Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating artificial atmospheres in a furnace for the heat treating of materials. The furnace includes a substantially isolated chamber having a discharge receiving orifice for accepting a bi-phasic cryogen into a hot/work zone of the chamber. A low pressure cryogen source feeds a bi-phasic inert gas into the chamber in order to allow the volumetric expansion of the evaporating liquid constituent of the bi-phasic cryogen to purge a substantial portion of the ambient oxygen from the chamber and to allow a substantial residual concentration of the inert gas to blanket the process area without significant dissipation during the heat treating process. Oxidizable materials heat treated in artificial atmospheres generated by use of bi-phasic cryogens show no signs of scaling or staining through the process and thus do not need to undergo acid bathing prior to subsequent processing.

Abstract: An actuation arrangement for movable components on vehicles, particularly for trunk lids or hoods, doors, vehicle tops and top covers, including at least one hydraulic cylinder (1) pivotably coupled to a cylindrical pivot pin (11) on the vehicle and/or on the movable vehicle component, and having at least one line (1) for the pressure medium in at least one working chamber (6, 9) of the hydraulic cylinder. To allow pivoting of the hydraulic cylinder principally at any angle with low space requirements and a low risk of damage to the hydraulic lines, one section (16) of each pressure medium line passes through the pivot pin (11) essentially in an axial direction and at least one passage leads from the pivot pin (11) to at least one working chamber (6, 9) of the hydraulic cylinder (1).

Abstract: Spring strut with a pneumatic spring and an oscillation damper which can be adjusted as a function of the support pressure. The pneumatic spring has a spring space bounded by a U-type bellows, which spring space is pneumatically connected to a damping device which can be adjusted as a function of a support pressure. A component which having a duct connects the spring space and the damping device is embodied without a hose and is integrated in the spring strut in such a way that it does not form any essential surface change in an unrolling piston associated with the U-type bellows and the unrolling piston forms at least a part of this duct.

Abstract: A vehicle is carried by a number of supporting members, such as wheels. Movement between the supporting members and the vehicle body is controlled by respective dampers. Several interrelationships between and among the dampers are disclosed. A flow regulator is provided to augment damping forces under a variety of operating conditions.

Abstract: A liquid-filled vibration isolator includes an inner cylindrical metal member; a cylindrical intermediate metal member disposed outside the inner cylindrical metal member in a substantially coaxial manner and including a pair of ring portions disposed at corresponding axial ends thereof, a pair of connection portions integrally connecting the ring portions, and a pair of window portions defined by the ring portions and the connection portions; a rubber elastic-body connecting the intermediate metal member and the inner cylindrical metal member and having cavity portions corresponding to the window portions; and an outer cylindrical metal member fixedly disposed outside the intermediate metal member and sealed in a liquid-tight manner against the intermediate metal member by means of a rubber seal portion.

Abstract: In an article and method for clamping a plurality of objects together, the article includes a body portion, comprised of spring wire, formed in a generally C-shape. The body portion comprises a pair of side portions, an intermediate portion extending between and interconnecting the pair of side portions, and a pair of opposed free end portions extending from the pair of side portions and opposite the intermediate portion and forming a gap therebetween. The pair of opposed free end portions are resiliently biased toward a position proximate each other and spaced apart to the extent of the gap therebetween. They are adapted to be expanded away from each other upon the exertion of expansion pressure, to extend about the plurality of objects to be clamped therebetween, and to return to the resiliently biased position to exert pressure on the plurality of objects therebetween upon the release of the expansion pressure.

Abstract: In a travelling worktable apparatus including a roller guide unit to guide a travelling table. Deformation of a sample table caused in association with precision of the guide unit such as deviation in precision of rail attachment and precision of rollers is prevented while keeping rigidity of the roller guide. This keeps a fixed distance between a bar mirror unit and a sample on the sample table. For this purpose, the Y table (top table) of the prior art is subdivided into a travelling table to hold the roller guide and a sample table to mount a sample thereon. These tables are fixed by a pin which can be more easily deformed than the tables and are linked with each other by an elastic body.

