Abstract: A front suspension fork for cycles includes an inverted U-shaped reversed arch having downwardly extending legs that are integral with the upper ends of the outer sections of the telescopic fork, thereby to define a rigid unitary slider component fork. The reversed arch is inclined rearwardly at an acute angle relative to the vertical plane of the fork. Strengthening mass portions extend forwardly from the lower ends of the arch between the inner fork sections, thereby to increase the rigidity of the slider component without interfering with brake operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration isolator having a stopper function in the up-and-down direction and the fore-and-aft and lateral direction square to the axis, being able to prevent water intruded into the top surface of a flange from being accumulated, and allowing the dies axially to be parted.

Abstract: A vise system including a plurality of jaws associated with a vise body. A first jaw is attached to a first shaft which are both slidable with respect to the vise body. A second jaw is attached to a second shaft which are both slidable with respect to the vise body independent of the first jaw and first shaft. A locking mechanism is associated with the first and second shafts for locking the first and second shafts, and first and second jaws, in place. The locking mechanism includes a first collet partially surrounding the first shaft, and an aligned second collet partially surrounding the second shaft. First and second stops are operatively connected to a handle so that as the handle is turned, the first and second stops engage the respective first and second collets to compress the collets over the shafts to immobilize them.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible engine support apparatus. The device is attachable to the fender or firewall of the vehicle and is mountable either transversely or longitudinally above the engine compartment. A pair of primary load bearing metal angles are secured on opposite sides of the open engine compartment on either the fender or firewall. A pair of upstanding posts approximately centrally positioned on the upward facing surface of the angle, each of the upstanding posts including connection means adapted to lockingly receive horizontal support bars. A central connector allows for adjustment of the spacing between the metal angles. A flexible, adjustable attachment means depends from the central connector, the attachment means adaptable for engagement with the main engine hold. Adjustment of the attachment means to a desired tension ensures a high degree of positional stability of the engine when performing major repairs.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device for positioning a workpiece with respect to a reference point is provided, the device including a first portion fixed with respect to the reference point; a second portion mounted on the first portion for movement with respect thereto, the second portion having a workpiece contact surface selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position engaging a workpiece at a predetermined distance from the reference point. A method of processing workpieces and a method of positioning workpieces are also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum pump operated vacuum pad (35) is utilized as a vacuum base (22) for a workpiece clamping mechanism (11). In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism (11) is solidly connected to a rigid base plate (36) which is solidly affixed to the vacuum pad (35). In use, the vacuum pad (35) is vacuum bonded to a mounting surface (23), thereby rigidly but temporarily anchoring the clamping mechanism (11) in place so that objects may be secured therein and operated on.

Abstract: An elevated, portable non-slip cutting board for use in cutting and supporting foodstuffs, household and miscellaneous items comprising a rigid, planar base board to which is fixed numerous non-skid projections downwardly directed, spaced apart projections of such a height, width, and spatial arrangement as to provide support, stability, and the free flow of fluid underneath the cutting board and which provides enhanced traction to retard slippage of the cutting board during the cutting or support process, which may be formed by having a thermoplastic elastomer bonded to pre-molded convex protrusions supplied by pre-molded channels in the base of the cutting board. The board bottom can be molded with projections and supply channels for bonding with the non-skid material to reduce the expense of manufacture.

Abstract: Two positioning devices (4, 5) are horizontally spaced apart from two clamping devices (6, 6) at a predetermined interval. Each of the positioning devices (4, 5) includes a positioning hole (23) provided by opening a work pallet (2), a plug portion (27) projecting from a clamp pallet (1), and an intermediate member (30) vertically movably supported by the plug portion (27). The intermediate member (30) is urged upwards by a coned disk spring (31) and has a tapered surface (33) which makes a tapering engagement with the positioning hole (23). The clamping device (6) fixes the work pallet (2) to the clamp pallet (1).

