Abstract: A pedal assembly actuates a rigid actuator of a functional system in a motor vehicle. The assembly comprises a mounting bracket having spaced apart support members defining a pedal receiving space. A pedal arm has a pedal pad and an actuator connector. A pair of retainer brackets are normally in a retaining position secured against front-rear movement. At least one pivot pin pivotally connects the proximal end of the pedal arm to the retainer brackets. A pyrotechnic actuator has an input for receiving an actuating signal and when triggered enables deformation of the retainer bracket to a releasing position wherein the retainer brackets permit the at least one pivot pin and the proximal end of the pedal arm to move rearwardly with respect to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A pedal assembly actuates a rigid actuator of a functional system in a motor vehicle. The assembly comprises a mounting bracket having spaced apart support members defining a pedal receiving space. A pedal arm has a pedal pad and an actuator connector. A pair of retainer brackets are normally in a retaining position secured against front-rear movement. At least one pivot pin pivotally connects the proximal end of the pedal arm to the retainer brackets. A pyrotechnic actuator has an input for receiving an actuating signal and when triggered enables deformation of the retainer bracket to a releasing position wherein the retainer brackets permit the at least one pivot pin and the proximal end of the pedal arm to move rearwardly with respect to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A pedal assembly comprises a pedal arm; a pedal plate provided on a second end of an elongated lever structure of the pedal arm; a vehicle mounting bracket; and a retainer. The retainer is installed on the pedal arm and is configured to operatively connect the pedal arm and an end portion of an operating member so as to transmit the movement of the pedal arm between a first and a second arm position to a functional system. The retainer is in an open position for insertion of the end portion of the operating member therein. The retainer is configured to move or to be movable from the open position to a closed position in which the retainer retains the end portion of the operating member received therein. The retainer is movable from the open position to the closed position by insertion of the operating member therein.

Abstract: An automobile pedal release system that includes a housing having first and second side walls spaced apart by a cleft, where each side wall includes a pocket recessed into an inner surface such that the two pockets oppose one another; a brake pedal assembly having a pivot member disposed in the cleft and defining a pivot axis, first and second bushings, and a brake pedal arm rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the two bushings, where each busing is disposed in a first portion of one pocket and receives one of two ends of the pivot member; and a striker assembly having a striker and two plugs, the striker having an elongated body extending in the cleft between the side walls, where each plug is disposed in a second portion of one pocket and includes a bore that receives one of two ends of the striker.

Abstract: A pedal assembly comprises a pedal arm; a pedal plate provided on a second end of an elongated lever structure of the pedal arm; a vehicle mounting bracket; and a retainer. The retainer is installed on the pedal arm and is configured to operatively connect the pedal arm and an end portion of an operating member so as to transmit the movement of the pedal arm between a first and a second arm position to a functional system. The retainer is in an open position for insertion of the end portion of the operating member therein. The retainer is configured to move or to be movable from the open position to a closed position in which the retainer retains the end portion of the operating member received therein. The retainer is movable from the open position to the closed position by insertion of the operating member therein.

Abstract: An automobile pedal release system that includes a housing having first and second side walls spaced apart by a cleft, where each side wall includes a pocket recessed into an inner surface such that the two pockets oppose one another; a brake pedal assembly having a pivot member disposed in the cleft and defining a pivot axis, first and second bushings, and a brake pedal arm rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the two bushings, where each busing is disposed in a first portion of one pocket and receives one of two ends of the pivot member; and a striker assembly having a striker and two plugs, the striker having an elongated body extending in the cleft between the side walls, where each plug is disposed in a second portion of one pocket and includes a bore that receives one of two ends of the striker.

Abstract: An automobile pedal release system that includes a housing having first and second side walls spaced apart by a cleft, where each side wall includes a pocket recessed into an inner surface such that the two pockets oppose one another; a brake pedal assembly having a pivot member disposed in the cleft and defining a pivot axis, first and second bushings, and a brake pedal arm rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the two bushings, where each busing is disposed in a first portion of one pocket and receives one of two ends of the pivot member; and a striker assembly having a striker and two plugs, the striker having an elongated body extending in the cleft between the side walls, where each plug is disposed in a second portion of one pocket and includes a bore that receives one of two ends of the striker.