Abstract: The invention allows an amount by which restricting members should be moved to be grasped accurately and easily, prohibits movement of the restricting members in time of fastening the restricting members, and allows positions of the restricting members to be adjusted accurately and just by a necessary amount. A set screw is meshed with a boss of a retaining member through an eccentric cam mounted in a cam guide formed in an upper surface of a main body, the eccentric cam being supported to have an axis of rotation aligned to an axis of rotation of a pinion. A rotation of the eccentric cam varies positions of contact between peripheral surface of the eccentric cam and side surfaces of the cam guide to vary a distance from the positions of contact to the center of rotation of the eccentric cam.

Abstract: An arrangement for feeding documents piecemeal from a document bundle (9) comprises a banknote separator (200) which includes two mutually biased rollers (4,6) that are driven by a drive motor (1) that also drives a dispensing roller (3) which functions to dispense documents from the bundle. The rollers (4,6) of the roll pair are rotationally coupled together via a freewheeling hub. The second roller (6) does not rotate during dispensing of a document. Upon completion of a dispensing operation, the drive direction of the motor (1) is reversed, so as to bring the second roller (6) to a new angular position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet feeding apparatus for separating and feeding sheets contained in sheet containing means one by one that has separating and feeding means including a feeding rotary member and a separating rotary member brought into pressure contact with the feeding rotary member and a torque limiter provided between the separating rotary member and a driving shaft wherein a coefficient of friction of the separating rotary member is set so that relations that &mgr;BC N>T/r, &mgr;BP>&mgr;CP, and T/r>&mgr;CP N>&mgr;PP N may be established among a coefficient of friction &mgr;BC between the feeding rotary member and the separating rotary member, a coefficient of friction &mgr;BP between the feeding rotary member and the sheet, a coefficient of friction &mgr;CP between the separating rotary member and the sheet, a coefficient of friction &mgr;PP between the sheets, a pressure contact force N of the separating rotary member, an idling torque T of the torque limiter and an effective

Abstract: A sheet-position detection device has a stop unit for temporarily stopping a sheet conveyed along a sheet conveying path, and a sheet-position detector for detecting a position of the sheet in a direction transverse to a conveying direction of the sheet during the stop of the sheet. The stop unit includes a pair of rotating members for rotating in order to convey the sheet while grasping the sheet, and a sheet-position detector detects an edge of the sheet parallel to the sheet conveying direction.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes an endless belt for conveying a sheet, at least two stretching shafts arranged to revolvably stretch the endless belt, a rotatable pressing roller arranged to push the stretched endless belt from outside, the sheet being arranged to be conveyed in a state of being pinched between the endless belt and the pressing roller, and springs for pressing the pressing roller so as to make the pressing roller movable in a direction of being pushed to the endless belt and in a direction of being released from being pushed to the endless belt.

Abstract: A sucking hole is formed at a longitudinal groove at a leading end chuck side end of the longitudinal groove. In a clamp of the leading end chuck, a shut-off valve facing the sucking hole is provided at a clamp portion which opposes a leading end of the printing plate. When the longitudinal groove is not covered with the printing plate, a cap portion of the shut-off valve enters the longitudinal groove so as to shut the sucking hole. In this way, negative pressure is supplied only to the longitudinal groove which is covered with the printing plate, and leakage of negative pressure from the sucking holes of the longitudinal grooves not covered by the printing plate is prevented. As a result, desired suction adhesion can be obtained without need for a large-capacity negative pressure source.

Abstract: A methods of and apparatus for playing table card games are provided wherein with multi token maximum level betting and displayed rankings of winning hands return enhanced pay out. A pay table matrix listing has the enhanced payments for ranked hands. The method and apparatus uses and has token acceptors and sensors for each player. The sensors are coupled to a count and computer for registering any maximum level bet that receives enhanced return for predetermined winning card combinations. The apparatus and its method, thus allow each player the opportunity to bet multiple tokens before the cards are dealt and to win enhanced amounts of money should specific predetermined card combinations be obtained.

