Abstract: An arrangement for transmitting a torque from a power tool to a working tool and including a shank forming part of the working tool and having following one another, in the operational direction of the working tool, first, second, third, and fourth regions (B1, B2, B3, B4), at least two drive grooves (3) extending parallel to a working tool axis over all of the shank regions (B1, B2, B3, B4), and at least one additional drive groove (4) extending in third and fourth regions (B3, B4) of the shank (2), with the arrangement further including a chuck (10) having an opening (13) for receiving the shank (2), at least one locking element (21) projecting into the receiving groove (13) for engagement into the circumferential groove (5) of the shank (2), at least two drive dogs (16) and an additional drive dog projecting into the receiving groove (13) for engagement in the first drive grooves (3) and the at least one additional drive groove (4).

Abstract: A holding device includes a support frame; multiple pairs of holding fixtures mounted on the support frame; a holding fixture pulley attached to one holding fixture of each one pair of holding fixtures; at least one frame pulley attached to the support frame; a drive rope bridging between the holding fixture pulley and the frame pulley and having one end pulled in one direction and the other end fixed to the support frame; and a drive source that pulls the drive rope. With this configuration, when the drive rope is pulled by the drive source, holding fixtures constituting each one pair of holding fixtures are linked to move symmetrically to each other in a direction that holds an object to be held, each one pair of holding fixtures move independently of other pairs of holding fixtures, and the holding fixtures of each one pair of holding fixtures are movable toward and away from each other on a straight line or on two parallel straight lines on a plane of the support frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a wafer handling system that manipulates semiconductor wafers. The present invention includes an end effector having a vacuum chuck, an internal vacuum plenum, and a plurality of flow diverters positioned within the vacuum plenum to define vacuum distribution channels in fluid communication with respective vacuum ports of the vacuum chuck. The present invention also includes a vacuum chuck having flow diverters positioned in one or more internal vacuum plenums which are in fluid communication with the vacuum ports of the vacuum chuck. The flow diverters of the vacuum chucks adjust the vacuum pressure supplied to the vacuum ports such that, as vacuum ports are occluded by the wafer, the vacuum pressure is preferentially applied to unblocked vacuum ports for increasing the attractive force applied to unengaged portions of the wafer.

Abstract: A multi-function truck of the present invention has a load-carrying platform, a pump having a motor driven by electric power from an AC power supply and mounted in a space below the load-carrying platform, and a liquid collector loaded on the load-carrying platform. The load-carrying platform also has thereon a hose having the length enough to connect one pipe-end of a suction or a delivery of the pump to the liquid collector and a hose having the length enough to connect the other pipe-end of the pump to a on-site liquid container placed at a collection site, containing an accumulated liquid, wherein a switch is disposed between a plug connected to the AC power supply and the motor, and when a load current exceeds a specified value due to a cause on the side of the truck, the electric current of the AC power supply borrowed is automatically intercepted by the side of the truck.

Abstract: A skate includes a base, an adjusting member, and a boot including a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is provided on a front portion of an upper side of the base. The rear portion is secured in place when the adjusting member is in its initial position. When the adjusting member is pushed, the rear portion is adjustable along a longitudinal direction of the base.

Abstract: A suspension structure includes a subframe and a suspension arm. The suspension structure has strength lower than that of the subframe. When an excessive external force acts from a road surface on a wheel, the suspension arm is deformed before the subframe is, thereby preventing the excessive external force from directly acting on the subframe.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly comprising a vehicle steering system, a wheel assembly including a pivotal wheel hub for supporting a wheel, a knuckle mounted to the hub, and a pivot arm extending outward from the knuckle. The vehicle steering assembly further including a connector rod interconnecting the vehicle steering system and the pivot arm for transmitting linear motion from the vehicle steering system through the connector rod to rotate the wheel assembly. The connector rod including a first end connected to the vehicle steering system, a second end pivotally connected to the pivot arm, and a shaft portion interconnecting the first and second ends. The connector rod further including a first mechanism to allow the connector rod to pivot in a first plane in relation to the vehicle, and a second mechanism to allow the connector rod to pivot in a second plane, approximately orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: A grille guard for an automobile has a footstep for facilitating safe and easy access to the hood and engine compartment thereof. The footstep is defined by a generally tubular horizontal member having a flattened portion formed along the upper surface thereof and preferably having a non-skid surface formed thereupon.

