Abstract: A kit for installing a pickup box onto the frame of a chassis cab which contains a first bracket, a second bracket, a third bracket, a fourth bracket, a fifth bracket, and a sixth bracket. Each of the first two brackets has a substantially rectangular shape. Each of the third and fourth brackets is substantially L-shaped. Each of the fifth and sixth brackets has a substantially rectangular shape and contains an offset leg extending from one side thereof.

Abstract: A vehicular storage unit transit system (20) is provided for joining a storage unit (32) to a vehicle (30) possessing a cargo area (28) having a forward end (38), an access end (42), a pair of opposing sidewalls (46), and a floor (50) with a pair of wheelwells (56) protruding thereabove between the sidewalls (46). A pair of transit assemblies (22) couple the storage unit (32) to a pair of guidance assemblies (24). A first section (76) of each guidance assembly (24) sustains the storage unit (32) in a first position (36) proximate the forward end (38) and in a first attitude (54) substantially parallel to the floor (50). A second section (82) of each guidance assembly (24) sustains the storage unit (32) in a second position (40) proximate the access end (42) and in a second attitude (66) oblique to the floor (50).

Abstract: The present invention is a truck bed liner having two side walls, a front wall, a bottom, and a rear wall, the bottom further having an integrated liner incorporated into it. The divider is formed by either molding or cutting slots on three sides of the liner bottom. The fourth side is molded or cut into a living hinge. The living hinge allows the unattached portion of the truck bed liner bottom to move freely about the hinge. The side walls of the truck bed liner include receiving channels into which the hinged dividers are locked into place. A latch is molded into and extends from the lower aspect of each sidewall at a point in which when the divider is placed into its horizontal position, will hold it in place. In operation, an operator can position the hinged divider to a 90.degree. position with respect to the bottom and lock it into the receiving channels found on the side walls. Once locked into position, a compartment is created on each side of the raised wall.

Abstract: Mounting device for a hydraulically actuated tailgate of a truck having a transverse support mountable to the rear of the vehicle frame and provided with support flanges (4) spaced from each other symmetrically relative to the longitudinal center plane of the vehicle and provided with through-channels (5', 5", 5"') for support bolts of lift and pivot devices of the tailgate, the transverse support on the vehicle being formed of an extruded hollow box profile (1) made of aluminum of essentially tetragonal cross-section which at its upper surface (1') and its lower surface (1") is provided with continuous grooves (3', 3") extending over the length of the profile for positively and frictionally snap-receiving the ends of cantilever arms (4", 4"') of the support flanges, the support flanges being formed of sections of an extruded aluminum hollow profile and that at the front surface of the tailgate there are also provided support flanges formed from sections of an extruded hollow profile of aluminum which are pro

Abstract: An anchor system for a sun screen on a windshield of a motor home comprising a sun screen to fit across the windshield of the motor home. An anchoring strap is for securing midpoints on opposite vertical edges of the sun screen to locations at opposite sides of the motor home by a person standing on the ground.

Abstract: A flush fit removable backlight assembly for a convertible top. The assembly includes an outer frame member having a substantially flat lower body portion and a generally T-shaped upper body portion. The assembly also includes an inner clamping member having a substantially flat lower clamping portion and a generally C-shaped upper clamping portion. To assemble the removable backlight assembly, the opening of the convertible top is attached to the outer frame member. The backlight is then positioned against the lower body portion of the outer frame member. Then, the upper clamping portion of the inner clamping member interlocks or interengages with the upper body portion of the outer frame member so that the lower clamping portion of the inner clamping member engages the opposite side of the backlight.

Abstract: A vehicle side door or hatchback structure incorporates at least one hydroformed component. In one configuration, a window frame, a door frame and a reinforcement member are press-fit together by pressurized fluid during a hydroforming process to join the frames and the reinforcement member together. In another configuration, a vehicle hatchback frame subassembly includes a one-piece hydroformed window frame with a central portion disposed between opposing end portions. Inner and outer panels are attached to each other and secured to the opposing end portions of the window frame. In yet another configuration, a vehicle door and window frame subassembly includes a hydroformed one-piece first door frame, a roll formed second door frame and a reinforcement member secured to the tubular one-piece first door frame. An outer front panel is attached to the reinforcement member by at least one mirror bracket.