Abstract: A hydrodynamically lubricating rotary seal for partitioning a lubricant from an environment has a generally circular seal body and sloping, generally opposed projecting static and dynamic sealing lips. The dynamic sealing lip is provided for establishing compressed sealing relation with a relatively rotatable surface, and has a sloping dynamic sealing surface that varies in width, and also has a hydrodynamic inlet curvature that varies in position around the circumference of the seal.

Abstract: In a chain driving engine, in order to uppermost prevent to adhere the rubber made elastic seal member set by inner rim of an opening for chain of a metal gasket used as joint seal which contains three contacting area portion of a chain case and a cylinder block and an underside of cylinder head, the metal gasket is constituting below.

Abstract: A metallic gasket installed between confronting surfaces of engine components is improved in heat conduction between the components so as to reduce the adverse thermal influence to the engine. The metallic gasket used between the confronting surfaces of, for example a cylinder head and a cylinder block is composed of an annular raised portion defining inside a gas hole in alignment with an associated cylinder bore, and a surrounding metallic sheet connected to the annular raised portion. Both the annular raised portion and the surrounding metallic sheet are made of aluminum material to render the heat conduction between the components efficient. Thus the improved gasket can reduce the adverse thermal influence such as thermal deformation, thermal stress, and so on, whether the components are made of different materials or same materials.

Abstract: A gasket-squeeze construction wherein a warp-limiter member is installed in a bolt hole in which a fastening bolt fits. The warp-limiter member is made less in an amount of flex than confronting surfaces, between which the gasket is disposed and squeezed by the tightening of the fastening bolt. The warp-limiter member serves to make the sealing stress uniform around a combustion gas hole. The warp-limiter member installed in the bolt hole, because of tougher to flex than the confronting surfaces when tightening the fastening bolt, makes uniform the clamping force of the fastening bolt and the compressive stress created around the associated bolt hole, moreover dispersing uniformly the sealing stress throughout around the combustion gas hole such as a cylinder bore, thereby rendering variation in distortion in the sealing joint less to improve the sealing performance.

Abstract: A shrinkage device for rapidly shrinking and outshrinking tools, especially hard metal tools, in so-called shrinkage tension chucks using an induction heating coil, wherein a plurality of shrinkage chucks of paramagnetic or ferromagnetic materials can be positioned on a turntable and brought from a position below the induction coil, which can be lowered, into a cooling position.

Abstract: A working apparatus includes a body, an engine, a front axle and a rear axle, the axles each carrying ground engaging wheels or tracks on which the apparatus may move over the ground, the apparatus further including an operator's cab mounted on the body, and there being at least one working arm supported at or adjacent one end on the body at a position for movement relative to the body, the arm being adapted to carry a working implement at or adjacent a second end thereof, and wherein one of the front and rear axles is suspended from the body by suspension means which is adjustable independently of the other axle to raise the body to a fully raised position in which a plane in which an uppermost part of the body lies, is at a maximum height above the ground and a fully lowered position in which the is at a minimum height above the ground.

Abstract: A support device of the type referred to as a slider-creeper for working in confined work areas and particularly for plumbers working on under cabinet piping and comprising a flat body having opposed generally flat upper and lower surfaces with a major supporting stop downwardly extending from a forward portion of the lower body surface such that the working person can lie on the top surface for support.

