Abstract: A three-wheeled competition wheelchair apparatus (10) including a wheelchair frame (11) having a beam (12) extending generally from an aft portion to a fore portion thereof. A seat assembly (15) includes a seat frame (16) carried by and supported on the wheelchair frame (11). A footrest assembly (17) includes a seat support post (20, 20') having one end movably mounted to the seat frame (16), and an opposite end, carrying footrest plates (21, 21), which is movably mounted longitudinally along the frame beam (12). The three-wheeled competition wheelchair (10) permits selective adjustment of the footrest assembly (17) between the fore and the aft position of the beam (12). Hence, the cumulative center of gravity of the wheelchair apparatus (10) and the occupant can be moved closer to effect the cumulative moment of inertia about the wheelchair pivoting vertical axis to enable more stable and shorter radius turning.

Abstract: A rear end of a torsion bar is fixed to a distal portion of a spring plate so that the rear end of the torsion bar is in a position other than front to rear direction of a cross member. Thus, when a load is applied to the suspension system in the front to rear direction, the spring plate elastically deforms in this direction. Therefore, the suspension system can prevent the torsion bar from directly contacting the cross member. Also, the suspension arm has two arm portions each of which is supported by two pivot portions. The body has sufficient rigidity against a load applied in the lateral direction thereof. When a load is applied in the front to rear direction, the spring plate elastically deforms, thereby moving the suspension system in this direction. When a load is applied in the vertical direction of the body, the torsion bar twists. With this reaction force, a suspension force takes place and the spring plate bends. Thus, an excessive bending force is not applied to the torsion bar.

Abstract: Blade-vortex interaction noises, sometimes referred to as "blade slap", are avoided by increasing the absolute value of inflow to the rotor system of a rotorcraft. This is accomplished by creating a drag force which causes the angle of the tip-path plane of the rotor system to become more negative or more positive.

Abstract: An air bag door system including an air bag door portion releasably connected with a car inside member along the contact lines thereof, the air bag door portion being covered with one cover member and the car inside member being covered with another cover member. The cover members of the air bag door portion and the car inside member respectively include flange portions which are bent toward the respective back sides of the two cover members. Also, the two cover members are so connected with each other as to form the contact line through engaging portions respectively formed in the flange portions. Further, on the back surfaces side of the two cover members including the flange portions, there is provided a common resin layer which is formed integrally with the respective back surfaces of the two cover members.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a tubular combustion chamber, and at least one filter and retaining element arranged within the combustion chamber. The filter and retaining element is inherently elastic. A holding device is formed in one piece within the combustion chamber for holding and locating the filter and retaining element in a predetermined position. The holding device extends longitudinally and parallel to an axis of the combustion chamber. The filter and retaining element is clipped into the holding device and is retained in the predetermined location by the elasticity of the filter and retaining element.

Abstract: A tether assembly (10) for an inflatable restraint (16) such as an air bag includes a tether strap (30) and first and second intermediate pads (32, 34). A first end portion (42) of the tether strap is joined to the first intermediate pad (32) by a circular first stitching section (54). The first intermediate pad (32) is joined to a first panel (12) of the air bag by a circular second stitching section (56) which is disposed laterally outside of the tether strap first end portion (42). A second end portion (44) of the tether strap is joined to the second intermediate pad (34) by a circular first stitching section (66). The second intermediate pad (34) is joined to a second panel (14) of the air bag by a circular second stitching section (68) which is disposed laterally outside of the tether strap second end portion (44). The second stitching sections (56, 68) are larger in diameter than the first stitching sections (54, 66).

Abstract: A bicycle wheel suspension is disclosed, which comprises two front fork assemblies capable of being elongated and contracted, each having an inner and an outer tube and slidable relative to each other. The lower ends of these front fork assemblies can support an axle. The front fork assemblies include respective attenuating mechanisms and. The attenuating mechanism in one front fork assembly can adjust the attenuating force during the contraction stroke of this front fork assembly. The attenuating mechanism in the other front fork assembly can adjust the attenuating force during the elongation stroke of this front fork assembly.

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 adjustable length ski pole includes two telescopically fitted together ski pole halves, and a clamp disposed about the joint between the two pole halves. The clamp includes a resilient tubular member having an annular sidewall which defines a cylindrical bore, where the sidewall is formed with a longitudinally extending gap to allow the tubular member to be selectively biased to reduce the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore, or to enlarge the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore. The gap defines first and second opposing sidewall edges having coaxial first and second openings respectively.