Abstract: A center tunnel for a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, has a section shape that is open at the bottom and has sections in the form of hollow members that are directed lengthwise, at least areawise. A center tunnel that has a simple design and can be manufactured economically, and which is torsionally rigid and can accept high forces, is formed by a double-walled hollow body manufactured by the internal high-pressure shaping method, viewed in cross section, with spaced wall sections of the hollow body being brought together areawise.

Abstract: A sunshade (42) for substantially covering ail automotive vehicle roof (32) has a plurality of roof bows (70 and 72) and a flexible sheet (50) spanning between these bows, all of which are slidably disposed proximate with an inside surface (40) of the roof (32).

Abstract: A folding chair with increased stability having side legs comprising rear portions pivotably connected to lower portions of the rear legs and extending at an acute angle from the rear legs toward the curved portions, and forward portions extending at an acute angle from the curved portions. The seat rotates about a seat rod, and the side legs pivot about the rear legs at a point near the bottom of the rear legs, to provide a chair that in folded position is relatively flat for ease of storage and transportation, and that in unfolded position provides a more stable chair.

Abstract: A folding bench seat is provided, particularly for vehicles. It consists of a bench seat frame with a restraint system and comprises a base frame secured to the floor and a top structure. The top structure has an upright column unit, a back unit and a seat unit, and the column unit is supported via a horizontal pivot on the base frame and can be folded down from the upright position to a flat position.

Abstract: A tilt control mechanism for an office chair includes a spring arrangement which permits forward and rearward tilting of the chair while also urging the chair to a normal upright position. The spring arrangement includes front and rear springs which act in combination such that the upward acting forces acting on the chair can be varied during use. The forces being applied by the front spring are adjusted by a side-actuated tension adjustment mechanism which incorporates a wedge block for adjusting the spring forces. Further, the rear springs provide a variable spring force such that the spring force is maximized when in the normal position but is decreased substantially once the chair is fully reclined. This reduction in spring force allows a user to maintain the chair in the fully reclined position with significantly less force than was required to tilt the chair rearwardly while a sufficient spring force continues to be applied by the front spring to urge the chair to the normal position.

Abstract: A swivel seat for a vehicle that provides a fixed seating platform surrounding a swivel seating platform and a smooth transition from the edge of the vehicle seat to the seating platform. In one version of the invention the swivel seat includes a rotatable inner portion and a fixed outer portion surrounding the inner portion. Preferably, the inner portion is elevated above the surrounding outer portion only enough to allow the inner portion to rotate freely. That is, the inner and outer portions are nearly flush with one another. In a second version, the seat includes a rotatable seating platform and a curved lip disposed adjacent to and extending away from the seating platform. The lip is configured to conform generally to the edge of a vehicle seat to provide a smooth transition from the edge of the vehicle seat to the seating platform. These two novel features may be combined in a swivel seat that includes the two piece seating platform and the lip.

Abstract: The present assembly relates to a link assembly for a chair. The assembly includes a frame link for connecting to a frame of the chair and a back support link for connecting to a back support of the chair. The frame link and the back support link are pivotably connected in order to facilitate displacement of the back support according to movement of a back frame of the chair. An adjustable pivot point is located on one of the links for selectively adjusting the extent of displacement of the back support relative to the back frame.

Abstract: A portable, foldable chair having a seat back and a seat bottom, is provided, especially appropriate for hunting and similar outdoor uses. The seat bottom has a relieved area toward the rearward area that forms a handle. Flanking this relieved area are two apertures that accept curved brackets extending from the seat back. The brackets pivot within the apertures with pivot stops abutting both the front and back of these apertures when the seat back is in its upright position. When folded, the seat back nests within the seat bottom. Also provided are independently extendable front legs to accommodate uneven terrain, reinforcing seat bottom and seat back ribs, provisions for carrying the seat over the shoulder, vents for draining rainwater or dissipating heat, and use of camouflage colors.

