Abstract: A sheet processing device has a sheet conveying section for conveying sheets to a sheet processing section. The sheet conveying section has a sheet standby unit including a stacking device for stacking a predetermined number of sheets in a linear state, and a bundle conveying device for conveying the sheet bundle stacked in a linear state, whereby the predetermined number of sheets are conveyed to the sheet processing section after having been stacked in a linear state.

Abstract: A book binding system for a saddle-stitched bound booklet according to the present invention comprises a sheet feeding section (1) feeding sheets or sets of sheets (P) one by one, a sheet folding section (3) sequentially receiving a sheet or a set of sheets (P) from the sheet feeding section (1) and folding the sheet or the set of sheets (P) along the center line thereof, a sheet stacking section (4) stacking the sheet or the set of sheets (P) folded by the sheet folding section (3) in such a manner that the folded sheets or the folded sets of sheets are aligned with each other with respect to the fold lines thereof, a sheet stitching section (5) receiving a stack of the sheets or the sets of sheets (P′) from the sheet stacking section (4) each time the predetermined number of the sheets or the sets of sheets (P) are stacked in the sheet stacking section, and stitching the stack of the sheets or the sets of sheets (P′) at the fold line thereof, and a control section (46) controlling operation of t

Abstract: A drop pocket system and method reorients flat articles in a serial stream, by horizontally receiving a horizontally moving, serial input stream of substantially vertically oriented flat articles, sensing reception of each flat article, engaging each sensed flat article, accelerating each engaged flat article into substantially downward movement, and conveying each flat article with the downward movement into a substantially horizontal orientation and movement.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively picking two or more types of imaging media in an imaging apparatus having only a single pick roller while simultaneously supporting each type of imaging media on the imaging apparatus, wherein such media is ready for picking. The imaging media can be supported in respective media trays while supported on the imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes an actuating mechanism that is configured to selectively position each of the media trays relative to the pick roller, one-at-a-time, to facilitate picking by the pick roller of the selected imaging media. Methods include simultaneously supporting a plurality of types of imaging media on an imaging device having a single pick roller, and selectively picking either the first imaging media or the second imaging media from the respective media tray.

Abstract: A note stacker for a currency validator includes a stationary punch and movable rails having slots therein adapted for receiving the currency tendered thereto. The stationary punch comprises a top plate surface of the housing maintaining drive motors and gears of the stacker itself. The top plate is curved to accommodate the natural deflection of the bill as it is being stacked, and is provided with a durable frictional material along lateral edges thereof to prevent the bill from sliding or otherwise moving upon the surface of the curved plate. A leading edge of the curved plate is provided with serrations or teeth which, in conjunction with a shutter fixed to the movable rails, serves to defeat strings or other retrieval elements.

Abstract: A document feeder for transporting a document to a predetermined reading position at which image reading is performed by an image reading portion, including: a document transport portion for transporting the document to a reading standby position upstream of the reading position; and a control portion for controlling the document transport portion so that the document is made to stop at the reading standby position if the image reading portion is not in an image readable state by the time the document arrives at the reading standby position.

Abstract: A player makes a wager, determines the number of hands the player wishes to play and a first starting five card video poker hand is displayed. The computer controls of the gaming machine calculate the Expected Value (EV) for the five card hand displayed based on the poker format being played. The computer controls then display to the player one or more additional five card starting hands having an EV similar to the EV of the first starting hand. The player selects one of the hands to play and all of the other hands are converted to the same hand chosen by the player. The player holds and then replacement cards are dealt for the discarded cards and the poker hand ranking of each final hand is determined. Awards are made to the player for winning poker hands based on the pay table being used and the amount wagered.

