Abstract: The present invention provides a redundant prime mover system to drive a machine having an engine coupled to the machine, and a motor/generator coupled to the machine and an electrical network connection. The engine and the motor/generator have three or four operating modes. The first operating mode drives the machine with the engine. The second operating mode drives the machine with the motor/generator. The third operating mode drives the machine and the motor/generator with the engine such that the motor/generator generates electricity for delivery to the electrical network connection. Alternatively, the third operating mode drives the machine with both the engine and the motor/generator. This alternate operating mode can also be included as a fourth operating mode.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing the idling speed of an engine of a motor vehicle from a normal idle speed level to a higher preselected maximum idle speed level in response to a low output voltage from a power generating system of the engine and vehicle is disclosed for the purpose of preventing a severe discharge of a storage battery of the system to prevent disruption of engine ignition and reduced effectiveness of vehicle electrical components and to increase the service life of the battery and an electrical alternator of the system. The device can be operated in conjunction with or as a part of an conventional electronic control module (ECM) of the vehicle to take over control of the idle speed of the engine when a predetermined low output voltage of the system is sensed.

Abstract: A turbine-electric generator-battery/storage assembly mounted on any surface of ,or in, any device in motion to capture the fluid medium “winds” generated by said motion, to spin said turbine. The turbine, in turn, spins an electric generator that transmits its electricity to a storage device/battery that in turn is connected to a plug-mold for downloading to an inverter, into the power grid. The inverter can be part of, or separate from, this assembly, and battery can be removed and plug-mold used for a direct power source.

Abstract: A closing device for doors, hatches, and similar closures of motor vehicles is provided which includes an electric motor as the drive device and a transmission device for transmitting a driving force to a sliding block of the closing device. The transmission device is a compression/tension cable which controls the opening and closing process of the closing device via the linear motion of the sliding block of a lock. The position of the sliding block controls the opening and closing state of the lock relative to a closing lever and a locking lever which are pivotally supported spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for locking at least two protective doors of an industrial machine, in particular an injection molding machine, with a momentary contact switch, a sensor device for recognizing a closed state of the protective doors and a mechanical lock with an actuator that engages with an associated receiving device on one door. At least one non-energizable actuator is provided that engages with a receiving device associated with another protective door. In this way, several protective doors can be locked simultaneously, in particular a closing door and a discharge door of an injection molding machine.

Abstract: A door release and engagement mechanism for a vehicle comprising a combined inside release and door pull handle and a latch operably connected thereto, wherein the mechanism is so constructed and arranged as to disable the operable connection when the door is ajar and/or unlatched so as to prevent the latch from being mis-set prior to subsequent re-closure of the door.

Abstract: A resin bracket comprising a mount portion mounted to a member being mounted and an extending portion extended from the mount portion, wherein a ball joint with a substantially spherical-shaped portion is provided integrally on the extending portion. An opening/shutting mechanism having two resin brackets, wherein each of brackets is mounted members being mounted to be opened and closed.

Abstract: An improved astragal assembly for double door entryways includes an extruded aluminum frame into which upper and lower flush bolt assemblies are slidably disposed. The flush bolt assemblies include a relatively long metal bolt about which is injection overmolded a series of retainer guides, which ride in the frame. Locking mechanisms are also integrally overmolded onto the bolts. The frame and all components of the astragal assembly are symmetrical and reversible so that the assembly is non-handed; that is, it can be adapted to both a right hand swing and a left-hand swing inactive door. A unique strike plate mounting system and bottom-sealing block are provided and the upper end of the assembly includes means for sealing against the stop of a head jamb. Drafts at the upper and lower inside corners of the doors of a double door entryway are thus prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bumper bar (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising front (4) and rear (6) walls and an intermediate web (14) extending from the front wall to the rear wall so as to form with the latter an “H”-shaped section. The web has an undulating shape in cross section.

Abstract: A tailgate limiter for restricting a pickup truck tailgate from being opened. A vertical post is removably mounted in a base which is mounted to the truck. The post impedes the tailgate from opening, thereby preventing theft of objects in the truck bed.

Abstract: An end-effector includes multiple vortex chucks for supporting a wafer. Vortex chucks are located along the periphery of the end-effector to help prevent a flexible wafer from curling. The end-effector has limiters to restrict the lateral movement of a supported wafer. In one example, the end-effector has a detector for detecting the presence of a wafer. The detector is mounted at a shallow angle to allow the end-effector to be positioned close to a wafer to be picked-up, thereby allowing detection of deformed wafers contained in a wafer cassette. The shallow angle of the detector also minimizes the thickness of the end-effector. Also disclosed is a wafer station with features similar to that of the end-effector.

