Abstract: A device usable in firearm practice of less lethal ammunition composed of a synthetic rubber cut in the shape of a human being, designed to be attached by means of affixed hardware to various stationary objects.

Abstract: A face seal assembly including an annular mating ring housing having a proximal end surface with a channel therein, a mating ring insert disposed in the channel, the mating ring insert including a mating ring compressed within a first band to maintain the integrity of the mating ring. An annular sealing ring housing has a distal end surface with a channel therein, and a sealing ring insert is disposed in the channel, the sealing ring insert including a sealing ring compressed within a second band to maintain the integrity of the sealing ring. The mating ring faces the sealing ring to prevent fluid from escaping therebetween. A method of making such a face seal assembly is also disclosed as is a complete face seal assembly useful in the top drive unit of an offshore drilling unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seal system for use in rotary machines. The seal system includes a first member and a second member forming an annulus, a high pressure region and a low pressure region in the annulus, and a liquid seal intermediate the first and second members and intermediate the high pressure region and the low pressure region for reducing gas leakage from the high pressure region to the low pressure region.

Abstract: A seal and method of making seals utilises folds in order to form creases in a length of material such that the creases reinforce individual seal elements or surfaces whilst perforations or slots in a seal edge allow air leakage from one side of the seal element or surface to the other. Thus, air pressurisation can take place between spaced seal elements or surfaces and this allows air flotation or riding of a rotating component relative to a static housing component. The perforations are typically graduated from the seal edge in order to provide the best pressurisation and air-riding effect for proximity or gap control between the sealing edge and the rotating component surface. The slots effectively provide flexibility to the sealing edge such that the seal component emulates a brush seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seal assembly for use in a rotary machine. The seal assembly comprises a first member and a seal carrier mounted to the first member by a mounting member, a second member spaced from the first member and a seal running member positioned on the second member, and a hydraulic seal for preventing gas leaking from a high pressure source to a low pressure compartment through the mounting member.

Abstract: A sealing air bypass flow path is provided in a gas turbine for supplying sealing air to a sealing air supply flow path by bypassing the flow path between each tangential on board injection (TOBI) nozzles and disk holes.

Abstract: A labyrinth/brush seal combination and method wherein a brush seal includes a retainer and a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, a labyrinth seal includes a plurality of teeth, and a slot is formed between adjacent teeth. The retainer of the brush seal is disposed in the slot formed in the labyrinth seal, a first tooth of the labyrinth seal forms the front plate of the brush seal, and a second, adjacent tooth of the labyrinth seal forms the back plate of the brush seal.

Abstract: A seal with integrated sealing and rotation measuring capabilities installed on the wheel support bearing assembly on an automotive vehicle that comprises a rotational bearing element and a non-rotational bearing element rotating relative to each other, and provides rotation detection capability for detecting the number of revolutions as well as sealing capability for sealing the wheel support bearing assembly.

Abstract: A synthetic annular sealing ring is provided. The ring has a break therein with first and second complementary ends defining opposite sides of the break. An internally directed annular section of the ring has a first and second internal tongues protruding from the ring ends, and it has first and second internal slots formed in the internally directed section of the ring ends. The first internal tongue is aligned to fit into the second internal slot, and the second internal tongue is aligned to fit into said first internal slot. An externally directed annular section of the ring has a first and second external tongues abutting the second and first internal tongues and protruding from the ring ends, and it has first second external slots formed therein at the ring ends and abutting the second and first internal slots. The first external tongue is aligned to fit into the second external slot, and the second external tongue is aligned to fit into the first external slot.

Abstract: According to the invention a seal—arranged between a radially inwardly facing outer boundary surface of an annular sealing gap and a radially outwardly facing inner boundary surface of the sealing gap—is characterized by a sealing ring having a sealing surface which bears sealingly against one of the boundary surfaces of the sealing gap and having a pressure surface which on the side of the sealing ring in radially opposite relationship to the sealing surface forms with the other of the boundary surfaces of the sealing gap an intermediate space which is wedge-shaped in cross-section, and a pressure ring which is biased by a biasing means at least at times into the intermediate space against the other of the boundary surfaces of the sealing gap and the pressure surface for pressing the sealing surface against the one boundary surface of the sealing gap.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for sealing a housing with respect to a shaft includes a first annular supporting element connected to the housing, a second annular supporting element connected to the shaft, and a first seal connected to one of the two supporting elements and in abradant contact with the other supporting element. To improve the sealing function of the sealing arrangement, the supporting element to which the first seal is not connected is provided with a second seal which runs frictionally on the machine part to which the first supporting element is connected.

