Abstract: An impact countermeasure device (30) used for receiving an impact force (56) has a generally hollow body with an outer wall (52) defining an interior portion (54) and an exterior portion. The wall (52) has at least one blow hole (60) therethrough. The wall (52) has at least one tack off area (70) formed therein. The tack off area (70) and the blow hole (60) control the crush rate of the body in response to the impact force (56).

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

Abstract: A vehicle having an occupant space within a cab is disclosed. The cab has an access door providing access to the space. The door includes a novel hinge mounting construction including a hinge mounting plate. The plate is moveable over a limited adjustment range. A hinge plate locator sized to mate with complemental surfaces of a hinge leaf is provided. The locator is connected to the plate and moveable with the plate as the plate is moved within its adjustment range. A fastener is provided to fix the locator and plate in an adjusted position such that the door may be removed and remounted without repeating an initial locating adjustment.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes an end region and a receptacle arranged in the end region. The end region includes a pan made at least partially of a fiber reinforced plastic, and the pan functions as an impact deformable element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a front pillar panel assembly for a vehicle. The front pillar panel assembly includes a side inner panel and a side outer panel, welded together so as to form a closed box-shape in cross-section. A side outer reinforcing panel and a door upper mounting panel are welded together and added along an inner surface of the side inner panel in a sequential manner. An outer bracket is coupled along the inside face of the side inner panel, with both ends welded to the door upper mounting panel. Furthermore, a door upper mounting reinforcing bracket is included and welded along the inner surface of the door upper mounting panel.

Abstract: A roof system for a motor vehicle with at least two covers (2, 3) which are located in a fixed motor vehicle roof (1) with an intermediate section (1B) of the fixed motor vehicle roof (1) located between the covers (2, 3). To produce an economical roof system which can be matched to any vehicle roof size and shape, and which is suitable for retrofit installation, a covering is provided on the intermediate section (1B) between the covers (2, 3) which is formed preferably as a film and which has an outer surface with a visual appearance that is matched in that of the covers (2, 3).

Abstract: A sunshade for a roof assembly in a vehicle includes a substrate having a plurality of tube members arranged parallel to each other. The axes of the tube members are positioned at an oblique angle relative to a plane of the substrate. The oblique orientation reduces the amount of light flow into the vehicle through the opening across which the sunshade extends. In one example, polygonal tube members establish a honeycomb-like structure that is rigid and self-supporting. The inventive sunshade allows for reduced light transmission through an opening in a vehicle while still allowing ventilation through that opening.

Abstract: A roof arrangement is particularly useful in a passenger car with a sliding cover which is provided for closing or partially exposing a roof opening and is linked to a lateral guiding device. The roof arrangement also has an element which can be moved with the cover and has a connection line as well as a line guiding device for the connection line. In order to be able to lay the connection line for the element in a simple manner, a screen which can be moved with the cover and which at least partially covers the lateral guiding device is provided. The connection line is guided on the screen.

Abstract: A support including a frame having a tension member coupled to the frame is disclosed. The frame has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The tension member is disposable in a first position to provide support for an arm of a user and a second position to be carried on a shoulder of the user.

Abstract: A folding chair having a novel hinge and joint surface configuration that forms a substantially rigid structure approximating conventional non-folding chair designs. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a folding chair comprising a seat frame, a backrest frame hinged proximally to the rear edge of the seat frame and forwardly collapsible over the upper surface of the seat frame, and back legs hinged to the rear edge of the seat frame and forwardly collapsible over the lower surface of the seat frame. The chair, in one embodiment, further comprises front legs hinged to the seat frame and collapsible over the back legs. In an assembled state, the back legs and the backrest frame each abut against elements of the chair at joint surfaces, which limit the range of motion of the hinged members to thereby create a chair having a rigid support structure. In one embodiment, the seat frame, backrest frame, and back legs unfold into an interlocked configuration enhancing the stability of the chair.