Abstract: Adapter members are projected from the inner surface of a cover member and tear lines including a first tear line which extends in the transverse direction of the cover member and second tear lines which extend in the longitudinal direction thereof are provided. The second tear lines are disposed at a short distance away from the adapter members. The thickness of portions of the cover member outside the second tear lines is smaller than that of the adapter members. The thickness of a portion of the cover member between the second tear lines is smaller than that of the portions of the cover member outside the second tear lines. Therefore, the tearing operation proceeding along the first tear line changes the course at the intersecting portions with certainty, and proceeds to the second tear lines. Thus, the module cover is torn open exactly along the tear line.

Abstract: A battery for an electrically powered vehicle includes a vehicle body having a battery unit operatively connected to the vehicle body for supplying electricity to the electrically powered vehicle. The battery unit is of an elongated shape in outer configuration and is located under the vehicle body with the length direction extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. A battery unit for an electric motor vehicle includes a battery assembly including a plurality of elongated batteries extending in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and being disposed adjacent to one another with a small gap being provided therebetween. A battery box is provided for accommodating the battery assembly. The battery box includes a front portion, side portions and a rear portion. Ventilation holes are provided in the front portion of the battery box for introducing cool air at positions corresponding to the gap spaces between adjacent individual batteries.

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 cantilevered leaf spring suspension is disclosed for two separate pairs of wheels (16) which are independently sprung from each other via free ends of respective leaf springs (20) cantilevered from a cross beam (18) of the frame (12) of the top dresser (10). Each of the free ends of the leaf springs (20) includes axle blocks (24) with longitudinally mounted shafts (26) about which the wheels (16) pivot from side to side to match the terrain and more evenly distribute the mass of the hopper (30). Further, a snubber bar (29) includes a free end for abutting the leaf spring (20) intermediate the cross beam (18) and the free end of the leaf spring (20) for limiting the vertical travel of the leaf spring (20).

Abstract: An improved device for controlling the rate at which gas is exhausted from an air bag cushion which is used in passenger vehicles. A novel gas vent is incorporated into the material from which the air bag is made, The vent comprises a dynamic vent that is impermeable to gas below a critical temperature and is permeable to gas above a critical temperature. The dynamic vent provides additional venting of gas during a high impact collision or when a larger than average occupant impacts onto the air bag cushion.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling actuation of a vehicle passenger safety device in response to an event possibly requiring actuation of the safety device, wherein a modified differentiated measure is generated from received vehicle acceleration information by subtracting the absolute value of a prior-in-time value therefor from its current value, whereby the distortion introduced by negative prior-in-time values is significantly reduced. The resulting modified jerk measure is more useful in discriminating crash events than is a nominal jerk measure, given the latter's predisposition to fail as a useful measure upon encountering negative prior-in-time values.

Abstract: A knee restraint for the interior passenger compartment of a vehicle which deploys upon sudden deceleration such as vehicle impact. The knee restraint system acts as a passive restraint for the lower part of the passengers' body to restrain forward movement. The restraint system includes independent restraint pads which normally form a portion of the dashboard. Spring-biased linkages extend the restraint pads into the passenger compartment closer to the occupant. An inertia latch prevents deployment until a predetermined rate of deceleration is reached. One embodiment of the restraint system incorporates the glove box.

Abstract: A drop sling lumber sorter apparatus comprising a frame assembly including a plurality of bays for receiving pieces of sorted lumber. Each of the bays includes a rotatable drive shaft mounted to the frame assembly and a plurality of elongated, flexible, laterally spaced slings having a first end and a second end. The first end of each sling is mounted to the drive shaft. A pivoting hook and retriever assembly selectively capture and release the second end of each sling to the frame assembly. A spool assembly is mounted on the drive shaft for each sling. Each spool assembly is capable of guiding the sling onto the rotatable drive shaft. The slings are reeled onto or reeled off of the drive shaft as the drive shaft rotates. A tensioner assembly tensions the slings as they are reeled off of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A power-takeoff apparatus for use on a compact tractor equipped with a compound steering mechanism is disclosed wherein the chassis includes a front chassis member having an opening formed therein to allow the passage of a power-takeoff shaft therethrough for connection to a front-mounted implement mounted to the steerable axle for lateral movement therewith. The opening in the front chassis member having a sufficient transverse width to accommodate the lateral swinging movement of the power-takeoff shaft in unison with the movement of the front-mounted implement. The front chassis member is also adapted for mounting a front-mounted implement thereto for providing an alternative mounting thereof so that the implement will not move with the steerable axle.

Abstract: A seat stay assembly for a bicycle frame includes a pair of stays which converge toward one another along a first length of the assembly proximal to the rear wheel axle support. Along an intermediate length the stays flair outwardly from one another and contour around to join one another at a distal end proximate the seat post. The contouring of the stays forms a pocket within which the rear tire can pass with substantial clearance from the stays. By this configuration, brake bosses mounted to stays at the points where they change direction are more rigidly supported than in conventional straight stay designs.

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.