Abstract: In order to produce a multi-layer gasket which comprises at least one first layer and one second layer and at least one connecting arrangement for connecting the layers of the gasket together wherein the layers of the gasket are connected together in a simple and reliable manner, it is proposed that the connecting arrangement should comprise at least one retaining element connected to the first layer and at least one through opening arranged in the second layer, wherein the retaining element and a retention area of the second layer partially overlap one another in an unconnected state of the layers, wherein, for the purposes of connecting the layers, the retaining element is deformable from the plane of the first layer and can be moved past the retention area, and wherein the retaining element grips behind the retention area of the second layer in a connected state of the layers in such a manner that the first layer and the second layer are safeguarded from a separating movement of the layers.

Abstract: A novel gasket is provided for filling the space between two mating surfaces on components in an automotive transmission. The gasket includes one or more patches of silicone integrated into a portion of the gasket for providing one or more channels through the gasket, having leak proof seals at the ends of the channel. Bolt passage holes are spaced in the gasket to register with corresponding bolt holes in the mating surfaces. A channel aperture passes through the portion of the gasket augmented with the silicone patch, providing a channel between the mating surfaces. The ends of the channel define leak proof seals between the gasket and the mating surfaces for providing a leak proof fluid flow channel between the mating surfaces.

Abstract: A cylinder head gasket is coated with an encapsulant that is mixed with a light color pigment to create a light colored encapsulant. A translucent topcoat is preferably coated over the encapsulant. The encapsulant is preferably an epoxy primer, the topcoat is preferably a silicone, and the pigment is preferably made from titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Abstract: An active suspension system for a vehicle including elements for developing and executing a trajectory plan responsive to the path on which the vehicle is traveling. The system may include a location system for locating the vehicle, and a system for retrieving a road profile corresponding to the vehicle location.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle. A control arm is attachable to the vehicle frame by a first bushing and by a second bushing and is attachable to the knuckle by a ball joint. A torsion spring assembly has a torsion tube and a torsion bar positioned within the torsion tube. A first end portion of the torsion bar is attached to a first end portion of the torsion tube, and a second end portion of the torsion bar extends beyond a second end of the torsion tube and is attached to the control arm. No portion of the torsion tube is immobilized with respect to the frame. A moment bar has a first end portion attached to the torsion tube and has a second end portion attachable to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically leveling a vehicle is provided. Having a plurality of legs, a sensor and a controller. The sensor is mounted to the vehicle to sense pitch and roll of the vehicle relative to a reference level plane. The sensor produces an orientation signal representing the vehicle pitch and roll. The controller is coupled to each of the legs and to the sensor, and monitors the orientation signal received from the sensor and in response to that signal the controller causes at least one of the legs to retract to move the vehicle downwardly relative to the ground surface, for orienting the vehicle with the reference level plane within a tolerance.

Abstract: Mounting bracket for mounting a wheel unit or other device on the ski of a snowmobile. A base plate of the mounting bracket attaches to the bottom of the ski with the same fastener that fastens a carbide runner to the bottom of the ski. A mounting section has mounting holes or brackets and extends along the outside of the side wall of the ski. The wheel unit is affixable to the mounting bracket, making it easier to retrofit a wheel unit onto a ski having carbide-runner posts in the bottom of the ski.

Abstract: An adjustable device for a roller skate includes a base securely engaged with a bottom face of the sole portion, a positioning plate received in the recess of the base, a clamping plate pivotally connected to the positioning plate and a retainer extending to secure connection in the heel portion, the sole portion, the positioning plate and the base. Pivotal movement of the clamping plate toward the heel portion secures the relative position between the heel portion and the sole portion and pivotal movement of the clamping plate away from the heel portion enables the relative position between the heel portion and the sole portion to be slidable.

Abstract: An electric power generating device for a roller skate comprises a base with a plurality of wheels mounted on the bottom of the skate. One of the wheels is equipped with an axle sleeve, a magnetic ring, a barrel sleeve and a coil base at one side, and all of which are secured to the base of the skate with a wheel axle. The base has a fixture corresponding to the coil base and illumination devices. The axle sleeve comprises an axle therein and has an extension forming a locating axle sleeved by the magnetic ring. The coil base encloses coil connected with the illumination devices located underneath the base.