Abstract: A load suspension device (1), which is attachable to a hoisting cable, has a holding recess (30), which is closable by a shackle (11) on a carrier (2), for accommodating a sling means. The shackle (11) is lockable by a lock (22), which is actuated in the locking direction by a spring-loaded piston (4) guided in a hydraulic cylinder when the load is lifted. In this case, both cylindrical chambers are connected by gap between cylinder and piston (4), released by a lip seal (6) of the piston (4) which only acts in one direction. For returning the piston (4) to release the shackle (11) by the lock (22) to deposit the load, the cylindrical chambers are connected via a line (12, 13), whose flow is controllable. Advantageous embodiments of the flow control of the line (12, 13) via a remote control device and of the load suspender (1) are indicated.

Abstract: A system for handling stiff but flexible discs, particularly semiconductor wafers, including fail safe mechanisms that prevent the disc from being dropped if power to the unit is interrupted. Also, the electronics controlling operation resumes functioning at the point in the operation cycle existing when power was interrupted. A wafer hand assembly member is slipped under a wafer, or between parallel stacked but spaced wafers, and one or more fingers are rotated 90° to a position perpendicular to the plane of the stiff hand assembly member. The hand assembly also has one or more posts positioned perpendicular to the surface of the hand assembly. The finger(s) and post(s)or rear barrier constitute three upright projections or points forming the corners of a triangle with the wafer to be grasped there between.

Abstract: A system for handling stiff but flexible discs, particularly semiconductor wafers, including fail safe mechanisms that prevent the disc from being dropped if power to the unit is interrupted. Also, the electronics controlling operation resumes functioning at the point in the operation cycle existing when power was interrupted. A wafer hand assembly member is slipped under a wafer, or between parallel stacked but spaced wafers, and one or more fingers are rotated 90° to a position perpendicular to the plane of the stiff hand assembly member. The hand assembly also has one or more posts positioned perpendicular to the surface of the hand assembly. The finger(s) and post(s)or rear barrier constitute three upright projections or points forming the corners of a triangle with the wafer to be grasped there between.

Abstract: Apparatus for keeping hot and for transporting prepared dishes, in particular pizzas, from the producer to the consumer, using a motor vehicle equipped with a thermally insulated container, which in its lower portion is provided with a heat exchanger using which the heat supplied by an external source is transmitted to the air in the container by heat conduction and radiation, characterised in that the container is laid out as an essentially square box at the bottom of which the heat exchanger is incorporated. One of the four lateral walls of the box is linked to the box, forming a door which is sealed and gives access to the container. The other three lateral walls and the top cover of the box are laid out as double walls enclosing air interspaces, which on their sides are all mutually interconnected and towards the front, towards the access door, are connected to the inner chamber of the container.

Abstract: A removable console system includes a removable console having a front end, a rear end, a first side and a second side. A pair of support rails are adapted to support the removable console and to allow sliding movement of the removable console on the support of rails. The removable console includes support surfaces extending outward from opposing sides of the removable console which are adapted to engage the support rails to support the removable console on the support rails. The removable console further includes at least one latching mechanism for securing the removable console to the support rails.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is pivotally attached to the housing at a pivot axis. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position, wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. The control panel further including one of a detent mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel in one of the first and second positions, a spring mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel towards one of the first and second positions, and a damper mechanism to dampen the motion of the panel during movement of the panel between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A pickup bed liner having a base panel, a pair of opposed side walls, the liner being adapted to be received in the interior of a pickup bed, the side walls having an upper edge receivable between the outer panel of the pickup bed and an inner lip extending from an upper rim of the outer side wall of the pickup bed.

Abstract: The invention is based on a fastening for a wiper mount (36) at at least three fastening points (38, 40, 42) on a vehicle body (44) by means of elastic bearings (48), wherein the first and second fastening point (38, 40) are disposed in the vicinity of wiper bearings (30, 32, 34) and the third fastening point (42) is disposed near a wiper motor (10), and the third fastening point (42) is adjustable such that the wiper mount (36) can be tilted about an imaginary axis through the first and second fastening points (38, 40).

Abstract: An arm assembly for a cover of a truck comprises a base, an intermediate segment, and an extension. The base is pivotably connected to the truck proximate a top of a cab of the truck. The intermediate segment is pivotably connected to the base, and the extension is connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the intermediate segment.