Abstract: A dartboard consists of an electronic plate (40), a base board (42) mounted on the electronic plate (40), a frame (10) having multiple compartments (12), multiple dart blocks (20) loosely mounted inside the respective compartments (12) and a window frame (70) mounted on the frame (10). Improvements of the dartboard include multiple cutouts (14) being defined in the frame (10) division walls (11) around the compartments (12) allow the frame (10) to accommodate slight variations in the size of dart blocks (20); each dart block (20) having a dart box (21) with smooth outer surfaces to make the dart block (20) easily move inside the compartment (12); and a contact pin (241) formed under the dart block (20) to actuate the electronic plate (40). All improvements in configuration make the dartboard precisely calculate scores.

Abstract: A seal assembly including a rotatable seal head subassembly also includes a fan that rotates with the seal head assembly, with the fan drawing air through a pump housing for purposes of cooling.

Abstract: Axially spaced, pressure-energized seals in a sealing assembly are carried in a conventional seal assembly housing. The seals surround a rod that reciprocates through the housing to power a fluid pump. The seals are pressure-energized by a flowable sealant that is injected through the housing into a confined annular area defined between the seals. The sealant maintains worn seals in close sealing engagement with the reciprocating rod to prevent fluid or pressure loss from the pump. The sealant pressure resists the repeated flexing stresses exerted by the axial rod movement to minimize seal fatigue wear. Components of the seal assembly may be split to permit seal repair or replacement without requiring the removal of the rod from the assembly. The pressure and composition of the flowable, injectable sealant cooperate with the split seal assembly components to prevent leakage across the seal component splits.

Abstract: A seal assembly has simple assembly structures, and provides secure sealing effects. A crawler-track connection structure allows the seal assembly to be easily mounted, and securely prevents overflow of a lubricant and the like to the outside. A pair of meal rings (1) and (1) individually having lip portions (23) and (23) are disposed such that each of the lip portions (23) and (23) protrudes in a direction opposing an axial direction, and a load seal ring (2) is compressed and inserted between the pair of seal rings (1) and (1). The load seal ring (2) exerts reaction forces on the pair of lip portions (23) and (23) outwardly in the axial direction.

Abstract: A valve shaft seal for a valve shaft of an internal combustion engine, includes at least one sealing lip of an elastomer material having a first inside diameter and configured to surround the valve shaft and a plurality of projections distributed uniformly around a circumference of the sealing lip and directed toward the valve shaft, a second inside diameter, smaller than the first diameter, being formed by the projections.

Abstract: One handheld radio controlled transmitter communicates with an electrical circuit board on each skate. The electrical circuit controls one battery powered dc motor linear actuator driven hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pressure created from the hydraulic pump is directly related to how much electrical current is consumed by the dc motor. The electrical current is monitored and the dc motor will move forward creating hydraulic pressure or move in reverse removing pressure. The hydraulic pressure depends on how far down or up the transmitter button is pressed. The hydraulic pump is connected to a lead screw and master piston. The hydraulic fluid travels from the master cylinder through tubing to a pair of slave cylinders on each wheel. The slave cylinders press against the disc brake pads, which press against the in-line wheel hub when the skater needs to slow or stop.

Abstract: A roller skate includes a fixing seat, a plurality of wheels, and a safety device mounted on the wheel. The safety device includes a safety member mounted on the fixing seat and urged on the wheel, so as to adjust a rotation speed of the wheel. Thus, the roller skate can be fixed on the ground without rotation by the safety device, so that the learner can stand on the roller skate without movement so as to practice his/her balance. In addition, the safety member is slightly loosened from the wheels, so that the wheels are rotated at a lower speed, thereby facilitating the learner practicing the skating skill.

Abstract: An apparatus is attachable to a conventional snowboard to convert the snowboard into a snow scooter having improved performance characteristics in comparison to those of the snowboard alone. The apparatus includes a member movable relative to the snowboard by either the hands or feet of the rider, and forces and motions applied to that member by the rider are converted by an associated motion and force transmitting mechanism into twisting motions of the rear portion of the snowboard relative to the front portion of the snowboard, allowing the scooter rider to better perform turns and other maneuvers during the riding of the scooter and also allowing the rider to ride the snow scooter without foot bindings fixing his feet to the scooter.

