Abstract: A device and method for controlling an internal combustion engine (2) includes a charger (7) for increasing pressure of air supplied to the engine. IN addition, a catalyzer (10) for refining exhaust of the engine is provided. In dependence on the temperature of the catalyzer (10), the charger (7) is activated and the time point of the combustion is shifted in the direction of “late”.

Abstract: A stationary exercise bicycle apparatus is provided, the apparatus including shock absorption capabilities in order to more completely simulate the movement and feel of an actual free standing bicycle. Shock absorption capabilities are provided by a rearwardly extending member having a first end which is pivotally secured to the base portion of the apparatus and a second end which includes a surface contacting roller. Further, a resilient elastomeric component is provided which is disposed between brackets mounted on the rearwardly extending member and the base portion, respectively, this component being slightly compressed in response to the operator's weight and movements initiated by the operator. Such compression serves as a dampening or absorption of shock waves. Also, it will be recognized that the configuration described allows for some limited up and down movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A stationary and indoor exercise apparatus that supports a traditional bicycle and is associated with electronic signaling devices providing a means to deliver electronic signals to a controlling device that then forwards the electronic signals on to either an electronic gaming device, a personal computer, or a virtual reality system. In this manner, the operator of the bicycle is able to interact with video game or virtual reality interactive software while in the process of exercising. The invention's front and rear suspension systems support the operator and the bicycle and give a full range of motion simulation experience by allowing the bicycle and operator to experience up and down motion that mimics that ride of the open road along with a forward and back motion that gives the operator the experience of moving forward as the bicycle is pedaled.

Abstract: The present invention provides the creation and the sale of a unique stand-alone right that entitles the holder to purchase event tickets. The right can be created and distributed to a holder by an entertainment entity, entered into a commodity exchange system, transferred to a new holder (if sold by the current holder), and converted into at least one event ticket (if so elected by the holder of the right). The disclosure presents an exemplary embodiment in which a right is distributed to a season ticket and to the general public. The right is entered into a secure register, and the holder can generate or accept quotes for selling the right. If sold, the right is transferred to the new holder. The current holder can exercise the right at a cutoff date in which the right is converted into at least one ticket for post-season games.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing metal sheet gaskets coated with elastomer, as are often used as cylinder head gaskets or as compressor gaskets in refrigerant circuits, it is proposed that the elastomeric coating be applied to the individual metal sheet in a spray coating process in order to be able to carry out the coating with elastomer in a more cost-efficient manner.

Abstract: Cylinder head gasket comprising a gasket plate which has at least one metal layer with elastic properties and in which a through opening is formed which is surrounded by a bead-like embossment formed in this metal layer, wherein the bead-like embossment forms an approximately linear, self-contained sealing zone with increased sealing surface pressure when the gasket is fitted and the metal layer is provided with a first coating consisting of a plastic material which has elastic properties on its side forming this sealing zone at least in the area of this sealing zone as well as to both sides of the latter; to improve the sealing capacity of the cylinder head gasket around the said through opening, the metal layer is coated on its side provided with the first coating with a sealing bead closed upon itself, likewise surrounding the through opening and consisting of a plastic material, this bead being arranged on the side of the sealing zone facing away from the through opening as well as at a radial distance fr

Abstract: Flat gasket, in particular, cylinder head gasket with a gasket plate which has at least one aperture and at least one sheet-metal layer which is provided with a bead surrounding the aperture, as well as with a stopper device preventing any excessive bead deformation; so that the sheet-metal layer does not tear even during dynamic pressure loads on the bead in the bead area which accompany a considerable flattening of the bead, the recess formed by the bead is filled over at least a considerable part of its depth with an elastomeric material which has appreciable flow properties under pressure even at ambient temperature (21° C.), i.e. is plastically deformable to a not inconsiderable extent.

Abstract: Market liquidity for service-based commodities is established by fixing contract maturity dates and directing spot market trades to these fixed dates. Service contracts have the following characteristics: a specific duration during which the service is to be provided, a specific service quality, a specific service delivery date, a specific service maturity date and a specific delivery location. The contract maturity dates are consistent with forward contract delivery dates, preferably, monthly or quarterly. Unlike a traditional goods-based futures contract, each forward contract, after delivery, does not stop trading but continues to trade on spot markets until maturity. Market information for each type of service contract is provided to users of an exchange system, preferably implemented within a publicly available network, such as the Internet or World Wide Web. Based on this market information, users may submit quote proposals (e.g., bid or offers) or quote acceptances.

Abstract: A multi-service electrical outlet module which combines at a single outlet location, the outlets required for making connection to various electrical systems such as power, telephone, computer systems, television antenna etc.

Abstract: A front insert receptacle for fastening two members together. The receptacle includes a housing formed with a base and a pair of opposing spaced legs adapted to receive a stud therebetween. A stop surface is on the housing to engage with the upper surface of one member when the receptacle is partially extended through an opening therein. A rotational stop is on the housing to prevent rotation of the housing with respect to the one member when extended therein. A cam surface is located on the housing in the form of an inwardly extending tang on at least one of the legs. A shiftable cam follower in the form of a disc is in the housing initially positioned so that each tang initially engages with the portion of the cam member when the housing is inserted in the opening in the one member. A biasing spring in the housing engages with the cam member and initially biases the cam member against the tangs.

