Abstract: A system for molding a jointed linkage support system with joints that allow movement and bending in many directions and degrees of freedom. A chain-like linkage system made up of a series of joints is molded in a single step from materials having different melting temperatures in a series of alternating communicating mold cavities. The jointed linkage support system emerges from the mold fully assembled. An electrical switch may be provided within one of the joints between sleeves and rods whereby movement of the rod relative to the sleeve actuates the switch.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a feature on a needle. In particular, a hollow, metal cannula has a first end, a second end and a substantially constant outer diameter extending over at least a portion of its length. An annular metal sleeve is provided that has a proximal shoulder and a distal shoulder. The length of the annular sleeve is less than the length of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. The sleeve has an inner diameter approximately equal to or less than the outer diameter of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. Two edges extend axially along the length of the sleeve, from the proximal shoulder to the distal shoulder, thereby defining a slit. The sleeve is positioned on the cannula at the constant outer diameter portion in an interference fit. An additional mechanical junction may be provided to secure the sleeve to the cannula.

Abstract: The molded article includes at least one compression molded plastic layer having an inner surface and an outer surface thereof, and at least one plastic projection, as a boss or rib, extending from and bonded to the inner surface of the compression molded plastic layer. An outer plastic film is desirably bonded to the compression molded plastic layer and desirably compression molded therewith.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a plurality of OLED devices fabricated upon a substrate is described, the steps of said method comprising: fabricating a plurality of OLED devices on a substrate; depositing at least one planarization layer upon said OLED devices; hardening said at least one planarization layer in a patterned manner such that the hardened region substantially covers said OLED device; removing areas of the at least one planarization layer that are not hardened; and selectively depositing at least one barrier layer over said hardened region.

Abstract: A non-rotating anatomical-shaped breast implant having a front side with a smooth surface and a rear side with a textured surface. A smooth surface ripples or wrinkles little, if at all. Rippling or wrinkling of the implant may undesirably produce a visible or palpable waviness on the skin of the breast. A smooth surface is more likely to produce the look and feel of a natural breast. A rear side with a textured surface is desirable because tissue growth of the body, after the implant has been implanted, engages the textured surface to anchor the implant in place such that the front side with the smooth surface remains matched with the front side of the body and such that the anatomical-shaped breast implant with its tear drop shaped fullness remains at a natural position within the breast. The disclosure further includes a method for minimizing the rotation of an implant within the body and a method for making an implant envelope that has different thicknesses.

Abstract: A polymeric glove is made by a process wherein a glove form is dipped into a first bath containing a solvent and a first polymer, which when solidified has a first property, and the first polymer is solidified, wherein the glove form, on which the first polymer has solidified, is dipped into a second bath containing a solvent and a second polymer, which when solidified has a second property differing from the first property, and the second polymer is solidified, and wherein what results is stripped from the glove form, so as to invert what results. The polymeric glove has an outer layer having the first property, an inner layer having the second property, and an intermediate, transitional layer. The first property may be a comparatively higher coefficient of friction of an outer surface, which is defined by the outer layer, or may be a comparatively lower stiffness or a comparatively greater elasticity.

Abstract: In a pressware die set, a segmented punch for fabricating a pressed disposable food service article having a substantially planar bottom portion, a sidewall and a rim portion. In one embodiment, the punch is mounted to reciprocate cyclically between an open position and a forming position about an axis of reciprocation and includes outer punch surfaces for forming the sidewall and rim portions of the pressed disposable food service articles, as well as a substantially planar punch surface suitably mounted and dimensioned to engage the substantially planar bottom portion of the disposable food service article. The improved punch includes a knock-out stripper ring juxtaposed with the substantially planar punch surface, defining a knock-out surface and which is reciprocally mounted with respect to the central substantially planar punch surface such that the knock-out surface is contiguous with the substantially planar punch surface when the punch is in a forming position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the surface level of a liquid residing within a relatively vertically stationary workpiece support platform disposed within a reservoir for use in stereolithographic processes wherein a layered object or structure is formed by selectively curing portions of the liquid to at least a semisolid state in multiple, at least partially superimposed layers. Providing precise control of liquid depth over the vertically stationary platform as well as focusing of a laser beam for curing the liquid at the varying surface levels thereof relative to the vertically stationary platform is effected using a laser range finder system controlled by a computer used to control the stereolithographic process in a closed loop fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of magnetic tape are disclosed. Magnetic tape may be dispensed from a first reel and taken up from a second reel, with the segment between the first and second reels held in tension while heat is applied. Magnetic tape that has been so treated will deform less during actual use.

