Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in the contact between a vapor and a liquid. In one embodiment, a column is provided having a generally vertical shell. A plurality of vertically spaced, horizontal fluid contacting trays for contacting the vapor and the liquid within the column may also be provided. Each horizontal contacting tray may include a liquid receiving area, an active perforated area and a liquid discharge area. An imperforate inlet area may be formed from a perimeter section of the liquid receiving area, and secured to the inner surface of the column. A downcomer may be positioned above said inlet area and inward from the inner wall surface of the column whereby the downcomer receives liquid from the liquid discharge area of an upper tray and directs flow to the inlet area. A froth activator may also be provided for contacting the liquid from the downcomer.

Abstract: A fluid sealed type vibration insulating device provided with an actuator for generating an active supporting force. The vibration insulating support device includes a main fluid chamber defined by a conical-shaped elastic support and a movable construction part. The movable construction part is constituted by a partition wall and a magnetic path member which is fastened to the partition wall through a clearance spacer. Therefore, a clearance is formed between the partition wall and the magnetic path and a plate spring is installed in the clearance to support the movable plate against the magnetic force of a permanent magnet. The partition wall has an internal thread hole to be bolted. The magnetic path has a hole with one opening diameter larger than another opening diameter for inserting a bolt. The bolt has a dish-shaped bolt head. If a center of the hole is off to the side of the center of the partition wall's hole, any edge point of the bolt head contacts any surface of the inner hole and pushes.

Abstract: A mount for isolating a vibrating member from its support. In several embodiments an elastomeric element is made up of four components that are preferably bonded to the inclined outer surface of an inner member and the inclined inner surface of an outer member. One of the inner and outer members is bifurcated and drawing the two halves into mating engagement results in the elastomeric components being preloaded simultaneously in compression and shear. The elastomeric element is preferably formed with portions which snub movement in each of three orthogonal directions. The dimensions of the pair of elastomeric components above or below the vibrating member may be different than the other pair since the greater compression strain on one pair of components to maintain maximum design stress levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning device with an X-beam (6) and two parallel Y-beams (2,3) in the shape of an H. On each Y-beam a motor driven carriage (4,5) is provided. Between these carriages an X-beam is coupled. On the X-beam a carriage (9) with a positioning head (10) is provided. The coupling (7) between one end of the X-beam and the carriage (4) on the first Y-beam (2) comprises two leaf springs (19,20) perpendicular to each other, the intersecting line of said leaf springs forming an imaginary rotation axis (28) of the coupling. The coupling (8) between the other end of the X-beam and the carriage (5) on the other, second Y-beam (3) comprises one leaf spring (29) oriented in the Y-direction and having a relatively great stiffness in the Y-direction and a relative small stiffness in the X-direction. Advantage of these couplings: no play, frictionless, possibility of small angle correction for the positioning head.

Abstract: A platform and method for leveling the upper surface of a printed circuit board placed upon a work table. The platform comprises a substantially flat plate, the plate having a fastener for planerly securing the printed circuit board thereto, and at least one support having a length between a first end and a second end, the second end of the at least one support attached to the plate, and wherein the length of the at least one support is selected such that an angle between the plate and the work table compensates for any angular displacement of the printed circuit board relative to the plate. The method comprises fastening the printed circuit board to a platform, securing the platform to the work table, and angularly adjusting the upper surface of the printed circuit board by altering an angle between the platform and the work table.

Abstract: A gripping device, particularly for vehicle body work, comprises a housing 1 containing a moveable equipment 26 displaceable in translation. One end 26a of the moveable equipment 26 is connected to an actuator 25 and the other end 27 of the moveable equipment 26 is connected to a gripping member 24. The housing 1 has two separate and spaced openings 8, 9 adapted each to receive a detector 18, 19 of the position of the moveable equipment 26 or of a rod 25a of the actuator 25.