Abstract: A seat assembly for mounting on a vehicle floor includes a seat bottom and at least one panel movably attached to the seat bottom. The panel is movable between a storage position adjacent the seat bottom, and a deployed position extending outwardly from the seat bottom such that the panel is in a generally horizontal position to form a flat load floor above the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A portable seat and storage apparatus combining the multifunctional capacities of a chair, backpack, and storage device. The device incorporates a frame assembly and back support frame assembly, which cooperate to form an adjustable seating capacity. The apparatus may be a substantially open frame or configured with at least one panel. The seat frame assembly is further configured to define a volume enclosing a storage assembly. The storage assembly may be configured as a single or multicompartmented assembly, and may include a plurality of handles, lids, and drawers. The apparatus may be configured with at least one cooperating storage assembly guide recess and storage guide to guide the storage assembly into proper storage position, as well as a plurality of storage retainers and storage stops to limit the travel of the storage assembly. A plurality of accessory devices may be attached with a plurality of clamp-type accessory holders.

Abstract: A collapsible chair for supporting a person includes a seat and a chest rest. The chest rest may be adjusted longitudinally and rotationally when a cam lever is moved into an unlocked position. An adjustable face rest is connected to the chest rest. The chair may also include an adjustable armrest, and detachable knee rests.

Abstract: A vehicle seat with a head rest detachably fastenable at a backrest of the seat and with an integrated video screen, for which the head rest has a storing space. In order to obtain an improved possibility to mount the seat using simple constructive techniques and in order to allow a high security for the passengers of the vehicle in its mounted state, the video screen is fastened in the storing space in a form-locking and/or force-locking manner between the head rest and the backrest. In particular in a first embodiment the video screen is fastened on a support piece of the backrest, which is provided with sleeves for supporting rods of the head rest and with a plug-in contact for the video screen.

Abstract: A chair includes a base having a control assembly operably supporting a seat assembly and also a back assembly for movement about a seat tilt axis and a back tilt axis, respectively. The back assembly includes a flexible sheet supported at upper/outer corners by a back support structure and hanging downwardly. The flexible sheet includes a lower portion coupled to the back support structure by a tensioner for holding the lower portion rearwardly. A vertically-adjustable lumbar mechanism is adjustably supported on the back support structure and operably engages the flexible sheet for biasing an intermediate portion of the flexible sheet forwardly to both form the intermediate portion into a forwardly convex shape for postural lumbar support and also to tension the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A seat connection mechanism having a saddle bracket portion and a pin portion is provided. The saddle bracket portion includes an inner pivot channel, an occupied position stop, an unoccupied position stop, and an outer surface which extends between the occupied and the unoccupied position stops. The pin portion includes a pivot pin and a stop pin protruding therefrom. The pivot and stop pins are positioned such that, and are spaced apart by a distance such that, when the pin portion is angled with respect to the saddle bracket portion at an insertion angle, the stop pin is positionable adjacent to the outer surface and the pivot pin is insertable into the inner pivot channel, and such that when the pin portion is angled with respect to the saddle bracket portion at an angle other than the insertion angle, the pivot pin is retained in the inner pivot channel.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a vehicle seat, which includes a seatback. The seat is slidable relative to a floor of the vehicle, and the seatback inclines forward with respect to the seat. The structure holds the seat in a stable state when the seatback is used as a table. The structure includes a seat cushion, which moves between a normal position at which a passenger may sit on the seat and a lifted position at which the seat cushion is moved from the normal position. A locking member selectively permits and prohibits the sliding of the seat. An actuating member controls the locking member and prohibits the sliding of the seat when the seat cushion is located at the lifted position and the seatback is inclined forward with respect to the seat.