Abstract: A low profile cart and conveyance system is disclosed. The cart includes a frame with a longitudinal axis that extends from its front to back. A plurality of wheels are mounted so as to permit movement of the cart in a direction generally along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of rollers are mounted between at least two crossbars such that the rollers' axes of rotation are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The cart is preferably used as part of a conveyance system. The system also includes an ejection mechanism which is mounted at a removal station. The ejection mechanism includes a pusher assembly and a housing. The pusher assembly is adapted to extend toward the cart and push items that are on the cart along the rollers.

Abstract: A room-service table handle has a handle rod extendable rearwardly and upwardly intermediate a handle base (2) that is attached to an end of a wheeled room-service table (1) and a handlebar (3) that is fixable selectively for grasping by a user in a desirably upright body position. The room-service table is maneuverable at the handlebar with Class I Leverage being applied on back wheels (29) and Class II Leverage being applied on front wheels (28) while steering it in accordance with wheeling structure and while pushing or pulling selectively for intended room-service moving and positioning. The handle rod can be adjustable upwardly, downwardly and laterally from the room-service table.

Abstract: A leg controlled folding and positioning structure of a scooter comprises: a support frame having two positioning plates; a connecting seat positioned at a front end of the scooter body; two pedals; and two rigid springs installed between the resisting posts and the rotary shaft. An upper side of the connecting seat has two lateral walls; and each wall has a buckling hole. Each resisting post is capable of being engaged with the buckling hole. When a user treads one ear to drive the pedal; then the support frame is folded. When the another one of the resisting grooves is aligned to the buckling hole, the resisting post will automatically move into the buckling hole and the resisting groove. Thereby, the support frame is folded and positioned above the scooter body. As the operation process is reversed, than the support frame stands upright and thus the scooter can be driven.

Abstract: A miniature skateboard includes a platform having a size preferably less than that of a user's shoe. Axles are attached to the undersurface of the platform at longitudinally spaced positions. Wheels are attached to axles at laterally spaced positions. A support member coupled to a pivot pin near the platform rear is manually pivotable between first and second positions. In the first position, the support member is disposed under the platform. In the second position, the support member extends rearwardly from the platform to support the user's other foot. A clip on the platform retains the skateboard on the user's clothes (e.g., belt) when the skateboard is not being used.

Abstract: A two-joint arrangement is presented for the articulated connection of guide elements, preferably of a motor vehicle linkage with a common articulated part. Each of the two joints has a joint housing that is connected to a guide element each and a bearing shell that is accommodated within the joint housing, in which a pivot part which is rigidly connected to the common articulated part is accommodated in a rotatable and pivotable manner. In a first embodiment variant, a pivot part (26) of a joint (4) has an opening (24) running in the pivot part longitudinal axis, which the pivot part (17) of the other joint (5) having a screw bolt area (23) located thereon penetrates whereby a clamping nut is arranged on the free end of the screw bolt area (23) facing away from the pivot part (17) of the other joint (5).

Abstract: A tandem handle lock-out tool for use with a tractor trailer having a first arm and a second arm disposed at about 90 degrees thereto. A first arm may have an aperture for positioning the tool over a tandem handle. The tandem handle lock-out tool may be slidably positioned with an end of the second arm positioned against the tandem axle assembly to maintain the tandem handle in an extended position. The tandem handle lock-out tool may also have a channel disposed in the second arm. The tandem handle lock-out tool may be formed of a flat bar stock with a bend therein or two pieces of bar stock being welded together.

Abstract: A bicycle includes a stem extending downwardly from a handle, and a crank mechanism interconnecting the stem and a head tube. The crank mechanism includes a frame fixed on the head tube, a lever pivoted to a front end of the frame and extending uprightly therefrom, a crank pivoted to the rear end of the frame and extending uprightly therefrom, and a coupler member pivoted to an upper end of the crank and movably connected to an upper end of the lever so as to permit co-movement of the lever, the crank and the coupler member relative to the frame and so as to permit frontward and rearward movement of the handle together with the stem relative to the head tube. A locking unit is selectively and movably connected to two of the frame, the lever, the crank and the coupler member, and is operable between locking and unlocking positions.

