Abstract: A slider pin release mechanism for a slider suspension system of a semi-trailer which includes a trailer body and a slider suspension which is movable longitudinally forwardly and rearwardly relative to the trailer body. Locking pins carried on the slider suspension are movable laterally into and out of locking engagement with the slider suspension and the trailer body. A longitudinally extending pivot rod connects to the locking pins. A ratchet gear is affixed to the forward end of the pivot rod. A handle is mounted on the pivot rod for rotation relative to the ratchet gear. A drive pawl is mounted on the handle and engages the ratchet gear to drive the ratchet gear upon rotation of the handle. A holding pawl is engageable with said ratchet gear. A drive pawl release rod is connected to the drive pawl. The drive pawl includes a release tooth which is moved into contact with the holding pawl to disengage the holding pawl from the ratchet gear.

Abstract: This present invention provides variable deployment performance by controlling the quantity and fluid flow path of the inflator gas into or out of an air bag module according to the present invention. The air bag module includes a slide ring mechanism disposed about an inflator and adjacent at least a portion of a cushion retainer. The slide ring mechanism comprises an annular ring having openings formed therein, wherein during rotation of the slide mechanism, the openings of the annular ring align with openings formed in the cushion retainer to define a fluid flow path away from an air bag cushion for venting some of the inflator gas. Preferably, the annular ring is rotated by attaching a pair of tethers to the annular ring and to a rear surface of the air bag cushion.

Abstract: A communications terminal for communicating in an urban environment. The communications terminal includes a parking meter with a printer and a payment device. The terminal also is provided with a CPU, a modem for communicating with at least one information server, and a user interface for selecting information.

Abstract: A computer system for automatically ordering consumables for a printer or a similar machine where the inventory is monitored by comparing the amount of material delivered, for example, by scanning the incoming cartons, against the amount used, for example, by the machine automatically sending to the computer counts of the various units consumed. The computer is equipped with a set of rules for automatically reordering new supplies. In an alternative case, the rules would request a concession, in terms of price or some other parameter such as quantity, from one or more vendors before ordering.

Abstract: The invention is an on-line business method which will enable on-line retailers to offer the following on-line financial guarantee services to their customers: the financial guarantee of a secure credit card transaction; the financial guarantee of a genuine product at the advertised purchase price; the financial guarantee of the delivery and return policy of the item being purchased; and the financial guarantee that the implied or specific warranty of the item purchased will be honored. All of the above services are offered as a one-click point of sale solution.

Abstract: A two stage-ignition air bag apparatus for a vehicle of the present invention includes an air bag, a first inflator ignited when a value according to collision severity has reached a first threshold value in order to inflate the air bag, and a second inflator ignited at earlier one of times when the value according to collision severity has substantially reached a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value and when a predetermined time has passed since the value according to collision severity reached the first threshold value in order to inflate the air bag.

Abstract: A steerable suspension system which includes a steering lockout feature is provided. In a described embodiment, an engagement member is displaced through an axle of the suspension system to prevent steering of the suspension system. The engagement member engages another engagement member attached to a tie rod of the suspension system.

Abstract: The present invention automates the process of receiving transportation documentation and producing advance loading manifests therefrom to optimize load planning and dynamic product shipment and delivery control. Methods provide for receipt of the transportation documentation, initial preparation, and transmission of the documentation from on board a vehicle or while the vehicle is in transit. A remote processor receives the documentation, stores the documentation and feeds the documentation to a load planning software for generation of advance loading manifests from the remote processor and receive them on demand. Further, a mobile data transmission device is provided for use by a driver to communicate transportation documentation, and vehicle information to the remote processor, and, in some applications, can receive instructions for en route alterations of package pickup or delivery.

Abstract: A wheel suspension system including a wheel support pivotally attached to a vehicle frame at two, laterally-spaced locations, the wheel support being pivotal between an uppermost and a lowermost position. The wheel support is biased to a position intermediate of the uppermost and lowermost positions by a spring. The spring urges apart a spring support of the wheel support from the vehicle frame, the spring support being below the rotational axis of the wheel. The pivotal axes of the pivotal attachments are located below the rotational axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A system and method for remote invoicing and inventory control of medical components of an implantable medical device system upon implantation into a patient is described. The system includes at least one medical component implanted in a patient. A programmer is capable of identifying each medical component implanted in the patient. A remote expert data center globally accessible to the programmer is connected to the programmer via an interface. An invoice module positioned on the remote expert data center receives information identifying each medical component implanted in the patient and prepares an invoice including each medical component implanted into the patient. An inventory module updates records regarding inventory of each implanted medical component.

Abstract: A device for adjusting height of a shoulder anchor that forms a seatbelt device of a vehicle. A compression coil spring is used for urging a pin which restricts downward movement of a slider whose position in a vertical direction of the vehicle is adjustable. An attachment portion of the compression coil spring attaches to the pin and has a smaller internal diameter than an intermediate portion of the compression coil spring. The internal diameter of the attachment portion is slightly larger than an external diameter of the pin. Thus, when the compression coil spring is assembled, precise positioning is not necessary, and when the compression coil spring is compressed, an axis thereof is prevented from deviating with respect to an axis of the pin.