Abstract: A running board storage device being mounted in conjunction with a land vehicle where the running board storage device can be used as a step to facilitate entry and exit through an access door of the vehicle. The storage device may comprise a drawer which is movable between a retracted position where access into the drawer is prevented and an extended position where access into the drawer is permitted. Also, the storage device could have an entry door arrangement where an upper door and a lower door open simultaneously in a “clamshell” opening arrangement. The storage compartment of the running board can be divided into an upper section and a lower section with elongated members such as skis, pipes and the like being capable of being stored in the upper section. The lower section may optionally include one or more drawers.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for a bicycle. The system directs the rear wheel along a predetermined, S-shaped path as the suspension is compressed. The path is configured to provide a chainstay lengthening effect only at those points where this is needed to counterbalance the pedal inputs of the rider; at those points in the wheel travel path where there is a chainstay lengthening effect, the chain tension which results from the pedal inputs exerts a downward force on the rear wheel, preventing unwanted compression of the suspension. The system employs a dual eccentric crank mechanism mounted adjacent the bottom bracket shell to provide the desired control characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic powered wheelchair pivotable from a sitting position to a standing position with minimal user effort. The pivoting frame assembly includes a rigid horizontally arranged wheel support structure, a single vertical extending member secured to the wheel support structure and centered between the wheels, and a pivoting frame linkage assembly pivotably connected at the upper end of the vertically extending member. A hydraulic jack rests on the wheel support structurs, and is connected at the other end to the seat support members of the pivoting assembly. A user of the wheelchair pivots a lever assembly to raise the jack, and thus raise the chair to the standing position. An electric buzzer system is integrated with the wheelchair, and an alarm informs the operator when the chair has reached the standing position.

Abstract: A boat trailer with an adjustable winch station selectively moveable along the longitudinal axis of the boat trailer and adjustable boat hull support bunks selectively moveable along the lateral axis of the boat trailer to accommodate boats of varying height, length and width, the adjustable winch station is mounted on a quick-release adjustable winch station positioning assembly disposed on a longitudinal member of the boat trailer frame and the adjustable boat hull support bunks are mounted on quick-release adjustable bunk positioning assemblies disposed on lateral members of the boat trailer frame.

Abstract: A detachable gooseneck trailer (20) having a gooseneck (24) and a detachable trailer deck (22) utilizes a trailer attachment assembly (30) to draw the trailer deck (22) toward the gooseneck (24) during attachment. The attachment assembly (30) includes a pivoting carrier (66) having a retainer leg (84) with a rearward facing load carrier engagement surface (90). A slide member (68) is attached to the trailer deck (22) and provides a forward facing slide member engagement surface (94). As actuators (70) pivot the carrier (66) rearward, the load carrier engagement surface (90) slides over the slide member engagement surface (94). A latching mechanism (34) utilizes an elongated latch plate (122) pivotally mounted on the retainer leg (84) to automatically latch the carrier (66) to the trailer deck (22). A latch biasing spring (124) biases the latch plate (122) toward its latched position, so that it automatically engages a catch (126) mounted on the trailer deck.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system comprising at least one movable engaging member that, when engaged, secures a snowboarder's boot from vertical or horizontal movement is disclosed. In one embodiment, a binding system having two active sides is disclosed, allowing a snowboarder to engage the binding by stepping downwardly onto the binding mechanism, thus reversibly forcing tensioned engaging members between an extended and a retracted position and back to an extended position, thereby securing the snowboarder's boot to the upper surface of a snowboard. A preferred embodiment utilizes positioning keys that properly orientate a snowboarder's boot into binding engagement. Other embodiments include snowboard boots having active binding mechanisms positioned on the boot itself, such mechanisms engageable with static members secured to the surface of a snowboard.