Abstract: A vehicle having a front frame section and rear frame sections which are pivotally attached to the front frame section and adapted to move along a vertical plane independent of one another. The vehicle includes a steering assembly connected to the front frame section. Upper and lower stops extend from the front frame section and are engageable with the rear frame sections to limit the vertical movement thereof. Movement facilitators, such as wheels or ski members, are operably connected to the vehicle so as to interface with the riding surface and provide movement to the vehicle.

Abstract: A shock absorber for fifth wheel hitches for pickup trucks has a bushing embedded in memory polyurethane elastomer confined within a metal frame. The shock absorbers are mounted by brackets on the fifth wheel hitch support frame. The bushings receive pivot pins terminal to a cross beam mounting the couple assembly of the hitch. Both bushing and shock absorber frame have projections extending into the elastomer for better engagement. The projections can be studs or planar lugs. When the projections are loops of wire welded to the bushing and frame, the elastomer flows into the loops providing better engagement.

Abstract: A biased cable mechanism is provided for enabling a secondary connection between a trailer and a vehicle. The biased cable mechanism includes a housing supporting a cable for resilient extensions from the housing. A first end of the cable is fixedly attached to the housing and a second end extends therefrom. A biasing member is operably interconnected to a mid-length of the cable enabling resilient extension of the cable from the housing for attachment to the vehicle, thereby providing the secondary connection.

Abstract: A shock absorbing trailer hitch generally includes a socket adapted to lock onto a ball connected to the towing vehicle. The socket is connected to a lower support member which supports the bottom of a shock absorbing assembly. An inner tube extends up from the socket and lower tube through the shock absorbing assembly. The upper portion of the shock absorbing assembly is connected to an upper support member that is connected to the towed vehicle. A bearing is secured to the upper tube that slidably but non-rotatably receives the upper portion of the inner tube. The shock absorbing assembly includes rubber springs that absorb the forces experienced by the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A Collapsible Trailer is disclosed. Also disclosed is a trailer that is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled. Still further, the trailer includes at least one longitudinal member for providing a frame to partially support the assembled deck. There are versions of the trailer that are held together by cable systems, as well as versions that include a metal frame. If the trailer has a frame, there are versions having an external frame, as well as versions having a frame that is internal to the deck segments. In any case, the deck segments, when disassembled, stackable into a condensed deck stack.

Abstract: A suspension system provides a pair of walking beams mounted parallel to a longitudinal main frame of a vehicle subframe. The walking beams support tandem axles. The walking beams are mounted to lower outboard brackets extending from each axle. A spherical joint extending from each longitudinal end of each walking beam engages the lower outboard brackets. Each walking beam is constrained against fore-aft movement through a pair of watts linkages. The watts linkages are separated by a lateral torsion tube. Each walking beam is connected to its respective watts linkages through a revolute joint and pivot relative to the torque tube. A pair of tie-rods are attached between each watts linkages and a fixed support. The tie rods include spherical joints at each end. Each axle is further restrained by a V-rod attached to an upper bracket extending from each axle.

Abstract: An airbag module having an elastically mounted gas generator. An easily fittable, elastic mounting is provided for mounting the the gas generator in such a manner that it can be used irrespective of the shape of the diffuser or of another housing surrounding the gas generator. The gas generator is mounted by means of an elastic subassembly, which has retaining element running obliquely upward, i.e., obliquely in the direction of the covering, and retaining element running obliquely downward, i.e., obliquely in the direction opposed to the aforementioned direction. The two retaining elements are fastened to the gas generator or to a section of the airbag module.