Abstract: An assembly for selectively rolling and unrolling a tarpaulin so as to correspondingly uncover and tautly cover a top opening of an open-topped container. The assembly includes a rolling rod secured to the tarpaulin adjacent 5 an edge thereof. The rolling rod is operatively mounted over the top opening to roll up the tarpaulin therearound so as to uncover the top opening when rotated about the rod longitudinal axis towards a first container side wall in a first rod rotational direction. The rolling rod being also operatively mounted over the top opening to unroll the tarpaulin so as to cover the top opening when rotated about the rod longitudinal axis towards the second container side wall in a second rod rotational direction. The assembly also includes a winch drum attached to the rolling rod adjacent one of the rod longitudinal ends so as to rotate solidarly therewith.

Abstract: A top for a convertible vehicle, including a roof frame extending from a rear region of the convertible vehicle as far as a windshield arranged between A-pillars of the convertible vehicle in a closed state of the top. The roof frame includes at least one rear frame piece, a central frame piece connected in an articulated manner to the rear frame piece, and a front frame piece. The top also includes a front element and a cover of the top fixed to the front element. The front frame piece is connected in an articulated manner directly to the central frame piece, and the front element is connected pivotably with respect to the front frame piece to the front frame piece.

Abstract: A top mechanism for a convertible vehicle includes a rear region of the convertible vehicle arranged behind a passenger compartment and is configured to receive a top, in an opened state of the top. The top mechanism also includes a rear element at least partially covering the rear region in a closed state of the top. The top mechanism also includes a covering element, and at least one rear roof part. The covering element, in a first position associated with a closed state of the top, is adjacent at one end to a boundary of the passenger compartment and is adjacent at the other end to the rear roof part. The covering element is movable to a second position for providing a movement space for the top, and is moveable to a third position associated with an opened state of the top, in which the covering element is adjacent at one end to the boundary of the passenger compartment and is adjacent at the other end to the rear element.

Abstract: In a folding convertible roof for a vehicle which roof is movable between a closed position, in which it covers the interior of the vehicle, and an storage position, in which it is folded into a storage compartment behind the vehicle interior the folding roof includes a roof support structure with a roof material and side support elements extending at opposite sides of the roof and being mounted each on a pivot member which is pivotably and tiltably supported and coupled to the actuating element capable of pivoting and tilting the pivot member while opening or closing said roof for transferring the side support element between the closed position, in which it extends longitudinally along a side of the roof and a transverse storage position.

Abstract: A cover for a foldable convertible top has a highly stretchable outer foil having an inner face, and a foam-plastic core layer bonded over the entire bonding-foil inner face and itself having an inner face. The outer foil can be a one-piece slush-molded foil or it can be highly stretchable and a thin thermoplastic bonding foil can be provided between the outer foil and the core layer.

Abstract: In a removable vehicle roof including an operating mechanism for moving the roof between a closed position in which the vehicle roof covers an interior vehicle space and a storage position in which the vehicle roof is deposited in a rear storage compartment, the operating mechanism includes operating and coupling arms which are pivotable relative to each other and provided with locking means for locking the vehicle roof in position in the storage compartment and also for rigidly interconnecting the operating and coupling arms when the vehicle roof is in a closed position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing having a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing. The panel defines first and second sides, wherein the first side generally defines a first plane which is at an acute angle relative to a plane defined by the second side. The panel is movable between first and second positions, wherein at least a portion of the panel is disposed in the recess when the panel is in the first position. A first control mechanism is mounted on the first side of the panel.