Abstract: A device for producing freely formed products through a buildup of layers of powder-form material that is solidified according to specification, comprises a (relatively) lowerable table on the one hand, and a powder feed above the table, a distribution device that spreads the powder in a predetermined thickness over the table, and an energy source that solidifies the powder of each layer on the other hand, that are horizontally movable with respect to each other. In particular, the horizontal movement of the table consists in a rotational movement around an vertical axis, which movement is combined with the descending movement into a spiral movement having a pitch corresponding to the layer thickness, the powder feed, the distribution device, and the energy source being arranged radially around the axis and being continuously active.

Abstract: Disclosed are certain novel polyester compositions particularly useful for shaping or forming into containers and similar shaped articles by thermoforming procedures. The polyester compositions comprise a thermoplastic polyester, an impact modifier and a polyester crystallization rate enhancing component selected from poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) homo- and co-polymers. The polyester compositions exhibit improved crystallization rates as compared to similar compositions not including impact modifier or compositions using other types of crystallization rate enhancing components such as polyolefin-based polymers.

Abstract: A low-cost, efficient method of preparing hierarchically ordered structures by combining, concurrently or sequentially, micromolding, latex templating, and cooperative self-assembly of hydrolyzed inorganic species and amphiphilic block copolymers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the treatment of molten metal, e.g. aluminum, with a particulate treatment agent and a gas. This includes a vessel for holding molten metal, a rotary device for breaking up particulate treatment agent and gas within the molten metal and for dispersing particulate treatment agent and gas within the molten metal contained in the vessel and means for supplying the particulate treatment agent and gas to the rotary device. The rotary device includes a hollow shaft having a rotor with an axial opening fixed to the discharge end of the shaft, this rotor being in the form of an annular plate with a plurality of radially mounted upwardly directed blades projecting from the top face of the annular plate and a plurality of radially mounted downwardly directed blades projecting from the bottom face of the annular plate.

Abstract: A mount comprising a unitary resilient member where the unitary resilient member comprises a spring portion, an intermediate stiffening portion and a damping layer, and the resilient member is compressible and extendible. The resilient member is substantially enclosed by a casing. The mount further includes damping means located in contact with said damping layer, the damping means providing damping in response to compression and extension of said resilient member.

Abstract: A fluid-filled vibration-damping device includes an elastic body elastically connects a first mounting member and a cylindrical second mounting member bonded to opposite side thereof; a diaphragm supported by the second mounting member so that the diaphragm cooperates with the elastic body to define therebetween a fluid chamber; and a partition member supported by the second mounting member so that the partition member divides the fluid chamber into a primary fluid chamber and an auxiliary fluid chamber which are held in communication through an orifice passage defined by an orifice-defining member having a movable rubber plate disposed in its central hole. The surface of the orifice-defining member is coated at a primary-fluid-chamber-defining area by a coating rubber layer, thereby minimizing noises caused by bubbles in the fluid chamber.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a vibration damping apparatus having 6 degrees of freedom using a magnetic circuit. Vibration transfer can be isolated by a vibration damping mechanism to set the spring constant utilizing a relative displacement of a movable magnet 37 to a stationary magnet 27 in an axial direction, and an elastic force of a metal spring 50 substantially to be zero. The displacement is quickly restored to an original position by a rubber 24a and the metal spring 50 composing a device to restore the displacement due to vibration not only in an axial direction (Z axis direction) but also in a horizontal direction (X or Y axis direction), in a rotational direction around each axis, or in a twisting direction which is an overlapping direction of these directions and is damped as a vibration in an axial direction. Accordingly, a vibration having 6 degrees of freedom can be controlled with a simple structure.

Abstract: The rotational spring includes a base member which is in the form of a ring and includes elements for fixedly attaching it to a body of an appliance, such as a power toothbrush, which includes a drive element such as a drive shaft portion of a motor. Also included is an upper member in the form of a disc having a central opening through which the drive shaft is fitted, such that the disc member rotates with rotation of the drive shaft. Three leg members extend between the upper disc member and the base ring member. The spring is made from a material and is so configured and arranged that it has a symmetric spring rate for clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation.