Abstract: A foldable footstool device for a vehicle of the present invention comprises a main beam fixed to a lower surface of a lower part of a vehicle and having hinge holes and stoppers at left and right sides thereof, respectively; a footstool installed rotatably about said hinge holes of the main beam and being supported by the stoppers; a first shaft extended from an end of the footstool; a link portion linking a lower inner wall of a door and a side sill of the lower part of the vehicle; a second shaft connected to the link portion in order to rotate in response to a rotation of the link portion; and a bevel gear part having a horizontal gear connected to the first shaft and a vertical gear connected to the second shaft. According to such foldable footstool device for a vehicle, the footstool is unfolded when the door is opened and the footstool is folded when the door is shut so that a width of the vehicle decreases in a state that the door is closed.

Abstract: A tandem adapter frame that attaches to the back of a single-rider bicycle, transforming the bicycle into a tandem bicycle. The rear wheel of the single-rider bicycle is removed from the bicycle and installed on the back end of the adapter frame. The adapter frame is attached to the single-rider bicycle at the seat post and the rear dropouts, resulting in a rigid 3-point connection. This transforms the single-rider bicycle into a rigid frame, two wheel, tandem bicycle with a rider in front and a rider in back. Both riders have pedals. An adapter axle assembly with sprockets on the lower front of the adapter frame serves two functions. It easily attaches between the rear dropouts of the single-rider bicycle using a standard axle and quick-release, and it transmits drive power to the rear crank without modifying the drive chain of the single-rider bicycle.

Abstract: A vehicle for children comprises a frame, a driving member rotatably mounted to a rear end of the frame, a rear steering rod, a driven member, and a belt. The frame comprises a head tube on a front end thereof. A handlebar stem extends through the head tube and is pivotable relative to the head tube. A handlebar is attached to an upper end of the handlebar stem to turn therewith. The rear steering rod includes a lower end attached to the driving member to turn therewith and an upper end for manual operation. The driven member is securely attached to the handlebar stem to turn therewith. The belt is mounted around the driving member and the driven member such that the driven member is turned when the driving member is turned as a result of turning of the rear steering bar.

Abstract: A computer controlled suspension system is provided for a bicycle, which can effectively absorb shock and provide stability on rough surfaces regardless of the speed of the vehicle. The suspension system has a control unit, a front suspension, a rear suspension, a front wheel terrain sensor, and a rear controller. The rear suspension is selectively adjustable by the control unit to change stiffness of the rear suspension. When the front suspension hits a bump or a depression in the surface of the ground, a signal is sent to the rear controller so that the rear suspension can react appropriately. In one embodiment, a pedaling torque sensor is operatively coupled to the control unit to input a signal that is indicative of pedaling force, and the rear controller adjusts stiffness of the rear suspension in response to the pedaling force via the control unit.

Abstract: A brazed bicycle frame and method for making. At least two bicycle frame half-shells are fabricated. A filler metal is then placed between the bicycle frame half-shells to form a two-part hollow frame section. The two-part hollow frame section is inserted into a hot volume at a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the filler metal but lower than the melting temperature of the two bicycle frame half-shells. The filler metal is allowed to melt. The filler metal is then allowed to cool and harden to form a rigid joint. Preferably, the bicycle frame half-shells each have a flange that facilitates alignment fixturing and assembly of the two-part hollow frame sections. Also it is possible for the filler metal and the bicycle frame half-shells to be placed in an extruded or formed grooved section. The grooved section also facilitates alignment fixturing and assembly of the two part hollow frame sections, and helps to strengthen the braze joint.

