Abstract: A injection molding device for manufacturing golf balls is disclosed. The device includes first and second hemispherical mold halves that form an interior cavity where the injection molding process occurs. A plurality of retractable pins are preferably used to support a core within the mold cavity. The first and second mold halves further include a plurality of subgates. The subgates are connected to a runner system for delivery of a fluid stock material into the void of the cavity. The plurality of subgates includes a first and second set of subgates. The first set of subgates and the second set of subgates enter the respective cavities at an angle between 30 and 40 degrees to the parting line.

Abstract: An apparatus having a single screw extruder and a twin screw extruder. The extruders are designed to operate intermittently in a batch-type process. The single screw extruder contains a plurality of barrel segments with an internal cavity, an inlet and a transfer die located at an outlet. The barrel segments provide processing flexibility in that the L/D ratio of the single screw extruder can be varied to accommodate various materials, fillers and material throughputs. The twin screw extruder includes a body having an internal cavity disposed therein. The body includes an inlet at a first end, an outlet at a second end and an inlet located along the length of the twin screw extruder to accept fiber material (fibers) from a side stuffer. A transfer valve is connected to the outlet of the twin screw extruder. The transfer valve controls the flow of melt from the twin screw extruder into an injection plunger.

Abstract: Mould parts of a mould for vehicle tyres, such as sector matrices in a centripetal mould, are made by sintering of a metal- or ceramic-based powder (3) cyclically deposited in consecutively superposed layers. Deposition of each layer is followed by sintering of the powder by a laser beam (8) moving within previously defined areas delimiting contours of the sintered laminate portion thus obtained. Movement of the laser beam (8) is managed by a programmable electronic control unit (11) in which digital information defining the three-dimensional graphic representation of the mould portion to be obtained is stored. The digital information is processed for dividing the graphic representation into superposed layers corresponding each to one of the laminate portions to be obtained by sintering of the corresponding powder layer. Thus moulds of sintered material are obtained, which are provided with inner microcavities enabling air ejection during the tyre vulcanization.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical shaping apparatus comprising a stage 1 having a light transmitting portion 11, an irradiator 4 disposed below the stage 1, a table 3 disposed above the stage 1 and having a resin supply hole provided with an opening in a rear surface thereof, a lift mechanism 2 for driving the table 2 upward and downward, an optical shaping control unit 8 for controlling the operation of the lift mechanism 2 and the irradiator 4, and a resin supply tank 5 for supplying an uncured resin to the resin supply hole of the table 3. The uncured resin is filled into a space between the table 3 or a cured resin layer formed on the rear surface of the table 3 and the stage 1 to form an uncured resin layer of predetermined thickness, and the resin layer is irradiated with light over a region thereof in conformity with contour line data. The apparatus is shortened in shaping time, simplified in construction and compacted.

Abstract: An optical stereolithographic apparatus performs optical stereolithography by preparing a mask on a light-transmissible member (31) on the basis of data for one layer with respect to optical stereolithography, exposing an unhardened resin layer (96) of photohardenable resin to light through the mask, and repeating an exposure operation. The optical stereolithographic apparatus has an optical system in which the light-transmissible member (31) and the unhardened resin layer (96) are spaced from each other at a predetermined distance, and the unhardened resin layer (96) of the photohardenable resin is subjected to a projection exposure through the mask.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for semi-automatically forming a sheet of material into an article, such as a flower pot cover, is provided. The apparatus includes a male die, a female die, a presence sensing assembly, and a control assembly. The presence sensing assembly is positioned for sensing the presence of an operator in a sheet feeding zone which is located between an operator's station and a zone of operation of the male die and the female die. The control assembly initiates an article forming sequence, wherein the male die and the female die are moved from a discharge position to a forming position to form the article from the sheet of material and subsequently returned to the discharge position, in response to the operator clearing the presence sensing assembly subsequent to the operator breaking the presence sensing assembly while positioning a sheet of material between the male die and the female die via the sheet feeding area.

