealing rings and interconnected canted coils in axial alignment and installing the entire assembly as a single cartridge on a variety of applications.

Abstract: A bicycle brake device is coupled to a bicycle frame section, which includes one or more bicycle brake mounting structures. The bicycle frame section can be either a portion of a front fork or rear fork of a bicycle. The brake device is preferably a caliper brake device such as a cantilever brake device, a side pull brake device, or a center pull brake device. The caliper brake device has a pair of brake arms, which are pivotally coupled to either the front fork or rear fork for selectively engaging the rim of the bicycle wheel. In certain embodiments, the bicycle brake mounting structures are U-shaped brackets, which are fixedly coupled to the frame member or members. In other embodiments, the bicycle brake mounting structures are formed by a pair of separate tubular frame members, which are fixedly coupled to the remainder of the bicycle frame section.

Abstract: A metal gasket 10 for use between heads and blocks of an internal combustion engine in which such gasket is composed of a beaded plate 11 and a stopper plate 12 placed one on top of the other. The metal gasket 10 has an opening 13 corresponding to the cylinder hole of the engine. The metal gasket 10 has an annular stopper 17 formed by folding back the periphery of the opening 13 the stopper plate 12. The metal gasket 10 also has a stepped part 19 along the outer periphery of the stopper 17. This stepped part 19 projects toward the side of the gasket on which the stopper 17 is formed. The metal gasket 10 also has a spacer layer 20 formed between the stopper 17 and an annular pressure receiver 18 the stopper plate 12. The metal gasket 10 also has a rubber coating layer 21 formed at least on that side of the stopper plate 12 opposite to the side on which the stopper 17 is formed.

Abstract: Compact stuffing box packing assemblies of the present application include high density metal inserted braided end rings of graphite which have each been die formed to have angled facing surfaces and a plurality of center Preform rings is disclosed In one embodiment, three low density graphite Preform rings having angled facing surfaces are contained between the high density braided end rings. The facing surfaces of the Preform rings extend at a different angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the packing assembly than do the facing surfaces of the braided end rings. The braided end rings provide a support function for the Preform rings as well as a stem wiping function. In another embodiment, additional Preform support rings made of the same material as the end rings are positioned between the low density Preform rings.

Abstract: A wheelchair camber tube assembly for supporting rear drive wheels comprises a tube, an inner camber sleeve, an axle sleeve and a locking mechanism. The inner camber sleeve is slidably engageable within the tube. The inner camber sleeve has a central axis and a cylindrical bore. The said cylindrical bore has a central axis disposed at an angle relative to the central axis of the inner camber sleeve. The axle sleeve is rotatably engageable within the cylindrical bore in the inner camber sleeve. The axle sleeve has a central axis and an axle bore therein. The axle bore has a central axis disposed at an angle relative to the axle sleeve central axis. The locking mechanism is operatively engageable with the axle sleeve.

Abstract: A power transmission device having at least two one-way clutches is used to transmit the driving force of the power generator to the right and left drive wheels. By this power transmission device, it is possible to transmit the driving force of the power generator to the right and left drive wheels almost half and half when the wheel contact load are the same. While if the drive wheels rotate at a different speed, hardly any driving force is transmitted to the side of the drive wheel which can rotate faster and the driving force is mainly transmitted to the wheel rotates slowly. Accordingly, it is possible to transmit the power without fail to the drive wheel which touches the ground even when the transportation device is curving or slipping, or when one of the wheels parts from the ground.

Abstract: A roof (40) and side structure (20) of a vehicle at least partially define a safety apparatus mounting chamber (70). The mounting chamber (70) has an opening (74) defined between an edge portion (68) of a vehicle headliner (58) and the vehicle side structure (20). An inflatable protection device (80) is inflatable between a vehicle occupant and the vehicle side structure (20). A cover (90) at least partially encloses the protection device (80) within the mounting chamber (70) when the protection device is in a deflated condition. The cover (90) has a trim portion (140) which extends from the mounting chamber (70) into the opening (74) and which has an outer surface (144) exposed to the vehicle occupant compartment (72). The trim portion (140) of the cover (90) has a closed condition in which a first edge portion (146) of the trim portion is in abutting engagement with the edge portion (68) of the headliner (58).