Abstract: A workpiece clamp is disclosed for pressing first and second workpieces into engagement by a chucking tool (6) and a counter-holding device (7) supported by a frame (5). A pair of clamping jaws (11,12) with spiral shaped clamping surfaces (13,14) are pivotally mounted on the clamping jaw support (8) of U-shape having two spaced apart support members. First and second pivot pins (21,22) are mounted opposite and parallel to each other on the support members. The clamping jaws squeeze and hold one workpiece therebetween when the chucking tool (6) is moved against the other workpiece to force the workpieces into engagement. The spaced apart support members provide a clearance space to allow one of the workpieces to be inserted between the jaws at any angle for engagement with the other workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the thickness of flat products such as sheets or signatures, where the flat products are fed from a pile of signatures to a pocket by a pocket feeder. The apparatus has a light source and light sensor for sensing the light transmitted from the light source. The pocket feeder includes a first roller and second roller, the first roller being arranged against the second roller to form a nip therebetween for receiving flat product, wherein the first roller is deflectable when a flat product enters the nip. The apparatus includes a first reflecting element which is arranged on the first roller for reflecting incident light, a light source for directing light to said first reflecting element and a first sensor element for sensing light reflected from said reflecting element which produces a sensor signal. A calculating unit for calculating the thickness based on that sensor signal is also provided.

Abstract: A device for collating sheets of paper into a stack includes an elongated chute and at least one feeder. The chute has a transverse shape approximating the size of the sheets of paper to be fed into the chute. Each feeder feeds a sheet of paper into the chute so that the plane of the paper extends generally transverse to a vertical axis of the chute. The sheets of paper thus fed into the chute may then float downwardly on a cushion of air coming to rest in a bottom area of the chute.

Abstract: A sheet dispensing apparatus includes at least one pair of sheet stores, and a transport system for transporting sheets from the stores to a dispense position. The transport system includes, for each pair of sheet stores, a common feed member which, upon relative movement between the common feed member and the stores, can be moved between a pair of feed positions in each of which it engages a sheet in a respective one of the pair of stores so as to enable sheet(s) to be withdrawn from the corresponding store. The common feed member is able to take up also a neutral position in which, even if actuated, no sheets are fed from either store.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which discharged sheets can be easily distinguished, and which has a reduced number of parts and can be economically produced. The apparatus has: a discharge tray unit which receives a sheet on which an image is formed; a fifth conveying path which guides a sheet from an image forming section to the discharge tray unit so as to place the sheet on the discharge tray unit with downward directing the image forming face; a first conveying path which guides the sheet from the image forming section to the discharge tray unit so as to place the sheet on the discharge tray unit with reversing the sheet to a direction opposite to the direction of the image forming face; and switching means for switching over the fifth conveying path and the first conveying path.

Abstract: A sheet feeder for feeding sheets from a sheet stack, having a feed deck for supporting the sheet stack and a pair of spaced apart parallel guide rails on the feed deck for receiving the sheet stack between the guide rails. A sheet feeding assembly is mounted in proximity to a sheet feeding end of the feed deck and is operative to feed individual lowermost sheets from the sheet stack, the sheet feeding assembly including a continuously rotating feed drum having an inner and outer circumference and a plurality of suction openings and a vacuum assembly received in the inner circumference of the feed drum and having at least one rotating cylinder coupled to a vacuum source and movable between an actuated position for drawing air downward through the portion of the feed drum extending above the planar surface of the feed deck and a default position preventing the drawing of air through the feed drum when a vacuum is applied to the at least one rotating cylinder.

Abstract: In a large-format crosscutter (11) is proposed an apparatus for forming a gap in a scale-like or regulated sheet flow. Following onto an overlapping station (13) is provided a gap formation station (19), which has a conveyor (31) which can be accelerated to a higher speed than the feed conveyor (18). For gap formation purposes a gap formation carriage (22) runs along a guide (23) in the conveying direction (15), shortens the gap formation conveyor (31) and lengthens the feed conveyor (18). A suction device (41) on the gap formation carriage is lowered somewhat and by means of a blowing device (42) air is blown into the resulting clearance. Therefore the gap formation carriage precedes the slower feed conveyor (18) and forms the necessary gap, so that in the latter can be operated a switch or points (46) for switching to a different one of the two conveying paths (47, 48).