Abstract: The composite magazine having a high autonomy, for the feeding to a filling or packaging machine of pre-formed and flattened cases or containers, is of the type comprising at least a main magazine (MP1), suitably inclined with respect to the horizontal, in which the containers are piled up and which is provided on the lower end with retainer means (35) and with means (36) to extract cyclically a container and to feed it to the operating means of the packaging machine. The main magazine is realised with an extensive length and with a long upper portion which upon command can be opened and closed downwardly, below the same main magazine there being provided an ancillary magazine (MA1) which initially is in a substantially horizontal position, in order to be easily supplied with a pile of containers which the same magazine supports with end supports (25, 26) and with a bottom plane (12) which leaves uncovered lateral portions of the bottom of the pile which results laterally and superiorly free.

Abstract: A device for reversing the direction of motion of a paper sheet has a passage for guiding the paper sheet inside and includes a plurality of rollers each having a specified function. A first roller serves as a driver roller, its rotation causing the paper sheet to be transported into and out of the passage. A second roller is for contacting and rotating with the first roller and thereby transporting the paper sheet in the first direction into the passage. A third roller is disposed on the opposite side of the first roller from the second roller and serves to transport the paper sheet in the second direction out of the passage by contacting and rotating with the first roller. A fourth roller is another driver roller and is disposed in the passage. It allows the front edge of the paper sheet to pass by when it is transported in the first direction by means of the first and second rollers.

Abstract: A module for temporarily storing a succession of flat printed products includes a first carrier element train on a first transport element assigned to a first side wall of the module, and a second carrier element train on a second transport element assigned to a second side wall of the module. The second side wall is located opposite the first side wall. The transport elements are movable relative to the side walls and correlated with one another, for a form-locking, at least partial support of a printing product loaded into the module. Support for an underside of the loaded printing product is provided by an upper side of the first carrier element and by an upper side of the second carrier element.

Abstract: A device for feeding sheets to a sheet-processing machine includes a feeding table. Front lays are disposed at a front end of the feeding table, as viewed in a sheet-conveying direction. A first guide device is disposed immediately upstream from the front lays, as viewed in the sheet-conveying direction, and above the feeding table, and is adjustable vertically with respect to the feeding table. A second guide device is disposed upstream from the vertically adjustable first guide device, as viewed in the sheet-conveying direction. The second guide device is disposed in a position oriented parallel to the first guide device. A method of operating the sheet-feeding device is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet discharge device in which matching references are formed at a plurality of fixed positions according to the sheet sizes in order to enable handling of sheets of various sizes, also enabling stabilization of matching performance for a long period by a simple mechanism.

Abstract: A card shuffler with a drivable shuffling storage means (2′) which is provided with compartments (69) for receiving cards (13) and is associated with an input apparatus for the insertion of cards one by one into the compartments (69) and an output apparatus spaced from the same for the shuffled cards, with the drive of the shuffling storage means (2′), the input apparatus and the output apparatus being controlled by a microprocessor and shuffled cards supplied to the output apparatus being adjusted with respect to their number in stacks to the number of cards necessary per player for the respective card game. In order to improve the shuffling result in such a shuffler it is provided that the cards supplied to the output apparatus are taken from at least two compartments (69) of the shuffling storage means (2′).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus by which rules and record-keeping in games employing miniature figures as game pieces are incorporated onto the base of the miniature figures themselves. Printed information relating to the characteristics of a character are inserted into the base of the figure to customize the values for each character. The base is adapted to keep track of how the characteristics of a character change as a game progresses. Also, a method for playing a game using such game pieces and printed information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced casino game in which the principles of the standard Roulette game are applied to a standard deck of playing cards. The method and apparatus of the present invention provide an enhanced experience for the player while bringing flexibility in the choice of the casino house income ratio for the casino management team.

Abstract: A method for a knowledge-based casino game. A first embodiment provides the knowledge-based casino game as a bonus game for an underlying casino game. A second embodiment provides a stand-alone knowledge-based casino game and a third embodiment provides back-and-forth play between a casino game and a knowledge-based casino game.