Abstract: A retaining device is disclosed for retaining the front end of an associated boot (50) on an associated ski (3). A movable jaw (4) pivots on a base (6) around a vertical axis (7) against the action of an elastic return means (8). The elastic return means (8) includes two actuating arms (10a, 10b), acted upon by an elastic system (11). Each of the actuating arms (10a, 10b) pivots independent of the jaw (4) around a pivot axis (15a, 16b). The jaw (4) cooperates with the actuating arms (10a, 10b) via a driving element (9). The elastic return means (8) is arranged below the front end of the associated boot (50) in back of the transverse plane (T) which passes through the pivot axis (7) of the jaw (4).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable between the vehicle side structure (16) and a vehicle occupant. The device (14) defines an inflatable volume (58) that includes a forward portion (64) and a rearward portion (66). An inflation fluid source (24) is in fluid communication with a fill tube (22) and provides helium inflation fluid for inflating the device (14). The fill tube (22) includes outlet apertures (100) that direct the inflation fluid into the inflatable volume to inflate the device (14) initially to a first pressure and maintain the device inflated above a second pressure for a predetermined time. The inflation fluid directed into the inflatable volume (58) has a temperature and a pressure that are generally the same in the forward and rearward portions (64 and 66) during initial inflation of the device.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to ensure that in an air bag device including a control valve capable of opening and closing a vent hole provided in a retainer, a sufficient opening degree of the control valve can be ensured by use of a small-sized and inexpensive actuator. For this purpose, the control valve for opening and closing the vent hole defined in the retainer supporting an inflator and an air bag in the air bag device is opened and closed by eight valve members each operated by a piezoelectric element serving as an actuator. The plurality of divided valve members of the control valve are used and hence, even if the size of the piezoelectric element for operating each of the valve members is reduced to provide a reduction in cost, a sufficient opening degree of the entire control valve can be ensured.

Abstract: Apparatus for disabling an airbag system for a seating position within a motor vehicle in which occupant sensors are situated adjacent or on a roof above the seat and the presence or absence of an occupant of the seating position is detected using the occupant sensor(s). The airbag system is disabled if the seating position is unoccupied. The position of an occupant is detected if the seating position is occupied and the airbag system is disabled if the occupant's position would result in injury to the occupant greater than any injury resulting from non-deployment. Further, the airbag deployment parameters, e.g., rate of inflation and time of deployment, may be modified based on the occupant's position to adjust inflation of the airbag according to proximity of the occupant to the airbag door.

Abstract: This present invention provides variable deployment performance by controlling the quantity and fluid flow path of the inflator gas into or out of an air bag module according to the present invention. The air bag module includes a slide ring mechanism disposed about an inflator and adjacent at least a portion of a cushion retainer. The slide ring mechanism comprises an annular ring having openings formed therein wherein during rotation of the slide mechanism, the openings of the annular ring align with openings formed in the cushion retainer to define a fluid flow path away from an air bag cushion for venting some of the inflator gas. Preferably, the annular ring is rotated by attaching a pair of tethers to the annular ring and to a rear surface of the air bag cushion.

Abstract: A knee area protection apparatus for the protection of a vehicle occupant is provided which includes a deployment guiding plate and a support plate each having a top transverse edge, a bottom transverse edge, and side edges. The support plate is securable to the vehicle in a lower area of a seat compartment thereof. The knee area protection apparatus also includes retaining bands to retain and guide an air bag sack as it is deployed as well as to retain and guide the deployment guiding plate, which is moved by the deployment of the air bag sack.

Abstract: A structural attachment system for a vehicle is provided. The structural attachment system includes a first structural member and a vehicle component. The structural attachment system also includes an attachment assembly arranged relative to the first structural member and the vehicle component. The attachment assembly is designed and positioned to reinforce a load bearing area and to distribute a load of said vehicle component over said first structural member.

Abstract: A method of enhancing or maintaining a relationship between two persons, including:

Abstract: A flexible pipe joint apparatus for use in a fluid (e.g., water) transport pipe system for maximally absorbing an external force such as a compression or tensile force applied to a pipe of the fluid transport system due to an earthquake, differential settlement, thermal expansion or contraction of the pipe per se, thus preventing resultant damage at a weak portion of the pipe. The apparatus includes a receiving tubular member and an inserting tubular member insertable into and connectable with the receiving tubular member along a tube axial direction. A stopper portion is formed in an outer peripheral face of the inserting tubular member, the stopper portion projecting radially outward from the outer peripheral face.