Abstract: The invention concerns to a mechanism to obtain the complete reclining of a seat, particularly for an aircraft seat, comprising a lower element (3), fixed to the floor, provided with a guide, placed in a substantially rear position; a seat element (7), on which the back (1) and the seat (2) are pivoted, respectively on. the rear and frontally, a rocking lever element (12), pivoted in front of said lower element (3), and above the lower part of said seat element, (7); and a lever element (16), pivoted, at its rear end (17), on the coupling point (12) between the seat (7) and the back (1), and at its front end (18), on said rocking lever (12); being further provided actuating means (14) that, acting on the rocking lever, cause the operation of the whole mechanism, reclining or lifting the seat.

Abstract: A seat recliner and latch includes a housing, an upper quadrant rotationally supported by the housing, a recliner mechanism supported by the housing and operably engaging the upper quadrant, a latch mechanism pivotally supported by the housing and operable to selectively engage a floor striker. An actuation mechanism is in operable communication with the recliner and latch mechanisms, and is operable in a first position, whereby the recliner mechanism enables rotational adjustment of the upper quadrant, and in a second position whereby the latch mechanism disengages the striker. The latch mechanism is pivotally supported about a pivot axis, wherein the latch mechanism rotates thereabout as the seat folds about a remote axis. An interlock is engaged with latch mechanism and is in selective engagement with the quadrant. The interlock limits a range of rotation of the quadrant when the latch mechanism disengages the striker.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat and armrests that are movable relative to the seat. An armrest lock supports each armrest for movement relative to the seat between a raised storage position and a lowered armrest position. Each armrest lock is movable relative to the seat between an armrest-locking position and an armrest-releasing position. Each armrest lock is able to move to its armrest-locking position once its companion armrest has been moved to assume either the raised storage position or the lowered armrest position.

Abstract: A back comprises a frame formed by two c-shaped frame parts. These are inserted into circumferentially extending rand seams of a cover to which purpose at least one insertion opening is formed in one rand seam. The connection between said two frame parts is achieved by connecting members which further cover up the at least one insertion opening.

Abstract: A chair includes a seat and a backrest. A coupling unit includes two engaging tongues respectively extending from opposite sides of the seat, and a pair of brackets respectively fixed on opposite sides of the backrest and defining two tongue-retention channels. Each of the engaging tongues is formed with an engaging hole. Two fastener clips are mounted on the brackets, respectively. Each fastener clip includes a resilient arm having a V-shaped engaging end that is engageable with the engaging hole in a respective one of the engaging tongues.

Abstract: A child-restraint apparatus comprises a seat adapted to receive a seated child. An adjuster is used to permit adjustment of a strap that lies across the seated child.

Abstract: A dump truck end gate locking system includes a dump truck having a chassis and a cargo box which pivots between a transport position and a dumping position. The cargo box has an end gate. A sensor is provided for sensing when the cargo box is in the transport position. A locking member is provided having a locked position engaging the end gate and an unlocked position disengaged from the end gate. A drive mechanism for the locking member is coupled to the sensor. The drive mechanism moves the locking member to the locked position to secure the end gate when the sensor indicates the cargo box is in the transport position. The drive mechanism moves the locking member to the unlocked position to release the end gate when the sensor indicates the cargo box has moved from the transport position to assume a dumping position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mining of material from a seam includes a mining apparatus and a self-propelled conveyor capable of advancing or retreating in the seam on its own power and an advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against roof falls. The power input for the self-propelled conveyor is provided by continuous drive shafts powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor. Alternately, a unique reciprocating conveyor mechanically powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. A method and apparatus for accurately and precisely navigating the mining machine is disclosed.

Abstract: An earth discharging device, for a shield machine for constructing a tunnel in the vertical direction, has a pipe for discharging downwardly earth and sand that have been excavated by the machine as it advances upwardly. An elastic film-type valve is provided in the earth discharging pipe, which valve expands and contracts diametrically by means of fluid pressure to open and close the interior of the earth discharging pipe. A gate mechanism follows the elastic valve and adjusts the sectional area of the space through which earth and sand pass inside of the earth discharging pipe. The gate mechanism narrows the sectional area of the earth discharging pipe at the outlet side of the elastic valve so as to create a substantially uniform earth pressure upon the entire elastic valve to inhibit blockages and eruptions that might otherwise occur.