Abstract: A game, of the table soccer type, comprises a playing surface, pieces imitating players and a ball simulating a football. It has, along the table, on each of two opposite sides, a series of control levers, each lever corresponding to the movement of a player. Each player is connected to a carriage comprising two drive motors, each of which drives a wheel, and an electronic receiving unit. Each control lever is attached to a transmitter unit in order to control selectively the power supply of one or other of the motors in one direction or the other.

Abstract: A board game based on stock market concepts comprising a game board (10) having a path of varibly-colored spaces beginning at one top corner, winding up and down across the board, and ending at the opposite top corner. As players move around the board, they make choices and perform transactions relating to the space they have landed on: on colored spaces, they may buy or sell the specified color of stock; on white spaces (12), they may strategically jump to any other white space on the board; on gray news flash spaces (14), they draw a news flash card (22A-22B) and perform the expressed transaction; and when they land on or cross over the market update bar (16), they change the price-per-share cards (18A-18B). Players record their transactions and track their balances on a balance sheet (24). The game ends when one player reaches the agreed upon goal or when all players agree to end the game, in which case, a play-off round is performed.

Abstract: A game with a playing area made up of multiple playing regions, with each region made up of multiple playing spaces. The entire playing area can be created on one essentially flat surface. The game can be played by two or more players. Each player has a plurality of stackable playing pieces distinguishable from those of other players. Stacks can be formed from the pieces of one or more players. The player whose piece is on top of a stack controls that entire stack, and thus any underlying pieces belonging to other players are captured. Pieces can be stacked and unstacked during the course of play. If a previously captured piece is uncovered by unstacking, that piece is released and reintroduced into play. Movement of pieces or stacks is allowed both within a region and to other regions. A multi-step unstacking move is included to provide greater reach. The game is won by capturing in stacks all the pieces belonging to opponents.

Abstract: A wagering card game is played with a standard fifty-two card poker deck and a count limit card that is permanently assigned as the third card of the dealer's hand. Each player makes a bet, divides the bet in half and places each half in two separate betting areas on a playing surface. Two cards are dealt face down to each player and to the dealer. The players inspect their cards and keep or trade one or both. If a player trades, he surrenders one-half his total wager. Replacement cards are dealt face down and the dealer collects the surrendered bets. After evaluating his hand, each player then places his cards face up in progressive order into card docks provided on the playing surface. A third card is then dealt face down to each player, but not to the dealer. The dealer's third card is a count limit card or the representation of a count limit card having a predetermined count value (for example 5) that is imprinted on the count limit card or on the playing surface, and is displayed at all times.

Abstract: A portable backstop device for enabling an individual to practice throwing and pitching baseballs without a catcher. The backstop device includes a front panel and a back panel which are attached to each other to form a backstop member. A portion of the back panel extends beyond a bottom edge of the front panel, so that the portion can be folded such that a bottom edge of the portion of the back panel can be detachably connected to the bottom edge of the front panel to define a pocket for collecting thrown and pitched baseballs. A rectangular shaped aperture formed in the front panel of the portable backstop member enables an individual to practice throwing balls and strikes without an umpire. Balls entering the aperture are collected in the pocket thus, saving time and energy spent in retrieving the thrown baseballs and also substantially prevents the baseballs from getting scuffed from hitting backfences and the like.

Abstract: A method of sealing sheet pile joints using a paraffinic product to seal the gripping elements of the sheet piles. The paraffinic products usable for sealing the gripping elements of sheet piles have a drop point lying between 100 and 140° C. and a cone penetration of between 20 and 50 mm/10. In a preferred embodiment, the paraffinic product contains at least 50% paraffin waxes, and may also incorporate mineral oils, bonding agents, antioxidants and/or other normal additives. According to another embodiment, the paraffinic products usable for sealing the gripping elements of sheet piles have a resistance to hydrostatic pressure of at least 0.12 bar/mm, preferably at least 0.22 bar/mm.