Abstract: A control panel assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to said the housing. A control mechanism is mounted on the panel. The panel is movable between a first position in which the panel generally covers the recess, and a second position in which the recess is exposed. The panel is releasably locked in the first position by a latch mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: A floating bracket has a flexible interface between a vehicle body panel and a vehicle. The floating bracket is slidably interfaced with a vehicle body panel. The floating bracket is rigidly fixed to a point on the vehicle. The floating bracket enables expansion or contraction of the vehicle body panel to take place. Accordingly the vehicle body panel may slide with respect to the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle body panel is free to move yet is still fixedly attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: An structural reinforcement system for use with hydroforms and other closed forms having a plurality of members designed to be secured to a closed form, such as an hydroform tube used in automotive applications. A bonding material, such as an epoxy-based reinforcing foam, is disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of each of the plurality of members. Once the system is attached to the closed form, the foam expands and cures during an automobile assembly operation, bonding the reinforcement system to the hydroform tube and the members. As a result, the reinforcement system provides enhanced load distribution over the vehicle frame without adding excessive weight and further serves to reduce noise and vibrational characteristics of the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A fender structure of a motor vehicle. A fender includes a vertical wall portion, a mounting portion adapted to be mounted on an apron upper member of the vehicle, and an inclined portion formed between the vertical wall and the mounting portion, the inclined portion extending downward and inward as viewed in a width direction of the vehicle. The fender structure also includes first ribs formed on a lower surface of the inclined portion of the fender such that the first ribs face the apron upper member, fragile portions formed at a boundary between the vertical wall portion and the inclined portion, and second ribs formed on a portion of the vertical wall portion of the fender which is located above the apron upper member so as to extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tensional support arrangement includes a pair of guiding holders rotatably connected to back supporting frame legs respectively and a pair of side supporting arms, which are positioned at two outer sides of a chair frame, each has a support portion pivotally connected to the respective front joint at a front end thereof and a guiding portion slidably connected to the respective guiding holder, wherein two side edge portions of a seat fabric are substantially supported by the support portions of the side supporting arms respectively. Therefore, the tensional support arrangement is capable of substantially increasing the supporting area of the fabric seat to more evenly distribute and support the downward pulling force and stress applied by the user's weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seat assembly supported by a seat frame that includes a seat cushion, an upwardly extending back cushion, a seat repositioning device, and an actuation mechanism that repositions the seat cushion. In one embodiment, an airbag is disposed beneath a seatpan such that inflation raises a forward portion of both the seatpan and seat cushion. Inflation of the airbag is in response to a sensor detecting the rapid deceleration of the vehicle. The seatpan is attached to each respective armrest of the seat frame at a hinge point that permits the seatpan to rotate upwardly. A seatbelt cinching mechanism is attached to the seatpan such that upward rotation of the seatpan pulls the cinching mechanism around an idler pulley, and thereby increases seatbelt tension. In a second embodiment, an airbag inflates through an opening in the seat cushion and above a forward portion of the seat cushion. In a third embodiment, the airbag is substituted with a gas activated cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to seat and backrest arrangements in seat furniture, in particular office chairs, which comprise a seat plate, a seat-plate support and a backrest support and in which the seat plate (1), in the region of its front, knee-side edge (2), is connected moveably to the seat-plate support (3) and, in the region of its rear edge (5), is connected moveably to the backrest support (6), the backrest support (6) being coupled displaceably to the seat-plate support (3). The seat and backrest arrangements according to the invention are characterized in that a spring means (4) for cushioning the seat plate (1) and the backrest support (6) is arranged in the region of the front, knee-side edge (2) of the seat plate (1)—between the seat plate (1) and seat-plate support (3).

Abstract: A synchrotilt mechanism for a chair to provide improved control over the relative but synchronized tilting of the back and seat during tilting. The chair back is supported on a rigid upright assembly including lower lever arms which project under the chair seat and are coupled at forward ends to a horizontal tilt shaft which is disposed under the front of the chair seat and is supported on a control housing fixed to the upper end of the base pedestal. A tension control mechanism is coupled between the tilt shaft and the control housing for normally urging the upright arrangement, and the chair back, into an upright position. The chair seat is movably supported on the lower lever arms by a support arrangement which permits the chair seat to pivot relative to the upright assembly about a generally transverse horizontal axis which is preferably slightly below the upper surface of the seat when the latter is in a nondeformed condition, i.e., the seat is not occupied.

Abstract: A seat frame recliner mechanism includes a cylindrical element defining an inner surface with gear teeth, a journal contact area, and a notch formed in a radially extending surface. The cylindrical element, including the gear teeth, the journal contact area, and the notch are formed as an integral unit to prevent false latching. A conically shaped element has an outer surface with mating gear teeth and a mating journal contact area. A tab is positioned to be received within the notch for limiting and defining reclining movements. The conically shaped element is movable axially inward into a locked orientation with the gear teeth of the elements engaging for inhibiting relative movement of a back portion and a seat portion, and movable axially outward to an unlocked orientation with the gear teeth of the elements disengaged for permitting relative movement of the back and seat portions.

