Abstract: An operator station for a lift truck or other vehicle including a scalloped arm rest providing a plurality of arm rest positions for operators of varying sizes. The arm rests are positioned approximate an operator control handle, such that operators can operate vehicle controls while resting their arms in a selected one of the scalloped arm rests.

Abstract: An engine with an integral actuator for a vehicle having an implement needing control. The engine includes a crank shaft, and a pump in a housing and an actuator that extends from the housing. The pump is operably connected to the crank shaft to produce a flow of fluid, such as oil, from the pump to the actuator. A valve is operably connected to the pump or the actuator to selectively move the actuator.

Abstract: An airbag device for a passenger seat for use in a vehicle like an automobile. Reinforcement ribs 12 of rectangular horizontal cross-section protrudently extend downward from the back side of a fracture-opening section 30 of the interior cover. Mounting holes 14 are formed at the predetermined intervals in the front and rear side walls 12a of the reinforcement ribs (in the longer direction). Hooks 36 mounted to the front and rear side edge surfaces 5b of the airbag case 5 (in the longer direction) are joined to the mounting holes via a mounted section 35 extending downward from hinge sections 34 of reinforcement plate members 33. The left and right side walls 12b of the reinforcement ribs 12 are spaced from the left and right side edges 5c of the airbag case by a predetermined distance, and fracture grooves 30a of the fracture-opening section are formed at the portions positions spaced at the predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame and a releasable locking assembly. The releasable locking assembly has, for example, a first assembly movably coupled to the frame, a second assembly movably coupled to the frame, and wherein movement of the frame relative to the first and second assemblies causes the first and second assemblies to engage each other to limit further movement of the frame in at least a first direction.

Abstract: An energy absorbing knee bolster for use in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed. The knee bolster is configured to absorb energy from the vehicle's occupants during a crash. The knee bolster is formed of a collapsible cylinder which is welded to an impact plate on its first end and to a vehicle's cross-car beam at its second end. A coupling flange is disposed between the impact plate and a medial portion of the collapsible cylinder. The collapsible cylinder is configured to axially collapse at a predetermined force when impacted by a moving occupant.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column having two locating couplings which are arranged opposite one another and have, in each case, two coupling parts able to be brought in contact, a pressure element being arranged between the mutually corresponding, medial coupling parts belonging to different couplings, while the two other outer coupling parts are interconnected by a tension element.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly includes a steering column mounting bracket with a deformable component that is joined to the mounting bracket and that can collapse in the event of vehicle crash thereby to absorb energy. The deformable component is restrained in a normal position by locating means and is provided with regions of weakness to allow collapse. The provision of such deformable means actually in the mounting bracket itself eliminates the need for additional brackets, for example, to achieve the same purpose.

Abstract: This type of rollover protection system typically comprises a roll bar body that is either firmly anchored to the vehicle, or is displaceably guided in a guide element that is fixed to the vehicle, in conjunction with a locking device that serves as a retraction blocking mechanism to lock the deployed roll bar body against any unintended retraction. To structurally control high peak loads that occur in a rollover without a total failure of the protective system, particularly of the locking device in deployable systems, the invention provides that the roll bar body, possibly the associated guide element and its fixation on the vehicle as well as the retraction blocking mechanism be configured as a rigid system relative to the maximum load that occurs in a rollover. A cross-member-type support element terminating the roll bar body on the end face is configured as a predetermined deformation point for a limited defined deformation path in load direction for energy degradation.

Abstract: A stabilizer arrangement for a motor vehicle has a torsion bar with two bar parts with first ends which can each be connected with a wheel suspension of a wheel axle having two wheels. The stabilizer arrangement, in addition, has a clutch with first and second clutch elements. The clutch form-lockingly connects or separates two second ends of the bar parts situated adjacent to one another. For a form-locking connection, each clutch element has at least two form closure elements. When the clutch is separated, each clutch element can be rotated relative to the other. The stabilizer arrangement also has an operating device for the separation of the clutch. In order to simplify the operating device of the clutch, the form closure elements of the first or second clutch element form engaging elements movably linked thereto. For a separation of the clutch, the engaging elements are movable independently of one another. The elements are displaceable independently of one another by the operating device.

Abstract: Improvements to a motorized balancing personal transporter are revealed in embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, a transporter for carrying a payload includes a platform for supporting a user; a ground-contacting module, to which the platform is mounted, which propels the user; a proximity detector for determining the presence of a user; and a safety switch coupled to the detector for inhibiting operation of the ground-contacting module unless the proximity detector has determined the presence of the user; and a motorized drive arrangement coupled to the ground-contacting module for causing automatically balanced and stationary operation of the device unless the proximity detector determines the presence of the user on the device. Various other mechanisms are provided for receiving rider input in order to direct steering of the transporter.

Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag that is deployed in front of a passenger's seat of a car, and an inflator for supplying gas to deploy the airbag. The airbag includes a lower bag segment for holding shoulders and a chest of an adult passenger when it is deployed, an upper bag segment that rises from the lower bag segment so as to hold a head of the adult passenger when it is deployed, and a partition cloth having an inner vent hole for separating the lower and upper bag segments. The inflator supplies the gas directly to the lower bag segment, and then to the upper bag segment through the inner vent hole.

