Abstract: An interface adjustment mechanism 100 includes a frame member 102 and fore and aft adjustable spacer holding members 104, 106, and is disposed within the outsole of the snowboard boot 10. The interface adjustment mechanism 100 also includes a plurality of interface adjustment assemblies 160. Each interface adjustment assembly 160 includes a base member 170 having a threaded aperture and an adjustment member or spacer 172 having a threaded portion threadably engageable with the threaded aperture of the base member so that the spacer 172 can be adjustable relative to the base member 170. When incorporated into the snowboard boot 10, the interface adjustment mechanism 100 provides the rider with an adjustable spacer/dampening system that can eliminate slop and provide dampening and shock absorption between the snowboard boot 10 and the snowboard binding 30. Eliminating slop and providing dampening and shock absorption provides the rider with improved control, force transmission, and feel.

Abstract: A creeper for use in working in the interior of a vehicle has a lower body portion, with wheels affixed thereto for movement of the creeper. An upper body portion is connected to the lower body portion. A head piece is mounted to the upper body portion, and has a leading edge which forms an acute angle with one side of the head piece such that when the leading edge is placed flush against the door jam of the vehicle, the creeper may be positioned in the space formed by an open door of the vehicle and the door jam without interference by the door. The creeper also includes struts arranged in scissor fashion for raising and lowering the upper body portion. The head piece may be rotated 180 degrees transversely relative to said upper body portion, such that the creeper may be positioned in the space formed by an open door on either side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a powered running board on an automotive vehicle, such as a sport utility vehicle, utilizes the memory function of the vehicle to store therein established operating positions for the running board. The user or occupant of the vehicle can manually position the powered running board to a convenient operating position within a range of available operating positions on the vehicle. By storing the selected position of the running board in the memory function of the vehicle, the control mechanism can return to that same operating height each time the occupant seeks to use the running board for entry or exit of the vehicle. The control mechanism is operable with different configurations of running boards and with different power devices for effecting the movement of the running board.

Abstract: A personal transport device including a transportation attachment, a foot platform situated above the transportation attachment and at least one fastener connecting the foot platform to the transportation attachment. The foot platform has two parallel extending surfaces supporting a user's foot so that the longitudinal axis of the user's foot can be positioned roughly perpendicular to the direction of travel of the transportation attachment The transportation attachment can be wheels, skates or even skis.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle drives a motor (9) with electric power from a fuel cell power system (100) comprising a fuel cell (4) which generates electricity using hydrogen and oxygen. A controller (10) calculates an electrical load demand required to run the vehicle. When this value is below a predetermined load, it performs constant load operation of the fuel cell power system (100), and when the predetermined load value is exceeded, it operates it under a load according to the electrical load demand. The demand for resolution and precision of the various sensors or flowrate control valves installed in the fuel cell power system and thereby suppressed, costs can be reduced, and fuel cost-performance is improved by continuing an efficient operating state.

Abstract: A folding step assembly for the tailgate of a truck that provides two steps projecting rearwardly and downward and has grab handles for safe and convenient access into the bed of a truck. The step assembly is completely supported by the tailgate and does not touch the ground. It attaches to the inside panel of the tailgate and is completely concealed below the top edge of the tailgate when in the stowed position. The step assembly attaches to the tailgate by means of a Z shaped mounting bracket and lock bracket. The step assembly is locked onto the lock bracket with a lock and key and is easily removable from the tailgate when the user desires.

Abstract: Landing gear for selectively supporting a semitrailer and a method of assembly of the landing gear is provided. The landing gear includes a leg having an upper section and a lower section telescopingly received in the upper section. A lead screw extends and retracts the upper and lower sections relative to each other upon rotation thereof. An input shaft applies a torque to the lead screw to drive rotation thereof, the input shaft being rotatable about a rotation axis and movable in translation along the rotation axis for shifting between a first position for low gear operation and a second position for high gear operation. An output shaft, axially aligned with the input shaft, has an output gear for transmitting torque to the lead screw. A gearing subassembly is received in the upper leg section and is configured to augment lift when the input shaft is in the first position and augment speed in the second position.

Abstract: A cruise control swerve release system effective for automatically disengaging a cruise control system when a vehicle experiences a lateral acceleration indicative of a loss or impending loss of driver control.

Abstract: Front and rear parts of a frame of a three-wheeled cart can be joined together with a rearmost transverse rod of the front part being fitted in front trench-formed fitting portions of the rear part, a rear upright rod of the front part being fitted in a fitting portion of the rear part plus with a locking unit on rear part being engaged with an engaging hole of the front part to secure the front part to the rear part; a support rod is pivoted to the rear part; in assembling the frame, the support rod is positioned upright for holding the rear part steady together with two rear wheels such that one can use two hands instead of only one to effectively prevent the front part, only supported with a wheel, from tilting to one lateral side while moving the same to connect the same to the rear part.

Abstract: A stroller has a retractable canopy frame, which can be accomplished by mounting the canopy frame to a seat support frame extending rearwardly beyond the pivoting connection to the stroller rear legs. The stroller also has a remote hinge-lock actuator incorporated into an upper tray connected between the push arm portion of the stroller frame. The stroller also has an infant carrier securing mechanism that allows the infant car carrier to be attached to the stroller and provide at least two tilt positions.