Abstract: A gas turbine seal structure provided between end portions of a moving blade platform and a stationary blade inside shroud. The sealing performance of the seal structure is improved by increasing the resistance to the flow of air. A seal plate (21, 31) is mounted to an end portion of a platform (2, 2′) of the moving blade (1) and a seal portion is formed by seal fins (22, 32) and a honeycomb seal (16, 17) disposed on a lower surface of an end portion (12a, 12b) of an inside shroud (12) of a stationary blade (11). Sealing air from the stationary blade (11) produces a high temperature in a cavity (14) and flows into a space (18, 19), and also air leaking from the cooling air of the moving blade (1) is able to escape into a high temperature combustion gas passage through a seal portion. However, since the seal plate has three seal fins (22, 32) that are inclined in a direction so as to oppose the air flow, air resistance is increased and the flow of air into the combustion gas passage is prevented.

Abstract: A high differential pressure type end rotor seal that is applicable to a steam cooled type gas turbine with the aim to reduce steam leakage to a minimum without being affected by deviation of fins due to thermal elongation. An end rotor rotational seal of a double strip seal type is structured such that fins (3,5) on a stator side (1) and fins (4,6) on a rotor side (2) are arranged in a confronting arrangement and an alternating arrangement. A fin-to-fin pitch (P) is set in a range of 2 to 6 mm and a clearance (C) between apexes of the fins is set in a range of 0.3 to 1.0 mm, thereby a high differential pressure type rotational seal is obtained having minimum steam leakage without being affected by deviation of fins due to thermal elongation between the stator side and the rotor side.

Abstract: A nitrated piston ring for the piston of an internal combustion engine. The piston ring has a circumferential indentation in its flank surface facing away from the combustion pressure. This indentation has a depth of a few Am and receives lubrication to prevent plating of aluminum from the aluminum piston on the flank surface of the piston ring.

Abstract: A packing member has a unique improved geometry particularly adapted to the manufacture of urethane seal having a Shore A hardness of from about 90 to about 100, the packing member including an annular body defining a central opening and an annular axis, the annular body having an upper sealing portion and a lower support portion and a groove extending into the upper sealing portion, the groove having an outer outwardly inclined wall, an inner inwardly wall and a bottom wall; the upper sealing portion of the annular body including radially extending inner and outer sealing lips formed adjacent to at least a portion of the groove, the outer sealing lip extending axially beyond the inner sealing lip.

Abstract: A metal gasket is used for an internal combustion engine, preferably as a manifold gasket. The gasket is formed of a plurality of metal gasket sections, and at least one metal connecting section situated between two gasket sections adjacent to each other to connect the same. Each gasket section has a sealing hole to be sealed and a sealing device situated around the sealing hole. At least one through hole is formed in the connecting section. The through hole allows the connecting section to easily deform to absorb deformation of the gasket due to expansion and contraction of the engine. The gasket with the deformable connecting section can be easily and accurately formed.

Abstract: A seal ring mountable to a rotating member for rotation therewith, the seal ring including a gap or other feature providing controlled leakage therethrough, a radial inner circumferential face, an opposite radial outer circumferential face, and at least one axial end face extending between the inner circumferential face and the outer circumferential face, wherein at least one face includes elements for receiving and holding a lubricant for providing lubrication between the face and a surface located in opposing relation thereto during rotation of the seal ring relative to the surface.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock system adapter apparatus for use in combination with a pre-existing shock system and pre-existing steering arm which are typically installed on a vehicle. With the apparatus being actuated by the steering arm and automatically increases dampening compression on the outside shock and decreases dampening compression on the inside shock when the vehicle is turned.

Abstract: A frame for skates and the like iwth a structure that includes at least one bearing surface engageable by a boot or the like, and a side flange. One or more ground-engaging members are attached to the frame. The components of the structure of the frame are made of at least two at least partially mutually assembled materials having different mechanical properties.