Abstract: A pumping device has an upright support with a fulcrum at its top. A pendulum beam is pivotally mounted to the fulcrum for pivoting about a horizontal axis. The beam has first and opposite second ends. A U-shaped pipe for containing a liquid such as water, has first and second upturned ends. An overflow pipe and tank and a return pipe and return section receive and hold liquid from the U-shaped pipe. A piston slides in the first end of the U-shaped pipe. The piston is connected to the first end of the pendulum beam for moving up and down with pivoting of the beam. A weight helps force the piston down to push liquid up into the overflow pipe and to the return section. A pair of pivoting, initially spread and weighted wings at the second end of the beam, pivot out to a parallel extended position by the action of a small motor, to increase their effective weight and to thus push down on the second end of the beam for pulling the piston up.

Abstract: A locking device of a closure with a housing, particularly of a laboratory centrifuge, comprising at least one swiveling lever pivotally supported about an axis of rotation in the housing including a projecting guide element, at least one drive to pivot the swiveling lever about the axis of rotation, at least one catch hook supported on the swiveling lever at a spacing from the axis of rotation on a pivot axis which, at a radial spacing from the pivot axis, has a cam segment concentric thereto, into which the guide element of the swiveling lever engages, at least one spring means biasing the catch hook in the closing direction until the guide element bears against a first final stop of the cam segment, and at least one closing edge of the closure adapted to be gripped over on the closure so that if the catch hook is in an opening position and the swiveling lever is pivoted in the closing direction the spring means holds the catch hook with the first final stop on the guide element in order to pivot the catch

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a latch bolt having an open position for releasing a striker in use, and a closed position for retaining a striker in use, and a pawl having a retaining position for retaining the latch bolt in at least its closed position, and a release position for allowing the latch bolt to move between its open and closed positions, a release element having a rest position and an actuated position, a release link having an engaging position and a disengaged position, movement of the release element between its rest position and its activated position causing movement of the release link, movement of the release element from the rest position to the actuated position when the release link is in its engaging position causing the pawl to move to its release position, and movement of the release element from the rest position to the actuated position when the release link is in its disengaged position allowing the pawl to remain in its retaining position, and a locking member having a locked positio

Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly is moveable between an unlocked condition, a locked condition and a double locked condition. The door latch assembly has a support housing with a cover having a projecting block. A cam is rotatably mounted to the cover and includes an integral notch defining a pair of stops for selective engagement with the block. A rocker is movably mounted to the cover for selectively engaging at least one of the stops of the notch within the cam. A first controller rotates the cam into selective engagement with the block and the rocker for defining the unlocked condition and the locked condition, respectively, of the door lock. A second controller rotates the rocker to release the rocker from one of the stops of the notch to allow further rotation of the cam from the locked condition to the double locked condition.

Abstract: A straddle type four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle includes: a body frame having a front end part; a front guard joined to the front end part of the body frame; and a winch unit including an electric winch and a guide roller mechanism for guiding a tow rope. The electric winch and the guide roller mechanism are arranged longitudinally from a rear toward a front in that order in a lower part of a space in the front guard.

Abstract: A crash attenuator for protecting a truck or stationary structure from damage resulting from impact of an object such as a vehicle including a frame mountable to a truck or stationary structure, a bumper having an impact-receiving face adapted to receive an impact from an object in a crash, a movable displacement structure coupled to the frame and interposed between the frame and the bumper and having a first position in which the bumper is relatively distant from the frame and a second position in which the bumper is relatively proximate to the frame, and an energy dissipation system coupled to the displacement structure for dissipating the impact energy of the object into the bumper which causes the displacement structure to be moved from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: A work chucking/inserting apparatus 60 to be used for chucking a work (piston 62) and inserting the work into an insertion hole (cylinder bore) in alignment with the hole, including three or more chuck fingers 65, the chuck fingers 65 being arranged in circumferentially spaced positions and capable of advancing and retreating radially, inner surfaces of the chuck fingers 65 serving as chuck surfaces for chucking the work, and outer surfaces of the chuck fingers 65 being tapered at least at tip end portions thereof so that the closer to the tips, the more inwards the taper, and capable of coming into contact with an inlet of the insertion hole.