Abstract: A combination of a tractor hydraulic arm assembly and a hitch adapter installed between the two arms of the arm assembly, the hitch adapter consisting of a length of “U” shaped steel channel, having a plurality of holes formed in the top surface, with trailer hitches mounted in the holes and a steel shaft fastened to the underside of the channel and a yoke mounted on each end of the channel. The steel shaft is mounted in holes formed in the arm assembly and locked in place with implement clips, with the yolks straddling the two arms to prevent rotation of the channel.

Abstract: The HALF-SHUTE is directed as an accessory to propel skateboards with the power of the wind. It can easily be carried around the waist of the user when not in use. It includes a one-dimensional diamond piece of fabric. It's diamond shape bellows out in the center to capture more wind. The Edges are reinforced with double layer, folded over, material. The outer perimeter is re-enforced with heavy duty stitching. At each of the lateral ends there are attachments for the user's wrists. The inferior point of the Shute attaches to a flexible cord, which in turn attaches to an eyebolt, which is secure on the skateboard.

Abstract: It comprises a rear part provided with a cylindrical body surrounding and clamping a sheath for receiving and protecting a driving cable. There is provided a lock for retaining the sheath at the opposite end thereof helped by a dust-coat. Rotation of the rear part makes said lock to be released through a spear. The sheath is provided with a cover inside of which a stranded wire bundle is disposed wherein a metal coil is arranged. Disassembling of the device is made by rotating the hood of the rear part and releasing the spear from the lock. There are also provided projections extending from the spear which may be transversely moved and either transversely compressed or expanded but never being released from the lock as the cable is rotated.

Abstract: A cooling system for a battery in a vehicle does not use air from the vehicle passenger compartment, but rather, takes in ambient air from outside the vehicle. When the temperature of the ambient air outside the vehicle is low enough, the air is moved through a duct system by a pair of fans and blown across a battery assembly. When the temperature of the ambient air outside the vehicle is too warm to cool the battery directly, it is first passed through an evaporator coil where it exchanges heat with a refrigerant, prior to being blown across the battery assembly. The cooling air may be recirculated across the battery assembly, or exhausted from the vehicle through an air extractor.

Abstract: A structure for mounting electrical components to a vehicle. The structure includes a rear floor pan incorporating a U-shaped part transversely centered in the vehicle. Floor pan wing panels extend from each end of the U-shaped part and connect to vehicle side panels. An electrical component mounting rack includes a first frame attached to the U-shaped floor panel part, and a second frame attached to the top of the first frame and also to the floor pan wing panels. An electrical inverter device is mounted to the first frame and batteries are mounted to the second frame. The first and second frames form a structure that reinforces the rear floor pan in a manner capable of adequately supporting heavy electrical drive train components.

Abstract: A stroller has a pivotable seat which may be latched at any rotational angle desired. In addition, a support tray positioned beneath the seat can be folded into a stored position and the height of the support platform adjusted to accommodate the height of the baby occupying the seat, which permits the stroller to be used as a walker and as a play station.

Abstract: A manual large game carrying device of the type having an substantially elongated upper receiving bar (30) that accommodates and secures large game at points of securement (32). The manual large game carrying device can be turned by a handlebar configuration (22) which engages a front fork axle assembly (20) at the frame/front fork/handlebar junction (44). This front fork axle assembly (20) is connected to the front rotatable wheel (10A) by the releasable front axle (12). In addition, the manual large game carrying device's speed is controlled by braking mechanism levers (26). The braking mechanism levers (26) engage the braking mechanism linkages (28) which engage the braking mechanisms (42) attached to the front brake rotor (16) and rear brake rotor (18). In addition to steering and stopping the manual large game carrying device, the handlebar configuration (22) has handle grips (24) conveniently placed for efficient transport.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining the torque required to launch a vehicle having a hybrid drive-train that includes at least two independently operable prime movers. The method includes the steps of determining the value of at least one control parameter indicative of a vehicle operating condition, determining the torque required to launch the vehicle from the at least one determined control parameter, comparing the torque available from the prime movers to the torque required to launch the vehicle, and controlling operation of the prime movers to launch the vehicle in response to the comparing step. The system of the present invention includes a control unit configured to perform the steps of the method outlined above.

Abstract: A hydrostatic propulsion system includes a hydrostatic circuit fluidly connecting left front and right front motors in parallel with an outlet of a pump, left rear and right rear motors in parallel with an inlet of the pump, left front motor and right rear motor in series, and the right front motor and left rear motor in series. A valve system has a first relief valve line providing flow from a right rear motor inlet side to a left rear motor inlet side, and a second relief valve line providing flow from a left rear motor inlet side to a right rear motor inlet side. A first check valve line provides flow from a right rear motor outlet side to the right rear motor inlet side, and a second check valve line provides flow from a left rear motor outlet side to the left rear motor inlet side.

Abstract: A stroller including a frame shaped to removably receive an infant carrier thereon, a set of wheels coupled to the frame, and a handlebar shaped and located to be gripped by an operator such that the operator can roll the stroller in the desired direction. The stroller further includes a retaining mechanism that is movable between a retaining position and a loading position. The retaining mechanism is configured such that locating the infant carrier on the frame or lifting the infant carrier off of the frame causes the retaining mechanism to move from one of the retaining or loading positions to the other of said retaining or loading positions.