Abstract: A trailer has an improved trailer frame that results in a trailer that has the same width as previous trailers on the same axle without the necessity of wheel wells. The height of the trailer above a supporting surface is also the same as previously. The interior of the trailer is a rectangular box with no obstructions. The trailer is constructed by using side brackets with outwardly extending lips that support the side walls beyond the axle brackets and above the axle arms of the axle. The axle is a rubber torsion axle.

Abstract: A seamless passenger side inflatable restraint system for a motor vehicle includes an instrument panel having a deployment opening and a deployment door integral with the instrument panel and closing the deployment opening. The seamless passenger side inflatable restraint system also includes a side inflatable restraint module disposed within the instrument panel and aligned with the deployment opening. The seamless passenger side inflatable restraint system further includes a door reinforcement connected to the deployment door and operatively connected to the instrument panel to rotate the deployment door and retain the deployment door to the instrument panel after inflation of an air bag of the side inflatable restraint module.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module for motor vehicles comprising a housing for a folded together inflatable air bag and a holder element which can be locked to the housing, with the holder element extending in the locked state with at least one holder section through the side wall of the housing in the region of a lug of the side wall which can be bent aside relative to the side wall.

Abstract: An activation control apparatus of an occupant safety system has a floor sensor 32 disposed at a predetermined position in a vehicle and arranged to detect impact on the vehicle and an activation control 40 of the occupant safety system for activating the occupant safety system when an operation value obtained based on a detection value detected by the floor sensor 32 exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the activation control apparatus further has satellite sensors 30A, 30B disposed more to the front than the floor sensor 32 in the vehicle and arranged to detect a level of the impact on the vehicle to detect values of at least two different magnitudes according to the level of the detected impact, and a threshold changer 42 for changing the predetermined threshold in accordance with a detection value of the satellite sensors 30A, 30B.

Abstract: A method of folding an air bag, the air bag having facing first or upper and second or lower panels that are joined together, a portion of each panel cooperating to form a neck or inlet which is adapted to receive an inflator, the method comprising the steps of: a) arranging the first and second panels to be generally flat on a work surface with the a first panel overlaying a second panel; b) defining a first fold or tuck line that extends across the first panel; c) forming a double tuck in both the first and second panel, the first tuck located on a preferred portion of the first and second panels generally at the first tuck line and the second tucks generally located near the bottom of the air bag; the tucking of the panels lowering the height of the air bag in relation to its laid-out configuration in step a as well is its relating to the first tuck line; d) reducing the width of that portion of the air bag that extends from the second tuck to the top of the air bag; e) folding or rolling the reduced

Abstract: The proposed crawler-mounted board (1) is specifically for the purpose of riding over grass or lawn slopes. It features a crawler unit which consists of two slightly concave-curved undercarriage tracks (12), the tracks being connected to one another by four cross-struts (13). The crawler unit can be mounted to a frame (2) made of tubing or rods. Each of the undercarriage tracks (12) consists of a long elongated body, a flexible crawler track chain, and large number of crawler track segments. A block can be mounted to the outside of each crawler track segment. While the crawler-mounted board is in motion, frictional forces act between the turf and the crawler track chains and the blocks of the crawler unit. These frictional forces cause the crawler track chains along with the crawler track segments to move around the body of the undercarriage tracks (12) in a closed circuit.

Abstract: A trailer with a frame having a center load receiving channel for a motorcycle or for a similar load. A pair of oppositely extending wheel supporting axles are pivotally mounted near the center channel. Bladder type air cylinders extend between the frame and axles near the outer end of the axles. An air suspension system automatically controls the inflation of the air cylinder during transit and allows the user to selectively deflate the air springs to lower the trailer to a position close to the ground so a load such as a motorcycle can be rolled into the trailer. The user can then operate the system to inflate the air cylinder. Level control valves maintain the air cylinders at the proper position. A fail safe system maintaining the trailer in an elevated position in the event of air system failure.

Abstract: The invention comprises a grader fender apparatus in a grader. The apparatus has front and rear fenders and front and rear support arms with the front support arms mounted to the leaning bar of the grader and the rear support arms mounted to the tandem frame of the grader. The front support arms extend upward from the lean bar to a location adjacent the top of the front wheels of the grader, with horizontal sockets extending outward toward the wheels mounted to the tops of the support arms. The fenders are each elongated and each have a fender rod mounted intermediate the length and extending horizontally inward and have substantially square inner ends adapted to be receive in the sockets of the support arms in non rotational manner for detachably mounting the fenders to the grader. The front fenders are mounted to the lean bar of the grader to tilt with the lean bar when the lean bar tilts the front wheels of the grader.

Abstract: An air bag module which includes a panel member having an integral reaction canister having a plurality of reaction walls and a manifold assembly having a manifold. The manifold includes at least one deployment door retaining channel and is operable for retaining an air bag cushion, an inflator, and a deployment door. The deployment door includes at least one retaining bead and a trim portion which are separated by a pliant spacing leg. As the reaction canister is incorporated into the panel member, the need for a separate reaction canister component is eliminated, thereby reducing cost, weight and overall size of the air bag module and allowing the manifold assembly to be used across a wider range of vehicles. The retaining bead and spacing leg flexibly couple the cover door to the manifold and allow the cover door to be repositioned during installation of the manifold assembly into the panel member so as to eliminate gaps, puckering and other defects in the appearance or the vehicle interior.