Abstract: A shopping cart, which is nestable into a preceding, similarly constructed cart and into which a following, similarly constructed cart is nestable, comprises a chassis having front and rear casters, having a transversely extending bar, and having similarly shaped, transversely spaced, camming elements,

Abstract: A push cart transferable to a back holder and a chair includes a pair of connecting mounts jointing a bottom frame and a back frame as well an angle adjusting device jointing with an upper frame and the back frame; wherein the angle adjusting device adjusts the rotation angle of the upper frame; the bottom frame displaces and positions vertically or horizontally in a concave slot of the connecting mount; the connecting mounts slide at a limited distance on a left and a right lateral tubes of the back frame so as to fulfill the embodiment of being a push cart, a back holder or a chair.

Abstract: An actuator for a golf bag has a handle and at least one wheel movable between first and second positions. The actuator comprises a frame, a first link engaged with the handle and engaged with the frame, and a second link. The second link is engaged with the at least one wheel, engaged with the frame, and engaged with the first link. The first and second links are movable to move the wheels between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A large wheel on a snowmobile shop dolly for easily moving a snowmobile in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention is an apparatus, supplied in kit form, used for mobilizing heavy objects such as items of furniture, boxes, appliances, etc. The apparatus is based on a plurality of rigid support structures, or “shoes”, which are to be inserted under the corners of the item to be moved. Those support structures carry longitudinal and transverse conduits which can accept long, rigid link members, such as rods. The rods or link members are fastened to each other by means of screw-like threads, and are finally fastened to the conduits in the shoes. The net result is the formation of a rigid “cage” around the item to be moved. Each of the shoes is equipped with a wheel that is originally elevated above the ground plane. By lifting the rigid cage slightly on each side, the wheels will drop vertically and remain engaged. The cage, carrying the heavy object, can then be moved effortlessly.

Abstract: In a neutral position detection error protecting apparatus, vehicle wheel velocities SFR, SFL of right/left driven wheels FR, FL are detected by vehicle wheel sensors 27a, 27b and a right/left wheel velocity difference VFD is obtained from vehicle wheel velocities VFR, VFL of the driven wheels FR, FL through vehicle wheel velocity signal abnormality determining processing 30b so as to detect steering angle information &thgr;h from the steering wheel 21.

Abstract: A rear suspension system of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. A trailing arm is disposed in a lengthwise direction of a vehicle body, and a mounting bush secures a leading end portion of the trailing arm to the vehicle body. A protrusion member protrudes from an outside circumference of the mounting bush. A coupling means is provided on the leading end portion of the trailing arm, for making the length of the protrusion member varied in accordance with an external force imposed on the trailing arm. Thus, the wheel alignment is maintained at the tow-in during a braking or turning, and therefore, the vehicle posture is stabilized during the braking or turning.

Abstract: A front-wheel suspension system comprises a steering gear frame, a control arm mounting connector, a lower control arm, a wheel carrier, and a damping device. The steering gear frame includes a front fixing plate and a rear fixing plate integrally formed on a front side and a rear side of a power cylinder and is coupled to a vehicle body. The control arm mounting connector is fixed in a longitudinal direction under the fixing plate. The lower control arm is provided with a vehicle body side connecting member coupled to both ends of the control arm mounting connector. The wheel carrier couples to a wheel side end portion of the lower control arm, rotatably supports a wheel, and is connected to a tie rod extended from the power cylinder. A damping device absorbs vertical vibration of the wheel.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-link suspension assembly for a vehicle wheel, comprising a wheel carrier, an upper lateral link, a lower lateral link, a toe link, and a longitudinal link. The wheel carrier is oriented along a longitudinal axis of a vehicle body. The upper lateral link is oriented along a lateral axis of the vehicle body near the wheel center and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier. The lower lateral link is oriented along a lateral axis of the vehicle body near the wheel center and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier. The toe link is oriented along a lateral axis of the vehicle body behind the wheel center and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier. The longitudinal link is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body and is pivotally connected to the wheel carrier forward of the wheel center and pivotally connected to the lower lateral link near the wheel center.

Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle having a body includes a first wheel assembly suspension that extends between a wheel assembly and the body and defines a first suspension plane. The suspension further includes a second wheel assembly suspension that extends between the wheel assembly and the body and defines a second suspension plane. A vertical plane extends through a vertical centerline of the wheel assembly and the intersection between the vertical plane and the first suspension plane defines a first line. The intersection between the vertical plane and the second suspension plane also defines a second line, the first line and the second line intersecting at an instant center that lies below a roll center of the vehicle. The first wheel assembly suspension and the second wheel assembly suspension do not cross one another when the first wheel assembly is viewed from either the front of rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper for the steering assembly of a cycle is provided with several circuits by which the resistance to fluid flow and hence the damping afforded by the damper can be adjusted. Two of the circuits have manually adjusted progressive valves therein, one of which is positioned adjacent a hand grip on the handlebar. Another circuit provides progressive reduction in damping when the steering assembly is moved toward a fully turned position. And a further circuit reduces damping as the assembly is turned toward neutral. Major damper components are preferably associated with the tube clamp of the steering assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a bicycle frame comprising a first tube; a second tube extending transversely from an upper region of the first tube; a third tube extending transversely and downwardly from a lower region of the first tube, and towards the same direction as the second tube; and a two-part tube joining the respective ends of the second and third tubes, the two-part tube having a straight upper part and a curved lower part, the straight upper part being substantially vertical and the curved lower part being curved longitudinally towards the first tube such as to conform to the curvature of a bicycle wheel.