Abstract: Timing of movements of a spring between a stressed and a free state is delayed by dampening the spring movement through incorporation of a component having a restricted access diameter whereby frictional contact of the spring through the component will prolong the time required to move the spring between states to enhance control of the spring actuation.

Abstract: A damping structure for providing damping and vibration attenuation includes an intermediate steel sheet positioned between an upper steel sheet and a lower steel sheet. The structure is incorporated as a part of a suspension component. The intermediate sheet is perforated with a plurality of holes, and a plurality of elastic strips are positioned between each of the sheets when assembled. The edges of the sheets are welded, sealing viscous fluid within the structure. Alternatively, the structure can be secured by rivets. Compression on the damping structure moves the fluid through the holes, providing a damping effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding sheets of material, such as paper, sequentially from the bottom of a stack of sheets comprises a suction chamber, a perforated belt movable over the suction chamber, a sheet restraining gate above the downstream end of the suction chamber, and a roller to produce an upward corrugation in the bottom sheet only of the stack. The gap between the bottom of the gate and the belt is profiled to match the corrugation in the bottom sheet to enable the bottom sheet only to pass through. The profile preferably includes a shallow triangular recess in the bottom edge of the gate.

Abstract: A sheet feeding system has a pick roller, a first roller, and a second roller. The ends of the first and second rollers are coupled together. The pick roller acquires, or picks, a sheet from a stack of sheets and passes the sheet to the first and second rollers. One of the first and second rollers discourages unintended sheets passed with the sheet picked from the stack. The other of the first and second rollers advances the sheet. A logic processor evaluates interchange conditions and activates a drive mechanism when the evaluated interchange conditions reaches a threshold value. The drive mechanism interchanges the first and second rollers so that the second roller becomes the first roller and the first roller becomes the second roller.

Abstract: A paper guide device for a compact printer which can be varied in its guide width by a simple operation and can accommodate papers having different widths, is disclosed. The device includes: a lower guide frame mounted on the compact printer; an upper guide frame coupled to a front surface of the lower guide frame with a gap therebetween to allow a paper to pass therethrough, which is provided at its rear surface with a pair of guide pieces having a spacing corresponding a width of a first type of paper to guide the first type of paper; and an auxiliary guider detachably fitted between the lower and upper guide frames such that the auxiliary guider is positioned at a location spaced from either of the pair of guide pieces by a distance corresponding to a width of a second type of paper, thereby guiding the second type of paper in conjunction with either guide piece of the guide pieces.

Abstract: A contaminant pressure responsive, lubricant pressure amplified or modified rotary seal cartridge for rotary well pumps and other rotary mechanisms. A housing member having a passage subject to contaminant pressure, has a rotary wear sleeve which is supported by bearings and is sealed to the housing by a plurality of spaced seals which define at least one and preferably two or more lubricant chambers for bearing lubrication and for hydrodynamic sealing. Lubricant pressure amplification cylinders are in fluid communication with respective lubricant chambers. Pistons moveable within each of the cylinders define differential surface areas exposed to lubricant and to contaminant pressure. Contaminant pressure acts on the pistons and develops lubricant pressure which is different, preferably higher, but can be lower than contaminant pressure.

Abstract: An engine gasket is provided. The gasket includes a main body having a first sealing surface, a second sealing surface, an inner edge, and an outer edge. The inner edge defines an opening through the main body between the first and second sealing surfaces. A protrusion extends from the main body. The protrusion has a preestablished configuration that is accessible after the first and second sealing surfaces are adapted for sealing therebetween.

Abstract: The chuck comprises jaws which, in addition to their radial movement, can each swivel around an axis essentially parallel to the axis of the chuck, thus ensuring that the working surfaces of the jaws or of shoes sitting on them which are adapted to the outer shape of the workpiece will sit evenly on the workpiece even when the latter is mounted between centers and as a consequence its rotation axis does not coincide exactly with that of the chuck.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (10) including a vehicle motion control subsystem (12) that has an input receiving an intended driving demand (14) and a plurality of coordinator subsystems (16) for coordinating actuators of the vehicle. The vehicle motion control subsystem (12) communicates with the coordinator subsystems (16) to determine whether a single coordinator subsystem (16) can carry out the intended driving demand (14). The vehicle motion control subsystem (12) will distribute demand signals among one or more of the coordinator subsystems (16) to allow the vehicle to implement the intended driving demand (14).

