Abstract: Battery covers and methods for producing battery covers are described. One battery cover described herein includes a single sheet of material formed into a substantially rectangular box shape with an opening formed along one side, the rectangular box shape capable of being folded into a flattened shape for transportation and the material including a flexible laminate of at least one layer of synthetic fiber and a polymer film layer. The material has a thickness and other properties such that when the battery cover is unfolded, the material substantially maintains the rectangular box shape, and when the battery cover is folded into the flattened shape, the material maintains a spring force such that, unless restrained, the battery cover would unfold to the rectangular box shape.

Abstract: Battery covers and methods for producing battery covers are described. One battery cover described herein includes a single sheet of material formed into a substantially rectangular box shape with an opening formed along one side, the rectangular box shape capable of being folded into a flattened shape for transportation and the material including a flexible laminate of at least one layer of synthetic fiber and a polymer film layer. The material has a thickness and other properties such that when the battery cover is unfolded, the material substantially maintains the rectangular box shape, and when the battery cover is folded into the flattened shape, the material maintains a spring force such that, unless restrained, the battery cover would unfold to the rectangular box shape.

Abstract: Embodiments of heat shields are provided, as well as methods for producing the heat shields. One two-layer heat shield described herein includes a first layer of aluminum having opposite first and second surfaces and a second layer of a synthetic fiber material fixedly attached to the second surface of the first layer. A pattern is formed in the second layer that has a higher compression and a smaller thickness than other locations of the second layer, the pattern providing structural support for the first layer.

Abstract: A spring assist raising assembly includes a pivot pin with a noncircular cross section which is mounted to either a pivoted panel, such as a tailgate, or a stationary member, such as a vehicle body adjacent the tailgate. A spring-loaded rotatable socket is rotatably mounted to the other of the panel or member section and is keyed to receive the pivot pin and rotate with the rotation of the tailgate by such interconnection. The socket is coupled to a spiral torsion spring, in one embodiment of the invention, such that, as the panel or tailgate is lowered, the spiral torsion spring is loaded to provide a restorative force for assisting in the raising of the panel or tailgate.

Abstract: A spring assist raising assembly includes a pivot pin with a noncircular cross section which is mounted to either a pivoted panel, such as a tailgate, or a stationary member, such as a vehicle body adjacent the tailgate. A spring-loaded rotatable socket is rotatably mounted to the other of the panel or member section and is keyed to receive the pivot pin and rotate with the rotation of the tailgate by such interconnection. The socket is coupled to a spiral torsion spring, in one embodiment of the invention, such that, as the panel or tailgate is lowered, the spiral torsion spring is loaded to provide a restorative force for assisting in the raising of the panel or tailgate.

Abstract: A compression spring comprises a casing in which a piston is arranged for displacement, the piston being mounted on a piston rod. In the casing provision is made for two sectional casing chambers which are filled with pressure fluid, at least one of which being defined by the piston. A first operating valve, in an open position, connects the sectional casing chambers to each other and, in a shut-off position, blocks the compression spring. An additional throttle element ensures that an actuation and over-flow assembly between the sectional casing chambers is completely open only when the throttle element, with the valve pin tripped, is simultaneously moved by corresponding actuation into a position of release. Without any such actuation of the throttle element, there will be only throttled flow between the sectional casing chambers. Any inadvertent extension of the piston rod is thus precluded. This is an especially convenient and intuitive way of backrest adjustment in a seat.

Abstract: The invention comprises an adjustable length gas spring, having a casing which has a central longitudinal axis and is filled with a pressure fluid; a guide and seal unit which closes the casing at a first end thereof; a piston rod which has an outer end and is extended through, and sealed towards, the guide and seal unit out of the first end; a piston which is guided in, and sealed towards, the casing and connected with the piston rod; a first sectional casing chamber which is formed between the piston and the guide and seal unit; a second sectional casing chamber which is defined by the piston and faces away from the first sectional casing chamber; a valve which is disposed in the vicinity of the piston for interconnection of the sectional casing chambers, the valve having a valve pin, which is displaceable along the central longitudinal axis, for actuation of the valve from outside the casing; and at least one spring element, which is disposed between the piston and the first end of the casing, and which en

Abstract: A compression spring comprises a casing in which a piston is arranged for displacement, the piston being mounted on a piston rod. In the casing provision is made for two sectional casing chambers which are filled with pressure fluid, at least one of which being defined by the piston. A first operating valve, in an open position, connects the sectional casing chambers to each other and, in a shut-off position, blocks the compression spring. An additional throttle element ensures that an actuation and over-flow assembly between the sectional casing chambers is completely open only when the throttle element, with the valve pin tripped, is simultaneously moved by corresponding actuation into a position of release. Without any such actuation of the throttle element, there will be only throttled flow between the sectional casing chambers. Any inadvertent extension of the piston rod is thus precluded. This is an especially convenient and intuitive way of backrest adjustment in a seat.

Abstract: A gas spring comprises a housing, in which a piston that is mounted on a piston rod is disposed for displacement, dividing the interior of the housing into two partial volumes filled with fluid. A valve is provided, by means of which to interconnect the partial volumes. The valve is designed such that, when a force that acts in the piston-rod push-in direction exceeds a given threshold, a valve pin, which serves to open and close the valve, is displaceable from a closing position against a spring unit into a position of opening by overload.

Abstract: A compression spring comprises a casing with a piston that is mounted on a piston rod being disposed for displacement therein. Two sectional casing chambers are provided in the casing, which are filled with pressure fluid and at least one of which is defined by the piston. A controllable first valve interconnects the sectional casing chambers in an open position and blocks the compression spring in a shut-off position. By way of an additional automatic valve between the sectional casing chambers, the compression spring, even when blocked, can be adjusted in the piston-rod push-out direction by a force being applied that is comparable to the push-out force that works in the push-out direction by the pressure of the pressure fluid. This provides for greater flexibility in use of the compression spring.

Abstract: A gas spring comprises a housing, in which a piston that is mounted on a piston rod is disposed for displacement, dividing the interior of the housing into two partial volumes filled with fluid. A valve is provided, by means of which to interconnect the partial volumes. The valve is designed such that, when a force that acts in the piston-rod push-in direction exceeds a given threshold, a valve pin, which serves to open and close the valve, is displaceable from a closing position against a spring unit into a position of opening by overload.