Abstract: A quick-release multiple locking position bicycle axle fastener that allows the user to open the cam lever far enough to remove the wheel without having to change the setting on the adjusting nut. The fastener includes a lever operated long travel cam rotating around a cam axle having multiple locking cavities therein for selectively receiving a ball bearing in response to manual movement of a locking and release pin. Depression of the pin releases the lever to rotate about the axle and move the ball bearing from one cavity to another. Positioning of the bearing in a cavity locks the lever in place, one cavity for the closed lever position and multiple cavities for increase opening of the skewer within the bicycle hub. The multiple locking features provide that the wheel stays in a locked position on the fork even if the cam lever is not completely closed.

Abstract: A telescoping fork for the front wheel of a two wheel vehicle comprises a pair of outer tubes that each have a bottom end and a top end. An upper structural member and a lower structural member connect the outer tubes. Further, each outer tube tapers outwardly, both externally and internally, in a direction from the bottom end toward the lower structural member and from the top end toward the lower structural member. The structural members may attach to a top and bottom of a steering column.

Abstract: A rear bicycle suspension has a main frame including a seat riser tube, a down tube, head tube, and a bottom bracket housing having left and right sides, a guide arm and a shock mount attached to the main frame, a pair of swing arm assemblies each one in pivotal attachment on either side of the main frame at a first pivot point and to a bell crank at a second pivot point, the swing arms in rearward extension form the first and second pivot points to at least one rear swing arm attachment point, and further including a lever arm connected between the first and the second pivot points, a guide arm having first and second ends wherein the first end in pivotal attachment to the guide arm bracket at a fifth pivot point and the second end extends upward and rearward from the fifth pivot point, wherein the bell crank is pivotally connected between the lever arms at the second pivot point and to the guide arm at a third pivot point, a shock absorbing member in pivotal attachment at one end to the shock mount and at a

Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle uprighting device having a support bar with a stabilizing base on one end and a ratcheting mechanism on another end, and a lifting strap with a first end adapted for attachment to a lower portion of the two-wheeled vehicle and a second end for engaging relationship about a spindle of said ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A lean-right steel motorcycle support brace which is removably attachable to the left side of the lower portion of a motorcycle frame. A generally flat elongated beam of steel is formed with a hook portion at one end and a circular footpad formed at a thirty degree angle to the beam at a second of the beam. The beam has elongated strengthening ribs along the beam sides. The ribs extend from a point adjacent to the hook portion to a point adjacent to the footpad. The hook is shaped to conform to the outer diameter of the tubular frame portions on the underside of a motorcycle, particularly the frame of a HARLEY DAVIDSON™ motorcycle. When properly installed, the brace temporarily supports a motorcycle in a generally upright position leaning on the brace slightly to the right for easy cleaning and servicing.

Abstract: A stabilizing system for a reclinable wheelchair connects anti-tip members to the wheelchair seat such that pivoting of the seat causes pivoting of the anti-tip members. In one embodiment, the stabilizing system includes cables connected at opposite ends to the seat and to the anti-tip members. The cables may be connected to the seat bottom or, alternately, to the seat back. The anti-tip members may incorporate a pivoting suspension member that includes a drive motor for the wheelchair. Pivot control mechanisms connected to the cables can be used to permit a predetermined amount of seat pivot without corresponding pivot of the anti-tip members. The stabilizing system alternatively includes axially compressible link members connecting the seat back to the anti-tip members to provide controlled pivoting of the anti-tip members based on pivoting of the seat.

Abstract: A protector system configured to engage a portion of the exterior surface of tubular components of a motorcycle, such as engine guard(s), saddlebag guard(s), handle bars, or the like, to provide a surface deposed to prevent or minimize damage of such tubular components resulting from impact or to alter transmission of impact or operational forces to such tubular components.