Abstract: An auger pump for pumping molten magnesium and its alloys from a furnace to a die casting machine, ingot mould, DC caster or the like is disclosed. The pump is comprised of a linearly aligned upper and lower portion. The upper portion is comprised of a housing which is attached to the furnace lid. An inverter duty electric motor is attached to the top of the housing and is controlled by a PLC. The auger shaft runs longitudinally between each portion and is supported in position by guide bearings located in the upper portion. The lower portion comprises a tubular casing which contains a gas inlet aperture and an feeder inlet aperture for drawing the molten magnesium into the pump. The outlet of the pump, a connector, is attached to a heated transfer tube, which conveys the molten magnesium to the mould.

Abstract: The invention is a new automatic door for molten metal holding furnaces, comprising a fixed plate with charging and inspection hole, provided with two supports positioned at the sides of the charging hole and with two vertical wings positioned on the upper part of the plate; two guides with rectangular hole are hinged to the two vertical wings positioned on the upper part of the plate and directed downwards, beyond the lower edge of the charging hole; the closing panel with gasket is equipped with lateral pins that in turn are housed in the rectangular holes of the guides, said pins and guides being suitable for making the closing panel slide along the guides. One or more pressuremechanisms, acting on the lower end of the guides, rotate the guides in such a way as to bring the closing panel in contact with the plate hole and press the panel against the hole or to move it away from the plate. A hydraulic cylinder controls the translation of the closing panel along the guides with rectangular hole.

Abstract: A work holding fixture includes a support frame having a first and a second side member. The first and second side members are connected by a connecting member. Fixed to the first side member is a fixture brake, with a shaft rotatably mounted relative to the first side member. A brake barrel assembly is mounted to one of the first and second side members. The brake barrel assembly has a barrel portion fixed to one of the first and second side members, and has a backing plate rotatably mounted to the one of the first and second members, and is in axial alignment with the fixture brake shaft. The backing plate has a feature which slidably receives a first bracket. The first bracket is configured for attachment to a work piece received by the backing plate. A tail stock assembly, with a drum portion and a bracket guide, is rigidly mounted to the other of the first and second side members. The tail stock assembly slidably receives a second bracket.

Abstract: A separator finger apparatus and method for insertion of a separation finger into and removal from a stream of web product. The unique motion provided by the elements making up the separation finger apparatus permits the separation finger to be mounted close to folding rolls (from which the web product issues) with reduced separation finger-to-folding roll interference. Specifically, the separation finger is manipulated to rotate and translate simultaneously as it is inserted into or removed from the stream of web product. The elements creating the separation finger motion are preferably a pivot arm mounted for rotation about a first axis and a translation member mounted for rotation about a second axis. The pivot arm is preferably rotatably coupled to the separation finger at a third axis. The separation finger is preferably coupled to the translation member for translational or sliding motion therealong.

Abstract: For the horizontal positioning of serially supplied, flat objects (1) to be conveyed onward, the objects (1) are supplied suspended, one of their main surfaces (10) facing downstream and the other main surface (11) facing upstream. Prior to positioning, lower edge zones (13) of the objects (1) are selectively accelerated or retarded relative to the upper edge zones (12), so that the objects (1) are brought into a position inclined relative to the vertical. Thereupon the upper edge zones (12) are released and the objects (1) with the assistance of the force of gravity are positioned on an onward conveying means, selectively either the downstream or the upstream main surface (10 or 11) facing upwards. For retarding, resp., accelerating the lower edge zones (13), for example, a conveyor belt or two conveyor belts adjoining one another is or are utilized, the speed (v.3) of the conveyor belts being adjustable for a conversion from accelerating operation to retarding operation.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing device comprises a feed-in opening through which sheets of paper fed out of a copying machine are supplied, a staple tray on which the sheets of paper to be stapled are stacked, a stapler for stapling the sheets of paper stacked on the staple tray, a feed-out opening for discharging the stapled sheets of paper, and a plurality of paths for transporting the sheets of paper from the feed-in opening, to the staple tray, and further to the feed-out opening. The sheet post-processing device is further characterized in that the feed-in opening is positioned not higher than a position of an upper edge of the post-processing tray and not lower than a position of a lower edge of the post-processing tray. With this arrangement, the sheet post-processing device can be arranged so as to have smaller limitation on positions of the post-processing tray and the feed-in opening in the sheet post-processing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking a predetermined number of X-ray films has a sheet member holding device disposed above a stacking position for temporarily holding at least a first X-ray film, and an actuating device for displacing the sheet member holding device from the stacking position to drop the X-ray film held by the sheet member holding device into the stacking position. The apparatus is capable of stacking a plurality of X-ray films highly accurately and efficiently in the stacking position while avoiding damage to the X-ray films.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game comprises:

Abstract: A game machine played by a player to fish amusement objects. The game machine has a tank containing water. The amusement objects float on water. A fishing member engages one of the amusement objects and fishes the amusement object. The fishing member is lifted to catch the amusement object. A driving mechanism supports the fishing member and vertically moves the fishing member. A forcible object mover forcibly moves the amusement objects on the water surface. A manipulator, which is manipulated by the player, lowers the fishing member with the driving mechanism. A dropping mechanism drops the amusement object when the amusement object is lifted together with the fishing member by the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A game which is played on a matrix having three columns and three rows. Numbers are positioned in at least some of the positions in the matrix. The players may select the numbers in the matrix. A game which has similarities to BINGO or other matrix games, but which is faster and which provides additional variables and player participation is thereby provided.

Abstract: In a poker game, a player places an initial “ante” bet. The player then throws a first set of five poker dice. The dealer than throws two of a second set of poker dice. The player may then proceed with the game by placing a further “call” bet or may withdraw from the game by passing and losing his “ante” bet. If the player continues, the dealer then throws the remaining three of the second set of dice. The game is decided on the value of the hands thrown by the player and the dealer, the higher ranking poker dice hand winning.

Abstract: The invention is an eight-card stud poker game, played with at least one but preferably one standard poker deck of 52 cards. Two or up to seven players may participate in the game. One of the players is the Banker whom other players play against. A Player who is not a Banker may play Poker Bet playing against the Banker's hand and/or one to seven side bets betting on the contents of the Player's own hand. After at least one wager is placed, each Player and the Banker are each dealt seven cards and one community card. From their own seven dealt cards and the community card, every Player and the Banker each selects and keeps his best 5-card poker hand and discards three other cards. To win a Poker Bet wager, a Player's best 5-card poker hand must rank higher than the Banker's best 5-card poker hand. To win a side-bet wager, a Player's best 5-card poker hand must be one of the predetermined winning hands of the type of the side bet he bets on.

Abstract: Reusable sleeve closures comprising a flexible thin sleeve of film grade plastic which seals the nozzle of a partially used sealant, mastic or caulk-dispensing cartridge or squeeze tube to substantially retard the hardening of the remaining tube contents. The plastic film provides a vapor barrier against exit of water or organic solvent from the sealant composition, and/or retards diffusion of oxygen that could cause the composition to set. The film is preferably somewhat stretchable and without creep over time, so that the sleeve provides an extremely tight seal for a substantial distance along the nozzle, e.g. film grade polyolefin or polyvinylidene chloride copolymer plastic film. The sleeve length is preferably long enough to provide a head space for a visual and tactile indicator of content condition. Sleeves may be packaged with the cartridge, or provided after-market. A 4-mil film polyolefin sleeve preserves water-based acrylic caulk over 9 months.

Abstract: A piston ring assembly includes a piston, and at least one piston ring positioned within a piston groove. Stabilization and support of the piston is provided by a support arrangement, including at least one support member positioned radially between a back wall of the ring groove and the piston ring. The support arrangement desirably acts to accommodate transverse loads exerted upon the piston during normal operation, and can optionally be configured for enhanced sealing of gasses.