Abstract: A bonus multiplier provides added excitement and increased player attraction to existing casino games without affecting game play or casino advantage. After establishing at least one winning combination according to rules of an existing casino game and playing the game to arrive at a player result, the player result is compared with the winning combinations to determine if the player result is a winning result. Subsequently, if the player result is also a qualified result, the player can enter a bonus round to determine a bonus multiplier or bonus factor for the player payout.

Abstract: An improved method and device are set forth for playing Blackjack which provides for the player to make a side wager and win an award based upon that wager if the player's first two cards have a sum of twenty.

Abstract: An educational interactive word game is played utilizing only a single game card. During the game a first player, after being given clues by a second player to the identity of a selected object exercises his or her deductive skills by asking questions of the second player to gain background information about the subject. After obtaining background information, the first player guesses the identity of the selected object.

Abstract: A seal for the selective sealing of a rod which is reciprocatable within an opening through the wall of an enclosure such as the filling station of a packaging machine, the seal being actuatable to selectively provide a fluid-tight seal between the rod and the wall and release of the seal for free non-sealed movement of the rod within the opening. A method is disclosed.

Abstract: A sealant, method for making the sealant, and method for applying the sealant includes a preformed at least partially hardened first quantity of sealant and a preformed at least partially unhardened second quantity of sealant. The first quantity of sealant is formed into a concave shell with an internal cavity. The second quantity of sealant is positioned within the internal cavity of the shell. The second quantity of sealant is maintained at a temperature sufficiently below the hardening temperature of the second sealant, such that said second sealant is at least partially retarded from hardening. The first and second quantities of sealant are packaged together for delivery to a substrate, such as a fastener.

Abstract: A circumferential film-riding seal operative in a gaseous environment about a rotating shaft is provided so that it is able to function with extended lifetime, low leakage, and a high-pressure difference thereacross. These characteristics are achieved by the employment of a segmented seal ring mounted in tandem with a floating load ring surrounding the rotating shaft. The seal ring has a bore surface thereon confronting the shaft, and the bore surface has a circumferential lift region located downstream of a circumferential bearing region. The bearing region has additional lift grooves either in the seal ring or in the shaft surface confronting the bearing region, together with feed grooves connecting the additional lift grooves, respectively, to a higher-pressure region adjacent the shaft.

Abstract: A rotor seal, especially for turbo engines, is described. The sealing elements are folded from a pleated band and are connected to each other even when the rotor seal is in the assembled state. The barrier effect of the inventive rotor seal is thus increased in relation to lamella seals that always require a gap between the individual lamella.

Abstract: A spring back fire ring is provided in a gasket assembly that is used for sealing combustion openings. In addition to the spring back fire ring, the gasket assembly includes a main gasket body and upper and lower gasket layers. The spring back fire ring has first and second ends. The first end is biased upwardly around the periphery of the combustion openings. The second end is positioned proximate to the main gasket body. In one embodiment, the second end is integral with the main gasket body.

Abstract: An anti-slip type electric drill chuck mainly includes a body which is obliquely provided with three pawls for clamping a drill head. The outer surface of one end of the three pawls is provided with a threaded surface for engaging a tapered threaded hole in a bearing nut, which has an outer end with teeth, an end portion provided with a ball ring. A check nut protective sleeve encloses the ball ring and bearing nut, and has elastic pointed portions engage the teeth. A drive annular block engages the inner wall of the bearing nut. A front housing sleeve engages the drive annular block and surrounds the aforesaid components. The front housing sleeve is rotated by hand to advance or retract the pawls to thereby loosen or tighten drill head. When the pawls clamp the drill head, the check nut protective sleeve stabilizes the bearing nut to prevent slippage thereof.

Abstract: A cart moving system and individual hand carts therefor. First and second hand carts can be lashed together with the item therebetween. Auxiliary wheel assemblies are provided for each hand cart, to facilitate transport across uneven and irregular surfaces by using auxiliary wheels of large diameter. The auxiliary wheel assemblies can be installed or removed from the cart while a load is supported on the cart.