Abstract: A receiver cover includes a stationary member that is configured to be secured to an end of a receiver for a trailer hitch. The receiver cover also includes a door which is hingedly connected to the stationary member. A biasing element, such as a spring, causes the door of the receiver cover to be biased in a closed position over the stationary element of the receiver cover. Thus, when the receiver is not in use, the door automatically closes and is secured in a closed position over a receptacle in a receiver with which the receiver cover is used. When access to the receptacle of the receiver is desired, such as for coupling a trailer hitch therewith, the door may be manually opened against the bias of the biasing element so as to expose the receptacle.

Abstract: A receiver cover includes a stationary member that is configured to be secured to an end of a receiver for a trailer hitch. The receiver cover also includes a door which is hingedly connected to the stationary member. The door may be biased toward the stationary member, such as by one or more of a living hinge, a coiled spring, a magnetic field, or the like. Thus, when the receiver is not in use, the door automatically closes and is secured in a closed position over a receptacle in a receiver with which the receiver cover is used. When access to the receptacle of the receiver is desired, such as for coupling a trailer hitch therewith, the door may be opened against the bias so as to expose the receptacle.

Abstract: Board for gliding (1) having an underfoot zone (2), intended to receive the foot or feet of the user, extending toward the front via a front zone (4) and to the rear via a rear zone (3), and the structure of which includes:

Abstract: A foldable ski construction comprises a front ski portion and at least a rear ski portion, coupled by at least an foldaway articulated joint, defining at least two positions, i.e. a use position, in which the ski portions are axially aligned, and a folded position, in which the ski portions are substantially parallel and adjoining one another.

Abstract: A safety lock for a stroller comprises a lock body secured on a first member of the stroller and having a slot perpendicularly curved at a critical point and a sleeve member movably sliding along a second member of the stroller. The lock body has a slot for receiving a projection extending out of the sleeve member and permits the projection sliding along the slot. The slot has a substantially perpendicular angle section at one side so as to fix the relative position between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: An airbag cushion for protecting an occupant of a vehicle from an impact is presented. The airbag cushion has an inflatable region which inflates upon the reception of an inflation gas from an inflator. The airbag cushion is secured to a housing by a retaining member. The retaining member is configured to secure an attachment region of the airbag cushion to the housing by the use of fasteners which create a clamping force. The clamping force is highest adjacent the fasteners and is lowest at positions between the fasteners. Thus, a high clamp region is created adjacent the fasteners and a low clamp region is created at positions distant from the fasteners. As the airbag cushion is inflated, a load force puts tension on the attachment region of the airbag cushion potentially ripping the airbag cushion out from the low clamp regions. A load controlling cutout is positioned within the attachment region and between the fasteners.

Abstract: A passenger protecting apparatus is composed so that an airbag is provided above a door opening of a vehicle body in a folded situation, is inflated and unfurled downward in gas inflow, is fixed to said vehicle body by a fitting through a bracket and the bracket positions a through-hole, through which the fitting to fix the bracket to the vehicle body is inserted, below the airbag attached to and housed in the vehicle body.

Abstract: An airbag module comprising a gas generator support is distinguished in that arranged on the gas generator support (26) is a plate spring (10) which comprises a continuous ring-shaped inner section (12) and several arms (14). The arms each have a first end (14a) formed on the inner section (12) and a second, free end (14b) which is bent away axially with respect to a central axis (16) of the plate spring (10). The arms (14) are elastically deformable under axial pressure. There is further proposed an assembly comprised of a steering wheel and such airbag module.

Abstract: A cover for an airbag container includes a main cover body overlying a back plate and connectors. The connectors are configured to extend away from the main cover body to be connected to the container. The main cover body and the back plate include weakened regions configured to separate to permit an airbag to deploy into a vehicle cabin. The back plate, main cover body and connectors are separate non-integral elements of the cover.

Abstract: The airbag module has a base plate, two inflators, a top plate and two airbags. The inflators are mounted into the base plate and the airbags are secured to the base plate via top plates. The first airbag has substantially an “L” cross section in its deployed state. The second airbag is adjacent to the first airbag and while both bags are deployed, there is substantially no gap between the first and second airbags.

Abstract: An airbag system for jointly supporting at least two vehicle occupants inside a motor vehicle in case of an accident with at least two separate airbags inflatable with a gas supplied by a gas generator. The airbag system has at least two airbags (14, 15) folded into a common housing (10) to be arranged in the dashboard of the motor vehicle. The airbags are connected to a common gas generator (11) having at least two outflow areas (13, 18, 19) assigned to the at least two airbags (14, 15). Each airbag (14, 15) is sealed by a deflector (16, 17) inserted therein against the respectively other airbag (14, 15), and the airbags are fixed inside the housing (10).