Abstract: A boat wagon adapted to be pushed or moved along an underlying wagon supporting surface includes two legs and a legs interconnecting member. The horizontal distance between the legs can be adjusted. The legs interconnecting member is formed of a number of removable elements adapted to co-act with each other. The span between the legs is adapted for road transport by removing one or more of the removable elements. The legs can be adjusted to adapt to a second span for boat transport by fitting one or more of the removed elements to wagon related and leg associated sub-parts.

Abstract: The boat trailer (3) includes pivotal support beams (5) that are pivoted intermediate their ends. Pairs of boat hull support rollers (13) are mounted on the ends of the roller mounting arms (7) and are slidably supported by the mounting blocks (9). The overhanging shoulders (30 and 31) of the opposed halves of the mounting block rest on the parallel support edges (47) of the notches (40) at the ends of each pivotal support beam (5). The shallow U-shaped arch (15) of the pivotal roller mounting arm (7) slides along its length through the compatibly shaped channel (20) of the mounting block (9) so that the rollers (13) at the opposite ends of the roller mounting arm can move with respect to each other upwardly or downwardly so as to maintain constant contact with the changing shape of the boat hull of a boat trailer as the boat is rolled onto or off of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment hitch system uses height adjustable stanchions with length adjustable arms terminating in mirrors. The stanchions are respectively connectible to a tow vehicle and a trailer and placed so that the mirror is aligned vertically over the hitch connection component of the tow vehicle and the trailer and adjusted so that the respective mirrors are at different heights. The tow vehicle operator backs the tow vehicle until the mirrors visually indicate vertical alignment by one mirror coming into place below the other mirror and obstructing the view of the hitch component.

Abstract: A tow bar apparatus, that allows a towing vehicle to tow a towed vehicle, has a hitch member, a pair of tow bars, and a pair of socket members. The hitch member is adapted to engage a tow bar receiver of the towing vehicle. The pair of socket members are adapted to be attached to the towed vehicle. Each of the pair of tow bars includes a plate ball member at a first end for pivotally engaging one of the pair of socket members. Each of the pair of tow bars further includes a second end, the second ends of the pair of tow bars being joined to form a hitch ball member that pivotably and rotatably engages the hitch member.

Abstract: A snowboard (110) includes a body (22) formed from a primary core (130) reinforced by a structural layer (132, 134) that wraps the primary core. A secondary core formed from first and second binding lifter plates (120) is disposed above the body and adhered thereto with an elastomeric layer (142). A top layer (136) overlies the secondary core and the exposed portions of the body to integrate the secondary core into the snowboard. The snowboard further includes a bottom layer (138) reinforced with edge strips (140). The integrated modular lifter plates provides additional leverage and vibration dampening at selected regions of the snowboard without significantly impacting the torsional and longitudinal flexibility of the center section (112) of the snowboard.

Abstract: A protective device (1) by a bed (5) in a vehicle (8), includes at least a catching part (3, 4) for a person (9) lying in the bed (5), which part can be arranged at least partly around the bed (5). The catching part (3, 4) can be inflated.

Abstract: A tear portion is formed at a substantially center portion in a longitudinal direction and at both end portions in a lateral direction of an air bag door portion of an instrument panel so as to be formed in an H shape in a plan view. In the air bag door portion, protrusions are protruded downward at positions at both sides in a longitudinal direction of an automotive vehicle having therebetween a center portion of the tear portion, these protrusions being integrally formed with the air bag door portion. Accordingly, it is structured such that during expansion of the air bag body, the expanding air bag body abuts lower surfaces of the protrusions, so as to press the protrusions upward. Therefore, even in a case wherein the air bag door portion and the main body portion of the trim member for the automotive vehicle are formed of the same resin, a quality of an outer appearance is not deteriorated, and a break force of a break portion of the air bag door portions is reduced to a desired value.

Abstract: The invention concerns an instrument panel for a vehicle having a form stable plastic carrier, a cover layer, optionally a layer including a foam material, and at least one flap-like tear-open part for the airbag of an airbag module. The flap-like tear-open part is defined by separation lines and a hinge area. The flap-like tear open part is provided with a reinforcement having at least one flexible layer. The layer is provided with through holes, which are perfused with the material of the carrier in such a manner, that the inner most carrier layer covers over the flexible layer in the manner of narrow or shallow elevations.