Abstract: An adaptive suspension system for a motor vehicle varies suspension parameters in response to steering input. The system includes a sensor to measure changes in the power assist steering mechanism that indicate a change in vehicle direction and a shock variable suspension member changed in response to a change in vehicle direction. The sensor measures pressure changes in the power assist steering system such that the suspension system is optimized to accommodate specific vehicle maneuvering. In another embodiment, the variable suspension member is in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic circuit of the power assist steering mechanism such that pressure changes caused by steering input triggers changes in the suspension system to accommodate vehicle maneuvering.

Abstract: A sensor for a height control system in a trailing arm suspension uses a transducer to detect changes in position of a trailing arm relative to a vehicle and sends a proportional signal to a microprocessor that, in turn, actuates a pneumatic valve operably connected to an air spring between the trailing arm and the vehicle. The transducer includes an optical bridge, a variable capacitor, or a flexible variable resistor.

Abstract: An individual hanger as well as a hanger system is provided for changing the height on a trailer. Each individual hanger includes a hanger spacer which is easily removable and interchangeable with hanger spacers of a different size. The system includes hanger spacers of the same and differing heights so that different combinations of hanger spacers can be used to achieve different trailer heights.

Abstract: Rolling or gliding sports equipment, such as an in-line roller skate, including such equipment or skate adapted to receive an independent boot. The equipment/skate according to the invention includes a frame, a base connected to the upper portion of the frame, and having an upper surface provided to support the walking sole of the boot, a rear quarter receiving the heel portion of the boot, an upper portion equipped with a comfort element surrounding the user's lower leg, a device for tightening the forefoot pressing the front portion of the boot against the upper surface of the base, a device for tightening the lower leg tightening the upper portion against the user's lower leg, and a device for maintaining the instep exerting a force on the instep portion of the boot and having a reinforcement ensuring a continuous support from a lateral side to a medial side, and from the instep zone to the upper portion of the boot.

Abstract: The invention features a soft foam sled board for use by a sitting or kneeling rider to slide over a snow or ice covered surface. The sled is prepared from a shaped polyethylene foam core, and at least the bottom surface of the core is covered by a slick, polyethylene film/polyethylene foam sheet laminate which provides little frictional resistance between the sled board and sliding surface, and provides an impervious outer surface to the board so as to resist puncture and water infiltrate. The sled board has one or more rails, ribs, or fins embedded below the body weight of the rider so as to either protrude from, or jut into, the board. The fins enhance the ability of the sled board to travel down the hill in a straight, forward direction.

Abstract: A nestable cart has a generally flat base or platform supported on caster wheels and having sides which taper inwardly from the rear end to the front end of the platform. An upwardly extending handle frame extends upwardly from the rear end of the cart. An open area beneath the platform is designed to receive the front end of a platform of a second cart in order to nest two carts together. A nesting guide formation is provided at one end of the platform to guide two platforms into nesting engagement while lifting the rear wheels of a front cart from the ground during nesting of a rear cart into the front cart. The guide formation may be one or more rotating members such as rollers or guide wheels.

Abstract: A table dolly apparatus for carrying a pedestal table (i.e. a table having a table top with an undersurface, a central pillar connected the table top and a base connected to the pillar) is disclosed wherein the dolly apparatus includes a frame having a handle portion; at least one wheel member rotatingly connected to the frame; two brackets disposed on the frame, wherein each bracket provides a fulcrum member for engaging an undersurface of a pedestal table; and a support member disposed on a front end of the frame, so that when an undersurface of a pedestal table engages each fulcrum member, the base of the pedestal table engages the support member so that the dolly apparatus carries the pedestal table. A method for moving pedestal tables is also described.

Abstract: A wheeled cart has a generally flat base platform with a plurality of wheels supporting the platform above the ground. A handle frame extends upwardly from the rear end of the cart. The platform has a plurality of spaced, upwardly facing supports for releasably mounting accessories on the platform to extend upwardly from the platform. Accessories are provided for conversion of the cart between stocking and other purposes, including at least one horizontal support panel for supporting items at a location spaced above the platform and at least one vertical support frame for holding items at predetermined locations on the platform.

Abstract: A platter cart has a wheeled base and at least one vertical support extending upwardly from each side of the base at a location spaced between the front and rear end of the base. A series of front shelves are secured to extend forwardly from the supports at spaced intervals, and a series of horizontal rear shelves are secured to extend rearwardly from the supports at spaced intervals. Each rear shelf is vertically offset from the front shelves, so that two platter carts can be nested together by pushing a rearward cart into the end of a front cart with the front shelves of the rearward cart nesting into the spaces between the rear shelves of the front cart.