Abstract: A wheel, especially for use on vehicles, comprises at least one end region having an outer surface and comprising a free end, the end region being provided with at least one fitting recess for fitting at least one wheel balance weight, the recess defining at least one contact surface that projects from the free end on the outer surface of the end region, the contact surface being capable of interacting by friction with a balance weight fixing clamp.

Abstract: A hubcap having a circular contoured wall with a number of openings; and at least two connecting members carried by the contoured wall, each at a respective opening, for connecting the hubcap stably to a wheel rim. At each opening fitted with a connecting member, the contoured wall forms two integral facing connecting flanges extending from opposite sides of the opening in a direction crosswise to the contoured wall. Each connecting member is C-shaped and has a central portion and two wings crosswise to the central portion; and each wing is welded stably to a respective connecting flange.

Abstract: The system comprises an electric line which extends along the train, and head apparatus and tail apparatus connected to the ends of the line. The head apparatus comprises a DC voltage supply operable to apply to the line a DC voltage of predetermined value and a detector operable to generate an alarm upon loss of a given signal on the line. The tail apparatus comprises a generator of the said signal coupled to the line and a DC/DC converter the input of which is connected to the line and the output of which is connected to the signal generator to provide to this latter a supply voltage derived from that generated by the first supply device of the head apparatus. The system is such that an interruption of the train capable of causing interruption to the said line is able to cause deactivation of the signal generator of the tail apparatus, which can be detected and signaled by the detector of the head apparatus.

Abstract: The time reset safety timer circuit eliminates approximately half of the external interfaces of the prior art safety timers. The prior art safety timers depend on vehicle axle speeds, brake indications, and/or trainline signals to initiate a safety timer reset. The time reset safety timer circuit in the present invention uses only internal information to initiate a safety timer reset. This simplifies the circuitry of the time reset safety timer circuit, which improves the reliability.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure control device for an empty/load changeover valve on a railway car, which enables an empty/load changeover valve to have a lower profile. The pneumatic pressure control device comprises a mounting member having a first surface, a second surface, and further having an actuating push rod. A sensor arm of a predetermined size and shape has a first end and a second end. A first disposed adjacent at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the mounting member pivotally supports the sensor arm in a predetermined position on the mounting member. A second is engageable with the sensor arm and the actuating push rod on the mounting member for moving the push rod in response to a movement of the sensor arm. A load sensing has at least a portion thereof disposed on the second end of the sensor arm for determining a rate of brake cylinder pressure required relative to an actual weight of a railway car. The sensor arm and the load sensing have a predetermined travel limit.

Abstract: An elastic crawler traveling apparatus having an elastic crawler in a shape of an endless belt, a sprocket for a crawler belt arranged to be brought into contact with an inner face of the elastic crawler, a driven wheel, and a rolling wheel, the elastic crawler including a belt main body, a plurality of projections formed to project at intervals along a peripheral direction on an inner face of the belt main body, and a tension member embedded at an inner portion of the belt main body for restricting elongation of the belt main body, in which the sprocket has a contact portion to contact the belt main body and a contact width of the contact portion in a belt width direction of the elastic crawler is wider than a root width of the projection in the belt width direction.

Abstract: A control system (10) is built with functional modules expandable system, usually containing electronic circuit boards (24). The packaging of the modules allow a variable number of modules to be vertically stacked together to form a variably sized control system. There is a module having a housing which engages the housing of an abutting module in a physically locked relationship, based upon four locking elements. There are modular units (16, 18, 20) which can be joined vertically by having two interlocking control units in the front of each module and two interlocking control units in the back of each module. Placed above the uppermost intermediate module is a top module (12) for the control unit. Placed below the lowermost intermediate module is a bottom module (14) for the control unit.