Abstract: A cart for the transportation of personnel and equipment in a fire or other hazardous environment. The cart is constructed out of fire protective material and designed to float. There are wheels on the bottom surface, which are placed and designed to be able to be operative over very uneven surfaces. The structure also has the ability to store fire equipment and in addition on the top surface a fully dressed firefighter with a Scott Air Pack. The card has handles, which can be adjusted so as to be folded into different locked positions based on the particular usage conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf bag wheeling cart comprising a plate assembly for allowing a golf bag to be uprightly placed thereon, the plate assembly having a front plate and a rear plate which are connected with each other; a support assembly having a support rod which is erected on the rear plate such that the golf bag is fastened to and supported by the support rod; a front wheel section having a front wheel which is rotatably coupled to a front end of the front plate so that leftward and rightward cornering of the golf bag wheeling cart is allowed; a rear wheel section having a pair of rear wheels which are rotatably coupled to both sides, respectively, of a rear end of the rear plate; and a pulling assembly joined to the front wheel section for allowing the golf bag wheeling cart to be pulled.

Abstract: A wheeled personal transportation device, such as a skateboard or a scooter, that is convertible between a riding configuration and an inclined configuration. In the riding configuration the personal transportation device can roll on a rolling surface via two or more sets of wheels. In the inclined configuration, the personal transportation device can roll on a rolling surface via one of the sets of wheels for transporting either the transportation device itself or the transportation device in combination with lading.

Abstract: A vehicular suspension device (1) comprises a wheel carrier (31) which is articulated relative to the suspension elements (18, 19). This connection is provided by rigid connection rods (6, 7). This additional degree of freedom permits variation of the camber angle (&agr;) independently of the suspension spring movement and of the deformations of its elements. The variation of the camber is preferably controlled by the forces sustained by the wheel (2) in the ground contact area (AC) of the tire. This is obtained by a configuration in which the movements of the wheel (2) relative to the body (5) of the vehicle allow an instantaneous center of rotation (CIR r/c) which is situated beneath the plane of the ground (S).

Abstract: An accumulator is provided for a vehicle air system including a vehicle frame. A wheel end is spaced from the frame for supporting the vehicle frame on a roadway. A suspension assembly includes a suspension structure. The suspension structure may be a portion of an axle, a stabilizer bar, a control arm, or other suspension components. The suspension structure is interposed between the frame and the wheel end and is movable relative to the vehicle frame in response to the wheel end receiving inputs from the roadway. A fluid chamber forms the accumulator and is defined by a portion of the suspension structure for storing pressurized air. Preferably a valve is disposed within the fluid chamber to protect the valve from the environment. For light vehicle applications where a conventional air pump may be cost prohibitive, a mechanical pump may be connected between the vehicle frame and the suspension assembly.

Abstract: A transverse strut for a twist-beam axle of a motor vehicle is made of an extrusion profile and includes an outer tube and a bulbed land area extending inwardly from an inner wall surface of the outer tube and defined by a radial extension, which is smaller than an inner radius of the outer tube. The outer tube has a circumferential length and defines a central length portion, which is positioned in confronting relationship to the bulbed land area and recessed to form a gap over a portion of the circumferential length.

Abstract: A compact, self-supporting, folding equipment access assembly including a platform including a proximal end and a distal end, a support section extending outwardly from the proximal end of the platform, the support section including a pair of spaced jaws configured to engage the bumper of a military vehicle. A hanging step is hingedly attached to the distal end of the platform, the step deployable to a position extending downward and outward from the platform and also foldable upward to a storage position adjacent the platform.

Abstract: There is provided a passenger access system that includes a pedestrian access system for pedestrian ingress and egress through a vehicle door opening that can be used alone or in combination with a wheelchair access system. The pedestrian access system includes a step assembly mounted in a housing secured under a vehicle at a door opening. The step assembly is movable between a stowed position in the housing and deployed positions wherein pedestrians can step on the step assembly to access the vehicle through the door opening.