Abstract: In an airbag cover having an ornament, mounting legs of the ornament are inserted individually into mounting holes formed in a door portion of the airbag cover and are bent at first bent portions near the opening of the mounting holes on the rear side of the door. The leading end portions of the mounting legs are bent at second bent portions arranged near the leading ends of the mounting legs, on the rear side of the door. The portions of the mounting legs near their leading ends which are bent at the second bent portions are covered by melting and solidifying cover portions having compatibility with the material forming the airbag cover. The vicinities of the leading ends of the mounting leg portions are covered with the cover portions as to be restrained from being extracted in the general direction of the axis of the portion of the mounting leg between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

Abstract: An air bag apparatus is provided having an air bag that is configured to include portions that correspond to the rider motions generated in motorcycle accidents. The air bag apparatus has an air bag provided on a motorcycle and which includes a first expansion part which is expanded toward a rider protection region which is formed above a body constituent part of the motorcycle and in front of the motorcycle rider in the case of the forward collision of the motorcycle; and a second expansion part which is expanded toward a rider protection region at pitching which is formed in front of the motorcycle rider in the pitching of the motorcycle around a front wheel due to the forward collision of the motorcycle.

Abstract: An air bag apparatus is provided on a motorcycle. The apparatus includes an air bag that is restricted so as not to be expanded toward a body constituent part, and is guided to be expanded toward a rider protection region in the expansion direction by providing the air bag so it is rolled and folded outwardly from the body constituent part of the motorcycle, allowing it to be expanded and inflated toward the rider protection region, which is formed in front of a motorcycle rider, and above the body constituent part of the motorcycle in the case of the forward collision of the motorcycle.

Abstract: The method for expanding an air bag includes the steps of: detecting a variation of a deceleration of a vehicle during a vehicle collision and applying the detected deceleration signal to a microcomputer. Analyzing a collision waveform generated according to the deceleration signal and determining an impact degree of the vehicle. Temporarily stopping an operation of the deceleration detector at the microcomputer. Initializing an initial collision waveform while the operation of the deceleration detector is stopped, the initial collision waveform being inputted before the microcomputer stops the operation of the deceleration detector. Re-operating the deceleration detector at the microcomputer, detecting again a variation of the deceleration of the vehicle at the deceleration detector, and applying the newly detected deceleration signal to the microcomputer.

Abstract: Enhanced airbag modules and associated methods are provided. An airbag module according to the invention may have a cushion with an inflatable protection zone and a flexible venting tube coupled to the inflatable protection zone. A closure mechanism may be used to compress the flexible venting tube against an anchoring member, such as a housing of the airbag module or a vehicle feature, until venting through the flexible venting tube is needed. The closure mechanism may then be actuated, for example, by igniting a pyrotechnic within a specially designed bolt of the closure mechanism. The bolt may, for example, have a bore with a pyrotechnic initiator molded-in-place within the bore. The bolt may fracture to open the closure mechanism, thereby permitting inflation gas to flow out of the inflatable protection zone via the flexible venting tube.

Abstract: Enhanced airbag modules and associated methods are provided. An airbag module according to the invention may have a cushion with a venting portion. During normal vehicle operation, the venting portion may be closed so that inflation gas is not permitted to flow through the venting portion. A pyrotechnic may be ignited to open the venting portion when venting is desired. The pyrotechnic may be directly attached to the venting portion to burn through or mechanically rupture the venting portion, thereby forming an exit port. Alternatively, the venting portion may have a flap that can be detached from the housing by ignition of a pyrotechnic to permit venting through an exit port of the housing. The pyrotechnic may then be disposed within a fastener designed to fracture upon ignition of the pyrotechnic to release the flap from attachment to the housing. The pyrotechnic may, for example, be an initiator or rapid deflagration cord (RDC).