Abstract: An automobile pedal release system that includes a housing having first and second side walls spaced apart by a cleft, where each side wall includes a pocket recessed into an inner surface such that the two pockets oppose one another; a brake pedal assembly having a pivot member disposed in the cleft and defining a pivot axis, first and second bushings, and a brake pedal arm rotatable about the pivot axis relative to the two bushings, where each busing is disposed in a first portion of one pocket and receives one of two ends of the pivot member; and a striker assembly having a striker and two plugs, the striker having an elongated body extending in the cleft between the side walls, where each plug is disposed in a second portion of one pocket and includes a bore that receives one of two ends of the striker.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a membrane having a tampered pore, a polymeric membrane having a tapered pore, and uses of such polymeric membrane are disclosed. The membrane includes apertures of increasing diameter which are aligned with each other to form the tapered pore.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a membrane having a tampered pore, a polymeric membrane having a tapered pore, and uses of such polymeric membrane are disclosed. The membrane includes apertures of increasing diameter which are aligned with each other to form the tapered pore.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a membrane having a tapered pore, a polymeric membrane having a tapered pore, and uses of such polymeric membrane are disclosed. The membrane includes apertures of increasing diameter which are aligned with each other to form the tapered pore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a membrane having a tapered pore, to a polymeric membrane having a tapered pore and to uses of such polymeric membrane.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and catalyst for removing arsenic and one or more other metal compounds, e.g. silicon, vanadium and nickel, from a hydrocarbon feedstock. The catalyst comprises a molybdenum compound and a nickel compound on a carrier. The catalyst has a surface area of at least 200 m2/g. Next to contaminant removal, the catalyst is also suitable for hydrodesulphurisation, hydrodenitrogenation and/or hydrogenation.

Abstract: A retractable running board assembly is mounted to the frame of a vehicle. The running board is selectively extendable between a retracted position, which is close to the vehicle's frame, and a lower, laterally-outward extended position that facilitates easy entrance into and exit from the vehicle. A plurality of longitudinally spaced, selectively-actuated links connect the running board to the frame. A selectively-operable driving mechanism concertedly actuates each of the links to extend and retract the running board. When the driving mechanism is not operated, each link resists actuation and holds the running board in a fixed position relative to the frame.

Abstract: A retractable running board assembly is mounted to the frame of a vehicle. The running board is selectively extendable between a retracted position, which is close to the vehicle's frame, a lower, laterally-outward extended position that facilitates easy entrance into and exit from the vehicle and a roof-access position, higher and outward from the entrance position. A selectively-operable driving mechanism actuates a link to extend and retract the running board. When the driving mechanism is not operated, each link resists actuation and holds the running board in a fixed position relative to the frame.

Abstract: A pistol hanging system for gun safes is disclosed including a retrofitable rack for attachment to the interior door panel of a gun safe, removably attached fabric holsters for supporting and organizing hand guns and other valuables. Means of attachment includes a cooperating hook and loop engaging system that allows for repositioning without damage to the safe or rack.

Abstract: A method for passivating metal contaminants present in a hydrocarbon feedstock which become deposited on cracking catalyst is described. The method is directed at passing the cracking catalyst through a passivation zone having a reducing atmosphere maintained at an elevated temperature by the introduction of a process reducing gas. The unsaturated hydrocarbon content of the reducing gas is decreased prior to the introduction of the process reducing gas into the passivation zone to thereby lower the rate of coke formation. In a preferred embodiment process reducing gas is passed through a hydrogenation zone adapted to hydrogenate an unsaturated hydrocarbon present in the process reducing gas prior to the process reducing gas being added to the passivation zone.

Abstract: An improved catalyst, and process utilizing said catalyst for catalytically cracking a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon feed, and for the fixation of sulfur by the catalyst and transfer thereof from the catalyst regeneration zone to the reaction zone of a catalytic cracking unit. The catalyst comprises an admixture of composite particles, one present in major concentration for providing principally cracking and combustion promoting functions, and the other present in minor concentration for providing principally sulfur fixation and transfer functions. The particle present in major concentration, on the one hand, is constituted essentially of one or more Group VIII noble metals, preferably platinum, composited with a support comprised of a crystalline alumino silicate component distributed in an active cracking catalyst matrix, suitably one constituted of silica-alumina.

Abstract: An improved catalyst, and process utilizing said catalyst for catalytically cracking a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon feed, and for the fixation of sulfur by the catalyst and transfer thereof from the catalyst regeneration zone to the reaction zone of a catalytic cracking unit. The catalyst comprises an admixture of composite particles, one present in major concentration for providing principally cracking and combustion promoting functions, and the other present in minor concentration for providing principally sulfur fixation and transfer functions. The particle present in major concentration, on the one hand, is constituted essentially of one of more Group VIII noble metals, preferably platinum, composited with a support comprised of a crystalline alumino silicate component distributed in an active cracking catalyst matrix, suitably one constituted of silica-alumina.