Abstract: A vehicle air bag (10) comprises an outer bag (50) having an inflation fluid volume (59). The outer bag (50) has a retainer portion (54) defining a central opening (56). The retainer portion (54) has a plurality of fastener openings (58) spaced apart around the central opening (56). An inner bag (60) is located in the inflation fluid volume (59) of the outer bag (50). The inner bag (60) has a retainer portion (110) defining an inflation fluid opening (114) for receiving inflation fluid. The retainer portion (110) has a plurality of fastener openings (79, 89, 99, 109) spaced apart around the inflation fluid opening (114). The inner bag (60) has at least one vent opening (130-136) movable from a closed condition to an open condition, in response to increase in fluid pressure in the inner bag, to enable flow of inflation fluid from the inner bag into the inflation fluid volume (59) of the outer bag (50).

Abstract: An air bag device includes an inflater having a retainer retained thereon and being inserted into a folded air bag through a slit defined in the air bag and then, a protector sheet is wound around an outer periphery of the folded air bag. The air bag device is secured by a bolt inserted through the superposed retainer, air bag and protector sheet and fastened by a nut. The slit in the air bag is covered with the protector sheet and closed thereby, whereby the slit can be closed without provision of a special closing member to prevent leakage of a high-pressure gas from the inflater.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) including a side door (18) includes an inflatable tubular structure (14) and an inflation fluid source (34) for providing inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable tubular structure. The inflatable tubular structure (14) has a stored position in which the inflatable tubular structure is deflated and stored in the side door (18). The inflatable tubular structure (14) is inflatable from the stored position to a deployed position in which the inflatable tubular structure is inflated and positioned between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A protective device for a motor vehicle comprising an airbag with an inflatable section for protecting an occupant in the passenger compartment. The inflatable section of the airbag is formed by two woven fabric plies that are joined to one another along a peripheral edge. The airbag forms a curtain next to a window pane so that one woven fabric ply faces the window pane and the other woven fabric ply faces the passenger compartment. The woven fabric plies are additionally joined to one another at points inside of the edge. The protective device also includes a gas generator for inflating the airbag by introducing a gas stream into the inflatable section. The points on which the woven fabric plies are additionally joined to one another, are arranged and configured so that a portion of the introduced gas stream is guided in a helical pattern.

Abstract: A vehicle interior panel is provided that comprises an inner wall and an outer wall connected by an integral side wall. A portion of the panel comprises an air bag deployment opening at least partially defined by a tear guide. A portion of the panel also comprises at least one chamber located between the inner wall and outer wall of the panel. In this manner, a vehicle interior panel is provided having both an air bag deployment opening and at least one chamber in a single panel.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is used in a vehicle having a seat frame (20) for supporting a vehicle occupant and a floor pan (4) for supporting the seat frame (20) for movement relative to the floor pan (4). The apparatus (10) includes a deflection member (50), a sensor lever (70), and a sensor (79). The deflection member (50) connects to the seat frame (20) for movement with the seat frame (20). The deflection member (50) has a first deflection surface (51). The sensor lever (70) connects to the floor pan (4). The sensor lever (70) has a second deflection surface (75) for engaging the first deflection surface (51) of the deflection member (50) and for deflecting as the seat frame (20) moves relative to the floor pan (4). The amount of deflection of the sensor lever (70) changes as the seat frame (20) moves relative to the floor pan (4). The sensor (79) senses the deflection of the sensor lever (70) and provides an output signal indicative of the amount of deflection of the sensor lever (70).

Abstract: A cart attachment system, for attaching a cart to a vehicle, the vehicle having a trailer hitch, including a carrier and a V-bracket. The V-bracket is attached to the cart, and has an underside hollow. The carrier includes a main tube which extends vertically and which is attached to the trailer hitch with an L-adapter that is rigidly affixed to the main tube. A slidable member is mounted for vertical movement within the main tube. A triangular support member is mounted to the main tube and fits within the hollow of the V-bracket, such that the triangular support member is raised by raising the slidable member to lift the V-bracket which in turn lifts the cart off the ground for transport. When the destination is reached, the cart is easily lowered to the ground by lowering the slidable member and thereby lowering the triangular support member.