Abstract: An adjustable mount for use with a snowboard and a snowboard binding. The snowboard has a center-line and a channel which longitudinally extends along the center-line of the snowboard. The snowboard binding includes a binding base plate and a disc. The disc has a center-line and a bottom surface and is rotatably coupled to the binding base plate. The adjustable mount includes a rail, a bar and a locking mechanism. The rail is disposed in the channel and is fixedly coupled thereto. The rail is a flexible member and has a key slot and two series of parallel notches. The binding base plate is disposed on the snowboard. The disc has a center-line and a bottom surface. The bar is disposed about the center-line of the disc and fixedly coupled thereto. The bar engages one opposing pair of the series of parallel notches of the rail. The disc is rotatably coupled to the binding base plate. The locking mechanism securely couples the rail to the bar.

Abstract: A cart for moving small watercraft, such as canoes or kayaks is provided. The cart supports one or two watercraft in a stacked configuration. The cart is constructed to be strong and durable, and provide an easy and simple way to load and move small watercraft. The cart is constructed from an arcuate metal tube having a pair of arms, one each extending from one end of the arcuate metal tube. The arms each support a wheel. The watercraft fits through the arcuate tube, and the bottom on the watercraft rests on the ends of the arcuate tube. The arcuate tube lies at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft with the middle of the arcuate tube resting on the top of the watercraft, forward of the part of the watercraft where the bottom of the watercraft rests on the ends of the arcuate tube. A second arcuate metal tube may be pivotally attached to the first arcuate tube. The two tubes are connected at their middle. When the tubes are coincident, one watercraft may be supported.

Abstract: A compact, trailing, auxiliary axle system is attached to a truck for carrying additional weight and distributing the weight of the truck over a greater number of axles and a greater maximum total distance of distribution of those axles. The apparatus is attached high, and may be secured to the body of a truck, such as a refuse truck, reducing the total length of extension from the rear of the truck, yet pivoting from a comparatively high position for easy stowage above the bubble or bulkhead protruding from the tailgate of a truck. Hydraulic actuation relies on pulling, during deployment, providing improved resistance to buckling, protection from road damage, with short coupling for improved strength of booms, hydraulics, and cross members. Conduits may carry control and power through the frame of the assembly, and conventional suspension components may be used.

Abstract: A mounting system for a vehicle steering system is provided. The mounting system includes a bushing, an isolator and a fastener. The bushing includes a retaining flange and a threaded internal cavity. The isolator includes a hollow body portion and a first end wall. The isolator is installed to a steering gear assembly such that the inner surface of the end wall contacts one surface of the steering gear housing. The bushing is installed through the isolator such that the retaining flange contacts an outer surface of one of the end walls. The steering gear assembly is positioned against a vehicle chassis such that the exterior surface of the other end wall contacts a structural member. The fastener is installed through the structural member and threadably engages the internally threaded cavity. The bushing limits the amount of clamping force transmitted to the end walls and permits the isolator to effectively dampen noise and vibration.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension gas supply system comprises valve means having a central chamber to which pressurised gas may be admitted and from which pressurised gas may be exhausted, gas communication paths for extending from said central chamber each to communicate with a respective gas suspension unit, and interposed in each gas communication path a valve unit operable to lie either in a closed condition in which an associated gas spring is isolated from the central chamber or to lie in an open position in which the gas spring communicates with said central chamber, a compressor for supply of pressurised gas, a gas dryer interposed between said compressor and central chamber, a remotely operable supply valve operable to allow pressurised gas to be admitted to said central chamber, and a remotely operable exhaust control valve operable to control a pair of slave valves thereby to cause pressurised gas to be exhausted from the central chamber via said dryer.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel suspension has a composite, transversely oriented, leaf spring which is vertically thick and stiff in end regions extending inward from each end of the spring past the vehicle body support area but is vertically thin and compliant in a middle region between the end regions. The spring is constructed of a long, longitudinally aligned fiber and resin composite which is split at each outer end of the middle region into upper and lower horizontal layers separated by a core having a tapered inner end and extending through the end region. The inserts provide the additional vertical thickness in the end regions without widening the middle region and may be made of a different material, such as a short, randomly oriented fiber and resin composite. The spring thus flexes easily in the heave mode, in which the thin middle region of the spring flexes vertically in opposition to each end.