Abstract: Elongate cylinder head gasket for a multicylinder engine comprising a chain case, with a chain case part which is to be mounted following clamping of the gasket and is guided for displacement parallel to the plane of the gasket; in order that the cylinder head gasket will not be damaged at its one narrow side when inserting this chain case part, the outer edge area of a center narrow side portion on this narrow side is bent out of the plane of the gasket, more particularly, in a direction which points away from the chain case part which is to be inserted.

Abstract: Flat gasket for sealing a sealing gap between sealing surfaces of machine components which are pressable against the flat gasket, the flat gasket having a gasket plate formed by several sheet metal layers and provided with at least one elastomeric sealing element in an area serving to seal a sealing gap area in which the component sealing surfaces lead to a locally varying sealing surface pressure at the flat gasket, the sealing element being arranged on a first one of the sheet metal layers and, in the mounted state of the flat gasket, extending through a cutout in a second sheet metal layer forming a first one of the main surfaces of the gasket plate; in order that the sealing element can already be applied by the gasket manufacturer, but, nevertheless, is protected against damage in the course of assembly of the machine components, the gasket is so designed that the sealing element is in the form of a sealing element formed from a material which is applied to the first sheet metal layer and is curable in s

Abstract: The invention relates to the application of a projection to a metal layer of a metallic cylinder-head gasket for an internal-combustion engine having at least one elastic metal sheet, which is provided with one opening or a plurality of adjacent openings depending on the number of combustion chambers of the internal-combustion engine, a bead being provided in the at least one elastic metal sheet around each opening, at a distance from the latter, so that a straight section of sheet metal is left clear in the region of the edge of the opening, for which bead a spring travel limiter or stopper, which runs coaxially with respect to the bead and is formed by the projection, is provided, the projection being produced from a mixture which contains a plastic with a high mineral filler content. A mixture of an elastomer in particular with a filler which has been surface-treated by means of a silane is used.

Abstract: A sealing head for an inductive cap sealing apparatus includes a outer housing containing a coil bobbin supporting a wire coil wound about a magnetic isolator. The coil bobbin and the magnetic isolator can be axially repositioned independently to vary the magnetic field with respect to a container being sealed placed below the sealing head. The housing has a pair of axial apertures containing spring and push rod assemblies connected to a cap plate. The cap plate is spring loaded away from the outer housing so as to clamp the cap and/or seal against the container being sealed.

Abstract: A chuck comprises: a chuck body attached to a spindle of a machine tool; master jaws attached to the chuck body along the normal of the chuck body and formed with T-shaped grooves extending along the length thereof; T nuts having tops and trunks, the tops being slidably fitted in the T-shaped grooves of the master jaws; gripping claws having work holding surfaces and grooves for engagement with the trunks of the T nuts; and eccentric shafts inserted into holes formed across the T nuts and the gripping claws and used for attaching the gripping claws to the T nuts. The holes extend across the T nuts and the gripping claws which are engaged with one another. The gripping claws have large reshaping margins at work holding surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A truck assembly for a roller board which permits the user to simulate the effects of snow boarding or surfing through adjustments made to the plane in which the axle of the board extends. The present invention provides several types of nobules which may be mounted to the bottom surface of a board and which securely receive a curved axle therein. The nobule each include a curved, elongated slot which permits rotation of the nobule relative to the board, thereby twisting the axle a corresponding amount. When the axle twists, the plane in which it extends changes a corresponding amount relative to the board which, in effect, changes the responsiveness of the board so as to simulate the feel of traditional skate boarding, surfing, or snow boarding.

Abstract: The rolling walker with load assuring feedback disclosed herein provides unique features to benefit the recovery of convalescing patients with lower extremity or hip injury. Ensuring that the prescribed reduction in weight-bearing is occurring during walker ambulation is the goal of the walker disclosed herein. The walker is based on a rear-entry, four-wheeled design. The walker handles are loaded during usage to relieve stress from the injured body part. To give direct feedback to the user as to the adequateness of the applied handle loading, spring-loaded pistons allow the handles to reach a stable horizontal position only when adequate handle loading is produced. The load that is required to depress the handles to a horizontal position can be easily calibrated to match the prescribed weight removal through adjustment of the vertical position of the spring base.