Abstract: An inflator (10) is provided for supplying gas to a vehicle airbag from the combustion of pyrotechnic materials. The inflator (10) has a two-piece inflator body (12) held together by crimping the body components, rather than welding. An igniter assembly (18) is positioned in a bore (22) in an upper piece (14) of the inflator body and is held in place with a press-fit interface and an adhesive seal. The upper piece (14) of the inflator body is rounded, increasing its strength, and fits partially into the lower piece (16). A booster tube is unnecessary, making the inflator lighter in weight and increasing available volume for propellant.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column is used with motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a frame. The steering column has an outer jacket and a stationery bracket. The outer jacket is releasably coupled to the frame. The stationery bracket is coupled to the frame. The outer jacket and stationery bracket are collapsible in response to release of the outer jacket from the frame. An electrically actuated brake mechanism is coupled between the stationery bracket and the outer jacket and provides an infinitely variable resistive force to the collapse of the outer jacket and the stationery bracket.

Abstract: A multimedia ergonomic flipbook for displaying sports images and optionally playing sounds corresponding to those images. The flipbook includes a plurality of pages with sequential images printed on both the obverse and reverse sides of the pages. For example, if the flipbook contains 32 pages, the pages can be flipped from page 1 to 32 to display one or more sets of animations, and the flipbook can be turned over and the pages can be flipped from pages 32 to 1 to display one or more sets of animations. The flipping ends of the pages can be cut stylistically so that the ends of the pages are straight or curved or any combination thereof so that the end of the flipbook is symmetrically beveled, which makes the pages of the flipbook easier to flip forwards or backwards.

Abstract: Method for generating a label for a medication in which information about the medication is obtained and printed on the label in a hierarchical manner with more important information in a more prominent location or more prominent type relative to other less important information. The information may be divided into primary information and secondary information with the primary information being placed on the label before the secondary information. The label may be used in a container having a curved front wall, a planar rear wall, a substantially planar bottom wall and a cap engaging with the front and rear walls to seal the container. The rear wall is constructed with a device for removably received an information card containing information relating to the medication.

Abstract: A block fitting for coupling tubing segments having a pair of seals, one of the seals being a radial seal and the other seal being an axial seal, wherein the fitting militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system upon failure of one of the pair of seals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to provide a coupling-equipped pipe which prevents cost increasing, and which also enables to perform connection work quickly and easily, and enables to stop water leakage in a secure manner. A coupling-equipped pipe 4 is constructed by inserting, into one end of a pipe main body 1 made of a synthetic resin and formed in a spiral shape wherein projecting parts 1A and recessed parts 1B are alternately positioned in the axial direction of the pipe, a tubular metal socket 2 having an external diameter larger than the internal diameter of the pipe main body, and inserting into the other end of the pipe main body 1, a tubular metal spigot 3 having an external diameter larger than the internal diameter of the pipe main body 1, and which has a tip end insertion part 3X capable being inserted into the socket 2 and connected therewith.

Abstract: A pipe connection fitting having at one end a tapered edge (1) which communicates at its base with tightening nut (2) which communicates with male pipe threads (3) which communicates with extension member (4) having an angle cut (6) with a flow port (5) through the center of the fitting. Positive differential pressure is created by installing a differential pressure fitting facing into the fluid stream of a flow line. Negative differential pressure is created by installing a differential pressure fitting facing away from the fluid stream of a flow line. Tubing connects the fittings to a pressure tank containing the fluid to be injected in the flow line. Fluid flow past the fittings in the flow line motivates flow from the flow line to the pressure tank and from the pressure tank back to the flow line. The fitting being made of rigid plastic or metal.