Abstract: A pressurized air supply system for providing pressurized air to an air powered derailleur of a bicycle having a bicycle frame. The system comprises an air pumping mechanism attached to the bicycle frame and adapted to supply pressurized air when actuated. Fluidly connected to the pumping mechanism and to the derailleur is a pressure reservoir of the system. The pumping mechanism is attached to the bicycle frame such that the passage of the bicycle over uneven terrain facilitates the actuation of the pumping mechanism and resultant charging of the pressure reservoir with pressurized air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheelchair having side frames including tube sections having a tube-bend at the front bottom end of each in an area proximate to where a bearing housing is mounted. The bearing housing has an approximately vertical bearing bore for accommodating an upwardly directed axle pin of a steering fork for holding a caster. The bearing housing also has an adjustment device, which is integrated in the screw mounting, for adjusting the bearing housing with respect to the side frame in order to align the bearing bore perpendicular to the ground. The bearing housing is mounted to the tube-bend via a guide passage of a clamping shell, which is correspondingly curved and is open on one side. The clamping shell is fitted laterally to the tube-bend and, is displaceably guided and is fixable in the desired position by tightening at least one clamping screw.

Abstract: A treadle cart, having two axles, each axle having one of two pairs of wheels mounted on it, the treadle cart being powered by the pivoting motion of a treadle board which transfers the power from the pivoting of the treadle board through a drive means including a flexible elongated member with two ends that is attached to the under side of treadle board, each of the drive means rotating a power wheel which through a drive train turns a clutch housing, each clutch housing having a clutch rotor mounted in it, each of the pair of clutch rotors alternating in transmitting power to the base wheels of the treadle cart.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing frame structure for bicycle includes a front frame unit formed of a head tube, a down tube, a seat tube, and a top tube, a bottom forks unit pivoted to the front frame unit, and a shock-absorbing device coupled between the front frame unit and the bottom forks unit, the seat tube having a seat pillar for holding a saddle and a top end for holding a seat back, the bottom forks unit including two bottom forks, and a connector connected between the bottom forks at a front side and pivoted to a bottom lug at the front frame unit, a cross tube connected between the bottom forks on the middle, an upward lug formed integral with the cross tube to support the shock-absorbing device, and an arched frame rod bridging the bottom forks at a rear end for the mounting of a luggage-carrier and a rear fender.

Abstract: A watercraft trailer support skid protection assembly includes a protective sleeve sized and shaped to fit the contoured free end of an existing watercraft support skid. The assembly includes a securing device to hold the sleeve in place on the proximal end of the support skid. The protective sleeve has a low coefficient of friction and cooperates with the main support portion of the support skid. The assembly ensures that a watercraft will be securely held in place during transit, while promoting ease of loading and unloading, when appropriate. In an alternate embodiment of the assembly, the protective sleeve is used as a capping member to protect the contact faces of support bunks associated with a watercraft lifting device.

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes a cylindrical receiver perpendicularly mounted on a horizontal laterally extending tube attached to a vehicle. The receiver carries a slider movable between a first, retracted position substantially entirely disposed beneath the vehicle bumper and a second, extended position wherein the slider projects rearwardly of the vehicle bumper and carries a hitch ball for attachment to a towed object. A cam slot and cam follower are cooperatingly formed on the slider and the receiver, with the cam slot having angularly disposed ends for rotation of the slider between first and second angularly disposed position simultaneous with translation of the slider between first and second retracted and extended positions. A decorative cover overlays the exposed portions of the horizontal tube and the slider when the slider is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A snowboard binding is shown for mounting a boot to a snowboard. The binding has adjustments for boot size and multiple degrees of freedom which results in many customizable adjustments. The binding is mounted so as not to dampen the flexure of the snowboard.