Abstract: A saddle type vehicle for attaining an appropriate weight distribution and a low centroid position. Suspension mechanisms are each composed of an upper arm and lower arms, the upper and lower arms being disposed in vertically spaced positions. A shock absorber is interposed between the upper arm and a body frame. A stabilizer is disposed between both suspension mechanisms. A lower end of the shock absorber is pivotably connected to the front-side lower arm, while an upper end of the shock absorber is pivotably connected to an inside position in the vehicular transverse direction of the body frame.

Abstract: The invention provides a wheel suspension for a vehicle, wherein both a right wheel and a left wheel are carried by a linkage having a first end section and a second end section. The first end section is connected to the vehicle on the opposite side of the vehicle in relation to the respective wheel, and the second end section is likewise connected to its respective wheel. The invention is particularly significant in that the linkages are substantially U-shaped. Each linkage has two legs which are mainly parallel and extend in a substantially transverse direction of the vehicle. The free ends of the linkages constitute the first end section. The linkages also have a closed section connecting the legs. This closed section constitutes the second end section, whereby an open space is defined between the legs of each linkage. At least one leg on one of the linkages extends into the open space between the legs of the other linkage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bicycle having a driving force transmitting mechanism with oscillating fulcrum point. A sliding part is provided with a dust cover or a brush to prevent dust and the like from being entered therein and to remove the dust, if entered, therefrom. When a rider steps on the pedals alternatively, force of the pedal levers generated by the oscillation of the pedal levers is transmitted to the sprocket through the crank lever. When the pedal levers oscillate, an oscillating fulcrum point of the pedal lever is moved in a lateral direction within the sliding part. The rotating force of the sprocket is transmitted to the rear wheel through a chain. Even if the locus Q of motion of the pedal is different in the first half period (a stepping-on period) and the second half period (a stepping-up period), a smooth movement of the pedal is assured. Such a smooth movement can be kept enough by the dust cover.

Abstract: A children's cycle comprising frames, wheels under the frames and a push-handle connected with the frames. The push-handle is arcuate in shape and movably connected with the frames. The push-handle may be turned down to the underside of the cycle body with its arcuate concave facing upward so that the cycle body is supported by the push-handle. The push-handle may be used for pushing or pulling the cycle, and may be turned down to the underside of the cycle body for rocking the cycle forward and backward.

Abstract: A system for controlling gear shifting in a transmission of a cycle, includes at least one gear wheel or sprocket on which a transmission element is engaged to perform transmission of motion as a result of movement in a predetermined direction. The gear shifting is carried out by changing the position of engagement of the transmission member with respect to the at least one gear wheel or sprocket. The system further includes at least one sensor for detecting the movement in corresponding direction of movement of the motion transmitting element for generating a signal and a control unit for controlling the change of the position of the element for transmitting motion with respect to the at least one gear wheel or sprocket when the signal indicates that the element for transmitting motion is moving in the given direction.

Abstract: An improved type of storage compartment and display location for a small vehicle such as a motor scooter. The handlebar cover is formed with a recess which forms at the front thereof a storage compartment where small articles can be stored and at the rear thereof an area where the display can be mounted. This permits mounting of the display from above and places it closer to the rider so that it can be more easily viewed.

Abstract: An element for retaining the rear of a boot, including a slide, a body with a movable retaining jaw and a return spring, a latch for retaining the body. The spring is connected to the latch by a connecting rod whose rear end includes a bend inserted between the rear end of the spring and the rear wall of the cavity, whose front end has a connecting hook provided to be connected to the latch, and a hooking tip oriented rearwardly which is engaged on an edge located at the front of the body.