Abstract: A riser assembly is provided for transmitting gas from a buried line to a meter manifold. The riser assembly includes an adapter having a mounting structure at one end for connection to a manifold and having an opening at an opposite end. An inner casing has a first end received through the opening and a second end extending therefrom for connection with an associated buried line. A seal assembly is interposed between the inner casing and the adapter for sealing therebetween. A gripping assembly holds the inner casing in the adapter. A protective tubular assembly is received over the inner casing. The tubular assembly has a first end received in the opening and a second end extending therefrom a dimension sufficient to cover the inner casing above ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a PVC-pipe, axially-tensioned joint. The pipe joint comprises a first PVC pipe having a spigot end, wherein the spigot end has a circumferential groove in and circumferentially around the outer surface of the spigot end. An inner ring is fitted into the groove in the spigot end and has a radial edge which forms a substantially radial shoulder circumferentially around the inner ring. The pipe joint also comprises a second PVC pipe having a bell end, wherein a plurality of angularly-spaced-apart holes extend radially through the bell end. The bell end of the second PVC pipe is fitted onto the spigot end of the first PVC pipe. There is a set of radial fasteners, wherein each given one of the radial fasteners extends through one of the plurality of angularly-spaced-apart holes in the bell end such that a first end portion of the fastener abuts against a shoulder of the inner ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for generating energy, and in particular electrical energy, using fluid supported bodies, each disposed in one of a plurality of chambers filled with a fluid. The fluid, which issues from a fluid source, has a density which is greater than the body so that the bodies are all buoyant, and therefore float, in the fluid. A rotatable shaft is supported above the chambers, with each of said bodies being coupled to the shaft through a clutch mechanism for driving the shaft in rotation. An electrical energy-generating device may be coupled to the shaft for generating electrical energy when the shaft rotates. Conduits interconnect the chambers with the fluid source, and fluid level sensors and valve means communicating with the conduit means and the chambers for regulating ingress and egress of fluid from the chambers. The fluid in each of the chambers is selectively evacuated whenever the body in the respective chamber has been lifted to a preselected height within the chamber.

Abstract: A slidable closure for a pivoting cover of a storing compartment in a vehicle. The slidable closure comprises an integral one-piece plastic member comprising a closure member and a resiliently deformable spring member. The closure member has a gripping portion, a catch and a flange. The slidable closure when mounted within an opening of the pivoting cover, is slidably guided by the flange slidably engaging one side of the pivoting cover and by the catch and the spring member slidably engaging the other side of the pivoting cover, such that the closure member is slidably displaceable relative to a fixedly supported end of the spring member in a longitudinal direction between opening and closing positions.

Abstract: A latch assembly is constructed from a plurality of modular sub-assemblies, such as a retention module sub-assembly, a release module sub-assembly, and an actuator module sub-assembly. Each of the sub-assemblies may incorporate various functional characteristics, such as motorized operation. Combining sub-assemblies having different functions allows construction of different latch assemblies while taking advantage of common sub-assembly parts, eliminating the need to construct completely new latch assembly designs to accommodate different functions.

Abstract: A bumper for vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, includes a dimensionally stable member and an elastic covering forming an end region of the vehicle body. At least one light respectively is inserted into laterally exterior receiving pockets of the covering and is held in position at the covering. The light has a light-transmitting covering element on the side facing the end region. It is provided that, on each covering element, a guard is provided locally which projects slightly with respect to the adjacent elastic covering and is constructed in one piece with the covering element. In the area of the guard, in the event of a 30° pendulum crash, the covering element is supported on a member structure of the vehicle body situated behind the covering element.

Abstract: A system designed to store an implant together with the tools necessary to implant the stored implant, and a method of using said system. Such system includes an implant storage tool adapted to retain the implant within a storage container. The implant storage tool is operable to provide an implant applicator.

Abstract: A combination soft drink bottle holder and pitcher type container is disclosed which is specifically adapted to receive a conventional two liter soft drink bottle in a releasable friction fit relationship. The holder and container device includes an integral; handle which permits one to handle and pour the contents of the soft drink bottle in a facile, yet secure manner. When used independently as a pitcher container, without the soft drink bottle, free standing liquids in the pitcher may be stored and poured from the container in a similar manner to conventional pitchers. In a preferred embodiment, a removably lid is provided which fits within top opening of the container and allows pouring of free flowing liquids from the pitcher container without removing the lid which is rotatably mounted between open and closed positions.