Abstract: A concave design forming unit with the desired form is formed on the surface of a molded component for use in injection molding using a low melting point metal material. An injection molding cavity of the predetermined shape is formed from a metal mold, and after mold curing the molten metal, the molded goods are removed from the injection molding cavity. The injection molding cavity is formed by a first metal mold unit and a second metal mold unit, the metal mold having a trapezoidal concave design forming unit with the predetermined height formed on the metal mold inside surface of the first metal mold unit or the second metal mold unit forming said injection molding cavity. The metal mold is heated to a predetermined metal mold temperature, and the molten metal heated to the predetermined molten temperature will be injected into the injection molding cavity of the heated metal mold at the predetermined injection rate.

Abstract: A computer enclosure (1) includes a chassis (10), a cover (20), a turn support (40) and a locking device (50). The chassis defines a plurality of slots (17) in a pair of opposite sills (16) thereof. The cover has a plurality of catches (21) for the engagement with the chassis at the slots. The turn support is attached to the chassis. The locking device includes a turn cap (60), a cam (52), a washer (54), and a bolt (56). The turn cap and cam are rotatably secured to the cover with the washer and the bolt. Rotation of the turn cap causes corresponding rotation of the cam. When rotated, the cam acts on flanges (46, 48) at an opening (42) of the turn support. The locking device thereby drives the cover to move forward or rearward. The catches of the cover accordingly engage with or disengage from the chassis.

Abstract: The key organizer has a housing with a first section and a second section which are pivotally connected. First and second drums are rotatably mounted on axles within a cavity of the housing. A first belt is engaged with the first and second drums and has a plurality of suspension points for hanging articles thereon. A drive mechanism is connected to one of the drums for rotating one of the drums to cause rotation of the belt. A switching device is connected to the drive mechanism for selectively continuously activating the drive mechanism. Third and fourth drums are mounted onto the axles in spaced relation to the first and second drums. A second belt engages these drums. The drive mechanism has a gear train with a drive gear and additional gears which matingly engage the drive gear. A locking mechanism locks the first and second sections together. A light can be mounted onto one of the first and second sections for illuminating the housing cavity.

Abstract: An automatic spacing adjustment mechanism of cartridge, which utilizes an existing paper feed drive motor of a printer to adjust the distance from a cartridge of a print cartridge receiving seat of the printer to papers. The automatic spacing adjustment mechanism of cartridge includes a gear set and a lift unit. The gear set can be triggered to be in a mutual engaged state through motion of the print cartridge receiving seat to the utmost side. The gear set can be driven to rotate by the paper feed drive motor. The lift unit can be driven by the mutual engaged gear set to lift or lower the print cartridge receiving seat.

Abstract: The number of printing elements that perform printing with a plurality of types of printing agents is determined in accordance with a maximum multiple printing count with which dots of each one of the plurality of types of printing agents are printed in an overlaying manner at substantially one position on a printing medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inkjet printing system that includes an inkjet printhead having a plurality of electrical contacts. The plurality of electrical contacts include address contacts and enable contacts for enabling drop generators and drive current contacts for providing drive current to enable drop generators for selectively ejecting ink therefrom. The printing system includes a printing device having a plurality of electrical contacts including address contacts, enable contacts and drive current contacts. The plurality of electrical contacts are configured to establish electrical contact with corresponding electrical contacts on the inkjet printhead upon insertion of the inkjet printhead into the printing device. The printing device provides periodic address signals and enable signals to the address and enable contacts one the printhead. In addition, the printing device selectively applies drive current to accomplish forming images on print media.

Abstract: The present invention includes as one embodiment an inkjet printing method for decreasing print banding in a thermal inkjet printhead having a plurality of substrates with adjacent overlapping and non-overlapping regions between the substrates, the method comprising synchronizing a difference in time delay between ink ejected from the adjacent overlapping and non-overlapping regions of each substrate to reduce the difference.