Abstract: A power gripper for a machine or robotic tool having a housing provided with a cylinder and piston for actuating a pair of finger carriers slidably mounted on the housing to reciprocate between open and closed positions wherein the range of opening is enhanced for a gripper of a given size. This is attained by the piston rod having a rack portion meshing with an idler pinion that is in meshing relationship with a rack formed on one of the finger carriers whereby the latter is synchronized relative to the movement of the piston. The other finger carrier is pinned to the piston to move therewith. In one form of the invention, a fluid pressure acting on the opposed ends of the piston effects the drive of the piston in either direction. In another form of the invention, a fluid pressure is imparted on one end of the piston only and which piston is spring biased to effect the drive of the piston in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A utility vehicle has a load-carrying platform, a pair of side plates, a gate, a pair of gate locking bolts each capable of engaging the side plate to hold the gate in the closed state, and a pair of handles each connected to the gate locking bolt. The gate locking bolt is axially movable in lateral directions between a locking position and a retracted position, and is biased toward the locking position by a spring. The gate locking bolt is capable of being urged toward the retracted position by the side plate when the gate is turned to be closed. The gate locking bolt is capable of being moved to the retracted position by operating the handle.

Abstract: A cross member in a hybrid motor vehicle construction is arranged between A-columns of a motor vehicle. The cross member has a basic body which is widened in a center area at least on one side and is designed as part of a housing of a heating and/or air conditioning system.

Abstract: A sun visor assembly having a non-expanding adhesive. The sun visor is formed from a substantially flat foundation that is folded unto itself, thereby forming two foundation halves. The non-expanding adhesive, is applied to the foundation of the sun visor, and when the two portions are pressed together, the adhesive also comes into contact with the upholstery cover which is adhered to the peripheral edges of the foundation. The non-expanding adhesive adheres the two portions of the sun visor together, allowing for a sun visor assembly which is flexible enough to bend to accommodate the exertion of pressure thereon, yet rigid enough to function as desired.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly for use as a convertible top is provided. The protective cover assembly includes a flexible cover and an alarm assembly. The flexible cover includes an outer layer of flexible material, an inner layer of flexible material, and at least one layer of tear resistant material interposed between the outer and inner layers. The alarm assembly includes a pair of conductor plates interposed between the outer layer of flexible material and the inner layer of flexible material, a power source, and an alarm system electrically connected to the power source and at least one of the first and second conductor plates such that upon an electrical conducting implement piercing the first conductor plate and contacting the second conductor plate an electrical connection is established between the first conductor plate and the second conductor plate thereby causing the alarm system to emit an alerting signal.

Abstract: A convertible roof for a motor vehicle with a front roof element (3) and a rear roof element (4), which are supported to pivot on the body by a respective lever arrangement and can be deposited in a stowage space (6) which can be covered by a pivotable cover (7) of the stowage space. The front roof element (3) and the rear roof element (4) are deposited essentially in a vertical arrangement in the stowage space (6) for the roof elements. The cover (7) of the stowage space (6) for the roof elements is pivotally mounted on the body and can swing upward out of its cover position with the rear element (4) closed.

Abstract: A lightweight car body energy absorber made of Al alloy which provides a high energy absorption performance. The car body energy absorber comprises a hollow shape 1 with a rectangular sectional profile and a reinforcing shape 2 attached to the front face of the collision plane of the hollow shape, where the hollow shape 1 and the reinforcing shape 2 are aluminum alloy extruded shapes. The reinforcing shape 2 has a hat-shaped open sectional profile, which is composed of a collision wall 6 almost parallel to the collision plane of the hollow shape 1, plural mutually parallel horizontal ribs 7a, 7b and 7c which support the collision wall 6, and vertical flanges 8a, 8b and 8c provided at the tips of these ribs. It is joined to the collision plane of the hollow shape 1 through the vertical flanges 8a, 8b and 8c.