Abstract: A tailgate apparatus which automatically opens and closes a tailgate positioned at the rear of a tiltable truck bed of a dump truck. The tailgate is rigidly connected and orthogonally oriented to two spaced forwardly extending gate arms, the forward ends of which are preferably pivotally connected to adjacent the upper margins of the side walls of the truck bed. The tailgate thus moves arcuately upward from the closed position against the ends of the side walls and bottom by an elongated pivot arm which is pivotally connected at each end thereof between the gate arm, preferably each of two gate arms, and a stationary point of the dump truck near the truck bed transverse pivotal tilting axis as the truck bed is tilted. The entire tailgate will thus move manditorily upward arcuately to a position above the side walls to the degree that the truck bed is tilted so that the truck bed may carry and dump debris piled much higher than the side walls.

Abstract: A system for a wheeled vehicle includes sensors for determining wheel speed, wheel load and wheel longitudinal driving or braking force of each wheel, and an estimating or controlling unit for estimating a vehicle body speed and/or a road surface friction coefficient from sensor output signals. The estimating unit determines a coordinate pair of a wheel speed value and a longitudinal force coefficient value for each wheel, and plots the coordinate pairs of the individual wheels as a set of points in a plane rectangular coordinate axis. The unit determines a regression line closely fit to the point set and obtains the estimates of the vehicle body speed and friction coefficient from the intercept of the regression line on the coordinate axis of the wheel speed and the slope of the regression line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a braking and steering system for a vehicle which provides at least fail-safe braking and steering. In a fault-tolerant, preferably redundant, computing unit, a desired braking effect is determined at least for each wheel of the vehicle, and a desired steering effect is determined for each wheel with a steering function, in each case in response to sensor signals. The braking function and the steering function for the wheels are regulated or controlled by means of adjusting systems on the basis of the determined desired braking effect and desired steering effect. The adjusting system for the braking function contains a service brake and that for the steering function additionally contains a steering adjuster. A fault-tolerant communication device connects the adjusting systems to the computing unit. The energy supply of the computing unit and of the adjusting systems is designed with fault tolerance.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling a brake system wherein the electrically actuable actuator for the wheel brakes is actuated in the context of a closed-loop control in normal operation. A transfer from the closed-loop control to an open-loop control of the actuator takes place with entry into at least one pregiven operating state, especially an operating state with low wheel rpm.

Abstract: A cover includes a side panel having an opening therethrough. A sliding member is connected to the side panel, and is slidable to an opened position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered, and is slidable to a closed position in which the opening is closed. A mounting is tab connected to the side panel and is arranged to be accessible through the opening only when the sliding member is in the opened position. A front panel is also provided, which can be fastened and locked to the side panel using no visible fasteners.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for mounting a computer module, such as a disk drive, hard drive, tape drive, compact disk drive, tape or other similar backup device, etc., in a computer structure, such as a computer chassis or frame, or the like. The system comprises paired guides for attachment to the module, typically in precut openings therein, and a shuttle. The shuttle is adapted to receive the guides in a secure fashion, to retain the module securely therein. The shuttle is designed to be easily mounted in the computer structure, and in particular, by a "two handed" mounting in the computer structure. This system can also be used for "shock mounting" of a computer module, provided the guides are made of a shock absorbing material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering an opening in a cabinet for housing electronic devices includes a grommet for covering the opening in the cabinet. A plurality of slits are formed in the grommet defining a plurality of flexible tab portions to allow one or more cables to pass through the grommet. The plurality of slits include at least one longitudinally oriented slit and a plurality of transversely oriented slits which intersect the longitudinally oriented slit.

Abstract: An in-car work station adapted to be supported on an front passenger seat and provide easy access from the driver seat. The work station has an immovable top surface located adjacent to the front of the work station which can be used as a support surface for articles being used by the occupant of vehicle. A drawer is provided in the work station and is laterally extendable from its stored position to a use position where the drawer extends in the inboard direction toward the driver seat thereby increasing access by the driver. The drawer includes a receptacle cavity having a support tray for receiving a note pad thereon and readily permitting access from the driver seat to the note pad.