Abstract: A steering column support includes a bearing block with guide rail and a guide part for the steering column, the guide part having a slide section. A sliding block, sliding in the guide rail, is arranged between the slide section and guide rail. A high efficiency factor, inexpensive production and freedom from play may be ensured by the following features without reworking/adjustment: the sliding block is made of flexible material and is dimensioned such that it compensates for the play between the slide section and the guide rail; the slide section and the guide rail are made of sheet-steel molded parts; the sliding block is surrounded by one of the parts in such a way that an additional securing and retention in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail is dispensable; the slide section and the guide rail intermesh in such a way that a mutual emergency guidance without derailment remains, even if the sliding block is destroyed; and the sliding block is swing-mounted in the slide section.

Abstract: A telescopic dust collecting pipe for a vacuum cleaner having an outer pipe and an inner pipe slidingly arranged therein and connected to the outer pipe by a locking device. The locking device includes an oriented locking mechanism and a locking element. The locking device fits within oriented grooves in the oriented locking mechanism to lock the inner and outer pipes relative to one another.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing the fluid tightness of pipes of different sizes includes a one-piece main body having a tubular portion defining a chamber with a wall, the wall having at least four internally threaded wall portions. Each one of the internally threaded wall portions has a different diameter whereby the main body can be screwed separately onto at least four different diameter externally threaded pipes in a fluid-tight manner. The one-piece main body has a head portion connected with the tubular portion. The head portion has a gauge port in fluid communication with the chamber. The head portion has a test fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the chamber and with the gauge port. The gauge port has the same configuration as the test fluid inlet port whereby a test gauge can be connected in either the gauge port or the test fluid inlet port and a test fluid supply line can be the connected in either the test fluid inlet port or the gauge port.

Abstract: A quick coupler retention clip is disclosed for preventing an inadvertent disconnection of a quick coupler. The clip device includes a unitary clip having a first and a second end. The first end of the clip is of annular configuration so that the body of the coupler extends through the annular first end for anchoring the first end of the clip relative to the body. The second end of the clip is a C-shaped configuration to removably engage a groove defined between a collar and the body of the coupler. A strap extends between the first and second ends of the clip for securing the first and second ends of the clip together. The disconnection of the body from the port of the quick coupler is permitted only when the C-shaped second end is removed from engagement with the groove so that inadvertent disconnection of the body from the port is prevented.

Abstract: A ducted flexible entry boot assembly provides a fluid-tight fitting between a wall of a fluid containment region and a conduit passing through the wall. The ducted flexible entry boot assembly comprises a seal member adapted to be disposed within the containment region, the seal member having a substantially planar seal portion and an integral hollow support sleeve concentric with the seal portion and adapted to extend axially into the containment region. The support sleeve has an outer surface and an inner, conduit receiving surface, and has a degree of flexibility relative to the seal portion sufficient to allow for the insertion of the conduit at angles equal to or other than an angle normal to the fluid containment wall while maintaining a fluid-tight environment. A mechanism is provided for rigidifying the seal portion of the seal member. The hollow support sleeve is releasably attached to the conduit.

Abstract: A modular fuel fuller system comprises a filler head, a connector, a filler pipe, a jumper hose and clamps. The jumper hose and clamps interconnect the filler pipe and a spud of a vehicle fuel tank. The filler pipe is a stainless steel filler pipe with a series of formed convolutions for increasing the flexibility of the filler pipe to allow easy installation and provide crash integrity to the fuel filler system within an automotive vehicle.

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: A connecting device for pipes conducting pressure medium, having a sleeve-like insert part which can be inserted in a frictional or form-fitting manner into a connecting opening in a connecting body and surrounding a receiving opening for a pipe to be inserted, a sealing element for producing a seal between the connecting body and the pipe, and a holding element with holding arms which extend radially inwardly into the receiving opening. A release sleeve engages displaceably in the insert part in such a manner that by pushing in the release sleeve, the holding element is deformed elastically for releasing the pipe. The holding element is held by an outer circumferential region in an essentially clearance-free manner axially relative to the insert part, so that elastic deformation takes place in the region of the holding arms when inserting or releasing the pipe.