Abstract: A level control system for a motor vehicle having a vehicle body includes a plurality of air springs which can be filled or discharged with pressurized air to control the level of the vehicle body. A first control apparatus controls the functions of filling and discharging the air springs in dependence upon the level of the vehicle body. A communications channel interconnects the first control apparatus to a second control apparatus. A switch triggers an additional function in the level control system and this switch is movable between a first switching state and a second switching state. The switch is connected to the second control apparatus and the second control apparatus functions to transmit a signal sequence via the communications channel to the first control apparatus when the switch is transferred from the first switching state into the second switching state. The first control apparatus operates to carry out the additional function when the first control apparatus receives the signal sequence.

Abstract: A pair of tension cables are positioned around cams attached to the lower control arms of a vehicle suspension. Each tension cable includes a tension damper responsive to tension in the tension cables. Each tension damper includes a cylinder containing a fluid and a piston including at least one orifice attached to a rod. The piston divides the cylinder into a first and second compartment. The rod in connected to the tension cable. When the tension cable pulls on one end of the rod, the piston is pulled towards the tension cable. The fluid creates resistance in the tension damper as the fluid moves through the orifice from one compartment to the other compartment, damping vehicle roll. Control of the tension dampers can be passive, semi-active, or active.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a motor vehicle includes upper and lower control arms pivotally attached to a frame member of the vehicle. A knuckle arm pivotally attaches to the upper and lower control arms moves along a substantially vertical axis in response to wheel movement caused by an uneven road surface. An actuation link is attached to one of the control arms at one end and to a damper assembly at another end. The damper assembly is disposed substantially within the frame member along a second axis transverse to vertical movement of the wheel and is actuated along the transverse axis in response movement of the control arm along the substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: An improved wheel securing structure for a remote-controlled model car includes a steering seat and a U-shaped securing frame. The steering seat is disposed in the U-shaped structure of the securing frame and is connected thereto by means of screw and bushing. The invention is characterized in that the steering seat has a slightly protruding hole seat provided at each of upper and lower opposing ends of the housing thereof. The hole seat has an edge-cut positioning groove provided in inner side surfaces of through hole respectively. Two screws have head portions respectively formed with flat edges. The screws extend from the inner side of the steering seat through outer end of the through hole, with the flat edges embedded in the positioning groove. The other end of the screw is provided with a nut to secure the assembly tightly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module for motor vehicles comprising a housing for an inflatable airbag and a gas generator which is connected to a base element fixed to the module in the assembled state, with the gas generator and the base element being combined to form an assembly serving as a vibration absorber and being unreleasably connected to one another by at least one elastic and/or vibration damping coupling element via which the gas generator is supported over its area at the base element.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable device (12) and an inflator (14) having a housing (20). The inflator (14) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable device (14). The housing (20) has a fluid flow area (52, 55) for directing flow of inflation fluid out of the housing to the inflatable device (12). The apparatus (10) also comprises a retainer (16) for retaining the protection device (12) in position relative to the housing (20). The retainer (16) has a portion (274, 282) at least partially blocking the fluid flow area (52, 55) when the inflator (14) is unactuated. The retainer portion (274, 282) moves due to the pressure of inflation fluid acting on the retainer portion (274, 282) upon actuation of the inflator (14) to increase the fluid flow area (52, 55).

Abstract: A tilt steering apparatus has a pivot fixed to, for example, a pair of fixed side plates of a vehicle body. The pivot is inserted through a connection hole provided in a steering column. At the time of tilt adjustment, the steering column is swung around the pivot. In either one of an inner peripheral surface of the connection hole and an outer peripheral surface of the pivot opposite thereto, a projection extending in a substantially circumferential or axial direction is formed in contact with the other peripheral surface. Consequently, the contact area between the pivot and the connection hole is reduced, thereby reducing friction therebetween. When the pivot is pressed into the connection hole, the projection is suitably crushed, so that fitting between the pivot and the connection hole is loosened, which is useful for the reduction in the friction therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for tethering that may be used to keep a cushion properly positioned for side impact protection, particularly in vehicles in which space rearward of the cushion is limited. A tether attachment assembly according to the invention may include a tether attached to the cushion and to an anchoring point within the vehicle. An intermediate portion of the tether may pass within a tether restraint assembly that includes a tether restraint member attached to a vehicle surface. The tether restraint member may be a flexible strap, rigid bar, or the like. When the cushion deploys, the tether slides along the tether restraint member such that the tension exerted by the tether on the cushion is in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: With the steering apparatus, a tilt can be adjusted by sliding a column bracket, which is fastened to a column housing supporting a steering shaft so as to be rotatable, along tilting apertures provided at side walls of a tilting bracket. A contact projection which is projected toward a stopper from a substantially center portion of the column bracket for limiting a tilt angle crashes into the stopper with a slide of the column bracket caused by a secondary crash and pushes the stopper into guiding apertures arranged in an extension to the tilting apertures. The steering apparatus can realize absorption of energy of a secondary crash by increasing a tilt angle always under a proper condition, while high accuracy is unnecessary in shaping related parts.