Abstract: A new slide or snow board is described having a structure of the bottom side or slide face of a central slide structure and lateral guide surfaces, which enables a simple and substantially drift-free steering mechanism. Therefore, this slide board is in particular suitable for beginners, children or unathletic users.

Abstract: A three point step-in snowboard binding includes medial and lateral binding pin engagers that interact with corresponding pins in a boot. The binding latches the boot after the snowboarder steps into the binding, and remains latched until a release control is actuated.

Abstract: A stroller that accepts and supports various types of child's car seats is easily converted from its operational state to its storage state by actuating a latching mechanism. The stroller includes a lever which facilitates the removal of the child's car seat. A seat assembly can be attached to the stroller to convert the stroller from a child's car seat carrier to a toddler stroller. The seat assembly remains in the upright position when the stroller is converted from the storage state to the operational state.

Abstract: Arrangements and methods for attaching an airbag cushion are provided wherein an attachment opening of the airbag cushion is clamped between an inflator and an airbag retainer which previously had been floatingly confined within the body of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety apparatus (10) for mounting in a portion (20) of a vehicle includes a module (12). The module (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (30), an inflation fluid source (32), a cover (40) for the vehicle occupant protection device and the inflation fluid source, and bolts (38) for mounting the module in the vehicle portion. The module cover (40) encloses the inflation fluid source (32) and the protection device (30) when the protection device is in a deflated condition. The module cover (40) is made from a material which is flexible and wrapped around the vehicle occupant protection device (30) and the inflation fluid source (32). The apparatus also includes a deployment door (14), and tabs (90) (104) for releasably mounting the deployment door on the vehicle portion (20) for movement relative to the vehicle portion upon inflation of the protection device (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to an air bag module in a motor vehicle with a folded air bag, in particular a window bag, located in a lengthwise container on a vehicle frame part, particularly a roof frame part, and which is inflated and unfolded in the event of a collision, and with an energy-absorbing element mounted in or on container. According to the invention, energy-absorbing element is designed in several parts. A first part of energy-absorbing element is permanently mounted in or on container or vehicle frame part and serves to guide air bag as it inflates and unfolds. A second part of energy-absorbing element is pivotably mounted in or on container.

Abstract: An air bag is provided which extends from the front seats to the rear seats of a passenger car, is constructed in the manner of a cushion and is fastened to the roof member as well as to at least one fastening point respectively of the A-column and of the C-column of the vehicle body. In order to be able to arrange the air bag in a non-inflated condition along the roof member, the air bag is folded essentially along a connection line of the two fastening points on the vehicle body columns, and at least two recesses cut by the connection line are provided in the cushion surface of the air bag.

Abstract: A steering column for a vehicle is an integral constituent of a safety steering arrangement or an occupant protection arrangement. To minimize the risk of injury to vehicle occupants, the steering column includes deformation members and a geometrically stable intermediate segment. Such a steering column is combined with a steering wheel to which an airbag cover, movable into an open position by the airbag, is articulated so that it will not protrude from the contour of the steering wheel during opening motion of the airbag.

Abstract: An air bag module (12) for mounting on a steering wheel (10) includes an air bag (102), an inflator (100) for inflating the air bag, and a cover (104) for covering the air bag and the inflator. The module (12) has an uninstalled condition and has an installed condition in which the module is fixed to the steering wheel (10) for rotation with the steering wheel about a steering axis (22). The module (12) is rotatable in a first direction (26) relative to the steering wheel (10) to move the module from the uninstalled condition to the installed condition. The apparatus further comprises retainer structure (44, 110) for retaining the module (12) on the steering wheel (10) and for blocking movement of the module relative to the steering wheel from the installed condition to the uninstalled condition.

Abstract: An inflatable body 32 is attached to a webbing 18 of the seat belt device 16 and a gas generator device 36 which is mounted in the upper portion of a seat back 14 supplies a gas into the inflatable body to inflate the inflatable body 32. The inflatable body 32 is enveloped between covers 38, 40. The inflatable body 32 can be attached to the webbing 18 by fastening hooks 46 formed along an upper cover 38 to the webbing 18.