Abstract: Step-in snowboard binding designed to hold a boot by its sides. The binding comprises at least one jaw (2) secured to a driving arm (9) intended to be driven by the boot. The jaw has a cam-shaped part (9) collaborating with a locking element (12) which can move in a guide (13) in such a way that the jaw is locked for various positions of the jaw. The jaw (2) is equipped with a return spring which tends to keep it in the open position, and the jaw and the locking element cooperate to keep the locking element away from its locking position when the jaw is raised. In this way, the jaw cannot be closed inadvertently and the locking element does not hamper the closure movement. The binding is equipped with an indicator (76) which indicates whether the jaw is in the locked position.

Abstract: Occupant protection system for protecting one or more occupants of a vehicle including a deployable occupant protection device arranged on at least one of the seats, a deployment determining unit which generates a signal indicative of whether deployment of the occupant protection device is desired, and an electrical bus extending into the seat and electrically coupling the occupant protection device and the deployment determining unit. The signal from the deployment determining unit is sent over the bus to the occupant protection device to enable deployment thereof. The occupant protection device may include an airbag module having an airbag and be arranged at a rear of the seat to be deployable rearward for protecting an occupant situated behind the seat. The deployment determining unit preferably includes a crash sensor coupled to the bus for sensing a crash event and providing a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module for motor vehicles, comprising a housing for an inflatable airbag and a gas generator, with the gas generator being coupled to the housing without securing means via at least one elastic and/or oscillation damping coupling member.

Abstract: An improved automotive occupancy sensor (AOS) system comprising a linear or spaced array of ultrasound (US) transducers mounted adjacent the headliner of a vehicle to direct an array of US beams to define a preselected occupancy zone adjacent a seat of the vehicle. The AOS electronics may be integrally packaged with the transducer array and flush mounted within the headliner. The array permits occupancy state to be determined by a AOS classification algorithm and method using only or US echo range data, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the system, improving speed and simplifying calibration.

Abstract: An air bag device with improved initial restraining capability includes an inflator that provides for shortening the starting time for rising the pressure of an airbag and also the time required for the pressure to reach the maximum value. The inflator includes a propellant, an igniter for igniting the propellant, a combustion chamber in which the propellant is burned, a filter chamber in which a filter is accommodated, a partition separating the combustion chamber and the filter chamber, communication orifices formed in the partition for allowing the communication between the combustion chamber and the filter chamber, and gas ports for supplying inflating gas into an airbag, and further comprises aluminum films which are broken and open the communication orifices at a predetermined pressure inside the combustion chamber and air-tightly close the communication orifices until the pressure reaches the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module, in particular side gas bag module for vehicle occupant restraint systems. The gas bag module comprises at least a first fabric layer which is made of interwoven weft threads and warp threads and which forms a wall of a gas bag. The gas bag module further comprises a gas lance which is provided with openings for an inflow of a gas into the gas bag and at least a second fabric layer. The second fabric layer is disposed in the area of the openings and is formed by part of the weft threads of the first fabric layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for steering a motor vehicle having at least one steerable wheel. The device comprises at least one steering means to be actuated by a driver of the vehicle. The steering means is coupled electrically with the at least one steerable wheel of the motor vehicle for a transmission of steering signals. A drive is provided for a vertical adjustment of the steering means, which drive moves the steering means downwards in the case of an accident.

Abstract: A vibratory roller R comprises a pair of rolls 5 axially supported at both sides of a body 1 in a cantilevered fashion, a pair of vibration generating devices 6 for vibrating each of the rolls 5, a pair of vibrating motors 7 for driving each of the vibration generating devices 6 and a pair of roll-driving motors 8 for rotating each of the rolls 5. The rolls 5 are connected to each other through the roll-driving motors 8 and by a connecting member 29, and the connecting member 29 is attached to the body 1 through vibration isolating members 30. The vibratory roller R enables a compacting operation with both rolls 5 vibrating simultaneously, and the service life of the vibration isolating members 30 can be extended.