Abstract: A tray having prestressed sections including a domed shaped bottom and a merchandising window. The window includes a surface parallel to the dome shaped bottom. When the tray is subjected to a load, the dome and the surface of the merchandising window become substantially planar. The front of the tray also includes vertically extending corners that are angled inwardly toward one another from an outer top end to an inner lower end when the tray is empty. When the tray is loaded, the corners deflect toward a vertically extending parallel relationship with respect to one another. The corners adjacent the rear of the tray are fixed relative to one another. A stackable dolly supports stackable trays for allowing movement of stacked trays from one location to another on casters or wheels connected to the stackable dolly. The dollys are stackable with respect to one another when not in use. Each dolly can have recessed notches to receive the casters or wheels of an adjacent upper stacked dolly.

Abstract: A suspension system for mounting a pair of wheels to a wheelchair is disclosed. The system includes a crossbar pivotally mounted to the wheelchair so as to pivot about a longitudinal axis. At least one spring assembly is located between the crossbar and the wheelchair frame for controlling the pivoting of the crossbar. A hinge assembly is mounted on each lateral end of the crossbar. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge component attached to the crossbar so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, and a second hinge component resiliently connected to the first hinge component. The resilient connection biases the second hinge connection against rotation with respect to the first hinge component. A wheel and yoke assembly are mounted to the second hinge component.

Abstract: A suspension and axle assembly is provided having two identical stampings, each of which form a portion of an axle and a portion of first and second suspension control arms that extend from the axle. The two stampings are coupled to one another along a continuous weld path. The assembly eliminates the connection points between the axle and control arms. The assembly also defines a pair of bores in which springs may be disposed at varying heights to lower the vehicle floor and reduce loads on the control arms, bushings, and other joints.

Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis structure which includes an independent suspension system including left and right suspension components for left and right wheels (4, 8) respectively for gripping and travelling along a road surface, each of which suspension components is arranged to allow a constrained up and down movement of the respective wheel relative to the vehicle chassis structure, characterised in that the upper suspension components on one side of the vehicle are cross-linked with the upper suspension components on the other side of the vehicle by a connecting rod (10, 11) and an offset pivot shaft assembly (9, 5), so as to constrain the plane of each wheel towards an orientation which is normal to the road surface while allowing the chassis structure to move vertically and to roll relative to said wheels during cornering, acceleration, deceleration and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Wheeled personal mobility vehicles with extremely thin stowed profiles are provided, which in one embodiment, include a plurality of movable, collapsible wheel axle assemblies which are supported on a support frame and movable between an operative state where the wheels provide rolling support, and a collapsed state where the wheels are moved into the side elevational profile of the device. The embodiment provides for both integrated propulsion and steering linkage to the wheels when they are manually moved into their operative position, along with a collapsible steering mechanism, a support base and at least one collapsible seat. This embodiment may also provide for pedal power, battery, fuel cell or motive power as well as remote control operation.

Abstract: A structural member (38, 40) is designed to have a first portion having a first composite layup, a second portion having a second composite layup, and at least one center portion having at least a third composite layup such that it can flex near a desired point of the structural member. The structural member may be used as a chain stay (26) in a bicycle frame (10). The chain stays are designed to have a geometry that will allow for flexing or bending at or in the vicinity of a desired point. They may be pre-loaded for flex in both a positive and negative direction. The chain stays are designed having a varying cross sectional area. The bending or flexing location of the chain stays has a narrower height from the side view than the ends of the chain stay allowing the chain stay to flex. Additionally, the bending or flexing location has a wider width from the top view than the ends of the chain stay for additional torsional and lateral stiffness.

Abstract: A wheelchair including at least one of the following features: (a) a patient support assembly that includes a seat (2) and a back (3) that move vertically together between the operative position and the transfer position; (b) a patient support assembly that is attached to a threaded member (15) that rotates to raise the patient support assembly; and/or (c) an articulating support for at least one of the wheels (6) comprising at least two slides (12), one of the slides (12) being attached to the wheel (6) and the other of the slides (12) being attached to the base, so that the wheel moves laterally to facilitate transfer.