Abstract: A medical connector adapted for placement between a catheter and a medical infusion or injection source includes a pair of interlocking half medical connector portions, one side of which attaches to the infusion source and the other side of which is coupled to the catheter connected to the patient and a locking mechanism for locking a medical connector portion to a medical fitting. The connection to the catheter and the infusion source can be via standard medical luer taper fittings, with or without specially designed locking mechanisms that prevent inadvertent disconnection. The medical connector itself is uniquely shaped and includes a raised surface feature and a recessed surface feature formed on the medical connector portions.

Abstract: A case locking system (10) includes two pairs of independently movable split levers (16). Split levers (16) are connected to top (12) and form more than two separate latches (20 and 22) movable between an open position and a closed position. Latch receivers (34) are connected to bottom (14) and are conformed to independently receive and retain each separate latch (20 and 22). In a preferred embodiment, two pairs of independently movable split levers (16) form four separate latches (20 and 22). In a further preferred embodiment, locking ramps (36) are connected to bottom (14) for automatically opening latches (20 and 22) when the top (12) is placed on to the bottom (14). In a further embodiment, alignment guides (56) and alignment posts (48) are utilized to automatically position latches (20 and 22) and latch receivers (34) when the top (12) is placed on the bottom (14).

Abstract: This invention provides a touch bar exit device on a door. The exit device has a touch bar assembly having two ends supported at one end by an active case attached to the door and an inactive case fastened to the door at the other end. There is a means for creating tension on the touch bar assembly between the two ends when a load is applied against the touch bar assembly. Alternatively, the means for creating tension on the touch bar assembly between the two ends can occur in the absence of a load applied to the touch bar assembly.

Abstract: A door latch has an adjustable cam (25) to accommodate two backsets of the bore (24) through a door. The cam (25) is operably attached to a handle 14. Rotation of the handle (24) approximately 45° fully retracts latch bolt (54) and deadbolt (56) through a slide actuator (100) that pulls a link (112) which pivots a cam lever (104) that retracts the bolt (54). The bolt (54) retracting motion is magnified with respect to the motion of actuator (100) via the link (112) and cam lever (104). The link (112) and cam lever (104) are mounted within cylinder section half (52) of housing (28) so as not to interfere with the deadbolt (56) and its slide (150) and deadbolt locking plate (170) that are mounted in a complementary cylinder half (51).

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device (20) for hinged windows (21) comprising, as components, a base body (25), a control element (26), an actuating lever (27), and a connecting bracket (28). These elements are connected to one another in twos and in an articulated manner by means of a hinged joint. The base body (25) is fastened with one end thereof to a body part (22). The connecting bracket is fastened with one end thereof to the hinged window (21). A detent device is preferably provided on the hinged joint (32) between the control element (26) and the actuating lever (27) and comprises a detent body and a detent notch. The detent body Is guided in a displaceable manner inside a longitudinal guide of the actuating lever (27) and is pressed, via a spring plate, against the control element (26) by means of a pressure spring. The control arm is provided with one or more detent notches.

Abstract: As herein described a plastic or metal hollow frame device which when mounted within the bolt cavity on a door frame and therefrom extending outwards with curved ‘U’ shaped arms through the strike plate aperture mounted concentric with and above the said frame bolt cavity, and thence into the space between the door frame and the edge of the closed door, i.e. the door gap, upon which door is mounted an associated spring bolt door lock, in such a manner that when the spring bolt is located within the strike plate aperture and the frame bolt cavity, i.e.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door handle assembly including a first housing piece adapted to be mounted at one end of a bowl shaped depression formed in the outer skin of the vehicle door, a second housing piece adapted to be mounted at the other end of the depression in the outer skin, and an elongated handle pivotally mounted at one end thereof on the first housing piece and including a latch finger on the other end thereof received in a receptacle in the second housing piece to allow access to a latch actuator to control the latching and unlatching of the door.