Abstract: A joint fitting for a vehicle seat with a forward tiltable seat back. The joint fitting has a first fitting part, a second fitting part and a pivot joint pivotally joining these two fitting parts. A locking cam is hinged to the first fitting part and is pivotal about a cam axle, the locking cam has a first end region located in proximity to the cam axle and a second end region. A locking bight is configured on the second fitting part and is provided with a first locking side and with a facing second locking side, the distance between these locking sides matching the distance between the two end regions. An actuation device acts on the locking cam at a distance from the cam axle so that the locking cam may be moved from a locking position into a release position. In the locking position, the first end region of the locking cam abuts on the first locking side and the second end region of the locking cam abuts on the second locking side.

Abstract: A connector for a wooden backrest of a chair, wherein the connector is configured as a tube with a top opening and a bottom opening. The wooden backrest is constituted of an upper part and a lower part and each part having ends to be force fitted into the top opening and the bottom opening of the connector respectively, and thereby connects the upper part and the lower part together to form the backrest in order to efficiently consume wood in manufacture of the chair and assist in environmental protection concern.

Abstract: A wheelchair back assembly is provided which has a back plate held in position relative to upright wheelchair cane members by opposed independent mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies include a support bar which carries a bracket attached to said back support plate. The assemblies further include universal cane clamp members hingedly attached to a pivot mechanism which allows for independent bi-lateral adjustment in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the seat of the wheelchair. The clamping member further includes a through bore, which seated on the spindle of a compression latch secured to the upright canes of a wheelchair. A pivotable lever acts as a latch member as it compresses elastomeric O-rings in order to latch the hinge in position relative to the spindle member and to provide for a resilient attachment. The lever also has a locking position to retain the lever in its latched position.

Abstract: A seat base assembly including a declivity in one or both side rails. A resilient member spans the declivity. Uplift, resilience and support is provided at the side rail as well as a clean, crisp defined upholstery line.

Abstract: A support grid (20) and method for making the support grid to support a vehicle seat bottom foam bun (24) utilizes a peripheral metallic wire (28) and sets of longitudinally and laterally extending metallic straps (38, 48) that are secured by end welds (58) to the peripheral wire and by autogenous intermediate welds (60) to each other. The end welds (58) can also be autogenous welds and as with the autogenous intermediate welds (60) can be made by laser welding or electric resistance welding.

Abstract: A reversible, detachable, protective pad which can be attached to seat belt straps to provide protection from either the belt itself or from the dashboard or steering wheel. The pad is constructed with a central cushion having tabs sewn into it which are affixed with a (VELCRO) hook and loop attachment to automobile seat belts.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of unmanned mining vehicles. According to the method, control marks are provided in the mine, for positioning mining vehicles in production use by means of a marking device, such as a paint sprayer (14), provided in a specific measuring vehicle (3).

Abstract: A cutting tool has a tool body with a seat at the forward end thereof and a cutting insert in the seat. The insert has a central portion made of a hardened material, and surrounding the central portion is a softer metal sleeve. Surrounding the metal sleeve is a collar made of the hardened material.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a wheelchair having a number of structural features, including a two-gear arrangement, in which one gear is a hypocycloidal gear providing a gear ratio lower than 1:1. A shift member is located on the wheel assembly with hand operated shift portions of the shift member, the shift member capable of moving laterally (perpendicular to the axle) of the wheel between two positions. The shift member can be moved by the user while seated in the wheelchair. The wheel assembly includes a hand rim which is connected to a housing within which is a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes two spaced cage plates which are joined by fixed shafts having unidirectional rollers positioned thereon around the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes an automated brake application feature. A signaling device allows an individual to generate a signal indicating a desire to have the brakes applied independent of the pedal normally used to apply the brakes. A remote signaling device using wireless communication allows an individual to stand at any location within the vicinity of the vehicle and have the brakes applied without requiring someone to manually operate the pedal device to operate the brakes. The inventive arrangement allows an individual to inspect the operation of brake components and to insure that brake lights are properly functioning.

Abstract: A vacuum booster which moderates a retraction speed of a valve seat member to restrain a contact noise between a key member retracting in a unitary manner with the valve seat member and a flange surface of a plunger. The vacuum booster includes a noise restriction device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle brake system with a pneumatic brake booster (1) which includes an input member (7) being actuated by a vehicle operator and an output member (push rod) (14) as well as a control housing that carries a movable wall (2) and accommodates a reaction plate (6) at least in part, wherein there is further provision of means for detecting the point of maximum boosting of the pneumatic brake booster that can be used for the actuation of another brake force boosting device.