Abstract: A guide rail assembly for use on each of opposite sides of a drawer to guide movement of the drawer into and out of an article of furniture includes a supporting rail to be attached to a furniture side wall, a pull out rail to be attached to the drawer, and at least one carriage for load transmitting rollers situated between the supporting rail and the pull out rail. The pull out rail and the supporting rail are provided with stops for limiting movement of the pull out rail and the carriage with respect to the supporting rail. The carriage is provided with buffers, whereby the carriage and the buffers are made in one piece of plastic material. The buffers each have the form of a meander or serpentine shaped protrusion.

Abstract: For providing a compact illuminating device capable of uniform illumination with a high intensity, there is provided a light conductive member including a light entrance face provided in a part of a lateral face of a rod-shaped translucent member, an area provided on a side opposed to the light entrance face, for reflecting and/or diffusing the entered light in the longitudinal direction of the translucent member, and an exit face provided in at least a part of a lateral face other than those on which the area and the light entrance face are provided, for emitting at least a part of thus reflected and/or diffused light beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording an image by discharging an ink droplet to a recording medium includes a timer for setting a predetermined time in accordance with the type of the recording medium so that the recording operation is interrupted or conveyance of the recording medium is interrupted during the predetermined time in order to prevent contact between a previously discharged recording medium and a recording medium which is being discharged so that generation of smear and adhesion between recorded recording mediums are prevented regardless of the type of the recording medium.

Abstract: In a recording apparatus or more specifically an ink-jet printer, a plurality of gears are disposed in parallel with the direction of movement of a carriage and a slide gear is connected with the carriage outside of the recording space and is made to engage with one of a plurality of the gears corresponding the moving position of the carriage. The control sequences each for causing a gear being shifted from one gear engagement position to the adjacent position, are so combined that the gear can be shifted past the adjacent gear engagement position to a desired gear engagement position and the overlapped operations in each of the gear shift control sequence combinations can be skipped.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink jet head and a wiping member with an inclined surface. The top portion of the wiping member is closer to the ink jet head than a bottom portion of the wiping member such that the amount of penetration of the wiping member on an ink discharge port surface of the ink jet head varies.

Abstract: A method for sensing separation of a carriage from a home position and compensating the home position by using a program stored at a microprocessor of an ink jet printer includes a home position separation sensing process which has the steps of: checking whether or not the ink jet printer is in a stop state and the carriage is placed at the home position; checking whether or not the carriage placed at the home position is separated from the position by sensing the state change of a photo sensor; and setting a flag according to the state change of the photo sensor, and a home position separation state compensating process which has the steps of: checking whether or not a flag has been set; if it is checked that the flag has been set, counting time to maintain the present state for a predetermined time; resetting the home position if the counted time exceeds the predetermined time; checking whether or not an ink cartridge is attached to the carriage; if it is checked that the ink cartridge is attached to the ca

Abstract: A print head restraint mechanism for limiting movement of a print head during transport of the printing apparatus is provided. The restraint mechanism includes a moveable pin that selectively engages the print head. An engaging mechanism moves the pin into and out of engagement with the print head when the print head is positioned in a restraint position. During printing the restraint mechanism is positioned away from the travel path of the print head to avoid interfering with print head motion. An interlock prevents actuation of the restraint mechanism when the print head is away from the restraint position.

Abstract: In an ink jet printer, bleed between the boundaries between color and black are avoided by printing process black and black ink in an alternating pattern for the first two dots. Logic (62) determines the boundary from a bit map and issues the control signals for alternating lines (66, 68). Best results are experienced when the process black is printed before the black ink as the vehicle of the colored inks apparently supports penetration of the black ink.

Abstract: Different print quality modes in a printer such as a color inkjet printer invoke different print rendering options for a particular object to be printed. In an exemplary embodiment, a printer control automatically invokes an error diffusion haltoning technique for photo images whenever high quality mode is designated, and automatically invokes a dither haltoning technique for photo images whenever a normal or fast print mode is designated.