Abstract: A trench plate connector comprising a large-diameter skirt member for dissipating lateral forces, applied onto the trench plate connector, is disclosed. The large-diameter skirt member is threaded onto a stud, and can be locked onto the stud with a nut. Once the large-diameter skirt member is locked into place, one or more arms of the large-diameter skirt member can be used to apply rotational forces onto the trench plate connector to thereby secure or remove the stud of the trench plate connector from the trench plate. Each arm of the large-diameter skirt member can be impacted with a hammer, for example, to apply substantial rotational forces onto the trench plate connector for tightening or removal thereof. A unique double-threaded stud is used to accommodate the large-diameter skirt member. The double-threaded stud comprises a first thread on one end for being threaded into a trench plate, and a second thread on the other end for accommodating both the large-diameter skirt member and a securing nut.

Abstract: A toy digging implement that is worn over the hand of a child. The digging implement simulates the appearance of a backhoe bucket. The digging implement has a set of parallel side walls. A first curved structure is disposed between the side walls defining an open bucket scoop. A second curved structure is disposed between the side walls behind the first curved structure. The second curved structure diverges from the first curved structure near the front of the digging implement. Consequently, the first curved structure, the second curved structure and the side walls define a pocket having an open end at the rear of the digging implement. A child places his/her hand into the pocket to engage the digging implement. The digging implement protects the child's hand and enables the child's hand to simulate the appearance and function of a backhoe bucket.

Abstract: A vacuum operated lifting apparatus includes a piston having a pressure side and a suction side, respectively, and being movably received in a cylinder, wherein a piston shaft projects through a bottom of the cylinder from the pressure side of the piston and having a through passage for connecting the piston pressure side with the atmosphere. An axially compressible space is connected to a vacuum source for evacuation of the chamber and sealed in air-tight attachment to the piston suction side, the space being confined within the wall of a flexible bellows.

Abstract: Preform gripper comprising a handling arm (1) and a preform support plate (2) that has at an extremity thereof a semi-circular aperture (7) that is adapted to accommodate a cylindrical portion (28) of the collar of the preform. Hinged on said plate there are provided two parallel side gripping members (5, 6), two end portions of which (13, 14) are in the shape of an arc of a circle and are adapted to elastically move closer to each other up to a pre-established position. The gripper is adapted to, enable said cylindrical portion (28) of the collar of the preform to be fitted into and removed from, with a snap-like action, said semi-circular aperture (7) by pressing and pulling, respectively, the preform against two opposite, elastically enlargeable outer edges (31, 32) of said two side gripping members (5, 6).

Abstract: A system for storing items on a vehicle bed utilizing a platform fixed relative to the walls of the bed. The platform is spaced from the bottom of the vehicle bed to from a chamber. First and second tracks connect to the platform within the chamber. A ramp slidingly moves along the track into a first position where the ramp rests on the ground surface or into a second position where the ramp lies in the chamber. The gate connected to the ramp closes the chamber in the truck bed beneath the ramp.

Abstract: A hand reference for a control panel of a utility vehicle provides a gripping handle for an operator to adjust controls without observing the controls. The hand reference assists in steadying the operator's hand when fine tuning adjustments on the control panel. The hand reference is embodied as an inverted substantially U-shaped handle extending along the length of slots which guide control levers.

Abstract: A vehicle sun visor assembly is provided that includes a foundation having a pair of foundation halves. The foundation halves include corresponding shapes that define at least a portion of an edge of the sun visor. A connecting member is secured to an upper portion of each foundation half to define an upper edge of the sun visor. The connecting member includes a pair of connecting halves that cooperatively form a channel. A rotation control member, which is disposed within the channel, is moveably connected to a first end of a visor support rod. A second end of the visor support rod extends outwardly from the foundation is attached to a mounting bracket assembly. The sun visor assembly is slidable along the support rod and the support rod is extensible from and retractable into the sun visor assembly.