Abstract: Method and apparatus for describing a virtual shared space with ease includes a user interface unit which displays a list of avatars (or an avatar page) kept in a scene-graph database on a resource library window. A drag-and-drop operation is carried out by the user on an icon representing an avatar selected from those displayed on the avatar page of the resource library window to add the avatar to the avatar page of a multi-user window. The user interface unit detects the drag-and-drop operation carried out by the user, displaying the dragged and dropped avatar icon on the avatar page of the multi-user window as an additional avatar. Then, in accordance with this drag-and-drop operation, a file input/output unit places the file of the dragged and dropped avatar in a location where a VRML file being edited is recorded, that is, generates an avtimg directory and an avtwrl directory and describes predetermined avatar data therein.

Abstract: The reciprocal device is interposed between an end of of a torsion bar and the swing arm of a suspension system for a front wheel of a vehicle so as to reciprocate in both the extensional and intensional directions with the stroke thereof being limited to a length remarkably smaller than the maximum amplitude of the ends of the torsion bar, in response to the movement of the torsion bar. The device has a resisting force that gradually increases while the device is in the advance process from the neutral position to the end of the both strokes but substantially naught when it is in the return process from the end of the stroke to the neutral position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oil damper fitting apparatus mounted in a car with the intervention of upper and lower rubber bushings receiving a load primarily produced by shearing stress and secondarily produced by the compressive stress. The upper and lower bushings are respectively disposed on the extensive and compressive sides of the oil damper. Each bushing is defined between a washer and a seat, the washer having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the seat. The upper rubber bushing has a greater elastic constant than the lower rubber bushing and is initially contracted to half the stroke of shearing deflection, the lower rubber bushing being initially compressed to the full stroke of shearing deflection.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly including a torsion bar twistably mounted on the frame of a vehicle and a slidable braking device provided at one end or both ends of the torsion bar. The slidable braking device comprises two members which are slidable relative to each other, one member being secured to the end of the torsion bar and the other member being secured to the lower arm in a suspension system of the wheel. The sliding braking device is arranged to move when its predetermined resistance is less than, and thus is overcome by the spring-back force due to the distortion of the torsion bar. Thus, the initial distortion of the torsion bar has no effect upon the stabilizing action unless the resultant spring-back force exceeds the predetermined frictional resistance. The stroke of the slidable braking device is limited to about 15 mm from a neutral position. This limited stroke overcomes the unevenness in the road surface, and produces a roll angle of about 1.degree.

Abstract: A pipe joint assembly comprising, in combination, a pipe to be coupled having at a predetermined outer position spaced from its end a rolled circular groove of a preselected depth, said groove having a semicircular cross-section, a sleeve and a fastener mounted on said pipe, a seamless circular packing disposed in said groove, said packing having a circular cross-section, said sleeve having a rear end face of a given circular width which is adapted to make face-to-face contact with said packing, a body having a tapered inner surface, the diameter of which decreases in the rearward direction, said body receiving the end portion of the pipe, the forward or entrance diameter of said tapered inner surface being slightly larger than the outer diameter of said sleeve, said body and said fastener provided with means for connecting with each other, whereby, when said fastener is fastened on said body, said sleeve is reduced by the tapered inner surface of said body to securely contact said pipe and the rear end face