Abstract: An image data processing method for ink jet printer comprising the steps of obtaining an allowable amount of ink in accordance with inputted image data and characteristics of a medium for forming an image; selecting and ink jetting domain and fixing the amount of ink in the selected ink jetting domain at a specified value, on the basis of the allowable amount of ink; and practicing a quantization processing with the amount of ink in the ink jetting domain fixed at the specified value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to fully utilize the spectral gamut of a six-color printer to minimize metameric matches while maintaining high colorimetric accuracy in the reproduction by such six-color printer of a target image from a target color device.

Abstract: In a technique for obscuring the stitch error perceived the eye of a viewer, a first plurality of drops of fluid are ejected in a first firing sequence at a medium in a first swath from a print head including at least one die having a plurality of nozzles while moving in a first direction relative to the medium. Thereafter, the medium is advanced in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The print head is again moved in the first direction and a second plurality of drops of the fluid are fired at the medium in a second swath adjacent the first swath. A controller randomly modulates the spot size resulting from the drops of the fluid. The stitch error may be a misplacement of the second swath relative to the first swath and the second plurality of drops includes a random variety of drop sizes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are providing for extending the drop volume control of a thermal ink jet print head. The print head has a plurality of drop ejectors, each of the plurality of drop ejectors has a heating element actuatable in response to input signals to eject an ink droplet from the print head. The method includes the steps of applying a plurality of print signals to the print head, the plurality of print signals corresponding to an image for the ink jet assembly to create, applying at least one pulse signal to the print head, and sequentially using the at least one pulse signal and the plurality of print signals to activate the heating elements so that the change in current remains small.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of cleaning the nozzle area and the ink nozzle of a print head of an inkjet imaging apparatus include devices of moving the nozzle area into contact with an imaging media, wherein the nozzle area is moved relative to the imaging media to thereby scrub contaminants and the like from the nozzle area and the ink nozzle. The is accomplished by way of an actuating mechanism that can be configured either to move the print head or to move a backup object which, in turn, moves the imaging media. The print head can be configured to spray ink onto the imaging media just prior to bringing the nozzle area and imaging media into contact with one another, wherein the wet ink can have a solvent effect during the scrubbing of the nozzle area against the imaging media.

Abstract: A waste ink removal system cleans ink residue from an ink drop sensor in a printing mechanism when a scraper, supported by a base, is actuated between a retracted position and an engaged position. The system also includes a reservoir defining a plurality of capillary drains onto which the scraper deposits ink residue while moving to the engaged position. A method of cleaning ink residue from an electrostatic sensing element of an ink drop detector, and a printing mechanism having such a waste ink removal system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes as one embodiment a method for printing ink on a print media with a fluid ejection device of an inkjet printing mechanism, comprising generating first grid pattern data and second grid pattern data different from the first grid pattern data, sending the first grid pattern data to a first printing mechanism of the fluid ejection device and sending the second grid pattern data to a second printing mechanism of the fluid ejection device.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead is formed on a silicon wafer and includes a number of nozzle devices, each having a nozzle chamber and an aperture through which ink from the nozzle chamber is ejected. Each nozzle device also has an actuator for applying pressure to ink within the nozzle chamber to cause ejection of an ink drop through the aperture and drive circuitry for controlling the actuator. The drive circuitry and the actuator share area of the silicon wafer to increase manufacturing yield.

Abstract: A thermal-type drop generator for ejecting droplets of liquid having ultra-small volumes. In one embodiment the drop generator includes a chamber defined in part by an orifice member. The chamber is supported by a rigid substrate. Removable material is used in fabricating the chamber.

Abstract: A pressure regulation system for an inkjet printer includes a chamber for containing ink, a level sensor to measure the level of ink contained in the chamber, a pressure source for providing a fluid at a controlled positive or negative gauge pressure, and a pressure control device to control the pressure source. An ink supply regulating device regulates the flow of ink and an ink flow control device controls the ink supply regulating device based on an output of the level sensor. The pressure regulation system can be mounted close to the printhead.