Abstract: A driving circuit includes: a first semiconductor switch with its source connected to a high-voltage power source; amultiple number of diodes with their anodes commonly connected to the drain of the first semiconductor switch; a multiple number of second semiconductor switches, each being connected at the drain to the cathode of the corresponding diode and the sources being commonly connected to a low-voltage power source. In this configuration, the first semiconductor switch is turned on so that all the outputs once have the high voltage supplied and then the plural second semiconductor switches are selectively turned on so as to output the low voltage from their output terminals.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a removable ink supply for forming a fluid connection with a fluid inlet of an ink-jet printer into which the ink supply can be installed. The ink-jet printer has a fluid conduit for supplying liquid ink to an ink-jet printhead. The removable ink supply includes a quantity of liquid ink and a fluid outlet. The fluid outlet includes (i) a hollow boss having a first end in fluid communication with the quantity of liquid ink, a neck formed in a second end of the boss, the neck defining a scaling surface and an opening; (ii) a sealing member positioned within the boss, the sealing member being movable between a first position in which the sealing member seals the opening and a second position in which liquid ink can flow through the boss opening; and (iii) a biasing structure for biasing the sealing member toward the first position. The ink supply is adapted for installation in the fluid inlet of the ink-jet printer.

Abstract: An ink jet head unit according to the present invention has an ink container which includes a plurality of absorbers and enables stable ink supply and reduces running cost. A volume Z of the absorber disposed near an ink supply port satisfies 3 V<Z<10 V, where V is the sum of a volume of a liquid passage, a volume of a common liquid chamber and a volume of the ink supply passage of the recording head.

Abstract: A portable printing device including: a case; a print unit having a print head with a print surface, the print head being switchable between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the case; and a shutter member that covers the print surface of the print head when the print head is in its raised position. A link mechanism including crossed arms is provided for freely pivotably supporting the print unit with respect to the case.

Abstract: An eyeglass frame made of wire is described, which has two end pieces (13), which are connected to a mount part (1) for the lenses (L) in an articulated manner. The mount part has an upper wire (3) and, for each lens, a lower wire (5), and wherein each of the lower wires (5) is fastened with its ends to the upper wire (3). An elastic element (9; 29; 39; 49) is provided at one of the ends of each lower wire to facilitate the mounting of the lenses.

Abstract: A ring for a hard contact lens, which can be detachably attached to the peripheral edge of a hard contact lens and which has a groove of a shape corresponding to the peripheral edge of the hard contact lens, formed along the inner periphery of the ring.

Abstract: A method for tooling a pattern of retroreflective microcubes, which pattern can be subdivided into smaller increments within which there are straight line tooling paths, none of which pass through an otherwise solid part of the incremental pattern. The tooling paths within the various increments need not be parallel to a common plane. Various adaptions of the method enable the tooling of a number of specific microcube shapes and for modifying such optical properties of the microcubes as entrance angularity, incidence angularity, orientation angularity, observation angularity, percent active aperture and retroreflectance. Specific techniques govern the pre-selection of cube parameters such as cube axis cant, cube apex decentration, and cube boundary proportions, which parameters can be adjusted independently of each other. Designs tooled by the method can have 100% active aperture at near zero degrees entrance angle.

Abstract: A non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus to generally provide a driver of a vehicle with a full view of the vehicle's blind spot. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus is preferably mounted to a non-mirror reflective, support member of a factory-mounted side view mirror assembly. The support member being positioned between a reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly and an exterior surface of a vehicle. The non-obstructive, auxiliary rear view mirror assembly and mounting apparatus is preferably mounted to the support member in the absence of engagement to or contact with, the reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, and in the absence of obstructing the driver's view of any portion of the reflective mirror surface of the factory-mounted side view mirror assembly, while generally providing the driver with a full view of the vehicle's blind spot.

Abstract: A water tank with an illuminating device comprises a source of light and a condenser positioned outside the water tank and below the bottom thereof, a light guide made of a transparent material to guide the condensed light upwards, with the top end of the light guide positioned above the level of water filled in the water tank, and a reflecting surface to reflect the guided light toward the water tank below. The water tank is illuminated from above without locating any illuminating device atop.