Abstract: A manual wheelchair system comprising of a pair of lever arms positioned on each side of the chair that actuate a propulsion system located entirely under the seat of the wheelchair. Both the push and pull stroke of the levers, unlimited by stroke angle, provides unidirectional forward propulsion to the rear wheels of the chair. This is accomplished through drive gears fitted with one-way clutches and idler gears intermeshing with them. A sprocket is attached to one drive gear, and connects to an internal shifting hub using a chain or belt. This hub could optionally be a manual or automatic unit, with the automatic shifting unit relying on sensory feedback from the rear drive wheel to determine the most efficient ratio of operation. The hub connects to the rear drive axle through another sprocket and chain combination and drives the rear wheel as the levers are manipulated. The rear axle has a disconnecting clutch so that the entire drive propulsion system can disengaged from the chair.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling upshifting and downshifting of a bicycle transmission includes a running condition detecting mechanism that detects a running condition of the bicycle, a threshold value setting mechanism that sets at least one of an upshift threshold value and a downshift threshold value for the running condition, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism provides a signal that commands at least one of an upshift and a downshift when the running condition is beyond the corresponding upshift threshold value and downshift threshold value for a first predetermined time interval. In another embodiment, the control mechanism provides a signal that commands at least one of an upshift and a downshift when the running condition is beyond the corresponding one of the upshift threshold value and the downshift threshold value at both a first detection and a second detection, wherein the second detection occurs after the first detection.

Abstract: An apparatus for informing a rider of an upcoming shifting operation in a bicycle transmission includes a running condition detecting mechanism that detects a running condition of the bicycle, a control mechanism that provides a signal that commands the shifting operation when the running condition reaches a threshold value, and a warning mechanism that warns the rider when the running condition approaches the threshold value.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a motorcycle foot platform on a motorcycle frame comprises a mounting body having a fastening mechanism for fastening the bracket to a frame of the motorcycle, and a connecting portion. A support arm supports the foot platform, and has a central portion which connects to the connecting portion of the mounting body. The support arm has a front arm portion extending substantially forwardly from the central portion and has an end remote from the central portion and an attachment member near the end for receiving and attaching to the foot platform. The support arm also has a back arm portion extending substantially rearwardly from the central portion and has an end remote from the central portion and an attachment member near the end for receiving and attaching to the foot platform.

Abstract: A portable bike stand that supports a bicycle in a vertical position and a method of using the bike stand to park the bicycle. The bike stand includes support elements that are coupled to the frame of the bicycle. The support elements provide support surfaces that cooperate with the bicycle to support the bicycle in the vertical position. In some embodiments, the bike stand also provides a storage compartment for carrying cargo.

Abstract: A one-piece pintle hitch is disclosed. The one-piece hitch utilizes an integral drawbar that may be engaged with a conventional receiver assembly such as installed along the underside of a vehicle. The one-piece pintle hitch avoids the use of prior art mounting plates that bolt to one another. Accordingly, the problems associated with threaded fasteners such as loosening, fracturing, and corrosion, are eliminated. In addition, the one-piece pintle hitch utilizes a unique configuration along its bar portion that results in a significant reduction in weight and materials.

Abstract: A single-handed remote controller is disclosed. Such a controller is installed at the handle of an accordion frame and is connected to a lock mechanism of the frame through a flexible element. As the remote controller rotates relative to the handle, the flexible element is coiled around the handle, changing the relative position between the lock mechanism and the handle. The frame is thus changed to make the folding much easier.

Abstract: A detachable mounting arrangement, for a stroller front guard adapted to transversely extend from a seat frame of the stroller to form a front boundary thereof, includes two joint members provided at two ends of the front guard for detachably mounting on the seat frame, wherein each of the joint members has a base joint having two supporting walls to mounted on the seat frame. Each joint member further has at least a locking slot provided on one of the supporting walls and has an opening formed at an edge of the respective supporting wall. Two locking shanks, which are provided on two sides of the seat frame, each has a neck portion protruded from the seat frame and arranged to slide into the locking slot so as to lock up the joint member on said seat frame.