Abstract: A device for closing the socket of a trailer hitch, generally called a coupler lock, generally comprises a locking bar and a base having a plug member, a locking bar-receiving aperture, and an integral locking means for lockingly engaging the locking bar within aperture. When the coupler lock is attached to a trailer coupler, the trailer hitch socket is not accessible without removing the coupler lock with the appropriate key. Thus, theft of an unattended trailer is deterred due to the difficulty in attempting to remove the locking device. Providing a coupler lock having an integral locking mechanism better deters the tampering with or removal of the locking mechanism to remove the coupler lock from the trailer hitch as is possible in the art.

Abstract: A two-wheeled cart includes a generally planar frame adapted and constructed to bear a load. At least one handle is secured to the frame. A pair of wheels is secured generally along a central axis of the frame. The wheels are arranged one substantially directly behind the other with respect to a direction of travel of the cart. In an embodiment, a pair of handles are detachably secured to the frame. The frame can further include an in-use handle mounting mechanism to retain the at least one handle in an in-use position outside the plane of the frame. A storage handle mounting mechanism can be provided to retain the at least one handle in a storage position generally coplanar with the frame. The wheels can be detachably secured to the frame.

Abstract: An airbag deployment safety device (25) is provided comprising a first conductive path (48a) for receiving an input signal, a second conductive path (48b) for receiving an induced signal through electromagnetic coupling of the first conductive path (48a) and the second conductive path (48b), and a processor circuit (79) configured to control deployment of the airbag (25a) in response to a comparison of the induced signal to a predetermined path.

Abstract: A modular headliner assembly (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) adapted to inflate away from a roof (18) of a vehicle (12) into a position between a side structure (16) of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The modular headliner assembly (10) also includes a headliner (36) for covering an interior portion (38) of the roof (18) and at least one support device (40) for supporting the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) and the headliner in the vehicle (12). The support device (40) includes a bracket (42) having a portion (44) connectable to the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14), fastener (202) for connecting the headliner (36) to the bracket, and a fastener (222) for connecting the bracket to the vehicle (12).

Abstract: A modular airbag cushion system adaptable to different vehicle platform configurations comprises i) a plurality of separate, interconnectable inflatable airbag cushions each of which comprises at least one port for transmitting gas; ii) an optional connector for transmitting gas comprising a tube having a coaxial opening at at least one end, said tube being between and connected with at least two of said airbag cushions to provide a gas-tight connection between said ports; and iii) a gas source in communication with at least one of said ports for inflating said cushions in response to a signal. By varying the length of the connector or the ports, the system can be adapted to a variety of vehicle configurations using cushions of essentially the same length to protect outboard vehicle occupants from injurious contact with exposed interior sides of the vehicle in a crash.

Abstract: An airbag according to the present invention comprises an airbag body and a plurality of tearable wrapping yarns. The wrapping yarns are wound around the outer circumference of the wrapping area of the airbag body as folded into a generally rod-like shape, along the axial direction of the airbag body and to obliquely intersect the axial direction. In the wrapping area, at least two of the wrapping yarns are wound from the opposite directions to each other. The distance between the adjacent wrapping yarns along the axial direction of the airbag body is within the range of 20 to 60 mm in the wrapping area. The yarn strength of each wrapping yarn is within the range of 7.4 to 65N. In the airbag of the present invention, the airbag body in the wrapping area is kept in a compact shape by a simple wrapping work, while securing the smooth expansion and inflation.

Abstract: An air bag apparatus for use in a vehicle instrument panel is provided. The air bag apparatus is located on the passenger's side of the vehicle, and includes a canister integrally molded into the instrument panel. The canister has an opening and is configured to receive an air bag module which attaches to the canister. The canister is covered by a door that is precisely located to cover the opening in the canister. Because the canister is integrally molded into the instrument panel, assembly and installation of a separate canister is eliminated. This reduces production time, reduces the complexity of assembly, and lowers overall vehicle production costs.

Abstract: Such systems typically have an extendable rollover bar (1), which in its extended position is locked against being pushed back in by a locking pawl (12) that is in operative locking engagement with a toothed segment (11). To make it possible by simple means to use both hands to return the rollover bar (1) to its retracted position when required, the invention provides a reversing lever (14), which can be manually brought to a self-holding position above dead center while unlocking the locking pawl (12) before the rollover bar is pushed in. This self-holding position can be automatically canceled again just before the rollover bar reaches its standby position.