Abstract: Advertising materials are provided for cooperative promotions. The materials consist of a set of coupons and a promotional piece or flare. Each coupon includes a back face with award structure information printed thereon and a front face with product advertising printed thereon. Each coupon entitles its purchaser to a substantial discount on a product, which discount exceeds the purchase price of the coupon. Multiple break-open windows are formed in the coupon and are movable between closed and open positions respectively concealing and revealing outcome-determining indicia. The indicia comprise symbol combinations and identify respective coupons as either losers or winners entitled to pre-determined awards. A cooperative promotional method utilizing the advertising materials is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved coupler and method for fusing profile wall thermoplastic pipe in a manner to form a substantially flush joint are disclosed. The improved coupler is preferably configured to be inserted between the inner and outer walls of each of the pipes being joined. The improved coupler preferably has a radial thickness that is less than the radial dimension of the gap or channel that is formed between the inner and outer walls of the pipes being joined and is preferably configured and adapted to have an annular interference fit with one of either the inner or outer walls of such pipe ends. Electrofusion is preferably used to heat-fuse the improved coupler to each of the pipes to create a strong, leak-proof joint between the two pipes.

Abstract: A coupling for interconnecting tubular elements arranged at right angles, comprising a plastics element which is inserted axially with interference at an end of a first tubular element; a screw being inserted transversely in a corresponding hole provided in a second tubular element and engaging axially the plastics element, so as to provide a T-shaped coupling between the first and second tubular elements.

Abstract: A quick connector includes a housing assembly for receiving one end of a conduit with an enlarged annular flange and a retainer for locking the conduit in the housing assembly. The housing assembly includes first and second housings which are rotatably and non-axially displaceably interconnected. A rigid top hat is fixedly mounted in the bore in the first housing to prevent axial displacement of the first and second housings. An annular recess in the top hat receives the flange on the conduit. The housings can also be incrementally indexable ribs on a stem of one housing fixedly and non-rotatingly engage an inner surface of a flexible conduit.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle of the present invention, an engine EG is subjected to feedback control to attain a target revolving speed NE*. In the case of malfunction of an inverter P1 for a generator GN, operation of the inverter P1 is stopped. When the generator GN is driven to rotate at a predetermined rotational speed, a counter electromotive force arises in a multiphase phase coil of the generator GN. When a motor MG is connected to the generator GN as a loading, electric current runs via a protection diode of the inverter P1 to implement power generation by the generator GN. The electric power generated by the generator GN is directly consumed by the motor MG. This arrangement enables the quantity of power generation to balance the quantity of consumption. Here the revolving speed of the engine EG is varied according to the loading applied to the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock with a drive mechanism and an assigned actuating element for moving a detent pawl, the drive mechanism being coupled to the detent pawl via a coupling mechanism. Good functionality and high fault tolerance are achieved by the coupling mechanism being coupled only when the inside handle and/or the outside handle assigned to the motor vehicle door lock is actuated.

Abstract: A sports ball retrieval and dispensing device includes a ball retrieving and dispensing receptacle and a handle constructed of respective pluralities of separate parts having respective assembled conditions in which the receptacle parts are mounted to one another and the handle parts are mounted to one another and coupled to the assembled receptacle so as to enable use of the device in ball retrieving and dispensing modes of operation. The receptacle and/or handle also are convertible to respective disassembled conditions in which at least some receptacle parts are taken apart from one another and/or at least some handle parts are taken apart from one another such that the device occupies a reduced volume of space so as to enable packaging and shipping of the device.

Abstract: A testing tool having a handle with an attached tool head. The tool head has a branch rising upward from the handle and two branches extending perpendicularly from the handle. The perpendicular branches contain specific features that allow for the tool to be used in a more efficient manner. The tool head extends upward from the perpendicular branches and curves in a 90-degree manner outward from the perpendicular branches. The curved branch contains a raised square area on the end of the curved section. The raised section contains a tapered object that tapers in circumference from the top (wider) through the raised section to the bottom (narrower) of the raised area. The tool can be used with or without an extendable assembly as needed to perform the specified functions.