Abstract: A safety catch for a toggle latch of the type for fastening two members and including a base adapted to be coupled to one member. A draw bar is connected to the base with a free end for engagement with the other member. The lever is connected to the draw bar and the base and is shiftable to shift the draw bar between open and closed positions and unfasten and fasten the two members respectively. The safety catch includes a first resilient part having a configuration permitting it to be snapped onto a portion of the base. A second resilient part extends from the first part and is adapted to engage with one of the lever and draw bar to lock the lever and draw bar in position with respect to the base and prevent opening of the latch. The second part is resiliently shiftable away from engagement with the one of the lever and draw bar to permit opening of the latch. The toggle latch is designed with a slidable adjustment arrangement to accommodate dimensional variations.

Abstract: A receptacle retainer for holding a receptacle to one of two members to be fastened in position to be coupled with a stud mounted on the other of the two members to form a fastener for holding the two members together. The retainer includes structure for engaging the surfaces surrounding an aperture in the one member so as to be fixed in position while permitting passage of a portion of the stud therethrough. A body portion of the retainer extends from the one member and is adapted to retain the receptacle thereon. Retention of the receptacle retainer is of the type which permits the receptacle to be held with limited free movement on the one member so as to be retained in the proximity of the aperture thereon and in position to be freely moved into fastened interengagement with the stud when the stud and receptacle are coupled to hold the two members together.

Abstract: A slip-on receptacle adapted to be inserted on one of two members to be fastened in alignment with a hole therein and to receive and engage with a stud coupled with the other of the two members so as to fasten the two members together. The receptacle includes a base portion with an opening therein and at least one resilient mounting leg extending from the base into overlying and spaced relationship with respect thereto so as to receive the one member therebetween and mount the receptacle thereon in position with the opening in the base aligned with the opening in the one member. A resilient receptacle leg extends from the base into overlying relationship with respect thereto and is spaced from the base a predetermined distance to permit the one member to be inserted therebetween.

Abstract: A variable height receptacle adapted to be mounted on one of two members to be fastened and to be removably coupled with a stud mounted on the other of two members to be fastened. The receptacle includes a tubular housing having an opening on at least one end to the interior thereof and surfaces thereon for attachment to the one member. The housing has a threaded surface thereon and a spring is positioned in the housing in engagement with the threaded surface in position to be shifted along the threaded surfaces by relative rotation between the spring and housing thereby providing a variable height receptacle. One of the spring and a stud coupled with the other member has a spiral cam slot and the other of the spring and stud has a cam follower so that relative rotation therebetween with the spring shifted to a predetermined height in the housing will shift the stud and spring between the fastened and unfastened positions.

Abstract: A receptacle for use in fastening two members together. The receptacle is adapted to be mounted on one of the two members and to be coupled with a stud mounted on the other of the two members. The receptacle includes a base and a pair of arcuate slightly resilient projections extending from the base. The member to receive the receptacle has surfaces thereon forming a recess conforming to the configuration of the cross section of the receptacle. The relative dimensions of the recess and the receptacle are such that when the projections on the receptacle are resiliently depressed slightly toward one another, the receptacle can be positioned in the recess on the member and the projections released whereupon they will tend to return to their initial configuration and thus frictionally engage with the surrounding walls of the recess so that the receptacle is mounted on the one member. The base has a hole which is aligned with a hole in the one member to receive the stud therethrough.

Abstract: A quick release fastener for mounting an article in a protective shipping container. The fastener includes a stud having a base portion with means thereon for mounting the stud to the article being protected and a head portion extending from the base. The fastener includes a receptacle having a larger diameter flange thereon for interengagement with surfaces on the shipping container and a tubular housing with a recess therein for receipt of the head of the stud therein. One of the stud in the receptacle has a spiral cam slot therein and the other of the stud and receptacle has a cam follower thereon for interengagement therebetween when the stud is mounted to the article and the receptacle is positioned on the container. A spring is provided for permitting relative rotation between the stud and receptacle to the fastened position to hold the article in fixed position in the container and to the unfastened position to permit removal of the article from the container.

Abstract: A fastener for coupling two relatively thin members having oversized openings therein such as road guard rails which are subject to severe shear loads. The fastener includes a stud having an enlarged head portion and a body portion extending therefrom. The body portion is adapted to pass through the oversized openings and the head is adapted to engage with the surface of the adjacent thin member and is larger than the opening therein. A receptacle is provided which is adapted to interengage and disengage with the stud body between a fastened and unfastened position. At least one spiral cam slot is on the stud body and a corresponding cam surfaces on the receptacle whereby relative rotation between the stud body and receptacle will cause the cam surface to follow the cam slot between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A receptacle for attachment to one of two members to be fastened together and for interengagement with a stud coupled with the other of the two members. The receptacle includes a thin elongated body having a configuration facilitating its mounting and use in close relationship to an adjacent wall surface. The body has a receiving flange thereon including an aperture for passage of a portion of a stud therethrough for coupling therewith. A spring is on the body to accommodate reciprocation of the portion of the stud coupled therewith during fastening and unfastening operations. One of the body and the stud has a spiral cam slot therein.

Abstract: A new variety of Asiatic hybrid lily plant, particularly distinguished by its very large flowers unusual color and long persistence, both on the plant and as cut flowers.It is also characterized by its regular and attractive inflorescence, the greenish/orange color of its buds, the very large flowers, its characteristic tepal spotting and the brilliant orange color of its flowers.

Abstract: A new variety of Asiatic hybrid lily plant, particularly distinguished by its large flowers, unusual color and long persistence, both on the plant and as cut flowers.It is characterized by its regular and attractive inflorescence, the greenish/pink color of its buds, the large flowers, the special way of its tepal spotting and the brilliant salmon pink color of its flowers with an apricot yellow throat.