Abstract: An airbag device includes an airbag module that is located behind a multipart dashboard. An opening device opens the multipart dashboard in a manner similar to that of the mouth of a fish. An operating method for an airbag device with an airbag module located behind a multipart dashboard includes opening the dashboard in a manner similar to that of the mouth of a fish before, during, or after the triggering of the airbag device. According to another embodiment, a dashboard includes at least one fabric flap or foil flap which is integrated into the dashboard on at least one side by using detachable retaining devices in order to close an opening in the dashboard. The airbag module is positioned behind the opening in such a way that an airbag opens the retaining devices when it is triggered and emerges through the opening.

Abstract: A load management system and method for controlling the activation sequence and times of activation of motor vehicle occupant restraints when a high g event, such as a crash, occurs. The system includes a microprocessor that processes inputs from a number of devices including seat weight sensor, an occupant spatial position detector, a buckle status detector, a belt sensor. The microprocessor is driven by a load management procedure that includes a high g event routine that controls the activation sequence of restraints so that the automatic locking restraint is first activated, followed by the pre-tensioner and then by the air bag. The load management procedure also includes an enable/disable procedure that controls the enabling and disabling of the restraints according to a number of variables including occupant weight, seat buckle status and belt extension status.

Abstract: A falling shock absorbing apparatus for wheelchair is provided capable of absorbing shock to the user in the case of falling of a wheelchair. In other words, the falling shock absorbing apparatus for wheelchair of the present invention includes an inflatable air bag for covering a predetermined parts of the wheelchair user when inflating, an inflation apparatus for inflating the air bag, an inclination detecting apparatus for detecting inclination of the wheelchair relative to the road surface, and a controller for activating the inflation apparatus to inflate the air bag when inclination of the wheelchair is detected by the inclination detecting apparatus. Thus, the air bag inflates to cover the predetermined parts of the wheelchair user when the wheelchair is tilted.

Abstract: A method of activating surfaces which limit an inner space of a motor vehicle and are movable by adjusting drives, during occurrence of an accident event, includes the steps of providing the vehicle with occupant protection systems, releasing the occupant protection systems by a central control device, supplying to the central control device input signals of sensors which detect outer influences, inner influences or both, and moving the surfaces which limit the inner space by the central control device through in dependence on an accident event, to their opening position.

Abstract: A multistage inflating-type hybrid inflator in which a malfunction does not occur is provided.

Abstract: A knee bolster for absorbing the impact to the knees of the occupant during car crash and controlling the posture of the occupant by receiving the knee load securely comprises a pair of left and right panels 1 for receiving the knees and disposed to oppose to the knees, upper stays 2 provided to each of the panels 1 having the rear side of which fixed to the upper area of the corresponding panel 1, lower stays 3 provided to each of the panels 1 having the lower end of which fixed to the lower area of the corresponding panel 1 and the upper end of which fixed to the front end of the corresponding upper stay 2, and a connecting member 4 for connecting the pair of deltoid assembled bodies each composed of said panel 1, said upper stay 2 and said lower stay 3, the assembled bodies disposed side by side and spaced apart when being connected to the connecting member 4. The upper and lower stays 2, 3 are arced, and the curvature radius of the lower stays 3 is smaller than that of the upper stays 2.

Abstract: A cable type steering system includes an operation cable having an outer tube and inner cable slidably received in the outer tube. A drive pulley coupled to a steering wheel for rotation is connected to one end portion of the inner cable, and a driven pulley coupled to a steering gear box for steering wheels for rotation. A driven pulley is connected to the other end portion of the inner cable. A steering torque inputted to the steering wheel is transmitted to the steering gear box via the inner cable of the operation cable. At least one of a first portion extending from the drive pulley to a first optional position of the outer tube and a second portion extending from the driven pulley to a second optional position of the outer tube is accommodated within a waterproof space.