Abstract: A flashlight in a housing of given size dimension to fit within and under a shoulder epaulet on an article of clothing worn as part of a uniform by a person engaged in law enforcement or emergency medical service activity, for example, with a fastener at a top surface of the housing in the nature of a clip or otherwise, so as to secure to the shoulder epaulet in providing hands-free operation, and preferably generating its light beam through a rotatable front end of the flashlight which both adjusts the angle of the beam, and which acts as the on-off switch for the flashlight. In a second embodiment of the invention, a flashing light beam could also be provided to illuminate through a back end of the flashlight, in giving a stroboscopic type of warning light to oncoming vehicular traffic to reduce speed in nearing the scene being approached.

Abstract: A versatile lighting decoration has a display sheet fabricated from a transparent and resilient film. An outline of a predetermined shape is marked on the film and a plurality of apertures placed through and along the outline. A string of lights having multiple bulbs, each bulb fitted within a socket adapted for gripping the display sheet, is releasably secured in the apertures to generate a lighted image of the predetermined shape that may be highlighted by one or more additional strings of lights.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle light comprises a housing having an opening in the front wall thereof, a lens permanently mounted on the front wall and sealingly closing the opening therein, and a reflector in the housing sealingly mounted about the opening in the front wall and cooperable with the lens to provide laterally adjacent headlight and parking/turn signal light bulb receptacles are removably mounted on the reflector for supporting light bulbs in the two light chambers, and the receptacles are accessible through an opening in the rear wall for removal from the reflector and which access opening is sealingly closed by a door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a headlamp for an automobile vehicle comprising an elliptical reflector, a light source positioned in a region of the first focus of the reflector, a lens, the focus of which is in a region of the second focus of the reflector, and a mask interposed between the reflector and the lens to effect a cut-off of the light beam emitted. A mirror is located in front of the mask and adapted to return direct light rays emitted by the light source onto the front face of the mask which thereby diffuses them towards the lens.

Abstract: An arrangement for assembling a lamphead and a panel and securing them together to allow for full adjustability in the rotationally adjusted positioning of the lamphead relative to the panel through the utilization of a minimum amount of fastener elements and without the necessity for having to remove any panels or fasteners. A disk element has a center hole with a radially inwardly extending protuberance or key, and with a plurality of closely spaced small holes or apertures formed in the disk and annularly arranged about the center keyed hole in a predetermined circular pattern.

Abstract: A surface-mounted light fixture having a housing adapted to receive and retain the main operating components by a snap-in connection, without using mechanical fasteners. In one embodiment, the operating components so mounted include a mounting bracket for a light-emitting element, e.g., a light bulb, a reflective plate for dispersing light generated by the light-emitting element, a switch for activating the light-emitting element and a lens for covering the same. The housing is molded from a polymeric material so that it may be conveniently mounted to a target surface, preferably the interior of a recreational vehicle. Integral with the housing, are a plurality of resilient and rigid tabs which provide the snap-in mounts, for efficient assembly along a high-volume assembly line. Even though separate fasteners are not required, the integrity of the mechanical connections between the components of the light fixture is high, thus minimizing rattling when used in a vibrating environment.

Abstract: A center high mount stoplamp is characterized by a linear array of light emitting diodes on a light carrier. A corresponding plurality of lens optics are carried on a lens carrier. A desired distance between the light emitting diodes and the lens optics is established by extensions from the lens carrier having opposing surfaces which interface with back and front sides of the light carrier.

Abstract: A calculator, comprising a keyboard having keys, each key having tactile symbols which indicate in Braille the numeral or function that the key represents. The calculator communicates its calculated numerical results visually, audibly, and tactiley. The tactile indication provides the result by a series of counting pulses, which represent the numerals in the result, the numerals separated by numerals spaces. The speed that the result is tactiley communicated is controllable by the user.

Abstract: The method of treating an aqueous, cementitious slurry, to enhance fluidity, that includes providing a container for the slurry and effecting movement of the slurry via an impeller, in the container, and locating at least one vibrator in the interior of the vessel, and operating the vibrator to transmit vibration to the moving slurry.